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TUESDAY, July 28, 2015 / 11 Shawwal 1436 AH

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Saudi girl hit by stray bullet in stable state

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, on the death of Sheikha Haya Sabah Al Salem Al Hamoud Al Sabah.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Sabah, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and grant her family patience.

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Firing weapons during functions and owning a firearm without a licence are crime, according to the Oman Penal Code and the Weapons and Ammunition Law. These issues cropped up again after a girl from Saudi Arabia was hit by a stray bullet fired from a gun at a wedding ceremony nearby, in the Musandam governorate recently.

Zainab, the three-year-old from Saudi Arabia, was seriously injured after hit by a stray bullet.

PERU

HM sends greetings

CLOSE CALL: Zainab, the three-year-old girl from Saudi Arabia, who was injured by a stray bullet. – Picture credit: @RoyalOmanPolice

Stable condition Representatives of the Public Relations Department at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) visited the girl at Al Nahdha Hospital in Muscat where doctors performed a surgery to remove the bullet which had struck her left cheek.

She is in a stable condition, reported the ROP representatives.

Her father, Mohammed Hussain Labad, expressed his gratitude towards the Oman govern-

‘No blind support to inept local workers’

ment and the ROP for saving the life of his daughter.

Details of the incident were revealed during an interview conducted on Oman TV with Captain Mohammad Salam Al Hashmi from the Department of Public Relations at the ROP. Diba region The child was playing with her brother in the garden of a hotel in Diba wilayat of the Musandam governorate when she was struck by the stray bullet on her left cheek, according to the Musandam Police.

The bullet came from a gun which had been fired at a wedding ceremony two kilometres away.

He also said that those suspected of using the firearm were detained for investigations, and the video footage of the function was taken to get a clear picture of the incident.

“We understand that it is a part of the tradition to open celebratory fire in Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, but firing these weapons is not going to benefit anyone since resi-

in Oman is unanimous on the employers’ right to retrench unproductive

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com

Labour Law Explaining the law, Yousuf Said Al Mutawa, assistant director general of employment at the Ministry of Manpower, told Times of Oman, “The Labour Law gave the employer the absolute right to terminate the worker’s employment contract, after clarifying and proving the reasons which have led to sacking the inefficient and uncommitted worker, provided that the sacking of the Omani or non-Omani worker is not arbitrary, according to Article 40 of the Labour Law.” However, some businessmen believe that there are certain issues in this regard that need to be addressed.

Eng Amer Al Fadhil, managing director of Competence HR, a human resources consultancy, said, “We should not differentiate in dealing with our employees based on their nationality. So regardless

tion of the Times of Oman.

The new road inside Oman is around 160km while the road on the Saudi side will be about 519km. The current distance between the two countries via the UAE is approximately 2,000km.

“The reduction of travel time will be really beneficial,” said a resident.

The report said that most of the Empty Quarter road has been completed and it is expected to be opened to traffic at the end of the Arabic year. >A6

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

INDIA

Former president Kalam passes away

of their nationality

MUSCAT: ‘Unconditional’ support to unproductive Omani employees should be withdrawn and employers must have the right to dismiss incompetent workers regardless of their nationality, say members of the business community.

The Labour Law has given the employers the right to dismiss an employee based on legitimate grounds, but some businesspeople say that in practice, it is difficult to do so.

They believe that the attitude towards those national employees who are not working efficiently should be revised and also companies should clarify the requirements of the job to avoid this situation.

Article 29 Article 29 states, “A firearm or ammunition licence holder may import, export, trade or repair his firearm, but he must not breach the system of organisation while carrying a firearm, not to use the firearm in residential areas, and he must notify the licencing authority at the police of any change in the owner’s address or changes in the licence.” -With inputs from ONA

Oman-Saudi road link to help pilgrims

workers irrespective

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dential areas are congested. It is unlike the past when there were wide spaces and very few buildings present,” said Capt. Al Hashmi during the interview.

He urged citizens not to fire in the air since what goes up, has to come down and may hurt anybody. According to the Weapons and Ammunition Law, Article 25, “There will be a fine imposed on those who use firearms without being in distress or set off firecrackers or fire rockets or ignite fires and explosions in the neighbourhood or areas nearby, or on a public street, or towards a public street without a licence from the police.”

NEARING COMPLETION

MUSCAT: A major road link from Oman to Saudi Arabia, which is nearing completion, will be of great advantage to those embarking on a Haj and Umrah pilgrimage, according to residents.

“The road connecting Oman and Saudi Arabia is nearing completion at the end of the current Arabic year,” reported an article in Al Shabiba, the sister publica-

Business community

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

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HM sends condolences

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to President Ollanta Humala of the Republic of Peru on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere greetings along with his best wishes to President Humala and his country’s people. -ONA

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We should not differentiate in dealing with our staff on their nationality. There should be something called ‘performance contract’

I face a lot of problems in the level of drivers.

If you give them much work, next day, he will come and submit his resignation or will try to get more off days

The law gave the employer an absolute right to end the worker job contract, after clarifying and proving the reasons which have led to the sacking

Eng Amer Al Fadhil

Sultan Ali Al Busaidi

Yousuf Said Al Mutawa

MD, Competence HR

MD, United National Oilfield Services

Assistant DG, Employment

of what national the employee is, there should be something called ‘performance contract’, and if the employee is not performing within this performance contract, they should be dismissed.”

The employee should have the right to go and complain, Al Fadhil said, adding, “The Labour Court or labour office should not blindly take a decision. They should look at what the specifics of the situation are, what the job description is, what the performance contract is, what are the appraisals of the staff if any and what warnings were given, and then make a decision in accordance with the law.”

Unconditional support Right now there is an ‘unconditional’ support for these employees and that is not ‘right’, noted Al Fadhil, one of the 30 successful candidates for the National CEO Programme.

“You would not even treat your child like that because you would be spoiling him or her,” he said, adding that such an attitude

would affect the child’s future.

In addition, the managing director of Competence HR said that currently there is a sense of ‘complacency’ among Omani workers because of this issue.

The mindset of some Omanis right now is that no matter they work or not, they will get paid and cannot be fired, he said.

“If the support is withdrawn, their complacency is removed.

When complacency is removed, the Omanis are pressured to perform. Once they are pressured to perform, there will be competition between Omanis and nonOmanis,” Al Fadhil noted.

Sultan Ali Al Busaidi, managing director of the United National Oilfield Services (UNOS), a 100 per cent Omani initiative, believes that employees should be supported on basis of their performance and should not be given the rights that they do not actually have.

“I face a lot of problems in the level of drivers. If you give him much work, next day, he will come and submit his resignation or he

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A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who won popular acclaim as India’s president in 2002-07, died on Monday evening after collapsing during a lecture at the IIMShillong. >A9

OMAN

MARKET

Heavy rain in parts of the Sultanate

Power sector to get huge investments

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Heavy investment is being planned to raise power generation, strengthening transmission lines and distribution network in Oman interior regions. >B1

Heavy rainfall has been reported from different parts Oman.

The precipitation measuring station recorded heavy rain in some wilayats. >A3

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will try to get more days off than he is supposed to take,” he said.

Al Busaidi added that according to his own experience, this problem is more prevalent among Omani staff.

Ministry’s support “It is because they are given the rights which they do not have.

So you would see that they are 100 per cent sure whenever they go to the Ministry of Manpower, they will get support,” he said, adding that somebody will be on their side and the company will be ‘squeezed’.

However, he said that dismissal is not the ultimate option and there are some measures that can be taken to improve the situation.

For instance, sometimes the problem arises from the fact that some organisations do not have clear statement of job descriptions and the expected performance, Al Busaidi said, adding that employees should be made well aware of their day-to-day responsibilities. >A6

10 die in terror attack in Punjab

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TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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

Family members are with us overseeing the search operations. The two men are still missing but search operations will continue PACDA official

B ATT L I N G O D D S

Search for missing Emiratis continues in Al Dimr coast Times News Service MUSCAT: Search operations for the two missing Emiratis was extended to Taqah area in the Dhofar governorate on Sunday.

Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) is coordinating with Royal Oman Police, Royal Air Force in the search operations to find the two Emiratis who went missing in the sea off Al Dimr in the wilayat of Mirbat at Dhofar governorate.

“Family members are with us overseeing the search operations,” according to a PACDA official. “The two men are still missing but search operations will continue”, the official added.

Seven friends, including two Omanis, had gone for swimming when six of them got trapped in strong currents. Four among the six, who entered the sea, managed to swim to safety but two are still missing.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged the tourists and locals visiting Salalah to abide by the safety rules in the beaches and wadis.

RESCUE EFFORTS: The two men are still missing but search operations will continue, the official said.–Supplied photos

Citizen arrested with firecrackers fireworks and it is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of OMR3,000, or both.

The punishment is doubled if the crime is repeated.

Smuggling through the land borders is also punishable according to article 4/145 and 142 of the Unified Customs Laws of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The law has banned trading in fireworks and it is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years CRACKDOWN: The seized fire-

crackers. – Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: A citizen was arrested by personnel from the Dank police station last Saturday for possessing firecrackers.

A police patrol stopped the vehicle, which was on its way to the wilayat, and found the firecrackers hidden inside the vehicle. The

citizen confessed that the firecrackers belonged to him.

The Royal Oman Police has called on citizens and residents to follow the laws and regulations and to advise their children about the dangers of firecrackers.

The law has banned trading in

Smuggling narcotics The Directorate General of Combatting Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances arrested two citizens for smuggling narcotics into Sohar. The citizens were affiliated with an international drug trafficking syndicate which was involved in smuggling narcotics into the Sultanate.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) found 11 blocks of hashish in their possession weighing more than 11 kilogrammes.

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E X PAT R I AT E I S S U E

Heavy rainfall in parts of the Sultanate Times News Service MUSCAT: Heavy rainfall has been reported from different parts of the Sultanate on Monday.

The precipitation measuring station which is affiliated to the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, recorded heavy rainfall in some wilayats of the Sultanate due to local cloud formations between July 24 and 26, which resulted in the overflowing of wadis.

The highest rainfall of 18 millimetres (mm) was recorded in Al Rustaq of South Batinah Governorate. In Al Dakhiliya Governorate, Nizwa recorded 10mm of rain, while Buraimi in Wilayat Saninah also recorded 10mm.

Wadis Bani Ghafir and Assahtan in Rustaq are overflowing due to

the rains, while Wadis Muaiyden, Bani Habib, Qutm, and Saiq, in addition to Maaqal Al Qasm and Ghashan in Nizwa, have recorded a high flow rate.

The wadis in Samail, Bahla and others connected to Wadi Bani Kharus are experiencing a medium flow, while Wadis Masah, Afradh and Hiwan in Mahdha have reported low flow rates.

Al Awabi dam received 15,000 cubic metres of rain, while Sahtan Dam released 20,000 cubic metres of water. Sahtan Dam is 10,000 metres deep while Mestal Dam 1 holds 3,499 cubic metres and Mestal Dam 2 can hold 24,012 cubic metres of water. Said Museh on the other hand can hold 30,000 cubic metres while said Siwan can hold up to 40,000 cubic metres of water.

WEATHER RELIEF: The highest rainfall of 18mm was recorded in Al Rustaq of South Batinah Governorate.– photo courtesy @Mohamed_badinew

North Cyprus eyes tourism, education sector With prospects of the resolution of the Cyprus issue, Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci says that Northern Cyprus is seeking to develop its relations with Muslim countries

CULTURAL WEALTH: Above, The Great Khan and below, Lala

Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas Cathedral). – Photos: Times of Oman

A ship believed to have been made in the 3rd century BC, which is thought to be the oldest commercial ship ever to be removed from the bottom of the sea, is displayed at the castle’s Shipwreck Museum, where a number of other awe-inspiring items are exhibited.

STAFF REPORTER MUSCAT: Northern Cyprus aims to foster stronger ties with Oman and other Islamic countries as it aspires to become a commercial hub and a primary destination for tourism and education.

With brighter prospects for the resolution of the Cyprus issue, Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci says that Northern Cyprus is seeking to develop its relations with Muslim countries and the rest of the world in various spheres.

“Every country is important for us. We want to have our relations wherever possible. We want, of course, to promote our relations also with Oman, and we look forward to seeing the intensification of these relations,” Akinci told the Times of Oman.

Echoing a similar view, Emine Colak, minister of foreign affairs of Northern Cyprus said, “Oman is among the countries that we would want to improve our relationship with.”

The island, where East meets West, has a lot to offer visitors and also students pursuing a high quality educational experience.

The mere fact that part of one of the most famous plays of William Shakespeare was set in one of Cyprus’ port towns sounds appealing enough to visit this island, but the Othello Castle in Famagusta (Gazimagusa), named after the hero of the play, is just one of the many attractions of Northern Cyprus.

Visitors are introduced to the warm hospitality of people in Northern Cyprus and the island’s typical Mediterranean climate as soon as they arrive at Ercan International Airport – the primary civilian airport of Northern Cyprus – through Turkey.

Ideal destination The fact that visitors from most of the countries do not require a visa to visit Northern Cyprus makes it a great choice of destination for those seeking to have a relaxing holiday far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The island also does not disappoint those who may be interested in experiencing a ferry ride as there are boats and sea buses connecting Northern Cyprus with Turkey.

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With a capacity of over 20,000 beds, the northern part of Cyprus, which is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, provides tourists with a wide range of options from high-end hotels such as Merit Lefkosa to hotel apartments, camping and self-catering apartments and villas.

The safe environment of this glamorous island, its public transport system comprising buses, minibuses and taxis, and the fact that some other currencies apart from the Turkish Lira are widely accepted, make it easy to travel around and explore the wonders of Northern Cyprus.

Nicosia (Lefkosa) walled city tops the list of the places that should not be missed during a visit to Northern Cyprus.

The Great Khan, one of the island’s finest and most important Ottoman works of architecture built between 1572 and 1579, impresses visitors with its 68 rooms.

Within walking distance from the Great Khan, lies Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), one of Cyprus’ most important Gothic-styled buildings, where the Lusignan kings were crowned.

Perhaps, there is no better place in Northern Cyprus to gaze into the endless sea than the historical Kyrenia (Girne) Harbour at the centre of the city where visitors can see colourful anchored fishing boats and yachts.

Visitors can also get a bird’seye view of the city from the Girne Castle, the city’s symbol and one of the most amazing historical buildings on the island.

Oldest tree Another major tourism attraction is the island’s oldest tree, which is located at the entrance of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas Cathedral). The monumental East African Fig Tree was planted when the construction of the cathedral started in 1298 and is now 15 metres high and 5 metres wide.

When in Cyprus, do not forget to get a taste of the many culinary delights that it has to offer, especially after indulging in fun activities such as water skiing, banana rides, jet ski, wind surfing and scuba diving.

Hellim, a traditional Cypriot cheese made generally from sheep or goat milk enchants the palate and other savoury and sweet dishes are worth admiring, such as a variety of Kebabs, Firin Kebap, Ekmek Kadayifi, Pirohu and Kolokas.

Universities Northern Cyprus is not only an ideal destination for tourism, but also is a land of higher education where 50,000 students coming from around 70 countries are studying.

All universities in Northern Cyprus offer internationally recognised undergraduate and graduate degree programmes, with the medium of instruction being English in most of the majors.

Some of the most renowned universities are Eastern Mediterranean University, Near East University, European University of Lefke, Girne American University, Cyprus International University and Middle Eastern Technical University – Northern Cyprus campus.

With qualified faculty members from different countries, universities in Northern Cyprus offer a great range of incentives to students. These include affordable tuition fees and moderate living expenses, accommodation on campus and around the city, on-campus education with a wide range of facilities, and excellent facilities for social, cultural and sports activities.

GLOBAL TIES

Oman’s stress on culture at Expo Milan MILAN: Oman’s delegation, participating in the Expo Milan 2015, paid visits to some pavilions of brotherly and friendly countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Islamic Republic of Iran and the Federal Republic of Germany.

The delegation was led by Dr Fu’aad bin Ja’afar Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and included Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrazi, Minister of Tourism The delegation was briefed on the efforts of these countries at the Expo Milan 2015 and their pavilions, as well as their efforts to translate the theme of Expo Milan ‘Food Planet - Energy for Life.’

Meanwhile, ‘Ibn Battuta’ play was enacted at Expo Milan 2015 on Sunday night in which 180 artists participated, including many of the Omani artists.–ONA

Envoy-designate meets Kerala CM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Indian ambassador-designate to Oman Indra Mani Pandey on Monday called on Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and said the embassy in the Sultunate will become a one-stop destination for all Indian expatriates.

“I have met Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Minister for Diaspora, K.C. Joseph, and other top officials. My visit to Kerala was to call on the chief minister and others to seek their support,” said Pandey, who will take charge of his new assignment on August 10.

“The Indian Embassy in Oman will be made a one-stop point for all Indians living in the Sultunate,” said Pandey.

A 1990 Indian Foreign Service officer, he was deputy chief of mission in the Indian embassy in Paris.

Welcoming Pandey, the chief minister said Keralites in Oman faced numerous issues abroad.

“One of the main points our people raise is about staff shortage in the Indian embassy in Oman. Hence, they have to wait for long to get issues sorted out,” said Chandy.

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TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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OMR8 m

has been granted for Research Chair Programme (RCP) allocated for research funds that develop centres of excellence at national research institution.

Strategic projects on research radar desired objectives and reaching the desired vision of activating the linkage between academic, private sectors, industrial and government institutions and various members of the local and global community.

It is worth mentioning that the IPM is being established in Al Khoudh area near the Sultan Qaboos University in an estimated area of some 540,000 square metres over three phases. The IPM is divided into 10 land plots, each measuring 8,000 square metres, specified for setting up research and development centres for the investing companies.

Since it was established in 2005, The Research Council (TRC) has been committed to achieving the vision of the Sultanate towards the advancement of research plans

FUTURE POSITIVE: Above, Innovation Park Muscat (IPM), and right, one of the laboratories funded by The Research Council.–Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: While 150 research projects have been funded by the TRC since 2009, five strategic projects of national importance to the Sultanate are being conducted at present.

Since it was established in 2005, The Research Council (TRC) has been committed to achieving the vision of the Sultanate towards the advancement of research and the development of its methods and tools in line with the related national needs and related global variables.

This has been clearly accomplished through the establishment of a number of research support programmes in the Sultanate, most notably the commissioned strategic research grant programme, which is considered of great national importance.

The Open Research Grant programme, Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Research Programme, the Graduates Research Support Programme, and the Research Chairs Programme, along with the other programmes have contributed towards creating an encouraging environment for re-

search in the Sultanate. There is also the National Research Award and the Researchers’ Incentives Programme.

National Research Award The Research Council launched the National Research Award (NRA) in July 2014, to contribute to the spreading of a competitive spirit among researchers, and to motivate them to provide research that could achieve comprehensive quality and sustainable development for the Sultanate.

The NRA aims to encourage researchers to continue their activities and research initiatives in order to promote a culture of research, raise the quality of research outputs in the Sultanate, and increase the number of research projects of national importance.

Social Observatory The Social Observatory Research Programme is one such programme established by the TRC in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development with the purpose of monitoring social changes

and analysing them through research. The programme focuses on three research domains which are youth values, family cohesion, employment and standard of living.

In 2014, work began to determine the infrastructure requirements for data sources that include indicators and data as a precedent stage for the actual technical establishment of the database. TRC contracted the Geo-data Centre of the British University of Southampton for identifying and determining the social indicators necessary for the programme to the specific domain, and determine the necessary data and sources.

Renewable Energy This programme aims to implement a series of practical pilot projects in the areas of renewable energy and launch an updated database to support communication networks among local and international scientists and researchers of renewable energy.

The research resources are collected from individuals, universities, institutes, and organisations, in addition to companies and oth-

er local and international sources, along with updated weather and climate data in the field of renewable energy.

As part of TRC’s strategies towards finding practical applications in the field of alternative energy, the results of the Oman Eco House Design Competition were announced last January. The first place went to The Higher College of Technology, while the second place went to German University of Technology and the third went to the University of Nizwa.

150 research proposals Since starting the programme in the fourth quarter of 2009 until call two of the 2014, the programme has received 279 research proposals at various sectors submitted from associated institutions to the electronic system of the Council.

Another 150 research proposals were adopted in various research sectors from institutions, and these included a number of proposals funded of which 62 were doctoral grants and 136 were Masters grants.

THE RESEARCH COUNCIL

There were 62 research proposals received under the programme in 2014, of which 28 were received in the first call and 34 were received in call two. Of these, 28 research proposals were approved for funding at the end of the year.

In August 2014, The Research Council approved funding of 69 research proposals under The Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Research Award Programme (FURAP) at a total cost of OMR151, 492.

The FURAP’s concept aims to enrich undergraduate research learning experiences to encourage them to seek careers in research, enable students to carry out research that they would not be able to do without the necessary funding. In its first year of operation, FURAP received 87 research proposals from undergraduates at seven different institutions of higher education.

Innovation Park Muscat The Innovation Park Muscat (IPM) is one of the main initiatives of TRC as part of the National Research Strategy for achieving the

OAPGRC The Research Centre programme is based on the concept of establishing administratively independent research centres with the purpose of carrying out research in different strategic fields.

As part of this programme, TRC has launched the Oman Animal Plants Genetic Resources Centre (OAPGRC). The centre also aims to be an important tributary and a basic reference in enhancing the sustainable use of genetic resources as well as for the importance of genetic diversity in animals, plants and microorganisms, and marine science in the Sultanate, as a natural heritage source.

Contracts with Helmholtz The Research Council (TRC) last June signed the pilot project contracts of the Institute of the Advanced Technology Integration (IATI) with the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.

IATI’s three pilot projects that would be developed over the next three years are Continuous Hybrid Cooling Using Geothermal and Solar Heat Sources and Underground Storage Systems, Submarine Groundwater Discharge, and IATI Wastewater pilot project.

IATI’s pilot project contracts will have a leading role in enhancing the establishment of scientific competence centres of the institute, as well as, supervising the various research activities.

ACADEMICS

Study set to help OMR8m earmarked combat accidents for research chairs Times News Service MUSCAT: A strategic research programme, the Road Safety Research Programme is directed and implemented by a strategic research programme (TRC) in collaboration with various stakeholders on traffic accidents in collaboration with the Royal Oman Police.

The programme aims to achieve a number of objectives including encouraging local and international researchers to submit research proposals aimed at reducing the issue of traffic accidents in the Sultanate, as well as to increase research capacity in the field of road safety through supporting graduate students who are working on the research proposals submitted under this programme.

Research proposals under the Road Safety Research Programme experienced progress in various areas, including the initiating of variable collection process for pilot registrations to the titled research programme ‘The development of the health-care system for road accidents related

Times News Service injuries in the Sultanate’.

The Dubas Bug Integrated Management Research Programme has experienced a number of developments during the past. Five research projects were implemented in collaboration with a number of academic institutions from within and outside the Sultanate which included 4 Masters programmes and 4 PhD scholarships.

The programme this year also witnessed the launch of its own database which aims at assembling and documenting all the information available about the Dubas Bug so that researchers and whoever else is interested can reach them easily, and provided related information to the Dubas Bug, which could be used as a basis for the requirements of studies and research in this area.

The database consists of scientific summaries of Dubas Bugrelated research and studies, in addition to interactive sites for discussion and interaction between users on issues related to studies and information on Dubas, and documenting sites with available information.

MUSCAT: Two research chairs at the cost of OMR8 million are being funded by The Research Council.

As part of the Research Chair Programme (RCP) allocated for research funds for programmes that develop centres of excellence at national research institutions, TRC signed two research centres, Nanotechnology for Water Desalination at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), and the National Chair of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Nizwa.

Nanotechnology for Water Desalination was established at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in October 2011, and funded with OMR3,071,000 over an initial fiveyear period.

During this time, over fifty publications in prestigious journals have been published and five primary research themes were identified in consultation with the technical committee.

These are, designer metaloxide nanostructures, capacitive desalination with functionalised nanostructures, condensation induced renewable desalting, and

TECH FOCUS: More than 50 publications have been published in journals.– Supplied photo

functionalised micro/nano membranes, along with photocatalytic decontamination of saline water for pre-filtration membranes The Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of the Chair showed that nine Master’s students joined between 2012 and 2014, while there were ten PhD students for the same period.

SEMINAR

Focus on modern surveying techniques Times News Service

Dr Lukasz K Bonenberg

MUSCAT: Key facets of modern surveying techniques were discussed at a seminar here.

The one-day seminar on ‘GNSS and modern surveying techniques, with their application and monitoring utilities’ demonstrated the modern use of GNSS for predominantly engineering applications, based on the Nottingham Geospatial Institute (NGI) and on the experience of the speaker Dr Lukasz K Bonenberg, senior experimental officer, at the University of Nottingham in the UK. The seminar, which was organised by The Research Council

(TRC) on Monday at the Higher College of Technology (HCT), saw a great response from the audience. The seminar focussed on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) which is an umbrella term that describes a number of satellite systems, of which the most famous is the Global Positioning System or GPS. It has been named a hidden utility.

The seminar also discussed the sources of error in engineering surveys while demonstrating the latest scientific applications, the system’s uses in engineering to detect and observe change and distortion.

The seminar was divided into

three parts. The first one discussed the origin of the GPS, how it worked and how is it being used nowadays. As a comparison, GLONASS, the Russian system, was discussed.

The second part discussed how GNSS was being used presently in engineering, described system biases and errors and the briefing outline of Real Time Kinematic (RTK) and Network RTK, which are the two most common GNSS positioning techniques.

The concluding part of the seminar looked over the horizon by discussing the future by discussing incoming challenges for the GNSS.

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UPGRADE

BIN ALAWI MEETS EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTER Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs met in Cairo on Monday with Sameh Shoukry, Egyptian Foreign Minister. The meeting dealt with means of cementing the relations between the Sultanate and Egypt in all fields. It also discussed the latest developments in the region. The meeting was attended by Salim bin Said Al Rowas, acting charge d’affaires of the Sultanate’s Embassy in Egypt.-ONA

SQU plan aims at innovation The university prepared its long-term strategic plan until 2040 in line with the government’s long-term strategic plans to serve as a roadmap over the next 25 years Times News Service MUSCAT: Aided by guidance of the university administration and in tune with the overall development plans of the country, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has developed a long-term strategic plan from 2016 to 2040.

The university prepared its long-term strategic plan until 2040 in line with the government’s long-term strategic plans to serve as a roadmap that determines the university’s path over the next twenty-five years.

The plan includes five medium-range plans that contain initiatives, programmes and performance indicators. Those plans coincide with the five-year development plans of the country.

The development of this ambitious plan began by collecting and MEDICAL

Arthroscopy service at Ibri hospital

MEDICARE The arthroscopy service will serve patients in the wilayats.–ONA

IBRI: Arthroscopy service was launched at Ibri Referral Hospital on Monday.

Dr Nasser bin Hammad Al Azri, Director of the Hospital said that the arthroscopy service, the latest to be added to the hospital, will serve patients in the wilayats of Ibri, Yanqul and Dank in the Governorate of A’Dhahirah.

He added that the medical staff at the ortho clinic in Ibri Referral Hospital will conduct surgeries in the presence of arthroscopic surgeon from Khoula Hospital.

“After receiving the new scopes, surgeons can now conduct scopic services and hopefully we will be able to perform anterior cruciate ligament surgeries in the future,” he informed. –ONA

analysing the views of relevant stakeholders from within and outside the university. It included the study of scientific papers presented, on a request of the university, by a number of renowned international experts in the world about the latest theoretical and applied developments in the field of university systems and different patterns, along with a review of international experience in higher education strategic planning.

The emphasis of the plan was on the strategies used by successful and innovative universities from around the world.

Five strategic areas have been identified as central to achieving the vision of the university. They are teaching and learning for the undergraduate studies, teaching and learning and education and learning for post-graduate stud-

ies, scientific research, and creativity, in addition to innovation and interaction with the community.

In order to facilitate and ensure the achievement of the strategic goals of these areas, seven objectives have been identified. They are governance and management, financial capacity and human resources, international co-operation, and student environment, in addition to infrastructure and support services, and health and medical services to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.

Future vision The vision of the university will be achieved through five medium-range plans that are laid down by all units of the university based on the strategic goals, and the strategies and initiatives in the long-term strategic plan.

The first medium-range strategic plan (2016- 2020) will start in consonance with the five-year plans for development in the country in general.

The various units of the university will be asked to identify the mechanisms and procedures to be undertaken in the context of a medium-term plan by selecting unit-related areas and goals in the long-term strategic plan.

UK hospital to train Omani doctors Times News Service MUSCAT: Omani physicians are set to acquire sub speciality partnership certificates in rare medical specialities as Oman’s Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK, for training.

Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, minister of health, had recently vis-

ited the hospital. “This official visit was meant to promote the collaboration between the ministry and the hospital in the field of training Omani physicians to acquire sub specialty partnership certificates in rare medical specialities,” said a press release.

The two sides explored several fields of collaboration such as continuation in accepting and support-

ing a bigger number of Omani Medical Specialities Board (OMSB) graduates, ensuring the best training opportunities, the possibility of sending nursing staff and further future plans regarding research and performing specialised surgeries such as liver transplants.

During his visit, the minister toured the hospital’s wards, operation theatres, and the ICU.

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TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

OMAN

Discipline should be brought to the work culture in Oman Sultan Ali Al Busaidi, MD of United National Oilfield Services

CLEAR PROCEDURES

< FROM

A1 Dismissal must be on proper grounds, says Hooti He added that some organisations just employ Omanis to increase their Omanisation rate and then those employees are left to their own devices, which may ultimately result in unsatisfactory performance and then the talk of dismissal at the company.

Discipline should be brought to the work culture in Oman, said Al Busaidi.

Rules for both sides Ahmed Al Hooti, a member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), also argues that the procedure has to be clear for both the employer and the employee.

“There has to be steps and these steps have to be clear,” he said, adding that employers should not be allowed to dismiss employees for inappropriate and insufficient reasons.

For example, if an employee is sick and cannot perform well, it would not be ‘fair’ to say that there is no productivity, Al Hooti said.

Next step Setting clear rules has to be the next decision taken by the government, the private sector and other authorities concerned, he added.

The OCCI member acknowledged that there certain problems with Omanisation which the authorities are seeking to resolve.

An Omani business owner in the

private sector, who asked not to be named, believes that the Ministry of Manpower is ‘spoiling’ some Omani employees and giving them ‘unconditional’ support, which is negatively affecting the quality of work and the country’s economy.

“The situation is like having two children, one of whom is performing well at school and one is not. If the poorly performing student is rejected by the school and you go there to fight to bring him in again, you will be sending this message to your children that ‘No matter you work hard or not, you will have our support’. So the child will ask himself ‘Why should I work hard?’” he said.

“Of course there are Omani employees who are performing well and are working hard, but the ministry is giving a similar message to some Omani employees that ‘No matter you work hard or not, you will get your salary. You employers cannot fire you because we are here to protect you,’” said the businessman.

Mindset This wrong mindset has led to poor performance and low productivity, he said, adding that the ministry should change this system.

Employers should have the right to fire a non-productive employee regardless of nationality, he noted.

“No sane person will dismiss an efficient and hard-working em-

This wrong mindset has led to poor performance and low productivity, the Omani businessman said, adding that the ministry should change this system

ployee. Rather, the company will offer him or her a higher salary not to lose that person,” he said.

Right procedure “Companies should also follow the right procedure and give sufficient warning to the employee who is not performing well. However, even that would not work until the ministry changes its mindset,” he added.

The ministry should understand that this attitude is ‘hurting’ the economy, he said, noting that a change in attitude will bring about quality and competition.

“You should let the competition be there. If you segregate Omanis and non-Omanis and protect the national workforce regardless of the quality of their work, the productivity and quality of work will remain low,” said the businessman.

Misconduct Tonia Gray, general manager at Competence HR, said, “Whilst the Oman Labour Law does give proviF E S T I VA L

Theatre buffs urged to register Times News Service MUSCAT: Theatre lovers in Muscat are in for a delightful time, and if they have a penchant for theatre they are required to register at the earliest.

Dr Sathish Nambiar, managing director of Eventful /DOC LLC, feels that the true theatre aficionados miss out on enjoying this festival as invitations do not reach them.

“Hence you are required to register your interest in attending these shows by sending an email to: dr.sathishnambiar@ gmail.com or to: deepal.nim@ gmail.com with your contact number to ensure invitations for the festival,” he said.

sion for dismissing employees, it primarily deals with misconductrelated issues.”

“Non-performance could be addressed by following the same procedure (verbal warnings, written warnings etc). However consideration should be given to training or moving the individual to another position more suitable to their abilities and competence as part of the procedure,” she said.

Missing points “If the poor performance leads to loss of business or reputation, then the current Labour Law covers this but when this is not the case, the Labour Law is lacking in this regard,” Gray noted.

She added, “Even when a national has been dismissed for misconduct following the full procedure, one often finds that the Labour Court overturns the dismissal or imposes heavy fines, which makes companies reluctant to even try.”

“I believe that the Labour Law procedures for terminating an

employee need to reviewed. They should include an effective procedure to dismiss for conduct, which if followed will be upheld by the Labour Court, but should also include a Capability Procedure which would enable non-performing employees to be terminated,” Gray said.

also lies firmly with the company who often do not manage their employees – they will moan that they are not performing, but managers shy away from giving negative feedback to the employee. They also do not set any objectives or give regular reviews – not even an annual performance review.”

Work ethic Following the procedure and documenting every step would be vital to defend any subsequent case, she said, adding that it should be remembered that there is a difference between an employee who chooses not to do their job (someone who has a poor work ethic and lack of care) as opposed to those who are not capable despite all efforts made by them to achieve the required standards.

