Times of Oman - February 28, 2016

SUNDAY

February 28, 2016 19 Jumada Al Ula 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

To the Council off Oman, 2011

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Collaboration and cooperation between all responsible bodies and direct coordination between the departments and the exchange of opinions and consultation among those in charge is the way that leads to the success of national plans and programmes in playing their desired role in comprehensive development and achieving its short and long-term goals in serving the present and future generations.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 5

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

C H E A P E R A LT E R N AT I V E

Mwasalat to hike fares from March 1

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Around OMR7 million has been invested in the new buses. – Supplied photo

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Mwasalat plans to hike fares from March 1, the company tweeted on its official Twitter handle.

“As announced before, starting from March 1, fares will be updated,” Mwasalat said in the tweet.

One-stop route fare will be 200 baisas while that for a two-stop route will be 300 baisas. For three stop route, the charge will be 500 baisas.

Making the announcement, Ahmed Ali Al Bulushi, chief executive officer of Mwasalat, said 5 million passengers are expected to use the services this year.

Mwasalat is also working

SAFETY HAZARD: Out of the 18,260 trucks, which were weighed last year, 12,410 were found to be violating the weight law.

Overloaded trucks big threat on roads routes, there are still some could have violated the rules. However, along with the ROP (Royal Oman Police), we are trying our best to enforce it, but people are still exceeding. We expect it to go down and on the new roads, fixed stations will be used, which will improve enforcement of the rules,” he said.

Despite a monitoring mechanism being in place, some truckers give the slip and pose threat to the lives of motorists in Oman

Times News Service MUSCAT: Overloaded trucks on highway are a major safety hazard for motorists, with as many as 68 per cent of trucks plying on the Sultanate’s roads found to have violated the weight law in 2015, according to the statistics released by the Ministry of Transport (MoT).

Out of the 18,260 trucks, which were weighed last year, 12,410 were found to be violating the weight law.

Most violations were recorded

Heavy load Meanwhile, motorists and road safety experts said overloaded vehicles pose two types of threats.

“Fellow motorists may ram into the goods protruding from their platform especially at night and secondly, the axle and wheels may collapse, unable to bear the load,” they said.

Then there are chances that the driver of an overloaded vehicle may lose control and cause accidents. “This is simply because its weight is not properly distributed across its axles,” a

on the Al Rusail-Nizwa road followed by the Al Batinah road, data revealed.

Also, the highest number of violations in 2015 was recorded in December, with 1,290 trucks caught violating the law (80 per cent), as per the MoT statistics.

Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, said that since last year the ministry has been monitoring the goods carriers through mobile systems.

“As there are many alternative

with the Muscat Municipality to provide some ‘park and ride’ areas.

The buses are disabledfriendly and eating and smoking is prohibited on the buses. They are equipped with cameras to monitor drivers.

According to Al Bulushi, around OMR7 million has been invested in the new buses and the investment is expected to reach around OMR10 million if IT services, design, studies, stops and training costs are included.

The company currently has 700 staff and plans to increase the number to 1,000 in the future. The current Omanisation rate is 95 per cent.

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

safety expert said.

Daryle Hardie, chief executive officer, Safety First, said motorists should drive carefully whenever they spot any overloaded trucks on the roads. “We have to remember that they can’t see us at times, but we can see them on roads,” he said, adding that it would be always wiser to keep a distance from them.

Residents said that instead of penalising the driver of the vehicle, the companies, which overload their vehicles to save trips, should be punished.

“I try to stay away from these trucks as much as possible when I’m travelling on the highway as their load seems too insecure and may fall at any moment. I feel that companies, which try to save money at the cost of people’s lives by overloading these trucks to save time and trips, should be heavily fined and punished,” said Mohammed Al Kindi, a resident of Sohar.

OMAN

‘Bilingual school pupils fare better’

1

Educational experts and employers said bilingual schools prepared children for better careers than students who study only one language curriculum. According to the official data, only 27 per cent of schools in Oman, both public and private, offer English and Arabic education. >A3

OMAN

MARKET

Summer flight fares to India skyrocket

Private deposits in Oman banks rise

2

As of the end of December 2015, private deposits at commercial banks in the Sultanate rose by 6.13 per cent to OMR11.88 billion, compared with OMR11.18 billion in the corresponding period last year, according to CBO. >B1

3

Crude oil prices have been low since mid-2014 but the air fares for south Indian destinations for summer from the region continue to skyrocket as usual, digging a deep hole in Indian travellers’ pocket.>A5

S AV I N G J O B S

‘Oil and gas sector redeployment strategy needs to be reworked’ forum organised by the Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL), in Muscat.

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com

MORNING MINUTE

MUSCAT: A revision in the approach to the redeployment strategy in the oil and gas sector is needed in Oman, said a top official.

The Sultanate’s redeployment plans, which were introduced a couple of months ago to help save jobs of Omani workers, need to be reworked for effective results, Salim Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, said on the sidelines of an Oil and Gas

Ministerial decision The redeployment initiative was brought into place following a ministerial decision in the wake of the declining oil prices. A technical committee was set up and a policy was formulated in collaboration with the Ministry of Oil and Gas, the Ministry of Manpower, and the General Federation of Oman Trade Union.

The policy aims at creating a “safety net” for Omanis in the field of oil and gas. “I think we are faced with a lot of challenges with regards to matching the (workers’) skills to the needs of the market.

There is a huge disparity between those who are released from existing contracts and the skill sets that are demanded by other companies,” Al Aufi said.

He also stressed the need to bridge the gap between the expectations of the employees and the jobs available in the industry.>A4

Salalah ship blaze doused

A2

C L E A N I N G O P E R AT I O N

Volunteers clean Al Dimaniyat beach HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

REMOVING GARBAGE: Volunteers from Oman, Austria, Hungary,

Italy, India and other countries, collected junk littered on the beach.

MUSCAT: Volunteers of different nationalities took part in the cleaning of Al Dimaniyat beach in Oman this weekend.

Scores of volunteers from Oman, Austria, Hungary, Italy, India and other countries, collected piles of junk, plastic and glass littered across the natural reserve by uncaring visitors.

Despite the warning signs, many tourists and fishermen litter the white sand of Junn island, which can be very harmful for turtles, birds and marine life, according to Antonia, a volunteer.

Cleaning drive Organised by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA), the cleaning drive took more than

four hours at Junn island on Friday. It is a small 0.75km remote island located an hour drive from the Muscat coastline.

It is worth mentioning that access to the Dimaniyat islands, which are a string of nine small islands, is restricted as they have been declared a nature reserve.

No visitors are allowed between the beginning of May and November on account of birds’ and turtles’ nesting season.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

OMAN SALALAH

Fire on board ship put out SALALAH: Fire on board a ship anchored at Salalah Port in the Dhofar Governorate was doused by a fire fighting team at the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance.

No injury or loss of life was reported in the incident.

The operations department at the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance received a

call about the fire on a commercial ship.

The ship with a crew of 25 of different nationalities was carrying fuel derivates estimated at 400 tonnes and 6,000 tonnes of cement.

The fire fighting team at the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance was able to put out the fire in almost five hours. —ONA

‘Chance of Oman’s success with green economy bright’ pass to other countries”.

The Sultanate has great economic potential to accomplish a significant progress in the coming years driven by factors of stability, supportive government system and a growing and enthusiastic private sector

MUSCAT: Oman’s chances of success in shifting to a green economy and achieving the goals of the 17 Sustainable Development Plan 2030 are bright, officials and economists have said.

The plan was adopted on September 25, 2015 at the United Nations (UN) Summit held in New York.

Reem Mohammad Al Najdawi, Head of Food and Environmental Policies at the Sustainable Development Division in the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, said in an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA): “The Sultanate has proven over the years that it is able to manage large and important files in terms of social and economic development”.

Committed to goals She added that the Sultanate is one of the countries committed to the international resolutions, including the implementation of the development goals and was one of the first countries that submitted reports on the completion of those goals.

She believed that the Sultanate’s achievement towards the sustainable development goals would be a commended achievement, and if plans are put in place for achieving the objectives approved by the

New York Summit, it would mean putting the targets for a shift towards a green economy.

She pointed out that there are existing institutional structures that can be exploited to shift towards green economy, including research centres, Sultan Qaboos University, Innovation and Development Centre, Business Incubators, the Research Council and others.

Sustainable development She further said: “We need to have a strategy at the international level and not at the sectoral level, and I think that intersects significantly with the international trend to achieve goals of the 17 sustainable development, which were approved by countries taking part in the World Summit held in New York, including t he Sultanate”.

Al Najdawi explained that the Sultanate has great economic potentials to accomplish and achieve a significant progress in the upcoming years in the policies driven by factors of stability, supportive government system, growing and enthusiastic private sector to contribute to the development and the desire of all sectors to achieve the best, expressing hope that the Sultanate is “the success story that we

Survey She noted that a survey will be conducted for the selected sectors and their employees, as well as the policies carried out by the countries from various concerned ministries, other parties, the private sector and academics, to see what has been accomplished and setting goals for measuring and to follow them up, in addition to establishing a government follow up and supervision committee that has the authority to monitor and evaluate the performance and therefore the presence of measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators, and analysing them for the improvement and continuity work.

National review Mohammed bin Salim Al Sa’adi from the Sultanate’s Office to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the national review of green export project is a fruit of a technical cooperation between the Sultanate and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

He added that the project aims to develop a clear action plan to bring the environmental dimension on the target sector by enhancing its competitiveness in global markets and improving the production methods, the sustainability of policies and legislations for the goals of the Sultanate’s sustainable development.

He explained that the first workshop, which was concluded last Wednesday, aimed at selecting the most promising sectors by representatives of the government and private sectors, civil society and academics to listen to their opinions and suggestions about the major promising sectors. -ONA

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

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‘Bilingual school pupils fare better’ Employers agreed saying that students, who attended bilingual schools, did a much better in job interviews and were preferred than those who had only studied in Arabic

In a very competitive job market we have today, these students, who take both English and Arabic in school, stand a much better chance to get better and well paid jobs than those who study only in Arabic

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

saleh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Educational experts and employers said bilingual schools prepared children for better careers than students who study only one language curriculum.

According to the official data, only 27 per cent of schools in Oman, both public and private, offer English and Arabic education.

A majority of them have their entire curriculum taught in Arabic.

It means that out of about 600,000 students, who get basic education in Oman, only 162,000 have their curriculum taught bilingually.

“In a very competitive job market we have today, these students, who take both English and Arabic in school, stand a much better chance to get better and well paid jobs than those who study only in Arabic. Students, who study in both languages, also have better opportunities of getting a promotion because they have the

STUDY

‘Toxic substances in chewing tobacco brand very harmful’ Times News Service MUSCAT: Afzal, an illegal chewable tobacco brand commonly used by Omani youth, contains alarmingly high levels of diseaseenhancing molecules, new research has shown.

Two studies recently published in the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal revealed that Afzal contains highly toxic nicotine levels and elevated concentrations of nitrate and chloride.

Two carcinogens identified in Afzal were also found to exceed international regulatory limits. Absorption of these substances can lead to serious health problems for Afzal users, researchers stated.

“The results of these studies show that we must spread knowledge about the toxic substances found in Afzal and help educate the public that these kinds of products constitute a grave danger to their health,” affirmed Dr Elsadig Eltayeb, one of the lead researchers involved in this research and a faculty member of the College of Science at the Sultan Qaboos University.

Eltayeb stressed that while some people in Oman believe that products, such as Afzal are a healthier alternative to smoking, this is not correct.

Afzal’s high concentrations of nitrate and chloride can lead to the formation of carcinogens and contribute to the development of heart disease or oral, lung and gastric cancers.

The studies also found that Afzal contains dangerously high levels of nicotine. This makes the chewable tobacco very addictive

Despite the fact that it is illegal to sell this product in Oman, the prohibited sale has no real influence unless people are aware of its harmful effects, said Dr Elsadig Eltayeb and means that those who try to stop using it will likely experience withdrawal symptoms.

Both studies concluded that more needs to be done in Oman to restrict the usage of Afzal among the public.

“Despite the fact that it is illegal to sell this product in Oman, the prohibited sale has no real influence unless people are aware of its harmful effects,” stated Eltayeb.

“The better the health education among the community, the faster these kinds of problems will be solved or at least minimised in the existing unacceptable situation.”

The researcher also suggested that addiction rehabilitation programmes should be established in Oman to help Afzal users successfully quit the habit, and that tougher penalties should be imposed on those who are caught selling Afzal.

In addition, education programmes should be implemented among Omani students to spread awareness about the potentially fatal outcomes of Afzal use.

advantage of communicating in both English and Arabic,” Ahmed Al Farsi, a retired principal of a public school told the Times of Oman (TOO).

Employers agreed saying that students, who attended bilingual schools, did a much better in job interviews and were preferred

than those who had only studied in Arabic.

“To start with, no company in Oman accepts a CV in Arabic.

Those who have not studied both curriculums present an unprofessional CV. They also fail written tests, which are in English and do not do well in interviews. We are

reluctant to give jobs to graduates, who struggle to speak English, because we deal with international companies,” said Abdulkareem Al Alawi, HR Manager at engineering company Carlton Enterprises.

Other experts argued that bilingual schools served the Omanisation drive more efficiently than a one-language curriculum.

Foundation “We talk a lot about Omanisation, but we forget that basic education is the foundation of getting Omanis accepted in the private sector.

Companies now increasingly prefer employees who are fluent in both English and Arabic. Parents need to make sure that their children attend such schools to ensure they get jobs quickly,” Rashed Al Habsi, director of Recruitment at Al Habsi Manpower Company, told TOO. This has a significant effect on the development of the country when most Omanis are strong in Arabic, but considerably weaker in English.

“In international business,

where contracts, presentations and reports are written in English, Oman will continue to lag behind.

Most Omanis working in both government and private companies cannot write a good report in English. This is where we lose our competitive edge in the global businesses,” Al-Alawi added.

Al Habsi said a good command of English is also essential for Omanis when they deal with expatriates working in the Sultanate to improve efficiency in the workplace.

“Most Omanis have problems conveying ideas to their expatriate counterparts because of their English language weakness. They lack effective communication skills and that creates frictions, conflicts and sometimes misunderstanding between them and their expatriate colleagues. So it is not about speaking a foreign language, but about breaking cultural barriers, winning trust and being tolerant.”

Schools that offer bilingual education teach mathematics, social sciences, physics, biology, chemistry and ICT in English.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

OMAN

It is encouraging to see that this number is relatively low, but we should be aiming for a prevalence of zero — no child should be discharged from the hospital before the completion of their treatment Dr. Mohammed Al Ghafri, doctor at Royal Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit

Study cites reasons why some children leave hospital early Published in the latest issue of the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, the study found over a two year period, 183 out of 11,482 children had left paediatric wards at Royal Hospital against doctor’s advice

Times News Service MUSCAT: A new research has investigated the number of families, who get their children discharged against the instruction of their doctors at the Royal Hospital in Muscat.

The study, published in the latest issue of the Sultan Qa-

boos University Medical Journal, found that over a two-year period, 183 out of 11,482 children had left paediatric wards at Royal Hospital going against their doctors’ advice.

“It is encouraging to see that this number is relatively low, but we should be aiming for a prevalence of zero — no child should be

discharged from the hospital before the completion of their treatment,” stated Dr. Mohammed Al Ghafri, the study’s first author and a doctor at Royal Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

The study found that dissatisfaction with treatment and the desire to seek a second opinion were the main reasons that families were getting their children discharged against medical advice.

Al Ghafri clarified that the parents’ dissatisfaction often stemmed from delays in certain investigations or procedures being performed, as well as a lack of single rooms in the paediatric wards.

“Also, some people do not trust medical services in Oman and they feel a better service will be provided abroad. If they can afford it, some will take their child to countries, such as Thailand or India for a second opinion and treatment,” he added.

The other reasons identified in the study were social or personal issues, such as problems with finding child care for the family’s other children. Financial concerns were only cited by 4.4 per cent of the families, all of whom were non-Omani and did not have medical insurance.

In Oman, if a child is discharged contrary to the doctor’s instruction, the parents need to sign a specific form and provide reasons for their decision. This protocol exists to protect hospitals against liability. In severe cases though, a legal order can be obtained by hospital staff in order to refuse a patient’s discharge request.

The consequences for leaving a hospital before the completion of treatment ranges from minimal to life-threatening, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.

According to Al-Ghafri, when a child’s treatment is stopped or

delayed, this can have dire consequences for their health, particularly those with sepsis or newly diagnosed malignant tumours.

He also asserted that while the Royal Hospital is doing very well in treating a high volume of paediatric patients, some with very complicated illnesses, there is still more that can be done to prevent families from discharging their children against medical advice.

“Better communication between physicians and parents, avoiding unnecessary delays in performing investigations and procedures and having more private rooms in the paediatric wards might encourage more families to allow their child to continue care in hospital,” he continued.

The study concluded that further research should be done on the outcomes for children who leave paediatric wards before the completion of their treatment.

REDEPLOYMENT

New pay A1 structure causes bitterness < FROM

“A lot of the labour force that is released will be the low-skilled type, and the market expects some skills and unfortunately that gap is creating a big problem for us to redeploy with ease.

Also, there is a huge disparity between the salaries Omani employees are getting from their current employers, and the salary structure of the new jobs, and that difference is creating a lot of resentment among employees,” he noted.

It is not difficult for the government to find jobs for everyone who has to be redeployed but it is hard to make people accept those jobs, he added.

“We are able to find jobs for everybody but we are trying to convince them to accept the new salaries with probably some bridging compensation for a while and that is very tough. We have jobs but not the kind of jobs that people are expecting, so it is very difficult from that perspective,” Al Aufi explained.

He also said the government might cut oil output levels by 5 to 10 per cent, but only if other major oil producers do the same.

“Oman is ready to cut between 5 and 10 per cent of its output with conditions, and those conditions are that every other producer matches that cut, otherwise we’ll not cut it unilaterally. The strategy is for the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to get everyone together and agree that a cut is an acceptable strategy, agree on a percentage and then get some sort of mechanism in the market to ensure that this is happening.”

If the current oil price trend continues, it might be difficult for Oman to maintain the current level of production, Salim Al Aufi noted.

Recently, a decision by the Ministry of Finance said thousands of expats and Omani employees working at state-owned institutions, run with 50 per cent government funding or more, should have a number of benefits slashed.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Iranian firms to be hosted at Innovation Complex MUSCAT: Innovation Complex Muscat of The Research Council (TRC) will host, starting from Tuesday, a delegation of representatives of several Iranian companies operating in the field of scientific research and development.

The delegation’s three-day visit to the Sultanate aims to discuss aspects of cooperation and investment in the knowledgebased economy, the possibility of exploiting spaces available for investment in the complex, with the purpose of signing agreements for the establishment of centres for research and development in several areas of interest to the complex, including environment, water, health, food, biotechnology, energy and renewable energy areas.

The visit, overseen by Isfahan City for Science and Technology, will include a tour to the complex for familiarisation with its divisions, and the most important services it provides to researchers and innovators, as an incubating scientific environment aimed at transforming ideas into tangible products.

Presentations on economic feasibility of the planned projects, the laws and requirements of investment activity in the complex will be made by both sides.

Dr. Abdul Baqi bin Ali Al Khabouri, Director of the Scientific Precincts at TRC said that the visit is a reflection of the mutual and previous cooperation between the two sides and it reveals the existence of a desire from the Iranian side in enhancing investment cooperation between the two countries and to serve the common interests. -ONA

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

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A5

Fares for summer flights to India spike despite low crude prices As Indian schools close for summer

Peak season airline fares Round trip

From Muscat

vacation during June,

Female

July and August,

Oman Air

everyone would love to fly to India. Indians, especially those from

To Thiruvananthapuram (OMR)

Jet Airways

From Dubai Etihad Emirates

south Indian states, are in a dilemma

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUNCAT: Oil prices have been low since mid-2014 but the air fares for south Indian destinations for summer from the region continue to skyrocket as usual, digging a deep hole in Indians’ pocket.

A research by the Times of Oman found that a to-and-fro ticket to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of south Indian state of Kerala, was costing between OMR300 and OMR385 from Muscat during the summer. This is the time when majority of them will be flying home as schools close for vacation at that time.

“Last year, when the ticket prices were high during the peak season, the airlines said that the dip in oil price has not helped them since they had purchased fuel much in advance when the prices were high. They assured that ticket fares will come down gradually.

However, that has still not happened. Prices are the same as these were last summer,” a travel agent representative said on condition of anonymity.

384 364 373 267

120 OMR

Fares in normal season from Muscat and Dubai toThiruvananthapuram Source: Airline websites

Graphics

To fly on July 1 to Thiruvananthapuram from Muscat and return on July 30 from the same destination to Muscat, it will cost around OMR384 via Oman Air and OMR364 via Jet Airways.

Oman Air and Jet Airways are the only two airlines which fly direct between Muscat and Thiruvananthapuram.

“All airlines practice some degree of price differentiation for seats on their flights. During low season, airlines seek to stimulate demand by discounting fares. During high season, airlines tend not to discount fares but to charge normal rates for travel,” a top official from Oman Air said.

Even a random check on airfares from Dubai to Thiruvananthapuram reveals that the cost of a ticket ranges between OMR250 and OMR380.

On Etihad, a return ticket to Thiruvananthapuram from Dubai

RISING TICKET PRICES: Last year, when the ticket prices were high during the peak season, the airlines said that the dip in oil price has not helped them since they had purchased fuel much in advance when the prices were high. They assured that ticket fares will come down gradually. However, that has still not happened.

will cost around OMR373, while on Emirates, it will be around OMR267. On Oman Air, it will be around OMR297.

A ticket during the low season to Thiruvananthapuram will cost around OMR120 from Muscat and Dubai.

“During low season, we fly at low rates. However, as this is a business, we have to increase the rates when demand is high. When other airlines are having high fares, we also are forced to have similar fares. It is purely business. Demand and supply theory matters,” said Riyaz Kuttery, general manager, Oman, Jet Airways.

An official from Air India office in Muscat said apart from aviation fuel prices, other factors are also

TELELCOM

Omantel, Ericsson sign network operation, upkeep services pact Times News Service MUSCAT: Omantel has partnered with Ericsson to provide operations and maintenance services for its multi-vendor and multi-technology network.

The multinational telecommunications company Ericsson will deliver this service using a secondment model wherein Omantel, the leading provider of integrated telecommunication services in the Sultanate, will second a group of its employees to Ericsson to build competence development. The partnership will be in place for a period of four years from 2016 to 2019.

With a focus on enhancing the customer experience and develop staff competence, Omantel made a conscious decision to choose Ericsson as a partner for its managed services with secondment for bringing in an industry-wide well respected, internationally recognised and highly reliable operational experience across the globe.

The OMS service shall encompass multivendor and multitechnology with a prime objective of enhancing end to end network availability, network reliability and customer experience through automation and strong managed services platforms.

Remarking on the partnership,

PARTNERSHIP PACT: The partnership will be in place for a period of four years from 2016 to 2019. – Supplied photo

Samy Ahmed Al Ghassany, Chief Operating Officer of Omantel noted, “We see Ericsson as a natural long-term partner for Omantel as they bring a vast knowledge, expertise, managed services platforms and experience for enhancing the network quality, network reliability and customer experience which are the pillars of our Strategy at Omantel.”

“At Omantel we priotrise network quality and customer satisfaction and choosing Ericsson for OMS with secondment shall provide us the best possible results in terms of network reliability and staff competence development. In a rapidly changing technological ecosystem, Ericsson suits us best as a dependable managed servic-

es partner due to the adaptability and resilience that the company brings to the table.”

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

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

involved in fixing the airfares.

“Peak season fares help the airlines to compensate for the loss they incur in flying at low rates during off season,” the official added.

According to airline industry experts, jet fuel can account for between 20 and 50 per cent of an airline’s operating costs. Swings in oil prices can mean a huge boost or hit for the airlines’ profits.

Air India’s director of finance S Venkat said there were reports that the airline, for instance, which goes largely unhedged could have shaved as much as $375 million off its annual fuel costs of about $1.5 billion based on savings made since prices started to fall in June 2014.

“Still, Air India is starting to

consider hedging between 30 and 40 per cent of its fuel needs, or about 300,000 barrels a quarter at current jet fuel prices,” the report added.

In December, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said lower fuel prices could mean that airlines globally will report their strongest profit margins in more than five years in 2015.

Airlines typically hedge some of their fuel needs - or buy fuel in advance at pre-determined prices - to reduce the impact on earnings from wide swings in the market.

But many carriers, particularly in Asia, have been cautious about hedging since 2008, when airlines scrambled to lock in fuel costs as crude surged above $100 a bar-

rel for the first time and saw oil plummet to less than $40 before year-end.

According to customers, flying to south Indian destinations through other Indian cities and other airports is the only option to deal with high fare tickets.

“However, the saddest part is that tickets on ‘via routes’ are also not available and the fares on those flights are also too high. Airlines are looting the people. Last year, they said the dip in oil prices will reflect in the ticket prices this year.

However, it seems that has not happened. At least, Indian airlines should not loot their own citizens,” Shameer PTK, an Indian social worker, said.

“Due to the economic downturn, many companies are paying airfares to expatriates in instalments and are also pushing them to postpone their travel dates to low season. As Indian schools close for summer vacation during June, July and August, everyone would love to fly to India. Indians, especially those from south Indian states, are in a dilemma,” Shameer added.

Meanwhile, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), demand for air travel in 2015 had surged in the last five years.

“Global passenger traffic results for 2015 showed that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 6.5 per cent for the full year, compared to 2014. This was the highest since the post-global financial crisis rebound in 2010 and well above the 10-year average annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent,” IATA announced in a recent statement.

“While economic fundamentals were weaker in 2015 compared to 2014, passenger demand was boosted by lower airfares,” the statement added.

According to IATA, Middle East carriers had the strongest annual traffic growth at 10.5 per cent.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

OMAN Jet Airways to launch new Muscat-New Delhi flight

Expanding operations on the OmanIndia route is in line with our growth strategy outlined for Oman Riyaz Kuttery, general manager, Oman, Jet Airways

Effective from March 22, Jet Airways’

A proud moment for Jet Airways to launch maiden Muscat-Delhi international flight

daily flight between Muscat and Delhi will provide greater choice to passengers

Riyaz Kuttery

travelling to India

GM, Oman, Jet Airways Times News Service MUSCAT: India-based private airline, Jet Airways will expand its operations from Oman with the launch of a new daily flight between Muscat and Delhi.

Effective March 22, Jet Air-

ways will launch a daily flight between Muscat and Delhi, providing greater choice for passengers travelling to India.