“This latter issue needs to be handled under a separate procedure and should not be grouped under disciplinary – the Capability Procedure,” she noted.

Effective management “Some managers do not have the skills to effectively manage the performance of their teams. Others think that carrying out an annual performance review is all that is required – to be an effective manager, a manager should ‘manage every day’,” said Gray.

Of course, employers can more effectively utilise the recruitment procedure to ensure selection of competent employees and probationary periods to identify those who are unlikely to meet the standards – but this has to be dealt with, the expert noted.

Widespread view The general manager at Competence HR added, “Currently there is a widespread view that nationals cannot be dismissed unless it is for something serious and that ultimately leads to a poor work ethic and some employees feel that they can do what you want as there will be no serious repercussions.”

In addition, she said, “The fault

Trained personnel “Unfortunately, however, many companies do not have the appropriately trained personnel to do this and rely on managers, who are perhaps untrained in handling performance or who are too busy to constantly review the probationer, which results in the three months passing and it seeming to be too late to act,” Gray concluded.

Six top plays to grace Original Theatre Festival This popular festival is now in its seventh year and this episode will present six renowned plays from India. Five of the plays will be in English and one in Hindi

RENOWNED ACTORS: This year’s Original Theatre Festival will be

held at the Oman auditorium of Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel, from August 21 to 29. – Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Six plays, five in English and one in Hindi, will grace the 2015 edition of “The Original Theatre Festival”.

“Eventful, a leading event management company in Oman is poised to showcase The Original Theatre Festival, their premier event, once again for the theatre aficionados of Oman,” said the organisers.

This year’s festival will be held at the Oman auditorium of the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel from August 21 to 29.

This ever popular festival is now in its seventh year and this episode will present six renowned plays from India. Five of the plays will be in English and one in Hindi. Comedy, feel good and satire will be the genres this year.

“At Eventful we believe that theatre portrays the essence of acting. It is demanding on the performers and only those who

have a passion for histrionics can emote to a level of popular acceptability. Theatre is the medium which extracts the best amongst the actors and thus for the enthusiasts, it becomes an audio-visual treat. Theatre has withstood the ravages of time and advancement of technology. It still retains the aesthetic charm of storytelling,” said Dr Sathish Nambiar, managing director of Eventful /DOC LLC, who is also a hardcore theatre enthusiast.

Four production houses have been chosen to stage the seventh episode of the festival. A. K. Various Productions, who have enthralled the theatre buffs of Oman in the past, will present two of their new plays, “The Government Inspector” and the “Hound of Bhaskervilles”. The latter is a spoof on the famous Arthur Conan Doyle novel.

Ashwin Gidwani Productions, a popular theatre group in Mumbai, will be making their debut

at the festival with two hilarious presentations, “Two to Tango and Three to Jive” and “Get Rid of My Wife”. The former features Saurabh Shukla the popular Bollywood thespian.

Two other production houses featured for the first time in the festival are Silly Point Productions comedy entitled “Class Act” and a unique presentation about the relationship between a father and son -“Kaumudi” which comes from the stables of the up and coming producer director Abhishek Majumdhar, who is making waves with his Bangalorebased production house.

Minara, from Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives is once again presenting the festival.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

NEW ROAD

New road to boost tourism, A1 trade between neighbours < FROM

The project will benefit travellers from both countries.

“The road will boost trade and tourism between the two GCC neighbours and will ensure quick delivery of products. Moreover, movement of pilgrims between the two countries will become easier and faster,” said the report.

“The Omani part of the road has

been ready for some time. The road passes through the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world,” according to the report. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated on its Twitter account that the ministry has approved 230 Haj campaigns for 61 companies.

The ministry also rejected 13

campaigns due to violations of regulations such as failure to renew company licences. The ministry clarified that 199 Hajj campaigns were assigned to 54 companies for Omanis, three companies were assigned 14 campaigns for Arab expatriates, and four companies were assigned 17 campaigns for non-Arab expats.

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5 They will discuss Israeli escalations at Al Aqsa mosque, continuing settlements, extra-judicial arrests and assassinations and forced displacements of Palestinians Saeb Erakat, Chief Palestinian negotiator

FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET

Arab League to discuss Al Aqsa clashes on August 5 CAIRO: Arab League foreign ministers will meet in Cairo early next month to discuss clashes involving Israeli police at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, a senior Palestinian official said on Monday.

Sunday’s incident saw Israeli police enter the mosque as they clashed with Palestinians angered

by Jews’ access to the compound.

Palestinians threw stones and fireworks while police fired stun grenades.

The Palestinian government said Israel’s actions proved it wanted to “drag the region into a religious war”.

Dangerous Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat told reporters that foreign ministers from 15 Arab states will meet on August 5 to discuss what he called the “dangerous development” in occupied Jerusalem.

They will discuss “Israeli escalations at Al Aqsa mosque, continuing settlements, extra-judicial arrests and assassinations and forced displacements” of Palestinians, he said after meeting the league’s chief Nabil Al Arabi at its Cairo headquarters.

Erakat said the meeting had been called by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The 15 ministers represent Arab countries involved in the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that calls for an Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories in exchange for full normalisation of ties with the Arab world.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been comatose since a failed US diplomatic effort in April last year, and a war in the Gaza Strip last summer killed about 2,200 Palestinians.

The meeting will also discuss Palestinian reconciliation efforts and a new Arab bid to end the Israeli occupation through the United Nations, Erakat said. — AFP

REGION

Friendly fire kills 12 Yemeni loyalists in Lahj At least 30 others were wounded in the strikes on hills overlooking the rebel-held Al Anad airbase, as well as in nearby Radfan BADLY-HIT: Engineers stand on a fuel storage tank damaged

ADEN: Warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition fighting rebels in Yemen hit positions of pro-government forces by mistake on Monday despite a humanitarian truce, killing a dozen people, military sources said.

Clashes also broke out on the ground in several areas of the country in spite of UN calls for all sides to respect a ceasefire to allow desperately needed aid deliveries. The Houthi rebels, who control swathes of Yemen including the capital Sanaa, said they had not been consulted about the truce that began at midnight (Sunday 2100 GMT).

The Arab regional coalition, which has waged four months of air strikes in support of exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, announced the five-day ceasefire to allow emergency supplies to flow into the war-scarred nation. It reserved the right to respond to “military activity or movement”.

Although there were no reports of air strikes on the rebels on Monday, military sources reported a “friendly fire” incident

by a recent Saudi-led air strike at a cement factory in Yemen’s northwestern city of Amran on Monday. – Reuters

in which coalition warplanes hit positions of Hadi loyalists in the southern province of Lahj, killing 12 people. At least 30 others were wounded in the strikes on hills overlooking the rebel-held Al Anad airbase, as well as in nearby Radfan, the sources said.

There was no immediate comment by the Saudi-led coalition.

Overnight the Houthis bombarded areas in the southern provinces of Taez, Lahj and Dhaleh, according to witnesses and military sources.

Rebel tanks fired on residential areas in Jebel Sabr in Taez, sparking clashes with loyalist troops, witnesses said. Military sources said 11 rebels, five civilians and four loyalists were killed. Loyalists were reported to have seized territory on the northern outskirts of Aden, after expelling the rebels from the southern port city last week following four months of ferocious fighting.

The pro-government forces have been bolstered by new

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

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weaponry and armoured vehicles delivered by the coalition.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Sunday made a plea for all sides to “agree to and maintain the humanitarian pause for the sake of all the Yemeni people”.

But Mohammed Ali Al Houthi, the self-described “president of the High Committee of the Revolution”, a body formed by Houthi militants, said his group had not been consulted by the UN about the ceasefire.

The group could therefore not give a “negative or positive” answer about the truce, he said.

The Red Cross called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, and urged a longer truce.

“We would like to see a longer and stable truce, which is respected from all sides to allow humanitarian agencies to reach all affected areas,” said the Red Cross spokesman in Sanaa, Adnan Hizam. “Five days are not enough to cover the humanitarian needs,” he said. — AFP

OPTIONS

Obama, leaders discuss curbs on South Sudan ADDIS ABABA: President Barack Obama and regional leaders discussed options on Monday that included sanctions and a “regional intervention force” if South Sudan’s warring parties do no agree a peace deal by August 17, a US official said.

Obama met with leaders from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, and the African Union to discuss the crisis. The group agreed on the urgency of the situation in South Sudan but did not reach a consensus on what to do if a peace deal is not reached, the official said.

Obama, in Ethiopia on a two-nation Africa tour, met regional African leaders on Monday in Addis

Ababa to discuss the conflict that flared in December 2013, pitting troops loyal to President Salva Kiir against rebels commanded by Riek Machar. A US official said sanctions or other penalties could be considered if the two sides failed to reach a peace deal by an August 17 deadline. Previous deadlines have been ignored, deepening the crisis in the world’s newest nation.

“If we don’t see a breakthrough by the 17th, then we have to consider what other tools we have to apply greater pressure on the parties,” Obama told a news conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who has hosted peace talks. — Agencies

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TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

INDIA

Our motive is to demand caste census data and remove BJP from power. ‘BJP hatao, desh bachao’ (Remove BJP, save the country) because it is ‘Bharat Jalao Party’ Lalu Prasad, RJD chief

IMPORT OPTION

Government to import onions as prices surge to Rs40 per kg

STEEP HIKE: Onion prices at Lasalgaon mandi in Nashik, which sets price trend across the country, have increased by 66 per cent to Rs25 per kg from Rs15 per kg. – Supplied photo

NEW DELHI: With onion prices rising up to Rs40 per kg in the national capital, the government has ordered to import 10,000 tonnes of the kitchen staple from countries including Pakistan, China, Egypt.

However, “There is no need to panic as far as onion prices are concerned, sufficient stocks are available in the country,” a senior government official said.

Onion prices at Lasalgaon mandi in Nashik, which sets price trend of bulb across the country, have increased by 66 per cent to Rs25 per kg from Rs15 per kg, since the start of the month.

Whereas, the prices of key kitchen ingredient at wholesale markets in national capital have jumped to Rs30 per kg from Rs20

per kg in the last one week.

From last week, onion prices have increased by Rs10 per kg, though there has not been no shortfall in supply,” Azadpur Mandi Onion Traders Association president Surender Budhiraja said.

Whereas, Mother Dairy is selling onions at Rs38.90 per kg and it is charging Rs40 per kg for the packed onions.

Nashik-based National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) Director R P Gupta said the country has sufficient stocks of the bulb. “... at present about 28 lakh tonnes of rabi onion is stored in the country, which is equal to the country’s two months demand and at the same time harvesting of

early kharif crop has also started in Andhra Pradesh,” Gupta said.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Centre, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) has already floated a tender to import 10,000 tonnes of onion in coming months.

“NAFED invites tender for import of around 10,000 MT onions from Pakistan, China, Egypt or any other origin meeting Indian import regulations. The exact supply order will be regulated in units of 500 MTs depending upon the requirement,” the cooperative said in the tender.

Prices of the key vegetable have also gone up in various cities across the country.

According to the official data,

Jail term for former union minister in corruption case two other convicts, Tali AO and C Sangit, while fourth convict Mahesh Maheshwari was awarded two-and-a-half years jail term in the case.

It imposed a fine of Rs 6,000 on Tali AO and that of Rs 4,000 each on Sangit and Maheshwari.

During arguments held earlier in the day, CBI had sought “appropriate sentence” for Thungon and the three other convicts.

The court awarded a four-and-a-half year jail term in connection with a case lodged in 1998 pertaining to misappropriation of Rs20 million

NEW DELHI: Former Union Minister of India P K Thungon was on Monday awarded a fourand-a-half year jail term by a Delhi court in connection with a case lodged in 1998 pertaining to

misappropriation of Rs 20 million released by the Centre.

Besides the prison term, Special CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) Judge Ajay Kumar Jain also imposed a total fine of Rs10,000 on 68-year-old Thungon, a former Chief Minister of north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The court awarded three-anda-half years imprisonment to the

Committed the crime The agency prosecutor told the court that Thungon had held high office having been the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and a Minister of State at the Centre, but he still committed the crime.

“An appropriate sentence should be awarded to Thungon while keeping in view his stature.

The three other convicts helped him in the conspiracy, so appropriate sentence should be given to them,” the prosecutor submitted.

He also said that four other cases were still pending against Thungon. Thungon’s counsel contended before the court that all the other cases pending against his client were arising out of a single FIR lodged by CBI in an alleged housing scam case and that he was the only one to look after his ailing wife who is suffering from various serious ailments.

The court had on July 21 convicted Thungon, who was the then Minister of State Ministry, Urban Affairs and Employment, Tali AO, C Sangit and Mahesh Maheshwari in the case and sent them to jail.

All the four convicts were brought to the court on Monday from the prison.

Thungon and three others were convicted for offences under sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy) read with 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating)

and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of IPC and under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. According to CBI, in pursuance to the proposal of government of the northe-eastern state of Nagaland, the then Planning Commission had sanctioned an amount of Rs 20 million in 1994 for renovation and upgradation of minor irrigation projects for the state and the money was to be released in two instalments of 10 m each.

It had said that the accused had misappropriated the funds.

During the hearing on Monday, Thungon submitted that he was the first CM of Arunachal Pradesh because of his efforts to make it a Union territory and then a state.

“The Jawaharlal Nehru Open University was my brain child and the open schooling was also my idea which was implemented during the tenure of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. -PTI

onions are being sold at as high as Rs59 per kg in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by Rs55per kg in Wayanad and Ernakulam.

Besides, it is being sold at Rs42 per kg in Delhi, Rs34 per kg in Kolkata and in Mumbai onions were available at Rs31 per kg.

The onion price was lowest at Rs15 per kg in Gwalior. India’s annual consumption of onion is about 165 million tonnes, whereas the production is about 180 lakh tonnes.

Apprehending further increase in onion prices, the government had already increased MEP of the commodity to 425 per tonne and extended by another year the ban on hoarding of the key kitchen staple beyond a limit. -PTI

HEARING TO CONTINUE

Centre opposes Memon’s plea NEW DELHI: As 1993 Mumbai serial Mumbai bomb blasts convict Yakub Memon on Monday told the Supreme Court that he could not be executed on July 30 as this would be in “flagrant” violation of the court’s earlier directions, the central government strongly opposed it saying that he has already exhausted all the legal and administrative remedies.

However, a bench of Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice Kurian Joseph adjourned the hearing as Justice Joseph raised doubts over the composition of the bench that had rejected Memon’s curative petition on July 21.

Hearing will commence on Tuesday when the court would be addressed on the question whether bench that heard the curative petition was in accord with the Supreme Court Rules.

“The matter ends here. Then that is the end of the matter,” Justice Dave observed.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said: “There is no authority left to be moved now.” -IANS

SHUTDOWN

ENFORCING BANDH: RJD chief Lalu Prasad with party supporters during statewide bandh in Patna on Monday. -PTI

Lalu held as bandh cripples life in Bihar PATNA: RJD President Lalu Prasad and several of his supporters were on Monday arrested here while trying to enforce the day-long Bihar bandh called by his party as the shutdown adversely affected life across the state.

Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vikas Vaibhav said, “Prasad has been arrested along with his supporters while enforcing bandh. He has been taken to the camp jail of Bihar Military Police - 5 located on the outskirts of Patna.

He might be given bail if the sections imposed are bailable ones.”

An FIR has been registered against Prasad at Kotwali police station under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 341 (wrongful restraint), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty, 323 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 431 (mischief by injury to public road), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation).

The bandh disrupted normal life as few trains were halted by lathi-wielding mobs, which also forced few shops and educational institutions to shut operations.

The working of the Patna High Court was also hit. Officials said several judges got delayed in reaching the High Court due to

the bandh and wanted to know if the state government was supporting it.

They also questioned the security preparedness of the state government.

Earlier, Prasad had come out from his residence riding a ‘tamtam’ or ‘tonga’ (a singlehorse drawn carriage) draped with his party colours and symbol.

He and his hundreds of supporters then proceeded towards Dak Bungalow crossing, the nerve centre of city traffic, enforcing bandh all the way.

“Our motive is to demand caste census data and remove BJP from power. ‘BJP hatao, desh bachao’ (Remove BJP, save the country) because it is ‘Bharat Jalao Party’. The bandh is a huge success. I have never seen this type of bandh in my life except during the JP movement,” Prasad said.

The RJD chief denied any untoward incident by his party workers anywhere in the state and asserted that “youths have punctured BJP”.

He also gave the call to remove Narendra Modi from the post of prime minister.

Officials said shops remained shut, colleges and educational institutions were forced to close down, roads including national highways were blocked and vehicles were attacked during the shut-down called by RJD. -PTI

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

INDIA

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LEADING SCIENTISTS

Former president A P J Abdul Kalam passes away

END OF AN ERA: A P J Abdul

Kalam. – PTI files

SHILLONG: A P J Abdul Kalam, who rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s leading scientists and later a hugely popular president, died on Monday evening after collapsing during a lecture at the IIM-Shillong, plunging the entire country in mourning.

Kalam, who occupied Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2002-07, breathed his last at 7.45 pm at the Bethany Hospital where he was rushed to from the IIM where he was delivering a lecture on “liveable planet”, officials at the premier institute said.

The 83-year-old Kalam, who had been lecturing at the IIM-Shillong since last year, reached the institute at 5.40 pm on Monday. According to its director Amitabha De, he

was taken to the guest house where he rested for a while and came to the lecture hall at 6.40 pm. “Kalam must have barely spoken for five minutes when he suddenly collapsed,” De said, recalling the tragedy. “We rushed him to the hospital by 7 pm where he passed away.”

Enormous efforts Meghalaya Governor V. Shanmuganathan said the doctors “made enormous efforts to save him but we lost a great leader”. Meghalaya Chief Secretary P.B.O. Warjri broke the news: “Kalam is no more.”

Doctors at the hospital said Kalam was brought “almost dead” after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Gunmen storm police station in Punjab, 10 dead Police said three attackers had been killed in the battle with security forces that began in the early hours of Monday TAKING POSITION: Police personnel take positions during an encounter with armed militants in Dinanagar town in Gurdaspur District of Punjab, on Monday. – PTI

GURDASPUR (INDIA): Ten people including three civilians were killed on Monday when gunmen wearing army uniforms stormed a police station in northern India near the border with Pakistan, sparking a shootout lasting almost 11 hours.

Police said three attackers had been killed in the battle with security forces that began in the early hours of Monday and terrified local residents. Four police officers including the local superintendent also died in the operation in the usually calm northern state of Punjab. “The police superintendent fought them bravely but unfortunately he was shot in the head and he died on the spot,” said Anand Kumar, part of the special forces team that entered the building.

Assault The assault only ended at around 5pm when security forces finally entered the police station where the unidentified gunmen had been holed up. Local television stations showed scores of special forces personnel flashing victory signs and chanting slogans as they celebrated outside the partially damaged building.

One civilian was killed when

the attackers opened fire at a bus station while the other two died at the police station, said Sumedh Singh Saini, director general of police for Punjab. He told reporters it was “too early to say” who the attackers were. Five live bombs were recovered from nearby railway tracks, forcing train services to be cancelled. India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval called it “a very serious terrorist attack,” according to local NDTV television news channel.

Increased security Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he had ordered increased security on the border with Pakistan, which condemned the assault in a statement. Singh will make a detailed statement over the attack in Parliament on Tuesday. A number of other states were also reported to be on high alert. It was the first major attack in India’s Punjab for more than a decade and the state’s Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal blamed a lack of security on the border.

“This militancy is a national problem, not a state problem, so it needs to be tackled with a nation-

al policy,” he told reporters.

“If prior intelligence input had been given, they should have properly sealed the borders.”

Insurgents frequently target police in the volatile Kashmir region, which is divided between arch rivals India and Pakistan and claimed in full by both.

But neighbouring Punjab, a majority-Sikh state, has largely been spared the violence that has plagued Indian Kashmir.

An armed rebellion for a separate Sikh homeland erupted in Punjab in 1983 but waned in the early 1990s. About 50,000 people died in that conflict, which India blamed at the time on Pakistan.

Some media reports suggested the attackers behind Monday’s assault in Gurdaspur may have crossed into Punjab from Kashmir.

Monday’s attack comes weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif spoke for about an hour during a summit in Russia. The meeting raised hopes of an improvement in perennially difficult relations, but was swiftly followed by a flare-up in violence along the border. — AFP

Hospital director John Sailo Ryntathiang said they did their best to revive him. But he could not be saved. One of India’s most accomplished scientists, Kalam -- widely known as India’s “Missile Man” -was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and Bharat Ratna - the highest civilian honour - in 1997.

The Bharat Ratna came just a year before Kalam played a key role in India’s nuclear test at Pokhran in Rajasthan in May 1998, soon after Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the prime minister.

Born on October 15, 1931 in the Hindu pilgrim town of Rameshwaram in coastal Tamil Nadu, Kalam went on to become

one of the most celebrated aerospace and defence scientists in the country.

Kalam’s early years were, however, steeped in poverty when, as a mere eight-year-old, he hawked newspapers to supplement the income of a large family.

There were times when food was scarce in the family and his hardpressed mother stretched every resource to the utmost to keep her five sons and daughters as well as her boat owner husband and his brother’s families fed, clothed and in good health.

By his own admission, Kalam would wake up much before dawn to distribute newspapers in the town after collecting newspaper

bundles at the Rameshwaram railway station. The tough routine lasted a year.

His sister pawned jewellery with a moneylender so that the studious Kalam could have Rs.600 to join the Madras Institute of Technology.

Kalam contributed to the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle and was the architect of the country’s guided missile development programme.

He became the head of the Defence Research and Development Organisation in 1992. He became the principal scientific advisor to the Indian government in 1999 with the rank of a cabinet minister.

He held the post till 2001. -IANS

HEROIC ACT

Alert driver saved many lives DINANAGAR (PUNJAB): The alertness and bravery of a bus driver saved several lives as terrorists launched an attack on Monday.

Punjab Roadways driver Nanak Chand did not panic even when the terrorists fired at the bus and instead scared the terrorists by driving towards them.

As the terrorists, numbering four, moved back, the driver swerved the bus and drove it away.

Straight to hospital Since shots were fired at the bus, Nanak Chand drove it straight to a government hospital to get the injured passengers treated. He also called up the police to inform about the incident.

“There were 75 passengers in the bus. I thought that it was important to save their lives. I did not stop the bus,” Nanak Chand told journalists.

The incident took place around 5.30am on Monday.

“The driver’s alertness saved several lives. Otherwise, the passengers could have been an easy target for the terrorists,” said a Punjab Roadways general manag-

er. Nanak Chand was not the only one to save lives.

Villagers spot bombs A major tragedy was averted nearby as alert villagers near Parmanand railway station spotted five bombs wired to a small bridge on the Amritsar-Pathankot railway section.

The bombs were detected minutes before a passenger train was to cross the bridge. The train was stopped 200 metres from the bombs.

Railway authorities stopped all trains on the section as the army and Punjab Armed Police bomb disposal squads were called to defuse the bombs.

Kamal, a Dinanagar resident, told reporters: “The terrorists fired indiscriminately near the bus stand and then hijacked a Maruti car after injuring its driver. They later killed the dhaba owner and went towards the police station.”

He said since the attack took place early in the morning, not too many people were present at the bus stand. “Many lives got saved since the area was barren then.” — IANS

TRAGEDY AVERTED: Bombs that

were planted on railway tracks by armed militants near Dinanagar town in Gurdaspur district on Monday. – PTI

A10

TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

PAKISTAN Two hanged as moratorium ends Two prisoners, Farooq

Fewer than one in six people hanged since late December were linked to militancy

alias Farooqa and Karim Nawaz, who had been awarded capital punishment, were hanged in central jail in Multan yesterday, Chaudhry Arshad Saeed, a senior government advisor for prisons in Punjab said

MULTAN: Pakistan on Monday resumed executions by hanging two murder convicts following a one-month break during Ramadan, that ended last week.

The hangings, which took place in the central city of Multan early in the morning, brought to 176 the total number of people executed since December when the country ended a six-year moratorium on the death penalty, according to the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

“Two prisoners, Farooq alias Farooqa and Karim Nawaz, who had been awarded capital punishment, have been hanged in central jail in Multan today,” Chaudhry Arshad Saeed, a senior government advisor for prisons in the Punjab province told AFP. “Both of these convicts were awaiting the death penalty for murdering people in separate cases. They have been executed today after resumption of hangings following a temporary moratorium because of Ramadan,” he said.

Another senior official of the prisons department who is responsible for all operations con-

ISLAMABAD: When Pakistan resumed executions after the massacre of 134 pupils at an army-run school in Peshawar last December, the government promised hangings would help deter extremist militants.

A Reuters analysis of 180 people hanged since late December, however, shows that fewer than one in six were linked to militancy.

Lawyers and rights groups say several cases that ended in execution had serious legal shortcomings, and although the campaign is broadly popular at home it has drawn condemnation from international partners.

Of 180 people executed since January, 29 were convicted of assassinations or assassination attempts, sectarian murders, a hijacking or killing of security officials - falling under a broad definition of militancy.

Almost all were hanged immediately after the massacre.

Since then, most executions were of murderers with no militant links.

Officials say the death penalty has deterred militant attacks.

“You’ve seen the number of terrorist attacks going down drastically,” the prime minister’s special assistant for law, Ashtar Ausaf Ali, told Reuters.

“One of the reasons is fear. Fear of being executed.”

He did not provide figures, but the executions coincide with a steady fall in militant attacks

firmed the hangings. Pakistan ended its 2008 - 2013 moratorium on the death penalty following a Taliban attack on a school in Peshawar that killed more than 150 people -mostly children -- in the country’s deadliest ever terror attack.

IN SHOCK: Relatives mourn the death of Saulat Mirza, who was

sentenced to death by an anti-terrorism court in 1999 for killing three people and hanged, after his body arrived in Karachi, Pakistan on May 12, 2015. — Reuters

since 2010, when the military began seizing territory from Taliban insurgents.

A further crackdown launched a year ago was another factor.

There was no dramatic decline this year, however, suggesting the link to executions was “not major”, said Muhammad Amir Rana, head of the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, which runs a database on militant attacks.

That showed 976 people died in the first six months of 2014, 747 in the second six months of 2014 and 612 in the first six months of 2015.

The Taliban and other militants scoffed at the idea that hanging might stop them.

The death penalty was initially reserved for terror convicts but was extended to all capital crimes in March.

Police torture Critics say the country’s criminal

“When we can blow up ourselves to hit targets, how can hangings scare us?” one militant asked.

The interior ministry did not respond to requests for comment for this article.

One senior security official said the death penalty was designed to quench public thirst for vengeance after the school massacre, while at the same time leaving militant groups deemed useful untouched.

Some militants have historic links with Pakistan’s powerful armed forces and intelligence.

Several banned groups still operate freely and hold public rallies.

“It was never meant for militants, and if it was, it was

justice system is marred by police torture and poor legal representation, meaning many of those now facing the gallows have not had a fair trial.

Among those currently on death row are murder convict Shafqat

only for those few who were no longer dancing to our tune,” said the official, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The military did not respond to requests for comment, but has denied operational links to militants. Ali said many jailed militants had appeals pending, and they would be executed if the appeals failed.

About 100 cases have gone to secret military courts set up after the Peshawar attack and 27 judgments have been passed, Ali said.

The case files are secret. Pakistan’s justice system does not have public data on executions, the number of people on death row and the crimes for which they are being held.

Reuters analysed databases of news reports collated by legal aid group Reprieve and rights group Amnesty International.

Not all the reports were verified.

European legislator Richard Howitt said the hangings were “a cause of great European concern” and could endanger a tax break for Pakistan linked to human rights.

The “GSP plus” status gives Pakistani manufacturers favourable access to European markets and generated more than a billion dollars in increased trade for Pakistan last year. “I want to appeal to Pakistan to refrain from further executions which could indeed impinge renewal of trade prefer-

Hussain, whose case has drawn international criticism because his family and lawyers say he was under 18 at the time of the killing and claim he was tortured into confessing. The European Union, the United Nations and human rights

ences with the EU,” he told Reuters.

Human rights lawyer Saroop Ijaz has worked on dozens of death penalty appeals, and says an overwhelming number show “staggering incompetence” in the criminal justice system.

Police rarely gather evidence, he said, instead relying on witnesses who may be bribed or intimidated.

Some defendants are tried in a language they do not speak, and some say they were tortured into confessing.

Poor defendants are represented by public defence lawyers, typically paid Rs10,000 to 14,000 rupees ($100 to $140) a month.

They often don’t show up.

Naval officer Zulfiqar Ali Khan was hanged after being convicted of a double murder 16 years ago. His lawyers said he was defending himself during a robbery.

His court-appointed lawyer did not meet him once outside of court, present evidence in his defence or properly challenge witness statements, said legal aid group Justice Project Pakistan.

“Poverty did not allow us to hire a private lawyer at any stage,” said Khan’s brother Abdul Qayyum, a low-paid clerk. “I cannot forget the moment I received the body of my brother... I will take the sense of loss and helplessness to my grave.” — Reuters

campaigners have all urged Pakistan to reinstate the moratorium.

Amnesty International estimates that Pakistan has more than 8,000 prisoners on death row, most of whom have exhausted their appeals. — AFP

FLOODS IN PESHAWAR Vehicles are seen at a flooded street after heavy rainfall in Peshawar, on Monday. Flash flooding caused by torrential monsoon rains has killed at least 28 people in Pakistan and affected hundreds of thousands of people, according to aid agencies, with further downpours expected in the coming days.

— Reuters

RENTING OUT SOLAR LAMPS

Lahore NGO helps Bahawalpur women turn into environmental entrepreneurs BAHAWALPUR: As the sun sets and darkness falls over a village outside Bahawalpur, Shama Bibi switches on her solar lantern and starts sewing clothes for an upcoming family wedding.

Not long ago, nightfall would have forced her to stop working.

But now with access to solarpowered lamps, Bibi can sew as long as she needs to. “The solar lantern has changed my life,” said the 35-year-old widow and mother of three. “I can sew clothes even in the night and earn enough to make both ends meet.”

Bibi has recently become a “Light Lady”, one of the women that the Buksh Foundation, a nonprofit organisation in Lahore, has trained to help spread the benefits of solar energy throughout rural Pakistan.

Under the foundation’s project Lighting a Million Lives, in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute in India, women are taught how to operate and maintain solar charging stations in their homes.

The two “Light Ladies” in each

of the focus villages also are given 50 solar lanterns to rent to others in their community.

The one-time cost of around $5,500 to set up a solar charging station and set of lanterns is funded by donors. Bibi says she charges a daily rent of Rs4 ($0.04) per lantern and earns around Rs5,500 ($54) each month.

“I’ve started sending my youngest son to school as I earn enough now to meet all the expenses,” she said.

Charge mobiles Villagers can also charge their mobile phones at the solar station, instead of having to travel to Bahawalpur and back.

The foundation has so far installed solar charging stations in 150 off-grid villages around the country and plans to reach 4,000 villages by 2017. According to the World Bank, about 44 per cent of households in Pakistan are not connected to the grid. More than 80 per cent of those are in rural areas.

There, almost half of house-

holds use kerosene as a primary or secondary source of lighting, a 2012 World Bank survey found.

Some use candles, due to the high cost of kerosene.

Off-grid areas “Our target is to provide sustainable energy to far-flung rural offgrid areas of Pakistan and we especially want to empower women in these areas through the project,” said Fiza Farhan, CEO of the Buksh Foundation.

She said the solar lanterns not only are convenient and a source of income for some villagers but also help reduce climate-changing carbon emissions, as each lantern replaces around 500 to 600 liters of kerosene during its 10-year lifespan.

The foundation has a permanent help line at its central office in Lahore to keep in touch with the “Light Ladies” and provide them technical assistance round the clock, Farhan said.

She said dozens of people contact the foundation daily asking for more solar lanterns in their

villages and requesting the installation of charging stations in nearby villages.

“More women want to become Light Ladies, but for the moment we have been training only two women in each village,” she said, to ensure that each woman makes a decent income once the profits are split.

Financial assistance Qamaruz Zaman, a climate change advisor to the sustainable development organisation LEADPakistan, said Pakistan’s energy shortages could be reduced substantially if the government would provide technical and financial assistance for sustainable development initiatives such as Lighting a Million Lives.

Pakistan faces a year-round electricity shortfall that hits around 7,000 megawatts in the summer.

The country’s rural areas often suffer blackouts of more than 14 hours a day while urban areas can experience up to 10 hours a day without power. — Reuters

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

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STUDY

‘Sea storm surges, rain threaten US coastal cities’ PARIS: Sea storm surges amplified by heavy rain are a greater flood threat to US coastal cities than previously understood, and are occurring more frequently according to a study published on Monday.

The number of such “compound” events “has increased significantly over the past century,” said a paper in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Climate Change.

In New York City, for example, the weather conditions that typically cause the combined conditions are twice as likely to occur today than in the mid-20th century, the researchers found.

To date, risk assessment for flooding in seaboard cities has calculated threats from ocean storm surges and from heavy rainfall separately.

But such projections “may result in an underestimation of the flood risk,” the study’s lead author, Thomas Wahl of the University of South Florida, told AFP by email.

“Our study shows that the two main drivers for flooding in coastal areas are not independent from each other, and often occur simultaneously.”

Forty per cent of the US population and more than half of the nation’s economic productivity are in lowlying coastal counties

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Obama hails Ethiopia on fight against militants trip by a US president to Africa’s second most populous country, a close strategic partner for Washington credited

Abnormal sea level rise Storm surge is an abnormal sea level rise generated by a storm, over and above the predictable astronomical tides.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which left 1,500 people dead and caused some $75 billion in damage, exemplified the destructive potential of such surges. — AFP

Al Qaeda-affiliated

Chile arrests five soldiers SANTIAGO: A Chilean judge on Monday ordered the arrest of five more former soldiers for allegedly burning alive a teenage photographer seized at a protest against the late dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1986.

The arrest orders issued by Judge Mario Carroza bring to 12 the number of former members of the military accused in the gruesome killing.

Rodrigo Rojas, a 19-year-old, and Carmen Gloria Quintana, 18, were arrested July 2, 1986 by a military patrol and allegedly doused with gasoline and set aflame, then left for dead on the outskirts of Santiago.

Rojas died and Quintana was horribly disfigured, but the case was closed in 1990 with just one person being convicted of negligence.

The court at the time accepted the government’s contention that the two youths were burned after a homemade bomb exploded. But the case was reopened in 2013 after relatives of the two youths filed lawsuits.

A break came when a former soldier stepped forward to testify about what happened on that day.

“The army has a lot of information that it has not turned over, and it has a debt to the country. This is the time for it to assume its responsibility as an institution,” said Quintana on Chilevision television.

“I want justice, nothing more and nothing less than justice,” she said.

Youths set on fire On Friday, six former officers and non-commissioned officers in charge of the patrol that allegedly set the youths on fire were charged with murder. A seventh, who drove the patrol truck, was charged as an accessory.

Those ordered arrested Monday also included former officers and non-commissioned officers. Four have been taken into custody and were being questioned by the judge, and a fifth was still at large, court sources said. — AFP

SAO PAULO: Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family of musical performers, suffered a stroke in Brazil on Sunday and is being treated in a Sao Paulo hospital.

Jackson, who was in Brazil to celebrate his 87th birthday, was diagnosed with a stroke associated with cardiac arrhythmia, the Albert Einstein hospital said in an e-mailed statement early Monday morning.

DIALOGUE: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks as he and Ethio-

extremists

pia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn hold a news conference after their meeting at the National Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday. — Reuters

ADDIS ABABA: US President Barack Obama on Monday praised key African ally Ethiopia for its fight against Shebab militants in Somalia, but also challenged Addis Ababa on its democratic record.

Obama is on the first-ever trip by a US president to Africa’s second most populous nation, a close strategic partner for Washington

credited for beating back the Al Qaeda-affiliated extremists but a country also much criticised for its rights record.

“Part of the reasons we’ve seen this shrinkage of Shebab in East Africa is that we’ve had our regional teams,” Obama said, referring to African Union and Somali government troops.

“We don’t need to send our own Marines in to do the fighting: The

Jackson’s father suffers stroke

PINOCHET-ERA CRIME

While the United States does not have boots on the ground, it carries out frequent drone strikes against Shebab leaders.

Speaking after talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, whose ruling party won 100 per cent of seats in parliament two months ago, Obama gave the blunt message that the country -- while credited with strong economic growth -needed to perform better on basic rights.

“There is still more work to do, and I think the prime minister is the first to admit there is still more to do,” Obama said.

This is the first-ever

ON TRIP TO BRAZIL

Joe Jackson

WORLD

for beating back the Jointly, these forces can have a “multiplier effect” on coastal infrastructure, he added, with consequences ranging from washedout bridges to crippled sanitation plants or compromised levees.

A1 1

Joe was estranged from Michael - who became one of the world’s and best-known performers - before his 2009 death. He also strayed apart from his wife, Katherine, and many of his other eight children. A representative for the hospital said Jackson continued to undergo treatment on Monday. A representative for Jackson could not immediately be reached. — Reuters

Ethiopians are tough fighters,” Obama said, adding: “We’ve got more work to do we have to now keep the pressure on.”

Lost two strongholds The Shebab has in recent days lost two key strongholds following a major offensive by AU troops — with Ethiopians and their local allies credited with doing much of the fighting.

Add credibility Rights groups have complained that Obama’s visit to Addis Ababa could add credibility to a government they accuse of suppressing democratic rights -- including the jailing of journalists and critics -- with anti-terrorism legislation.

“There are certain principles we think have to be upheld,” Obama added.

“Nobody questions our need to engage with large countries where we may have differences on these issues. We don’t advance or improve these issues by staying away.”— AFP

A12

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KAMAL SIDDIQI MOST POPULAR VIDEO

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/VIDEOS Oman today celebrates the 45th anniversary of the glorious Renaissance of July 23, which has resulted in an impressive leap forward in the life of the Sultanate

Imran Khan has demanded that Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif apologise to the nation ‘since the verdict had vindicated PTI’s demand of an inquiry into the May 2013 general election’. This makes us all a bit confused. Have no lessons been learnt?

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Location: Salalah/Photo: Muzahid Kazi

JOHN PFAFF

t 11:56 on 25 April I was with a group of young volunteers in Godavari, about 14 kilometres from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.

We were doing a clean-up in the parish of St. John Vianney Pastoral Centre, and the task that everyone wanted to avoid was cleaning the toilets.

The volunteers had just completed their cleanup and wanted to put stickers on the toilet doors reminding users to “leave the toilets as clean and tidy as they found them”, probably to avoid having to do the same task again in future. But before any stickers made it on to the doors, the earth shook violently beneath our feet.

I quickly told the team to move away from the building, but as the shaking continued it felt like the solid earth had become a rough ocean, and we were small boats being tossed on a gigantic wave before being plunged to the ocean floor.

When the shaking finally stopped, all you could hear were the cries of people, and all you could see were the plumes of brick dust smoke from collapsed buildings. Everyone around me was very afraid and would not listen to my words of reassurance, to remain calm and stay still. They scattered in all directions. It took me half an hour to run to the hostel where they were staying, to make sure that everyone was alright.

In the hours it took me to reach my office in the centre of Kathmandu, videos and photographs of a devastated Nepal – historic monuments reduced to rubble, piles of bricks where people’s homes use to be – were transmitted, and the earthquake caught the world’s attention.

Now it has been three months since the earth-

quake, some media outlets have drifted back to do follow-up stories and assess how much progress has been made. The expectation is that things would have already improved for the better. Kathmandu is certainly showing good signs, but out in the remote rural areas we are still in the emergency phase of the recovery process.

The most urgent priorities are to keep one step ahead of the monsoon rains, and getting relief aid to communities who have lost absolutely everything. Key to this is the distribution of corrugated iron sheeting, so that people can reinforce their makeshift homes against the torrential rains.

There is much analysis and evaluation to be done and lessons to be learned from our earthquake: Science grappling with how to predict the exact date and time of earthquakes; policy experts considering how best to prepare populations for natural disasters; financial institutions counting the cost of recovery. This is all important, but if we don’t put the poorest at the heart of research and analysis, then when the next natural disaster strikes the poor once again will be the hardest hit.

The biggest challenge of all is helping the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their ability to earn a living. Caritas Nepal, the local agency I work for, has a long history of working to provide work options for the poor and marginalised in communities. The earthquake has pushed back our goals, but we will rebuild them. And when it comes to rebuilding Nepal, we need to make sure everything is safer for the future, but also that communities are resilient enough to cope with the next disaster. And whether the media are paying attention to us or not, we will not stop working until we see these hopes fulfilled. - The Independent

READERS’ FORUM Mall of Oman will create many jobs in Oman

This refers to the news story, Mall of Oman set to create 5,000 jobs (July 27). The construction of this mall is very good for all people living in Oman. The number of jobs mentioned, as per my understanding, are just those that will be generated during the construction and setting up of this project. Once it is completed and open to public, the number of job opportunities will increase four fold. — Rais Ali, Sur

What’s the point if driverless cars are made for making profit?

Scan this QR code to send letters to the Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

This refers to the news story, Toll in Egypt Nile boat crash rises to 36 (July 27). It is very sad to read reports of accidents throughout the world. It seems humans are worst enemies of their fellow humans.

I thought it was heartening to know that driverless cars had started running on the streets. However, it was reported that the first accident of the driverless version was reported due to negligence of the car driven by a human. What is the use of making a driverless care without ensuring that it can avoid accidents in all circumstances? It seems the project is, after all, just for earning money and not to help create a tragedy free world.

— Laura Patrick, Muscat

Sharks do not attack for fun

This refers to the news story, Close vigil as Australia closes four beaches after shark sighting (July 27). Why cannot beaches be closed after such incidents? The sea is where the sharks live and are bound to come near the shore. During the season in which they do so, humans should not allowed. The animals do not attack anyone for fun unlike humans. — Vidya Kumari, Muscat

Contrary to US President Barack Obama’s claim, drug inmates tend to serve relatively short sentences. It is the inmates who are convicted of violent crimes who serve the longer terms. Now, to be clear, not all violent offences are especially harmful

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JULY 2000 Plan to set up specialised centre for disabled

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The Oman Association for the Disabled (OAD) yesterday confirmed its intention to set up a specialised centre for people with special needs in Oman. “We have begun preparations for this project which will specialise in the welfare, training and rehabilitation services to all the different types of disabilities and to all ages of the disabled in the Sultanate,” said Mukthar Al Rawahi, the OAD president. Mukthar was present at a function to celebrate the ‘Global Day of People with Special Needs’ at the Bahwan Travel Agencies (BTA) hall yesterday evening.

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

1758: British forces capture France’s Fortress of Louisbourg after a seven-week siege..

Protect the welfare of your workforce through New India’s WORKMEN COMPENSATION POLICY.

1790: An attempt at a counter-revolution in France is put down by the National Guard at Lyons.

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1847: Liberia becomes the first African colony to become an independent state.

1920: The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution is ratified

PICTOGRAPH CAR SEAT FOR YOUR CHILD

Using the correct car seat can be a lifesaver. Make sure your child is always buckled appropriately.

UP TO A 2 YEARS OLD

B

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SEAT BELT FITS PROPERLY

With the belt snug across the shoulder and chest to restrain the child safely in a crash.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US)

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

A1 3

WORLD

NATO will hold an emergency meeting to discuss security on Tuesday at Turkey’s request. Ankara is expected to brief its allies on the measures it is taking but is not expected to request any specific assistance.

Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of shelling as Ankara battles rebels Ankara rounds up 900 in crackdown on ‘terrorists’, mulling to provide air cover for moderate Syrian rebels fighting the IS ISTANBUL: Kurdish fighters in northern Syria accused the Turkish army of shelling their positions on Monday, highlighting the precarious path Ankara is treading as it simultaneously battles IS militant group in Syria and Kurdish insurgents in Iraq.

Long a reluctant member of the US-led coalition against IS, Turkey last week made a dramatic turnaround by granting the alliance access to its air bases and bombarding targets in Syria linked to the militant movement. Struggling with more than 1.8 million Syrian refugees, Turkey has long campaigned for a “buffer zone” in northern Syria to keep IS and Kurdish militants from its border and provide a safe haven for refugees.

While no such formal arrangement has yet been announced with Washington, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was quoted on Monday as saying the two allies saw eye to eye on the need to provide air cover for moderate Syrian rebels fighting IS. “If we are not going to send in land units on the ground, and we will not, then those forces acting as ground forces cooperating with us should be protected,” he was quoted as telling Turkish editors by the Hurriyet Daily News.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday that “safe zones will be formed naturally” TRAGIC END

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BEIJING: A woman was killed after she plunged through flooring over an escalator in a Chinese department store, reports said Monday, thrusting her toddler to safety as she fell to her death.

Xiang Liujuan, 30, was holding her son in front of her as they went up the stairway on Saturday, the Wuhan Evening News said.

Security camera footage of the incident posted online showed a panel in the floor giving way as Xiang stepped off the escalator.

As she fell half-way through she pushed her son forward, and a nearby shop assistant dragged him to safety.

But the escalator continued rolling, and several seconds later Xiang is seen disappearing downwards into the mechanism, despite one of the staff briefly grabbing her hand.

It took firefighters more than four hours to cut open the machine and recover the woman, who showed “no signs of life”, the newspaper report said.

The footage shows employees standing at the top of the escalator as the mother and child approach.

Maintenance had just been carried out on the escalator at the Anliang department store in Jingzhou in the central province of Hubei, and workers forgot to screw the access cover back into place, the newspaper cited an unnamed source as saying.

The accident was one of the top topics on China’s Twitter-like Sina Weibo on Monday with more than 6.6 million views.

Most comments expressed fury at the shop management.

“Why didn’t the staffers stop customers at the entrance to the machine or just turn it off?” wrote one. “The department store is definitely responsible.” — AFP

INSPECTION: Turkish and US soldiers, with a Turkish Air Force A400M tactical transport aircraft in the background, conduct inspections

inside Incirlik airbase in the southern city of Adana, Turkey, on Monday. – Reuters

as swathes of northern Syria are cleared of IS militants as a result.

Air strikes Turkey also launched a second night of air strikes on Kurdish insurgent camps in Iraq on Sunday, part of what a senior government official described as a “full-fledged battle against all terrorist organisations”.

The renewed military campaign against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state partly from camps in northern Iraq, has raised suspicions that Turkey’s real agenda is checking Kurdish territorial ambitions rather than fighting IS. Ankara is concerned that the success in northern Syria of the Kurdish YPG militia, which has pushed back IS with the help of US-led air strikes, will stoke sepa-

ratist sentiment among its own Kurds and embolden the PKK. NATO will hold an emergency meeting to discuss security on Tuesday at Turkey’s request. Ankara is expected to brief its allies on the measures it is taking but is not expected to request any specific assistance. “Turkey has a very strong army and very strong security forces so there has been no request for any substantial NATO military support,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told the BBC. Turkey’s Kurds say that by reviving open conflict with the PKK, President Tayyip Erdogan is also seeking to undermine support for the pro-Kurdish opposition ahead of a possible early election and stoke up nationalist sentiment.

In a statement only likely to deepen Kurdish suspicions, the YPG said that the Turkish army

had shelled its positions in a village on the outskirts of the IS-held border town of Jarablus and urged Ankara to halt attacks on its forces.

Several tank rounds from across the border hit its positions and the Turkish army was targeting them instead of the “terrorists”, the YPG statement said.

A senior Turkish official confirmed that the Turkish army had shot back after it came under fire from across the border late on Sunday, but said it was unclear which group was involved and stressed that the YPG was not a target.

“The ongoing military operation seeks to neutralise imminent threats to Turkey’s national security and continues to target IS in Syria and the PKK in Iraq,” the official said, adding that Ankara was investigating. “The PYD (the political wing of the YPG), along with others, remains outside the scope

ANNUAL STUDY

Malaysia, Cuba upgraded in human trafficking report WASHINGTON: The United States upgraded Malaysia in an annual report on human trafficking on Monday, despite calls by human rights groups and nearly 180 US lawmakers to keep the Southeast Asian country on a list of worst offenders for failing to suppress trafficking.

The US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons report also upgraded Cuba from its lowest rank for the first time since it was included in the annual report in 2003.

South Sudan, Burundi, Belize, Belarus and Comoros were downgraded to the lowest rank, Tier 3, where Thailand remained for a second year, alongside countries with some of the world’s worst trafficking records.

Malaysia’s expected upgrade to the so-called “Tier 2 Watch List” status from Tier 3 removes a potential barrier to President Barack Obama’s signature 12-nation Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement, or TPP. Congress had approved legislation in June giving Obama expanded trade negotiating powers but prohibiting deals with Tier 3 countries such as Malaysia.

After Reuters reported plans to upgrade the country July 8, 160 members of the US House of Representatives and 18 US Senators wrote to US Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to keep Malaysia on Tier 3. They said they had seen no justification for an upgrade for Malaysia and questioned whether the plan was motivated by a desire to keep the country in the TPP. In introducing the report, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall rejected the notion that any political considerations had influenced Malaysia’s ranking.

“No, no, no,” she told a news briefing when asked whether the upgrade was connected to a desire to maintain Malaysia’s TPP eligibility. She said the decision was based on standards for how well it was dealing with the trafficking problem.

NAMING OFFENDERS: US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks

during the release of the ‘2015 Trafficking in Persons Report’ on Monday at the State Department in Washington, DC. – AFP

Sewall said Malaysia had made efforts to reform its victimprotection regime and its legal framework, and had increased the number of trafficking investigations and prosecutions compared to 2013.

Even so, she said: “We remain concerned that low numbers of trafficking convictions in Malaysia is disproportionate to the scale of Malaysia’s human trafficking problem.”

Sewall said Cuba was upgraded due to progress it had made in addressing trafficking, although Washington remained concerned about its failure to combat forced labour.

The State Department said that while Malaysia was making significant efforts, its trafficking convictions had declined in the 12 months to March, falling to three from nine in the period covered by the report.

The report also described conditions under which migrants were still forced into labour, and women and children coerced into the trade.

Malaysia’s upgrade comes despite international scrutiny and outcry after the discovery in May of scores of graves in peoplesmuggling camps near its northern border with Thailand.

Key US ally Thailand, whose relations with Washington have cooled since a military coup last year, said it “strongly disagrees”

with the decision to keep it on the lowest ranking, according to a statement from the Thai embassy.

It said this did “not accurately reflect the reality and fails to take into account significant efforts undertaken by the Thai Government on all fronts during the past year.”

Kerry is expected early next month to visit Malaysia, current chair of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Washington is seeking to promote unity within the bloc in the face of China’s increasingly aggressive pursuit of territorial claims in the South China Sea, a subject of US criticism.

The US report organises countries into tiers based on trafficking records: Tier 1 for nations that meet minimum US standards; Tier 2 for those that make significant efforts to do so; Tier 2 “Watch List” for those that deserve special scrutiny; and Tier 3 for countries that fail to fully comply with the minimum US standards and are not making significant efforts to do so.

In its upgrade of Cuba to Tier 2 Watch List status, the report said the country was making “significant efforts” to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, including sharing data, improving cooperation, and offering services to trafficking victims. — Reuters

of the current military effort.”

The YPG made further gains against IS in northern Syria on Monday, capturing a town near the Euphrates River after a monthlong offensive aimed at cutting their supply lines, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict, and YPG spokesman Redur Xelil said.

The PYD has emerged as the only notable partner so far on the ground for the US-led alliance as it fights IS in northern Syria.

But the Kurdish group has links to the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The two share not only ideology but fighters, with the PKK drawing Syrian Kurdish fighters to its camps in northern Iraq and Turkish Kurds among the PYD ranks.

That has made for an uneasy

compromise between Washington and Ankara.

Davutoglu was quoted as saying the PYD could “have a place in the new Syria” if it did not disturb Turkey, cut all relations with the administration of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and cooperated with opposition forces.

Washington has reiterated that it labels the PKK as a terrorist organisation and stressed that it respects Turkey’s right to take action against the militant group.

Erdogan said last Friday that Turkey’s operations against Islamist, Kurdish and ultra-leftist militants would continue and warned that all “terrorist” groups must lay down their weapons or face the consequences.

The moves against the PKK come despite negotiations with the militant group launched by Ankara in 2012 to end an insurgency that has killed 40,000 people since 1984. The PKK has said the actions have rendered the peace process meaningless. Turkish security forces have rounded up 900 suspected members of IS, Kurdish militant sympathisers and leftist militants in recent days, the government official said. Local media reports said the vast majority were Kurdish and leftists, rather than members of IS. Meanwhile, in Addis Ababa, a senior US official said that the United States and Turkey have agreed to work together to clear the IS group from northern Syria.

“The goal is to establish an ISILfree zone and ensure greater security and stability along Turkey’s border with Syria,” the official said.

The US official, who asked not to be named, was speaking during a visit to Ethiopia by US President Barack Obama.

The US official said that details of the zone “remain to be worked out,” but that “any joint military efforts will not include the imposition of a no-fly zone” -- a long standing Turkish demand. — Agencies

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TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

GLOBAL EYE

KYRGYZSTAN: A boat tows an inflatable banana boat carries riders on the Issyk-Kul Lake in Cholpon-Ata, some 270 kms from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday. — AFP

IRAN: Women wait at a bus stop in northern Tehran, Iran, on Monday. — Reuters/TIMA

SPAIN: A car drives on a dirt road past trees that were scorched by a forest fire near Montserrat in Sant Salvador de Guardiola, in the northeastern region of Catalonia, Spain, on Monday. The fire, which broke out near the town of Odena, has burned over a thousand hectares, and forced the evacuation of over 800 people, according to local authorities. — Reuters

LEBANON: Protesters set tires on fire and block a highway in Jiyyeh, south of Beirut as they protest against a rubbish collection problem in the capital Beirut, Lebanon on Monday. — Reuters

RUSSIA: A boy plays near a fountain depicting a water tap in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia,

on Monday. — Reuters

TUNISIA: Tunisian families relax at night on the beach in Sousse,

Tunisia on Sunday. — Reuters

YEMEN: A girl puts a pencil to her lips as she listens to a teacher at a school in Yemen’s capital Sanaa on Monday. — Reuters

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

A1 5

WORLD Trade, IS rebels on Cameron mind on Southeast Asia tour The British prime minister is in Indonesia on the first stop of a four-day trip, accompanied by 30 British business leaders and his Minister of State for Trade Francis Maude, before he heads to Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia

JAKARTA: British Prime Minister David Cameron began a visit to Southeast Asia on Monday, looking to seal $1.2 billion in trade deals and push for greater cooperation in the fight against the IS militant group.

Cameron arrived in Indonesia on the first stop of a four-day trip, accompanied by 30 British business leaders and his minister of state for trade Francis Maude, before he heads to Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Following talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, he said the pair had agreed to step up efforts to combat the “evil threat” posed by IS. Hundreds of young Britons have joined IS in Syria and Iraq, sparking fears they could launch attacks on home soil upon their return, while Indonesia fears up to 500 of its citizens have been lured to the Middle East by the militants.

Shared enemy “We’ve agreed to step up our joint efforts both to tackle the terrorist threat and to counter the extremist narrative,” he said in a joint statement with Widodo at the presidential palace, adding IS was a “shared enemy”.

Cameron said Britain would provide support for counter-terrorism efforts in Indonesia, which has long struggled with extremism.

Measures will include helping to improve security at airports, enhanced cooperation on terrorism investigations and the training of Indonesian police officers in Britain, he said.

INQUIRY IN UK

Litvinenko suspect given last chance LONDON: A Russian businessman wanted in Britain over the death of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko was on Monday given a final chance to give evidence to the inquiry into his death.

Dmitry Kovtun had been due to appear via video link from Moscow for three days from Monday, after reversing a previous decision not to do so in March, but has given a series of reasons for being unable to testify.

Judge Robert Owen, who is presiding over the inquiry, gave Kovtun until Tuesday to provide testimony, saying he feared the Russian was attempting to “manipulate the situation”.

Kovtun and a second Russian, Andrei Lugovoi, are wanted by British police for allegations of poisoning businessman Litvinenko in a London hotel on November 1, 2006 using tea laced with polonium-210, a radioactive isotope.

Inquiry counsel Robin Tam told the court that Kovtun “is not in a position to give oral evidence now”.

Owen said: “The timing... gives rise in my mind to the gravest suspicion that an attempt is being made to manipulate the situation. — AFP

BOOSTING TIES: Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, left, and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo shake hands after addressing the

media at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday. - Reuters

After meeting Indonesia President Widodo, Cameron said Indonesia could ‘benefit from British expertise’, and referred to engineering and energy companies that could help with the president’s plans to build more infrastructure, and to top British universities

Cameron is also set to use a meeting this week with Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia to discusss the threat posed by IS militants, who have seized vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.

The issue is in sharp focus in Britain after 30 of its nationals were killed in an attack in Tunisia claimed by the militants, and Cameron suggested earlier Monday his government would be willing to take military action against

the group if there was a threat to the country.

“If there is a threat to Britain, to our people, our streets, and we are able to stop it by taking immediate action against that threat -- I’m the British prime minister, I would always want to try and take that action and that’s the case whether that problem is emanating from Libya, from Syria or anywhere else,” he was cited as saying

by British media.

With trade a major focus as Britain seeks new markets in fastgrowing Asia, Cameron is pushing for deals worth more than $1.2 billion) during the trip.

After meeting Widodo, he said Indonesia could “benefit from British expertise”, and referred to engineering and energy companies that could help with the president’s plans to build more infrastructure, and to top British universities.

Before his arrival Cameron also announced Britain was making £1 billion in loans available to Indonesia to help finance infrastructure projects.

Accompanying him are senior

figures from prominent British businesses including aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and construction equipment maker JCB. Free trade deal He will also seek progress on a free trade deal between the European Union and the 10-member Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) during talks with the regional bloc’s secretary general at its Jakarta headquarters.

A potentially sensitive subject during the visit to Indonesia was the plight of a British grandmother on death row in Indonesia for drug smuggling, but Cameron made no mention of the subject during the press statement.

Malaysian PM The prime minister could run into controversy during his stop in Malaysia, with comes as Najib is facing outrage over allegations that hundreds of millions of dollars were siphoned off from a state-owned development company which he launched and retains close links with. — AFP

IMPOSITION OF MORALS

Maldives president slams foreign interference COLOMBO: Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has lashed out at perceived foreign interference in the island’s affairs, following Western pressure over the controversial conviction of former president Mohamed Nasheed for terrorism.

In an address late on Sunday to mark the Indian Ocean nation’s 50th anniversary of independence from Britain, Yameen accused developed countries of imposing their own legal and moral standards on the atoll.

“We are disappointed that some countries, and indeed some prominent bodies within these countries, have seen it fit to interfere in domestic affairs in the Maldives,” Yameen said at the event in the island capital Male, attended by neighbouring Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

They have questioned the Maldives’ “judicial independence and integrity” and condemned it for not supporting “ideologies that are entirely alien to our culture, our faith and our traditions”, he said.

Yameen vowed to resist threats from “outside” which were far more dangerous than those from within, according to a translation of his speech released by his office on Monday.

The remarks were seen partly as a reference to the 53-member Commonwealth, which has criticised the Maldives over its crackdown on dissidents and its controversial judiciary.

Yameen has already asked parliament to consider if the Maldives should leave the Commonwealth, a major development partner.

The image of the Maldives as an upmarket tourist destination has been tarnished in recent years by political unrest -- including the jailing of Nasheed in March, less than a month after his arrest in February.

Nasheed’s conviction The government said on Friday its prosecutor-general would appeal against Nasheed’s conviction, and confirmed that his 13-year jail sentence had been commuted to house arrest.

Supporters of Nasheed, the first democratically-elected leader before being toppled in 2012, have maintained that he was convicted as part of a strategy by Yameen’s regime to silence him.

Washington warned in May that democracy was under threat, saying Nasheed had been “imprisoned without due process”.

Despite his condemnation of Western nations, Yameen said he was seeking foreign investment to strengthen the economy. — AFP

A16

TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

WORLD

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C L O S E S H AV E

Six miners saved after seven days underground in China BEIJING: Six men were rescued from a flooded Chinese coal mine on Monday having survived a week underground after at least four of their co-workers were killed, state media said.

Another five workers were still trapped at the colliery at Hegang in the northern province of Heilongjiang.

It flooded on July 20, trapping 15 miners, with investigators blaming the accident on a downpour, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Xinhua said rescuers started bringing the men out early Monday, and posted images online

showing a heavily-wrapped miner being loaded into an ambulance.

“Rescuers are racing to search for the other five workers who have been trapped in the pit for about seven days,” Xinhua said.

Xuxiang Colliery — the scene of the accident — is privately owned, with an annual output of 150,000 tonnes, it said.

Separately, the news agency said 11 miners who were trapped in a coal mine in the southwestern province of Yunnan since a “cavein” on Saturday were brought to safety on Monday.

“The trapped miners were brought out on stretchers through

a tunnel,” Xinhua said, after 1,000 rescuers battled for 40 hours to save the workers.

China — the world’s largest producer of coal — is grappling to improve standards in the underregulated sector.

Accidents in Chinese coal mines killed 931 people last year, a top work safety official said in March.

The official number of mining fatalities is declining but some rights groups argue the actual figures are significantly higher due to under-reporting.

Many accidents are caused by corrupt bosses seeking profits over worker safety. — AFP

Bobbi Kristina, 22, daughter of Whitney is dead Bobbi Kristina was discovered face down and unresponsive in her bathtub in her Atlanta, Georgia home on January 31

LOS ANGELES: Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only child of pop legend Whitney Houston and singer Bobby Brown, died on Sunday aged 22, six months after she was found unconscious in a bathtub in her home.

“She is finally at peace. We want to again thank everyone for their tremendous amount of love and support during these last few months,” a short family statement said, adding she was surrounded by loved ones as she slipped away.

Bobbi Kristina — sole heir to Houston’s estate — was discovered face down and unresponsive in her bathtub in her Atlanta, Georgia home on January 31.

She was revived by emergency crews but lost significant brain function and was placed in a medically induced coma. She died at a hospice in Duluth, Georgia.

She passed away, according to the TMZ celebrity website, after her family decided to “take her off all meds”.

Messages Her death — which a source told Entertainment Tonight was linked to an apparent drug overdose — drew eerie parallels to that of her mother, who was found face down in a bathtub in a Los Angeles hotel on February 11, 2012, on the eve of the Grammy Awards. Many Houston fans sent messages of support for the family on Twitter, saying Bobbi Kristina would be

TRAGIC END: Bobbi Kristina Brown, and Nick Gordon arrive at TriStar Pictures’ ‘Sparkle’ premiere in this August 16, 2012, file photo in Hollywood, California. – AFP

reunited with her mother.

“Rest In Heaven. You were loved, Bobbi Kristina Brown,” actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete said on Twitter.

Oprah Winfrey tweeted: “Peace at Last!”

Grammy-winning performer Missy Elliott tweeted: “My heart is truly heavy. May u rest in peace with your mommy.”

Bobbi Kristina’s parents separated in 2006 and divorced in 2007, with Houston awarded custody of their daughter, amid claims of abuse and drug use in the high-profile relationship.

They were by all accounts extremely close, with Bobbi Kristina accompanying her mother to events and awards shows. Her parents appeared in a 2005 reality show “Being Bobby Brown” that shed some light on their personal struggles and family challenges.

After her mother’s death, Bobbi Kristina — who had hoped to follow in Houston’s footsteps as a singer — and several relatives appeared in another reality show, discussing their grieving and working on picking up the pieces.

A final coroner’s report said Houston may have overdosed on drugs and drinks before drowning, and that drug-related heart damage played a part in her death.

The circumstances that led to Bobbi Kristina being pulled unconscious from a bathtub are similarly murky.

In February, US media reported that police had opened a criminal probe into Bobbi Kristina’s boyfriend Nick Gordon, who reportedly said that it was he who found her in the bathtub.

The reports said that Bobbi Kristina sustained unexplained injuries prior to the incident, while there are also claims of a drug overdose, but no criminal charges have been brought.

Gordon spent years being raised by Houston in her home and grew up alongside Bobbi Kristina, although he was never formally adopted by the pop singer. He and Bobbi Kristina revealed their romantic relationship after her mother’s death.

There had been growing fears for Bobbi Kristina’s long-term health after she was moved to the Duluth hospice a month ago.

“Despite the great medical care at numerous facilities, her condition has continued to deteriorate,” her aunt, Pat Houston, said in a statement at the time.

“As of today, she has been moved into hospice care. We thank everyone for their support and prayers.”

News of her death sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. “Maybe you just wanted to be with your mother. Now, you can be with her forever. R.I.P. Bobbi Kristina,” said Twitter user @ carochoa, expressing the sentiments of many. — AFP

B

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

Muscat 6,568.09 - 13.73 - 0.21%

Dubai 4,145.68 - 1.95 - 0.05%

Abu Dhabi 4,872.78 - 8.71 - 0.18%

Kuwait 6,259.70 - 22.14 - 0.35%

Saudi Arabia

9,138.49 - 163.17 - 1.35%

Bahrain 1,337.56 + 0.53 + 0.04%

Qatar 11,913.58 + 4.41 + 0.04%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.33 Pound ...........................................1.66 Indian Rs ............................ 166.00 Pak Rs ....................................260.15 Bangla Taka.......................199.44

Indian Rs .................................. 166.50 Pakistan Rs ............................ 263.40 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 346.60 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .....................................117.65

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ........14.10

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$53.80 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$53.60 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$55.46 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $53.70 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$53.54

* Rates are as of July 27 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) .........$47.38

* Rates as of July 27 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Power sector in rural areas to receive huge investment Rural Areas Electricity Company is planning heavy investments for electricity sector in interior regions, said Raeco chief

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Heavy investment is being planned to raise power generation, strengthening

Nearly 60% of the investment is for power projects and 40% for developing transmission lines Eng. Hamad Al Maghderi Chief executive officer, Raeco

transmission lines and distribution network in the Sultanate’s interior regions.

According to a three-year investment plan, Rural Areas Electricity Company (Raeco) plans

to invest OMR153 million in the three-year period between 2015 and 2017 in raising power generation capacity, transmission lines and distribution networks across the country, Eng. Hamad bin

Salim Al Maghderi, the company’s chief executive officer, told the Times of Oman on Monday.

“As much as 60 per cent of the investment is for power projects and 40 per cent for developing transmission lines. The investment is required to build more power plants, develop networks and for setting up more primary sub-stations in the areas we operate in,” added Al Maghderi.

The Raeco chief also noted that power demand is growing, mainly driven by industries, commercial establishments, tourism ventures and newly developed residential projects. He said the company is growing by about 10 per cent per annum. Raeco is developing a power plant in Mazyouna, new transmission lines in Haima and network expansion in Duqm.

The company’s investment plan is based on advanced data on pow-

er demand and developing areas.

“We are always in communication with all our stakeholders in the area where we operate and encourage them to give us all data to get a clear picture on how much we have to invest to enhance the power network,” he said. Raeco is also focussing on renewable energy projects, which will reduce dependence on diesel.

Raeco recently announced commencement of power generation from Oman’s first commercial solar power project in Al Mazyona in South Oman. The solar project is part of a major initiative to substantially raise the contribution of renewable energy in total power generation to 25 per cent in five years. Raeco presently generates 680 megawatt to cater to the demand for power from different parts of the country, mainly in rural areas.