With the launch of the new flight, Jet Airways will operate a total of four daily flights between

Muscat and India. This includes flights to Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Riyaz Kuttery, general manager, Oman, Jet Airways said, “It is indeed a proud moment for us at Jet Airways to launch our maiden

international flight between Muscat and Delhi. There is a strong demand for travel between Oman and India due to the existence of strong trade and tourism links between the two countries. The maiden flight to Delhi from Muscat will mark a significant milestone for enhancing such ties and also benefit the Indian diaspora residing in Oman. We are delighted to offer many more air travellers the opportunity to fly with us and strengthen our presence in the Middle East region.”

“Expanding operations on the Oman-India route is in line with our growth strategy outlined for Oman. We are confident that our new flight will be greeted with enthusiasm by existing guests as it will offer even greater choice and convenience for both leisure and business travellers,” he said.

The airline will deploy a Boeing 737-800 aircraft for the new

service, offering Premiere and Economy guests an in-flight product that is among the best in its class, warm service, as well as delectable cuisine and convenient schedules.

The flight will leave Muscat at 2.30 am in the morning and will arrive in New Delhi at 7 am, while it will depart from Delhi at 11.15 pm and arrive at Muscat at 1.30 am.

“India and Oman are linked by historical maritime trade linkages and the important role of the Indian expatriate community in the development of Oman.

Furthermore, Oman offers an attractive destination for travel and tourism. The connectivity offered by the new service will provide greater opportunity for expansion of business and tourism traffic between the two countries,” Kuttery added.

9W 597; MCT; 02:30 DEL 07:00 9W 598 DEL 23:15 MCT 01:30 (+1).

PA S S E N G E R T E R M I NA L

First two phases of Duqm Airport complete: PACA MUSCAT: Work for the first and second phases of the Duqm Airport have been completed, said Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al Za’abi, chief executive officer of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA).

He added that work is also underway for the third phase, which includes the construction of a passenger terminal, an aviation and meteorology complex, as well as the air traffic control (ATC) tower.

He pointed out that the work, which started at the end of 2015 is expected to be completed in early 2018 as the expected duration for the project’s completion is two years.

“Activity on the Muscat-Duqm route operated by Oman Air is good and growing as the company now operates four weekly flights.

The company is currently using a Boeing 737 to meet the growing needs of passengers,” Dr. Al Za’abi added. -ONA

FESTIVE ENVIRONMENT

BSM holds science fair and exhibition Times News Service MUSCAT: The Bangladesh School Muscat (BSM) held its Annual Science Fair and Exhibition-2016 in a festive environment.

Students and teachers from all 12 departments of the school took part in the exhibition. Different innovative ideas and inventions of the students were presented by the departments concerned. The fair also received great appreciation from the visitors.

Fatma Abdul Abbas Noorani, director general, Directorate of Private Schools, was the Chief Guest. Siddiqa Abdul Majeed Al Lawati, director, International School’s Office also accompanied her. Sekander Ali, ambassador of Bangladesh to the Sultanate also

INNOVATIVE IDEAS: Students and teachers Bangladesh School Muscat took part in the exhibition.– Supplied photo

attended the exhibition as the Guest of Honour and eminent expatriates enjoyed the vibrant activities presented by students.

Iftakher ul Hasan Chowdhury,

chairman, Board of Directors of the school, along with other members also witnessed the colourful exhibition. Innovative ideas, along with quality presentations from

the students, pleased the guests.

Particularly, the presentations by the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Physics impressed the guests the most.

Under the patronage of Principal Lt Col Mahmud Ul Alam (Retd) PhD and the supervision of the Director of Education Affairs, Major Nasir Uddin Ahmed (Retd), teachers and students of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, ICT, Social Science, Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, Bangla, Arabic, English, and the Art Department took part in the exhibition.

“Apart from theoretical education, we are highly concentrated on practical experiments also.

Because as we all know, practical experiments make the students perfect,” said the principal.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

A7

REGION Rouhani, allies make gains in Iran’s elections Initial tally of votes counted in Tehran showed President Hassan Rouhani and his ally, ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, leading the race for the

BALLOT COUNTING: Election officials count ballot papers after the

close of polling stations in Tehran on Friday. – Reuters/TIMA

Assembly of Experts

TEHRAN: President Hassan Rouhani won a resounding vote of support and his allies made a strong showing in elections that could speed Iran’s post-sanctions opening to the world, according to early partial results on Saturday.

Tens of millions thronged polling stations on Friday for a twin vote to the 290-seat parliament and the 88-member Assembly of Experts, which selects the country’s highest authority, the supreme leader.

An initial tally of 1.5 million votes counted in Tehran - fewer than one-fifth of the capital’s elibigle voters - showed Rouhani and his ally, ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, leading the race for the Assembly of Experts, according to Interior Ministry figures. Reformists and moderates also seemed set to make big gains in parliament. The twin poll was seen by analysts as a potential turning point for Iran, where nearly 60 per cent of the 80 mil-

lion population is under 30. The elections were the first since a landmark nuclear deal last year that led to the removal of most of the sanctions that have damaged the economy over the past decade.

Of the top contenders for Tehran’s 16 Assembly of Experts seats, the partial count showed 13 were members of a list led by Rouhani and Rafsanjani, though some were consensus candidates also backed by hardliners. The three most prominent hardliners received lesser scores: Ahmad Jannati was 10th, the assembly’s current chairman Mohammad Yazdi came 12th, and Mohammad-Taghi MesbahYazdi was teetering on the edge in 16th place.

Preliminary results of the parliamentary poll carried by the semi-official Fars and Mehr News agencies indicated reformists and independents linked to them were leading so far in several cities.

Even if reformists do not emerge with a majority in the legislature, analysts say they will secure a bigger presence than before.

A Reuters tally, based on official

results published so far, suggested the pro-Rouhani camp and allied independents were leading in the parliamentary vote. Some moderate conservatives, including current speaker Ali Larijani, support Rouhani. Of the first 61 seats declared, 18 went to conservatives, 17 to reformists, 12 to independents and 14 will be decided in run-offs in late April because no candidate won the required 25 per cent of votes cast. Five of the initial winners were women.

Saeed Leylaz, a political analyst and economist who served as an adviser to former president Mohammad Khatami, said initial indications were beyond reformist expectations.

“It seems the number of candidates who belong to the reformist and independent groups will be the majority in parliament and I am hopeful that the new parliament will be perfect for us,” he told Reuters.

“In the Assembly of Experts our initial expectation was 15 to 20 per cent but it seems it will be beyond that.” — Reuters

WA R - T O R N NAT I O N

Angola proposes UN arms embargo on South Sudan UNITED NATIONS: Angola said on Friday it has proposed that the United Nations Security Council impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, where more than 10,000 people have been killed in a two year civil war sparked by a political dispute between the country’s leaders.

The United Nations said last week that South Sudan’s warring parties are killing, abducting and displacing civilians and destroying property despite conciliatory rhetoric by President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar.

“The situation evolves and you have to evolve with the situation.

Now what is necessary to do is an arms embargo,” said Angola’s UN Ambassador Ismael Abraao Gaspar Martins. “We have proposed, I hope everybody goes with it.”

Angola is an elected member of the Security Council.

British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft on Friday backed the proposed arms embargo.

“In South Sudan, half the population is in need of humanitarian assistance. It is clear that despite the peace agreement, the continued fighting is further entrenching the humanitarian crisis. That is why the UK is calling for an arms embargo now,” he said.

Veto-power Russia said last month it was opposed to an arms embargo on South Sudan or blacklisting Kiir and Machar as such moves were not helpful to the implementation of a peace deal agreed by the pair in August.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Kiir and Machar, who was reappointed to his old post this month, would face individual sanctions if they did not deliver on the peace deal, warning of a “critical moment for South Sudan’s survival”.

The conflict in South Sudan has torn apart the world’s youngest country. — Reuters

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

INDIA

The HRD Minister has not only been economical with truth but has also willfully misled Parliament on the unfortunate suicide of a young Dalit student, Rohith Vemula Mukul Wasnik, Congress general secretary

Opposition to bring privilege motion against Smriti Irani in Parliament ‘Smriti could be hauled up if she knowingly misled parliament’

Congress along with CPI(M) and JD(U) accused Irani of “willfully misleading” Parliament, hitting back at the minister who had targeted Rahul Gandhi and the Left during a debate on Jawaharlal Nehru University and Hyderabad University controversies

NEW DELHI: Escalating the battle in Parliament, major opposition parties on Saturday said they will bring privilege motion against Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani over her remarks in Parliament on the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderbad central university.

Congress along with CPI(M) and Janata Dal (United) accused Irani of “willfully misleading” Parliament, hitting back at the minister who had targeted Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and the Left during a debate on Jawaharlal Nehru University and Hyderabad University controversies.

“The HRD Minister has not only been economical with truth but has also willfully misled Parliament on the unfortunate suicide of a young Dalit student, Rohith Vemula”, Congress general secretary Mukul Wasnik and senior

UP IN ARMS: Police detain NSUI students during a protest against HRD Minister Smriti Irani over the suicide of Hyderabad’s Rohith Vemula, near her residence in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

spokesperson Selja alleged.

Wasnik told reporters that the Congress planned to bring privilege motion in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha soon, while CPI(M) leader Mohammad Saleem said he would be doing so on Monday.

“I will be giving a notice for breach of privilege against Irani to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for misleading the House on Rohith Vemula issue,” Saleem said.

JD(U) leader and Rajya Sabha MP K. C. Tyagi said that he and nominated member KTS Tulsi will give privilege notice against Irani to Chairman Hamid Ansari on Monday.

“There are contradictions in many statements of Irani regarding Rohith Vemula case. This is

a fit case of breach of privilege,” Tyagi said.

They cited the outburst of Radhika, Rohith’s mother, against the HRD Minister and accused the BJP of being anti-Dalit.

Radhika had attacked the HRD Minister questioning as to on what basis did she declare Rohith to be anti-national?

“Your Ministry had written that my Rohith and other Dalit students were anti-national extremists. You said that he is not a Dalit.You accused him of getting a false certificate.”

They alleged that these strong words from a mother “who has lost her son to BJP and in particular the HRD Minister’s campus politics is a stamp of how recklessly and ruthlessly their party is hell

bent on clamping down the voices of dissent.”

The HRD Minister had also insinuated that Rohith is “not a Dalit”, they said adding that this claim has also been rubbished by Radhika.

Wasnik said that it was believed that the HRD Minister would try to “heal” Rohith’s family but instead Irani has rubbed salt on their wounds.

Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said Irani was “too clever by half and then you get caught in your own web and that’s exactly what has happened to the HRD Minister”.

“She has been extremely creative and economical with truth and that is why she will face a privilege motion,” he said. - PTI

NEW DELHI: With the Congress deciding to serve a breach of privilege notice against the union minister Smriti Irani for allegedly misleading parliament on the JNU controversy and the suicide by Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, experts say the Minister could be hauled up if she had “knowingly” misled the two houses.

“Certainly, if she has done knowingly,” said former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said on the phone from Kolkata.

Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani’s claim that doctor and police were not allowed to reach Vemula’s room in hostel and the situation was used for political mileage has been contested by Hyderabad University’s medical officer, P. Rajshree, who had attended on the deceased and on his mother Radhika and others.

Rule 222 of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business says: “A member may, with the consent of the Speaker, raise a question involving a breach of privilege either of a member or of the House or of a Committee thereof.”

However, it is for the Lok Sabha speaker to allow the privilege notice.

The procedure is similar for Rajya Sabha, with the chairman having to give his consent.Rajshree has said that she reached the spot within five to seven minutes

after being informed of the suicide. By then, the scholar was already dead and there was no scope of reviving him.

Participating in debate in Lok Sabha on February 24, Irani had said: “...Nobody allowed a doctor near this child, to revive this child, to take him to the hospital. Nobody allowed a doctor near him.

The police has reported that not one attempt was made to revive this child, not one attempt was made to take him to a doctor. Instead what was done was that his body was used as a political tool, hidden. No police was allowed till 6.30 the next morning.…”

Former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap said: “If a person says on the floor of the house something which is incorrect or untrue and does so to willfully, deliberately to mislead the house, then a question of privilege may be involved.

Any member of the house can give notice to the speaker requesting that he may be allowed to raise it as a privilege.

Thereafter, it will depend on the speaker.”

Not only has Irani’s account of the events subsequent to Vemula’s suicide been questioned, but even the organisers of a Mahishasura Divas on the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus have disputed a pamphlet that the minister had read out from in the two houses.

They have denied that the pamphlet was theirs. -IANS

JNU ROW

Kanhaiya: I was beaten up, injured in court before police

PROTEST RALLY: Activists of Patriotic Front of Assam taking out

a protest rally against the alleged anti-national activities at JNU and Jadavpur University, in Guwahati on Saturday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) President Kanhaiya Kumar has told a Supreme Courtappointed lawyers’ probe panel that he was beaten up, pushed to the ground and injured by men in lawyers’ robes before the police, when he was brought to the Patiala House court premises on February 17.

“When the police brought me inside the court’s gate, a mob of men in lawyers’ robes attacked me. It appeared as if they were ready to attack and they were calling others also. I was assaulted.

“The police escorting me tried to save me but the police officials were also beaten up,” he said while narrating the sequence of events to the lawyers’ panel in a video shown on television channels on Saturday.

The panel of six advocates — Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhavan, Dushyant Dave, A. D. N. Rao, Ajit Kumar Sinha and Haren Raval, had visited the Patiala House courts premises on February 17 after the apex court was informed that Kanhaiya was beaten up during his production before the magistrate.

In another instance when he was attacked, the police, who were there, did not do anything, he said.

After Kanhaiya narrated the

incident to the panel inside the courtroom, Sibal called DCP Jatin Narwal and enquired from him about it.

“How did you allow the attack to take place inside court premises? Your men were there. What were they doing? How he (man who attacked Kanhaiya outside the gate of the courtroom) was allowed to come inside,” the panel members asked the DCP. Responding to it, Narwal said, “he came with the escort party and entered the room adjacent to the courtroom.”

The panel members then called other police officials and asked them about the incident and they replied that the person who attacked Kanhaiya had claimed that he was his lawyer. Kanhaiya told the panel that when he was assaulted, he fell down and sustained injuries and at that time he could not see what the police was doing.

To this, Sibal asked the DCP, “that means police was there and they did nothing.”

The student leader told the panel that the person, who had attacked him, had come to the adjacent courtroom and he had told his teacher about it.

Kanhaiya is arrested in a sedition case for allegedly raising anti-India slogans inside the JNU campus of February 9. - PTI

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

RELAUNCHING STIR

Yadav and Bhushan plan to ‘re-ignite’ anti-graft agitation NEW DELHI: Accusing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of betraying anti-corruption movement by bringing in a “weak” Lokayukta bill “which is unlikely to be approved”, leaders of Swaraj Abhiyan on Saturday announced plans to “re-ignite” the campaign and hoped they will get support from Anna Hazare.

Addressing the two-day ‘National Convention on Corruption’ here, the leaders, who had rebelled against Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly “patenting ways” to weaken anti-corruption laws and institutions.

They said Right to Information( RTI) activists and whistle blowers will join the “apolitical” campaign for which a “Citizens’ Whistle Blower Forum” (CWBF) will be formed.

“We had hoped the agitation (launched by activist Anna Hazare) for Lokpal would broaden.

After that a political party (AAP) was formed. Arvind Kejriwal became supremo of the party. The party moved out of its first government saying it was not being allowed to bring in Lokayukta.

“And eventually, when it did pass

a Lokayukta bill (during its present tenure), they drafted such a weak bill... they inserted a clause which will ensure it doesn’t become law. He (Kejriwal) betrayed the entire movement,” Abhiyan leader Prashant Bhushan said.

Hitting out at the AAP Government over the bill, Bhushan said it lacks transparency and noted its clause that Lokayukta will have powers to also investigate corruption matters relating Union Ministers is “unlikely” to be accepted by Centre.

The noted lawyer added it was this “betrayal” that has necessitated efforts to launch the agitation afresh, which he added, will see participation by RTI activists, whistle blowers and those working for a “flawless” Lokpal.

Bhushan targeted the Centre accusing it of trying to destroy RTI by bringing out agencies like CBI out of the Act’s ambit and planning amendments to the law.

“And the other way of weakening any law is, which is patented

by Modiji, is to not make appointments to see the law is destroyed (by not implementing it),” he said claiming that in Modi’s home state Gujarat no Lokayukta was appointed for many years. -PTI

UPBEAT : Swaraj Abhiyan leaders Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan and Professor Anand Kumar join hands during Swaraj Samvad at SKM Hall in Patna. Swaraj Abhiyan leaders on Saturday announced plans to “re-ignite” the anti-graft campaign and hoped they will get support from Anna Hazare. - PTI file photo

India is a ray of hope in world economy: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said whether it was World Bank or IMF or world’s rating agency, all of them were saying in one voice that if there is any country ‘where there is a ray of hope, that ray of hope is India’

BELAGAVI (Karnataka): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said if there was a ray of hope in the world economy, it was India, as he asserted that his government was committed to transform the lives of the poor and villages.

Addressing a farmers’ rally here, he also said that the Opposition spoke of many issues but there was not an allegation of corruption against his government ever since he has been serving as “pradhan sevak”.

“Today it is agreed that if there is a ray of hope in the world economy, it is India,” Modi said at the huge rally, organised as part of BJP’s nationwide outreach to farmers.

He cited ratings by various agencies and international institutions such as World Bank and IMF to buttress his point on India offering a “ray of hope”.

Modi said whether it was World Bank or IMF or world’s rating agency, all of them were saying in one voice that if there is any country “where there is a ray of hope,

LOW INTENSITY BLAST

Two killed while making bombs in West Bengal SURI (West Bengal): Two persons were killed allegedly while making bombs at Shibpur village under Lokpur police station of Birbhum district on Saturday.

INDIA

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“Two persons were killed in an apparent low intensity blast,” Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar said.

“Some materials used in mak-

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ing crude bombs were found scattered at the spot,” he said. A part of the thatched shed where the bombs were being made was damaged in the explosion. - PTI

REACHING OUT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with MP B. S. Yeddyurappa at the Farmers’ rally in Belgaum, Karnataka on Saturday. - PTI

that ray of hope is India”.

“In the whole world, the economy is wavering. Even those countries who say they are experts are also going through economic problems,” he said.

In spite of disturbing environment of slowdown, India is making rapid strides in growth, he said. On corruption, Modi said that when his government assumed office, the nation was tired of corruption.

Corruption “It’s been over 18 months since I’ve served you as Pradhan Sevak. Opposition speaks of many issues but not on allegation of corruption.” He said when his government came to power, the entire country was disturbed by the issues of corruption.

“Only one issue was being heard in the air, on earth and water and that was corruption, corruption and only corruption.”

On the one hand, the trust in the country had fallen in the eyes of the world which was not prepared

to take India into account.

India was also facing economic problems with corruption destroying the country like termites.

There was an environment of despair, he said.

Speaking about basing the country’s development on the three pillars of agriculture, manufacturing and the services sector, Modi said “we have focused on how our poor and farmers become more prosperous and more jobs, industries are created.”

“We’ve made many efforts in agriculture. The results are showing now, Our focus is irrigation. Give our farmers water and see wonders they can do,” he said. Stressing that one has to think of interlinked rivers, he said water management is the need of the hour.

“Per drop, more crop. New methods of irrigation are vital and have helped farmers immensely.

Along with Jal (water) we have to take care of the Jameen (land) of the farmer,” he said and referred to the Soil health card scheme of

his government.

Modi, who devoted a good part of his speech to the recently launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, an insurance scheme for farmers, said it has overcome shortcomings of the earlier crop insurance schemes.

Crop insurance Noting that only 20 out of 100 people used to avail crop insurance, he urged the farmers to see that at least 50 per cent became its beneficiaries.

“Then you see the whole situation will change. Thereafter there would not be any delay in reaching 100 per cent. The more you avail of the crop insurance, more money will flow from the coffers of the government. In spite of it, I want you all to join the crop insurance scheme,” he said.

Modi said that even if the coffers of the government are emptied, he wanted farmers to avail of the scheme. “To convey this, I have come to your doorsteps.” - PTI

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

PAKISTAN Government urged to resolve status of Afghan refugees

Markhor meat being sold in Gilgit-Baltistan, says lawmaker GILGIT: Lawmaker Rani Atiqa said meat of wild animals was available in markets as illegal hunting of Markhor and other such animals continues in the region.

“The wildlife department says there is no illegal hunting but I challenge this statement,” Atiqa said at the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly during proceedings chaired by Deputy Speaker Jafarullah Khan on Friday. “Illegal hunting continues and meat is being sold openly, right under the nose of the wildlife department officials.”

She also criticised the tourism department for not updating the website. “The information should’ve been uploaded by now – officials just waste time.”

Referring to her statement about hunting, Atiqa added she has done her job and it was up to the relevant officials to go after the criminals.

Rebutting her statement, Minister for Forests and Wildlife Abdul Wakeel denied there was illegal hunting in the region. “The lawmaker [Atiqa] should provide us with evidence and we will send the culprits to jail as we have done in a couple of cases.”

In December, registration cards providing temporary legal stay to more than 1.5 million Afghan refugees expired, and were granted a six-month extension by the government. But Afghans say they are hassled by police for carrying the expired cards

KALABAT (PAKISTAN): A senior UN official has urged Pakistan to resolve the status of more than 2.5 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan whose registration cards have expired or who remain unregistered.

While Europe has grappled with the exodus of people from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan hosts the world’s largest longterm refugee population, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), most of whom are Afghans who have fled more than three decades of war.

In December, registration cards providing temporary legal stay to more than 1.5 million Afghan refugees expired, and were granted a six-month extension by the government.

But Afghans say they are hassled by police for carrying the ex-

ILLEGAL HUNTING

NOWHERE TO GO: Afghan refugees gather outside the office of the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) and the United

Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for registration in Rawalpindi on February 10, 2015. — AFP file photo

pired cards, and members of the estimated one million Afghans who are still unregistered also face difficulties with the authorities, aid workers say.

The issue is now before Pakistan’s cabinet.

UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner George Okoth-Obbo said his agency was engaged in “continuing discussions” with the Pakistani government to resolve the population’s uncertain situation.

“We await with a lot of interest the decision of the government on those questions,” Okoth-Ob-

bo told Reuters during a Friday visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, home to a large Afghan population.

Living for decades Many Afghans living in Pakistan have been living in the country for decades and contribute significantly to the country’s labour force.

Since 2009, international donors have poured more than $30 million into improving basic services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa communities that have hosted the their neighbours for decades.

“People have hosted (the Afghan refugees) for over 35 years,” Imran Zeb, Pakistan’s chief commissioner for Afghan refugees, told Reuters after a ceremony inaugurating one of three schools in the area to have been refurbished with aid money.

Pakistan is committed to helping refugees voluntarily get back to Afghanistan, Zeb said, but: “There is definitely some host fatigue.”

The government is trying to improve education and opportunities for the 70 per cent of the refugees who are under 25 so they

“can do something positive” and not fall into crime or recruitment by “elements that are not desirable,” he said.

With security in Afghanistan deteriorating over the past year, many of the Afghans living in the Kalabat area have no interest in going home anytime soon.

“We have no option... We don’t have land. Where should we go?” asked Jawlai, a mother of five children who fled to Pakistan in the 1980s and, like many Afghans, uses only one name.

“When the war is finished, then we’ll go,” she said. — Reuters

Check documents However, lawmaker Shah Baig turned the tables on the minister, accusing him of hunting two markhors with one licence.

“This man isn’t going to take action against criminals as he himself is involved in illegal hunting,” Baig said as lawmakers burst into laughter. “Recently he killed two markhors and paid the fee for just one.”

Wakeel rebutted the accusation and said he duly paid the fee before hunting. “You can check the documents if you want to.”

The deputy speaker said, “The law is equal for all and every individual must abide by it to avoid legal action.” — Express Tribune

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

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ASEAN voices concern over rising tensions in disputed South China Sea VIENTIANE: Southeast Asian nations expressed serious concern on Saturday about growing international tension over disputed waters in the South China Sea. China claims most of the sea but Southeast Asian countries Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam have rival claims.

Friction has increased over China’s recent deployment of missiles and fighter jets to the disputed Paracel island chain.

“Ministers remained seriously concerned over recent and ongoing developments,” the 10-members Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) said in

a statement after a regular meeting of the group’s foreign ministers in Laos.

Land reclamation and escalating activity has increased tensions and could undermine peace, security and stability in the region, ASEAN said in the statement. The United States has criticised China’s building of artificial islands and facilities in the sea and has sailed warships close to disputed territory to assert the right to freedom of navigation.

On Friday, the United States urged China’s President Xi Jinping to prevent the militarisation of the region.

Vietnam, which accused China of violating its sovereignty with the missile deployment, echoed the US call on Saturday.

“We call for non-militarisation in the South China Sea,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told reporters after meeting his ASEAN colleagues.

“We have serious concerns about that,” he said, when asked about China’s increasing military activity in the region. The group agreed to seek a meeting between China and ASEAN’s foreign ministers to discuss the South China Sea and other issues, Cambodian

Dozens killed in Afghanistan suicide attacks The attack in Kabul, which occurred as defence ministry workers were leaving their offices, killed as many as 12 people

INJURED: An Afghan boy wounded in a suicide attack receives

medical treatment at a facility in Kunar province on Saturday. - AFP

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KABUL: A Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up near the Afghan defence ministry in Kabul on Saturday, causing heavy casualties just hours after an attack in the eastern province of Kunar killed 13 people and put prospects for new peace talks in doubt.

The attack in Kabul, which occurred as defence ministry workers were leaving their offices, killed as many as 12 people and wounded eight, according to a ministry statement, although Kabul police said nine people had been killed and 13 wounded.

Witnesses at the scene, where a large plume of smoke spiralled into the sky, said they had seen a number of bodies on the ground.

The area was sealed off as police and army vehicles surrounded the blast site.

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“I wanted to cross the bridge when I heard an explosion,” said a witness who gave his name as Zulgai. “I went to the area ... there were damaged cars and shattered windows everywhere.”

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack which the movement’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said killed 23 officers and wounded 29 others. He said there were no civilian casualties.

The high-profile attack came as officials from Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China have been pressing for a resumption of the peace process interrupted last year between the Western-backed government in Kabul and the Taliban. But it re-

mains unclear whether the Taliban, struggling to contain deep internal divisions, will take part in direct peace talks that the fournation group hope will be held in Islamabad as early as next week.

In a statement issued after the attack in Kunar, President Ashraf Ghani said his government would not conduct peace talks with groups that killed innocent people and said security forces would step up the fight against terrorism.