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.60 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 133.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 126.75 * Rates as of July 27 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Drop in foreign direct investment in Arab region KUWAIT CITY: Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Arab states dropped 8 per cent last year with the UAE and Saudi Arabia attracting close to half the total funds, a report said on Sunday.

Arab states attracted FDI worth $43.9 billion (40 billion euros) in 2014 compared with $47.5 billion the previous year, the Kuwaitbased Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corp said in its report. The figure is still way below the $66.2 billion attracted in 2010 before the start of the Arab Spring uprisings in several countries.

UAE topped the list of countries receiving FDI with $10.1 billion — 23 per cent of the — followed by Saudi Arabia with $8 billion, or 18.3 per cent.

Egypt came third with $4.8 billion in receiving FDI. The report covered 20 out of the 22 Arab League states, excluding war-torn Syria and tiny Comoros.

FDI dropped in 15 of them. — AFP

B2

TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

MARKET Debt crisis set to keep Greek banks in freeze for long period Rehabilitating the country’s banks poses a difficult question. Should the euro zone take a stake in the lenders, first requiring bondholders and even big depositors to shoulder a loss, or should the bill

AWAITING GOVERNMENT DECISION: A Greek flag flutters outside the Athens stock exchange on Monday. Greece’s stock exchange will remain closed until the government issues a new decree on the bourse, the country’s regulator said in a statement on Monday. - Reuters

for fixing the banks instead be added to Greece’s debt mountain?

ATHENS: Greek banks are set to keep broad cash controls in place for months, until fresh money arrives from Europe and with it a sweeping restructuring, officials believe.

Rehabilitating the country’s banks poses a difficult question.

Should the euro zone take a stake in the lenders, first requiring bondholders and even big deposi-

tors to shoulder a loss, or should the bill for fixing the banks instead be added to Greece’s debt mountain? Answering this could hold up agreement on a third bailout deal for Greece that negotiators want to conclude within weeks.

The longer it takes, the more critical the banks’ condition becomes as a 420 euro ($460) weekly limit on cash withdrawals chokes the economy and borrowers’ ability to repay loans.

“The banks are in deep freeze but the economy is getting weaker,” said one official, pointing to a steady rise in loans that are not being repaid.

This cash ‘freeze’ is unlikely to

thaw soon, although capital controls may be slightly softened, such as the loosening on Friday of restrictions on foreign transfers by businesses.

“Ultimately, you can only lift the capital controls when the banks are sufficiently capitalised,” said Jens Weidmann, the head of Germany’s Bundesbank, which pushed the ECB to pare back bank funding, leading to their three-week closure. The debate is interlinked with a wrangle over reforms, about Greek sovereignty in the face of European controls and whether the country can recover with ever rising debts that have topped 300 billion euros, far

bigger than its economy. Were another 25 billion euros to be piled on top - the amount foreseen for the recapitalisation of Greek lenders - it would add to debts that the International Monetary Fund has argued are excessive.

Berlin calling Greek officials, alarmed by a downward spiral in the economy, want an urgent release of funds for their banks. Four big banks dominate Greece.

Of those, National Bank of Greece, Eurobank and Piraeus fell short in an ECB health check last year, when their restructuring plans were not taken into account.

The situation is now dramatically worse.“We want, if possible, an initial amount to be ready for the first needs of the banks,” said one official at the Greek finance ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity.”That should be about 10 billion euros.” Others, including Germany, however, are lukewarm and could push for losses for large depositors with more than 100,000 euros on their accounts, or bondholders.

There are more than 20 billion euros of such deposits in Greece’s four main banks, dwarfing the roughly 3 billion euros of bonds the banks have issued.

Imposing a loss, something the Greek government has repeatedly denied any planning for, would be controversial, not least because much of this money is held by small Greek companies rather than wealthy individuals. “This is not like Cyprus where you can say these are just Russian oligarchs,” said an insolvency lawyer familiar with Greece. “It’s the very community everyone is hoping will resuscitate Greece, namely the corporates. You’ll end up depriving them of their cash.” Christian Noyer, who heads France’s central bank and sits on the ECB’s Governing Council, also cautioned against such a step and said many of his peers on the policy-setting body agreed with him. - Reuters

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TOP-LEVEL OFFICIAL

Petrofac names country manager for the Sultanate Times News Service MUSCAT: Ray Richardson has been appointed as Petrofac’s country manager in Oman recognising the multiple and substantial projects and activities the company has in Oman, said a company release. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the prestigious Institute of Mechanical Engineers with over 30 years’ international operations experience, Ray has been with Petrofac for 15 years.

He has extensive experience in the set-up and management of all aspects of oil and gas business organisation and successful direct and indirect management of large projects in international locations.

“The move to Oman brings me full circle as I worked in Oman for five years during the early part of my career and it’s very exciting for me to be moving back to a country for which I have a deep affection,” said Ray Richardson.

S U B - S TAT I O N C O N T R A C T

ONEIC awarded major contract MUSCAT: Muscat Electricity Distribution Company has awarded Oman National Engineering & Investment Company (ONEIC) a contract for building a 3x20MVA sub-station at Rusail Industrial estate with a capital expenditure of OMR1.74 million.

The project will be completed within one year, the company said in a stock market filing.

M A N D AT O RY C O N V E R T I B L E B O N D S

Renaissance Services offers 170 baisas for repurchasing bonds Times News Service MUSCAT: Renaissance Services on Monday said that the company is offering to repurchase one-third of the total mandatory convertible bonds from the bond holders at a price of 170 baisas per bond. Accordingly, those bond

holders who are interested in selling their first tranche of mandatory convertible bonds to the company can submit their sale authorisation form with Gulf Baader Capital Market, which is the sole authorised broker, between July 26 and July 30, Renaissance Services said in a dis-

closure statement posted on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

This is in line with the resolution passed at the general meeting of the holders of these bonds on July 6. Shareholders of Renaissance Services early this month approved the company’s proposal to buyback bonds.

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET

Oman’s luxury date brand eyes a bigger share in export markets Meshan Dates and Sweets was the brainchild of two sisters, Shatha and Wafa Al Jabri, whose love for Oman’s treasured SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

fruit gave birth to

PHOTO GALLERY

a unique range of

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

refined dates and date sweets in their

In the past, small and medium businesses were provided a free stand but now they are being charged as the exhibitions are being handled and organised by certain companies, they said.

mother’s kitchen Shatha (right) and Wafa Al Jabri. — Pictures by Jun Estrada/Times of Oman ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Reviving tradition and embracing modernity is the motto of Oman’s first luxury date brand, which has its eyes set on the international market with the aim of contributing to the Sultanate’s non-oil sector.

Meshan Dates and Sweets was the brainchild of two sisters, Shatha and Wafa Al Jabri. Their love for Oman’s treasured fruit gave birth to a unique range of refined dates and date sweets in their mother’s kitchen.

“The idea was to introduce dates differently to the market in different shapes and flavours,” said Shatha and Wafa, co-founders of Meshan, who decided in 2011 to do justice to Omani dates.

Presentable manner They both felt that Omani dates, which have great traditional and health values, had not been introduced to the market in a ‘presentable’ manner so they came up with an initiative to serve local customers as well as visitors looking for an exquisite souvenir. “To show their hospitality, people now either offer halwa, which is high in sugar content, or chocolate, which does not come from the culture,” said Wafa, and added that their refined date products have earned the admiration of numerous customers.

Luxury dates “We came up with the idea of luxury dates because we did not have any such local product in the market. What is in the market is not from Oman and comes from surrounding countries. So Meshan is the first Omani luxury date brand in the Sultanate,” she told the Times of Oman.

They started operating from their father’s house and when they saw business picking up, they moved to a workshop outside.

Again after the increase in the number of customers, they moved

Ithraa’s support They are also being supported by the Pubic Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) and are showcasing their products and services to customers inside and outside the Sultanate with their help.

Shatha has a diploma in banking, is HACCP certified and a graduate from a recognised hospitality level sweets and chocolates programme, while Wafa is an MBA graduate with IT roots. to a bigger workshop where operations and business are currently taking place. Shatha says that some customers even made suggestions about flavours and they infused those into their products.

Meshan meaning They also put serious thought into choosing a name for the company and came up with ‘Meshan’ in line with their efforts to cherish Omani traditions and keep them alive.

“Meshan is a basket made by sticks from palm trees in the shape of a cylinder. In the past, people were putting fruits or fresh dates inside it and presented it as a gift,” explained Shatha.

According to Wafa, Meshan was used to keep fruits or dates fresh for a longer time as the holes inside it allowed air to circulate.

“This is what we want to present our products and brand with.

It is a luxury and still a traditional way of presenting dates,” she said, and added that they have put Meshan in their shop and present it to customers. “Many people have forgotten what Meshan is, so it is a chance to revive the heritage and introduce the concept again to the new generation,” said Wafa, describing the chosen name as an opportunity to interact with customers as well.

Challenges Asked about the challenges facing them at the start of the business, Shatha said that one of the main

issues was the uncertainty about a customer’s response to the new way of introducing dates both in terms of shape and flavour.

“However, we saw that day by day, more customers accepted it and liked it,” she added.

The other challenge that they faced was related to registering their company, a process which they think should be facilitated further to support small businesses.

Requirements Commenting on the financial requirements to start their business, they said that they began their operations without asking for loans as it was on a small scale but later secured funds from other institutions that support startups for commercial expansion.

“We are really lucky to have institutions in Oman, both public and private, which fund SMEs,” said Wafa said.

Meshan has also been honoured by several institutes and have won awards including Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) Direct Support Programme and Riyada (Public Authority for SME Development) Award.

In addition, they received funds from Al Raffd Fund and have earned the support of other entities such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries which supports businesses in the field of agriculture and helps them participate at trade shows.

Academic background Their academic background has benefitted their business a lot and has complemented the skills and expertise of their two other sisters who are also a part of Meshan’s family.

Ahed is formally trained in hospitality management and Waad has a diploma in banking and is also a graduate of hospitality management. They believe that the institutions supporting them have also played an important role in teaching the necessary skills to run a start-up, including finance, management and marketing skills.

In addition, they attend related workshops to sharpen their skills.

Specialised exhibitions Shatha and Wafa are seeking to reach out to more customers inside Oman and abroad through participation in exhibitions, and their main focus is on specialised exhibitions.

They have showcased their products outside Oman on some occasions. For instance, with the help of Ithraa they could promote their products in Qatar and Singapore and plan to attend more specialised exhibitions where they can promote themselves, evaluate the market and benefit from the exhibition themselves.

The sisters think that more specialised exhibits should be held in Oman and SMEs should be supported to be able to attend them.

Marketing Shatha and Wafa said that marketing is another challenge for entrepreneurs as they do not have enough funds to publish advertisements in newspapers or other media. They are trying to use the social media to reach to a wider audience and are planning to publish some advertisements in specialised magazines read by their target customers.

Another issue facing them is the fact that some people still prefer foreign products to local ones because of the stereotypes that exist.

Omani products are of high quality, said Wafa, encouraging the community to support local brands.

“The community should be more aware and educated,” she said, added that the efforts of people who give up their jobs to start their own business should be appreciated.

Meshan, whose clients include a number of companies, restaurants and government entities such as Oman Air and the Royal Office, is currently offering its dates, sweets and Omani kahwa at its newly opened cafe in Al Masa Mall.

Job creation They are seeking to create more job opportunities for Omanis directly and indirectly and plan to not only open more branches in Oman but also to enter the international market by exporting their products to other countries.

However, in order to export their products, they require the support of the government and specialised institutions to be prepared to deal with issues related to legislation, marketing and identifying the target markets.

Packaging Wafa said that most of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have issues with packaging and thinks that there is a lack of packaging specialists in Oman.

“First you have to come up with

your own design and then you will find it difficult to find somebody who can put that idea to work,” she said. “However, we should not consider it an obstacle and need to find a solution to overcome it,” she said. Some SMEs that are focussed on packaging can complement other businesses and fill the gap, she added.

Wafa also believes that more incubation centres are required as an increase in the number of such centres would foster creativity and create competition between the incubators themselves and would encourage them to enhance the quality of their services.

Also, the reasons for the failure of start-ups should be identified, which may include lack of necessary knowledge and skills, lack of financial support or lack of dedication, Wafa noted. “SMEs also need the right regulations to protect themselves,” she added.

Failure In addition, Shatha said that those entrepreneurs who fail in their first attempts should not get discouraged and should not consider it the end of their business career.

They have to focus on their skills and passion and try their best, she said, and added that direct involvement of the person in the details of running the business will increase its chance of survival.

Successful entrepreneurs should also be promoted through different means to inspire others, said Wafa and Shatha.

Importance of SMEs Commenting on the importance of SMEs, they said that the time is ripe for more focus on these businesses as the country needs to diversify its economy in the face of lower oil prices.

“The contribution of the nonoil sector is increasing and now we can realise the importance of SMEs,” said Wafa, and added that increased diversity in the SME sector will translate into stronger contribution to the economy and job creation.

For further information about Meshan, you may visit http://www. meshan.net/.

This article is part of a monthly series focussing on Oman’s non-oil products and services, prepared in co-operation with the Pubic Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa).

B4

TU ESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 6,589.93 ............... 6,567.91 ................... 6,568.09 ................... 6,581.82................ -13.73 .................. -0.21 Financial Index .....................................8,109.87 ...............8,079.65 ................... 8,079.65 ....................8,110.15................-30.50 .................. -0.38 Industrial Index ................................... 8,329.50 ...............8,320.75 ...................8,320.97 ................... 8,329.10...................-8.13 .................. -0.10 Services Index ...................................... 3,543.96 ...............3,526.41 ................... 3,526.97 ...................3,528.52...................-1.55 .................. -0.04 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................992.58 ..................990.78 ...................... 990.93 ...................... 992.41...................-1.48 .................. -0.15 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 10,273,350 .................2,436,608 .....................799 ............... 15,218,683,379 .................. 9 ......................12 .................... 18 .........................39

SMN Power, up by 3.41 per cent, was Monday’s top gainer, while Al Izz Islamic

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, JULY 27

Bank, down by 5.13 per cent, was the top loser ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Amid weak trading activity, the MSM30 Index ended lower at 6,568.09 points, down by 0.21 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 990.93 points, down by 0.15 per cent. Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. SMN Power, up by 3.41 per cent, was Monday’s top gainer while Al Izz Islamic Bank, down by 5.13 per cent, was the top loser.

As many as 799 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR2.4 million with over 10 million shares changing hands.

Out of 39 traded securities, nine advanced, 12 declined and 18 remained unchanged. Foreign investors were net buyers for OMR83,000 followed by Omani investors for OMR3,000 while GCC and Arab investors switched to net sellers of OMR86,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index had loss of 0.38 per cent to close at 8,079.65 points. Al Madina Takaful and Takaful Oman gained 1.09 per cent, and 0.90 per cent, respectively. Al Izz Islamic Bank, Al Sharqia Investments, Al Madina Investments, Bank Muscat and Oman United Insurance declined by 5.13 per cent, 3.27 per cent, 1.45 per cent, 1.39 per cent and 0.62 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Sector Index ended at 8,320.97 points, down by 0.10 per cent. Oman Cables increased by 0.22 per cent to close at OMR2.285. National Aluminium, Oman Fisheries and Gulf International Chemicals declined

by 3.91 per cent, 1.85 per cent, and 1.46 per cent, respectively.

Services Sector Index closed the day at 3,526.97 points, marginally lower by 0.04 per cent.

SMN Power, Al Batinah Power, Al Suwadi Power and Phoenix Power increased by 3.41 pe rcent, 3.14 per cent, 2.22 per cent and 0.63 per cent, respectively. Sembcorp Salalah, OIFC and Al Jazeera Services declined by 3.73 per cent, 1.83 per cent and 1.62 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ........................................... 25,000 ............ 18,240........................2 ............0.728 ........... 0.732 ...........0.728........... 0.728 .............0.704 ........... 0.024............. 3.409 ................0.732 ..............0.728...................0.772..................145,334,717 ........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 565,000 ..........129,736.....................22 ........... 0.228 ...........0.230 ...........0.228........... 0.230 .............0.223 ........... 0.007............. 3.139 ................0.230..............0.226...................0.230 .................155,224,109........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 360,000 ............82,759......................11 ........... 0.225 ...........0.230 ...........0.225........... 0.230 .............0.225 ........... 0.005.............2.222 ................0.230..............0.225...................0.230 .................164,313,458 ........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 113,067 .............10,460......................17 ........... 0.093 ...........0.093 ...........0.091 ........... 0.093 .............0.092 ............0.001 ............. 1.087 ................0.091 ..............0.091...................0.093...................16,275,000 .........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY..................................... 25,000 .............57,100........................4 ........... 2.280...........2.285 ...........2.280 .......... 2.285 .............2.280 ........... 0.005............. 0.219 ................2.285............. 0.000...................2.285 ................ 204,964,500 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 100,000 ............35,720........................3 ........... 0.356 ........... 0.358 ...........0.356........... 0.358 .............0.358 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.358............. 0.000...................0.358..................479,974,270........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 188,961 ............ 22,016......................16 ............0.116 ........... 0.118............ 0.115 ............0.117 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.116 .............. 0.116................... 0.117 ...................14,259,375 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .............................................................. 1,440 .................. 740........................3 ............0.514 ........... 0.514 ...........0.514 ........... 0.520 .............0.520 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.514 .............. 0.514...................0.550..................172,053,809........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER .............................................................8,000 ............ 12,480........................2 ............1.560 ........... 1.560 ...........1.560 ........... 1.560 .............1.560............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.560 .............. 1.510................... 1.715 ....................3,120,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001889............SALALAH MILLS..............................................................5,712 ...............8,539........................2 ............1.495 ........... 1.495 ...........1.495 ............1.495 ............. 1.495............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.495 ..............1.450...................0.000 ..................72,003,781 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................ 50,000 ............20,500........................2 ............0.410 ........... 0.410 ...........0.410........... 0.410 .............0.410............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.410 ..............0.408...................0.410.................. 121,447,610 ........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 130,000 ........... 30,550........................5 ........... 0.235 ........... 0.235 ...........0.235........... 0.235 .............0.235 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.235..............0.234...................0.235................... 29,351,021 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES .............................2,900 .................. 377........................1 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130............0.136 ............. 0.136............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ...............0.131...................0.135 ....................8,002,678 ..........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ......................... 44,354 .............77,620......................21 ............1.750 ........... 1.750............1.750 ............1.750 ............. 1.750............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.750 .............. 1.750................... 1.755 ................1,312,500,000 ......0.100

Emerging stocks fall Emerging-market stocks fell toward a two-year low, led by a slump in Chinese equities, as concern grew that the slowdown in the world’s second-biggest economy is deepening. Russia’s ruble weakened with oil prices.

The Shanghai Composite Index tumbled the most since February 2007. China Life Insurance led a 3.8 per cent slump in Hong Kong’s Hang Seng China Enterprises Index. Inotera Memories Inc. sank 10 per cent in Taipei as a gauge of technology shares slid to a nine-month low. The ruble fell to a four-month low versus the dollar. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index fell 1.7 per cent to 895.37 at 9:43am in London.

China’s stock retreat on Monday raises concern that a three-week rally sparked by unprecedented government intervention is unsustainable amid a worsening economic slowdown. Chinese industrial profits slid 0.3 per cent in June from a year earlier.

OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ....................................... 33,778 ............... 9,519........................5 ........... 0.282 ...........0.282 ...........0.281........... 0.282 .............0.282 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.282..............0.281...................0.282 ..................79,550,636 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,374,098 ......281,366..................... 28 ........... 0.205 ...........0.205 ...........0.204 .......... 0.205 .............0.205 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.204 ............ 0.204...................0.205 ................ 295,495,200 .......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 112,893 ............. 13,759......................12 ............0.122 ........... 0.123 ...........0.121 ........... 0.122 .............0.122 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.121 .............. 0.121...................0.122................... 35,377,638 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 231,740..........182,609.....................24 ............0.784 ........... 0.788 ...........0.784........... 0.788 .............0.788............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.788 ..............0.788...................0.792..................512,944,053........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .....................................................7,818 ...............4,391......................13 ........... 0.562 ...........0.562 ...........0.560........... 0.562 .............0.562 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.562..............0.562...................0.568...................29,505,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,915,904 ......436,668................... 175 ........... 0.228 ...........0.230 ...........0.226........... 0.228 .............0.229 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.437 ...............0.227..............0.226...................0.227 .................. 34,217,100 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ................................ 52,000 .............16,556........................8 ........... 0.320 ...........0.320 ...........0.318 ............0.318 .............0.320 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.625 ...............0.318 ..............0.314...................0.316...................31,800,000.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 329,500 ......... 186,430..................... 53 ............0.576 ........... 0.576 ...........0.558........... 0.566 .............0.574 ...........-0.008 ........... -1.394 ...............0.564..............0.560...................0.566.................1,297,171,590 ......0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .................................... 50,000 ...............3,400........................1 ........... 0.068 ...........0.068 ...........0.068........... 0.068 .............0.069 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.449 ...............0.068..............0.068...................0.069...................14,086,294.........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............. 24,500 ...............6,620........................4 ............0.271 ........... 0.271 ...........0.270........... 0.270 .............0.274 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.460 ...............0.270..............0.270...................0.273....................5,670,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................ 79,760 ............ 29,033......................11 ........... 0.364 ...........0.364 ...........0.364........... 0.364 .............0.370 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.622 ...............0.364..............0.364...................0.372...................22,278,355.........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE...............128,711 ............ 27,544......................13 ............0.214 ........... 0.214 ...........0.214........... 0.214 .............0.218............-0.004 ............-1.835................0.214..............0.214...................0.216.................. 42,800,000 ........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............. 52,011 ............... 7,698........................2 ............0.148 ........... 0.148 ...........0.148 ........... 0.148 ............. 0.153............-0.005 ........... -3.268 ...............0.148 ..............0.148...................0.150...................13,320,000.........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................. 8,236 .............20,211........................7 ........... 2.450 ........... 2.510 ...........2.450........... 2.455 .............2.550 ...........-0.095 ............-3.725................2.450..............2.450...................2.520 .................234,347,414........1.000 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .............. 70,000 ............. 18,911........................7 ............0.271 ........... 0.271 ...........0.270........... 0.270 .............0.281............-0.011 ............-3.915................0.270..............0.271...................0.282 ...................9,064,292 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 6,090,383....1,751,551...................474 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................21,530 ............... 2,411........................2 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.111 .............0.001 ............. 0.901 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.114 ...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 3,220,311 ...... 510,652...................287 ............0.158 ........... 0.159 ...........0.158 ............0.159 ............. 0.158.............0.001 ............. 0.633 ................0.159 .............. 0.158...................0.159..................232,553,632........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ............................................... 204,300 ........102,550........................2 ........... 0.502 ...........0.502 ...........0.500........... 0.502 .............0.502 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.500..............0.500...................0.502 ..................79,065,000.........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 187,400.............14,055......................12 ............0.075 ........... 0.075 ...........0.075........... 0.075 .............0.075 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.075..............0.074...................0.075..................112,500,000........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ........................................................11,478 ..................608........................3 ........... 0.053 ........... 0.053 ...........0.053........... 0.053 .............0.054 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.852................0.053..............0.053...................0.055....................6,625,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK............................................... 25,000 ............... 1,856........................4 ............0.075 ........... 0.075 ...........0.071 ........... 0.074 .............0.078 ...........-0.004 ........... -5.128................0.071 ..............0.073...................0.078...................74,000,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,670,019 ...... 632,133...................310 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 6........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities/Bloomberg News

ECONOMY

STOCKS

Business capital spending rebounds in huge boost for factories in the US WASHINGTON: A gauge of US business investment plans rebounded solidly in June, suggesting the drag on manufacturing from capital spending cuts was starting to ebb.

The slightly upbeat report bolsters the economic growth outlook and supports views the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates later this year. The Fed’s policysetting committee meets on Tuesday and on Wednesday.

The Commerce Department said on Monday that non-defence capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely watched proxy for business spending plans, increased 0.9 per cent last month after an unrevised 0.4 per cent drop in May. The increase followed two straight months of declines.

Economists had expected these so-called core capital goods to increase 0.4 per cent in June. US financial markets were little moved by the report as a plunge in Chinese stocks overnight sparked concerns about the global economy. Prices for US government debt rose, while US stock index futures were trading lower.

Deep investment spending cuts in the energy sector in the aftermath of a more than 60 per cent plunge in crude oil prices last year have weighed on factory activity.

But there are signs that the energy spending rout is close to an end.

Data on Friday showed US energy firms added 21 oil rigs last week, marking the third increase over the past 33 weeks and bringing the total rig count to its highest since late May. Schlumberger, the world’s No. 1 oilfield services provider said last week it believed the North American rig count may be bottoming and that a slow rise in both land drilling and completion activity could occur in the second half of the year.

Schlumberger and rival Halliburton have slashed their capital expenditure budgets for this year.

Manufacturing has also been hammered by a strong dollar and slow global demand, which have squeezed profits of multinational

ROBUST DEMAND: Data on Friday showed US energy firms added 21 oil rigs last week, marking the third increase over the past 33 weeks and bringing the total rig count to its highest level since late May. - Bloomberg file picture

Schlumberger, the world’s No. 1 oilfield services provider, said last week that it believed the North American rig count may be bottoming and that a slow rise in both land drilling and completion activity could occur in the second half of the year.

corporations such as Whirlpool Corp and Caterpillar.

The dollar has gained 14.6 per cent against the currencies of the United States’ main trading partners since June 2014, taking a bite out of the profits of multinational corporations.

Factories also have been hampered by businesses placing fewer orders while working through a stockpile of goods accumulated last year.

Shipments of core capital goods,

which are used to calculate equipment spending in the government’s gross domestic product (GDP) measurement, slipped 0.1 per cent in June after a 0.3 per cent fall in May. Business spending That suggests business spending was probably a drag on secondquarter GDP. The government will release its second-quarter GDP snapshot on Thursday.

An 8.9 per cent jump in trans-

portation equipment boosted overall orders for durable goods — items ranging from toasters to aircraft that are meant to last three years or more — which increased 3.4 per cent last month.

Transportation was buoyed by a 66.1 per cent surge in aircraft orders, which reversed May’s 31.6 percent plunge. Boeing reported on its website that it had received 161 orders last month, up from only 11 in May. Orders for automobiles and parts edged up 0.2 per cent after slipping 0.3 per cent the prior month.

Unfilled orders for durable goods ticked up 0.1 per cent after two straight months of declines Durable goods inventories increased 0.4 per cent, the largest rise since last December. - Reuters

European shares dip LONDON: European stock markets sank on Monday as investors reacted to the biggest one-day plunge in Chinese equities in more than eight years.

Markets meanwhile awaited this week’s US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy meeting for a handle on its plans for interest rates. London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index of major companies slid 0.75 per cent to stand at 6,530.39 points in afternoon trading. Frankfurt’s DAX 30 slumped 1.95 per cent to 11,125.68 points and the CAC 40 in Paris tumbled 2.11 per cent to 4,950.54 points compared with Friday’s close.

“The collapse in the Chinese market is worrying for two reasons: it pulls the other markets lower due to short-term sentiment, but more importantly it sends a message that the secondlargest economy in the world is starting to stall,” IG analyst David Madden told AFP. “The Chinese authorities have been doing their utmost to prop up the market but to no avail, and now after a series of sharp declines traders know the party is over.”

“Global equity markets have not fully factored in the Chinese meltdown, and the worst is yet to come as the Asian powerhouse slows down,” said Madden.

Chinese markets suffered a second straight day of selling on increasing fears about the state

of the mainland economy after a gauge of manufacturing activity fell in July to its lowest level in 15 months. And on Monday figures showed profits at the country’s industrial firms slipped 0.3 per cent year-on-year in June.

Shanghai shares plunge Shanghai shares plunged 8.48 percent despite government efforts to prop up the market.

The decline was its biggest single-day drop since February 2007, according to Bloomberg News. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong tanked 3.09 per cent, Tokyo declined 0.95 per cent and Seoul gave up 0.35 per cent, but Sydney added 0.43 per cent.

“The variety of reasons why this latest Chinese plunge has had such an effect on the markets captures the reasons why China itself is such a huge, and worrying, figure in the macro-economic landscape,” said Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell.

Dollar weak before Fed The dollar meanwhile remained weak after a disappointing read on the US housing market, as investors await the Federal Reserve’s next monetary policy decision due on Wednesday.

In foreign exchange activity in London on Monday, the European single currency rose to $1.1098 from $1.0977 late in New York on Friday. - AFP

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NOT SO ROSY: Frankfurt’s DAX 30 slumped 1.95 per cent to 11,125.68 points and the CAC 40 in Paris tumbled 2.11 per cent to 4,950.54 points compared with Friday’s close. - Bloomberg file picture

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B5

ROUND-UP

All-new Ssangyong Tivoli arrives All-new Tivoli features a dynamic urban look with a contemporary silhouette and embodies the rhythmical motion of SsangYong’s design language, ‘Natureborn 3 Motion’ — rhythmical, dynamic and dignified

MUSCAT: Within two months of its global debut, OTE Group, exclusive distributor in Oman for Ssangyong SUVs from Korea, has launched the all-new Tivoli last week. The car is on display at all Ssangyong showrooms and also at the Muscat Grand Mall.

All-new Tivoli takes its name from the Italian town near Rome with a reputation for style. Noted for its cultural heritage and beautiful location, the gardens at Villa d’Este have inspired others to use the name, including the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Tivoli has created a sensation in the compact SUV market, in every market it was introduced, says a press release.

New Tivoli offers the fusion of great design and sensible practicality and convenience. It features a dynamic urban look with a contemporary silhouette and embodies the rhythmical motion of SsangYong’s design language, ‘Nature-born 3 Motion’ — rhythmical, dynamic and dignified.

With its sensuous design, outstanding utility, class leading safety and convenience features and attractive pricing, the all-new Tivoli is an irresistible package for customers seeking style and individuality. This new SUV reflects Ssangyong’s rich legacy of innovation in product development.

The Tivoli offers an attractive experience as “My 1st SUV” to customers who seek rugged styling, impressive performance and lounge-like refinement within their cars. Its wide interior space for passengers in the front and rear makes Tivoli the perfect vehicle for everyday use and leisure activity.

The interior offers the modernity of a luxurious living space, with a stylish and contemporary look.

Designed to offer driver and passengers easy connectivity to their IT devices, it also brings style, practicality and plenty of storage space. Tivoli offers occupants all the advantages of an SUV with the comforts and convenience of a saloon car.

The all-new Tivoli is equipped with features like 7” smart audio with touch and HDMI Port (RDS), iPod connection and Bluetooth, 18 inch alloy wheels, audio controls on steering, cruise control etc. Passenger safety has been a top prior-

All-new Tivoli takes its name from the Italian town near Rome with a reputation for style. Noted for its cultural heritage and beautiful location, the gardens at Villa d’Este have inspired others to use the name, including the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Tivoli has created a sensation in the compact SUV market, in every market it was introduced. This new SUV reflects Ssangyong’s rich legacy of innovation in product development

ity for this car, and Tivoli offers best in class standards by including dual airbags for the front passengers. There is also multi-function electronic stability program (ESP) with ABS, active roll-over protection (ARP), hill start assist (HSA), hill brake assist (HBA), traction control system (TCS) and emergency stop signal (ESS), and a warning reminder on all five seat belt positions.

Dynamic styling The all-new Tivoli combines design, practicality and convenience.

Ssangyong’s design philosophy, “Nature-born 3Motion” combines rhythm, dynamism and dignified appeal. The urban look and the contemporary silhouette of this

car is a testimony to Ssangyong’s aesthetics and the same appeal is experienced through the vehicle interiors as well.

A combination of modernity and luxurious living, the Tivoli integrates style with practicality and also ensures easy connectivity to IT devices. An SUV with the comforts and convenience of a saloon, the Tivoli is a perfect vehicle for everyday use and leisure.

The front styling of the Tivoli projects a strong and purposeful sense. The slim, wide grille and bumper with built-in honeycomb air intake project a rugged feel.

Width is accentuated by the slim line extending from grille to headlamps, while the two tone bumper and dynamic air intake convey

masculinity and power.

From the side, A-Pillar and wide C-Pillar in glossy black are accentuated with a continuous line of chrome from front to rear.

The tail lamp seamlessly unites the side with the back and rear bumper with large tailgate is flanked by the muscular tail lamps.

Tivoli’s optimised spatial design provides excellent passenger convenience and storage.

Moreover, the full-flat folding second-row seats and with 423 litre cargo bay, not seen in compact sedans, provides enough storage for multiple-use.

Intelligent features An optimised gear ratio raises

fuel efficiency and enhances throttle response for more dynamic driving. A D-cut steering wheel, mostly used in sports cars, together with a cylinder-type sixcolour cluster not only satisfies drivers’ emotional needs but also boosts their pride. The six-colour cluster with 3.5 inch LCD displays essential information.

Features like dual zone fully automatic AC ensure that the interior temperatures are customized to the occupants.

Performance unlimited The newly developed 1.6 litre eXGI160 petrol engine (1,597 cc), is designed for fuel efficiency, runs quietly and is tuned to perform

best in the low and mid-speed ranges. This ensures that the vehicle delivers optimum performance in daily driving situations.

Tivoli has been quick to find appeal for its design and reliability, safety, interior space as well as practicality; it also comes with a full size spare wheel. This ensures greater reliability even in most demanding terrains.

OTE Group is the exclusive distributor for Ssangyong in Oman.

With multiple showrooms across the Sultanate and its network of after-sales service support, OTE ensures that the global standards of Ssangyong sales and support are available for patrons of the brand in Oman.

B6

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

ROUND-UP

Last 3 days to beneďŹ t from Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smart â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Jackpot Ramadan Offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Jackpot Offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comprises a special â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scratch & Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; promotion for all its Nissan customers as they can earn cash rewards up to OMR1,000 (minimum assured of OMR500) when they buy any new Nissan vehicle

MUSCAT: All the Nissan fans have only three days to buy their favourite car with the irresistible â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Jackpot Ramadan Offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that ends on July 31.

Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Jackpot Offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has received rave reviews and response from auto enthusiasts this year during the month of Ramadan. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Jackpot Offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comprises a special â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scratch & Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; promotion for all its Nissan customers as they can earn cash rewards up to OMR1,000 (minimum assured of OMR500) when they buy any new Nissan vehicle.

The offer lasts till July 31, says a press release.

10,000km PMS) and free fuel up to OMR1,000 (minimum assured of OMR50) Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; -"Ĺ&#x2014;!# .-Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014;1#&&Ĺ&#x2014; &-)Ĺ&#x2014; walk away with assured cash gifts up to OMR1,000 (minimum assured of OMR500) on purchasing any vehicle from the Nissan stables. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (&#'#. Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; #-- (Ĺ&#x2014; -sures customers free insurance, free registration, six yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; extended warranty (on select models), -3Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°( ( #(!Ĺ&#x2014;)*.#)(-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;&) (Ĺ&#x2014;. ,'Ĺ&#x2014; up to eight years and attractive interest rates. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #.#)( &Ĺ&#x2014; "#!"&#!".Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; ßúÝÿÄ&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; This year Nissan has introduced another exciting line up of Rama (Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; ." #,Ĺ&#x2014; 0 &/ Ĺ&#x2014; /-tomers. Customers who already own a Nissan model and want to buy a second one will receive additional incentives from SBA where customers enjoy 10,000km additional service, they will receive special interest privilege card and also Ĺ&#x2014; &#!# & Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; (3Ĺ&#x2014;., Ä&#x161;#(Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; Grand raffle The grand raffle draw from Nissan is being held in association with Al Wisal and Merge FM where participants can enter the draw to win a sleek Nissan Altima (2 vehicles to be won), just SMS <NISSAN ALTIMA> to 90448. The lucky winner can walk away with a brand new Nissan Altima.

Easy ďŹ nancing options SBA designed the Ramadan scheme to add to the pleasure and convenience of owning a Nissan model and ensure hassle and worry-free driving at all times. Nissan /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; &-)Ĺ&#x2014; 0 #&Ĺ&#x2014; -3Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°The Big Jackpot this year nancing option of a loan term up to eight years with attractive interest comprises: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , . "Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; #(Ĺ&#x2014; ÄĄ.1)Ĺ&#x2014; --/, Ĺ&#x2014; rates from Bank Muscat. Flexible gifts): Customers buying any Nis- EMIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can also be tailor made for san vehicle will receive a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scratch any individual requirement from & Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; card which will entitle in-house Auto Finance team.

Nissan Oman has always made them to two assured gifts comprising free service up to lifetime of pioneering efforts to offer world the car (minimum assured 1 year/ class facilities and services to its

Altima and Maxima come with ( Ă°.-Ĺ&#x2014;&#% Ĺ&#x2014; , Ĺ&#x2014;, !#-., .#)(Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; -"Ĺ&#x2014; rewards up to OMR1,000 (with min OMR500 assured), â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scratch & Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; card (2 assured gifts) and six years extended warranty.

Interactive social media The Nissan Passenger Car line Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious up provides customers with a vehicle line up at the comfort of comprehensive product line up their homes or offices. Simply visit and an opportunity to choose from Nissan Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page i.e Micra, the all new Sunny, the fahttp://www.facebook.com/Sban- vorite entry level sedan, the all new issanoman or send an SMS to get Sentra, Tiida, all new Altima and updated information on any of the the powerful Maxima. The Altima, vehicles from the house of Nissan. available in 2.5 / 3.5L Engine variants, comes with class leading features like remote engine start, lane SBA speak â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to offer all our custom- departure warning, intelligent key ,-Ĺ&#x2014; 1#."Ĺ&#x2014; ' 2#'/'Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; with push button ignition, Bose be able to make their life simple audio system, built-in bluetooth during the new vehicle purchase hands-free phone system, dualprocess. Also if you â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Likeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; us on our zone automatic climate control Nissan Oman Facebook page and and steering wheel-mounted conregister online, those customers trols (includes bluetooth system, will get exclusive updates, news, audio system and cruise control) reviews on our entire range of cars.

Since this is a special promotion for Crossover range the month of Ramadan, customers The Crossover range of vehicles can start registering from today it- namely Juke, Murano and Path- & Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°,-.Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;%()1Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;)/,Ĺ&#x2014;& .- Ă°( ,Ĺ&#x2014; )' Ĺ&#x2014;1#."Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ĺ&#x2014;&#% Ĺ&#x2014; , Ĺ&#x2014; est offerings,â&#x20AC;? said a spokesperson registration, cash rewards up to from SBA. The initiative is part of OMR500, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scratch & Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; card (2 Nissan Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to- assured gifts) and six years extendwards its trusted customers and ed warranty. strives to make a difference across The Nissan Crossover range the Sultanate in raising the Nissan provides customers with a combrand among expatriate and local prehensive product line up and auto enthusiasts. an opportunity to choose from. " Ĺ&#x2014; ."Ă°( ,Ĺ&#x2014; Ă˝Ä&#x201E;Ăż Ĺ&#x2014; )' -Ĺ&#x2014; 1#."Ĺ&#x2014; Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious vehicle thoughtful technology throughout line-up the interior, starting with Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nissan has built up its reputation advanced, class-exclusive Around through innovative technology, and View Monitor, which provides the a broad product line-up. In Oman, driver a virtual 360-degree image people have increasingly opted for of the area around the vehicle. The Nissan models because they come second generation Nissan Murano with class leading features, great made in Japan features a whole performance, ideally suited to the , (! Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;, Ă°( ' (.-Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; (" ( local conditions and offer great val- ments designed to keep Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ue for money besides being among popular, ďŹ&#x201A;agship crossover SUV the safest cars on the road. ahead of the growing number of ordinary entries in the segment.

Sedan range The Nissan Jukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turbocharged The sedan range of vehicles name- engine delivers serious boost ly Micra, Sunny, Tiida, Sentra, when required, The Nissan Intelvalued customers. As the month of Ramadan is just few weeks away, Nissan Oman has launched this unique way to shop.

up and Navara variants) cash rewards up to OMR1,000 (with min OMR500 assured), and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scratch & Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; card (2 assured gifts) There is extensive commercial activity taking place in Oman and Nissan is favourably contributing to the same with its lineup of dependable and reliable Commercial vehicle models that are being used to transport both men and material. The Nissan LCV Range SUV range The SUV range of vehicles namely comprise a wide range of vehicles Ä&#x161;. ,, Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ."Ă°( ,Ĺ&#x2014; & --# Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ,- â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pick-up, Navara, all new Urvan, mada, and Patrol come with ben- Patrol Pick-up & Civilian.

The Nissan Pickups are built efits like free insurance, free registration, cash rewards up to strong and tough, to withstand the OMR1,000 (with min OMR500 most punishing conditions, yet assured), â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scratch & Winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; card (2 they are known for their comfort assured gifts) and six years ex- and safety criterion. With two different engine models, the new 4x4 tended warranty.

The Nissan X-terra, Nissan Nissan Pickup is best known for its ."Ă°( ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; #-- (Ĺ&#x2014; ,' Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; ultimate performance when drivNissan Patrol are all part of Nis- en on the road. With a 2.4L, 160hp sanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventurous 4WD Range. twin cam gasoline engine in 2WD The Nissan 4WD lineup has un- and 4WD, the 4x4 Pickup is one of precedented versatility covering the most economical in its range. a comprehensive range of usage It features dynamic suspension, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether as elegant urban trans- rear step bumper, chrome mirrors port, off-road warriors, or muscu- and grill, bed liner; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making it the lar all-purpose workhorses. The perfect choice for all who wants to rugged and powerful Nissan X-ter- own a Pickup. The Nissan Pickup ra is a simple but capable SUV that models are built for versatility. has â&#x20AC;&#x153;everything you need, nothing Despite their comfortable ride and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tâ&#x20AC;?; It is the master of all stylish passenger car-like interiterrains. With a powerful 4.0 litre ors, they still deliver full load-haulengine which delivers 291 HP, the ing functionality. The Single Cab Nissan X-terra is ready for wher- model makes an excellent multiever the road or trail takes you. purpose utility vehicle, while the With its impressive new styling Double Cab model can also serve and richly appointed interior, the as a versatile family pickup.

Nissan Patrol will transcend your expectations of a 4WD vehicle. SBA commitment Cruising comfortably on the high- Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is ways, conquering desert dunes largely committed to supportwith ease, or maneuvering through ing Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in the Sulthe city at rush hour, Nissan Patrol tanate through major emphasis offers unrivalled off-road capabil- on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales ity and on road handling. services in Oman. With a national network of more than 19 showLCV range The LCV range of vehicles namely rooms, 22 service centres and 35 Pickup, Navara, Urvan 15 seater spare parts outlets, SBA has furBus and Panel Van come with ben- ther built upon its legacy of trust Ă°.-Ĺ&#x2014;&#% Ĺ&#x2014; , Ĺ&#x2014;, !#-., .#)(Ĺ&#x2014;ÄĄ)(Ĺ&#x2014; # %- and excellent customer service. ligent Key allows drivers to unlock the door with a tap of a button on the door handle. Once inside, use the Push Button Ignition to start the engine. With standard nextgeneration Bluetooth technology on hand, the Juke will store your phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s address book so you can use the voice-activation feature to make calls by name.

NEW PRODUCT

Daikin launches GCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst R-32 air-conditioners MUSCAT: Daikin Industries, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest manufacturer of heating, cooling and refrigerant *,) / .-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;" -Ĺ&#x2014;& /( " Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°,-.Ĺ&#x2014; commercialised high ambient airconditioning system with R-32, an alternative refrigerant to R-22 with zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming impact than R410-A refrigerant.

R-32 is a chlorine-free, singlecomponent refrigerant, that reduces global warming potential of about two-third compared to the more commonly used refrigerant R410-A. Upto 15% less refrigerant is needed compared to an equivalent air-conditioners system with R410-A, says a press release.

Globally, Daikinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s R-32 air-conditioners were also introduced in many markets such as Australia, Europe, New Zealand and Asia.

In Japan alone, approximately 5 million units were sold by Daikin, out of the 8 million total sales.

In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had recently announced the approval of R-32 refrigerant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The unique combination of R-32 and inverter technology in the new Daikin air-conditioner range offers end-users the oppor./(#.3Ĺ&#x2014; .)Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.Ĺ&#x2014; ,)'Ĺ&#x2014; & --Ä&#x161;& ing energy efficiencies, with excellent cooling capacity and high indoor climate comfort, while lowering the environmental impact,â&#x20AC;?

said Sana Hamdani, Product Marketing Manager of Daikin Middle East & Africa.

Daikinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wall-mounted cooling only and heat pump air-conditioners come in three capacities: 18,24 and 28 MBH (thousand British thermal unit per hour). By incorporating the best available technologies, these units offer the best nominal and seasonal efficiencies in line with real-life Middle-East operating conditions. They can

achieve high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) (Btu/kWh) in cooling of upto 13.3 at T1 conditions (35 degrees Celsius) and upto 8.6 at T3 conditions (46 degrees Celsius) exceeding the most stringent regulations of the region and making them the most efficient air-conditioner of their type in the market.

Adding to that, the tropical compressor is capable of operating fully in extreme weather conditions for at least 52 degrees Celsius and delivering a powerful year-round cooling performance regardless of the outside temperature, up-to 1.5 times faster than traditional systems.

In addition, the units are whisper quiet with sound pressure as low as 32dBA (A-weighted decibels). They deliver an improved air-ďŹ&#x201A;ow pattern, reaching the furthest corners of a room. The intelligent eye will further enhance the energy efficiency without com-

promising the comfort by adjusting the set point according to the occupancy level of the room. The system comes with user-friendly wireless control.

Moreover, all units have a tita(#/'Ĺ&#x2014; * .#. Ĺ&#x2014; #,Ä&#x161;*/,#Ă° .#)(Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°&. ,Ĺ&#x2014; to improve air quality by absorbing and decomposing microscopic particles and organisms, while removing odours.

Low environmental impact â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daikin is renowned for its pioneering approach to product development, with more than 90 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the design and manufacture of air-conditioning technologies. As part of its serious commitment to environment, Daikin aims at developing systems that improve comfort levels while having low environmental impact.

Refrigerant choice is a key factor to maximise energy efficiency and to minimise the global warming

impact of system,â&#x20AC;? said Michel Farah, Product Planning Director.

Daikin industries in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HVAC leader with more than 56,000 employees worldwide.

Daikin is engaged primarily in the development, manufacture, sales and aftermarket support of airconditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigeration equipment, refrigerants and other chemicals, as well as oil hydraulic products. Daikin Industries is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.

Muscat Electronics (ME), the distributor of Daikin brand of airconditioners is a pioneer in sowing the seeds of innovative technologies and remains passionate about products and services that ensure ." Ĺ&#x2014; -.Ĺ&#x2014; -)&/.#)(Ĺ&#x2014; .)Ĺ&#x2014; /&Ă°&Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; ,, 3Ĺ&#x2014; of needs of the citizens and residents of the Sultanate. ME is committed to meeting the challenges of global warming and the need for sustainable resource use.

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ROUND-UP

Swarovski opens first outlet at Avenues Mall The Swarovski an exemplary collection of crystals, necklaces, bangles, fashion accessories and curios

light, sparkle, and glamour to create its signature style that is instantly covetable. A brand synonymous with modernity, Swarovski caters to today’s multifaceted woman who always wants to look her best at any given moment.”

“Swarovski – Oman Avenues Mall is in line with our expansion plan and gauging by the encouraging feedback from our loyal and

new customers we have decided to open another exclusive boutique in Muscat City Centre very soon,” said Rohit Shah, general manager, Luxury and Lifestyle Division.

Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski designs, manufactures, and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched qual-

ity, craftsmanship, and creativity that goes beyond the manufacturing of crystal. In Oman, the brand is represented by Khimji Ramdas.

The new showroom at Avenues Mall follows the same concept of KR’s other Swarovski showrooms at Qurum and Salalah, showcasing a wide range of exquisite designs of brilliantly crafted crystal wear for the modern woman.

PRODUCTION BASE

Nissan Kyushu plant celebrates 40th anniversary DUBAI: Nissan Motor Co. Ltd celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Kyushu production base and the 15 millionth vehicle produced there.

Fukuoka Prefectural Governor, Hiroshi Ogawa, Nissan Chief Competitive Officer, Hiroto Saikawa, Nissan Executive Vice President in charge of manufacturing, Fumiaki Matsumoto, other executives and approximately 500 employees attended a ceremony at the plant to commemorate the milestones, says a press release.

Nissan started producing engines in Kyushu in April 1975 and progressed to producing Datsun brand trucks the following year.

As the oldest vehicle manufacturing plant in Kyushu, Nissan’s GOLD PRIZES

Millennium rewards its customers MUSCAT: Millennium Hypermarket Azaiba Gold Showers Promotion concluded recently with a mega draw.

The draw was conducted by Saeed bin Sulayem Al Kindi, representing director Commercial Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of customers. Eight weekly prizes of 8 gram gold and a smartphone were distributed before the mega draw during the promotional period, says a press release.

The first prize of 222 gram gold was won by Badar Nasar (coupon No. 24558), second prize of 111 gram gold went to Badar Hilal Al Habsi (coupon No. 9740) and the third prize of 55 gram gold went to Binu (coupon No. 28699).

Mohammed V. K., managing director, expressed his happiness that Millennium Hypermarket gives priority to customer satisfaction and unmatched homely services.

HSE-CONSCIOUS

Park Inn Duqm team helps in beach cleanup

boutique offers

MUSCAT: The Khimji Ramdas Group has opened its first exclusive Swarovski boutique at the Oman Avenues Mall.

Promising to be the Sultanate’s new rave shopping destination for all things that glitter, Swarovski, the boutique offers an exemplary collection of crystals, necklaces, bangles, fashion accessories and curios. The new showroom is located on the mall’s ground floor in the fashion exchange section, says a press release.

Commenting on the brand’s allure Vivek Pande, CEO, Lifestyle Group said, “Swarovski mixes

B7

Kyushu plant has continued to expand its production line-up and increase its output, passing the 5-million-unit production milestone in November 1992 and the 10-million-unit milestone in December 2004.

In 1992, a second production

line was opened that was not only highly advanced but also designed to create a friendly and comfortable work environment. In 2000, private wharfs for shipping to domestic and overseas markets opened, which enabled the plant to manufacture, store and ship

cars efficiently on the same site.

In 2010, Nissan Shatai Co. Ltd, a Nissan subsidiary with strength in mixed-model production lines, also started producing in Kyushu.

In 2011, the Kyushu plant was made an independent operational company, Nissan Motor Kyushu Co. Ltd. Nissan has made the best use of the Kyushu region’s geographical advantages to further improve procurement and logistics efficiencies, with Nissan Motor Kyushu remaining a leading plant within Nissan’s production structure in terms of global cost competitiveness.

Through these expansions, Kyushu has become a key production base for Nissan, accounting for more than the half of its Japanese production volume.

DUQM: A team of employees from the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm recently got together to help clean an area of beach in Duqm as part of its quarterly environment activity.

The keen group including staff and management were headed by the hotel’s chief engineer, Madhab Kafle, says a press release.

“Oman is known for its astonishing beaches and it is very important to maintain the cleanliness of it and we want to be part of this environmental initiative.

This small act can create awareness on how an individual can help to reduce the negative impact on the environment,” said Rabih Zein, general manager.

Within the ‘Responsible Business programme’ for the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, the company is dedicated to three main areas. First, taking responsibility for the health and safety of the employees and customers. Second, respecting social and ethical issues in the company, as well as in the community.

Third, reducing negative impact on the environment. The local beach cleaning activity is part of an annual calendar of ‘Responsible Business’ activities.

Throughout the calendar year, Park Inn Duqm will conduct various activities based on specific ‘Responsible Business’ themes for the four quarters of the year.

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Bank Muscat claims coveted ‘Best Investment Bank in Oman’ award Global Finance editors, with input

Investment banking is a key focus area for the bank and we are proud of the team’s achievements

from industry experts, used a series of criteria, including market share, number and size of deals, service and advice, structuring

Abdul Razak Ali Issa

capabilities,

Chief Executive, Bank Muscat

innovation, pricing, after-market performance of underwritings and market reputation to select the best investment bank winners across the world

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has won the ‘Best Investment Bank in Oman’ award

by Global Finance.

Global Finance editors, with input from industry experts, used a series of criteria, including market share, number and size of deals, service and advice, structuring capabilities, innovation, pricing, after-market performance of underwritings and market reputation to select the best investment bank winners across the world,

says a press release.

Abdul Razak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, said: “Investment banking is a key focus area for the bank and we are proud of the team’s achievements. Bank Muscat Investment Banking has played a key role in the development of the local equity and debt markets with an impressive impact on the national economy. Investment banking is a people business and our team is our strength. We thank our valued clients for their confidence in us.”

Bank Muscat was involved in

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

transactions in excess of OMR1.2 billion of equity and debt capital for clients in 2014. These included several landmark transactions undertaken in the Omani financial markets such as the OMR204 million private placement and followon offering for Omantel which was the second largest transaction ever in the Oman equity capital markets. The deal won the Best Follow-on Funding in the Middle East award. The bank successfully led the debt raising of OMR111

million for a major oil and gas services company and the first ever concurrent twin IPOs in Oman for Al Batinah Power and Al Suwadi Power companies which raised capital of OMR63 million.

Bank Muscat Investment Banking has been active in Oman’s capital markets for more than a decade.

The department has achieved successful closure of over OMR8 billion worth of transactions across multiple industries and diverse geographies, including the UAE,

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Botswana and India. Bank Muscat Investment Banking has been regularly featured among the top 25 global teams in various league table rankings since 2006. The business has to its credit several Middle East deal of the year awards from leading international publications, including EMEA Finance, Global Finance, Project Finance, Infrastructure Journal, Euromoney, the Banker etc.

Going forward, the year 2015 continues to be exciting with mandates under execution for several prestigious transactions. These include international and local bond transactions for GREs, the first Government Sukuk, IPO advisory for the largest power plant in Oman and several large debt and equity fund-raising for public and private entities.

Bank Muscat Investment Banking offers integrated financial advisory solutions tailored to suit client requirements for raising all types of capital i.e. equity, debt, mezzanine, etc. The department’s Equity group offers services for private placements, public offers of equity, convertibles, mezzanine issuances, mergers and acquisitions. The Debt solutions group offers services for corporate and project finance loans, subordinated and preferred loans, Shari’a compliant loans and a variety of bond structures.

EXTRA LARGE BENEFITS

NBO implements CRMnext to Toyota Fortuner TRD now build robust service platform comes with exciting deals MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman, one of the largest banks in the Sultanate of Oman, has implemented CRMnext across all its branches and offices creating a single enabling system to manage the entire customer experience.

CRMnext will power National Bank of Oman’s end-to-end lead management across all business lines and channels including branch, web, call centres, etc. This will help to increase sales conversions and reduce sales cycle with a great experience for customers during the on-boarding process.

CRMnext has also created a powerful customer 360 view and automated offers based on individual customer needs.

This will help to better understand customer’s financial needs, and, hence increase cross-selling.

The bank is also using CRMnext’s customer service solution to manage all queries, complaints and requests across all channels to provide efficient resolutions.

The solution is integrated with a number of transactional systems to provide real time information to the customer facing teams on a single window.

Speaking about CRMnext’s solution Faizal Eledath, chief

CRMnext will power National Bank of Oman’s end-to-end lead management across all business lines and channels including branch, web, call centres and much else information officer and head of Transformation at National Bank of Oman, said: “Customer centricity and service excellence are key underpinnings of our vision to become the bank of choice. We are extensively investing in strengthening our service platforms and offering innovative services to continuously enhance our customers’ banking experience.

“The implementation of CRMnext enables us to build a robust service platform. The system provides a unified and flexible interface to manage all our customer touch points for marketing, sales and service management. The system facilitates the seamless integration of various parts of the bank

to ensure we deliver a consistently superior experience.”

CRMnext covers processes across sales automation, customer service management, marketing management, social CRM and knowledge management. It is easily deployable on a commutable cloud model i.e. private cloud or public cloud with multi-tenant capabilities. In this way, CRMnext empowers enterprises to streamline their customer relationships with greater efficiencies. Built using shape shifting architecture, CRMnext can be introduced into any existing IT infrastructure and configured to meet challenging business requirements which can help drive growth strategies.

“We believe that this implementation will deliver an effective customer-centric system that will improve overall productivity and effectiveness. CRMnext is a new generation, agile and flexible enterprise CRM product that delivers high impact customer lifecycle management capabilities with an auto-upgrade feature which will always keep the bank’s CRM system current and relevant with changing business needs,” said, Sushil Tyagi, director, Business Development.

MUSCAT: The Fortuner TRD Sportivo is not only a stunner off the road; it also looks thrilling on sleek city highways. Many define it as a ‘refined soul in a muscular body decked out for urban adventures’. At present, Toyota’s ‘Extra Large Benefits! Extra Large Happiness!’ campaign offers many benefits to Toyota Fortuner customers, says a press release.

These include insurance for a year (Oman only), In lieu of this, customers can choose to avail of a cash gift up to OMR475. And that’s not all. Every Toyota customer gets a gift voucher and a chance to take part in an amazing raffle which has nine units of 16 YM Camry GL Executive as a part of the campaign.

This exciting campaign will run until August 5. Benefits are applicable for all purchases except those made by government organisation and ministries. Weekly raffle draws will be held until August 9, on all Sundays. Customers will be eligible for raffle only upon taking delivery of the vehicle during the campaign period after completing necessary formalities and not against booking.

“For a long time have I been waiting and saving to own a shiny, new Fortuner TRD,” smiled an enthusiast, “Now is my chance to realise my dream.”

A favourite in Oman, the Fortuner TRD Sportivo is adorned by a variety of up-to-the-minute additions that include a stylish front bumper, rear and roof spoiler, an imposing TRD Sportivo emblem and a muffler cutter. Liveningup the entire package is a TRD side tape stripe. The Fortuner TRD Sportivo’s splendid form is further adorned with chrome radiator grille, HID headlamps and magnificent 17” Alloy Wheels.

Interestingly, TRD means Toyota Racing Development. It is meant for Special Edition vehi-

cles, with high-performance parts and accessories that are used by Toyota racing teams, worldwide.

Comfortable cabin Engineered for the discerning driver, Fortuner TRD Sportivo’s comfortable cabin is equipped with an ergonomic interface — a horizontal-theme instrument panel set within strikingly beautiful black woodgrain panelling.

Abundant storage space and rich appointments reinforce the highclass feel of the luxurious 4WD. Everything is within easy reach — the steering wheel has controls for audio, MID and bluetooth, apart from cruise control. The bluetooth integrated CD/MP3 player audio system is equipped with a 6.1” display.

The other high-end flourishes include a dual auto air-conditioner, 6-way power driver seat, back view camera, head lamp cleaners, retractable outer mirrors with turn signals and a side-step. Generous cabin space can be quickly re-arranged to accommodate various combinations of people/luggage.

Three rows of leather seats comfortably seat seven adults. The third and second row seats can be folded and stowed away – freeing up even more luggage space!

A genuine 4-Wheel Drive,

the Fortuner TRD Sportivo is equipped with an advanced large displacement engine and tough chassis for an uncompromising performance, whether on-road or off-road.

At the heart of the vehicle is a V6 4.0-litre, 24-valve VVT-i engine that delivers output of 235 HP and torque of 38.3 kg-m in SAE net. The 5-speed Automatic Transmission engine, incorporating advanced electronics technology, provides optimum shift control, making the Fortuner TRD easier to drive.

Advanced safety features in the Fortuner TRD Sportivo include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that prevents wheels from locking and skidding, especially while braking in difficult conditions. Driver and front passenger airbags protect the front seat passengers in case of heavy impact.

Additionally, the rear parking sensors, headlamp levelling, antitheft engine immobiliser, crash safety body with crumple zones reassure and protect occupants.

In Oman, Toyota’s outstanding product quality is supported by the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

C

WW WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM WW W..TI T I ME M SOFO OM MA AN N..C O TUESDAY, TU ES E S DA D A Y , JULY 28, 20 2015 1

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SPOR YOUR GAME

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CH VIDAL POISED TO CHILE’S COMPLETE BAYERN SWITCH CO Chi midfielder Arturo Vidal is poised Chile his switch from Juventus to to complete c Bayern Munich in the coming days after Bay flying to Bavaria for a medical to complete flyin the deal which Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed >C6 Rum

ASHES

Rogers gets through nets session LAND MARK TOUR: Both South Africa and India are now working to develop this into an icon series. – File photo

S. Africa to begin India tour with T20 on Oct. 2 South Africa’s talismanic captain A B de Villiers is scheduled to play his 100th Test at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore

NEW DELHI: India’s home series against South Africa will begin with the first T20 International on October 2 followed by five ODIs and four Test matches, making it the longest tour to the country by the Proteas.

Besides three T20 Internationals at Dharamsala (October 2), Cuttack (October 5) and Kolkata October 8), the series will see feature one-dayers in Kanpur (October 11), Indore (October 14), Rajkot (October 18), Chennai (October 22) and Mumbai (October 25).The limited overs games will be followed

by Tests at Mohali (November 5-9), Bangalore (November 1418), Nagpur (November 25-29) and the concluding match of the tour at Delhi from December 3 to 7).The fixtures were today jointly announced by BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA).In all, the tour will last for 72 days.

“I am delighted to confirm, together with the BCCI, the Proteas’ itinerary for our tour of India later this year,” said CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

“This will be the longest tour that we have undertaken to India

and the first time we will play a four-Test series.

Both countries are now working to develop this into an icon series.

Another first is that we will be playing our first T20 International match against India in India.

South Africa’s talismanic captain A B de Villiers is scheduled to play his 100th Test at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

“Of note will be the second Test match to be played in Bangalore where the Castle Lager Proteas previously secured our only ever Test Series win over India in India in 2000.

If all works out this will be AB de Villiers’ 100th Test match and it could not be a more appropriate venue as it has become AB’s second home through his involvement with the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“Being a landmark tour in the young history of Cricket South Africa, I wish to thank the BCCI for all the hard work that has been put in to scheduling this tour and I now look forward to the Test series becoming an iconic one,” Lorgat said. - PTI

WINTER GAMES

Beijing’s final pitch for 2022 Games KUALA LUMPUR: Beijing Olympic officials on Monday shrugged off questions over snow levels and spread-out venues in their 2022 Winter Games bid as they launched their final pitch in Malaysia ahead of an IOC vote this week. The hosting of the 2022 Games is a two-horse race between Beijing and Almaty in Kazakhstan, with the winner decided Friday in a secret International Olympic Committee ballot in Kuala Lumpur.

The Chinese capital is overwhelmingly favoured, but Almaty has gained ground by promising plentiful natural snow and concentration of facilities near the city.

But Beijing bid officials said the lack of snow in arid northern China and far-flung venues would not be a problem, while touting the organisational muscle that China flexed in its successful 2008 Summer Games.

“We might not have snowfall several metres deep like you have in other countries but you can’t have a Winter Olympics and make it successful just by virtue of having deep snow,” Beijing

2022 committee spokeswoman Wang Hui told reporters in Kuala Lumpur. “However, in the unlikely event of extreme weather conditions, we have the capacity to rely on artificial snow-making and we will fully comply with all snow requirements.”

Almaty played on China’s lack of snow with its “Keeping it Real” slogan, impressing IOC members who went on an inspection visit in June.

But Wang said any winter sports event requires some level of artificial snow and that ample water was available.

Chongli, where the Olympic village is proposed, is more than 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Beijing and some venues are 200 kilometres away.

By contrast, Almaty’s facilities would all be within 33 kilometres of the former capital.

But Wang said China’s highspeed rail system would allow quick transportation between venues and that spread-out facilities would better encourage sustainable and lasting post-Games use of venues than if they were concentrated in one place. — AFP

BIRMINGHAM: Australia opener Chris Rogers came through a nets session against the tourists’ pace attack with no visible ill-effects at Edgbaston on Monday as he aimed to prove his fitness for the third Ashes Test.

The 37-year-old left-hander succumbed to a sudden bout of dizziness during the second Test at Lord’s last Sunday and had to leave the field as Australia completed a 405-run thrashing of England to level the five-match series at 1-1.

A week of tests in London revealed nothing more serious than a balance problem in the inner ear, thought to have been caused when he was hit on the helmet by a short ball from James Anderson at Lord’s in his first-innings 173 -Rogers’s Test-best score.

PROVING FITNESS: Australia’s Chris Rogers catches a ball during a

training session. – Reuters

Following Monday’s net session, Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc insisted Rogers had been given a proper workout. “We all had a bowl at him,” the left-arm quick told reporters. “He seems to

have come through it pretty well. I haven’t seen him since the net but all reports are that he is good to go,” added Starc, with the third Test set to start at the Birmingham ground on Wednesday. “I think he will

have another hit tomorrow (Tuesday), and and seems to be good.”

Starc was adamant Australia’s quicks hadn’t eased up against Rogers, who missed the recent 2-0 Test series win in the Caribbean with a concussion suffered while batting in the nets.

“Yes it was full tilt,” said Starc.

“We are all preparing for a Test match. If everyone is bowling full tilt and he gets through that then he is ready to go.

“No-one is holding back, no matter who is at the other end.

Rogers, who plans to retire after the Ashes, missed the three-day tour match at Derby completed Saturday where Shaun Marsh — who replaced him in the West Indies — made a first-innings hundred in a rain-affected draw. - AFP

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Froome, Quintana set for epic rivalry Froome ponders rare TourVuelta double

Cycling has seen some great such duels in the past, notably between Italians Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi, or Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor, but Froome and Quintana could match or even eclipse any of those

PARIS: Many both in the peloton and watching from afar may have groaned when Chris Froome said he intended to ride on for another six to eight years, but not everyone is disappointed.

There are some who feel the domination Froome has shown at times in winning his two Tour de France titles — in 2013 and again this month — has taken the gloss off the greatest cycle race in the world.

And yet, that would be to ignore what turned out to be one of the most thrilling Tours in recent memory.

The final 1min 12sec victory margin was the closest since Carlos Sastre of Spain finished 58sec ahead of Australian Cadel Evans in 2008.

And even that does no justice to the exciting final two stages in which Nairo Quintana started eating into Froome’s lead with incessant attacks every time the road angle started rising.

Two years ago, Quintana was second to Froome at 4min 20sec — a margin that would have been

COMING CLOSER: Tour de France 2015’s winner Great Britain’s Christopher Froome, centre, shakes hand with second-placed Colombia’s

Nairo Quintana, left. – AFP

43sec greater but for the Briton slowing down on the final stage to cross the finish line arm-in-arm with his Sky team-mates.

Quintana has greatly closed that gap and at 25 is five years younger than Froome.

Quite apart from embarking on a period of Froome domination, the Tour stands to witness one of the great cycling rivalries.

Cycling has seen some great such duels in the past, notably between Italians Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi, or Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor, but Froome and Quintana could match or even eclipse any of those.

One of the most intriguing aspects is that rather than two riders reaching their prime at the same time, one is on his way up while the other should be coming out of his

— much like the situation in tennis a few years ago with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, as opposed to football’s clash between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Froome received a lot of bad press on the 2015 Tour, with some accusing him of doping or riding a motorised bicycle, slurs Quintana has not had to put up with.