Earlier on Saturday, a suicide bomber killed a local militia commander and at least 12 others outside the governor’s compound in Asadabad, the provincial capital of Kunar, near the border with Pakistan.

Provincial Governor Wahidullah Kalimzai said the bomber rode up on a motorcycle to the entrance of the compound and blew himself up, wounding at least 40 people. - Reuters

Minister Hor Namhong said.

China’s maritime claims are ASEAN’s most contentious issue, as its members struggle to balance mutual support with their growing economic relations with Beijing. China is the biggest trade partner for many ASEAN nations.

Neighbours Vietnam and China compete for influence over landlocked Laos, which has no maritime claims but finds itself in the difficult position of dealing with neighbours at odds over the South China Sea. Laos is tasked with finding common ground on the issue as the ASEAN chair in 2016. - Reuters

Baby born in China from an embryo frozen 12 years ago BEIJING: A healthy baby has been born in China’s northwest Shaanxi Province from an embryo frozen 12 years ago, the country’s longest preserved test tube baby.

A 40-year-old woman named Li gave birth to her second son, weighing 3,440 grammes at birth, at the Tangdu Hospital in provincial capital Xi’an on Wednesday morning. She suffers from blocked fallopian tubes and polycystic ovary syndrome, a health problem that can affect a woman’s fertility and pregnancy.

Li began trying to get pregnant through IVF in 2003. That year doctors harvested 12 of her eggs and created 12 embryos with her

husband’s sperm.

They implanted two fresh embryos to her womb and froze seven that they considered viable.

Li gave birth to a healthy boy in 2004, and has since spent three yuan per day to store the embryos in the hospital in case of an emergency. Last year, when China dropped its one-child policy, she decided to have a second child.

Three embryos survived the thawing process.

“The success rate of implanted thawed embryos is more than 40 per cent in our hospital, so doctors usually place more than one embryo at a time,” Wang Xiaohong, director of Tangdu Hospital said. - PTI

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READERS’ FORUM Global powers need to destroy weapons This refers to the story US test-fires ICBMs, seeks to demonstrate nuclear arms capacity (February 27). I cannot imagine why the global powers want to develop more and more weapons. The leading countries need to be prudent and start destroying their immense arsenal. The enemy of mankind is man itself and we need to stop this useless cycle of mayhem.

If the weapons were to be destroyed then diplomatic solutions of problems would be easier. Also, by producing more and more sophisticated weapons countries like US and Russia are showing they want these to Scan this QR code be sold. For this to happen they are followto send letters to the ing the well-tested policy of divide and rule.

Readers’ Forum, — Ameer Shahid, Wadi Kabir containing not more

GUY VERHOFSTADT

Russian President Vladimir Putin has intentionally exacerbated crises. In addition to his adventurism in Ukraine, he has injected obstructionism into European politics through his support of populist and euroskeptic parties, escalated the conflict in the Middle East by his military intervention in Syria

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

UAE bowlers performing well as still unknown to batsmen This refers to the story Bangladesh thrash UAE (February 26). The Middle Eastern side is showing fighting capabilities, but the depth of the bigger sides is showing they cannot overcome the quality gap. UAE’s bowlers performed very well against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but they batted miserably. This is only because their bowlers are unknown and I am sure both India and Pakistan will post big scores against them. — Tanzeem Samir, Ruwi

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MILTON GLASER

Can India handle bad times better than China?

T

he latest Indian budget will be released on Monday, and as usual, business leaders and economists will dissect its details for an indication of where pro-market reforms might be headed. They’re likely to be disappointed. Each year, the world’s investors hope for faster change in India, and each year, they complain the government’s ambitions never go far enough.

That perennial letdown is part of the standard criticism about India, especially when compared to its high-octane neighbour, China. While the Chinese regime can in theory implement reforms with clinical efficiency, India’s tumultuous democracy ties up change in endless debates and dissent, making effective governance practically impossible. Even hard-charging Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been stymied by parliamentary opposition in his attempts to liberalise India’s over-regulated economy. The results speak for themselves: China’s national output is five times larger.

Yet this distinction between China and India has always been simplistic, and in light of current events, it’s even less applicable today. As both countries confront economic headwinds abroad and structural weaknesses internally, India’s more flexible and transparent democracy is looking better suited to tackling many problems than China’s tightly-wound system. Meanwhile, the limitations of China’s centralised policy process are being exposed, to the detriment of the global economy.

Note, for instance, the different approaches the two countries are taking towards their strained banks. Bad loans, which present a threat to stability and growth, are rising in both sectors. Officially, India’s banks are in much weaker shape than China’s, with bad loan accounting for 5.1 per cent of the total, compared to less than 1.7 per cent in China.

But to a degree, that difference is the result of a more proactive policy on the part of India’s regulators. Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan launched a review of state banks’ balance sheets last year, forcing them to identify and declare suspect loans, with the aim of fixing the mess

by March 2017. Mark Young, head of Asia-Pacific financial institutions at rating agency Fitch, says that Rajan’s aggressive stance is a “prime reason” why non-performing loans have been rising in recent quarters in India. “To the question of what comes first, clean up or growth, I think the answer

is unambiguously, ‘Clean up!’” Rajan said earlier this month. China, on the other hand, doesn’t seem particularly eager to shed light on what could well be a looming banking crisis. Private estimates of bad loans at Chinese banks run significantly higher than the official data. Yet when Chinese magazine Caixin conducted an extensive interview in February with People’s Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan, the subject of the health of the banking system didn’t even come up. In fact, while Rajan is actively forcing Indian banks to acknowledge their problems and make provisions for them, Zhou and his comrades are running the risk of adding to China’s pile of bad loans. Hoping to prop up growth, the government has encouraged a hefty bout of new lending. The amount of new credit unleashed in January hit an all-time record. A good chunk of that money is probably going to heavily indebted state enterprises and moribund “zombie” companies, to help them pay off current loans and thus stay afloat. Unless they can grow their way back to health — an unlikely outcome in the current environment — Chinese banks are going to face even steeper problems in the future.

These divergent approaches to the banking sector should explode a couple myths about Indian and Chinese policy-making. First, investors erroneously assume that India’s leaders are hamstrung by democratic politics while Chinese cadres, immune from such pressures, can craft policy in the best interests of the economy. But the continuing explosion of debt in China is very much the result of internal politics. President Xi Jinping must maintain high growth levels and employment in order to preserve the government’s political standing. Local governments often resist efforts to close down zombie companies, which remain valuable sources of jobs. Secondly, India can benefit from the multifaceted nature of its governing system.

Even if New Delhi is paralysed by political wrangling, other players in the economy have the authority to step in and fix problems. Rajan can harangue banks to clean up because he heads a truly independent central bank. In the Chinese system, Zhou enjoys no such freedom of action.

Nor is the increasing centralisation of power in China leading to better policies. Indeed, the more control Xi has claimed over the government, the slower reforms seem to be progressing. In that great contest between India and China, conventional wisdom doesn’t always apply. - Bloomberg View

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FEBRUARY 2001 Financial affairs council holds meet MUSCAT: The Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council held its first meeting of the year yesterday under the chairmanship of Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy, deputy chairman of the Finance Affairs and Energy Resources Council. The council reviewed the latest developments with regard to the chemical fertilizer project with the Indian government in the light of its recent approval to go ahead in implementing the project in the wilayat of Sur. The council also discussed the results of the new Sohar refinery project study and the poly propylene and recommended to continue the project study to find alternatives to implement it according to economic basis.

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1936: The Japanese Army restores order in Tokyo and arrests officers involved in a coup.

1946: The US Army declares that it will use V-2 rocket to test radar as an atomic rocket defence system.

1994: US warplanes shoot down four Serb aircraft over Bosnia in the first North Atlantic Treaty Organisation use of force in the troubled area.

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WORLD A G R I C U LT U R A L S H O W

ANTI-NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROTEST IN LONDON

Thousands of protesters march with placards to demonstrate against a proposed renewal of Trident nuclear weapon system in central London on Saturday. A decision is expected to be taken later this year on replacing the ageing submarines which carry the Trident missiles at an estimated cost of $43 billion. — AFP

Farmers jeer Hollande at start of show PARIS: Francois Hollande was met with jeers from angry farmers at the start of the annual Paris agricultural show on Saturday, underlining the French president’s unpopularity in a week marked by a revolt within his Socialist party over labour reforms.

Television images showed Hollande being booed and whistled at as he slowly made his way with the help of security guards through crowds shouting insults.

They also showed scuffles, and a farm ministry stand that had been torn down.

“I hear the cries of distress,” Hollande said in images broadcast on French television. ”I prefer the anger to be expressed during the show than outside it.”

Russian embargo French livestock farmers say thousands of them could go out of business as a Russian embargo on Western food and a downturn in global dairy markets exacerbate competition from neighbours such as Germany and Spain, which they see benefiting from lower taxes and lighter regulation.

“Did we expect to hear an expression of anger? Yes, of course,” Farm Minister Stephane Le Foll later told French television, saying Hollande made the traditional visit to the politically important show as a “message of support”. — Reuters

A N T I PAT H Y T O M A I N S T R E A M P O L I T I C S

Marchers honour slain Putin-rival Nemtsov Boris Nemtsov, a Russian opposition leader and former

DEADLOCK: Officials sort through ballot papers during a general

election count at the Count centre in Castlebar, Ireland on Saturday. - Reuters

deputy prime minister, was gunned

Irish main parties consider unlikely alliance after polls

down near the

DUBLIN: Ireland’s two main political foes were left considering an unlikely alliance on Saturday after exit polls suggested voters had rejected established parties — including the ruling coalition — in favour of protest groups and independents.

Enda Kenny’s government looked to be the latest victim of European voters’ growing antipathy to mainstream politics even though his premiership has seen Ireland bounce back from a bailout to become the continent’s fastest growing economy.

MOSCOW: Thousands of Russians marched through Moscow to honour slain Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov on Saturday, the first anniversary of his death, and to press their demand that the authorities find and punish the person who ordered his killing.

The 55-year-old Nemtsov, an opposition leader and former deputy prime minister, was gunned down near the Kremlin walls late in the evening of February 27, 2015, as he walked home with his girlfriend from a restaurant.

Investigators have charged a group of Chechen men with his murder.

But Nemtsov’s supporters say the suspects are just low-level operatives who were paid to kill the prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin.

They say the person who ordered the hit has been neither identified nor arrested.

“Nemtsov was killed because he had exposed Putin for what he was in various reports,” one of the marchers, Irina Vorobyova, 60, told Reuters.”He was a worthy po-

Exit polls Kenny’s centre-right Fine Gael captured 25 to 26 per cent of the vote, the exit polls said. That is far below the 36 per cent it won five years ago and the 30 per cent opinion poll rating it enjoyed at the start of campaigning.

With partners Labour in line to win just 7 to 8 per cent of the ballot, the only viable option for government appeared to be a problematic alliance between historic rivals Fine Gael and Fi-

anna Fail, whose vote the poll showed rose to 23 per cent.

“Either we could have another election now and do away with the count, or we’ll let them muddle around for a month or so and maybe they can think the unthinkable,” said Michael Marsh, a professor of politics at Trinity College Dublin.

“It’s hard to see any kind of government without Fine Gael and Fianna Fail getting together.”

No previous Irish election has seen Fine Gael and Fianna Fail -- heirs to opposing sides in a civil war almost a century ago -- fall below a combined 50 per cent of the vote.

Framed as a debate over how to distribute the profits of accelerating economic growth, Kenny’s campaign to “keep the recovery going” rang hollow with many voters yet to feel any impact after years of austerity. One Fine Gael junior minister said he would “of course” be open to a prospective deal with Fianna Fail after another exit poll late on Friday showed a similar result. — Reuters

Kremlin walls late in the evening of February 27, 2015

AWAITING JUSTICE: Russian anti-corruption campaigner and opposition figure Alexei Navalny, right, and his wife Yulia visit the site of the murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov’s on the first anniversary of Nemtsov’s death in central Moscow, Russia, on Saturday. — Reuters

litical opponent for Putin but he had insulted him.”

Chechen leader Vorobyova, like many on the march, said she thought Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed leader of Chechnya, had ordered Nemtsov’s murder to please Putin.

Kadyrov denies any involvement, though he has praised one of the suspects as “a true patriot of Russia”.

The authorities locked down central Moscow for Saturday’s event, sealing in the marchers with metal fencing guarded by police, some of whom wore body armour and helmets. Police put the number of attendees at 7,500

people, but one group of observers put it at 25,000.Some opposition figures said up to 100,000 people had turned up.

A Reuters reporter saw one man being dragged away into a side street in handcuffs. “Killed for the truth,” read one banner.

Who is next Another, which showed the crosshairs of a sniper’s gun, asked: “Who is next?”

Some carried portraits of Nemtsov and chanted “Russia will be free” and “Russia without Putin”.

Similar events were staged in other towns across Russia.

Nemtsov had authored an excoriating report on Putin’s rule and,

shortly before he was killed, had been working on a report examining the Russian military’s role in Ukraine. Though revered by his supporters as an unpretentious man of the people, some Russians disliked him, associating him with the 1990s, an era of political turmoil and painful reforms, when he served in the government of thenPresident Boris Yeltsin.

The authorities forbade the marchers from passing the spot where he was killed, on a bridge near the Kremlin.

But many went there after the march to lay flowers at an improvised memorial that the authorities have repeatedly tried to destroy. — Reuters

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Guns fall silent as Syria truce begins The agreement is the first of its kind to be attempted in four years and, if it holds, would be the most successful truce of the war so far

BEIRUT: Guns mostly fell silent in Syria and Russian air raids stopped on Saturday, as a cessation of hostilities appeared to hold for its first day, described by the United Nations as the best hope for peace in five years of civil war.

Under the US-Russian accord accepted by President Bashar Al Assad’s government and many of his enemies, fighting should cease so aid can reach civilians and talks can open to end a war that has killed more than 250,000 people and made 11 million homeless.

Russia, which says it intends to continue strikes against areas held by hardline fighters that are not covered by the truce, said it would suspend all flights over Syria for the first day to ensure no wrong targets were hit by mistake.

KEEPING CLOSE WATCH: UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, right, during a meeting in the operations centre which provides 24/7 communications and liaison support for the Ceasefire Taskforce at the United Nations Office in Geneva. – AFP/United Nations/Jean-Marc Ferre

Rebels reported what they described as occasional government violations, and one commander warned that unchecked, the breaches could lead to the agreement’s collapse. A Syrian military source denied the Syrian army was violating the truce agreement.

State media described rocket attacks near Damascus and several deadly attacks by IS. But overall the level of violence was far reduced. “Let’s pray that this works because frankly this is the best op-

portunity we can imagine the Syrian people has had for the last five years in order to see something better and hopefully something related to peace,” UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said at a midnight news conference in Geneva.

He said he expected occasional breaches of the agreement but called on the parties to show restraint and curb escalation.

The agreement is the first of its kind to be attempted in four years and, if it holds, would be the most

successful truce of the war so far.

But there are weak spots in a fragile deal which has not been directly signed by the Syrian warring parties and is less binding than a formal ceasefire. Importantly, it does not cover powerful militant groups such as IS and the Nusra Front, Al Qaeda’s branch in Syria. IS claimed responsibility for a suicide car bomb in Hama province. Nusra has called for redoubled attacks.

Moscow and Damascus say they will continue to fight those groups,

and other rebels say they fear this may be used to justify attacks against them. The truce is the culmination of new diplomatic efforts that reflect a battlefield dramatically changed since Russia joined the war in September with air strikes to prop up Assad. Moscow’s intervention effectively destroyed the hope his enemies have maintained for five years to topple him by force.

Like several other rebel figures contacted by Reuters, Fares Bayoush, head of the Fursan Al Haqq rebel group which fights under the banner of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), said front lines were far quieter. But he added that violations were taking place and if continued could lead to the “collapse of the agreement”.

“There are areas where the bombardment has stopped but there are areas where there are violations by the regime such as Kafr Zeita in Hama, via targeting with artillery, and likewise in Morek in northern Hama countryside.”

In early reports of violence, a Syrian rebel group in the northwest said three of its fighters had been killed while repelling an attack from government ground forces a few hours after the plan came into effect. Its spokesman called it a breach of the agreement.

Syria’s state media said at least six people were killed and several wounded in two suicide bomb attacks east of Hama city, including the car bomb claimed by IS.

Three children were killed and 12 wounded in an unspecified IS attack in Joura neighoburhood in Deir Al Zor province.

Fadi Ahmad, spokesman for the FSA First Coastal Division in Latakia province said government helicopters had dropped eight “barrel bombs” on the area in the early afternoon. Assad’s opponents have long accused the government of using such bombs -- oil drums packed with explosives -- to cause indiscriminate damage in rebel-held areas, which Damascus denies.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said government forces dropped five barrel bombs on the village on Najiya in Idlib province. The village is controlled by several groups including Nusra Front. The Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said IS militants had attacked Tel Abyad, a town near the Turkish border.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said it would suspend air strikes in a “green zone” — defined as those parts of Syria held by groups that have accepted the cessation of hostilities -- and make no flights at all on Saturday. “Given the entry into force of the UN Security Council resolution that supports the Russian-American agreements on a ceasefire, and to avoid any possible mistakes when carrying out strikes, Russian military planes, are not carrying out any flights over Syrian territory on February 27,” the ministry said. — Reuters

C A M PA I G N T O L E AV E E U

London mayor urges UK cabinet to back Brexit LONDON: London Mayor Boris Johnson urged British government ministers to join the campaign to leave the European Union in a newspaper interview on Saturday, again defying Prime Minister and fellow Conservative David Cameron.

A political showman who is widely thought to be keen to succeed Cameron, Johnson said he wanted to change the minds of the majority of cabinet ministers who favour voting to remain in the EU in a June 23 referendum on the issue. “People should look at the arguments.

I have huge respect for what the Prime Minister is saying.

But people I think should think about the arguments,” Johnson told the Telegraph.

Dismissed In a separate interview with the Times newspaper, Johnson dismissed the argument that a “leave” vote could spark lastditch talks to achieve a better settlement for Britain inside the EU, resulting in a second referendum.

Asked whether there could be another referendum, John-

son told the paper: “No. Out is out.” Last week he had appeared to leave open the prospect of a second vote, arguing that the EU “only really listen to a population when it says No”. That prompted Cameron to tell parliament on Monday that the idea of a second referendum was one “for the birds”.

Opinion polls have differed about the likely outcome of the referendum, with the uncertainty sending sterling to a seven-year low against the dollar this week.

The latest poll, published on Friday by ORB for the Independent newspaper, showed support for the “out” campaign had risen to 52 per cent from 48 per cent from a month ago, while support to stay in the EU had fallen to 48 per cent from 52 per cent.

Cameron and Johnson have been friends since attending Oxford University together in the 1980s, but also rivals. In a thinly veiled jab at Johnson over the referendum, Cameron also told parliament on Monday: “I am not standing for re-election, I have no other agenda than what is best for our country.” — Reuters

VIOLENT CLASHES

AU to send monitors to Burundi: Zuma NAIROBI: The African Union (AU) will send 100 human rights monitors and 100 military monitors to Burundi, South Africa’s president said on Saturday, after a trip to the tiny nation that is facing its worst crisis since a civil war ended a decade ago.

Jacob Zuma, delivering a statement by a delegation of African leaders that he led, did not say when the monitors would arrive or start work in the country, where more than 400 people have been killed since April. Zuma left Bujumbura after the remarks.

The violence has rattled a region with a history of ethnic conflict. Burundi’s civil war, that ended in 2005, largely pitted two ethnic groups against each other.

Neighbouring Rwanda was torn apart by genocide in 1994.

Appeal Western powers have urged Africans to act. The United States and European nations have withheld some aid to poor Burundi and taken other steps to try to put pressure on the government to resolve the crisis, but they say it has had little impact.

“We believe strongly that the solution to Burundi’s political problems can be attained only through inclusive and peaceful dialogue,” Zuma said in the statement, which also expressed “concerns” about the level of violence and killings.

The decision to send monitors suggests a compromise had been reached with Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza, who triggered the crisis in April when he announced a bid for a third term. He went on to win a disputed election in July, in the face of street protests and violent clashes.

The new initiative falls far short of the African Union’s plan announced in December to send a 5,000-strong peacekeeping force, which Nkurunziza’s government rejected.

Details about the new mission were not immediately clear. Diplomats said other African monitors that had been sent to Bujumbura last year had been stuck in their hotel unable to work because Burundi refused to sign a memorandum allowing them to operate. — Reuters

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 All families in my upper middle-class neighbourhood regularly enjoy a living standard better than that achieved by John D. Rockefeller Sr. at the time of my birth. His unparalleled fortune couldn’t buy what we now take for granted, whether the field is - to name just a few - transportation, entertainment, communication or medical services Warren Buffett, US philanthropist

MISLEADING AMERICANS

Buffett decries US candidates negative focus on economy NEW YORK: Warren Buffett bemoaned the “negative drumbeat” on the US economy from presidential candidates in his annual Berkshire Hathaway Inc shareholder letter on Saturday, saying they are misleading Americans into believing their children

will be worse off then they are.

“It’s an election year, and candidates can’t stop speaking about our country’s problems (which, of course, only they can solve),” Buffett wrote, italicising “they” for emphasis. As a result of their dour outlook on the US economy,

many Americans now believe that their children will not live as prosperously as they themselves do, the 85-year-old Buffett said.

“That view is dead wrong: The babies being born in America today are the luckiest crop in history,” Buffett said. — Reuters

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Mugabe birthday bash riles critics Critics blame President Robert Mugabe for many of the problems. They say his policies drove one of Africa’s most promising economies into nearly a decade of deep recession until 2008 that cut its output almost in half

Mugabe’s lavish birthday parties have become an annual pilgrimage for loyalists, but this year’s celebration in the drought-battered Masvingo province proved controversial

MASVINGO (ZIMBABWE): President Robert Mugabe marked his 92nd birthday at a nearly $1 million party organised by supporters on Saturday, drawing criticism from opponents who said the celebrations in a drought-stricken area were an affront to ordinary Zimbabweans.

Frustration Africa’s oldest leader, Mugabe turned 92 on February 21 and shows no intention of stepping down, much to the frustration of feuding members of his ruling ZANU-PF party who have been long trying to position themselves

for his succession. Thousands of party supporters gathered next to the Great Zimbabwe ruins to pay tribute to Mugabe, the country’s only leader since independence from Britain in 1980.

Celebrations Mugabe, who was accompanied by his wife, Grace, and their children, released 92 balloons and sat listening to poetry readings, songs and chants by supporters hailing him as an African icon and a visionary.

A giant cake made to look like the ancient ruins for which Zimbabwe is named was set out in a nearby marquee. School children, foreign diplomats, government ministers and security chiefs were also present.

Pupurai Togarepi, ZANU-PF’s youth leader said 50,000 people were expected to attend and defended spending $800,000 on the birthday celebrations.

“Money is not the issue here.

You cannot put a price on the con-

tribution of President Mugabe to the history and development of this nation. All these things are worth more than money,” Togarepi told Reuters.

Mugabe’s lavish birthday parties have become an annual pilgrimage for loyalists and those seeking favours from the veteran leader, but this year’s celebration in the drought-battered Masvingo province proved particularly controversial.

Mugabe said no-one would

starve as a result of a drought.

In a characteristic gibe at Western countries, he said Zimbabwe would not accept aid if it came with conditions that the country should accept gay rights. “If aid, as I undesterand, is to be given on the basis that we accept the principle of marriages, then let that aid stay were it is,” Mugabe said during an hour-long speech.

“We don’t want it. It is rotten aid, filthy aid and we won’t have anything to do with it.”

In Masvingo, 75 per cent of the staple maize crop was destroyed by the parched conditions, making it the hardest-hit in the southern African nation. Zimbabwe’s worst drought since 1992 has left three million people facing hunger and Zimbabwe has appealed for nearly $1.6 billion to help pay for grain and other food.

“ZANU-PF should be utterly ashamed of hosting an expensive birthday bash for their aging ruler whilst more than 90 per cent of Zimbabweans are wallowing in grinding poverty caused by decades of Robert Mugabe’s misrule

and mismanagement of the economy,” Obert Gutu, a spokesman for the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), said in a statement.

“The money that is being budgeted for this ill-conceived birthday bash should actually be used to import maize to avert the impending starvation in Masvingo province and other parts of the country,” he added in Friday’s statement.

Blame Critics blame Mugabe for many of the problems facing the country.

They say his policies, including the seizures and redistribution of white-owned commercial farms, drove one of Africa’s most promising economies into nearly a decade of deep recession until 2008 that cut its output almost in half.

Mugabe, whose ant-Western rhetoric has won him cheers in Africa, on Thursday donated 300 cattle to the African Union, saying this would dissuade the continent from over relying on external partners who bring donations with strings attached. — Reuters

R E S T O R AT I O N

Turkey begins repairs on Iraqi Kurdish oil pipeline ISTANBUL/DIYARBAKIR: Turkey has begun work to repair a pipeline taking crude oil from northern Iraq to the Mediterranean through its restive southeast and aims to restore flows soon, the Turkish energy ministry said on Saturday.

The pipeline, which has been repeatedly sabotaged in recent months, normally carries some 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude from Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region and the disputed Kirkuk oil fields to the port of Ceyhan for export.

Rising security threats in Turkey’s southeast mean Iraqi Kurdish exports to world markets through the pipeline could remain halted for another two weeks, Turkish shipping and industry sources said on Friday.

The energy ministry said the pipeline was most recently suspended on February 17 due to temporary security measures.

Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, who have waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey’s southeast, carried out a bomb attack on the pipeline in the Idil district of Sirnak province on February 25.

The ministry said there was no fire as a result of the bomb as the crude flow had already been stopped, but 40-inch and 46-inch diameter pipes were damaged.

“The Ministry of Energy has launched work to repair the damage to the oil pipeline and the security forces have taken necessary steps to ensure the pipeline’s safety. We expect to restart the oil delivery soon,” it said in a statement.

The outage, one of the longest in the past two years, is a major

STAND-OFF: People stand behind the security barriers at one of

the entrance of Sur district, which is partially under curfew, in the Kurdish-dominated southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey on Thursday. – Reuters

blow to Iraq’s semi-autonomous region which depends on revenue from oil exports via the pipeline as it fights with IS militants and is struggling to avert economic collapse amid slumping energy prices.

Economic woes It also highlights how intertwined Iraqi Kurdistan’s economic woes are with the deteriorating security in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish southeast, engulfed in the worst violence since the 1990s after a two year-long ceasefire between the state and Kurdish militants collapsed last July.

Turkish security forces had detonated explosives set at several points along the pipeline, the ministry said. Security sources told Reuters the devices were set in the Yeni Mahalle district of Idil on the border with Iraq and Syria, one of the flashpoints in the latest violence.

The security sources said around 4,000 gendarmes and special force police officers had been involved in operations to clear barricades and ditches set up by militants in Yeni Mahalle.

Drones were being used to locate the militants, who were then being targeted by military shelling and snipers, they said.

The PKK, considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, launched a separatist armed rebellion against the Turkish state in 1984 in a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 people, mostly Kurds.

The PKK says it is fighting for autonomy for Turkey’s large ethnic Kurdish minority.

It has sealed off entire districts of some towns and cities in the southeast and declared autonomy, prompting the security forces to step up their operations. — Reuters

FLU-LIKE ILLNESS

Artist Yoko Ono hospitalised LOS ANGELES: The artist Yoko Ono, the widow of the late former Beatle John Lennon, was admitted to a New York City hospital on Friday after complaining of severe flu-like symptoms, her West Coast-based spokesman said.

Spokesman Elliot Mintz denied US media reports that Ono, 83, had suffered a possible stroke or heart attack, and said he understood she would be released from the hospital soon.

Ono had called her doctor, who said her symptoms sounded like the flu, and advised her to go to the hospital as a precaution, Mintz said. He did not know if she admitted herself or was taken by ambulance. Her career as an artist has spanned more than five decades.

Last year, the Museum of Modern Art in New York marked her achievements with an exhibition

Yoko Ono in New York in this file photo. – Reuters Files

of her early works showing how her ideas influenced the development of art in the city in the 1960s.

Ono, also an experimental musician and film-maker, was once described by Lennon as “the world’s most famous unknown artist: everybody knows her name

but nobody knows what she does”.

She and Lennon were married on March 20, 1969, and their son, Sean, was born in 1975. Lennon was shot to death on December 8, 1980, outside the famed Dakota apartment building just west of New York’s Central Park. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

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ROBUST GROWTH: The combined money and clearance for the

gross deposits was 20.9 per cent. The total percentage of loans to the deposits was 102.5 per cent. - Times file picture

Private deposits at banks in Oman up 6.13% Gross value for these deposits by the end of December 2015 included time deposits that stood at OMR3.36 billion, savings deposits of OMR4.39 billion and demand deposits of OMR3.85 billion, latest CBO data reveals

MUSCAT: As of the end of December 2015, private deposits at commercial banks in the Sultanate rose by 6.13 per cent to OMR11.88 billion, compared with OMR11.18 billion in the corresponding period last year, according to a monthly statistical bulletin published by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

The gross value for these deposits as of the end of December 2015 included time deposits that stood at OMR3.36 billion, savings deposits of OMR4.39 billion and demand deposits of OMR3.85 billion, the report further added.

The bulletin pointed out that the total value for these deposits included OMR10.96 billion and OMR909 million in foreign currencies. As for banking indicators for commercial banks as of the EURO-AREA

Inflation slips back to zero FRANKFURT: The euro area’s inflation rate probably slipped back to zero this month, ending a brief run of price gains and adding urgency to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) review of its stimulus.

The stagnation forecast by economists follows a 0.3 per cent increase in consumer prices in January. The deterioration may not end this month, with ECB policy makers saying that lower oil costs mean that price drops are on the cards in the coming months.

It’s not just headline inflation that’s weakening. Core price growth, which excludes volatile food and energy, probably cooled to 0.9 per cent in February from one per cent in January, according to the Bloomberg survey.

The euro-wide number will follow disappointing data from Germany, France and Spain.

In Germany, the European Union-harmonised inflation rate dropped to minus 0.2 per cent from 0.4 per cent. — Bloomberg News

end of December 2015, the bulletin said the broad money and clearance of the deposits in riyals was 23.9 per cent. The combined money and clearance for the gross deposits was 20.9 per cent.

The total percentage of loans to the deposits was 102.5 per cent.

The rate of foreign currency to the total deposits was 12.4 per cent. The rate of foreign assets to the total loans was 13.4 per cent.

The rate of foreign assets to the total assets was 10.1 per cent. The ratio of foreign liabilities to total liabilities was 16.7 per cent.

The on-demand deposits to total private deposits was 32.2 per cent. The capital and reserves to the total deposits was 18.4 per cent. The rate of allocations and the retained interests to the total credit was 3.4 per cent. — ONA

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

MARKET F I S H C AT C H

Oman’s traditional fish catch grew 8.4% in 2015

REVENUE RISES: Total value of fish landings on the other hand increased 15.1 per cent to OMR185.16 million by the end of 2015, from OMR60.94 million in the previous year. – Times file

GLOBAL ECONOMY

Focus turns to signs of growth momentum at G20 summit LONDON: Investors worried about the risk of a new global recession are hoping that data over the coming week will show that some momentum remains in the world economy, eight years into its slow recovery from the financial crisis.

The Group of 20 (G20) economies were unable to agree on a joint push for new stimulus measures at a meeting which ended on Saturday, turning attention instead to upcoming business surveys from China, Japan, Europe the United States.

Central banks in Europe and Japan may inject a little more stimulus into their economies later in March. But the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England look likely to sit tight for now, meaning hopes for a period of calm in the world’s volatile financial markets lie largely with the indicators.

“It seems economic data will have to bear the burden of stabili sentiment,” economists at Barclays said in a note to clients on Friday. A first reading of inflation in February for the euro zone on Monday will help shape expectations of how much further below zero the European Central Bank (ECB) is likely to push its deposit rate the following week. - Reuters

MUSCAT: Oman’s fish catch by traditional fishery registered a rise of 8.4 per cent in 2015 compared to 2014 figures. As much as 225,297 tonnes of fish landings were recorded last year, while the previous year’s quantity stood at 207,775 tonnes, according to the recent data published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Total value of fish landings on the other hand increased 15.1 per cent to OMR185.16 million by the end of 2015, from OMR60.94 million in the previous year.

Meanwhile, total fish landings using traditional, commercial and coastal fishing increased 8.8 per cent to 229,626 tonnes last year from 210,984 tonnes in 2014.

Coastal fishery registered a growth of 40.5 per cent over the period to 3,679 tonnes while commercial fishery witnessed a 10.1 per cent to 650 tonnes.

According to the report of the traditional fishery figures, it says that the Governorates of North and South Al Sharqiyah recorded the largest catch at 56,636 tonnes, marking a rise of 6.8 per cent as against 53,034 tonnes in 2014.

The Governorate of Al Wusta followed with fish landings of 52,599 tonnes, comprising a 6.5 per cent growth over 49,376 tonnes in the previous year. Landed fish in the Governorates of North and South Al Batinah logged a rise of 9.8 per cent, reaching 42,567 tonnes last year compared to 38,762 tonnes in 2014.

Fish landings at the Governorate of Muscat posted a growth of 7 per cent from 2014 figure of 17,374 tonnes to reach 18,597 tonnes last year. The Governorate of Dhofar recorded the highest growth rate in fish landings at 19.7 per cent, taking the catch to 35,775 tonnes from 29,891 tonnes earlier. However, the Governorate of Musandam saw figures slumping by 1.1 per cent to 19,124 tonnes from 19,338 tonnes in 2014.

Small Pelagic fish formed the largest share of the traditional fish landings at 87,573 tonnes, but the quantity suffered a 2 per cent drop from 2014 catch of 89,377 tonnes.

Large Pelagic landings were the second highest at 67,115 tonnes posting a 39.4 per cent year-on-

year growth. Demersal fish landings, the third highest catch, grew 1.4 per cent to 53,389 tonnes during the period.

Benthic fish landings by traditional fishery stood at 53,389 tonnes, comprising a rise by 1.4 per cent, compared to 52,647 tonnes in 2014. Sharks posted 27 per cent, reaching 9,391 tonnes as against 7,394 per cent in 2014.

Meanwhile, crustaceans and clams landings saw a whopping 830 tonnes of shrimps, 474 tonnes of lobster and 5 tonnes of squid while no Abalone landing yet because its fishing season did not start yet. Fish landings by coastal fishing stood at 3,679 tonnes while landings through commercial fishing stood at 650 tonnes. — ONA

First stage of Bidbid-Sur road project to be ready this year Ministry of Transport and Communications is currently executing several road projects in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah

IBRA: Ministry of Transport and Communications is currently executing several road projects in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah, the most important of which are Bidbid-Sur dual-carriageway (first stage; two parts) and SinawMahout road (two stages).

The first stage of 115-km-long Bidbid-Sur dual-carriageway project starts from Al Rusayl-Nizwa dual-carriageway in the wilayat of Bidbid in the Governorate Al Dakhiliyah and extends upto Masroon in the wilayat of Ibra in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah.

In 2015, the Ministry of Trans-

WORK IN PROGRESS: The first stage of 115-km-long Bidbid-Sur dual-carriageway project starts from

Al Rusayl-Nizwa dual-carriageway in the wilayat of Bidbid in the Governorate Al Dakhiliyah and extends upto Masroon. - ONA file

port and Communications partly opened for 62-km-long stretch for traffic, including, 18km of the first part and 44km of the second part or 56 per cent of the length of the first stage.

Eng. Salim bin Mohammed Al Nu’aimi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Transport said that the ministry’s projects in the Governorate of North Al Sharqi-

yah is progressing well as per the preset schedule and hopefully the first stage of Bidbid-Sur dualcarriageway project will be completed by the end of 2016.

Bidbid stretch He added that work is underway in the remaining parts of the first stage from the beginning of the stage till Al Dasr area in the wilayat of Bidbid and the stretch

between Al Mukhtabiyah and Al Yahmadi in the wilayat of Ibra, in addition to the most important and difficult portion, which is part of Wadi Uqq. “Work is also underway in the first and second part of the second stage of the project and hopefully some parts will be opened before traffic in 2016 including the 15-km ring road from after the wilayat of Al Qabil and till the crossroad of the

wilayat of Bani Khalid in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah, as well as the 12-km-long part from Saih Al Salb to Al Najd in the wilayat of Al Kamil wal Wafi,” he said.

One of the major projects implemented by the ministry is the rehabilitation of Sinaw-Mahout Al Duqm road (181 km), especially the existing road is full of cracks and holes.

The 81-km-long ‘first stage’ and 70 per cent of the second stage (100km) of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016. The project is expected to be fully completed by 2017.

The undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Transport said that the ministry is currently implementing Samad Al Shan-Wadi Endam (13km) road and internal roads in Al Aflaj Village (17km) in the wilayat of Al Mudhaibi and works are expected to be completed this year.

“Ibra internal dual-carriageway is currently in study and design stage,” he said. — ONA

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I NAUG U R AT I O N

Asia Express Exchange relocates Bousher outlet Times News Service MUSCAT: Asia Express Exchange, the leading money exchange and remittance company in the region with 28 branches in Oman, has relocated their Bousher branch to a more spacious and a conveniently accessible location at Lulu Hypermarket in Bousher on Thursday.

The new branch was inaugurated by Adeeb Ahamed, managing director of Asia Express Exchange in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Hamed Ali Al Ghazali, director and other officials of Asia Express Exchange.

Asia Express Exchange has over the years emerged as a preferred exchange house providing fast and reliable money transfer worldwide and foreign exchange services to a cross-section of society, powered by a huge network, reputed partners and high standards of customer care.

The Bousher branch relocation comes with the company’s strategy to reinforce its growing presence in local markets while reaching out to its wide range of customers and providing easy and convenient access to its wide range of services.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ceremony, Adeeb Ahamed said, “We are pleased to

move to this new location. The new branch’s location and amenities allows us to better serve our esteemed customers and is in line with our continued efforts to bring convenience to our clients.”

Customer satisfaction Asia Express attributes its growing success to its talented workforce of Omani and expat employees who are equipped with the latest technologies in the field.

Customer satisfaction being their ultimate goal, Asia Express thoroughly analyses the budding customer needs and wants and takes all such measures to cater to their demands.

The steadily increasing number of Asia Express branches across the Sultanate serves as a proof of their success.

“Our culture of quality and standardization makes sure that every branch offers the same quality of service that we have become renowned for. It is our high caliber workforce backed by training and the latest technologies that help us deliver the highest standards of customer satisfaction. We will continue striving towards spreading our network to get as close to our customers as possible and keep offering the best of services and solutions,” added Adeeb Ahamed.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

B3

MARKET Japan’s yen worries G-20 leaders At 20 meet in China, Bank of Japan’s unprecedented monetary stimulus, which has weakened the currency and driven bond yields to historic lows was a matter of concern FIFTH EDITION

Forum to discuss Oman economy and investment MUSCAT: Fifth edition of Oman Economic Forum begin on March 23-24 at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat under the theme ‘Oman a bridge between Asia and GCC’.

The forum will discuss the latest developments in the Oman economy and the available investment opportunities, as well as the Omani-Asian economic relations, and how they could be developed at all levels.

The forum is organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in conjunction with Al Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF), the Central Bank of Oman and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event will host over 500 participants, among whom investors and businessmen from the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab and foreign states, including over 100 global investment funds as well as official and commercial delegations coming from China, Japan, Iran, Turkey and other Asian countries.

Global trade Mohsen bin Khamis Al Balushi, advisor of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the forum aims to support the development goals of the government and in particular the objective of promoting Oman’s position as a station for international trade and the movement of multimodal transport between continents, as well as a hub to attract international investments by providing the best environment attractive to them.

He stressed that the fifth forum reflects the importance of this event and its success as a key and effective platform that gathers representatives of government agencies and the relevant private sector, as well as domestic and foreign investors.

He explained that the forum is a proof of the confidence of local and international investors in the feasibility of investment in the Sultanate which, despite the drop in oil prices and revenues, has remained stable and growth during 2015.

The forum’s programme will tackle a range of topics including Oman’s economic outlook, Oman’s role as a bridge between Asia and the GCC, the key investment opportunities in the Sultanate, the investment prospects in Iran, the main factors attracting investments and the enhancement of entrepreneurship through small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The forum will be sponsored by Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest). - ONA

SHANGHAI: China’s currency was expected to be one of the main topics at this week’s Group of 20 (G20) meeting. Instead, Japan’s yen and monetary policy were identified as a source of concern for some officials from the world’s leading economies.

“The debate was also about Japan, to be honest — there was some concern that we would get into a situation of competitive devaluations,” Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem said in Shanghai. Once one country devalues it’s currency, “the risk is very large that another follows and we get into competitive devaluation,” Dijsselbloem told reporters.

The comments indicated increasing concern about the Bank

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of Japan’s (BoJ) unprecedented monetary stimulus, which has weakened the yen against the dollar and driven bond yields to historic lows. The announcement of a negative rate policy last month surprised markets and spurred currency volatility.

Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda told reporters in Shanghai on Saturday that there was no opposition to the bank’s negative rate policy at the G-20 meeting, and that he got under-

standing from G-20 members. A Japanese Finance Ministry official told reporters on Friday that there weren’t any questions from other nations in response to Kuroda’s presentation to the G-20.

No surprises If devaluation is a consequence of monetary policy which is motivated by real macro-economic domestic reasons, then nations must make sure to inform and consult with each other so there are no surprises, Dijsselbloem said Saturday.

By contrast, one official from the G-20, who asked not to be identified as the talks were private, said members were broadly reassured that China isn’t going to start weakening its currency. Chinese

policy makers have repeatedly said there’s no basis for long-term depreciation of the yuan. Brazilian Finance Minister Nelson Barbosa claimed credit for his country in convincing China to avoid competitive devaluation.

The BoJ in January followed the European Central Bank, the Swiss monetary authority and others in charging financial institutions interest on some of the reserves they keep at the central bank. The policy doesn’t target foreign exchange rates, Kuroda said in parliament on Friday before heading to Shanghai.

From the perspective of Japanese policy makers, they might not have had any choice, said one official from a G-20 emerging market.

Yet BoJ policy creates an impact around the region and there was concern about this, said the official, who asked not to be identified as the discussions aren’t public.

Meanwhile, global finance chiefs at G20 are stepping up their call for development lenders such as the World Bank to help support economic growth by further opening the infrastructure taps.

Multilateral development banks should present concrete actions by July, says a draft. - Bloomberg News

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SUNDAY, FEBRUA RY 28, 2016

FEATURE

DEFAULT HITS INDIAN BUILDER IN SINGAPORE The New Delhi-based group intended to restructure S$230 million ($163.5 million) of debt owed to banks and unsecured creditors at Sembawang Engineers and Constructors Pte and S$176 million at Punj Lloyd Pte

O

ne Indian construction firm has learned that racking up debt to add an executive jet and a coal mine to the mix maybe was not a good idea.

Punj Lloyd Ltd.’s Singapore units filed for judicial management on February 17 after creditors rejected one of the two subsidiaries’ debt restructuring plans, as some oil and rail projects bled losses and attempts to diversify into other business areas backfired. Unsecured creditors would get zero to half-a-cent on the dollar recovery based on liquidation scenario analyses on December 22, according to court documents seen by Bloomberg.

The builder’s financial strains provide a window into why Indian banks are scaling back lending as their stressed assets reach a 14-year high. Central bank governor Raghuram Rajan has given lenders until March 2017 to boost provisions, as soured loans

threaten to hamper economic growth after 11 state-run banks incurred losses last quarter.

Group of lenders A group of lenders has placed restrictions on Punj Lloyd’s investments to monitor its cash flow under a ‘corrective action plan,’ according to court documents.

It is difficult to gauge the level of stressed assets from “corporates draining cash in poor investments,” said Mehul Sukkawala, Singapore-based lead analyst for South Asia corporate ratings at Standard & Poor’s. “In many cases, it is investments which seemed to make sense at the time of making investment, though due to the change in commodity cycle or economic environment or regulations, start registering losses.”

“The company will work closely with the judicial manager, once appointed by the court, to solicit support” for a revised restructur-

ing plan, Punj Lloyd said in an e-mailed reply to Bloomberg on February 18. The potential recovery for creditors under the new plan is being assessed, it said. The New Delhi-based group intended to restructure S$230 million ($163.5 million) of debt owed to banks and unsecured creditors at Sembawang Engineers and Constructors Pte and S$176 million at Punj Lloyd Pte, according to their restructuring documents.

Creditors voted down the first, prompting the company to pull the second, according to a January 18 company filing.

The interests of creditors outside the Punj Lloyd group were not seriously taken care of in the proposals, said Soon Wei Min, a director at Singapore-based Mirador Building Contractor in Singapore, which has taken legal steps to recover its dues. The defaulter had money but had chosen to settle inter-company debt ahead of suppliers, he added.

In many cases, it is investments which seemed to make sense at the time of making investment, though due to the change in commodity cycle or economic environment or regulations, start registering losses.”

Mehul Sukkawala

Singapore-based lead analyst

“Of course, we will be glad if Punj Lloyd Pte comes up with a better plan,” said Berry, a spokesman who goes by one name at Top Zone Construction & Engineering Pte., one of the creditors.

“We had wanted to support the scheme of arrangement but we could not beat the majority who opposed it. It’s better to recover some money than nothing at all.”

Branching out Punj Lloyd’s units in Singapore bought a $55 million Gulfstream G650 jet in 2008 and invested $41 million to develop a coalmine in Indonesia 2011, both part-funded by loans from the parent company. The aircraft was sold to the parent for S$50 million in late 2014 to settle the loans, while the coal mine may be sold to repay debt, according to the restructuring documents.

“Punj Lloyd does not regret these investments that are made,” the company said in the e-

mail. “Both the investments have economic value which would be unlocked in due course.”

The listed parent sank deeper in the red in the nine-months through December 31, with gross borrowings at Rs.78 billion ($1.1 billion) against Rs.7.3 billion cash. In Singapore, it lost S$20.7 million building a petrochemical plant for Jurong Aromatics Corp. and faced late-delivery penalties on subway, waterworks and prison projects due to higher material costs, court documents show.

Indian banks had loaned Rs.12 trillion to companies involved in engineering, construction and infrastructure sectors as of the end of 2015, double the volume five years ago, according to central bank statistics. India’s loans growth has cooled to near the slowest pace in 20 years, while Junior Finance Minister Jayant Sinha estimated the size of stressed assets at about Rs8 trillion. – Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

Renault launches special offers on its entire range of vehicles signed the scheme to add to the pleasure and convenience of owning a Renault model and ensure hassle and worry-free driving at all times. Customers can also avail easy financing option with attractive interest rates. Renault has always made pioneering efforts to offer world class facilities and services to its valued customers.

Customers will be entitled to receive exclusive benefits and assured cash back up to OMR1,500

MUSCAT: Renault Oman from Suhail Bahwan Group has announced its exclusive Q1 offer on its sleek range of vehicles for customers which lasts till April 23.

Renault’s exclusive offer comprises a plethora of benefits on most of its top selling models as well as its newly launched models last year, says a press release.

Renault’s sedan segment comprises a prestigious lineup of vehicles that include the sleek Renault Fluence, the strikingly good looking Renault Safrane and the newly launched Renault Symbol and Renault Megane. The SUV/crossover range comprises the Renault Duster, Renault Koleos and the all-new

2015 Renault Captur and lastly the recently launched LCV vehicle – the Renault Dokker Van. Exclusive offers include: The Renault Symbol 1.6l: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/30,000km (whichever comes first), free unlimited warranty period of up to six years, AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR500.

The Renault Megane 1.6l SE CVT: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/30,000km (whichever comes first), free unlimited

warranty period of up to six years, AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR600.

The Renault Fluence 1.6l;and 2.0l: Customers will be entitled to receive free registration, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/30,000km (whichever comes first), free unlimited warranty period of up to six years, AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR1,000.

Renault Safrane 2.0l, 2.5l and 3.5l: Customer benefits include free registration, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/30,000km (whichever comes first), free unlimited warranty period of up to six years, AAA road side assistance card and

a cash gift of OMR1,000.

Renault Koleos 2.5l: Customers will be entitled to free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to six years free registration, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/30,000km (whichever comes first), AAA road side assistance card, and a cash gift of OMR1,500.

Renault Duster 2.0l PE and SE model (2 wheel drive & 4 wheel drive) attractions comprise free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to six years, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/30,000km (whichever comes first), AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR750.

F O O D A N D H O S P I TA L I T Y S H O W

The upbeat Renault Captur 1.2l Turbo PE, SE and LE models comes with free registration, free unlimited warranty period of up to six years, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/30,000km (whichever comes first), AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR1,000.

Renault Dokker LE 1.2l M/T model (with and without partition) comes with free registration, free periodic maintenance service up to two years/ 30,000km (whichever comes first), AAA road side assistance card and a cash gift of OMR500.

Financing options Suhail Bahwan Automobiles de-

A world class brand Renault is a world class brand today, focusing mainly on the important aspects such as safety, style, performance, value and reliability - keeping alive the motoring heritage of Renault. The Renault principle of safety is outlined in four basic points: Prevent, correct, protect and educate.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 80 outlets – showrooms, service centres and parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

A N N UA L D AY C E L E B R AT I O N

SOHAR participates at Gulfood 2016 MUSCAT: SOHAR Port and Freezone joined thousands of companies at Gulfood 2016 in Dubai — the world’s largest food and hospitality show, with over 90,000 visitors from 160 countries expected this year.

The show connects the global food industry, helping to benchmark prices, quality, service and reliability, while also unveiling the latest tastes, trends and innovations.

As SOHAR progresses with the construction of its Food Zone, the first of its kind in the region, the show was the perfect venue to meet international investors looking to play a part in Oman’s plans to expand its food-processing sector, says a press release.

The new Food Zone offers a dedicated agro-terminal in one of the region’s best-connected ports, with world-class infrastructure and connectivity right across the Arabian Peninsula.

The new Food Zone will one day feature grain storage facilities and there are plans in place for

Oman’s first sugar refinery, which will largely eliminate the Sultanate’s current need to import over 120,000 tonnes of refined sugar a year. The new Food Zone will also play a major part in Oman’s plans to expand its food-processing sector.

“The combination SOHAR will soon be able to offer of available foodstuffs, abundant feedstock for packaging, and world-class logistics is a big draw for international

food companies looking for the perfect regional base in the Middle East. This combined with recent developments in road, air, sea and, soon, rail infrastructure, will undoubtedly spur interest in SOHAR as a prime destination for further agro-industrial investments,” said Andre Toet, SOHAR CEO speaking at Gulfood.

Last year, the Sohar Food Cluster Company (SFCC) signed a

lease agreement for a 10-hectare plot located next to the new container terminal. Through SFCC, the UAE’s Essa Al Ghurair Investment will create the basic infrastructure to attract international investors as partners in joint ventures to launch various food-related industries at SOHAR. Other investments could look at opportunities in associated areas such as cold storage, warehousing and many other areas along the supply chain.

One such firm is an India-based agribusiness that has recently signed a joint venture agreement for the setting up of a rice and pulses storage, processing and packaging facility in SOHAR Food Zone. At an estimated cost of $39 million, the facility will feature a polishing, grading, blending and packaging unit for 100,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of premium long grain rice and a state-of-the-art milling unit for 100,000 TPA of pulses. The project is expected to commence operations by 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Nikon brings ‘Seeing Creatively’ tour to Oman MUSCAT: Nikon, the world leader in digital imaging, is presenting ‘Seeing Creatively’, a regional photography tour that is inspiring and exciting photography enthusiasts across multiple cities in the Middle East and Africa region.

The sessions are being conducted by the world-renowned, multiawarded commercial photographer, Bryan F. Peterson (www. bryanfpeterson.com), author of 8 best-selling photography books published in 11 languages, says a press release.

Khimji Ramdas and Nikon have jointly built the photographic culture in Oman for over three decades now. In their quest for excellence in the use of professional photographic equipment, the two well-established brands have opened Nikon School; which today serves the growing needs of photoenthusiasts by offering basic and intermediary courses regularly.

Commenting on the latest workshop, Rohit Shah, general manager, Khimji’s Luxury and Lifestyle division, said, “From its inception, Nikon School Muscat has set high standards by inviting world renowned photographers like Daniel Cheong, who visited Oman 13 months ago to attend the Photo Summit Event which saw famous Omani photographers like Ahmed Al Shukali participating in the dis-

cussions. This year we are happy to have the presence of photography maestro Bryan Peterson, who will further enrich the interaction of the Nikon School.”

The tour that commenced on February 5 and will end today, is providing both aspiring and professional photographers an opportunity to enhance their skills and learn new techniques. The sessions were conducted across countries,

including Kuwait, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The Oman event was held at Sultan Qaboos University Conference Hall on February 10 in association with Oman Photographic Society.