And yet, arguably, what gave Froome victory over the Colombian was circumstance.

A crash on the windy second stage in the Netherlands held up Quintana and his Movistar team, a split formed in the peloton and in crosswinds, that can be fatal.

By the finish, Quintana had lost 1min 28sec to Froome — more than the final winning margin.

Consternation It was the Briton’s surge and vic-

tory on the first Pyrenean summit finish on stage 10 that most caused consternation, although he beat Quintana by just 1min 04sec.

On Alpe d’Huez, the Colombian put 1min 20sec into Froome without eliciting any doping suspicions. Over the course of the race, Quintana, as was to be expected, was the strongest rider in the mountains — although not by much from Froome.

But perhaps from a spectacle point of view, what was most exciting was how one rider pulled out a lead before the other started reeling him in — Quintana just left this sprint finish til a touch too late The Colombian is not as good a time-triallist as Froome and with his slight frame, he is vulnerable on flat stages on the open roads.

It makes for a rivalry that is sure to ebb and flow, with one tak-

ing time against the clock or in crosswinds, and the other clawing it back on the climbs. This year’s Tour route perhaps suited Quintana more than Froome and the fear may be that the Briton would win more easily on a course with more individual time-trialling.

But what Quintana proved this year is that he has matured.

In 2013 he lost time after launching attacks in the Pyrenees too far from the finish and running out of steam.

This time he was more patient and calculated — perhaps too much — and he is sure to continue improving both physically and tactically as the years progress.

Froome may be already as good as he will ever be. Time will tell, but this is a battle that could be played out many more times at the Tour de France. - AFP

LONDON: Chris Froome celebrated his second Tour de France triumph with a bacon sandwich on Monday before chewing over the appetising prospect of a rare grand tour double in Spain next month.

The 30-year-old Briton, enjoying the release of being able to eat what he fancies after three weeks of rigorous discipline, revealed that a bid to win back-to-back grand tours “could be on the cards” as he leans towards a crack at the Vuelta.

Back in Britain following his second victory in the last three editions of the world’s greatest cycle race in Paris on Sunday, Froome said the “massive challenge” of the TourVuelta double was at the back of his mind.

Runner-up last year and in 2011 and fourth in 2012, Froome’s record in the Vuelta is impressive but only two cyclists in the history of the sport, great Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil (1963) and Bernard Hinault (1978), have achieved this monumental feat.

Talking of the Vuelta challenge, Froome told Sky Sports News: “I would say it’s a bit early to say 100 percent but I think that could potentially be on the cards, certainly. — Reuters

HAILED

British press toast ‘man of honour’

VICTORY RIDE: Great Britain’s Christopher Froome, centre, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, arrives with his teammates of the

Great Britain’s Sky cycling team to cross the finish line on the Champs-Elysees. – AFP

LONDON: Britain’s newspapers toasted cyclist Chris Froome as the first Briton to win the Tour de France twice, noting his vow to “never dishonour” his Team Sky yellow jersey by doping.

“I’m no cheat: Froome victory dig” was the headline in The Sun’s sport section, while the Daily Telegraph chose “Believe in me”.

“I’m a man of honour” read the Mirror sport page, showing Froome punching the air with the caption “Champion Froome’s message of defiance”.

Froome has suffered accusations of cheating since his victory at the Grand Boucle two years ago, and even complained that a spectator had thrown urine at him while shouting “dope” during the 14th stage of this year’s race.

Telegraph sports writer Oliver Brown called it “possibly the most ill-tempered and antagonistic Tour de France in recent memory” and said it was “sordid justice” that Froome should be an unpopular winner despite no evidence of doping.

“Froome enters the City of Lights feeling less like a champion carried aloft on a sedan chair than a persona non grata, maligned and ostracised, the fall guy in a controversy not of his own making,” Brown wrote.

William Fotheringham of the Guardian said Froome’s victory was overshadowed by the history of doping in the sport, and in particular the memory of Lance Armstrong who was stripped of his seven Tour titles after a long

doping scandal.

“The Armstrong legacy remains toxic and that poisonous heritage was seen in the distrust of Froome and Sky,” Fortheringham wrote.

The Times’ sport section led with comments from Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford, who compared those questioning the team with people searching for mythical Scottish beast the Loch Ness monster.

“We’ve still got people camping outside with binoculars saying, ‘I’m sure we are going to see the monster tomorrow’ but it never appears. It doesn’t exist,” Brailsford told The Times.

Many newspapers underlined the historic nature of the win for a British cyclist.

“King of the road” was the head-

line in the Daily Express, which said “Chris Froome swept across the final finish line of the Tour de France and into the history books”.

The Daily Telegraph put a smiling photograph of Froome with his wife Michelle on its front page, with the caption “Froome makes history on streets of Paris”.

“Sky’s the limit: Froome secures second Tour win” was the front page headline in The Independent, accompanied by a large photo of the smiling cyclist surrounded by his teammates.

Other newspapers took the opportunity to play on the cyclist’s name: Metro ran with the headline “Froo beauty!” while The Sun described the victory as “Froomin’ marvellous”. - AFP

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS Starc ‘pitches’ into England There have been suggestions that England and Wales Cricket Board chiefs have ordered groundsmen to prepare deliberately slow surfaces for the five-match series in a bid to blunt Australia’s impressive pace attack, although England team director Andrew Strauss has denied issuing such a request

BIRMINGHAM: Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc weighed into the ongoing row over the state of pitches for the Ashes series on Monday by accusing England of not knowing what they want.

Following the tourists’ crushing 405-run win in the second Test at Lord’s, which levelled the five-match series at 1-1, Trevor Bayliss — England’s Australian coach — called for typical English seaming wickets rather than the slow and low pitch at the ‘home of cricket’ which he said had played “into the Australians’ hands”.

There have been suggestions that England and Wales Cricket Board chiefs have ordered groundsmen to prepare deliberately slow surfaces for the fivematch series in a bid to blunt Australia’s impressive pace attack, although England team director Andrew Strauss has denied issuing such a request.

But with the tourists quicks significantly faster than their England counterparts, Australia took the surface out of the equation at Lord’s, where the lack of seam movement hampered James Anderson more than anyone.

That match saw Anderson, England’s most successful Test bowler with 406 wickets, go wicketless for the first time in 59 Tests.

‘All bases covered’ “They’re not really sure what they want to do now,” Starc told report-

BLAMES THE HOSTS: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, right, accuses England doesn’t know what type of playing surface they want. – File photo

They’re not really sure what they want to do now.

Some of their team want batting-friendly wickets and that hasn’t helped them at Lord’s. They want to get their bowlers back in the game, but we’ve got the pace as well. It doesn’t matter what they dish up. We’ve got all bases covered Mitchell Starc

Australian fast bowler

ers at Edgbaston, where the third Test starts on Wednesday.

“Some of their team want batting-friendly wickets and that hasn’t helped them at Lord’s.

“They want to get their bowlers back in the game, but we’ve got the pace as well. It doesn’t matter what they dish up. We’ve got all bases covered.”

The Test pitch at Edgbaston, the Birmingham headquarters of county side Warwickshire, had a decent covering of grass when the covers were removed on Monday.

Warwickshire groundsman Gary Barwell didn’t lack for advice on Monday, with ECB pitches consultant Chris Wood and Mick Hunt, the long-serving Lord’s groundsman, both examining the pitch.

But with just two days until the Test starts, Barwell effectively only has two options now — leave the grass on or cut it off.

“I will be surprised if it stays the way it is,” said Starc of the heavily scrutinised surface.

“If it does, then I am sure all the

quicks will be lining up.”

Whatever the eventual state of the pitch, England will have to improve their play against an Australia pace attack led by Starc’s fellow left-armer Mitchell Johnson and also featuring Josh Hazlewood.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali recently said Johnson had “bowled very well in one innings out of four” this series.

But the way in which Ali was bounced out by Johnson, fending a rising delivery to short leg as England collapsed to a woeful 103 all out in their second innings at Lord’s, suggested Australia’s spearhead was coming into form.

“Moeen can keep watching the replay of the ball he got in the second innings if he likes. I don’t want to face that stuff,” Starc said.

England have rejigged their lineup in a bid to avoid the kind of toporder collapse that has seen them three wickets down for 43 or fewer runs seven times in their last 13 Test innings.

Gary Ballance has been dropped and replaced by Yorkshire teammate Jonny Bairstow, who is averaging over 100 in the County Championship this season.

Bairstow is set to bat at number five with the struggling Ian Bell due to take Ballance’s place at number three.

“Anytime you have got the opposition changing line-ups you are in a good spot,” said Starc. - AFP

SWIMMING

OSA chief attends AASF meet

MUSCAT: The Asian Swimming Federation (AASF) held its 11th General Assembly on the sidelines of the 16th FINA World Championships in Russian city of Kazan here recently.

The meeting approved the minutes of the 10th meeting of the General Assembly and also reviewed the amends to the constitution of world body FINA. The meeting also reviewed the report and recommendations of the technical committee of the AASF.

On the sidelines of the World Championship, an extraordinary general assembly of the FINA was also held. The agenda included voting on a number of amendments to the constitution.

The amendments included increase in the number of the members to the FINA executive office.

During the meeting, Hussain Al Musallam of Kuwait was elected as the vice-chairman of FINA while Abu Dhabi were awarded the right to host the 2020 World

Short-course Swimming Championships.

Meanwhile, speaking the AASF General Assembly, Oman Swimming Association (OSA) chief Taha Al Kishry expressed his delight at the participation of the FINA members at the meeting.

“We are seeking the support for the development of the aquatic games in Asia in light of the recent developments in the infrastructure, sports activities and training programmes,” he said.

Taha, who is also the chairman of the Arab Swimming Federation and chief of the Gulf Cooperation Committee (GCC) Swimming Organising Committee, said: “We are proud to have the Executive and General Administrative office of the AASF in our capital city of Muscat as well as the headquarters of GCC Swimming Organising Committee, where we supervise and coordinate all official international competitions at Asian, Arab and Gulf level.”

ASHES

Bell eager for Ashes turnaround BIRMINGHAM: England batsman Ian Bell accepts his form in the “brutal environment” of Test cricket hasn’t been good enough lately but believes a promotion to number three on his home ground will help him come good in the third Ashes Test.

England’s most experienced batsman, having made his Test debut 11 years ago, Bell has struggled for runs during the Ashes thus far with scores of one, 60, one and 11 in the first two matches.

There had been speculation that, with England repeatedly suffering top-order collapses, Bell might be dropped for the third Test at his Warwickshire home ground starting Wednesday after Australia levelled the five-match series with a crushing 405-run at Lord’s.

England were skittled out for just 103 in the second innings at Lord’s as Australia won with more than a day to spare.

But rather than being dropped, Bell has been promoted to number three in place of the axed Gary Ballance with Jonny Bairstow, averaging over a hundred in the County Championship for Yorkshire, called up into the Test side.

“It’s a brutal environment you have to perform,” the 33-year-old Bell told the BBC on Monday.

“I know I haven’t performed to the best of my ability in the last two months....The only thing I can do really is focus on what’s in hand, a home Test match -- always great fun, know the ground inside out, I’ve got to enjoy myself.”

Bell’s recent performances have revived a longstanding criticism that, for all the technical ability that has yielded over 7,000 Test runs at an average of more than 43 with 22 hundreds, he is rarely a man for a crisis.

‘Big runs’ But Bell, whose 562 runs at an average of 62 played a key role in England’s 2013 home Ashes series win, told Sky Sports of his promotion to number three: “We’ve obviously changed a little bit there, and hopefully it’s an opportunity to go and score some big runs.”

Bell, aiming to become the first Warwickshire batsman to score a Test hundred at Edgbaston, added: “I still believe that when I’m playing at my best I’m a worldclass player and I’m desperate for the kind of runs that come with being a top-order player for England, but I’ve known over a long

It’s a brutal environment you have to perform Ian Bell

England batsman time with England that your job is to score runs.

“I know that I haven’t done that to my capability over the last six or seven Test matches, and hopefully this is the start of me kicking on and going forward again.”

Meanwhile Joe Root, who made 134 and 60 in England’s 169-run win in the first Test in Cardiff, said that while no-one had a divine right to an England place, Bell was capable of putting his poor run of scores behind him at Edgbaston.

“I think every international player is playing for his place at all times,” Yorkshire batsman Root told reporters at Edgbaston on Monday.

“Obviously some guys are scoring more consistently than others, but Ian’s record is fantastic.

“He’s playing at his home ground and it’s obviously an Ashes series, which last time it was in England he was outstanding, so I’m sure he will be dying to get back out there and lay a big marker down.”

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc was equally conscious of Bell’s proven ability at Test level.

“He’s struggling a little bit, but he’s got a great record on his side and he had a great series against us last time we came over here, so we’re not taking him for granted,” Starc said. - AFP

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SPORTS

Alternator failure mars ORT’s chances at Spa 24 Hours race With less than three hours remaining of a race which had absolutely everything, the No. 44 Aston Martin was forced into retirement with the alternator woes MUSCAT: Ahmad Al Harthy and teammates Jonny Adam, Daniel Lloyd and Jonathan Venter ended the 2015 Total 24 Hours of Spa absolutely crestfallen on Sunday, when alternator failure with the squad’s Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 cost the Oman Racing Team (ORT) a shot at the Pro-Am podium.

Mounting a consistently strong bid throughout the immensely challenging contest, round four of the Blancpain Endurance Series, the team worked its way through from 10th position in Pro-Am at the start to be in the mix for a possible top four class finish at least.

However, with less than three hours remaining of a race which had absolutely everything — including extreme wet weather, fog, lots of incident and a number of Safety Car periods — the No. 44 Aston Martin was forced into re-

DETERMINED: Ahmad Al Harthy and his teammates were disappointed but are‘very proud and satisfied’ with what they achieved’. – Supplied photo

tirement with the alternator woes.

“We’re emotionally drained really,” said 33-year-old Ahmad after the race. “It’s so tough for the race to end the way it did, everything was looking so strong and so good for us and we were very close to achieving our aim of just making the finish. We survived all of the

rain, we survived the night, but then the alternator had an issue and that was it.

“Even though we’re all so disappointed, we can hold our heads up high and be very proud and satisfied with what we achieved. We had great team work, all of the guys drove well and we really did compete very

strongly. It’s a shame the way things ended but this is what we know can happen in motor racing.”

Heavy rain With heavy rain prior to the race start at 15.30 (local time) on Saturday, leading to a very wet track surface and treacherous conditions, a

CHAMPIONS CUP

sensible approach to the first few hours of racing was required and after the opening 60 minutes the No.44 car had sliced through the order into second in Pro-Am and fifth position overall.

As the varying pit-stop strategies played out, the order regularly fluctuated but throughout

the bulk of the contest the Oman Air, Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ooredoo, National Bank of Oman and Al Hashar Group backed team remained in contention for an impressive Pro-Am result.

Around eight hours into the race, with darkness blanketing the Belgian track, the Oman Racing Team held fifth in class and as the encounter reached the midway point during the small hours of Sunday morning the squad retained its top five Pro-Am placing with Ahmad and his three teammates each performing incredibly well during their respective stints.

Continuing to run faultlessly as dawn arrived at Spa-Francorchamps, everything looked good as the hours ticked by during Sunday morning – but then the alternator woes with less than 180 minutes to go resulted in a very frustrating and bitterly disappointing retirement after such tremendous hard work and commitment.

“We’ll take away a lot of confidence from this weekend, especially after running so well in such a competitive and highly experienced field,” added the Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa ambassador. “Now, we’re determined to be back stronger and faster next year in the Spa 24 Hours.”

Germany’s Nurburgring will host the finale of the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series eight weeks from now, over the weekend September 19 and 20.

Before then, Ahmad and the Oman Racing Team will be back in action in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship on August 1 and 2 at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in the UK.

FOOTBALL

Bale, Ronaldo rule as Real cruise past Inter FIFA hopeful Chung meets potential rival Platini in US

GUANGZHOU: Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo put on a scintillating first-half show as Real Madrid cruised past Inter Milan 3-0 in the International Champions Cup in Guangzhou on Monday.

Jese, Raphael Varane and James Rodriguez got the goals for the Spanish giants on a hot and humid night, but it was the display of the two modern-day Galacticos that will live long in the memory of the 39,896 fans who packed the Tianhe stadium.

Real Madrid thumped Manchester City 4-1 in Melbourne on Friday and it always looked like they would hand out a similar hammering to Inter as they were quickly into their stride.

Karim Benzema, who has been suffering with a slight thigh injury, was not risked, giving Jese a chance to play in a three-pronged attack with the world’s two most expensive footballers, Ronaldo and Bale.

And it didn’t take long for Ronaldo to show his intent, a neat turn in the centre circle and darting run leading to Bale being sent clear on the left in the first minute but the Welshman’s cross came to nothing.

Just a minute later Inter’s Juan Jesus got away down the left with his cross just evading the head of the onrushing Mauro Icardi on the six-yard line.

But that was about as close as the Italian side came as Madrid took control, with Bale and Ronaldo at the heart of everything good.

On another day each might have claimed a first-half hat-trick in a rampant display. Bale first shot wide when set free by Ronaldo on the left and the Portuguese reproduced the Welshman’s wastefulness minutes later.

Ronaldo then forced two classy saves from Samir Handanovic, the second from a trademark dipping

REPERTOIRE OF TRICKS: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, dribbles the ball in front of Inter Mi-

lan’s Jeison Murillo during their International Champions Cup match at Tianhe Stadium in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Monday. – Reuters

and swerving 35-yard free-kick which the keeper parried over onehanded at full stretch while Bale was terrorising full-back Martin Montoya — on loan from Barcelona — with his pace.

When the breakthrough came after 29 minutes it inevitably involved the marauding Bale, who this time chose to swing a crossfield ball from right to left and find the advancing full-back Marcelo in space.

The Brazilian had time to pick out Jese near the back post with a pinpoint cross. The Spaniard turned neatly inside Jeison Murillo and found the right-hand corner of the net with a sharp left-foot finish to give Madrid a deserved lead.

Ronaldo repertoire Ronaldo went through his full repertoire of tricks to huge roars and Bale was a constant threat. But with the superb Handanovic making a series of fine saves to deny the pair, Inter somehow made it to the break without conceding further.

A glut of half-time substitutions which saw Ronaldo and Bale depart interrupted Madrid’s flow, but they remained the more likely to score.

And the second goal duly came on 55 minutes when Inter failed to clear a corner properly.

Toni Kroos helped the ball back in to substitute Lucas Vazquez on the right of the box and he picked out the lurking Raphael Varane,

another sub, who buried his header from six yards.

There was just time for Colombia’s World Cup star James Rodriguez, who had only joined up with the Real Madrid squad in China on Sunday after his Copa America exertions, to enter the fray in the 77th minute.

He completed a terrific cameo with a 35-yard left-foot curling free-kick into the left-hand corner for Real’s third goal two minutes from time.

Inter, despite boasting Serie A’s joint top scorer last term in Icardi, have lost all three matches on a miserable China tour and failed to score a single goal. - AFP

SEOUL: South Korea’s Chung Mong-Joon, who is expected to announce his candidacy for the FIFA presidency next month, met potential rival Michel Platini in the United States on Sunday and called for a ‘fair competition’ should he enter the race.

Former FIFA Vice-President Chung said last week he was still weighing up a bid to replace Sepp Blatter as the head of world football’s scandal-hit governing body and that he was thinking about making an official announcement in mid-August.

Chung, the billionaire scion of the Hyundai conglomerate and one of the most influential figures in Asian soccer, posted a picture of his meeting with UEFA chief Platini on his official website and said he planned to meet him again in Europe in August.

Platini and Chung were attending Sunday’s final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Philadelphia between Jamaica and Mexico.

An “extraordinary elective congress” of all 209 member associations will decide the successor to Blatter, who has been at the helm of FIFA since 1998.

Blatter announced on June 2 he was standing down, just four days after winning a fifth term with an election victory at a congress overshadowed by the arrest of seven soccer officials.

Chung, a former member of FIFA’s powerful Executive Committee and a fierce critic of Blatter, is the biggest shareholder in Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd and a one-time South Korean presiden-

tial hopeful. He was instrumental in bringing the World Cup to South Korea in 2002, when it cohosted the event with Japan.

While he has yet to throw his hat into the ring, Platini, the head of Europe’s governing body, is viewed as favourite to succeed Blatter and has reportedly received the backing of four out of six continental confederations.

Race a ‘Poker game’ Meanwhile, Michel d’Hooghe, long-serving FIFA executive committee member said on Monday, that the race to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president is like a “poker game”.

“A poker game is currently being played. I think there will be a number of candidates, one from Europe,” Belgian D’Hooghe told Dutch broadcaster NOS. D’Hooghe said Platini would be a good candidate. “Michel Platini has led UEFA well and he has taken on all the challenges. He is a wonderful man, though, in his own way. Michel is highly appreciated in European football.”

The 69-year-old D’Hooghe, who has been a member of the powerful cabinet of world football for 27 years, will step down in two years, frustrated by allegations of corruption hanging over FIFA. “I will not be a candidate for reelection in 2017,” he said.

“I have family commitments and I can tell you that last two years have been very difficult for me.

Having to insist all the time that I have done nothing wrong becomes a heavy burden to bear.” - Reuters

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SUPERB SHOW: The Wave, Muscat crew hold the Oman national flag as they celebrate their victory at the Extreme Sailing Series Act 5 in Hamburg on Sunday. – Supplied photo

The Wave triumph in Hamburg, Oman Air post year’s best results Starting the final day one point behind leaders SAP Extreme Sailing Team, The Wave, Muscat were right on the money from race one, snatching victory just a few metres from the finish from Oman Air who posted the first of four podium places MUSCAT: The Wave, Muscat turned a one point deficit into a ten point windfall to win the Extreme Sailing Series’ first event in Hamburg with sister ship Oman Air posting their best results of the year so far to make an outstanding day for Oman Sail.

Starting the final day one point behind leaders SAP Extreme Sailing Team, Leigh McMillan’s championship winning crew were right on the money from race one, snatching victory just a few metres from the finish from Oman Air who posted the first of four podium places.

It set them up for the rest of the day and although The Wave, Muscat have become renowned for finishing

strongly, this final day in Hamburg proved to be one of their strongest ever with five podium places, including two superb victories.

“It was a fantastic performance by the whole team,” said a delighted McMillan after picking up the Hamburg medal that now gives The Wave, Muscat a three point advantage at the top of the overall Extreme Sailing Series 2015 leaderboard.

“I’m not sure it gets any better than this — and it is certainly up there with the great finishes. We were psyched up for the day, knowing it was always going to be challenging with four teams so tight on points. We knew we needed to be in front to get a strong position to af-

CLOSE CONTEST: Oman Air and The Wave, Muscat compete in the Extreme Sailing Series Act 5 in

Hamburg on Sunday. – Supplied photo

fect the overalls so we came out all guns blazing. We got off to a great start and kept on pushing hard and taking our opportunities when they came along so it was a great day.”

McMillan, racing with his reg-

ular crew of Sarah Ayton, Pete Greenhalgh, Ed Smyth and Nasser Al Mashari, made a special mention of the Hamburg crowds who turned out in their thousands to support the crews and the event.

“The crowds have been incredible – more people than we have ever seen at an Extreme Sailing event.”

Winning the first Hamburg title gave The Wave, Muscat a big boost, added bowman Al Mashari but

GOLF

TENNIS

Azzan returns to practice after knee surgery MUSCAT: Oman’s top golfer and national champion Azzan Al Rumhy is recovering fast and started doing light practice after undergoing knee surgery recently.

Azzan played in a monthly medal tournament in Ras Al Hamra Golf Club on Saturday to assess his own fitness.

He finished second with a score of 78, losing by one shot to Rashad Al Harthy.

“I was not comfortable enough to follow through on my shots as I would do normally. But I am happy with my putting except for one shot which I missed on the second hole,” he said.

Azzan went for an operation in June after he had a trouble with a meniscus tear in his right knee that has been troubling him since January this year. The golfer had chosen to delay going through a surgery in order to ensure he didn’t miss out on the action leading up to the summer.

Azzan said: “I am recovering

their eyes remain set on the overall 2015 title with three events left in Russia, Turkey and Australia to build on their success.

“We have extended our overall lead a little bit which is our goal and now we need to try and extend it further. We need to be on top of our game next time round. The Wave, Muscat is a strong team — we are already looking forward to Russia.”

For Stevie Morrison’s crew on Oman Air, the frustrations of previous days eased with a string of improved results as they notched up four podium finishes to gain one place and finish fifth overall.

“It has been a tough week but it was a beautiful end because the wind dropped and the sun came out which was great for us and the crowds,” said Morrison.

“We had a much better day – we sailed very well. We have sailed well all week but weren’t getting the results. Today we felt like we were getting the results that reflected our performances and it came as a nice confidence boost and showed that sometimes you just need a break because the margins in this game are so tiny.”

The next Extreme Sailing Series event starts in St Petersburg in Russia on August 20 and finishes four days later on August 23.

I am recovering fast.

The pain has gone.

And I have started doing practice Azzan Al Rumhy

Oman golfer

fast. The pain has gone. The tear is not there anymore. And I have started doing practice.”

The talented Omani golfer recalled: “I have been suffering from this knee tear right from the

month of January, but I could not take the call for undergoing operation since the Oman Golf Committee calendar was tight.

“We had the Oman Amateur Open coming, and then the GCC

Cup Golf Championship in Kuwait. I had to play in these events with pain and my game naturally suffered. I waited for the lean season to approach so that I could take the much needed break.”

The top golfer informed that he underwent daily physiotherapy sessions under Dr. Abdul Hameed Al Kitani at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The golfer has even begun cycling for the last two weeks.

“One of physios who was looking after me got me the clearance to begin practice. Initially I was doing cycling. This was to help ease my nerves and bones near the injury area,” Azzan said.

But the physio advised him not to exert too much in the first few days. Azzan usually practices under PGA Pro coach Marcus Caseyat The Wave, Muscat’s Almouj Golf course.

Mundhir Al Barwani, the Chairman of Oman Golf Committee, says: “It’s good that Azzan is recovering fast. We are constantly monitoring his situation. He is doing better now. He has begun preparation for the tournaments that are coming up from September. Hope he will be back in form.”

Australia exile Tomic goes back-to-back in Bogota MELBOURNE: Australian bad boy Bernard Tomic has shrugged off his Miami arrest and banishment from the Davis Cup team to successfully defend his ATP title in Bogota.

Tomic was accused of hitting “rock bottom” by Tennis Australia’s high performance chief Pat Rafter after being charged for resisting arrest and trespass in relation to a noisy hotel room party he hosted earlier this month.

However, the negative attention does not appear to have affected the controversial 22-yearold’s tennis. He battled past Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 in Sunday’s final of the Claro Open to join Grigor Dimitrov and Milos Raonic as the only players born in the 1990s to win three tour titles. - Reuters

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SPORTS

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WILL B VIDAL FILL SCHWEINI VOID?

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BY ADAM GRAY

Vidal will offer much-needed bite and steel. But it

will not always be pretty; Vidal is a persistent fouler and will too often walk the tightrope between the yellow and a second red card, but perhaps for once the idealist in Guardiola isn’t searching for aesthetics

ayern Munich’s chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummennigge wasn’t at the launch of his club’s new kit to hear the jeers from a number of supporters, but he did say he expected it. “I don’t know if they were booing Bayern Munich or just the transfer itself” he told Bild, referring to the exit of Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United.

The midfielder who had won everything with Bayern over 13 years and the friendly face who drank in the local pub and played with friends in the park, Schweini as he is endearingly known to Bayern loyalists, was suddenly leaving Bavaria, where he holds a saint-like status, behind.

Rummennigge, who himself served the German giants for a decade, would have empathised with Bayern’s supporters and would have braced himself for the reaction. He would be aware Schweinsteiger would have been extremely difficult to replace, if not for his expertise on the pitch but for the admiration and worship he received off it.

Juventus’ 28 year old Arturo Vidal may have been identified as the on-field replacement, however, in a move that at first glance is most unlike Pep Guardiola.

Analyse it to more detail however and it takes on greater levels of curiosity.

Anathema to the graceful ball-movers that the Spaniard usually prefers, Vidal will bring with him tenacity and the raw aggression that earned him 49 bookings in his four years in Italy.

Shift in style Guardiola may be directing Bayern to a shift in style, but with the 44 year old entering the last year of his contract at the Allianz Arena those fond of a conspiracy theory may query if it is Bayern preparing for life without the coach.

If Guardiola is to bow out at the end of his three year deal his time will be unfulfilled if he fails, at the third attempt, to secure

Vidal poised to complete Bayern Munich switch BERLIN: Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal is poised to complete his switch from Juventus to Bayern Munich in the coming days after flying to Bavaria on Monday for a medical.

The 28-year-old posted a picture of himself and agent Fernando Felicevich on Twitter on Monday sat on a plane with the caption: “A new stage....a new dream...Munich here we come.”

The Chilean international is now expected to pass a medical to complete the deal which Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed was imminent last Thursday having agreed a transfer fee with the Serie A champions.

A key component in the Juventus team that reached last month’s Champions League final, Vidal is expected to slot into Bayern’s midfield as a replacement for Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has joined

the Champions League that Jupp Heynckes discovered couldn’t prevent him from being shuffled aside to make way for the Catalan.

The box of league supremacy has been ticked emphatically, but humbling defeats to Spanish opposition on the continent has left a sour taste in the mouths of the hierarchy who may have even handed Guardiola a show of strength by sanctioning the sale of Schweinsteiger.

The politics may be uncertain, but this coming season is undoubtedly pivotal for Guardiola.

The €30 million signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Douglas Costa from Shakhtar Donetsk suggests he is looking for an injection of pace and he would also get that in abundance from Vidal who operated as the legs for Andrea Pirlo at Juventus.

With Schweinsteiger the one to be offloaded from glut of Bayern midfielders who all appear so similar; Phillip Lahm, Thiago Alcantara, Javi Martinez and Xabi Alonso, Vidal will offer much-needed bite and steel. Guardiola may envisage the Chilean, supported by Alcantara, doing the same dogged shielding job he did for Pirlo at Juve with Alonso.

True test of mettle Given his senior Chile debut by the revolutionary Marcelo Bielsa and a vital cog in the exciting teams of the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the latter under Jorge Sampaoli which eliminated Spain and nearly did for Brazil, Vidal’s education in the persistent pressing game will appeal to Guardiola who coached it so effectively at Barcelona.

He attempted the most tackles (134) at Juventus last season and won the ball back through challenges and interceptions at a rate of 4.7 per game, stats that will be

Manchester United.

Vidal is set for his second stint in the Bundesliga having spent four seasons at Bayer Leverkusen from 2007-2011.

He converted a spotkick in Chile’s 4-1 penalty shoot-out win over Argentina earlier this month that saw them win the Copa America and was named in the team of the tournament.

However, his tournament was also overshadowed by an arrest for drink driving after he crashed his Ferrari as he was returning to the capital Santiago after an evening at a casino. His wife, who was with him in the car, was injured.

German champions Bayern have just completed a tour of China and will start the new Bundesliga season at home to Hamburg on August 14.

They will be bidding to make history by becoming the first team to win four consecutive Bundesliga titles. - AFP

alluring to Bayern’s studious coach.

Vidal also won this year’s Copa America under Sampaoli’s tutelage, earning himself a place in the team of the tournament, a consolation prize for the failure to secure a Champions League for Juventus under Massimiliano Allegri whose focus on relentless hard-work secured a league and cup double.

It was Vidal’s fourth successive league title in Italy and a £28 million move, with Juve looking to recoup funds after renovating their squad with Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Simone Zaza and Roberto Pereyra in a spree which has exceeded £60 million, will see him join a side who enjoy a similar level of domestic dominance. It will be on the continent that will provide the true test of his pedigree and mettle.

It will not always be pretty; Vidal is a persistent fouler and will too often walk the tightrope between the yellow and a second red card, but perhaps for once the idealist in Guardiola isn’t searching for aesthetics.

He will be asking Vidal to prowl fiercely around his midfield to allow his possession-artists to operate, and to drive an irrepressible will to win, the same kind that got Carlos Zambrano of Peru sent-off in the Copa America semifinal.

With Vidal in it, Bayern won’t have the same team that bowed with a whimper to both Real Madrid and Barcelona over the course of the past two seasons.

For a reasonable fee in this current market, Vidal will provide a satisfactory replacement for Schweinsteiger and is three years the German’s junior.

Though regardless of how much of a fighter he is on the field or how much he work he ploughs through in his midfield station, replacing Schweinsteiger’s Bavarian void will be way beyond him.

— o-posts.com (A football site about everything and anything related to the beautiful

.

game)

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LIFESTYLE

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Vanilla, chocolate, or mango, nothing evokes childhood memories like homemade ice cream.

Here in Oman, local ďŹ&#x201A;avours from karak tea to laban are sweeping the city and, no doubt, creating taste memories for the next generation of ice cream lovers.

T U ES DAY, J U LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

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LIFESTYLE HAPPY MEALS

T

he history of home made ice cream in Oman dates back only to the early 1950s, when industrious Omani women would churn the frozen treat at home and then go sell it around the neighbourhood. Using local products like rose water, the ice cream was wildly popular and their recipes were guarded and passed down from one generation to another.

Rami Lawati and his wife Huda, the owners of Ice Cream Mama, were given his mother’s recipe for rose water and laban ice creams and after serving the dessert to friends, who went ga-ga over the taste and quality, the couple decided to go into business. Initially they only sold two flavours, rosewater and laban, and operated as a home delivery business, but but their popularity bu opularity grew the company and in 2012 tth he compan ny opened its

first shop in Shatti Qurum. They have since expanded to Mawaleh and Muscat Grand Mall.