Bryan Peterson expressed his excitement about the workshop: “I am eager to meet the aspiring photographers in the region and assist them in reaching their photographic potential through the platform Nikon School has provided. The sessions, open to everyone, will familiarise aspiring photographers to the different aspects of photography and demonstrate how a simple shot can be turned into a creative image.” Takashi Yoshida, the managing director for Nikon Middle East, stated: “Through ongoing Nikon School initiatives, like ‘Seeing Creatively’, Nikon aims to spread support to ambitious photographers in the region as well as across the globe."

New silver jubilee block inaugurated at IS Muladha MUSCAT: The new silver jubilee block was inaugurated at Indian School Muladha as part of the school’s 25th Annual Day celebration.

The chief guest Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, unveiled the block, says a press release.

Dr Kazi Arshad Jafar, president of the School Management Committee, Dr M. Madhusudhanan, convenor, Siddique Hassan, treasurer, Felix Vincent Gabriel, Mustafa M. T., Sundaram Miller, School Management Committee members, S. I. Shareef, principal, V. S. Suresh, vice principal, Dr Lekha O. C., CC &

EC coordinator, HoDs of various departments and teachers attended the function.

The new block consists of 25 spacious classrooms, one smartboard room and also provided with a separate toilet block. The computer lab which is fully furnished is the main attraction of the building.

Pandey was given a cordial welcome on the school premises and he was led to the silver jubilee block and computer lab for a formal inauguration of the new infrastructure which is yet another feather in its crown as the school is celebrating its 25th foundation day.

H U M A N I TA R I A N A I D

Sale of Aston Martin DB10 provides vital funds to MSF LONDON: The highly coveted and incredibly rare Aston Martin DB10 made for the latest James Bond film, Spectre, went under the auctioneer’s gavel at Christie’s in London recently. The bidding was tense and exciting before a final bid of an amazing £2,434,500.

The buyer now owns a true piece of automotive history; the only Aston Martin DB10 to be made available for public sale, says a press release.

The money raised by the auction of the Aston Martin DB10 will benefit Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). MSF - or ‘Doctors

without Borders’ – is a global humanitarian aid organisation that provides medical care and support to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and other disasters.

Dr Andy Palmer, CEO - Aston Martin said: “The DB10 is one of the rarest cars ever created. Only 10 will ever be made and this is the only one that will be made available for sale. It’s great to see this DB10 raising vital funds for Médecins Sans Frontières, it is a fantastic charity that we are delighted to support.”

‘James Bond Spectre – The Live Auction’, was a unique collection of 10 lots.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

ROUND-UP Ford’s compact Figo: A popular choice in Oman

LANDMARK PROJECT

The compact

Malabar Group set to launch $293m Malabar Integrated Township in Kerala

sedan Figo delights consumers with its inspired design, smart technology, advanced safety features, world-class quality and powerful, efficient engines

MUSCAT: Ford’s peppy compact sedan – Figo is a popular choice for customers who desire the most out of a car for much less.

The compact sedan Figo delights consumers with its inspired design, smart technology, advanced safety features, worldclass quality and powerful, efficient engines.

In Oman, Figo is offered in three trim levels: entry-level Ambiente, mid-level Trend and top-of-the-line Titanium. Figo is available in 4-door configuration and offers a 1.5L petrol engine churning an impressive 105 hp and 138 Nm of torque @ 4,500 rpm, says a press release.

Ford Figo breaks all stereotypes and proves that a compact sedan can also have the best of everything – be it stunning design, smart technology, advanced safety and impressive fuel efficiency.

Reflecting the growing need for consumers to stay connected at all times, the Figo features exceptional smart technologies that help customers integrate their car more easily into their digital lives. MyFord Dock, a first-in-class feature, offers drivers a unique solution for storing, mounting and charging mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, and for integrating these devices into the car’s entertainment system.

When not in use, the dock can be closed out of sight.

Those desiring even greater technological integration can choose a Figo equipped with SYNC, Ford’s advanced in-car

connectivity system. SYNC allows drivers to control their phone and entertainment hands-free using simple voice commands. To encourage responsible driving, the new Figo features Ford’s MyKey technology. MyKey lets owners programme keys with restricted driving modes that encourage good habits, such as increasing seat belt use, limiting vehicle top speeds and regulating audio volume.

Designed from the ground up to protect occupants in the event of a collision, the Figo features a robust passenger cage created from high-strength steel, and firstin-class standard driver and passenger airbags across the range.

Also for the first time in a compact sedan, the Figo offers up to six airbags – including side and curtain airbags – for an extra level of protection in the front and rear compartments. While on the road, the Figo helps instil confidence with available driver-assist technologies that take the stress out of driving. When setting off on a steep slope the segment-first Hill Launch Assist feature holds the vehicle for up to three seconds as the driver’s foot moves from the brake to the accelerator.

During sudden manoeuvres, the Electronic Stability Program keeps the driver in command, braking individual wheels as needed to keep the vehicle on course. An Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution also helps drivers to stay in control, preventing wheel lockup and main-

taining stability while braking. A speed lip under the front of the car further enhances aerodynamic performance by deflecting air away from the underbody, where components can create significant drag, and the side mirrors have been optimised to minimise drag and reduce wind noise. At the rear, sharp, clean edges on the deck-lid and tail lights help the Figo to slip smoothly through the air, reducing turbulence behind the car to reduce drag.

The sophisticated and stylish exterior of the Figo is matched by a modern interior that delivers an extraordinary experience for a compact car. Intelligent and careful space management creates a surprisingly roomy cabin emphasizing quality, comfort and convenience. All occupants will notice exceptional levels of craftsmanship, with colours and materials carefully selected by Ford designers to create a refined and premium environment.

The Figo also offers no fewer than 20 smart storage spaces and convenience features to ensure the driver and passengers never need to leave anything behind. Some highlights include bottle holders in both front doors that can hold a 1.5-litre and a 1.0-litre bottle at the same time, with room left over for an umbrella; a cavernous boot with 430 litres of luggage space, enough for a family getaway; a bag holder in the boot that keeps bags upright to help you carry groceries home safely; a large glove box big enough to fit a laptop that also features a con-

venient pen holder; three cup holders for front seat occupants, and a convenient bin for rear passengers at the back of the centre console; seat-back pockets that can hold newspapers and magazines for rear-seat passengers; a handy tray with a rubber mat, ideal for holding a mobile phone or sunglasses; a convenient coin holder that can be used to keep valuables out of sight; for the ultimate in security, a secret side compartment, only accessible when the driver’s door is open, that can be used to store valuables.

True to Ford’s commitment to delivering a fun-to-drive experience, the Figo has been designed and engineered to offer precise, agile and responsive steering, and stable, predictable handling. This performance is made possible by Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which provides lighter steering effort at low speeds – for parking and in-city manoeuvring – and heavier, more precise feel at high speeds for greater stability and confidence on highways. By replacing the belt-driven hydraulic pump of a traditional power steering system with an electric motor, EPAS makes for a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power – which helps to improve fuel economy.

Those wishing to experience the exciting Figo are invited to visit any Ford showroom across the country.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co.

DUBAI: Malabar Group, which developed a strong reputation as a gold and diamond jewellery trade, is set to launch Malabar Integrated Township – a mixeduse master-planned community that will be built in Thrissur, central Kerala in India with a development cost of Rs20 billion (AED1.07 billion; $293 million).

This landmark project is being developed by its property division – Malabar Developers, says a press release.

Malabar Integrated Township, a city within a city where one can live, work and play, will create a community comprising information technology hub, a commercial business cluster, a large convention facility, a residential community, a shopping mall and entertainment centre.

It will also host a five-star hotel along with a business hotel and an iconic residential tower that will raise the profile of Kerala in urban landscape. IT professionals will be able to live and work within the same community that will offer them a perfect work-life balance. Conveniently located on the National Highway 47, the project is situated closely from 90-minute driving distance of three international airports – Kochi, Coimbatore and Calicut.

The project, that will create more than 50,000 jobs, will be built on a five million square feet area.

About 40 per cent of the area will be for residential projects while 30 per cent of the area will be for the IT business park. The massive project will take Malabar Developers, which has been delivering real estate projects since 1995, to a new level and help ex-

pand the group’s capabilities to support and help realise the Indian government’s vision to take the economy to the next level.

Malabar Developers have been transforming aspirations and landscapes of a great nation and its people delivering over 1.8 million square feet in residential and commercial segments of India.

Currently Malabar Developers has on-going projects of over 3 million sqft and another 10 million sqft earmarked for construction which includes around 5,000 residential units within 8 cities across all categories of residences. “Malabar Integrated Township is going to change that. It will not only help retain and nurture the local IT talents, but also help attract those scattered across other IT hubs in the world,” said M. P. Ahammed, chairman of Malabar Group.

“Malabar Integrated Township will also attract investment in outsourcing business – which due to a competitive environment worldwide – will look at more cost effective destination. When it comes to cost advantage, no one could beat the cost competitiveness of Kerala. Our project has carefully been planned to offer a greater value to the global IT industry while looking at the economy of Kerala and India. The project, once delivered successfully, will become a model for the development of mixed-used integrated master-planned communities by the private sector developers.”

The project will offer office blocks on lease as well as sale for investors and IT companies. Malabar Developers plans to deliver the infrastructure and the full project.

T I T L E PA R T N E R

Louis Vuitton strengthens ties with America’s Cup World Series 2016 PARIS: Louis Vuitton’s longest standing partnership is one that over the years has become synonymous with daring endeavours and a quest for excellence.

Today, Louis Vuitton is renewing its commitment to the America’s Cup by becoming the title partner of the America’s Cup World Series, the America’s Cup Qualifiers and Challenger Playoffs as well as the presenting partner of the 35th America’s Cup Match, says a press release.

“Since 1983, Louis Vuitton has continued to play a major role in the America’s Cup, but this agreement is the widest-ranging yet.

Over time we have built a partnership that is quite unique in sports in terms of its longevity and our relationship is strengthened by more than 30 years of shared history. But now is the right time to take a major step forward. Under this agreement, Louis Vuitton is extending its involvement throughout the entire event. Louis

Vuitton has been proud to partner with the America’s Cup over the years. Today we are making a comprehensive commitment, one that will allow us to work together on this mythical race,” said Harvey Schiller, the commercial commissioner of the America’s Cup. The America’s Cup, the grail of yachting, sees challengers racing across the oceans becoming a lifelong quest. The freedom, courage, skill and competence that it requires reflect the true spirit of

Louis Vuitton. Sailing, exploration, technology and design are part of our heritage that continues to push boundaries further.

“It is a great honour for us to be able to renew our partnership with the America’s Cup. Together, we are about to write a new chapter of our shared history,” said Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton will assume a prominent role in all aspects of the event, ashore, on the water, in international television broadcasts and on online platforms.

MoT, Oman Sail partnership Meanwhile the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) of Oman has partnered with Oman Sail in bringing to Oman the first-ever Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, which started yesterday at Al Mouj Golf, and hosting the crew, skippers and guests coming to the Sultanate for the race.

The two-day racing event will end today and will be open to the

public, with free entrance for all.

Oman is considered one of the world’s pioneering countries in seafaring. The America’s Cup serves as the perfect opportunity to celebrate and bring attention to the country’s rich maritime heritage. Considered to be a pinnacle of sailboat racing with a long history, the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup event will help bring the spotlight onto Oman as one of the preferred sailing destinations in the world.

It will also help promote all that the country has to offer as a tourism destination.

MoT is organising traditional Omani performances at the venue and arranging a traditional Omani welcome with dates and halwa for the visitors to experience the true Omani culture and hospitality. The guests can also get photographed in traditional Omani clothing, with handicrafts, and women can choose to have some intricate henna designs applied on their hands at the village stalls.

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Doctors perform rare surgery at Al Raffah Hospital

Dr Swaroop Dundi and Dr Abhimanyu Singh Rathore, both experienced specialists in general surgery, Al Raffah Hospital, Sohar, successfully performed the three-hour long surgery, thanks to an efficient team

MUSCAT: A rare hernia surgery was successfully performed on a 32- year-old man at Al Raffah Hospital recently.

Dr Swaroop Dundi and Dr Abhimanyu Singh Rathore, both experienced specialists in general surgery, Al Raffah Hospital, Sohar, successfully performed the surgery, says a press release Dr Swaroop Dundi, specialist general surgeon, who headed the team, said: “Unlike traditional abdominal wall hernias, Spigelian hernia occurs through slit like defect in the anterior abdominal wall adjacent to the semilunar line. Most of Spigelian hernias ocACHIEVEMENT

ISG students win awards at MIT MUN conference MUSCAT: Nandita Radhakrishnan and Vidya Suresh of Indian School Ghubra (ISG) brought laurels to the school by winning the most coveted ‘Best Position Paper’ and the ‘Verbal Commendation’ certificate at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) MUN Conference 2016, says a press release.

A team of 12 enthusiastic delegates from ISG attended the MIT MUN Conference held at Boston recently. This unique and innovative high school MUN Conference is a platform for students to improve their debating and public speaking skills.

cur in the lower abdomen where the posterior sheath is deficient.

“Spigelian hernia is rare and moreover it is difficult to diagnose clinically. The diagnosis is even trickier in obese patients wherein the hernia sac may lie in an intraparietal plane, masked by the abdominal subcutaneous fat.

“It has been estimated that it constitutes only 0.12 per cent of all abdominal wall hernias.”

Dr Abhimanyu Sigh Rathore, junior specialist general surgeon at Al Raffah Hospital, Sohar who was part of the team, said: “It was a technically challenging case as it was a very large irreducible

Spigelian hernia occupying most of the right lower abdomen and since the patient was morbidly obese with a body weight of 147 kg, it added to the complexity of the case.”

Dr Swaroop added that initially the patient was considering travelling to another country for his treatment, but then he was counselled and was convinced to get operated in Oman itself.

The surgery lasted about three hours; thanks to an efficient and dynamic anaesthesia team headed by Dr Benhur and Dr Rajeev both experienced specialist anaesthetists.

The patient has been discharged and is on the road to recovery, the hospital said.

Aster Al Raffah, one of Oman’s leading hospital chains with over two decades of experience in healthcare, has always been a home to dealing with intricate and daunting health issues.

Since its inception, it has believed in delivering quality care to the people of Oman and has set new benchmarks in the treatment and care of those battling with painful diseases.

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ROUND-UP FUN RUN EVENT

SA event promotes healthy lifestyle among employees MUSCAT: Sohar Aluminium (SA) conducted its annual fun run event recently. The gathering saw around 400 employees, contractors and their families as well as Al Batinah International School’s (ABIS) students and staff participate in running and walking races.

The event is meant to give the participants an opportunity to enjoy having fun and spending quality time with family members and colleagues outside working hours.

It also aims at promoting healthy lifestyle and the importance of physical exercise to stay fit, says a press release.

Sohar Aluminium’s annual fun run is one of the most eagerly awaited events for SA employees, contractors and families since 2011, and always witnesses a large number of participants taking part.

The event, having two categories:

running for 8 kilometres and walking for 4 kilometres, saw healthy competition with good camaraderie among all the athletes and the winners in the various categories proudly carried home their trophies. Children below the age of 16 had separate categories in running and walking for 4 kilometres.

Sohar Aluminium firmly believes that people are its number one priority and thus has a number

of events and initiatives spread throughout the year focusing on its employees, their families and the wider community.

This comes as a part of SA’s series of Key Stakeholder Engagement Events. These family oriented events give a personal face to the industry and constitute an excellent platform for sharing the company values and communicating vital messages.

BOOK DISTRIBUTOR

Al Bhaj Books participates in Muscat International Book Fair MUSCAT: Al Bhaj Books, a leading book distributor in the Sultanate of Oman, is participating in the 21st Muscat International Book Fair, which is being held from February 24 to March 5, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb, says a press release.

Al Bhaj, which was formed more than 21 years ago in Oman, is the most preferred book distributor for leading publishers of Arabic,

English and regional languages around the world. It is the authorised distributor of DC books (the first ISO 9000 certified Indian Publisher) which publishes over 10,000 titles in Malayalam and English, including children’s literature, poetry, reference biography, self help, yoga, management titles and foreign translations.

All kinds of educational support books like dictionaries, grammar,

essay books, school guides, world atlas, and general books will also be available at the fair.

This time Al Bhaj Books is adding more titles of books under different categories of books for children and adults from UK, Malaysia like countries.

The fair will be open to the public between 10am and 10pm, while on Friday, the fair will be open from 4pm to 10pm.

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ROUND-UP

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Majlis Meethaq hosts Talal Al Rahbi The deputy secretary general of the Supreme Council for Planning talked about the current economic crisis due to volatile oil prices and pointed out that the challenge to the government was not new as similar developments had occurred earlier

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, hosted Talal bin Suleiman Al Rahbi, deputy secretary general of the Supreme Council for Planning, at the eighth Majlis Meethaq evening, a unique social forum aimed at facilitating interaction with prominent personalities sharing inspirational aspects of their life and career as well as views and perspective on the economy and important social and cultural issues.

The gathering held at Bank Muscat head office was attended by dignitaries and a large turnout of corporate representatives, says a press release.

Talal Al Rahbi talked about the current economic crisis due to volatile oil prices and pointed out that the challenge to the government was not new as similar developments had occurred earlier. Oman has the wherewithal to tackle this challenge from previous experience, he added.

Touching upon personal experiences, Talal Al Rahbi pointed out that reading and travel provided valuable experiences. “We are responsible for the choices we make in life and must not blame anyone for the consequences from our decisions. Youth must set ambitious goals in life and develop faith to achieve these goals. Everyone has a social responsibility and must make valuable contributions to community development,” he said.

Majlis Meethaq is a monthly gathering in which a well-known economic, social, religious or cul-

tural persona having influence on Omani society from the Sultanate or abroad is hosted.

The interaction between the guest and the audience is aimed at focusing on aspects of the presenter’s personal life, success in career and views on issues facing the country and community.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, deputy chief executive officer – Islamic Banking, said: “Meethaq is proud to host the Majlis forum aimed at presenting successful role models to community and highlight their achievements to motivate and in-

spire citizens, especially youth, to attain success in life. We thank Talal Al Rahbi for addressing the session and enlightening the audience on opportunities and challenges he faced in making crucial decisions in life which led to success.

Meethaq, as part of its social commitment, aims to develop the Majlis forum as an ideal platform to interact with prominent personalities and draw inspiration from their experiences in achieving success in life.”

Al Harthy added: “Meethaq is the leading Islamic financial ser-

vices provider in the Sultanate with many achievements contributing to the growth and development of the Sultanate’s economy.

Meethaq extends support to all key economic sectors in the Sultanate and is focused on developing as a benchmark Islamic financial institution in Oman and the region. Within just three years of operations, Meethaq has attained the leading position in the Islamic banking industry in Oman in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure and human resources development.

Meethaq not only provides benchmark Islamic financial solutions to support the country’s development but also plays a key role in raising awareness and educating people on important aspects of Islamic banking and finance.”

As the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman, Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry.

L AT E S T A D VA N C E M E N T S

Al Jenaibi exhibits BT warehouse equipment at Opmex MUSCAT: The first edition of Oman Packaging and Material Handling Exhibition (Opmex) took place recently at Oman International Exhibition Centre showcasing the latest advancements in the field of material handling technology.

Al Jenaibi International Automobiles (AJIA), an authorised dealer of BT warehouse equipment, offers extensive product range for all warehouse applications. At Opmex, AJIA displayed various configurations of hand pallet trucks, power pallet trucks, stackers and reach trucks, says a press release.

For simple and effective operations, the newest solution from BT is the BT Reflex B-series reach truck.

The RRE120B – 160B reach trucks have been specifically developed to perform best in uncomplicated, low to medium intense operations. The series has lift heights of up to 8.5 m and a battery capacity of up to 650 Ah. Easy to use, tough and reliable, they are a practical solution suited to multi-task operations and all-round drivers.

The BT Reflex B-series reach trucks have user-friendly, accessible controls that are integrated in a logical way requiring minimum effort from the drivers.

With fingertip control levers for all fork movements and smooth electronic steering for precise driving, handling a reach truck has never been easier without compromising the exceptional ergonomics, safety and quality.

The steering system offers 360° flexibility and the conventional 180° is also available as an option.

A PIN-code start-up ensures that authorised drivers only have access to the truck. Additionally, the seat and controls are fully adjustable to suit the driver and the cab floor height can also be adapted according to specific requirements.

Stacker trucks The new BT Staxio P-series includes 11 models from 1.2 up to 2.0 tonnes and shares many characteristics with the award-winning BT Levio P-Series powered pallet truck.

Designed for horizontal transport and stacking in intensive applications, the adaptable BT Staxio SPE range offers the right model for each application. From

fixed support arm models for open pallet handling, to models with elevating support arm for use on uneven floors or double load handling. The straddle support arm model works with different pallet sizes and the dedicated double stackers with a special narrow version for intensive loading and unloading applications. With a vast amount of versatility, this range allows you to truly access all areas.

Compact, reliable and designed for intensive work the new BT Staxio P-series reaches 6m lift heights - highest in class - and 10km drive speed for quick material handling. This is achieved by the advanced truck technology that delivers superb stability when lifting. The SPE is built around the operator with low noise and vibration, 180° powered steering with ergonomic handle and an adjustable steering arm height, which ensures that working with this range, is easy for operators.

BT Levio P-series The BT Levio P-series powered pallet truck from BT has been designed to deliver exceptional efficiency Compact and powerful at the same time, the latest BT Levio P-series models boast features that enable high efficiency in the most demanding horizontal transport operations. With load capacities of 2.0, 2.2 and 2.5 ton, these trucks are also typically used in loading/unloading of Lorries and meet high standards on productivity, durability, driveability, safety and environment as required by a BT truck.

Productivity is enhanced by the trucks’ small size and high speed potential: the LPE250 can reach 12.5 km/h – the highest speed for a powered pallet truck in the market so far.

Easy to manoeuvre even in the tightest places, it offers great flexibility and maximises the pallets per hour performance.

BT’s mission is to be the first choice partner for all customers looking for materials handling solutions and to be widely recognised for innovative products and services.

In Oman, Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, authorised distributor for BT since 2002, has secured a market leadership position for over a decade, backed by specialised service support.

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Coutts praises young Omani sailors A host of young

Land Rover BAR lead after first day of America’s Cup World Series Oman

Omanis were today tipped as sailing stars of the future by yachting hero Sir Russell Coutts as the country hosts the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series for the first time ever

MUSCAT: Sir Russell Coutts, a five-time winner of the America’s Cup and CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority, heaped praise on youngsters from Oman Sail’s Youth Programme after watching them race off Muscat.

The national initiative is dedicated to inspiring young Omanis to take up sailing, and is central to Oman Sail’s mission of reigniting the country’s rich maritime heritage.

Since its launch in 2008 Oman Sail has introduced the sport of sailing to more than 20,000 Omanis through its programmes.

And on Saturday 30 of its most talented junior sailors took to the same waters that play host to the first Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event of 2016 to show off just how good they are.

Sir Russell made time in his packed schedule to watch the racing, in Optimist dinghies, before presenting the youngsters with

MUSCAT: The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman, which brought the America’s Cup, sailing’s most prestigious trophy, to the Middle East the first time, got underway at 2.00 p.m on the Sea of Oman in front of crowds of spectators at Almouj Race Village and Ben Ainslie and Jimmy Spithill had big recoveries to vault to the top of the leaderboard.

Ainslie and his team were the class of the field. After incurring a penalty for starting prematurely in the first race, he sailed back up the fleet to salvage a third place finish.

Then, two victories. And Land Rover BAR finished the day four points clear.

Ainslie said it was anything but easy in the light winds.

“These conditions make it very challenging for everyone on board,” he said. “You need a decent start and to go the right way, so it’s tough on the tacticians. And then the big Code Zero headsails make for hard work for everyone else. It’s a big day for the team.”

medals at a special prize giving ceremony on the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series main stage in front of the Omani crowds that flocked to the Race Village at Almouj to take in the action.

Commending Oman Sail for its Youth Programme, backed by national telecomms company Omantel, the New Zealander said he hoped to one day see an

to earn better results at the finish. Racing gets underway again on Sunday at Almouj from 2.00 p.m. The Race Village opens to the public at 11.00 and the prizegiving will be on the public stage just after 4.00 p.m.

ORACLE TEAM USA appeared to be in jeopardy at several points during the afternoon. But when the points were tallied, Spithill had his team in second place.

Emirates Team New Zealand sped away to a ‘horizon job’ victory in the first race, but fell back into the fleet later in the afternoon. For skipper Glenn Ashby it was “great racing out

Omani sailor winning gold at the Olympics or being picked for an America’s Cup team.

“I’m incredibly impressed with what Oman Sail and Omantel have achieved – it’s wonderful to see,” Sir Russell said. “The Youth Programme is a wonderful initiative for these young sailors and to bring back the rich nautical heritage that Oman has.

there today,” he said. “It’s been so long since we all battled it out. It felt good. We had a great first race, but unfortunately we got bounced around a bit in the last one.”

SoftBank Team Japan skipper Dean Barker found himself in familiar territory. His team flashed some brilliance, but couldn’t hold on through a full race for a strong finish.

Artemis Racing tactician Iain Percy had to take solace from the good moments as the team didn’t get any breaks, ending the day equal points at the bottom of the table with Groupama Team France.

Adam Minoprio, sailing in his first Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event on the helm of Groupama Team France said he needs to get better starts

“More than 20,000 young sailors have been put through the Youth Programme and that’s a fantastic achievement.”

“I had the chance to see these junior sailors racing this morning and I’ve got to say I was very impressed with the way they sailed and the skills they put on display.

“It’s my hope that we will see one of these young sailors go for-

ward and win an Olympic gold medal and perhaps one day be at the helm or crewing an America’s Cup boat. I think that would be fantastic.”

David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, added: “The Oman Sail Youth Programme is at the heart of what we do at Oman Sail. It was wonderful to see these children out on the water racing today. This has

Provisional Results: Race 1: Emirates Team NZ - 10 points; ORACLE TEAM USA - 9 pts; Land Rover BAR - 8 pts; Artemis Racing - 7 pts; SoftBank Team Japan - 6 pts; Groupama Team France - 5 pts.

Race 2: Land Rover BAR - 10 pts; SoftBank Team Japan - 9 pts; Groupama Team France - 8 pts; Emirates Team New Zealand - 7 pts; ORACLE TEAM USA - 6 pts; Artemis Racing - 5 pts.

Race 3: Land Rover BAR - 10 pts; ORACLE TEAM USA - 9 pts; Artemis Racing - 8 pts; Groupama Team France - 7 pts; SoftBank Team Japan - 6 pts; Emirates Team New Zealand - 5 pts.

Points after 3 races: Land Rover BAR - 8, 10, 10 - 28 pts; ORACLE TEAM USA - 9, 6, 9 - 24 pts; Emirates Team NZ - 10, 7, 5 - 22 pts; SoftBank Team Japan - 6, 9, 6 - 21 pts; Artemis Racing - 7, 5, 8- 20 pts; Groupama Team France - 5, 8, 7 - 20 pts.

all happened because of Omantel and their continued investment in youth sailing.”

Talal Al Maamari, CEO of Omantel, said: “Our country has a rich maritime history but the sport of sailing is quite niche here, so for that reason we are happy to support organisations like Oman Sail to develop the young talent we have and reignite our history of sailing.”

C2

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

SPORTS

Raha post 21-run win over Passage to India Batting first, Raha put on 163 for five in 20 overs. In rely, Passage to India were bowled out for 142 runs in 19.2 overs

MUSCAT: Raha recorded a 21run victory over Passage to India (PTI) in a Muscat Pharmacy and Stores-sponsored Premier Division match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground during the evening session on Friday.

Batting first, Raha put on 163 for five in 20 overs. Shah Naeem top scored with an unbeaten 57.

In rely, PTI were bowled out for 142 in 19.2 overs. Ahad Malek’s 56 went in vain. Rana Naeem claimed six wickets for Raha.

Brief scores: Raha 163 for 5 in 20 overs (Shah Naeem 57 n.o.) bt Passage to India 142 in 19.2 overs (Ahad Malek 56; Rana Naeem 6/14).

Points: Raha - 2, PTI – 0.

OOREDOO A STARS: Gustav Burger, right, and Kimberley G Bentick. – Supplied photo

Easy for Ooredoo A In a Khimji Ramdas-sponsored A Division match, Ooredoo A eased to an eight-wicket victory over OCT Al Amerat at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Friday. Batting first, OCT Al Amerat scored 164 for nine in 30 overs. Atif Yusuf top scored with 45. Kimberley Bentick claimed four wickets for Ooreedoo A. In reply, Ooredoo A put on 165 for two in 12 overs with Gustav Burger top scoring with an unbeaten 100.

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Brief scores: OCT Al Amerat 164 for 9 in 30 overs (Atif Yusuf 45; Kimberley Bentick 4/17) lost to Ooredoo A 165 for 2 in 12 overs (Gustav Burger 100 n.o). Points: Ooredoo A – 3, OCT Al Amerat – 0.

Al Mardhuf down SARCO In a Raha Poly Products-sponsored C Division match, Al Mardhuf defeated SARCO by three wickets at the Municipality Ground II during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, SARCO were bowled

out for 126 in 17.4 overs. Tousim Khan top scored with 35. Mansoor and Shoaib Al Balushi claimed three wickets each for Al Mardhuf.

In reply, Al Mardhuf scored 127 for seven in 15.4 overs. Tejas Vageria top scored with 30. Jeetesha claimed two wickets for SARCO. Brief scores: SARCO 126 in 17.4 overs (Tousim Khan 35; Mansoor 3/28) lost to Al Mardhuf 127 for 7 in 15.4 overs (Tejas Vageria 30; Jeetesha 2/29). Points: Al Mardhuf – 3, SARCO - 0.

FOOTBALL

Asia calls for unity to drive FIFA reform after Infantino win SEOUL: Asian football said it was looking forward to working with new FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite the region’s two candidates losing out to the Swiss in Friday’s election, and called for unity to help push the reform process forward.

Infantino beat Asian candidates Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain and Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, as well as Frenchman Jerome Champagne, to succeed Sepp Blatter in the vote at FIFA’s Congress in Zurich. The scandalhit governing body is in the midst of the worst crisis in its 112-year history, with more than 40 individuals and entities, including many former FIFA officials, charged with corruption-related offences in the United States.

However, the election marked an opportunity to begin the long road back to restoring its reputation, said Football Federation Australia chief Steven Lowy.

While Australia had come out in support of Prince Ali ahead of the vote, Lowy described the election as “the best day FIFA has had in many years”.

“The mood for change was in the air and the Congress voted

overwhelmingly to move forward with a new structure and new leadership to implement it,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

Lowy added that he and FFA Chief Executive David Gallop had been impressed by Infantino in previous meetings.

“David Gallop and I have met him several times in the past few months and have been impressed with his knowledge, his energy and his determination to lead FIFA into a new era,” he added.

“We will now move forward to continue playing a productive role as a member of the Asian Football Confederation and the world football community.”

While the Arab region rued yet another squandered chance to help elect their first FIFA president after their two candidates failed to cooperate, Sheikh Salman, president of the AFC, called for unity to help move the reform process forward.

“The AFC looks forward to working with the new-look FIFA and its new President Gianni Infantino in order to reform the world football governing body and to reinstate football’s credibility globally,” he said on the AFC’s website. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Infantino election gives FIFA time to start tackling problems ZURICH: Gianni Infantino’s election as FIFA president should give soccer’s governing body the time it needs to begin tackling the corruption and other problems that have dragged it into the worst crisis in its 112-year history, current and former officials said.

As well as electing a new president to replace Sepp Blatter on Friday, FIFA signed off on a slew of reforms that may help restore its credibility, even as dozens of its personnel past and present face criminal investigations in the United States and Switzerland.

“This will be a new era for FIFA despite the problems it faces. Let him have time to settle, to see what needs to be done and let

everyone calm down a little,” Per Ravn Omdal, a former president of the Norwegian FA and FIFA executive committee member during Blatter’s early years in charge, said.

“He has a massive task of course, but he can start work in a totally different atmosphere than the one surrounding FIFA for the last few years.”

One FIFA insider who asked not to be named said it may also help that the organisation did not pick Sheikh Salman of Bahrain, who had repeatedly had to deny any role in his country’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests five years ago.

“If Sheikh Salman had won

this election, becoming president after allegations against him involving human rights abuses, the attention from the justice authorities would have been unrelenting,” he said.

“The temperature would have gone past boiling point. We can all take a step back now.”

Greg Dyke, chairman of the English FA, also welcomed Infantino’s win.

“The last thing FIFA needed was another president bringing a pile of suspicious baggage into the job,” he said.

“Gianni comes in clean, his record as UEFA’s general secretary is first class and will stand him in good stead for his new job.” - Reuters

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

C3

SPORTS Kohli leads India to Saham blank Muscat to win over Pakistan enter HM’s Cup semis FOOTBALL

MUSCAT: Saham Club came up with a dominant display to overturn a 1-2 quarterfinal first leg deficit to blank Muscat and advance to the semifinals of His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship on Saturday.

In the second leg match played at the Sohar Sports Complex, Saham outplayed Muscat for a 3-0 victory and stormed into the last four stage of the Sultanate’s premier football championship.

In the remaining quarterfinal second leg matches to be played on Sunday, Al Khaboura take on Suwaiq and Fanja face Al Nasr.

CLASS APART: India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during their match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dhaka on Saturday. – AFP

SCOREBOARD

Three-wicket Amir rocked the Indian top-order with a fast and furious four-over spell but the small target of 84 was not good enough to stop the Indians from knocking off the runs with 27 balls to spare

MIRPUR: India recovered from three early jolts, inflicted by a devastating spell from Mohammed Amir, before notching up a fivewicket victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20 tournament, here on Saturday.

Amir, who took three wickets for 18, rocked the Indian top-order with a fast and furious fourover spell but the small target of 84 was not good enough to stop the ‘Men In Blue’ who knocked off the runs with 27 balls to spare.

Indian bowlers had demolished the Pakistan batting line up with a superlative show as they bundled out the arch-rivals for a paltry 83 in only 17.3 overs after opting to field.

But it required the calm and class of Virat Kohli (49) to take India home without further setbacks as his 68-run stand for the fourth wicket with Yuvraj Singh (14 not out) proved to be decisive.

Kohli’s 51-ball innings had seven boundaries and he looked cut above any batsman, who featured in Satuday’s game. This is their second win for India in the tournament and takes them a step closer to the final of the continental championship.

What was supposed to be a

PAKISTAN M. Hafeez c Dhoni b Nehra 4 Sharjeel c Rahane b Bumrah 7 Khurram Manzoor run out 10 S. Malik c Dhoni b Pandya 4 Umar Akmal lbw Yuvraj 3 Sarfraz Ahmed b Jadeja 25 Shahid Afridi run out 2 Wahab Riaz lbw Jadeja 4 M. Sami c Raina b Pandya 8 M. Amir b Pandya 1 M. Irfan not out 0 Extras (lb-4, w-11) 15 Total (all out, 17.3 overs) 83 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-22, 3-32, 4-35, 5-35, 6-42, 7-52, 8-70, 9-83.

Bowling: Ashish Nehra 3-0-20-1; Jasprit

cakewalk turned out to be a brief nightmare for the Indians.

Rohit Sharma (0) and Ajinkya Rahane (0), replacing an injured Shikhar Dhawan, were beaten by sheer pace of Amir. They found the late movement at ferocious speed too hot to handle. The result was a couple of plumb leg-befores.

Suresh Raina’s (1) problems against short ball is well documented and Amir started teasing him with deliveries that kicked up viciously from length. Raina cut a sorry figure with his hop, skip and jump technique and when Amir bowled full, the left-hander expecting a shirt ball only lobbed it to Wahab Riaz at mid-on. India were tottering at three down for eight runs at that stage.

However, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi had no choice but to finish Amir’s spell, in order to get a couple of more wickets and stay in the game. But it was Kohli, who has been Pakistan’s nemesis for some time now, showed why he is among the best in the world. He shielded Yuvraj from Amir by taking bulk of the strike. His footwork was precise and played close to the body.

In his final over Amir tried to change the tactic and Kohli promptly whipped towards square leg and cover drove him for two boundaries. Once Amir’s spell was over, it was a formality

Bumrah 3-2-8-1; Hardik Pandya 3.3-0-8-3; Yuvraj Singh 2-0-11-1; Ravindra Jadeja 3-011-2; Ravichandran Ashwin 3-0-21-0.

INDIA Rohit Sharma lbw M. Amir 0 Ajinkya Rahane lbw M. Amir 0 Virat Kohli lbw M. Sami 49 S. Raina c Wahab Riaz b M. Amir 1 Yuvraj Singh (not out) 14 Hardik Pandya c M. Hafeez b M. Sami 0 MS Dhoni (not out) 7 Extras (b-1, lb-3, w-8, nb-2) 14 Total (5 wkts, 15.3 overs) 85 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-8, 4-76, 5-76.

Bowling: M. Amir 4-0-18-3; M, Sami 4-0-16-2; M Irfan 4-0-16-0; Wahab Riaz 3.3-0-31-0.

for the Indians with Kohli gaining more confidence. Mohammed Irfan was deftly steered through third-man while Wahab was shown full face of the bat during the two imperious cover drives.

Yuvraj’s job was to chip in with the singles and stem the rot that set in due to top-order collapse and he did his job. By the time, Kohli was adjudged leg-before off Mohammed Sami’s bowling, India were eight runs short of victory. It was Dhoni, who cover drove Wahab to finish off the match.

Earlier, a collective effort from the Indians bowlers was backed brilliantly by the fielders as it became a ‘no-contest’ from the moment India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to field on a pacer-friendly wicket.

The Indian bowlers made good use of the conditions and the fielding unit also put relentless pressure to effect two run-outs as it threw Pakistani innings in disarray. Ashish Nehra (1/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/8) dealt initial blows while new sensation Hardik Pandya (3/8) kept up the pressure and recorded the best figures among the bowlers. Such was the pressure on Pakistan, that spin twins Ravindra Jadeja (2/11) and Ravichandran Ashwin were brought in the 12th and 13th overs respectively. - PTI

Saham overturned a 1-2 first leg deficit to advance to semifinals

In their first leg match played on February 15, record nine-team winners Fanja Club scored a 1-0 win over Al Nasr Club at Salalah Sports Complex.

On Sunday, Fanja take that onegoal advantage into the second leg match against four-time winners Al Nasr at Seeb Sports Stadium.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 8.30 pm.

Meanwhile, twice champions Suwaiq and Al Khabourah will be on equal terms when they clash in their second leg match at the Sohar Sports Complex.

In the first leg match played at the same venue on February 15, Suwaiq and Al Khabourah played out a goalless draw.

Their second leg match will start at 5.30 pm on Sunday.

C4

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

SPORTS

Atletico derby victory virtually buries Real France striker Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal in the 53rd minute to put Atletico within five points of leaders Barcelona

MADRID: Atletico Madrid extended their dominance over neighbours Real with a 1-0 derby win on Saturday that leaves the Bernabeu team virtually out of the Liga title race.

France striker Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal in the 53rd minute to put Atletico within five points of leaders Barcelona in second place in the standings.

Third-placed Real, who were unbeaten in 11 matches and on a run of seven home wins going into the match, remain nine points behind bitter rivals Barcelona and will be 12 adrift if the champions

WINNER: Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann,

right, celebrates with teammate Koke after scoring a goal during their Spanish La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Saturday. – AFP

win at home to Sevilla on Sunday.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico have lost only once in 10 meetings with Real in all competitions while Zinedine Zidane tasted defeat as Real’s coach for the first time in nine matches in charge.

“The league is over,” Zidane conceded. “To lose at home to Atletico is a hard blow.”

“We take it as natural to be able to win here at the Bernabeu,” Simeone told reporters.

Griezmann exchanged a onetwo with left back Filipe Luis as he headed into the box and steered a sweet, low shot inside the near post past goalkeeper Keylor Navas for his 13th league goal.

It was Atletico’s first goal in three

matches after two 0-0 draws and their renowned steely defence held firm to allow Real only the odd sighting of their net and just three clear chances for Cristiano Ronaldo.

“This match defines us as a team and we will continue to try and improve,” Simeone said.

Just past the half hour, Ronaldo had a free-kick punched away by Jan Oblak then Karim Benzema was narrowly wide with a shot across the face of goal after the ball had come back into the box.

Griezmann had his first chance in the 41st with a shot from outside the box that was set to dip under the bar before Navas leapt to tip it over.

A minute later, the Costa Rica goalkeeper went down at the foot of his near post to turn a shot from midfielder Koke away for a corner.

Navas also saved well from right back Juanfran in the second half while the Real onslaught in the final quarter produced only two headers on target for Ronaldo, neither of much trouble to Oblak.

Danilo, playing at left back in place of fellow Brazilian Marcelo who missed the match with muscle fatigue, started a break deep in the Real half and was just wide of the far post with the finish in the home side’s last hope of an equaliser. - Reuters

PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester’s dream stays alive with late Ulloa winner LONDON: Leaders Leicester City belatedly grasped their golden opportunity to pile the pressure on their Premier League pursuers on Saturday as a late winner from Leonardo Ulloa sunk struggling Norwich City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium.

With closest challengers Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal not in action until Sunday, Leicester had the stage to themselves to forge five points clear at the summit and made the most of their chance with a victory they scarcely deserved.

Despite producing one of their flattest performances of their surreal season, Ulloa’s 89thminute contribution, sliding in to knock home Marc Albrighton’s cross, was decisive. It stretched Leicester’s advantage to five points over the north London duo although both second-placed Spurs, at home to Swansea City, and third-placed Arsenal, who visit Manchester United, can reduce the deficit again on Sunday.

Champions Chelsea fought back with late goals from Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic to earn an excellent 2-1 win at Southampton.

Champions Chelsea earned a 2-1 win at Southampton At the bottom of the table, Aston Villa’s mission looked ever more impossible, still seven points adrift of the pack after a Marko Arnautovic double helped Stoke City beat them 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium.

In the day’s early game, West Ham surged into fifth place in the table in what has become their best-ever Premier League campaign in their final season at Upton Park, holding off a stirring fightback from Sunderland to win 1-0.

A fine curling shot on the half hour from winger Michail Antonio sealed the points, yet for Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce, back at his former club, there was nothing but frustration as his side still lie 19th, a point behind Newcastle United and Norwich. - Reuters HOCKEY

NAQVI FELICITATES INDIAN HOCKEY STAR SREEJESH

Indian team to camp in Bangalore BENGALURU: The Indian men’s hockey team will undergo a coaching camp in Bengaluru from March 7 to April 8.

Probables: P.R. Sreejesh, Harjot Singh, Akash Chikte; R.P. Singh, Pardeep Mor, Jasjit Singh Kular, Birender Lakra, V.R. Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Sumit, Surender Kumar, Gurjinder Singh, Amit Gowda; Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, Satbir Singh, Dharamvir Singh, S.K. Uthappa, Devinder Walmiki, Nithin Thimmaiah; Affan Yousuf, Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, S.V. Sunil, Lalit Upadhyay, Amir Khan, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Malak Singh, Yuvraj Walmiki.

CRICKET

ISC Goan Wing cricket tourney Indian hockey star P. R. Sreejesh, who was here on an invitation from United Thalaserry Sports Club to preside over the Gulf Hockey Fiesta for Starcare Cup, called on popular hockey personality SAS Naqvi at his residence on Thursday. The Indian national team vice-captain showed keen interest in learning about Naqvi’s contribution to hockey and eagerly went through the documents, photos and DVDs depicting the former Oman team coach’s association with hockey and hockey legends like Major Dhyan Chand.

During his visit, Naqvi also felicitated Sreejesh and presented a memento to the Indian team custodian. — Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Indian Social Club (ISC) Goan Wing will organise their first eight-a-side MRI ball cricket tournament at Muscat Club on March 11.

Last date for registering the entries is March 3. For further details contact Nell (99004413), Santosh (97637272), Laxmikant (96791694) or Bhal (96793326).

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Health WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

STRETCHING IS IMPORTANT Do you know that regular stretching is just as important as regular exercise? If not then it is time to include this in your daily exercise routine as stretching has multiple beneďŹ ts for your body and mind.

Story Swati Dasgupta AFTER A LONG PERIOD of inactivity, especially after getting up from our sleep, we often stretch instinctively. But have we ever thought is it a right thing to do or for that matter how important it is to incorporate stretching in our everyday life as part of our exercise routine? As our body ages, our muscles and joints become stiff owing to lack of ďŹ&#x201A;exibility. And this further leads to poor posture causing several problems related to the spine, lower back, chest, and shoulders.

Doctors dealing with several stretch related issues say that a lack of ďŹ&#x201A;exibility makes a person more susceptible to muscle strains or other soft tissue injuries, thus hindering our day-today activities.

They say that stretching increases the blood ďŹ&#x201A;ow to the muscles and thus reduce the muscle soreness.

But while we know the importance of stretching, do we know what the right way to do it is? There are several conďŹ&#x201A;icting theories on stretching techniques and most people often do it incorrectly.

Recently two researchers, who reviewed about 20 years worth of stretching research published the results in the academic journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.

They focused on the right ways of stretching and their report makes us rethink on everything that we knew about stretching.

According to David Behm, a research professor at the Memorial University of Newfoundlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Human Kinetics and Recreation in Canada, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Non-stretchers get tight muscles, causing pain, bad posture, and even less ďŹ&#x201A;exibility than you started with which only gets worse as you ageâ&#x20AC;?.

Highlighting on the stretches that we do involuntarily most of the time on waking up, David Behm says that it is not good for our muscles as in the morning, our muscles are the stiffest owing to being inactive for hours and your body temperature drops when you sleep.

On similar note, Dr Mahmood Shehabullah, a sports medicine specialist in Oman, says that stretching is a must for all sorts of exercise. It stabilises the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural balance and

Must Do Stretches You should be stretching all the major muscle groups to promote balance and overall well-being, Dr David Behm says. At the very least, perform a stretch (like the ones suggested below) for each of the areas listed below and hold for at least 20 seconds.

Shoulders: Extend one arm straight up overhead, bend the elbow and let the hand drop behind the head. Use your other hand to pull the elbow behind the head.

Lower Back: Sit on the ground with both legs outstretched in front of you with your hands under softly bent knees. Use your hands to pull your upper body toward your legs.

Quads: With one leg, take a large step forward.

Keeping the back leg long and front knee behind the front foot, bend the front knee and lower into a lunge. Repeat on the opposite side.

Groin: Take a wide stance with both feet facing forward. Bend one knee to feel the stretch in the opposite leg. Repeat on the opposite side.

Hamstrings: Sit on the ground with your legs apart and one knee bent with its heel against the opposite legâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner thigh. Keeping your extended knee locked down, reach toward your extended foot. Repeat on opposite side.

Calves: Stand in front of a wall with one leg staggered in front of the other. Place both palms on the wall and lean forward as you bend the back knee.

Repeat on the opposite. posture and aligns the joints leading to better coordination. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For stretching age is no restriction. People above 70 also can stretch their muscles but one should know how far they can stretch,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we should keep in mind that before we stretch we must warm up and should gauge the limit as well,â&#x20AC;? Dr Mahmood warns.

Here are the few signiďŹ cant beneďŹ ts of stretching as per Dr Mahmood: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,#(!-Ĺ&#x2014;-/**& ( --Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;'/- & -Ä&#x201E; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ( , - -Ĺ&#x2014;Ăł 2# #&#.3Ä&#x201E; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , 0 (.-Ĺ&#x2014;#($/,# -Ä&#x201E; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ( , - -Ĺ&#x2014; &)) Ĺ&#x2014; -/**&3Ĺ&#x2014; .)Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; muscles. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; . #&#- -Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; ) 3Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; ( ./, &Ĺ&#x2014; balance and posture. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; &#!(-Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;$)#(.-Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; .. ,Ĺ&#x2014; )ordination. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; *-Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;/** ,Ĺ&#x2014; ) 3Ĺ&#x2014;1#."Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; lower in harmony. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; &)(! . -Ĺ&#x2014; '/- & -Ĺ&#x2014; -* # &&3Ĺ&#x2014; of lower limbs in front and back of the thigh i.e. quads and hamstrings as well as calf muscles which prevents cramps but the individual must be hydrated with formulated drinks. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;swati@timesofoman.com

C6

SUNDAY, FEBRUA RY 28, 2016

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2:30, 7:15, 9:30, 11:30 PM

Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani 3.30, 9.30 PM Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive (Comedy) –PG12 Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda, Ali Zafar 6.30 PM

AZAIBA Dead Pool (2D) (Action |Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 3:30, 6:30, 11:45 PM Fitoor (2D) (Hindi) (Romance| Drama) (12+) Cast: Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Tabu 3:00, 6:15 PM Kings of Egypt (3D) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:00, 6:15, 9:00, 11:30 PM Neerja (2D) (Hindi) (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azami 2:45, 5:15, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30 PM Kanithan (2D) (Tamil) (Action ) (TBC) Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa 8:45 PM Action Hero Biju (2D) (Mal) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:00 PM RUWI Screen 1 Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

Minimum

11.45 13.30 14.00

Kings of Egypt (Adventure / Fantasy) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler 2.00, 5.30, 9.30 & 11.55 PM CP No: 341 (12+) The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 7.45 & 11.55 PM CP No: 342 (15+) Colonia (Drama / History / Romance) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, Michael Nyqvist 2.00, 6.00 & 10.00 PM CP No: 343 (15+) Zoolander 2 (Comedy) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz 4.00 & 8.00 PM CP No: 344 (12+) Barbie Spy Squad (Animation) Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh, Jenny Pellicer 4.15 PM; CP No: 345 (PG)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anu Emmanuel 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema Main Kanithan (Tamil) (Com \ Act) Cast: Atharvaa & Catherine Tresa 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema –2 Neerja (Hindi) (Act\ Drama) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6:45 PM Cinema-4 Pavaada (Mal) (Com\ Act) Cast: Prithviraj & Miya George 3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Aarathu Sinam (Tamil) (Act) Cast: Arulnithi & Aishwarya Rajesh 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -3 Next Change: Puthiya Nitamam (Mal) on 3rd March; Pokkiri Raja ( Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

RIDA FATIMA RIZVI February 28, 2011

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

75-30%

NIHAL M. BHATT February 28, 2008 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

06:00 06:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

07:00

SALALAH Kings of Egypt (3D) (12+) (Action ) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 11:30, 2:15, 8:55, 11:30PM Dead Pool (2D) (12+) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 12:00, 2:25, 6:30, 11:55PM The Faith of Anna Waters (2D) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 4:15PM The Benefactor (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning 4:45PM Colonia (2D) (15+) (Mystery / Suspense) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 2:00, 6:35, 11:35PM Zoolander 2 (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz 11:45AM, 4:30PM Neerja (2D) (PG12) (Hindi | Biographical) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6:40PM Action Hero Biju (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:05PM Kanithan (2D) (TBC) (Tamil) (Action) Cast Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa, 8:45PM

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

28 22

BAHJA CINEMA

BURAIMI Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Moreno Baccarin 7:05, 9.30, 11.30PM Zoo lander 2 (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz.

5.15, 7.30PM Unnatural (Action | Horror| Thriller) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 9.50PM The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 5.30, 11.45PM Kings of Egypt (3D) (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 4.30, 9.05, 11.30PM Action Hero Biju- (Mal) (Action) PG12 Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 7.15PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

Screen 3 Fitoor (Romance / Drama) –12 + Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Katrina Kaif, Tabu 3.45, 9.45 PM Sanam Re (Romance / Drama) –12 + Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Yami Gautam, Urvashi Rautela 6.45 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Screen 2 Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive (Comedy) –PG12 Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda, Ali Zafar 3.45, 9.45 PM Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12 Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6.45 PM

SOHAR Dead Pool– 2D (Action/Sc-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 2:45, 6:45, 11:30PM Kings of Egypt-2D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 2:45, 9:45PM Kings of Egypt– 3D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 3:30, 9:00, 11:30PM The Benefactor – 2D (Drama) (15+) Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning 5:00PM Zoolander 2– 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:00, 7:15PM Unnatural – 2D (Action/Horror/Thriller) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 5:00, 11:55PM Colonia– 2D (Mystery/Suspense) (15+) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 2:30, 9:30, 11:45PM Trumbo– 2D (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren 4:45PM Neerja– 2D (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6:45PM Kanithan– 2D (Action/Thriller) (PG) Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa, 8:45PM Miruthan– 2D (Action/Romance) (15+) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Lakshmi Menon, Kali Venkat 7:15PM Action Hero Biju – 2D (Action) (PG12)

Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:15PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

17:30

12.25pm 3.45pm 6.14pm 7.24pm 5.15am

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, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE H E A LT H N O T E S

Older adults more positive about feelings ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Taking a Holistic Health Approach D iet fads, new workout regimens, exotic health supplements â&#x20AC;&#x201D; every day, people are inundated with headlines about health trends. Out of the clutter and confusion a new, arguably more sensible, health movement is gaining traction: holistic living.

Taking a holistic health approach means looking at your overall wellness from a big picture perspective. That means you take thoughtful steps to better your mental and physical health while doing things that bring you joy.