Over the past couple of years, the trend of using local ingredients to flavour ice cream has swept the city. High end Omani restaurants like Al Angham, Ubhar, and Al Mandoos feature their own unique flavours like frankincense and saffron ice creams. Luxury hotels have jumped on the band wagon as well, churning out flavours like date and kahwa, while new international chains, like the recently opened Shakeaway at MGM, offer frozen treats in flavours like halwa and date maamoul.

While strictly using local ingredients ngredients and local flavours, flavou Rami and Huda have vastly expande expanded their menu since they local favourites opened, with playful p favo ourites inin cluding karak tea, teea, vimto, luban,, hot chilli,

and more. In keeping with their homemade roots, rather than serving these flavours in western-style cones, their treats are sold in cups frozen on a stick (think popcycles) like his mother’s were.

Marrying traditional flavours and vintage recipes in innovative ways, these might be the most modern (and delicious) interpretation of this iconic summertime treat since they added strawberry and chocolate to plain old vanilla. swati@timesofoman.com

Foods that can lift your mood If you are stressed or in a gloomy mood, consume coffee or fresh green vegetables, which can lift your spirits.

According to global mobile food delivery marketplace Foodpanda, following are some of the items you can consume for happiness:

Try a Taste at Ice Cream Mama +968 9852 9022 Locations in Shatti Al Qurum, MGM, Ruwi, and Mawaleh *For something a little different, try the Omani-flavoured shakes at Shakeaway MGM, +968 2422 8146, shakeaway.com Coffee is a health elixir of the highest magnitude.

Within half an hour, coffee reacts on our nervous system and generates hormones which alerts brain and increases concentration. It not only boosts your mood, but protects your heart, lowering the risk of several forms of cancer and reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

You drink a cup, and things change rapidly.

Fresh green vegetables and iron rich fruits act as instant mood enhancers and help fight problems related to blood circulation and fatigue.

KARAK TEA Over the last five years, tea shops selling sweet, milky spiced karak tea have taken the GCC by storm, this ice cream flavour captures the essence of the roadside favourite.

HOT CHILLI PEPPER This unusual, spicy-sweet flavour is representative of the local taste for piquant foods.

DATES There may be no ingredient or flavour more essentially Omani than dates and this particular version of date ice cream features delicious chunks of the fruit.

Shakes help gain metabolism and every sip of it makes you feel more energetic and happy. Known for its super nutrient power to combat stress, shakes are bound to boost your body’s ability to fight free radicals.

LABAN This tangy flavour, based around the savoury beverage of the same name, was one of the original homemade ice cream options in Oman, and it continues to be a popular choice.

LUBAN The local name for frankincense, is not usually thought of in terms of its taste so much as for its delightful scent when burned.

But the floral, chewy offering has been popping up on menus across the capital, and is a tasty, albeit unusual, choice.

VIMTO A must on almost every dinner table during Ramadan, Vimto is a celebratory drink of choice in Oman, and it makes for a delicious ice pop, too. Just be careful, the red coloured concoction stains like crazy.

Fish makes one feel better when depressed. Intake of fatty fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and tuna can elevate your mood and freshen you up.

Ice creams are the most loved desserts. A big bowl of this sweet frozen dessert always lifts the mood. -IANS

Too Hot to Handle

by Swati Dasgupta

If you suddenly realise that your dish has become too spicy, don’t dump it out and start over. You can save it with a few easy tweaks. You can even use a few of these tricks when you are eating out and are served something too spicy to handle.

1 Add lemon or lime juice. Citric acid can neutralise some of the compounds that make food taste spicy. Chopped pineapple has similar acidic properties as well as sugar, which offers a double dose of neurtralisation.

2 The sweetness in pinch of sugar, a small squirt of honey, or tomato ketchup will counteract intense,

spicy heat. Just add a little at a time to avoid oversweetening your dish.

starchy potatoes to help absorb and temper the spices.

3 Thin it out. If your dish is a liquid like a soup, stew, or curry, add broth or even water and let it cook down for a bit.

5 Add crushed nuts or nut butter and their natural fats will help to put out the fire. Keep the texture of your dish in mind when using this option.

4 Add vegetables like chopped cauliflower, shredded carrots, or

6 Dairy is the best option for counteracting overly spicy flavour, so if

dairy is conducive to your dish, try adding milk, cream, yoghurt, or even coconut milk, a spoonful at a time. Even cheeses can help restore balance.

Struggling with a kitchen calamity of your own? Want advice? Share your horror stories and your cooking tips with swati@timesofoman.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: VENECIO DATAN (ICE CREAM)

KITCHEN CALAMITIES

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LIFESTYLE

ONE INGREDIENT

1

Roast mushrooms in the oven with some olive oil and salt at 200 degrees C (mark #6) for around 30 minutes or until well browned.

Add other herbs or spices for enhanced flavour if you like.

2

Stuff mushrooms for a quick appetizer. Clean out the gills of the mushroom cap and stuff with bread crumbs, sautéed onion, spices, and cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 180 degrees C (mark#4) for 25 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.

3

S i ffry or sauté Stir é sliced li d mushrooms in a pan over medium high heat with soy sauce and sesame oil for a simple, East Asian-inspired side dish that makes a great topper for steaks, pasta, or baked potatoes.

Mushrooms

are a versatile ingredient, beloved across many cuisines. Their hearty, meaty texture makes them a hit among vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Here are five tasty ways to cook them.

4

Raw mushrooms have a subtle flavour and are delicious additions to salads or raw vegetable plates paired with a rich dressing. Just be sure to clean the mushrooms well before eating.

5

WAYS

Braise mushrooms to draw out their deep, earthy flavours.

Slowly simmer them in a broth over low until they are tender.

They will release their juices and absorb the flavours of their cooking liquid for an intense flavour.

C10

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

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

@MGM

@SHATTI

@RUWI

@BURAIMI

@SALALAH

BAHJA CINEMA

Terminator: Genisys (Action / Adventure) Cast: Arnold Schwarznegger, Emily Clarke 3.30, 7.30, 9.45 & 11.55 pm CP No: 1714 (PG 12) The Gallows (Horror/ Thriller) Cast: Cassidy Gifford, Pfiefer Brown, Riyan Shoos 8.00 & 10.00 pm CP No: 1730 (15+) Minions ( Animation/ Comedy ) 12.00 & 5.45 pm CP No: 1731 (PG) Max (Adventure/ Family) Cast: Thomas Harden Church, Josh Wiggin 4.00 pm CP No: 1732 ( PG) Vatican Tapes ( Horror/Thriller ) Cast: Katheleen Roberston, Djimon Hounsou, Dougrey Scott 12.00, 1.45 & 11.55 pm CP No: 1835 (18+) Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! ( Horror/Sci: Fic ) Cast: Tara Reid, Bo Derek, Frankie Muniz 2.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 1836 (15+)

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6pm) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Drama)(PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali 11:30 am, 3:30, 8:30, 11:30 pm Terminator: Genisys (Action, Adventure) (3D)PG12 Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke 9:15, 11:45 pm Terminator: Genisys (Action)(2D)PG12 2:30 pm Minions (Animation, Comedy)(3D) PG 1:30, 5:00 pm Minions (Animation, Comedy)(2D) PG 11:30 pm Hayaty Mebahdela (Comedy)(PG) Cast: Mohamed Saad, Nicole Saba 7:00 pm The Gallows (Horror, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos 6:15, 10:00 pm The Vatican Tapes (Horror, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Michael Peña, Kathleen Robertson, Djimon Hounsou, 4:30, 11:45 pm Pixels (3D) (Action, Comedy) PG12 Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle 2:30, 6:30, 8:00 pm Pixels (2D) (Action, Comedy) PG12 12:15 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL A Royal Night Out 2D (Drama) Cast: Sarah Gadon, Emily Watson, Jack 3:45PM (15+) Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! 2D (Horror) (15+) Cast: Tara Reid, Bo Derek, Frankie Muniz 7:45PM Terminator Genisys (3D): (Action) (PG12) 9:30 PM, 11:55 PM Gold Class: 12:30 PM, 11:15PM Terminator Genisys (2D) (Action) (PG12) 4:15 PM

3:45 pm

9:15, 11:45 pm

TERMINATOR: GENISYS (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG)

A ROYAL NIGHT OUT 2D (Drama) Cast : Sarah Gadon, Emily Watson, Jack (15+)

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke

Minions (3D) (Animation, Comady) (PG) 12:30 PM, 2:00PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D): ( Action) (PG) 11:00 AM, 8:45 PM, 11:45PM Gold Class: 3:00 PM, 8:15 PM Pixels (3D) (Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle 2:15, 6:45 PM Gold Class: 6:00 PM Hayaty Mebahdela (2D) (Comedy)(PG) Cast : Mohamed Saad, Nicole Saba, Hassan Hosny 5:45 PM

SCREEN 3 Masaan (Romance/Drama) – (12+) Cast: Richa Chadda, Sanjay Mishra, Saurav

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Dept time

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

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

07:00

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur 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) 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

37 31

11.45 13.30 14.00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Baahubali (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Prhabas, Rana Daggubatti, Anshka Shetty, Tamannaah & Satya Ra 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema Main Baahubali (Telugu) (Action) 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema -2 Ivede (Mal ) (Thriller) Cast: Prithviraj, Nivin Pauly & Bhavana 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema – 3 Premam (Mal) (Rom) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anupama 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema -4 Next Change: Acha Din (Mal), Appatakkar (Tamil), Vallu (Tamil) (Programmes are subject to change)

WITH LOVE

0

Minimum

MANASVI S PRAVEEN July 28, 2006

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

55-90%

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/ her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

SALALAH Terminator (3D)(PG12) (Action) 9:00, 11:55 PM

STAR CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

BURAIMI Terminator Genisys - 3D (Action) (PG12) 6:45, 11:50PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan– 2D (Drama, Action) (PG) 2:45, 7:00, 9:00, 11:30PM Ivide– 2D (Crime/Drama) (12+) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumran, Nivin Pauly 7:30PM Minions– 3D (Animation) (PG) 2:00, 6:00PM Baahubali: The Beginning – 2D (Thriller) Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka 3:45PM (12+) The Vatican Tapes– 2D (Horror) (18+) Cast: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Pena 11:45PM

SUR Terminator Genisys (3D) (Action) (PG12) 5:45, 11:45 PM Minions (3D) (Animation) (PG) 4:00 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Hindi) (Drama) (PG) 4:15, 8:00 PM Bahubali (Hindi) (Action) (12+) Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka 7:15 PM The Vatican Tapes (Horror | Thriller) (18+) Cast: Michael Peña, Kathleen Robertson 10:00 PM Ivide (Mal) (Crime | Drama) (12+) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Nivin Pauly 11:00 PM

Terminator (2D)(PG12) (Action) 2:45 PM Minions (3D) (PG) (Animation) 10:30, 2:15 PM Minions (2D) (PG) (Animation) 1:00 PM Pixels (3D)(PG12) (Action/Comedy/Sci-Fi ) Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle 10:15am, 12:15, 5:00, 7:00 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) (PG) (Drama/Action) 10:00AM, 12:30, 4:00, 9:00, 11:15 PM Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali Hayaty Mebahdela (2D) (PG)(Arabic) 5:00 PM The Gallows(2D)(15+) (Horror/Thriller) Cast: Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos 3:30, 11:30 PM Masaan (2D)(12+) (Drama) Cast: Richa Chadda, Saurabh Chadhary, Sanjay Mishra 7:00 PM Mahra Story (2D)(PG) (Drama) Cast: Salim Bahwan, Raniya alali 7:00 PM Ivide (2D) (12+) (Crime/Drama) Cast: Prithviraj, Nivin Pauly, Bhavana 8:45 PM

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

Sharkando 3: Oh Hell No! (2D) (Horror) (15+) Cast: Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Cassie Scerbo, 5:45, 10:00PM The Gallows– 2D (Horror/Thriller) (15+) Cast: Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan 3:45, 10:00PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Sci-Fi ) Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan

Cast: Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Cassie Scerbo

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

10:15am, 12:15, 5:00, 7:00 pm PIXELS (3D) (PG12) (Action/Comedy/

1:30, 11:55 PM Nom El Talat - 2D (12+) Comedy 8:15 PM Masaan - 2D (12+) (Drama) Cast: Richa Chadda, Saurabh Chadhary, Sanjay Mishra 10:00 PM Ivide - 2D (M) (12+) (Crime, Drama) 12:45, 9:05 PM Baahubali - 2D (12+) (Action) 11:45 PM

SOHAR Terminator Genisys - 2D (PG12) (Action) 3:30 PM Terminator Genisys - 3D (PG12) (Action) 12:30, 9:00, 11:45 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) Drama, Action 4:00, 6:00, 8:45, 11:30 PM Minions - 2D (PG) (Animation) 11:45 AM Minions - 3D (PG) (Animation) 2:15, 5:00 PM Baahubali - 2D (Telegu)(12+) (Action) 3:15 PM Hayaty Mebahdela - 2D (Arabic)(PG) (Comedy) 6:45 PM Pixels - 2D (PG12) (Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi) 6:15 PM Pixels - 3D (PG12) (Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi) 12:15, 3:00, 7:00 PM The Vatican Tapes - 2D (18+) (Horror)

SCREEN 2 Baahubali: The Beginning (Action) – (12+) Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

5:45 & 10:00 pm SHARKANDO 3: OH HELL NO (2D) (Horror ) (15+)

Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali Malthotra

Choudhary 3.45, 9.45 PM Bin Roye- Urdu - Pakistani (Romance/ Drama/Comedy) – PG12 Cast: Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Armeena Rana Khan , Zeba Bakhtiar 6.45 PM

RUWI SCREEN 1 Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

3:30, 6:30, 9:30 pm BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN (Action/Drama )

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

Appolo 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 Hamdan Hospital 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

T U E S DAY, JU LY 2 8, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE Smoked Salmon Roulade with a passion fruit accent

CHEF’S RECIPE

TUAN NALEEM IBRAHIM Speciality Chef at Al Bustan Palace, Muscat

INGREDIENTS

Ċ 80g cream cheese Ċ 10g chives Ċ 100g smoked salmon Ċ 5tsp passion fruit purée Ċ Gelatine leaves Ċ 10g lemon Ċ 10g lime Ċ 10g orange Ċ 10g pomegranate Ċ 2tsp olive oil

PREPARATION

Ċ Mix together the chives and the cream cheese and put the mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Ċ Spread out the smoked salmon to a width of 3 inches and length of around 5 inches. Ċ Pipe the cream onto the smoked salmon, then roll the salmon around the mixture to form a salmon log with the cheese in the centre. Place in the freezer for about 1 hour. Ċ Mix the passion purée and gelatine leaves; let set in a shallow dish in the refrigerator for 20-25 minutes. Ċ Cut citrus fruits into small pieces and mix with pomegranate and olive oil. Ċ Remove the salmon logs and cut them into bite slices. Remove the passion fruit jelly, slicing into strips. Ċ Assemble the dish: top the strip of jelly with the citrus salad and arrange the salmon slices next to it.

My passion for cooking is all about transforming simple ingredients into delicious, mouth-watering dishes.

That is the most rewarding aspect of my work

WORLD CHEFS

Robin Gill brings the farmhouse to fine dining Irish-born chef Robin Gill trained in Michelin-star kitchens across Europe for more than 10 years before realising that scene wasn’t for him. After stints at Marco Pierre White’s The Oak Room and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, he headed south in 2012 to open The Dairy in Clapham, southwest London. It quickly earned rave reviews for its creative menu and its use of rustic, seasonal ingredients, inspired by his experience of working at Don Alfonso, a two Michelin-starred restaurant and farm in Italy. The 35-year-old opened a bistro, The Manor, a few streets away from The Dairy, at the end of 2014, and recently expanded The Dairy with a delicatessen that sells ingredients he sources from the restaurant’s rooftop garden.

Restaurant reviews of The Dairy tend to mention how creative the menu is, highlighting the bread served with smoked bone marrow butter smeared on a stone. How did that idea come about?

I came up with the smoked bonemarrow butter because I imagined that from Sunday dinner, when you had your bread and you scooped up the beef drippings. With the whole rock idea, we went down to Brighton beach at 6am, robbing the beach of stones. You freeze the rocks and put the butter on the rock, it stays the perfect temperature all the way.

What have you tried to achieve with your restaurants so far?

My whole business plan was to try to bring a farmhouse feel to the city.

It was so people can come and have an experience that you might get in the south of Italy or down in Oxford or in the Cotswolds. It’s about being informal and rustic.

What inspired you to become a chef?

My father was a musician and my mother was a director and a choreographer in the music business. I wasn’t very academic at school but two of my best friends were chefs and they were doing very well. My father knew I always wanted to travel and he knew a lot of chefs in his business, so my parents suggested cooking. The moment I stepped into a kitchen it was like, “boom” — that’s it. It just opened up everything. It was the first time I could actually excel at something.

How does your Michelin-training factor in?

I wanted to set an atmosphere in the kitchen, with the team and the dining room that was more bistro. But I wanted the level of the cooking and the thought process behind it to be equal to that sort of Michelin standard.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

Always ask questions. Never think you know it all, you never do. Don’t ever assume that you should know this therefore you should never ask the question. You must always ask questions, all of the time. -Reuters

C11

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

T U E S D AY, J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339 2BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99792181 3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008

2B/R, RES / COMM flat directly from owner Bausher near Dolphin Complex. Contact 92158031

1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557

2BHK, 2 Baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004801

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975 Villa AL Ghobrah, 6 bedroom 1200/R.O. Contact: 99340055/97557555 Office/ storage space in new building at MBD South.

Contact 94460790 / 24714625 2BHK flat near Indian School, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 94460790/24714625 Godown for rent Approx: 4500 sqm area with building materials in Barka for rent with workers accommodation etc. Showrooms also for building materials available.

Contact: 99808868 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent. For more details please contact: 99364735 / 91214849 600 sqm build up office / warehouse area for rent. Consisting of basement space, ground floor and mezzanine showroom / office area.

Easy access and parking space also available. Located on opposite Oman flour mills and beside to Lulu, Darsait available from 1 August 2015 onwards for lease.

Contact: 99364735 / 91214849

2 BHK near Kuwaiti Masjid Wadi Kabir. Contact: 24816774 / 97608564 Shop for rent/ sale in Ruwi near Dish market good location, behind City Cinema. Contact: 91318111 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir with 3 rooms. Contact : 98555580 / 92800007 A fully equipped furnished and licensed private polyclinic for sale or rent in excellent location in Sohar - Falaj al Qabail opposite to life line hospital Departments are GP clinic, Dental, Medical lab, X-ray And Working Pharmacy. Contact 95603395 Commercial Space 68 SQM, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School. Contact 99441193, 93004802 3 flats, 2BHK near Ghala Church, top of Majan Hyper market Ghala.

Contact: 95928800 / 98014921 Two bedrooms flats in Wadi Kabir near Indian School.

Contact: 99313274 1bedroom, kitchen, sharing toilet, parking, family R.O 110/-, 1bedroom sharing K& T family in Al Khuwair R.O 100/-. Contact: 95154331 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 Well maintained spacious 2BHK at Rex Road. Contact: 92227165

Coffee shop for rent, Muttrah, Mabelah (with visa). Contact: 92749464 / 92222806

Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034

Store 2 shutter Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-. Contact 95113037

2 BHK flats in Rex Road.

Contact: 99792181

600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181

1BHK flat at Honda road (Ruwi).

Contact: 99792181

500 sq mtrs office space on mezzanine floor near Royal Hospital.

OMR 6.500 per sq mtr.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 2 bed rooms, kitchen, toilet & car park in Al Khuwair R.O 200/- .

Contact 95154331 2BHK near Oman house Muttrah.

Contact: 99233116 3BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balconies, nr Al Hassan W/Kabir R.O 340/-.

Contact: 99384640 Deluxe 2,3 bedroom flats in Ruwi & 2 BHK in Wadi Kabir & 1and 2 BHK Al Khuwair. Contact: 95282986 / 24707340 Available 2 BHK flat with two bathrooms at Wadikabir near Shell petrol pump, rent RO 225/-.

Contact 95708014 Villa 4 & 5 BHK for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 Store 2000 Sqr mtrs for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99792181 Deluxe 3 BHK Penthouse with Seaview, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 9772 1313 / 9507 0421 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

FOR RENT

Building In Rusail Industrial ŶĞĂƌ ƚŽ ŵŝĂŶƟƚ KŵĂŶ comprising a store divisible area 266 sq. meters.

The building includes Studios ĂŶĚ ƌŽŽŵƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƐŝnjĞ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ŽĸĐĞƐ Žƌ residence.

Preferably to be leased to one company.

Mob + 968 96177505 1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126 2 bedrooms apartments for rent in Al Khuwair and Ghubra.

Call Yellow Bird property on 24615375 / 97137989 or visit www.muscat-realty.com 3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953 Villa with two floors in (Hay Al Arjan) in AL Khoud with 4 bedrooms, hall, Majles, kitchen & one room in ground floor. Contact: 93219597 1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner.

Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with three room, 5toilets, kitchen and hall 430/-.

Contact: 92747078 For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454

FOR SALE For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454 Deluxe furnished / unfurnished flats Qurum. Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

FOR SALE House hold items.

Contact: 97094797 Truck spare parts (new) for sale.

Contact: 92600900 Used office furniture – tables (30 Nos) and Chairs (45 Nos) for sales on as-is-where-is basis. Interested parties my contact Mr. Nagesh on GSM No. 99267273 / 92181035 at NTS Office , Rex Road , Ruwi for inspection. Sealed offers should be submitted on or before 29.07.2015 Used furniture of readymade Garments shop. Contact: 96441670 Shop for sale in Ruwi High street,Contact 96078411 Vehicle automotive batteries available at cost price. Interested parties who want to buy the batteries in bulk numbers for reselling purpose may. Contact: 24794657

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

1 A/C for sale. Contact: 99573353 For rent in Qantab European style 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, Guest toilet, fully equipped modern kitchen, covered car park for two cars, approximately 150 meters from the beach. For enquiries, please Contact: Yasser at 92606005

Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158

Flats shops for rent in Ruwi MBD area Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

506sqm space with mezzanine available for rent in AL Wadi Al Kabir, Suitable for carpentry / Auto workshop and / or electrical shop interested parties may. Contact: 24703981

Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699

Office space at Alasfoor Plaza Qurum. Contact : 24566217 /24564686

Grill cafe sale Al Khuwair.

Contact 97249366 2560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Turkish MDF door with frame for sale, size 210 x 100 Price: RO 75/-.

Contact: 95899296 / 92141514 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. # 99834373 / 97102699

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DAILY GUIDE

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

Nissan Sunny new / excellent condition. Contact: 95790291

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093 Land Cruiser 2012. #99336093

Izuzu 4 ton Vehicle - 2nos (2008), Izuzu 3 ton Vehicle- 1 no (2006), Nissan UD 10 ton 1 no (2001), Mitsubishi 7 ton -1 no (2004), Toyota forklift – 1 no (2000). Contact: 99719124 Email: thekkutt@gmail.com Volkswagen Caddy 2013, 146,000 KM, under warranty.

Contact: 99822843 Tucson automatic V-6 2007, R.O 2300/-. Contact: 99384640

NRI

ACC. WANTED Required a room in Darsait / WadiKabir /Ruwi area.

Contact: 95405033

ACC. AVAILABLE Sharing accommodation available small family behind Mars Wadi Kabir spacious room attached big bathroom, separate kitchen Indian only. Contact: 95731543 Furnished single / sharing room for Exe. bachelor at Rex Road, near Kamat Restaurant with WIFI available.

Contact 92873832 Large room furnished bath attached separate entrance Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99336206 Room for rent available in CBD near Papa John’s Restaurant.

Contact 96568100 Two room with attached toilet and small kitchen near Hamariya round about behind Noor Shopping.

Contact 99728153 Sharing single room with toilet, AC kitchen at A Hail high way roadside. Contact 92968292 Furnished room in Ruwi for non cooking Executive bachelor in Ruwi, rent RO 90/- per month.

Contact 94412557 Room with attached bath and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor, opp. O.C. Center Ruwi.

Contact: 99016562 / 99296296

BUSINESS

Car for sale in Muscat, single owner (doctor) driven, Mazda SUV cx-9, model 2014, low mileage (66,000 kms) in excellent condition with company warranty, for sale.

Interested parties please contact in 99341156.

ACC. AVAILABLE Acc. available single room, semifurnished, attached bathroom, split a/c in Nizwa. Contact 968 96616898 2BHKFlat Near Oman House, Muttrah for family/Ex Bachelor.

Contact 96528069 Family sharing accommodation available in Al Khodh.

Contact: 99371129 2 BHK rent R.O 200/- from 01.09.2015 location after Muscat Gate main road fully furnished for sale. Contact Francis 92251786 Full furnished room with attached bathroom near Star Cinema for Ex. Bachelor/lady. Contact 92886715 Rooms in Seeb for couple / single ladies. Contact : 96996938 Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397 Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

BUYING/SELLING Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373

Touareg 2011 Oman cars, 114000 KM, silver, 8500/-R.O. Contact 92857111

GOOD NEWS Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

The following properties in South India are for sale. 1. 25 cent plot in Eroor, Cochin (less than 2km from Vytila hub) 2. 12 cent plot in Trivandrum opposite to Kims hospital in hill top colony. Interested parties- please send SMS “property” to 99341156. We will contact you.

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba.

Contact 99639695 / 99117987

MATRIMONIAL Muslim girl, Keralite, 21, tall, fair, BBA, presently staying with parents in Oman. Contact 99047216 25 year old RC girl working as staff nurse in private hospital capital area seeks suitable alliance. Contact 99744392 / 93678941 Christian RC girl, 26, 53, Keralite BSc Nurse presently working at South America seeks suitable alliance from parents of degree holders and family visa holders. Contact: 98335340 / 94413100 Remarriage, Pentecostal boy, LLB 35 /170 Project Executive hailing suitable proposal. . Contact 97413778 Email: winupaul01@gmail.com Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

Established running Grade -1 tender board construction company with work force, plant, staff, credit suppliers & financial credit limit up to 335,000/- in place only serious buyers. Please Contact: civilprojects57@gmail.com Looking for financial partner or investor for running small industry.

Contact : 92337002 New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 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 / 95371554 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

General Investors. Gsm-99674870

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. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

LOST Hussain Shabbir Aziz Abdul has lost Pakistani Passport No. FK 6897151.

Finder please handover to ROP Mawsmat Rayhana has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. BA 0650681.

Finder please handover to ROP MD Alamgir Mohammad lost Bangladeshi Passport No. E1053684.

Finder please handover to ROP

Toyota Corolla 1.8 ltr GLI excellent condition 28,000 kms. # 97717152 Sportage, 2013. Contact:99336093

CHANGE OF NAME I Nawaz Khan (holder of Indian passport No. K 7427463) Son of Amad Khan having permanent residence in H No. 7-5, Yerrakunta Ali Nagar, Keshogiri Hyderabad, Telangana (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in P.B No. 810, Salalah P.C 211 , Oman, Muscat (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Nawaz Khan (old name) to Nawaz (Given name) Ahmed Ali Khan (Sur name) (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

I Googila Rajesham (holder of Indian passport No. F 4211186) son of Shankeriah having permanent residence in 2 – 45, Ragudu Sircilla Karimnagar Telengana (AP) (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Al Nasr Trading P.O Box. 337 P.C 113, (complete postal in Oman) intend to change my name from Abdul (Given name) Rahman (Sur name) (new name) for all practical purpose. I have changed my religion from Hindu to Islam.

Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

I Ramchandra Birappa Hirukade (holder of Indian passport No. H 6684192) Son of Birappa Ramappa Hirukade having permanent residence in H. No. 506 Chiarulwada – Mayem, Bicholim, Goa, 403504, India (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Ministry Of Defence, Baith Al Falaj P.O Box No. 100, PC 113, Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Ramchandra Birappa Hirukade (old name) to Ramchandra Birappa(Given name) Mayekar (Sur name) (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

Indian female 25 yrs B.Com MBA / 3months experience looking for job in Accts /Mktg. Contact: 94657403 / 99355931

Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95619537

Indian female B.Com 20 yrs exp in Accounts / Insurance seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92986455 15 yrs of experience in Oman, Indian male – Accounts & finance professional with Oman driving license is looking for suitable position. Commerce Graduate with certifications in DPCS & PPGDCA. Contact 93422557

ADMIN Urgently required Male with 2 years’ experience in Admin Works, fluent in Arabic and English, Computer knowledge, preferably with driving license.

Working hours 6am to 2pm or 2pm to 10 pm daily Email: jayan@ra.cc or 99661980

Indian male 22 years, having 1 year experience in accounts & admin looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 97375512 Accounts or sales 27 years male Graduate B.Com 2 years experience in Oman as Asst Accountant looking for suitable job currently working in Oman. Contact: 98427810 Email: shaheel9895@gmial.com

ACCOUNTANT Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com Reputed Construction Company require Accountant experience in Construction Company with accountancy degree.

Email: jvacancy05@gmail.com Urgently required cash investors for company’s profitable projects.

Contact: 92950082 Required Office Assistant in a market research company.

Send CV to jayakumar.valiyaparambith@ nielsen.com

BEAUTY Wanted experienced Beautician for beauty parlor in Al Amerat 3.

Contact: 91107337

DOMESTIC HELPER Indian House Maid with experience required to work in Sohar, visa ready.

Contact 99417418 House maid required for an Indian family at Al Ghubra (stay full time).

Contact: 98622766 Full time housemaid required for Indian family in Ghubra, Nepalese preferred, call 95681350

DESIGNER Grade”A” company in interior Designing looking for: Operations manager Sales executive Qs Interior Designer CVs to be emailed to : alzahi.oman@gmail.com

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact: 95112461 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

ENGINEER Required Electric Technician “Diploma” with Oman Electrician license, salary RO 200/- as per experiences. Contact 98827105, lulubd2012@gmail.com Project Engineer Civil with degree only need to apply with 7 to 10 years experience in Gulf. Contact: Email: omaniantrad@gmai.com Engineering company in Muscat requires HVAC Engineer, minimum 7 Years experienced, knowledge in Tendering, BOQ, Design, Supply, Installation & Supervision of all Central & Unitary A/C systems.

Email: info@4dengineering.net Urgently Required: Civil Engineer minimum 5years experience in building construction in GCC, MUST have NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

ENGINEER Urgently required: HSE Engineer with an experience minimum in 5 years in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Leading Construction Company requires Quantity Surveyor (QS) with 4-6 yrs Gulf experience. Send your CV : qsmuscat2015@gmail.com (NOC required).

MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

MISCELLANEOUS Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493 Urgently required experienced Safety Officer with valid license for a reputed construction company.

Interested candidates can send their CVs to rajesh@oasisgrace.com Contact: 99881459 / 99885931 fax: 24812226 Wanted urgently Secretary to the managing partner, Sales Executive with driving license for rent a car business & electrical Engineer, linemen, electricians. All the above vacancies are for Salalah and enough experience required. Apply soon to hr_oman1@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician.

Contact 99310590.

Email : tjmaluko@gmail.com Dental surgeon, Staff Nurses (female), Dental Technician with or without MOH license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary package.

Phone: 99006915, Email : alhinaee. clinic@yahoo.com General Practitioner DR to work in Bidbid, Prometric passed,3 years of work experience, Send CV clinic@m-oman.com Require Quality Caregiver for an elderly Mother. Contact: 99425200 Urgently wanted Lady Ayurveda Therapist. Contact: 91590083 / 92798678

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required Omani Receptionist / Office assistant for a company in Ghoubra. Fresher’s can apply with expected salary.

Email : thomas.john@ext.gfk.com

SALES / MARKETING A leading marketing company is looking for outdoor Sales Executives on part time or full time basis in Salalah. # 92760281 / 96436719

Required Electrical Engineer minimum 5years experience in building construction in GCC, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

Urgently required experienced Salesman in Dairy Company with valid Oman License. salesrecruitment1090@gmail.com.

For More clarification, please contact :98414736

Quantity Surveyor for Mechanical, Electrical BOQ preparation and verification required for part time assignment on immediate basis.

Please Contact-tgi17@omantel.net. om

Wanted male written & spoken Malayalam & Bengali as freelancers to conduct corporate & individual markets surveys on temporary basis, Must be fluent in English with driving license. Contact: 24701242

SALES / MARKETING A leading building materials shop required Marketing Executive (Omani National only) 1No with minimum 2 years experience and driving license. Contact: 99808868 Email: aalfarsi2020@gmail.com Experienced Marketing representative – interlock blocks with light Omani driving license is required.

Contact 99222086 Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male,Accountant,B.com,1yr experience in auditing and having knowledge in tally. Contact : 94733824/95769355 Indian male 33, B.com, MBA (HR) tally having 9 yrs exp looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98181652, Email: wailsmathew@gamil.com Pakistani male 25 years male MBA finance having, 18 months experience accounts and transport seeking suitable job having valid Omani D/L /. Contact: 99191284 Indian male 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience in accounts looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98222753 Email: shemeejvp@gmail.com Filipino Male 26 years old, Certified Public Accountant, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 yrs of experience now on visit visa, Looking for suitable opening.

Contact: +968 91278583, Email: kennethalcedo07@gmail.com Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience in the areas of auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc. seeking challenging job opportunity. Can obtain NOC. Email: sns2205@gmail. com and GSM +968 95763680.

Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter),M.com.4 out of 7 years experience in Oman in Auditing/ Accounts/ Finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420, Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com Energetic Finance & Audit Manager / Chief Accountant, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15 yrs in GULF , Expert in Banking, Financing, Profit Maximizations, Admin, Biz Developments ,All ERPs Software’s, 15yrs Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 – 94504505 Accountant, Indian Male, 15 Years experience (8 Years in Oman with Driving License) seeks suitable placement with NOC, Contact 94117616, 91238272 Fresh Graduate B.Com with CIMA (partly Qualified) looking for a suitable position. Contact 94652485 32 male Pakistani Accountant B.Com having 2 years experience in Oman. Contact 99761664 Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253 6 years experienced male having masters degree and experience in sales, accounts, customer services and IT. Contact: 98823248 Email: sajjadhussain@yahoo.com

Qualified Accountant 5 years experience bilingual Arabic & English, 2+ years in Oman. Contact: 95539923 Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization.

Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com 12 years Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact: 99513082 15 years Oman experienced Admin & Accounts Manager looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92253080 Good experienced in accounts and Admin knowledge of Tally ERP9 having NOC looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98717938 Accountant Indian male 8 years experience, 6 years in Oman with Oman driving license, seeking suitable job. Contact 96012973 Indian male, M.Com & CA inter qualified seeking a suitable position in Audit/finance. Contact: 91148139 Accountant, Indian male, 10 years experience in Oman, having knowledge of Tally ERP9 & able to do upto finalization and can be joined immediately with NOC. Contact: 94134085 Email: mascatoman95@yahoo.com Indian male B.Com with Accountant, HR, Indoor sales, Store keeper on visit visa. Contact: 98295101 Well experienced and hard working Restaurant Manager seek immediate placement. Release available.

Contact: 92953199 Indian male Accountant B.Com 8 yrs in Oman exp with N.O.C, valid driving license. Contact: 95052969 Email: chetansmma@yahoo.co.in / chetansmma@gmail.com Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance). Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com Indian female MBA with 1 year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact: 98435532 MBA, B.Com CA (finalist) 7 years experience (2 years in Oman) looking for suitable placement in a reputable organization. Expertise in ERP, Tally Quickbooks, peachtree and Excel. NOC available.

Contact: 97736404 Email: adnantahir1990@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian female 24 years MBA (HR) having 3 years experience in HR Administration, payroll seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91104352 / 99012861 BSCS hons (4 years) 2 years experience female currently on visit visa looking for any vacancy.

Contact: 91519478 Email: marryum.akmal@gmail.com Indian male, 15 yrs experience in Admin & Office management seeks job. Contact: 96425101

Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in finance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 / 91213269 Male Admin office Manager, 16 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 95790291 Indian female MBA, 3 Years experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com MSW HR female professional with 3+ years work ex, UGC net qualified, looking for a suitable position in Muscat. Contact - 99579874.

Email : rubitah@gmail.com

AUTO CAD/DRAUGHTSMAN Electrical draftsman AutoCAD switch gear & MEP control panel 7 years experience Qatar.

Contact: 92546203/96228100

DRIVER Looking for driving job.

Contact: 98219182 Driver available with car and without car Education, B. A exp. 5 years, language Hindi, Arabic, English.

Contact: 98522914 Heavy duty driver with PDO license, 5 yrs Intl. exp. # 95546585 Light driver. Contact:95779594 Driver looking for job. #99507039

DOMESTIC HELPER Experienced Indian lady is looking housemaid job looking full time job for European family total experience : 9 years, 2 years exp. with European family 6 years worked with Indian family language English & Hindi.

Contact: 93392788 Housemaid Indian looking for Madras family house job.

Contact 93554741 Housemaid (full time / part time) looking for job. Contact: 95799643

EDUCATION BEAUTICIAN Beautician exp Gulf and India looking job. Contact 93554741

CATERING Indian male 33 yrs DEM, chef DE Partie (Continental, Chinese & South Indian) 14 yrs exp in hotel Industry, 7 yrs in Oman N.O.C available, seeks placement. Contact 97858956 Email: pratheesh.chef@gmail.com Indian male 33 yrs DEMI chef DE Partie Chinese South Indian, cold kitchen 13 yrs exp in Hotel industry 7 yrs in Oman, N.O.C available seeks placement. Contact: 95872464, Email: sreejith809@gmail.com

DESIGNER Indian female B.Sc- Fashion Designer 21 years, fresher, One month internship in a garment industry 2015 University best designer award holder. Now looking for a creative job, currently on residential visa.

Contact: 98297940 / 99741604.

Email : zintasabu@gmail.com

DRIVER Light driver, age 3 yrs exp, KSA 7 years & Oman 5 years Education – HSC seeking job in Oman.

Contact: 98474031 NOC available Driver LTV 3 years exp available local release. Contact: 98503406 Job driver light operator shawl and excavator. Contact: 91376612 Light vehicle driver NOC available, seeks suitable job with 4 yrs exp in Oman having driving license.

Contact: 95683735 / 95495003 Driver 8 years exp India (Keralite).

Contact: 93412587 Light driver looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95141473 Driver available with car and without car. Contact 96771598 / 92883299 Looking for driver.

Contact: 91788481 Looking for driver job.

Contact : 93650209 Male Driver 2 years exp in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact 96362684 Light driver searching for job experience 5 years. Language English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact: 92458526 / 97941771 Faisal Driver with 8 years experience looking for job. Contact: 98130645 / 94342106 Indian (Kerala) light driver seeking for job, 12 years experience Oman.

Contact: 98175321 Pakistan male (27) light driver seeking job, 4 years experience in Oman. Contact 96346582 Light duty driver with 2 yrs experience looking for job. #96342684

Professional Teacher Qualified M.Com Post Graduate in finance for teaching Accounting subject.

Contact: 91251210

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Egyptian Civil Engineer-total experience 7 years - 2 years@Oman.

I have good experience in Technical office & site Works.

Contact: 98078095 M Tech Computer Science Engineer, female seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 93035521,96439645 Email : anzilav@yahoo.co.in DIPLOMA CIVIL Eng 5 year exp in building construct (MOE) in Muscat seeking suitable job.

(NOC AVAILABLE) GSM 95364183 Indian male 27 years, Mechanical Engineer (B.E) having experience seeks suitable placement holds valid Oman driving license, on visit visa. Contact: 98847638 MEP Project Engg 23 years experience out of 13 years in Gulf holding Electrical and driving license. NOC available. Contact: 98894682 Computer Engineer Iraqi Nationality 7 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 94694146 Indian male diploma Civil Eng with 2 yrs experience on site as QS & AutoCAD seeking on site or - off site position. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Indian 24 with 2 yrs experience in HVAC- MEP Revit – MEP, AutoCAD – MEP Navis solid works Catia PRO-E primavera.

Contact: 96975382 Email: bonny491@gmail.com 2 years experienced Electrical Engineer looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98480509 B.Tech Computer Engineer wanted job to work on IT / Banking / sales marketing, MCITP, CCNA, Networking, having NOC. Contact: 98857689 Email: khanshoebameer@gmail.com Indian (M) B.Tech (civil) with 2 yrs exp in Structural Designing using Etabs, Staad, Safe, excel looking for suitable position.

Contact: 96698342 / 98768045 Email: qadeertom@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma holder having 7 years experience in construction / oil & gas as Site Engineer seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93294965 Engineer with 4 years Oman experience in telecom operations, having valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable opportunity, interested in Marketing also. Contact 98513495 Indian female, Electronics and Communication Engineering Graduate presently in Salalah Oman on visit visa, fresher, seeks entry in a reputed organization. Has good communication skills both in English and Hindi and excellent computer knowledge. Contact: 93889495/ 92089906 / 98152686 Email: rukzanabavakunju@gmail. com

Light driver. Contact: 96961993 Indian (Kerala) light driver seeking for job, 5 yrs experience in Oman. Contact: 98029273

Indian male Safety Officer, 4+ years experience diploma in fire & safety Eng seeks suitable post.

Contact: 98843139

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D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING B.Tech (MECH) MBA (Marketing) having 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, projects presently working in Oman seek suitable placement N.O.C available and ready to join immediately. Contact: 91257781 email: rajrathsing@yahoo.com 22 years Indian B.Com Graduate having 5 years experience in Sales with a valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 97302353 Indian Keralite, 27 yrs, experience 3 years in sales with visa & NOC, driving license seeks suitable job.

Contact: 98626682

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male, B.Tech Computer Science Engineering with knowledge in C, C++, Java, .Net, PHP, seeks a suitable job in Oman and can join immediately (available in Oman on family visa). Contact: 91029244 Email: mithunmatheww@gmail.com Indian m 25 yrs B.E Mechanical 3 yrs exp in oil & gas as Piping Project Engineer now on visit visa.

Contact : 96487013 Email: riarun.007@gmail.com Graduate Engineer Electronics & Communication, Indian (23) M.Tech from reputed University in Bangalore, 1 year experience, currently on visit Tel. 968-99152453 mail : robin.scaria.1992@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Structural Engineer of 2 years & 7 months experience, specialized in Structural Design and Site Supervision looking for a job. Contact: 94634906 / 94370767 Email: muazomer45@gmail.com Indian Civil Engineer (buildings) available immediately as supply contract. Contact: 93263834 B.E in ECE worked as Junior Scientist Trainee in Chennai worked as System Admin in Berik Honda Nagger coil worked at Technical Support in Samsung Service, presently in Bangalore.

Contact : 0091 7026267513 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com

DIPLOMA + B.E. (CIVIL ENGINEER) from India, having 4 years of experience in construction, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position.

GSM:91570703.

Email:Rizwan.mohd1@gmail.com

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

Civil Engineer B.E 12 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 93843448

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

Sudanese male Engineer looking for job. Contact: 94537607

IT

Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. # 96785311 Indian 24 yrs male, 2 years experience in Site Engineer (Diploma in Civil Engineering), Now on visit visa in Oman. Contact: 94050311 Indian Male, Diploma in Civil Engineer working as a Project engineer with 7years of experience looking for suitable job. Contact- 92636569 SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech.

(Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment.

Contact: 98049288 Indian female 23, B.Tech (Electrical & Electronics) & Diploma in Electrical CAD on Visit Visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99278410 / 94027398, Email: renju.raghavan7@gmail.com Iraqi Civil Engineer, 12 years experience with Omani driving license.

Contact: 94695595 Degree holder Civil Engineer having 10 years experience with driving license looking for better position.

Contact 98451844 Email: zahid_ruet@hotmail.com Indian male, 38 years old, DME – Mechanical Maintenance Technician 11 years Oman experience. Ready for NOC, VISA transfer, ready to join immediately, Mob +968 95612870, Email: seeniselvan@gmail.com Indian male, 34 years old, DEE – Electrical Supervisor 10 years Oman experience. Ready for NOC , VISA transfer and valid Oman driving license light, ready to join immediately. Contact +91 9740679094, kulasekar1980@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, B. Sc degree, Filipino, 15 years experience in oil & gas, power plant, substation, EPC projects, testing & commissioning, O & M with Oman D/L light.

Contact: 97090934 Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com Diploma holder in Computer Hardware and Networking with valid Oman driving license, NOC available seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95249087 / 93095329 B.Tech (CSE) Diploma Fire & safety IOSH, NEBOSH having 3.5 years exp in MNC on visit. Contact: 90260889 Male 25 B.Com with 3.5 years experience in IT and Administration excellent computer and communication skills, web developing and handling, looking for relevant job, on family visit till 5th Oct 2015.

Contact: 91298960 Email: usman.ali786@hotmail.com Male BE ECE having 1 years experience CCTV, ACCESS CONTROL, Server now on visit visa, seeking suitable opportunity.

Contact 96792239 IT professional MCA Oracle certified 6 months training of PLSQL data warehousing, PHP, 3 months trained seeking job at good company. Contact: 95694330 Email: monakashyap001@gmail.com B.E Computer Science, Indian male looking for suitable job in the field of software or information technology having good knowledge in Java, ASP. Net, MS Sql, MS Word.

Contact: 91986919 Email: dileep2468.a@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian male, B.com, diploma in material management, 12+ years exp in international / local purchase, ware housing 4 logistics seeks suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 96477638 / 96477638 Production Manager 13 years experience in cast Aluminium fab. field and good track record seeking for a suitable job. NOC ready in Hand.

Contact: 96392319 Facility / Project Mgmt, 4+ yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE) Indian visit visa looking for suitable opening.

Contact: 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC. Contact 95245057

Indian material controller / store keeper with 9 years exp , seeking job in Oman NOC/ Release available.

Contact: 91946174 IFAA – Indian Master Trainer (The International Fitness and aerobic academy strength & conditioning coach) looking for suitable job.

Contact: 99600593 Electrician, Plumber, Driver, looking for job. Contact 95175192 Mason, still fitter, carpenter, helper, looking job. Contact 95175192 Indian male, Post Graduate in law, 15 + experience - seeks suitable position in corporate companies.

Contact: 92844354 Male Indian BBM Graduate 8 years experience in logistics and ware housing in a reputed company valid driving license NOC available looking for suitable position.

Contact : 96311786 Email: ubinfs@gmail.com

MEDICAL If you need A GP DOCTOR now: Immediately want change placement preferably in Sohar areas . 23 yrs of uninterrupted experience in Oman .Hospital, Polyclinic & Big companies having own clinic can contact. Mobile : 95406530 .Prefer Email to get Bio-data : uneedgpdr@yahoo.com BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 /91213269 Female Nurse - Indian, well experienced, Prometric passed – 60%, currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately. Kindly contact: 9721 9495 / 9655 0603 or jshani67@gmail.com GP Doctor Yemeni national-male, with 4 years of work experience.

Mobile:00966531598754 Email: alsyaniramzy@gmail.com Indian male GP doctor, 12 years experience parametric passed with 74% seeks suitable post.

Email: ppdr2020@gmail.com.

Contact 97985325

Sudanese Business development Manager, long experience International trade in Oman (import /export / marketing) seeking suitable placement full / part time in reputable company. Contact: 91173146 Young Bangladeshi male 26 knowing coffee shop work as watering sandwich making juice marking etc presently in Bangladesh if any employer need please Contact behalf of candidate with his brother.

Contact: 92278538 Management professional experienced in profitable management with organization skills with over 21+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, UAE & in Oman11 yrs as GM Publications, Printing, Media & Advertising in entire operations, Sales marketing & etc. Looking for a reputed organization for a challenging position any industry, can Join immediately with NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com Indian male 31 visionary business strategist having over 8+ years of global experience seeking a challenging position that utilizes my years of experience currently on visit. Contact: 91902154 Looking for Sales Assistant job (having Oman driving license).

Contact: 95872634 Indian male seeking job, 8 years experience in Qatar in clerical/administration/documents controlling fields. Willing to work in customer care or sale also. Qatar driving license available. Job preferred in Sohar and surrounding cities.

Contact 93285117 Market research / Hospitality Indian male Graduate with nearly 30 yrs experience in Market research & hospitality industry. NOC available.

Contact: 99347089

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Welder 16 years experience Arc Tig Welding & fabrication seeks placement, NOC available. Contact: 9134547 / 91604842 Looking for job as Mason, pipe fitter, Electrician and Aluminum fixer available. Contact: 93015630

TOURS & TRAVELS SALES / MARKETING MBA from UK with 9 yrs experience in London, Dubai & Mumbai. Specialized GCC experience in top real estate co & bank with driving license. NOC available. #968 95168205, dubaihomes1@gmail.com Indian ( Keralite) looking for job in sales (oilfield) 20 years experience in the Middle East with valid Omani driving license good communication skills. NOC available. #95991122 Email: muneervmd@gmail.com Indian female 35 years MCA, MBA six sigma black belt, 14 years Gulf experience in business analytics, Marketing business development qualities seeks placement. NOC available, Omani driving license available. Contact: 95783792

Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom.,IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India.Looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast pl contact 9465 2485 B.Com IATA MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales Reservation, ticketing English, Hindi, and Malayalam, Marathi NOC is available.

Contact: 92954613 Indian male B.Com MBA (Tourism) 23 years, seeks a job in any field currently on visit visa.

Contact: 92363811 Email: faizekk@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Sales Mechanical Engineer 14 year’s exp looking for Senior position. Contact: 0091 9600987895 Email: srameson@yahoo.co.in

Tunisian shoes designer wuth 40years expereince in designing and manifacturing loocking for a job in a related field contact : 97816917

Indian male B.Com (Computer) looking Sales Manager.

Contact: 97235819, Email: aji.roja@gmail.com

Indian male MBA + TALLY , 29 years & 7years experience in Administration and Manager level in Reputed companies, Seeking suitable placement. Contact : +96297709 / +91 9066130371, Email: jomonjohnm9@gmail.com

Indian 44 yrs, 16 yrs Indian Army 5 and Half years in Oman exp ware house, seeks suitable placement in store, ware house or sales having Oman driving license.

Contact: 94050311 B. Com & MBA Graduate on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 97372624 ,email : sivaraj.gurukripa@gmail.com

Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Indian male,27, IT/Telecom Engineer, 2 yrs exp in Oman, with valid Oman D/L, NOC Available.

Ph: 9393 8727

MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com

Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864

29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts is seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283.

Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining.

Contact :98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in Indian male post graduate.2 years experience in sales. currently in oman on visit visa.seeks suitable placement.Gsm 92388346 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. # 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity.

Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc.

GSM +968 95763680 Indian male having 4 years of experience in IT Support & networking. Currently on visit visa. seeking suitable opportunities.

Contact : 92013641.

Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having two years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position.

Mob: 98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com FRESH - B.Com Graduate on Family Visa, looking for any suitable Job. Contact : 92567020 / 95322175, Email: shwayanad@gmail.com Energetic Qualified & Experienced Finance Manager / Chief Accountant / Audit Manager, C.A , MBA-USA ,ACCA-UK , CPA..15years in GULF , Specialist of Profit Maximizations , Business Developments & Problems, Expert of all ERPs, Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 or 94504505 Admin Executive, Indian Female having 10 years Gulf experience in seeking suitable placement currently working in Muscat. Email: meenafajar@yahoo.com, Mobile 0096893211402 Having 9+ years exp. in Administration & HR in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement. Contact No.: 97693456. Email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com MOH Indian Dentist 10 years experience in Oman. Can speak Arabic, has driving license. Contact 98995321 or ventureoman007@gmail.com Omani , female, have diploma in quantity survey, bachelor in Constitution management, seeking situated placement at Sohar. Tel 94454180, Mail nhlmct@yahoo.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 MEP Quantity Surveyor-Estimation-Project, 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L. Looking for suitable job, contact – 98291626 Indian male Auto cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact : 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com Finance Manager / Chief Accountant / Audit Manager, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15years in GULF , Expert in Banking ,Financing, Profit Maximizations , Admin & Management, Business Developments , ERPs Software’s, Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 or 94504505 ACCOUNTANT, Indian Male, 25 years old, 5 years Experience (2 years in Oman & 3 years in India) Presently working in Oman. Going exit on this week with NOC. Seeking suitable opportunities.

GSM : +968 97018783 Civil Engineer, Diploma, Male 25, 3 years experience in site, CAD, 3d, MS Project, Seeking job in Oman. # 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com Indian male accountants, 12 years experience, tally also. Looking for a part time/ full time job in accounts or purchase. Contact- 98983122 Indian Female 2yrs exp. in Accountant 5 yrs exp. in Electronics, seeking suitable Job. Contact: 97162705,93705090 Indian male, 14 years Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field (Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber). NOC available #95253640 email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Female Candidate: Having experience (ISRO India) in Administration (seeking suitable opportunities &presently in Oman Mob:97239854, Mail:asherlalitha@yahoo.com Diploma civil Engineer seeking jobs(positions suits me: civil engineer ,site engineer,qa/qc engineer,land surveyor ,total station, auto level,draftsman (autocad, microstation) mob:97239854, Mail:asherlalitha@yahoo.com BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian Male having experience in UAE, India, Oman total 5 years (including MNC), looking for similar or same openings.

NOC available. #:92700670, E mail:catanalur131@gmail.com Qualified Native speaking male English Teacher with 18 years experience seeks position. Salary Negotiable. Whatsapp on +968 9334 1047 / +968 93952732 or e-mail me on nadgov@gmail.com

D6

T U E S D AY, J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian female, IATA, B. Sc, looking for suitable placement.Contact-95514305, E mail idraveendranmala@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years, 8 years experience. Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 12 yrs exp FREELANCE 2d, 3d Draughtsman (holding Omani driving license). Contact : 93790601 Sudanese male, 31 year, have 3 year Diploma in Electrical Engineer, 6 years experience in construction and electrical plant.

Mobile No ; +96894549609

PART TIME ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, M. Com, 35 years, 12 Years exp. in Accounts, 8 years in Oman.

Knowledge upto finalization. Having valid D/L, seeks suitable Placement.

GSM: 96249124 Egyptian Civil Engineer, total experience 7 years - 2 years experience in Oman. I am looking for Project Engineer, I have good experience in site & office works.

Contact number:91148708 Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com.

Freelance Graphic Designer available to assist in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Corel Draw Projects.

Contact : 95811820

Filipino Male looking for a job & have experience in sales, waiter, barista, technical support / customer service with good communication skills. # 91789465

Indian Female Lawyer 36 Yrs having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman as Legal Advisor seeks placement in Legal/HR/Admin NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com

ACCOUNTING – Indian male seeking accounting job with 2 years experience in accounting.

Contact: 94263445, E mail – contactantonyxavieranand@gmail. com

23, Male, ACCA Affiliate, 2 years+ experience in Audit and Finance in audit firm, Looking for suitable permanent placement, NOC release Available. Contact: #95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com

Sudanese male: 27 yrs, 2 years experience in accounting, other experience (purchasing – HR - Coordinating and Office Management), looking for a job Omani Driving License, NOC. Contact: 94174403

MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa.

Contact :- 91892264.

Email:- yashicapandya@gmail.com

24 year Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com

Indian Female 10 years exp as cook in Oman. South Indian & Gujarati special looking for part-time job Contact 96733187.

Indian male-28 Years, Diploma in Electrical Egg, having gulf experience. Specialization on Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Operation. 7 years experience seeks for suitable placement.

Mob – 968-95334580. E-mail -sunilkumar257.sk23@gmail.com Seeking Teaching Position. Qualified and experienced Native English speaking teacher seeking position in Muscat, I have a Teaching Diploma , two Honours Degrees and a CELTA Certificate. Position at Language school will be suitable.

Will e-mail CV. Whatsapp only +96893952732 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 Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job Mobile 99070584, E mail: remluvp@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Indian Female M.Com with Computer Skills and Four Month Experience as Accountant ,Currently On Family Visa Looking for a Suitable Placement, Available Immediately.

Contact : 95846642, Email : dhanyashree91@yahoo.com ACCA Affiliate, Experience in audit/ finance of 2.5 years in Big 6 Firm and Oil industry, looking for suitable permanent placement, Release NOC available. Contact: #95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com

Sudanese male (B.Sc, computer science) (diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience DBA oracle PL-SQL, MS SQL - Server, MS visual studio vba, network.

Contact 91415886 Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91055584 Over 15 years experience in Gulf.

Interior Architect, Lebanese Nationality, on visit visa seeking a suitable Placement. 96268005.

PRODUCTION OPERATOR – Indian male seeking production operator or related jobs with 4 years of experience in oil & gas field.

Contact 94263445.

Email: tonyxavier4u@gmail.com Indian Keralite Male 35 looking for Scaffolding supervisor post having 5 years of Supervisor and HSE experience in GCC Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Fluent in English Arabic and Hindi .

Contact 96155921, or mail fysal.nellaya@gmail.com Indian Male 28 yrs, having 7 years Gulf + Indian experience in HR and Admin field, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com Indian Male 28 years MSM, B. Com having 6years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement.#97914340.

Email: rajkv30@gmail.com B.Sc. Mechanical Engineer Sudanese 3 yrs of exp. In industrial field available in muscat on vist visa seeking suitable job .

Contact: 95868922, Email: almouthanaosman@yahoo.com IT system and Printer engineer ME, 5Years bank IT Management exp in India looking for full time job visit visa contact 94462150

Indian male with 8 yrs experience in FMCG in Oman as Sales Supervisor looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Gsm: 96495206 24 year Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com MCA IT Professional Indian Female seek placement in Teaching/ Non Teaching field. Presently on visit visa. 9588 7051, ashwininakod@gmail.com ACCA Affiliate, Indian, 2.5Years experience in Audit/ Finance in Big 6 Audit Firm and Oil Accounting in PDO, For Permanent Placement for Finance or Accounts or Audit. Release NOC Available on hand.

Contact #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Finance ACCA Affiliate, Worked as an Auditor with 2.5 Years Experience in reputed firm, Handled independent audit/finance assignments, Looking for permanent placement, NOC available. Contact 95140445. a.saran891@gmail.com Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Sudanese male (B.Sc Computer science) (diploma computer engineering) 6 yrs. experience DBA Oracle plsql, MS sql-server ,ms visual studio vba, network. Contact :91415886 Indian Male, Graduate, 11 years Sales experience in Lighting / Industrial products, ready to join immediately. GSM: 9710 5356 Indian heavy duty driver with 8 years experience in oman available with NOC. GSM : 93601943 GSM : 94496457 Indian male, 28 yrs MBA (HR/M) 2 years experience in Indian Oman in HR & admin seeks suitable placements. NOC available.

Contact 97484159 Email: rameshkapa86@gmail.com M.Sc 3+ years exp from France & India in IT Support Engineer / Hardware & Networking / Server support / scientific system support looking for suitable positions. Indian, male on visit visa, contact 98898781/ anoopys@gmail.com Looking for managerial post (full time ), More than Ten years of experience in Team Development ,Training, planning, Administration, Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics. Contact 91076608 / 99322748. Release & noc available Indian male, 34years having 10 years of experience in Sales, Sales Coordination and Administration.

Experienced in SAP and MS Office. NOC available.

Contact # 94686594 Indian Male MBA Marketing/HRM 3 year experience with Omani D/L, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 97424188 email: dharwesh@gmail.com Indian, Male, 23 years, BE Electrical, having 2 years experience in Electrical Works-H.T. cabling etc, & Construction, looking for a suitable placement. Contact +968 96927880 (Oman), +91 9765376109 (India), Email: rahulrevi6@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED B.Tech Computer Engineer Wanted job to work on(IT/Banking/Administrator/Technical/Office works) having NOC with the limited time from (04/06/2015 to 13/06/2015).

Mobile:98402389 email:naresh6672@gmail.com British Beauty Therapist looking for suitable position. #:97175240 Highly Qualified & Experienced Finance Manager Pakistani with USA , UK & Canadian Degrees , CPA ,ACCA-UK . MBA-USA ,IFA- Financial Consultants Canada , Corporate Analyst USA Professional of Banking , Audits ,ERPs & Profit Maximizations ( NOC available ) call 94 504505 – 94403270 27 year Indian female who has 4 years of experience with logistics function in distribution of spares for both heavy machinery & wind turbine parts. Kindly contact me on +91 9790769104 E-mail: joemohana@yahoo.co.in Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer .seek suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Indian male MBA (U.K), 10 Years of experience in Admin, Sales, HR, stores and logistics seeks suitable placement. Contact 99271903.

Indian Female MCA, 4 plus Years of experience in Web designing, Admin, P.A, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 99486374 8 Years successful experience, SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years. Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 7 and half years experience working accounts / inventory manager looking suitable job. Contact: 96991782 Email: srinivasu.sp@gmail.com Indian female , MCA BCA, certification PL SQL , 6months training PHP, date warehouse looking for suitable placement. #95694330 Email: mondkashyapodl@gmail.com B.Com with more than 5 yrs exp. looking for an accounts part tome job work. know with tally.

Email-shilpa_62@yahoo.com

Part- time accountant, well experience senior accountant , doing all type of accounting works, finalization, budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439

Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer, 5 years experience in different activities . Mobile No ; +96894549609

Indian male, looking for a part time accounting job. Having additional knowledge & experience in HR admin & purchase.

Contact 99196621

ACCA affiliate, with 2.5 years experience in Big6 audit firm and Oil industry, looking for permanent placement in Accounts/Audit.

Release available Contact :95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com

Indian Female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency. Seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913

Indian Female, Commerce Graduate, Total 9 yrs of experience in India. worked as Accounts Assistant and Business executive seeking for suitable placement.

Tel : 96173533/24222457 Email : topranidivya@gmail.com

HSE Advisor, NEBOSH IGC, Indian male, 4 years experience in construction and oil fields, seeking suitable jobs. Gsm: 97458900, Mail: miroshbabu@gmail.com

Indian Male, 29 years, CCNP, MCITP having Bachelor degree and 6 years of experience in Networking looking for job. 96760618 / varghese.manthara@gmail.com

Highly Experienced Finance Manager, CPA ,ACCA-UK . MBA-USA , Professional of Banking, Audits , ERPs Sap , Management as Team Leader and Problem Solver call 94 504505 / 94403270

Female Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary with 27+ experience, worked with top management/Board in financial services with shorthand skills & Omani driving license, seeks suitable placement. call 95941515

Indian male MBA Finance presently OMAN IN visit visa, 26 years, looking for an accountant job.

Contact 95240641, email Id mohammadabdulazharuddin@ gmail.com

B.E. Civil Engineer from India with 3 years of experience looking for suitable vacancy in oman now on visit visa. Contact 9571 3441, Email . Khatrialeem@gmail.com

Admin Executive, 31, Indian Male, having 9+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in any gulf region. Contact +968 99276601 & 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com

Indian male 21 IT Eng. networking & computer hardware diploma, 1 year experience, currently on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact 96036273 email: faizanfarooqui23@gmail.com

MEP Quantity Surveyor-EstimationProject, 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, Contact - 98291626

Indian, 32 years, completed M.A. English, M.Sc. Psychology and B.Ed in English. Searching for suitable job in the field of teaching. To Contact: 00968 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

Indian house maid looking full time job. Contact : 98254909 B.E. Civil Engineer age 27, total 3 years of experience in Mumbai looking for placement asap in oman now on visit visa of 1 month ph 9571 3441 Email. Khatrialeem@gmail.com Indian Male, 29 years, CCNP, MCITP having Bachelor degree and 6 years of experience in Networking looking for job. 96760618 / varghese.manthara@gmail.com

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com 26 years Indian male with MBA & PGDFM, Total 3.8 years experience in Administration, seeking suitable placement in any gulf region.

Holding Oman valid driving license.

Contact :94501423

T U E S DAY, J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

TOURS

DRIVING

RENT A CAR Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813 Learn driving with professional only automatic. Contact 94022250

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact: 91310107 House shifting, transporting.

Contact : 94229277 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time.# 97014786

FOR HIRE Silver Car, car for rent. Contact: 96166155 / 98402662

Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016. # 97249449

Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

D8

T U E S D AY, J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

COMPUTER

WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED BE civil Engineer with a vast experience of 18 years in Oman seeks immediate placement as General Manger /Partner. contact @ joboman2015@gmail.com.

Indian male 23 yrs B. Tech Civil having 2 years exp, currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98031034, Email: musheer786.mm@gmail.com Indian male Autocad Draughtsman (Civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job. Contact : 00968 99070584.

Email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian male, 14 yrs experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field (Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber). N O C available. Contact : 95253640, E mail = hareeshma24@yahoo.com BE Electrical Engineer, with 2 yrs exp. well knowledge in construction field on visit visa.

Contact -98269366

Indian Male, 34 years old, DEE – Electrical Supervisor 10 years Oman experience. Ready for NOC , VISA transfer and valid Oman driving licence light, ready to join immediately, Mob +91 9740679094, kulasekar1980@gmail.com 24 years, Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3 yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Kindly contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com Indian Male, 38 years old, DME – Mechanical Maintenance Technician 11 years Oman experience. Ready for NOC , VISA transfer, ready to join immediately, Mob +968 95612870, seeniselvan@gmail.com Young Indian Chartered Accountant, female, Having 6 years experience in Oman and India. Accounts and Finance Manager, Auditor.

Urgently seeking suitable positions.

Contact 92530131, jobcareer44@gmail.com

Indian female, Ph. D in Mech. Engg, B.Sc, B.Ed, M.Sc & M.Phil in Physics having 6 yrs Malaysia University/ College teaching exp +1 yr experience for research fellow seeking good position in Oman. Contact 97793859 / 93621114, sreejayarejil@gmail.com

Indian male 25 years B.tech computers (Having 3 years of experience in customer service/Admin/IT Support) looking for suitable position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available immediate to join. Contact: 98402389, Mail: naresh6672@gmail.com

Sudanese male (B.Sc Computer Science) (Diploma Computer Engineering) 6 yrs. experience DBA Oracle PL-SQL , MS SQL-server, MS visual studio VBA, network.

Contact :91415886

Manager, Young Indian Male, MBA, BBA. Having excellent managerial experience (around 5 years) in leading Multi-National-Company.

Looking for suitable positions. #92700670,fardhaan@gmail.com

Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 Tunisian women looking for a job, khnows english,frensh, italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

CLASSES

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact : 93769089 / 95323517 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting. Contact 99708138 House shifting packing.

99657644 / 98518013 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

Available for part time accounting job, contact 99196621 Indian Female MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. Subject: EnglishSeeking for a Better placement. Now working in Oman. Contact 93961142, 92184408, Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

Admission Open: CAMBRIDGE / BILINGUAL CURRICULUM admission started in Al Burj Private School, Azaiba for KG and Grade I to IV. Please register soonest.

Contact: 93211417 / 92887809.

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Pest control Treatments, termites, cockroaches, bedbugs Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 Air condition maintenance split and window services AC specialist ducted and package type unites.

Contact: 98667326 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

SITUATION WANTMANPOWER

Civil maintenance - plumbing, electrical, painting, and tiling, interior decorations, shop furnishing and all other maintenance works.

Contact: 97897831 / 92112094 (Indian, Keralite) A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication.

Carpet, Sofa Shampooing. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99884591

* Subject to space availability

AC servicing maintenance fixing.

Contact: 99540621