Wellness expert and culinary nutritionist Katie Cavuto embraces holistic living and believes the best path to health is to look at each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey through a broad lens. In honour of Almond Day 2016, she offers her best tips to help anyone get started living healthier by prioritising mind, body and earth beneďŹ ts.

1. Savour Each Bite Take time to delight in the eating experience. Doing so helps you feel more satisďŹ ed with smaller portions of your favourite foods. Slow down to notice ďŹ&#x201A;avours, textures and changes as you chew each morsel.

2. Embrace Mindful Snacking Focusing the mind is nearly impossible when hunger strikes.

Almonds are the perfect portable snack to stave off hunger. Forget bland snacking by trying a new ďŹ&#x201A;avour of almonds to energise your taste buds.

3. Shift your Intentions Around Food Instead of focusing on dieting and will power, focus your energy on creating a nourishing, nutrientdense plate of whole foods, and ďŹ nd bliss in your intention to care for yourself.

4. Try New Nutrient-Dense Ingredients From almond butter to almond milk, almond ďŹ&#x201A;our to whole almonds, there are many ways to incorporate almonds into your daily snacks and meals to ensure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re consuming adequate amounts of key nutrients. Get easy ideas for wholesome meals and snacks at almonds.com.

5. Snack for Heart Health ScientiďŹ c evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5

Adults above 60 have more positive response about feelings such as serenity, sadness and loneliness than young adults, a study has found. The researchers found that older adults perceive emotion terms as most positive and more active than younger persons.

Emotions overall may be more encouraging for older than younger persons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Older adults report feeling more serenity than younger persons. They also have a richer concept of what it means to feel serene than younger persons,â&#x20AC;? said lead researcher Rebecca Ready from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the US. In the study, published in the journal of Aging and Mental Health, researchers recruited 32 older adults aged 60-92, and 111 younger adults aged 18-32 and then asked them to judge 70 emotion terms on whether the words had a positive or negative connotation and if the words were activating or arousing.

In a word grouping task, older adults associated more positive emotional terms with serene, such as cheerful, happy and joyful than did younger people. The ďŹ ndings showed, word groupings were similar between older and younger persons for many words but they noted systematic differences for sadness, loneliness and serenity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were surprised to ďŹ nd that younger adults associated more self-deprecating terms with feeling sad and lonely, such as being ashamed or disgusted with themselves, than older persons,â&#x20AC;? Ready added.

Obese? You may become more forgetful

ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat.

6. Eat with Gratitude Gratitude practices can bring happiness. The same can be said for creating joyful eating experiences.

Shared meals with loved ones can be uplifting and provide a positive boost to any day.

7. Create Convenience Foods Resist unhealthy vending machine temptations by preparing wholesome convenience foods. For example, just one serving of almonds contains 6 grams of protein. Keep servings in your car, gym bag, purse or office so you have a craveworthy, crunchy snack on hand at all times.

8. Grow Something Growing your own food is healthy and rewarding. Indoor container gardens are easy to maintain all year. Plus, the presence of plants in the home can improve air quality while reducing stress and anxiety.

9. Pre-Plan Breakfast Ensure you have time for this essential meal by preparing breakfast foods ahead of time. Make smoothie packets and store them in the freezer, or blend up a smoothie the night before. Add a scoop of almond butter to create a more satisfying meal. -BPT Try this recipe to kick off your holistic living efforts with a burst of refreshing ďŹ&#x201A;avours: Cucumber Salad with Lemon Almond Dressing Serves 4-6 Ingredients Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂźĹ&#x2014;. & -*))(Ĺ&#x2014; &')( Ĺ&#x2014; /.. , Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂžĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;& ')(Ĺ&#x2014;$/# Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;. -*))(Ĺ&#x2014;& ')(Ĺ&#x2014;4 -. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂžĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;)&#0 Ĺ&#x2014;)#& Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;* ** ,Ĺ&#x2014;Ăł % -Ĺ&#x2014;ÄĄ)*.#)( &Ģ Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x161;ĂźĹ&#x2014;. & -*))(-Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;1 . , Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; &.Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;* ** , Preparation Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; & ( ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; )' #( Ĺ&#x2014; &&Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; ingredients for the dressing. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; )1&Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;.)--Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; / /' ,Ĺ&#x2014; with 1/4 cup of the dressing.

Garnish with almonds.

If you are obese, you are at risk of physical and psychological health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and anxiety. But, your high body mass index (BMI) is also likely to affect your episodic memory â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the ability to recall past events, warns a new study. A higher BMI was previously found to affect the structural and functional changes in the brain. But, it may also be accompanied by a reduced ability to form and/or retrieve episodic memories and also affect brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to perform certain cognitive tasks optimally, suggested the researchers. The results showed that obesity might also impair an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to use memory to help regulate consumption. In other words, it is possible that becoming overweight may make it harder for an individual to keep track of what and how much he or she has eaten, potentially making one more likely to overeat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The possibility that there may be episodic memory deďŹ cits in overweight individuals is of concern, especially given the growing evidence that episodic memory may have a considerable inďŹ&#x201A;uence on feeding behaviour and appetite regulation,â&#x20AC;? said Lucy Cheke, lecturer at the University. However, she cautioned that not all overweight people are necessarily forgetful.

But if the results are generalised to memory in everyday life, then it could be that overweight people are less able to vividly relive details of past events â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as their past meals, the researchers explained in the study published in The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology. Obesity has been previously, linked with dysfunction of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in memory and learning, and of the frontal lobe, the part of the brain involved in decision-making, problem solving and emotions. Around 60 per cent of adults in Britain are overweight or obese: this number is predicted to rise to approximately 70 per cent by 2034, the researchers noted. -IANS

C8

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Garlic

and its many benefits

Helps you to Lose Weight

Keeps your BP in Check

Prevents Clot Formation

Keeps Infection Away

Garlic helps us in losing weight.

According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body by converting preadipocytes to fat cells (adipocytes) by preventing the conversion.

Add garlic to your daily meals to control your blood pressure. You can also eat one pod of raw garlic on an empty stomach. It’s a safe natural therapy to curb hypertension as garlic has allicin which relaxes the blood vessels, thus reducing the pressure.

The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. This is good for people with heart ailments and those prone to suffering from a stroke and other clotting disorders.

Garlic controls bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast, and worm infections. Fresh garlic prevents food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis and many others. Various scientific studies have confirmed the anti-fungal effects of garlic.

Protects your Heart

Reduces Bad Cholesterol

Treats Throat Infection

Relieves Toothache

With age, your arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch and garlic can help maintain their elasticity. It also helps protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals.

The allicin present in garlic helps moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol. This compound also helps reduce arterial plaque formation.

The daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections.

It can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum. Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

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D2

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D4

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D7

D2

S U N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

Luxury flat for rent in Bareeq Al Shatti building Spacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes, kitchen appliance.

Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable.

Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

FLATS FOR RENT 1 BHK and 2BHK Flats with Split ACs Opp. to MOD Near Lulu Darsait 2 BHK flat for rent Darsait near Muscat Pharmacy, ISM. Contact: 95158570 One / two B/R , RES / Comm flat near Bank Muscat Bausher directly from owner. Contact: 92158031 3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

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CONTACT :

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Modern and spacious 4 bedroom twin villa for rent in Azaiba north behind Nov 18st with detached maids room. Contact 99317349

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94051789-97201688

2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. Contact: 99342661

1 BHK flat with split A.C, balcony near Wadi Adai signal.

Contact: 95042855

3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 Villa in Al-Khuwair 33. Quality Finishing. Consist 5 Bedrooms, 1 Living room, 3 Lounges, All with A/C, Kitchen and storage.

Contact: 90665135 1BHK near medical Darsait R.O 180/Contact: 95076261 Warehouse at wadi Kabir 300SQM – 6 MTR, height. Contact: 99711949 Room Al Khuwair R.O 110/-.

Contact: 97799175 Spacious well maintained 2BHK in Rex Road from 1st May. Contact 92227165

We have 1BHK, 2 BHK Flats in Mabela 7 new building. Contact: 93782735 /99208033 Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787 Flat with two rooms with window A/C, with toilets & car parking way No: 1670 north Al Hail near Dosteen restaurant 1KM Inside.

Contact: 99238334 2BHK split A/C 320/- monthly & 1 BHK split A/C 250/- Ghobrah south near Grand mosque.

Contact: 99342661

Flats in Muttrah. 9405178997201688 Offices in Ghala. 9405178997201688 2 Bedroom ground floor apartment with sitting & 2 baths + big kitchen close to Indian School near to Maya supermarket Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 98011224 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

94051789-97201688 For rent in Misfah near Oman cement 600sqm shed.

Contact: 96177220

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.94051789-97201688

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

94051789-97201688 For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842 2 bedrooms flat for rent in Azaiba with split ac. 300/ monthly.

Contact- 92447365 Full furniture room for rent for family monthly 200/- .

Contact: 99251975 Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789-97201688 Villa is composed of 5 bedrooms and sitting toilets and 5 living room, kitchen and Seeb (North Al Hail). Contact: 91130875

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

FOR RENT RUWI : Ware House - 630 M2 SPACIOUS -2 B H K FLATS &1BHK

CBD: SHOWROOM & OFFICEMezz.floor

Contact : 24 70 30 60

RESTAURANT AVAILABLE FOR RENT Of area 500 Sq mts with well equipped kitchen and dining facility on Ground Floor at DARVESH Building, Near Royal Hospital.

Contact Person Mr.Mudassir :99314330 Mr.Joao Pereira: 99435952

BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALE Running shop with paint machine for sale in kadra Ͳ

WƌŝŵĞ ůŽĐĂƟ ŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ŐŽŽĚ ĚĂŝůLJ ƐĂůĞƐ 260 Square meters Warehouse facility ^ƚĂī ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟ ŽŶ /ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ƉĂƌƟ ĞƐ ŵĂLJ ĐĂůů 9322 3382 or mail to cs@mpesllc.com

FOR SALE 1 No. Prado VX 8 SPL A/T (model 2008) KM: 350694 Colour: white pearl (petrol)

1 No. Corolla 1.8 XLI PWR A/T (model 2008) KM: 245071) Colour: super white WůĞĂƐĞ ƐĞŶĚ Žī Ğƌ ƚŽ ͗Ͳ

desbyrne@omantel.net.om

WAREHOUSE AVAILABLE

FOR RENT IN BALADIA SANAYAH AMIRAT (Floor area 600sqmtrs and mezzanine of 500sqmtrs) 1100sqmts fully cover warehouse Θ ƐƚĂī ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟ ŽŶƐ Please contact: G.S.M

99417229/92621039 Wadi Kabir new building 2 bedrooms rent. Contact: 99313274 2 BHK flat behind Nesto hypermarket with split A/C R.O 220/.

Contact 91642157/97653524 Flats, 3 Rooms & AC, kitchen, hall, in Al Mabela South, rent RO. 250/Contact - 99377290 2BHK Darsait R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045/7799175 1BHK Wadi Kabeer R.O 210/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175 1.2 BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/- , 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 2BHK AL Khuwair R.O 350/-.

Contact 92144045/97799175 2BHK Ghobrah R.O 325/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175 5 BHK villa Qurum R.O 700/-.

Contact 92144045/97799175 Office space 350 Sqm, C.B.D. Contact: 99024730 1BHK Darsait I.S.D R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045/97799175 Flat, 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet in AL Khuwair family bachelors R.O 160/-. Contact: 95154331 One flat with split unit A/CS, two bedroom, sitting room and kitchen Al-Ghobrah south, stadium side, RO.315/- Contact - 99310551 (Said) House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with 3 room+ 5 toilet+ hall+ living room+ kitchen.

Contact 98885055/ 92744168 Ghobrah. Big bedroom, bathroom, huge terrace. Non-cooking Indian female/male - Manager/Sr. Exec.

Vegetarian non-drinkers only.

Contact 99283938 1BHK Flat with spilt A/C near star cinema 210/-. Contact: 99358589/95570288 /97079146

Flat for rent south Al Mabela.

Contact: 95331177/95230355

FOR SALE

2 Bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 200/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact: 95154331 Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/- Contact – 91776665 Villa 2bedroom, 1 sitting room, small hall, Kitchen & 2 bathroom behind Sultan center south Mawalah 300/- O.R. Contact: 92757673 /99388138 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 Flats for rent at Mawaleh near Omantel main office opposite Lulu bandar comprises 3 rooms, 2 toilets and one kitchen OMR 250/Per month. Contact: 93131497 or 99203435 Shop for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 1/2/3 bedrooms flats at Al Hail including utilities bills 92817777

Scrap for sale to inspection. Contact Mr. Ravi Nair: 99329514

Concrete Batching Plant

for sale A good running condition, UK Pemat Mixer, 50CBM Per hour production capacity Plant for sale.

Interested parties may please call

Mr Mateen - 92892209 Sreejith - 99478263 FOR RENT 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex. RO.3.5 per m2.

Contact 91776665 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 9405178997201688 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

1B/R apartment executive fully furnished at AL Khuwair 33 & 5 B/R villa unfurnished at Madinat Al Ilam & 5 B/R villa furnished at Madinat Al Ilam. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & rent a car LLC 24834 888/99249069/92888376/94617 563 Email: info@alshahiintl.com

Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher. RO.550/Contact – 91776665

Flats for rent in Ruwi Mumtaz area 2 bedroom. Contact: 91409667/24291500

Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking.

RO.300/-Contact – 91776665

Flat for rent in Al Hail south 2 bedroom. Contact: 91409667/24291500

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud. Contact 9405178997201688

2 BHK Flats for rent, Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/- #91776665 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in WadiKabir.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact 9405178997201688

Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789-97201688 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact 9405178997201688 Duplex villa in Qurum 29.

Contact - 9405178997201688

Big shop for sale near K.M Trading Ruwi. Contact: 99636476 Nursery School for sale. Well established Nursery school running for over 18 years in Muscat with all Furniture, Play Equipments, Licenses & Permits for immediate sale. Whatsapp: 99353017 Email: nurserymuscat@gmail.com Land for sale in a very excellent location on the first line of a common area of November 18 1892 adjacent to the company’s life required 300 meters of the RO. Contact: 96262686 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Shop for sale in Al Khoudh.

Contact: 92820541 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Porta cabin for sale in Misfah.

Contact: 99442438 / 96578789 Tailoring shop for sale Al Khuwair.

Contact: 96500940 Fire rated portacabins and steel caravans. ContacT: 94058574 An optical outlet for sunglasses and frames in a big hypermarket in Ruwi with goods and scratch less furniture with (or without) stock.

Contact: 98010203 Small business for sale in reputable shopping center.

Contact 97207440 Very good furnished space for sale in a busy hypermarket in Ruwi.

Contact: 98010203 Marble factory for sale location Misfah. Contact: 99489453/99838439

SALE OF OWNERSHIP OF INSTITUTE A new fully furnished institute with one UK brand English learning franchise program with study materials at prime location, near City Center, near Shell Petrol Pump, Mawelah, Muscat.

Interested persons contact:

infoduqumoil@gmail.com or call on GSM 92828693 FOR SALE Dental clinic for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 92882209/96373097 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 Villas in Al Khoud. 9505680897201688 Well established coffee shop / restaurant prime location at AL Khoud. Contact: 92188777/98700760 A well Established Indian restaurant with all necessary equipments well qualified staff furnished party hall (capacity 150) is up for immediate sale at MBD area.

Contact: 92978956 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket.

Contact: 96202458/96761960 Bachelor room available in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95250161 Sharing room partner required for executive bachelor in Ruwi sharing toilets, including (E& W) WIFI is available in Ruwi, OPP Karama hypermarket rent 60/- R.O. Contact: 92205097/91384654

Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35). 95056808-97201688

Execute bachelor room available behind Kamat restaurant Al Khuwair for nesses.

Contact 94271085 /92261906

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

Spacious room semi furnished with attached bath neat Ruwi roundabout. Contact: 96612979

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair.

Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565

Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi.

Call: 92273779

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage.

Contact 93687466 Single rooms with kitchen available at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897/98049288 Furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen separate entrance available for executive bachelor for R.O 150/- All inclusive in a villa opp star cinema.

Contact: 99314807 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 9304 9849 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom.

Interested please Contact: 92680041 Mr. Altaf

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC.WANTED Accommodation required with food for 1 month, bachelor for March month.

Preferably Al Ghobrah area.

Contact: 99335742

LOST Original Qualifying examination certificate of main secondary examination of the years 2007, Roll No. 6104803 and senior secondary examination, year 2009. Roll No. 6203610 issued by CBSE has been lost. Name of the candidate shaimoon haque.

Contact: +968 93952538

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S U N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT ADMIN Required urgently a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer for reputed law firm in Sohar, Muscat. Candidates should have 5-7 years experience as a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer with good knowledge of Computer & should be fluent in English both written & spoken.

Email C V to shejaanil66@gmail. com or Contact 99153620 between 8am to 1pm & 2pm to 5.30 pm on Sunday to Thursday

URGENTLY REQUIRED Muscat based Modular Kitchen Company is looking for

Sales & MĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ EdžĞĐƵƟ ǀĞƐ Factory In charge >ŝŐŚƚ ĚƵƚLJ ĚƌŝǀĞƌƐ ĂƌƉĞŶƚĞƌƐ ; ůƵŵŝŶƵŵ ĐƵƩ ĞƌͿ Must have minimum 2 years experience, valid Omani D/ L and NOC

Mob: 98989162, Email: omansales2016@gmail.com

REQUIRED PROJECT MANAGER FŽƌ ĂŶ /ŶĨƌĂͬ ůĚŐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝŶ Duqm/Oman 'ƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ 20+ years experience preferably in Oman/ GCC with valid D/L and transferable visa, computer literate.

Send CV to Email :

omanproject2011@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required experienced Plumber with knowledge in copper, G. I pipe and U.P.V.C Drainage work & Electrician knowledge in cable tray, trunking, cable termination works.

Contact: 24505708 / 92830203 Email: excelgrd123@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Part time Accounting / Data entry services. Contact: 93477447

Required gulf experienced Accountant cum Admin.

Contact: +968 24494748, Email:admin@aljazeeraglobal.com

25 Years/Male Indian/B.com with 2 Years Experience/Seeking Job in Finance and accounts/Skills Tally ERP9/SAP-FICO/MS Office. Immediately Joining.

Contact No: +96897184087 Email: modi_harshal@ymail.com

Accountant with gulf experience in construction field preferred with Oman driving license. Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615

Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah. More than 20 years exp in accounting job (up to finalization of accounts) 8 years working experience in middle east in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah.

Contact - 91325029

Account & finance exp 7 years experience must have experience of service industry in billing department with full knowledge of accounts , valid Omani driving license. Send your CV to email address: info@albatnapp.com

24 Male/Indian/MBA finance fresher /B.com seeking opportunities in corporate finance/Banking .Immediately available.

Contact: 93990638 Email: sachu0318@gmail.com

QHSSE ADVISOR - International Oilfield Services Company requires a NEBOSH qualified QHSSE Advisor (Omani National) to ensure continual improvement in our Muscat base. Main duties to include Journey Management, supporting implementation of policies and procedures, mentoring staff, training coordination, reporting, audit & inspection and risk assessment. Submit CV to me-job@interwell.com

Experienced Accountant seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 96902860 MBA male 7 Years GCC exp accounts & admin. Valid Omani driving license. Quick books n tally software.

Contact - 96763275

CATERING

Indian male, 22 yrs B.SC graduate having computer knowledge and valid Oman driving license presently in Oman seeks suitable placements in accounting field or office. Contact: 92508069

Looking for Indian or Bangladeshi cook and Porata, Chapatti, maker for restaurant at Misfah.

Contact: 95212017

Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job.

Contact: 95598477/98803439

DRAUGHTSMAN Required Civil Draftsman full time / part time. Contact: 99334706 MEP DRAFTMEN Required with 4 to 5 Years Oman Experience. Mail your CV @ trustllc@yahoo.com

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for a part-time cookcum-housemaid in Azaiba.

Call 92450197.

Looking for full-time Housemaid - please call 99385119.

Required Cleaners & office boys.

Contact 24707833

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact: 91025698 Part or full time Driver Required call us 91120552 Required a driver (light driver).

Contact: 92392979

ENGINEER Civil Engineer with minimum 5/8 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615 MEP Engineer minimum Diploma 5 years experience in building construction and with driving license. Contact- Fax- 24478522 / Email – gh1.careers@gmail.com Décor Company looking for an Engineer or Technician decorated with experience. Contact: 95342240 & send CV to Email: venice.decoration@gmail.com

MANAGER/SUPERVI. Required Gulf experienced Cleaning Supervisor, with / without GCC driving license.

Contact: +968 24494748, admin@aljazeeraglobal.com Required Construction Forman Oman Driving License required, 2+ years’ Experience 93246786 Urgently wanted the following staff for reputed Aluminium Company in Ghala Sales Manager & Factory Foreman. Please contact – 96404166 / mail CV to – mansoormohd2011@gmail.com

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic.

Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass.

Contact 95388934

Required Smart, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience in building materials for Omani branded product. Omani Driving License and NOC is must. Apply with photograph to E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com.

Urgently required Midwifery female Nurse 5 years experience with 60%prometric first preference to local release or local visit please Bring complete CV. Contact: 99376848 /99648532 Wanted orthodontist and female nurses for dental clinic muscat.

PH: 93756082. email:dentmax25@gmail.com Wanted Nurse for a dental centre in capital area. Interested may contact – 93431024 or send CV to – drasyanaseem@gmail.com Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq. #95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Reputed company in Muscat invites application for the following vacancies Admin Omani, good communication skill in English & Sales graduate, valid Oman driving license. Kindly send CV at Email: infooman@orchidinternational.ae Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required Part- time Executive Secretary with Driving License, capable of self-drafting letters with financial & legal back ground.

Contact: 95634747

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required building materials Sales Man with valid Oman D/License. Contact: 91295985 Building material company looking for a Marketer with experience.

Contact: 95342240 & send CV to Email: venice.decoration@gmail.com

Experienced Graduates/MBAs with pleasing personality, excellent communication skills and own car for sales & marketing with leading media enterprise. jobs@interacoman.com Urgently required female person to work at the retail shop for immediate appointment.Housemaid with release may apply. For enquirers please Whatsapp: 95907300 Required Salesman, Tailor and Barber. Contact: 96964767 Software company is recruiting minimum 2-3 years experienced Female Tele Sales Executive.

Interested candidates are requested to send their resume toomanerpsales@gmail.com Wanted Marketing Personnel for Construction Company, visa available. Contact: 95286741 Marketing Managers (girls for Arabic restaurant) with minimum 5/6 years gulf experience with valid Oman driving license.

Preferred GCC people. Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615 Looking for Sales & Marketing Executive to represent one of India’s leading builder, Real Estate Experience - 2 Years Driving License (Optional) please send CV to Xpatindian.oman@gmail.com Urgently Required Steel Fabricated Products Salesman with an experience in steel fabrication, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Required male / female Marketing person for man power Supply Company with minimum 3 years experience with valid GCC / Oman driving license. Contact: 97158893 / 94148972. Kindly send CV at Email: rastllcmuscat@gmail.com

Sri Lankan Male, Holder of Diploma in Management Accounting and Student of Chartered institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Have 3years accounting experience I am available at Muscat on VISIT VISA GSM: 90660764 E-mail:insafali92@gmail.com Indian male 40 yrs knows M.S Office excel & Tally 2 yrs experience in account & 2 yrs experience in marketing valid D/L seeks suitable placement in marketing.

Contact: 92409891 Email: danoman@yahoo.co.in MBA finance with total experience of 4 years in finance operations (management information system) sales / Marketing and retail currently 3 month on visit visa. Contact: +968 99739330 / +968 91966020 Email: faiz.faisal3@gmail.com M.com (finance) post graduate having 3 years experience in processing, accounting customer care with multinational companies seeking suitable placement in Oman. Contact: 92794845 Email: sowas.peer@gmail.com Egyptian Sr. Accountant / chief accountant / accounts manager with more than 10 years experience in construction have Oman valid driver license on transfer visa. Contact: 96131088 Finance Manager with 20 years of experience in EPC contractors looking for a suitable position NOC/ visa transferable.

Contact: 93245973 Chartered Accountant - Indian with 8 yrs + Exp in Finance/Accounts/Auditing in Oman & UAE. Seeking suitable position in Muscat/Dubai and available immediately for joining. NOC Available, urgent available till 29th Feb in Oman. Contact #: 98707434 Email: casmart007@gmail.com Indian Male 28, M. Com with 3 yr Oman exp in Accounts with valid D/L on visit Visa available to join immediately. GSM: 94744575.

Email:sidharth673@gmail.com Jordanian, Senior accountant, 15 yrs experience in Oman finance & accountant. Contact: 92881223 Account Assistant, experienced, BBA, M.COM, logistics diploma, can work in current visa ph: 98269281

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE MBA Finance Indian lady 23 yrs currently on visit visa family resident Oman seeking opportunity for career enhancement in suitable firms ready to join immediately.

Contact: 99872664 /92651331 Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization as per IFRS, Audit Preparation, Project Report, Training for Accountants, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email:ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. #90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com MBA in finance having 3 years experience in India looking for job as accountant. Cashier or store keeping living in Oman in visit visa. Contact: 99181193 Internal Auditor Presently in Oman & having 2 years of Gulf experience and 7+ experience in accounts & Auditing with valid GCC driving license looking for an opportunity in Oman, Qatar, UAE. Contact +968 99356707 Indian male 7 years Oman exp, Tally ERP 9, Accounting, Inventory Controller/Asset Supervisor & IT Supports seeking suitable job. NOC available. B.Com, PGDCA, location Sohar, having Oman D/L, #98317698.

Email: sukuanilkumar@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com with 6 years experience as an Accountant, looking for suitable placement.

Mob: 93903458 , Email : Akkandyrijesh@gmail.com Indian male 25 B.Com (graduate) 2 years experience as accountant in country club India with ERP oracle r12, tally knowledge. On visit visa immediately available.

Email: shabi.hyd@gmail.com Contact- 9042-1161 Indian male accountant B.com, M.com with 7 years experience including gulf on tourist visa.

Contact: 91651695 Email: danishpa2005@gmail.com Accounting Services for small/ medium Businesses. Accounting from Data Entry to preparation of P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash flow and complete reports for auditing Contact: 99679247 Part time up to finalization.

Contact: 91126314 Indian female accountant 8 years exp in Oman. Contact: 93726921 Accounts finance Indian male 35 years B.com MBA (F) 7 years experience tally ERP9 valid Oman D/L family visa.

Contact: 93257426/95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com Sri Lankan male 5yrs experienced in Sales & Accounts, seeking suitable position with NOC & DL.Contact:93369940 Indian male MBA (F) with 6 years of experience as accountant proficiency in A/C software like tally, focus, Sap (FICO) seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98665219 Email: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available) GSM.92564955 Accounting Assistant, BBA M.Com, tally, peach tree, can work on current visa ph: 98269281 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available. #92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Indian female (25) M.com Finance, 3 yrs, exp in accounts / finance seeks suitable position in corporate finance / Banking / consulting purchase coordination / Admin now in family visa. Contact: 96953705 Email: prapullasuvarna@gamil.com 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.

Young 24, ACCA affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business, seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or audit With valid driving license.

Contact - 92430152, Email - rau_dey@yahoo.com Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization, on Monthly basis finalization and consulting works.

Contact: 96247295

ADMIN A Female Postgraduate with over 5 years of working experience in HR/ Business Development/Banking/ Admin/Coordinative/Secretarial duties seeks a suitable placement.

Contact 99357522/92800281 Indian male MBA / HR and marketing 2 years experience in royal bank of Scotland looking for opportunities in banking operating marking and HR services excellent communication Kills. Contact: 90661245 Indian male 40years experienced about 12 years in banking credit risk department UAE and INDIA with UAE driving license, on visit visa looking for suitable opportunity, please contact mobile# 91305978 E-mail Hani.leo@gmail.com 15 years of working experience in Business development in Oman & UAE & UK , marketing plans and strategies & importing firewoks for festivals & preparing government tenders , Operations and logistics , importing and international business trading , CNC engineering & industrial areas , I have dual nationality (I can travel abroad easily without needing visa, for finalizing business trading NOC available.

Contact: 94123939 Indian male 40 years MBA with 11 years experience in Admin & HR as HR & Admin manager with valid Oman license seeking suitable placement release/ NOC available .

Contact: 97782843 Email: vinodhpkd@yahoo.com 26/Pakistani Male/MBA-HR having 2 years of experience in HR with MN Insurance Company and banking industry is currently in OMAN on VISIT VISA & looking for a suitable job in HR, ADMIN or FINANCE. Email ahmadraja010@gmail.com GSM 91716268/93228785 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position.Contact: 90196235 Indian male MBA 33yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking full time suitable placement in Administration/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics. Holding valid D/L. Contact 99054786 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 8 years of intensive Oman experience in procurement & supply chain management looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97755488 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications.

Contact 98252030 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O , Clerk helper supervisor Admin supervisor , H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license looking for H.R position or P.R.O license . Looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288

S U N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ADMIN Indian male 32 yrs with 9 yrs experience in MIS & Administration good knowledge of MS .Office currently on visit visa looking for suitable position.

Contact 99815835 Email: rinumohan.842@gmail.com Egyptian woman resident in Muscat bachelor in business administration has an experience in the executive secretarial, HR and all the administration tasks very good in computer skills, looking for a job in a company.

Contact: 97221126 Indian Male, B.Com, MBA with 3 years GCC experience seeks Administration job in Muscat. Valid Oman & UAE D/L available.

Visit visa & can join immediately.

Contact: 00968 98896847 mail: tssavad@gmail.com

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for job as office boy.

Contact: 94640906 Email: angelchowdhury515@gamil.com Indian House maid looking for part time full time job perfect in baby care, mother care, cooking, cleaning etc.

Contact 93675855 Housemaid (overseas) Indian family looking for job.

Contact 99531802

DRIVER Pakistani male 30 years with 4 years experience in driving license (Oman) light.

Contact: 97469730 Light vehicle driver GCC license seeking for job.

Contact: 94801679 Looking for job driver 10 yrs exp.

Contact: 99035942 Indian light driver cum house cleaner. Contact: 96255558 /99415443 20 years embassy experience male driver looking for job valid visa available. Contact: 94297820 Light driver for job experience K.S.A & Oman 9 years.

Contact: 94297563 Looking for job driver K.S.A 7 years & Oman 5 years education H.S.C. Contact: 93940319 L/V driving license experience 4 years in Oman 27 years old.

Contact: 99454890 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job.

Contact: 97690766 Bangladeshi male light vehicle driver looking for job.

Contact: 95601163 Light driver with car.

Contact: 96379697 Driver with car 2015 model, speak British English.

Contact: 94039796 Looking for job car driver.

Contact: 98388947

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Interior designer 4years experience design and supervision skills (3D Max AutoCAD Photoshop.

Contact: 95246737 Email: yassalnajjar@gmail.com Autocad Drafting, part time/ full time, 2D & 3D, Architectural, Structural, MEP, Shop drawing , experienced. Ph: 90189070 AutoCAD draftsman experience 2 years. Contact: 93738335 /95809393 Email: mammoosing@gmail.com Autocad D/MAN, experienced, 2D & 3D, ARCH, Structural, Revit, Interior Dwg PH: 93837973 Interior Designer 3 years experience, AutoCAD 2D & 3D Max & Photoshop.

Contact number: 99025312

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

EXPERT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Finance / Project/ Program Manager Professional

FŽƌ LJŽƵƌ WZ͕ ŐƵŝĚĞ Į ŶĂŶĐĞ Θ HR Θ ZD͕ ĂĚǀŝƐĞ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚ ŵĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ & CRM, appraise IT system for ƌĞƉŽƌƟ ŶŐ Θ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ͘

YƵĂůŝĮ ĐĂƟ ŽŶƐ ͗ D ͕ WDW͕ ^ŝdž ^ŝŐŵĂ Country Exposure Canada & DŝĚĚůĞ ĂƐƚ͕ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ ŶLJ EĂƟ ŽŶĂůŝƚLJ Canadian, In Person Interview on Sundays

Contact: Tel - 96500729 Ŭ͘ƉƌŽĮ ƚŽŵĂŶΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

Contact No: 97203531, +923352855176

Indian Male, 24, B.Tech with electrical & electronics & PG Diploma in Automation & Scada with 2 years KSEB experience is looking for a suitable position. Contact 95340253 HSE Engineer (BE Mech + Dip in Safety+ NEBOSH + OSHA), 10 yrs exp, NOC Available, seeking suitable placement: Mob: 97061817; email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Indian male senior electrical engineer 10yrs experience in all kinds of LV, HV works residential commercial infrastructure looking for a suitable position. Contact: 93676607 Indian male Electrical Engineer, 7 years experience, valid GCC driving license, NOC available looking for suitable job. Contact: 96137008 Email: joshuaruarkfernandez@gmail. com 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 B.SC civil Engineer, road construction field with 13 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92200485 Pakistani male seeking job site supervisor (civil) age 24 years with 2 years experience ( Oman) valid Oman driving (license ) light.

Contact: 94712273 Electrical Engineer, Indian male 23 years, 2 years experience HV/ LV design experience in Oman based projects experience on visit visa. Contact: 99729860 Email: vivekcet888@gmail.com Indian Male Degree Holder BE (civil) having 11 years of Oman experience with valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable job .NOC available and ready to join immediately.

Mobile: 93803950.

Mail:kavinvasi2007@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.sc) 5yrs exp. in const. with Oman D/L. Contact: 96045025 Email:talal.faroug@gmail.com Indian male, 36 years, BE (electrical), MBA 12 years exp (maintenance of electrical equipment, transformer, grid & sail, RSP exp in India, looking for suitable job in Oman, please Contact: 00919437648101 Mail Id: kushikkumarsahoo@rediffmail. com B.SC Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman experience as project manager, structural Engineer looking for suitable placement NOC/ LOCAL transfer available.

Contact: 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com BE Mechatronics and robotics Engg and basic knowledge in computers and CNC Operations. multilingual skills age 23, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92552789 Email: ashwinreghu3@gmail.com BE – Engineer looking for suitable job experience in plant electrical utility maintenance transformers Plc drive panel control wiring on crane A/R Compressor ETC now on visit visa.

Contact: 90628814/93872441 Sudanese civil Engineer three years experience with NOC. Contact: 96297316 Email: abdallakoty22@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical 75% B. E mechanical 75% 5 years Sresenthil Engineer Company production planning designing.

Contact: +919003612305 Email: prabugn28@gmail.com Mechtronics Engineer, Indian male 2 yrs exp in industrial automation & maintenance, seeking suitable job. Presently on visiting visa. Contact – 97315735 / jithinm717@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer - 4 years experience – 98093544

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech Indian male 5 years experience Indian and Oman (PDO projects) currently on visiting visa & NOC available (as per new rule). Contact: 94258289 Electrical diploma Engineer with 1.5 years experience in AutoCAD designing for LV constructions and diesel generator maintenance looking actively for job in Oman.

Contact: 92171858/90595609 Email: nelsondas213@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with QA / QC piping Engineering (ASNT) level 2 (UT, RT, MPT, LRT) with experience QC Inspector in a expansion project of a refinery. Currently on visiting working for suitable job.

Contact: 00968 97697944 Email: arskpo7@gmail.com Project Engineer (Civil) Indian Male 11 years in Building Construction.

Visa release & D/L available.

Contact: 93836362/94605415, mathan.civil04@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 919605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer with MBA (Mktg) having 4 and half years experience in technical commercial and marketing fields with valid GCC D/L, NOC available seeking placement. Contact: + 968 96547828 Email: deva0234@gmail.com Indian B.E civil Engineer 25 years experience in gulf looking for a suitable placement with driving license noc available.

Contact: 94867039 Aeronautical Engineer 1 year experience aviation industry/ experience in quality assuring and technical service in air India express looking for suitable position in aviation industry / fluent in English . Contact: 9474563 /95128200 Email: fhcpaero@gmail.com B. SC Building & architectural Engineer male 26 having 2 years of experience in architectural designing & construction supervision of building projects currently on visit visa seeking suitable position in Muscat. Contact: 95626378 Email: waqasbashir65@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (male) with 2 years experience in project & production field seeking suitable jobs now on visit visa.

Contact: 94823009/94223483 Email: jisso.joseph@outlook.com Structural Engineer, 8 yrs experienced in flat slab, post tensioned & slab-beam multi story building design & supervision with driving license. Contact: 98256860 Civil Engineer having 7 years experience in construction field, looking job in suite international company with Oman driving license. Contact: 91800277 Young Electrical and Electronics Engineer Indian B.Tech male 24 seeking job presently in Oman having one year experience in design and estimation of Ht and Lt Projects. Contact: 968 94851525 Email: rabeehbinrahman@gmail.com Electrical Engineer B.Tech with 4 years experience in India available in visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94741401/97239852 Email: sobinthomask05@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 4.5 years experience oil & gas water projects & subseries. Contact: 99525856 Mechanical Engineer 7 years experience 4 years in pipe line projects NOC is available.

Contact: 91117089

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com 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 Omani HSE supervisor. Email: jeebal3000@gmail.com Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591 Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Mechanical quantity surveyor (India male 25 years ) having 3 years experience in India I Can do any sort of works looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 94864680 Email: m.mohamedazik@gmail.com Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com Electronics and Communication Engineer (B.E) - Indian male-looking for full time job. Corporate experience (2 years) - GSM 92916894; Email: salu.mn555@gmail.com Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years in Oman as QS. Seeking for part time job as QS. Contact- 91507508 Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com MEP Engineer 5 years exp in Gulf driving license NOC. Contact 97838220 Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com

Indian male 23 years B.E in mechanical fresher and have CSWIP certification on visit visa seeking employment foe mechanical jobs as entry level. Contact 98422072 Email Id: j-joel92@yahoo.com

Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656

Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 IT Administrator B.Tech C.C.N.A, M.C.S.A, 5 years experience looking suitable placement. Contact: 92339064 (+919633836307)

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male, 22 Chemical Engineer residing in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92379181

IT

Electrical Testing Engineer (B.Tech) having 7 yrs Gulf experience expertise in testing precommissioning commissioning of electrical systems, currently on visit visa seeks suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 90188231

Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator and 1 year experience in Amazon EC2 cloud at Wipro technologies looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

Indian female 28 years, MCA, B.com, 3 years experience in the field of computer hardware, ERP software and windows networking where planning, implementing and troubleshooting with multiple platform of OS Microsoft XP /7/8 on visit visa. Contact: 95089170 Email: anjuretnakar@gmail.com

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate.

Contact: 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Civil Engineer (B-Tech) 2 year Indian experience Contact 90493674 emailinayathhussainshaik@gmail.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 Indian male 25 yrs, B.E in Electrical & Electronics,4 and half years experience in Procurement/ Electrical purchase. Looking for suitable placement in oman. contact:vvselvambe@gmail.com, +91 9894049078.

HOSPITALITY Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/ Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/ COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470 Indian male hotel management graduate above 12 yrs experience in hospitality looking placement GCC driving license and release available. Contact: 94525463

IT Pakistani male 27 years IT Engineer computer skill ms office, excel, word, net working installation for mating, window, intent and data curtly, Oman experience 2 years. Contact: 94568628 B.S.C, MSC (IT) 7.4, 1 year Al Eassa Al Dayssi L.L.C in Bahrain, 4 years Asma computers system engineer, Chennai 32 age. Content: +918608247110 Email: samad3301@gmail.com SAP / ABAP certified, Indian female (30 yrs), BCA, MCA, ASP.Net certified having 1.5 yrs of experience seeking placement. # 99109121 Email: ashamaryphilp@gmail.com Male 24 from, India B.SC Computer science with 2 years of networking and IT help desk support experience and a Cisco certified, came to Oman on visit seeking a suitable placement. Contact: 96910605 IT 8 yrs + GCC experience DW/ Business intelligence Sap oracle data analyst informatica Qlik view immediately available D/L. Contact: 94504554 Email: shijasj@gmail.com Indian male 25 years BSC (C.S) with basic hardware and software knowledge seeks suitable placement now on visit visa.

Contact: 92319677 Email: ismabsc@gmail.com

Indian female, B.Tech graduate, with one and half years experience as ‘web developer’ interested in web development and has experience working in HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript and Photoshop.

Contact : 9592 7075, e-mail id: mariarosejacob90@gmail.com

LOGISTICS Indian Male, 36 years, over 16 years’ Stores, Logistics and Import Export, experience with US based MNC, seeks suitable placement.

Mob: 9822 6568

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female 29 yrs LLB, 6 yrs experience in Litigation Legal Counsel.

Looking for full time jobs.

Contact 96079342 Indian female, Law Degree, with 3 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact 91467937.

Email sajithapp@yahoo.com Indian male 40 yrs degree and diploma in logistics , having 16 yrs experience 6 yrs GCC , including Oman in storekeeping and material management seeking suitable placement NOC available.

Contact 98966849 A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech 1st Class (Fashion Technology) since 2006 in Kerala like to make change for better. Specialized in designing, Production Management, Fashion Art, Grading, Surface ornamentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com Mobile: +919539397097.

Bangladeshi male, University M.Com, Working as an Accountant & Administrator in Oman; searching better job. Phone: 94864966 Email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com A Filipina lady having experience in call center, airline booking and reservations, secretarial and real estate is now looking for a job in any fields. Contact: 93839304 Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 98805474

MANAGER 20 years experience in Oman plumbing Foreman N.O.C Release available.

Contact: 93054511/95441583 Indian well experienced personal assistant/executive office manager/ senior administrator / commercial executive with license looking for a change. release letter available – 99168054 mbkishore@hotmail.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

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S U N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 8 , 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 EDUCATION/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED MANAGER

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

MBA with 18 years of experience in Procurement, 2 years in Sohar, Oman driving license with vehicle, looking for suitable position.M:94047501, ahmed16071974@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments & transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact: :- 92385033 Operations & Accounts Manager Indian male , 18 years experience in Oman finance, purchase, transport, sales Admin & H.R looking for Sr. Position. Contact: 99889396 Email: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com Egyptian male finance manager 7 years experience release available. Contact: 95539923 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Indian male Nurse 32 years Oman parametric and data flow completed 8 yrs emergently experience.

Contact: 92463190 Indian female MBA in health care service, BSN with MOH license looking for a job in hospital.

Contact: 94876041 Doctor couple MOH license holders 25 years experience required job in clinic. Contact: 92893243 1Year exp, orthodontist, looking for job, prefers Barka, ready to give exam. Contact -94369280 Indian male Orthodontist & female BDS Prometric dataflow completed looking suitable post.

Contact 90377433 Male GP Doctor with NOC 6 yrs experience in Oman for perm/locum job. Contact : 97746074 Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. # 96436517 /97396088

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE A dynamic professional, female, MBA, 8 yrs MNC exp in purchase,secretary,sales coordination, office assistant, logistics, petty cash, stock, dispatch, project management, documentation, residing in oman with valid NOC from current company, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately. Contact- phone:-94157662 Email: shiji4123@gmail.com, Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

MBA (UK) with 2 years experience in Oman seeks placement in Business development / sales.

Contact: 98108979

Indian male MBA marketing 3 yrs exp with D/L available.

Contact: 98904200 Email: haris.hameedali@gmail.com

Indian male MBA (HR management) bilingual (Arabic / English) Oman experience HR & office manager on visit. Contact: 94663657

Indian Male 34 yrs, having 5 yrs FMCG experience as sales executive and sales supervisor with valid GCC driving License Contact- 92536979

Indian female having 10 years experience in logistics & sales coordinator exp in SAP Ms Office valid D/L currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95251911 Indian male (31 yrs) sales supervisor, total 9 yrs gulf exp, 4 yrs in Oman with valid GCC D/L with NOC, release & transferable visa.

Contact: 94014327 Email: praveenkotian188@gmail.com Indian male with 27 years of rich experience in sales/ marketing in Oman with driving license and proficiency in Arabic language, seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 96725458 Email: ranisadhu@yahoo.com Indian female, MBA Marketing with 4 years experience with NOC & D/L seeks employment with visa.

Contact: 92460623 Indian male 3 years as sales representative looking for suitable placements. Contact: 94420033 Email: ssildisking@gmail.com Indian male 31 years with over 10 years sales & marketing experience seeking suitable placement NOC & Oman D/L available in addition have proficiency in Arabic language. Contact: 95760969 MBA / UGC, NET / Male /25 .2 years experience in channel sales / relationship management with a leading Indian telecom company schooling form Oman Now on visit visa. Contact: 96914068 Email: mailanasap@gmail.com Indian male experience six years Oman sales & merchandise and marketing qualification ply two.

Contact: 98656301 Email: shafeckmk.mk3@gmail.com Indian male 35 yrs MBA having 11 yrs experience in G.C.C including Oman in sales and marketing of industrial products, heavy EQPT, & construction machinery. Having valid Oman driving license NOC available.

Contact: 97296248 /91483978 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.

Sales Engineer (M.Eng) Canada five + years Oman market experience with leading brands with D/L. Contact: 93985140 Email: jbom628@gmail.com MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Contact : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

Male 38 yrs Graduate 07 years experience indoor / outdoor electronic field with D/License & NOC available (as per new rule).

Contact: 92453375 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.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com Indian male, Graduate, experienced Sales person (FMCG) with valid UAE driving license, on visit seeks suitable position. Contact 92419491 / 94881950, Email : pranilpp76@gmail.com Indian male with Oman driving license & NOC looking for Sales & marketing / purchase job fluent English. Contact: 94742666 Sudanese B.S.C Business administration experience 8 years sales management purchases H.R marketing. Contact: 96112453

SALES / MARKETING Indian female 23 BA economics with computer knowledge looking for the post of Administration dept or day care or sales please Contact 96155921 or Email- fysal.nellaya@gmail.com.

Male Locum Pharmacist with MOH & Driving License. Available on request from March to April 2016; Contact #: +968 9188 5485/+968 9943 8058.

Indian Female, 35years, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) with 6months experience and BSc & MA seeking position as Insurance Coordinator or suitable positions in pharmacy, pharmacy stores, hospital, polyclinic & pharmaceutical companies or in front office/ administration office preferably in hospital. Please contact on 90236481.

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702 Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in Dubai, looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494/ manojmallya999@gmail.com

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support/Indoor sales, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support/Retail sales.

Contact 92607532.

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

Iraqi Civil Engineer with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C.) is available. Contact No. 96561306 iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Female Interior Designer 15 months experience design and management skills ( 3D Max, AutoCAD , Photoshop, Illustrator, Coral Draw (Basic) and Sketch up (Basic) and well versed with M.S Office).

Email: - sasd_shirur@yahoo.com, 24789883 Indian male AUTO CAD Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job.#- 99070584 / email: remluvp@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (Indian Male, 24 Years) with three years experience, looking for suitable job. Currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately. # 92175441, Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com Male Indian 27, working as finance Officer having three years Oman experience with Driving license looking for Finance/Audit/ Accounts position. Mob:98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com Indian male with three years of experience in IT as system administrator seeking for IT administration job placements. Presently in Muscat on visit visa. #90664136 email: szuheabikram@yahoo.com Diploma (Electrical Engineering) from Government polytechnic.

Age 27 years, 6 years Experience in troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer. Seek suitable placement. Contact - 92995899,

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

in Azaiba and Ruwi MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job. Presently on family visit visa. Contact: - 96259171. Email: bhumicapandya@gmail.com

earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 MANPOWER

BS in Civil Engineering Experience: 3 Year (Road Projects) Omani license: 9 Years.

Contact: 97427701 Email: hassanrvc1989@gmail.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Indian Male, total 8+years gulf experience in Document Controller / Coordinator / Secretary. Looking suitable position. Local release available. CONTACT: 94524259 EMAIL: madhuppnair@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (Indian Male, 24 Years) with three years experience, looking for suitable job.

Currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately. Contact 92175441, Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com Indian female, holds LLB & Masters in business administration(MBA),2 yrs oman experience as HR & Admin, seeks suitable placement in jobs @ SOHAR. Contact: 96541959

Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com

18 years experienced in Shipping, ShipChandling& Marine services.

Valied GCC D/L. Languages Known as English, Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam.Now in Visit Visa.

GSM : 9053 5565

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532.

Sri Lankan lady experienced in key accounts, Market Demand planning & Communications, Brand/Sales in multinationals seeks placement in Muscat.

Contact 98250829

Indian male 28 years exp as sales executive & asst accountant. With valid Oman driving license .languages known Hindi and English.

Looking for any good job Contact# 96175176

Indian male 23 years Diploma in Mechatronic having 3years experience in production and maintenance department looking for suitable placement #+919597008904 (sachin.valappil92@gmail.com) Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in Dubai, looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. # 90182494 Accountant. Having 6 years experience in accounts in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available) GSM. 00968-97010584, Email usman7678@yahoo.com Iraqi civil Engineer with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq, U.A.E. and Oman) looking for a job, (N.O.C.) is available.

Contact No. 95626218 Email- amin.sarim007@gmail.com Indian Male ,MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital Pharma ,Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Marketing ,construction A/c & sales , 93379044

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

NRI GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 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 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

WANTED Required Sub –Contractors, we have projects. Contact - 92926630 Local man power required for one year for construction.

Contact 99340205 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Kovai properties by shakthe builders premium villas at vellalore, 39 lakhs onwards. Luxury villas at Pattanam, 60 lakhs onwards garden villas surrounded by natural beauty at pollachi Contact: - CBE Shakthe Builders LLP Mariappan +91 9363216709 rajesh +91 9447783839 email - cbesbllb@gmail.com New 3 BHK villas in Coimbatore Tamil Nadu for immediate sale.

Contact: 95264562 Various small / medium sized business units for sale in Kerala serious buyers. Contact: 9447739495/9037780820 Email: sunilpg72@gmail.com Flat for sale Kerala Thiruvananthapuram 3 bed room Flat in cyber Palm (SFS) Area 1860sqf Flat in cyber gate way, Area 1159.

Cont no +91 99-95-674657, 00968 92967614.

MATRIMONIAL Hindu Boy -30 Yrs MBA Finance Graduate working in Muscat seeking alliance of Hindu girl only.

Contact: 98278401 Kerala Kottayam RC male 28 years Civil Engineer is seeking alliance from suitable family, preference for BDS, Eng & bank employees.

Contact – 95035953 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact: 96059801.

55 years widower looking life partner Mangalore widows only.

Contact: 99014325

BUYING Buying cars for cash.Contact: 90202090

S U N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED ED

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES Public relation services (PRO), Formation new companies, LLC companies, investor visa, business setup, prepare business & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company.

Contact Saleh: 96723485

TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Muscat area.

Contact: 94297820 Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Qurum, seek transportation. Contact: 91132238

BUYING

Transportation. Contact 99508282 /93113534 Transportation. Contact 99508282

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

MV SALE Nissan sunny 2013 model, expat lady driven & well maintained.

Contact: 97100419

Honda CRV 2009 Dec model rend for sale 78000 Km full options price 4500/- R.O. Contact: 96530006

Cars for Sale - Mercedes c230 2006 R.O 3600/- Geely Gx2 2015 AT 12400 km R.O 2300/Contact: 97312774

Kia Cerato 2015 1.6 ex 16.000 km white - full automatic GSM: 95422443

2008 2ltr VW Passat, good condition, 115k km, 99659946, RO 2800

2008 Nissan Mini Bus. Contact: 91203039

From Mabela to Mawaleh for school student.

Contact: 92757673 Transportation in Muscat.

Contact: 96004045 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact: 99078967

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP speciďŹ cation for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898

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S U N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 8 , 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 Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ Marble polishing monthly/ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

SERVICES tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020 LEGAL SERVICE Ŷ /ŶĚŝĂŶ ůĂǁLJĞƌ WƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ăůů ůĞŐĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŝŶ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŵĂƩ ĞƌƐ͘ LĂďŽƵƌ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͕ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚƐ͕ >> ĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ůĞŐĂů ŚĞůƉ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂƌƟ ŶŐ new business in Oman, Civil, criminal cases,.service issues.

Ibrahim Al Massalhi.legal consultancy Sarafudheen, >> ͕ D , LĞŐĂů dvisor Muscat. GSM: 97351649

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 All maintenance works such as plumbing painting masonry interlock fixing etc. Contact: 91278819 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

DĂƌďůĞ Ɵ ůĞƐ ŐƌŝŶĚŝŶŐ Θ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ͕ DŽƐĂŝĐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ŐƌŝŶĚŝŶŐ Θ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ͕ ĐĂƌƉĞƚ ƐŚĂŵƉŽŽŝŶŐ͕ ƐŽĨĂ ƐŚĂŵƉŽŽŝŶŐ͕ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ Θ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽĨ ǀŝůůĂ Θ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ džƉƌĞƐƐ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘

FURNITURE SHIFTING Maintenance, Dismantling, Packing, Shifting & Fixing furniture with expert technicians.

Contact: 99041337 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 99344723 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. # 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Contact 98480070 / 94134784

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

House shifting. Contact: 99708138 Pest Control Treatments Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 99344723 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 99344723 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064 Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 / 99210141 Building maintenance.

Contact: 96173326

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability