Times of Oman - October 28, 2015

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6 085010 120010 FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 11th National Day

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ The world today is witnessing complicated events and changes which places added responsibility upon us.

We must all – each one of us – play our part in this, with the same devotion with which we have played our part in fighting and working for the progress and prosperity that our dear country now enjoys.

WEDNESDAY, October 28, 2015 / 14 Muharram 1437 AH timesofoman.com

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HM issues five Royal Decrees MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on Tuesday issued five Royal Decrees as follows: Royal Decree No. 40/2015 promulgates Law on Regulating the Obligations of Personnel of all State Establishments and Members of Appointed and Elected Councils.

Article (1) states that the provisions of this law shall apply to every person who is working or was working for any State Establishment or private establishments or associations/ societies dealing with the public interest or any other party wherein the state or any state establishment contributes to the capital or financial resources in any form.

The provisions of this law also apply to any person who is a member or was a member in appointed or elected councils or the boards of directors of establishments, associations/societies or the parties cited in the above-mentioned clause. Article (2) says that, without prejudice to the obligations imposed by any laws and Royal Decrees, the persons addressed by the provisions of this law are prohibited from the following: >A6 HM sends greetings, condolences >A8

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T H R E E - W E E K U LT I M AT U M

Oil, gas unions warn of strike over job cuts REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oil and gas sector unions have decided to go on strike after three weeks if their demands are not met within this period, Oman’s oil and gas sector union chairman said.

“Most probably the strike will be for one-day or an indefinite one if our demands are not met,” Saud Salmi, the chairman of oil and gas sector unions, told Times of Oman, after the six-hour-long emergency meeting convened to discuss retrenchment of Omani workers in the sector.

The meeting was convened as the oil and gas sector unions had to deal with at least 1,000 cases of dismissals since the end of 2014.

“Our main demand is that the government should intervene to stop laying off of workers in the sector. Moreover, the laid off workers should be taken back or have to be given jobs in other sector,” Saud said.

In addition to this, the trade unions have also called for the abolishing of the rules for stopping them from holding strikes in the sector.

“We also need amendments to the labour law which will ensure better social security measures and guarantee of work,” Saud added.

“Around 200 workers are sitting at home without job after being dismissed and we heard that 300 more will be terminated next month,” Saud said.

Out of the 25 unions in the sector, 21 attended the meeting.

From 2010 to mid-2014, global oil prices were fairly stable, hovering at around $110 a barrel. However, since June, prices have more than halved.

According to the Ministry’s data, Oman has posted a budget deficit of OMR2.68 billion ($6.97 billion) during the first eight months of this year, compared with a OMR205.7 million surplus reported a year ago because of lower oil export prices.

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7,000 Bangladeshis yet to use amnesty

Early detection the key to cancer cure

Oman to award 14 projects in Duqm

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Around 7,300 Bangladeshis out of 23,186, who registered during a sixmonth-long amnesty scheme, had not made use of it so far, the Bangladeshi embassy has said. The scheme ends on Wednesday.>A3

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Pristine coastlines, majestic mountains, and scenic landscapes that aptly show the Sultanate of Oman as an idyllic tourist destination. Celebrating the beauty of Oman, readers have posted pictures as part of the Times of Oman’s #OmanPride campaign. - Photo: Soumya N Ghosh

Awareness is the key to early detection and cure was the message given at the 12th edition of Oman Cancer Association’s annual walkathon.

Hundreds turned out to join the walkathon at Qurum National Park on Tuesday. >A6

Twenty three construction projects are underway in Duqm and 14 construction projects are in the tendering stage, said an official at the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm (Sezad). >B1

Omanisation levels in the construction industry are low, but a new initiative is aiming to change that situation

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman is used to seeing thousands of expatriates building its roads, offices and homes but those numbers may reduce under a new plan aimed at attracting and employing more Omani labourers.

The Oman Society of Contractors (OSC) has proposed setting up of a new company which would serve as a hub to train and lease multi-skilled Omani manpower to construction companies.

A proposal sent to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) by the OSC to create this new company, tasked with training and supplying Omani manpower in the construction sector, has been welcomed by the ministry and is being looked into.

MUSCAT: Are you fed up with the long waiting time at the airport while picking your bags?

Don’t worry, another company will be hired by the Ministry of Transport and Communications for handling ground operations and to improve passengers experience at the Muscat Airport.

Disclosing the investment opportunities in general aviation services, Hanan Al Rabbi, general director, Planning and Studies, Ministry of Transport and Communications, said the ministry intends to float a tender for a second ground handling company at the airport in November.

“We will also appoint a ground handling company for regional airports, including Salalah in March 2016; for cargo handling services

An expat worker engaged in construction work.

The construction sector is fighting a losing battle in trying to achieve the required level of 30 per cent Omanisation since Omanis prefer to take up jobs elsewhere rather than in the construction sector, an industry not seen as attractive for young Omani job seekers, largely due to the environment and the nature of the job.

Ali Shaaban, general manager of Towell Group, and Shahswar Al Balushi, CEO of OSC, came up with this solution of creating a company to motivate young Omanis to take up these jobs. They

have proposed “Construction Omanisation Company (COC)” as the name for the new entity.

“A private company will be established to supply Omani labourers. The company will train individuals and make them available for the contractors and establishments in the construction sector,” Al Balushi said.

Similar to security and safety companies, the COC will be responsible for recruiting all Omanis willing to work in the construction field, and train, develop and send them to various construction companies.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, a ministry official said they received the proposal recently and were studying it. “The suggestion has been put forward for further approval of senior officials at the MoM,” said an official from the Ministry of Manpower.

Current Issues The private and government sector companies are facing a challenge when it comes to the construction sector. At the same time, job seekers in this sector are also facing certain issues.

Private sector companies have to deal with high turnovers, high performance costs and availability of resources without being able to utilize them. They also have to deal with complications that arise due to government rules and regulations. >A8

CBO EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT

‘Omani economy will tide over oil price fall’

New firm to ease airport handling operations rahuldas@timesofoman.com

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Move to swap expat builders with Omanis

TENDER NEXT MONTH

RAHUL DAS

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at Muscat and Salalah airports in March 2016 and also publish a ‘Request for Proposal (RFP) for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)’ for aircraft in January 2016,” she told a conference on Oman projects on Monday.

Besides this, the government will announce the name of the company, which will operate a low-cost carrier in the country.

“The selection of the winner will be announced by the end of 2015,” Rabbi said.

In June 2014, the ministry had launched plans to invite bids from low-cost carriers interested in establishing a base in the country.

“The move was aimed at a lowcost airline flying to all parts of the Sultanate of Oman and some neighbouring countries, as well as offering cheaper fares to passengers,” said an official from a private airline. >A2

Ansab’s winged sanctuary

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MUSCAT: Oman will continue to invest in strengthening and diversifying its economy despite pressure on its state finances from low oil prices, Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Central Bank of Oman’s (CB)) Executive President has told a Reuters summit.

Cheap oil has affected the government’s revenues, pushing it to post a budget deficit of OMR2.68 billion in the first eight months of this year, swinging from an OMR205.7 million surplus a year earlier.

But Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali told the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit that Oman would continue to expand its industrial base and create jobs.

“In the milieu of lower oil prices, the key goal before the government and the CBO (central bank) is to strengthen the growth process and give a fillip to the diver-

sification process,” said Al Zadjali at the Reuters summit.

“Our previous experiences suggest that the resilience and inner strength of the Omani economy will tide over lower oil prices and sustain its growth process.”

Economists and business executives believe that to save money, the government may be on the verge of cutting petrol, natural gas and electricity price subsidies which the International Monetary Fund estimates cost over $7 billion annually.

It has also been considering tax increases.

“The government is working hard to reduce expenditure and increase revenues through various means. They have directed the ministries to cap their expenditure at a certain level, or to cut the expenditures by a certain percentage,” Al Zadjali said. >A7

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OMAN NEW GROUND HANDLER

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A1 Number of passengers growing But Oman Air has distanced itself from the plan. The appointment of a second ground handling services at the airport comes as part of efforts to improve services and enhance customer satisfaction at the airport. Presently, Oman Air is the sole ground handling agent for the Muscat and Salalah airports.

“The number of passengers is

growing every day, so there is a need for a second ground handler at the airports,” said Deepal Pallegangoda, country manager of Mihin Lanka in Muscat.

Riyaz Kuttery, general manager, Oman, Jet Airways, said efficiency and service levels tended to improve whenever there is competition. “So, we welcoming the competition as this will be

helpful for travellers,” he stated.

The total volume in 2014 at airports in Muscat and Salalah reached 9,553,146 passengers, of which 8,711,102 people used the Muscat International Airport.

“It is estimated that the approximate volume will be between 16.69 million and 17.23 million passengers a year by 2025,” Rabbi pointed out.

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According to the Bangladesh Embassy’s statistics, 23,186 people registered for the amnesty that comes

HOME BOUND: During the amnesty programme, 23,653 expatriate workers had made use of the provision and left Oman by the end of September. – File photo

to an end today

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Around 7,300 Bangladeshis out of 23,186, who registered during a six-month-long amnesty scheme, had not made use of it so far, the Bangladeshi embassy has said. The scheme ends on Wednesday.

According to data from the embassy, 23,186 people registered for the programme, with 14,301 from Muscat alone and around 1,000 from Salalah, having left Oman. “Papers were processed for around 500. However, around 7,300 have not turned up yet after the registration,” an embassy official said.

“We tried our best. We even spread the message to interior areas. We coordinated with our community people also. However,

OMAN

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More than 7,000 Bangladeshis yet to use amnesty

when compared to previous amnesty programmes, this year’s was quite successful,” the official said.

According to an official from the Ministry of Manpower, during the amnesty programme and until the end of September, 23,653 expatriate workers had made use of the provision and left Oman. The amnesty was announced on May 3.

Initially announced for three months, the scheme was extended to provide more time to undocumented workers to make use of the amnesty and leave Oman.

Spreading the message “We also coordinated with our community people and had spread the message to interior areas, urging the undocumented and overstaying workers to make use of the amnesty. However, it is saddening to know that around 7,000 have not made use of it,” Mohammed Sanullah, a Bangladeshi social worker, stated.

“Those who have not made use of the amnesty are risking their life,” Sanullah added.

Earlier, a top official from the Ministry of Manpower had said that once the amnesty period ends, the ministry will take legal action against those found guilty of violating labour laws.

Strict action “Undocumented and overstaying workers should come forward to make use of the amnesty before it ends. If somebody is caught violating the rules after the amnesty period, they will face strict action,” Salem Said Al Badi, directorate general of Labour Welfare at the Ministry of Manpower, had told the Times of Oman earlier.

Initial estimates from four main Asian countries had projected that there were around 47,000 undocumented and overstaying workers, who could make use of the amnesty provision.

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W E AT H E R

Low pressure turning into depression REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: During the next 24 hours, the low pressure forming in the Arabian Sea might transform into a depression, Oman’s Meteorology (Met) Department said.

“However, in the next 48 hours, there will be no direct impact on Oman,” the Met said.

Meanwhile, a senior meteorologist from Accuweather.com said

there are still some differences on the exact track of the feature, but consensus favours far western Oman getting rain and gusty winds around Tuesday next week.

Main concern “Flooding will be the main concern,” Jason Nicholls, Accuweather.com senior meteorologist said.

According to Anthony Sagliani, another senior meteorologist at Accuweather.com, the system

might pose a threat to Oman, Somalia and Yemen.

During its forecast, Oman Met department had predicted rains all over the Al Hajar mountains.

Last week, there was a tropical cyclone heading towards Oman.

It lost strength while reaching the Oman coast.

However, it also resulted in rainfall in many parts of Oman, claiming eight lives in rain-related accidents.

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OMAN

If we are to find solutions to the world’s toughest problems,... we need to encourage more students to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels beyond what are considered acceptable in the past Nadiya Al Saady, organiser of Science Café

SCIENCE CAFÉ

Focus on solving problems through method of science Times News Service MUSCAT: Problem solving by applying scientific processes will be discussed at a free-entry science event today.

The topic of Oman Animal, Plant & Genetic Resources’ (OAPGRC)’s Science Café series to be held at 7.30pm is “Solving our problems through STEM”.

STEM is the acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Supported by Oman LNG, the event will be open to all freeof-charge.

It will be held at the Moka & More Café in Al Azaiba and will be moderated by Petroleum Development Oman’s Corporate Technology Advisor, Dr Wail Al Harrasi.

Joining Al Harrasi on the panel will be Dr Mohammed Al Mugheiry of Blue Ocean Consultancy and Prof Bassel Dayyani of GUtech.

“If we are to find solutions to the world’s toughest problems, like mitigating the effects of climate change, conserving animal and plant genetic resources and providing enough food to sustain

a global population approaching 9 billion, we need to encourage more students to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels beyond what are considered acceptable in the past”, remarked Nadiya Al Saady, executive director, OAPGRC and organiser of the monthly Science Café initiative.

Wednesday’s Science Café event will also address two key issues: how to inspire young people to stick with STEM and how can Oman’s business community join forces with the sultanate’s research community to facilitate this.

ACHIEVEMENT

Regional, world media highlight Majlis elections MUSCAT: Gulf, Arab and world media have shown keen interest in Majlis Al Shura 8th term elections, the voter turnout, and the smoothness of the election process at the various ballot centres. They also highlighted the legislative and oversight powers of Majlis Al Shura, as well as the achievements made by the Sultanate under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Turnout The news agencies of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait followed with interest the turnout of Omani voters to the ballot centres to elect 85 members, who will represent them at Majlis Al Shura 8th term.

The Gulf news agencies transmitted the news taken from Oman News Agency (ONA) alongside the pictures of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the achievements made in the Sultanate. -ONA

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OMAN

... as crises rarely consider international borders, cross-border co-operation is of utmost importance Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health

Don’t wait until it’s too late for you HASAN SHABAN

A two-kilometre symbolic walkathon was held to support cancer survivors

MUSCAT: Awareness is crucial for early detection and cure of cancer. This was the message during the 12th edition of Oman Cancer Association’s annual walkathon.

Showing support for the event, hundreds of Omanis turned up to take part in the walkathon at the Qurum National Park on Tues-

day evening, which was based on the theme, “Don’t wait until it’s too late”. As part of #Omanpride campaign today we highlight this initiative.

The walkathon was aimed at raising awareness about cancer.

Entitled, “Cancer Avengers”, scores of influential Omani social media icons also joined the awareness campaign.

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Dr Abdul Munim bin Mansour Al Hasani, Minister of Information, and patron of the event, said that it’s vital to raise awareness about cancer through the me-

dia, not only in Oman but across the world.

“The two-kilometre symbolic walkathon aims to support cancer survivors, remembering victims of this gruesome disease and introducing the concept of cancer among children,” said cancer survivor Yuthar Al Rawahi, who is also the chairperson of Oman Cancer Association.

DECISIONS

‘Health emergencies His Majesty the a global challenge’ A1 Sultan issues < FROM

Times News Service MUSCAT: Preparing for and responding effectively to health emergencies are among the most pressing challenges facing the international community, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, has said.

He said this while addressing a workshop entitled “Strengthening Cross-Border Outbreak Management”. The workshop, patronised by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, began at Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat on Tuesday.

The four-day workshop is being organised by the Ministry of

Health in collaboration with the George Washington University and the World Health Organization country office (WHO) in the Sultanate of Oman.

“Globally, many countries today face a broad range of emergencies and challenges in health sector resulting from various hazards and differing in scale, complexity with international consequences,” the Minister of Health pointed out in his welcoming speech.

“As crises rarely consider international borders, crossborder co-operation is of utmost importance,” the Minister of Health added.

Royal Decrees 1. Broadcasting or publishing any news or information or rumours targeting the prestige of the State’s authorities or aimed to weaken confidence in them or incite to that or facilitate that for others by any means.

2. Obstructing the implementation of projects that are carried out by the State or its establishments or inciting to that or facilitating that for others.

3. Divulging any secret information or data or documents to which the employee has access by virtue of his position or job/work or membership, or using those documents or data by any means to achieve personal benefit for him or others or inciting or facilitating that.

4. Insulting any official or public employee by words or deeds or hinting or allusion or aggressing a public official or public employee while that person is performing the duties or tasks of his job, or when he is acting in his official capacity at any venue.

Article (3) instructs all the persons addressed by the provisions of this law to adhere to the provisions of enforced laws and Royal decrees and treaties and international agreements that are considered as part of the country’s law or any other bylaws, regulations and decisions enforcing the same. Those persons are also prohibited from breaching or violating the above-mentioned laws, regulations and decisions.

Article (4) stipulates that anyone who violates or breaches the provisions of this law shall receive maximum penalties stated for such violations in the current laws and regulations.

Article (5) says that this Law shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on the day following its date of publishing.

Issued on October 27, 2015.

Royal Decree No. 41/2015 restructures public authorities and establishments.

Article (1) states that public authorities and establishments shall propose the policies that they undertake when practising their specialisations and that they shall submit these proposals to the Council of Ministers for approval.

Article (2) states that the Council of Ministers shall conduct an assessment of the policies applied in public authorities and establishments and that the Council of Ministers is empowered to amend those policies in accordance with the general policy of the State.

Article (3) bans combing the

post of Chairman of Board of Directors and Chairman or Chief Executive Officer in public authorities and establishments.

It stipulates that the Council of Ministers shall undertake the adjustment of conditions of existing public authorities and establishments in accordance with the provisions of this article.

Article (4) instructs public authorities and establishments to carry out the provisions of this decree.

Article (5) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on its date of issue.

Issued on October 27, 2015.

Royal Decree No. 42/2015 issues amendments to some provisions of the Law on Classification of State Records and Organization of Protected Areas.

Article (1) states that the amendments attached to this decree shall be applied to the Law on Classification of State Records and Organization of Protected Areas issued under Royal Decree No. 118/2011.

Article (2) cancels all that contradicts the attached amendments or contravenes their provisions.

Article (3) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on the day following its date of publishing.

Issued on October 27, 2015.

Royal Decree No. 43/2015 issues amendments to some provisions of The Research Council Law. Article (1) states that the amendments attached to this decree shall be applied to The Research Council Law promulgated by the Royal Decree No. 54/2005.

Article (2) cancels all that contradicts the attached amendments or contravenes their provisions.

Article (3) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on the day following its date of publishing.

Issued on October 27, 2015.

Royal Decree No. 44/2015 ratifies the Revised Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Article (1) ratifies the Revised Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation dated September 26, 2008 as per the version attached to this decree.

Article (2) states that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on its date of issue.

Issued on October 27, 2015.

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OMAN ISLAMIC BONDS

A1 ‘Oman plans cut in subsidies’ < FROM

“On the revenues side, the government is considering taking some of the load off by cutting subsidies, and increasing some of the fees.”

Debt issues “The government has been expanding debt issues to cover its deficit, and this month received orders of OMR336 million for its

first issue of sovereign Islamic bonds, worth OMR200 million,” according to Reuters report.

Al Zadjali said such issues could be conducted without straining liquidity in the local banking system because they were open to banks from elsewhere in the region, and could attract back to the country some deposits held by Omanis abroad.

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OMAN Private sector urged to boost social responsibility efforts

This company (COC), which will be owned by the construction companies themselves, will be designed to help source the right people, provide training and development Shahswar Al Balushi, CEO of OSC

empower youth and sustain socioeconomic development.

Al Lawati said, “CSR has come a long way in Oman, especially in the last seven to 10 years. Despite different ways of implementation, there are some sectors that are leading the way, such as the oil and gas, energy, banking, telecommunications and automobile sectors”.

The CSR Oman 2015 Summit brings together companies and specialists to discuss ways to increase cooperation between businesses and communities

TARIQ AL HAREMI

SHARING RESPONSIBILITY: Top business leaders in Oman have urged private sector to undertake Corporate Social Responsibility for the betterment of Oman as it makes rapid strides. - Jun Estrada

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Top business leaders in Oman have urged private sector to undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the betterment of the Sultanate as it is making rapid strides.

The CSR Oman 2015 Summit started on Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, and will continue until Wednesday, bringing together the biggest companies and elite specialists interested in CSR to discuss ways to increase coopera-

tion between businesses and the communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Mohsin Al Balushi, advisor to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said, “The aim of the summit is to boost a culture of social responsibility in the private sector establishments in light of growing role of this sector in Oman.”

“It is being held at a time of accelerating growth and economic changes in Oman based on local,

regional and international influences, and (in the wake of ) increased private sector contributions to the government plans for more prosperity,” he added.

A panel led by Amor Al Mutani, deputy chief executive officer at Oman LNG, Shaima Al Lawati, founder of Sustainable Square, Oman and Alireza Sarabcht, general business manager at Nestle, discussed how to incorporate CSR to reduce unemployment,

Strategic goals “CSR is meant for the betterment of the organisation and the community. So you need to align your strategic goals with the CSR plan,” she said.

“It is also good to align business schemes with community needs”, she added.

Oman LNG’s Al Mutani addressed the issue where the leaders in CSR should offer a helping hand to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in transferring their experience to that field.

“The oil and gas sector has definitely been a hit among youth.

They should not only give cash donations but transfer their knowledge, systems and the processes for the development of SMEs”, said Al Mutani.

“I think that would create more outreach and a better return on social investments, ” he added.

Commenting on the challenges facing CSR, when asked about the three main challenges the Sultanate is facing in terms of sustainability, Al Mutani said, “The challenges in Oman are definitely employment, a sustainable environment because we are trying to balance between mother nature and industrialising the country, and retaining Omani culture”.

He went on to add that there are many social and environmental challenges in creating sustainable jobs for the youth due to the accountability of measuring the impact of CSR on communities.

“Many of the challenges we face in this part of the globe is definitely the youth (employment) and most of the challenges are related to social fields,” said Al Mutani.

“For example, if you don’t have the ‘bread and butter on the table’ then you would be very uncomfortable. Creating sustainable job opportunities for growth in that aspect will definitely create a spin off,” he explained further.

The Capital Market Authority had issued a corporate governance law in March, which included among its 14 principles a requirement that all public joint stock companies have an established CSR policy.

EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

HM sends condolences MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent two cables of condolences to President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan and President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan for the victims of the earthquake that hit the northern parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In his cables, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the two presidents and families of the victims, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased souls in peace, grant their families patience and the injured a speedy recovery. His Majesty also prayed to Allah to protect the two presidents and the Afghani and Pakistani people against all harms. -ONA CABLE

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic on his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes to President Zeman and his country’s people. -ONA

GOVERNMENT PRESSURE

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Public sector flooded

A1 with job-seekers Companies in the government sector, on the other hand, are burdened with the increasing number of job-seekers, high cost of vocational training which produces insufficient output and high cost of management and administration. They also face pressure from the public and Shura council.

Job-seekers face issues of work environment, accommodation and job security in addition to transportation, medical coverage, leave days and training.

Joint effort To tackle these issues and fulfil the condition of 30 per cent Omanisation rate for projects, the concept of COC brings the main construction companies together under one roof as the board of the new entity will comprise representatives from each company.

“This company (COC), which will be owned by the construction companies themselves, will be designed to help source the right people, provide training and development, and at the same time, increase the Omanisation level as per the requirement of the projects,” said Al Balushi.

The government will also need to adhere to certain requirements to make this concept a success by providing free locations for camp development, accepting 15 per cent as the maximum Omanisation percentage up to 2020 and funding all the training programmes for COC in addition to making the company tax free.

Private sector firms would need to be encouraged to invest capital in the COC, and monitor its success and progress. Employees would have to accept to work in any location and with any company.

The COC will dedicate itself to train manpower and develop multiple skills. The argument about having 10 multi-skilled construction workers doing the job of 20 individually skilled people is “more lucrative,” according to Al Balushi.

“What we want to do here is to create a multi-tasked workforce

Shahswar Al Balushi, CEO of OSC.

in the construction industry,” said Shaaban.

“This will provide an effective solution for the parties concerned,” continued Al Balushi.

Motivator The COC will provide the required job security, clear career path and appropriate environment to encourage Omanis to work in the construction sector.

Since every construction project has a completion period, companies usually release all the unwanted expatriate labour force but cannot do the same with the Omani workforce.

The COC will resolve this key dilemma by providing job security for productive Omanis and flexibility to companies.

Welcoming move Welcoming this move, Mohammad Kabir Ahmed, Managing Director of Kabir Global LLC, said it will help them in meeting the Omanisation quota. “Right now, all the companies are finding it hard to meet the target,” he said.

Mohammed Abudul Kalam, manager of United Dreams LLC, said it would help in cutting down the number of expats in this industry. “We cannot recruit more workers from the same country.

For example, earlier we could recruit as many workers from Bangladesh as we liked, but now only 10 per cent of workers from one country are allowed to be recruited,” he added.

P R E PA R AT O RY M E E T I N G

ROP reviews Muscat festival preparations MUSCAT: A meeting was organised by the Directorate General for Operations of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) on Tuesday to review the preparations for the 2016 Muscat Festival.

The preparatory meeting was chaired by brigadier Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hosni, direc-

tor general for operations, in the presence of the commandants of ROP formations.

During the meeting, the ROP officials discussed issues related to the 2016 Muscat Festival, including required manpower and security aspects at various venues. —ONA

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REGION

NUCLEAR DEAL

Rouhani expects curbs to be lifted by year-end DUBAI: President Hassan Rouhani reaffirmed on Tuesday he expected sanctions on Iran to be lifted by year-end, a week after its clerical supreme leader ordered restrictions that could delay the implementation of Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers.

“According to our plans, the oppressive sanctions against Iran will be lifted by the end of

2015,” state news agency IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying during a ceremony to welcome the new Spanish ambassador to Tehran. Under Iran’s July 14 accord with the six powers, Iran must dismantle large parts of its disputed nuclear programme before international sanctions over suspicions it had bomb-making purposes can be lifted. Most analysts

expect this process, which began on October 18, to take at least four to six months, but Rouhani has repeatedly said he expects sanctions to be lifted in December.

The process was further complicated last week when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s top authority, said Iran would not begin work on two key issues until United Nations in-

Air strike hits Yemen hospital Saudi-led air strike destroyed Heedan hospital leaving two staff wounded

DUBAI: A hospital in north Yemen run by medical aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) was bombed in a Saudi-led air strike, wrecking the facility and lightly wounding two staff members, the group said on Tuesday.

A Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in Yemen’s civil war in March to try to restore its government after its toppling by Houthi militias, but a mounting civilian death toll has alarmed human rights groups.

“Our hospital in the Heedan district of Saada governorate was hit several times. Fortunately, the first hit damaged the operations theatre while it was empty and the staff were busy with people in the emergency room. They just had time to run off as another missile hit the maternity ward,” MSF country director Hassan

Boucenine told Reuters by telephone from Yemen.

“It could be a mistake, but the fact of the matter is it’s a war crime. There’s no reason to target a hospital. We provided (the coalition) with all of our GPS coordinates about two weeks ago,” he said.

At least two staff members were hurt by flying debris, according to Boucenine.

The air raid occurred in north Yemen’s Saada province, a region controlled by Houthi forces. The state news agency Saba, run by the Houthis, said other air strikes hit a nearby girls school and damaged several civilian homes.

It was not immediately possible to confirm that report, and a coalition spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

An MSF hospital was bombed in an American air strike in Kunduz in northern Afghanistan on October 3, killing 22 people including 12 MSF staff.

US President Barack Obama apologised for that attack, but MSF continues to call for an independent humanitarian commission to investigate what it calls a war crime.

“International humanitarian law is not about “mistakes”. It is about intention, facts and why...

It is precisely because attacking hospitals in war zones is prohibited that we expected to be protected,” MSF director Joanne Liu said this month.

Human rights groups have voiced concern at the mounting death toll from aerial bombing and ground fighting raging across Yemen. Amnesty International has recommended an arms embargo on coalition states, citing repeated bombing of Yemeni civilians.

In a separate bombing on Monday, residents reported that a coalition air strike killed Haradh hospital director Yasser Wathab and two people he was travelling with in a car in the northwestern province of Hajja. They said the group were en route to treat patients killed by an earlier air strike.

And the Saudi civil defence ministry said on its Twitter account that several shells fired from Houthi-held north Yemen over the border into the Saudi city of Najran killed two foreign residents and wounding a Saudi citizen.

More than 5,600 people have died in Yemen’s conflict and shuttle diplomacy by a United Nations envoy has yet to secure a political solution or reduce the intensity of combat. — Reuters

spectors issued a report on their investigation into possible military dimensions (PMD) to Iran’s nuclear programme. Ali Akbar Velayati, a top adviser to Khamenei, warned on Tuesday that the top leader’s support for the deal depended on adhering to these and other restrictions. Iran has said its nuclear energy programme is for civilian applications only. — Reuters

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W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015 Even those remarks are being attributed to us which we never made. Defeat stares them in the face, people of Bihar have bid them good bye Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

INDIA

India seeks counter-terror cooperation with Africa External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s remarks came in the backdrop of increasing concerns in the international community on the rising threat posed

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Foreign ministers from African countries pose with their Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj (in orange sari) before their meeting during the India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on Tuesday. - PTI

by the IS and Boko Haram

NEW DELHI: Asserting that there was growing scourge of terrorism in view of fast growing linkages of terrorist groups across the globe, India on Tuesday strongly advocated stepped up cooperation through intelligence exchange and training with 54 African countries.

Addressing her counterparts at the Ministerial Meeting of third India-Africa Forum Summit here, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also forcefully put India’s case for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, saying the country along with Africa comprising nearly 2.5 billion people “can no longer be excluded from their rightful place” in the world body.

Noting that “all our nations find themselves faced with the growing scourge of terrorism”, she said

the menace of non-state actors and cross-border terrorism has acquired a new dimension and the scale of this challenge is huge and undermines the peace and stability in the countries.

Intelligence exchange “In view of the fast growing linkages of such terrorist groups across the globe, we must step up our cooperation through intelligence exchange, training and other measures to counter this

menace. We also hope that the international community will cooperate with urgency to adopt the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism,” she said.

The minister’s remarks came in the backdrop of increasing concerns in the international community on the rising threat posed by the IS and Boko Haram.

Swaraj also talked about various key areas like energy, trade and security where the two sides can collaborate and boost cooperation apart from working together on multilateral fora.

“Although Indians and Africans comprise nearly 2.5 billion people, our nations continue to be excluded from appropriate representation in the institutions of global governance. India and Africa can no longer be excluded from their rightful place of the permanent membership of the UN Security Council,” she said.

“How can we expect legitimacy from a governance structure that excludes the entire African continent and a country, which represents one-sixth of humanity?” she said.

Underlining that democratic reforms are essential in global institutions, Swaraj said the 70th

session of the UN General Assembly is an opportune moment to achieve concrete results to resolve these long-pending issues.

“Unless we put in place more democratic global governance structures, the more equitable and just international security and development frameworks that are essential for the collective peace and prosperity of this planet, will continue to elude us.

“There can no longer be pockets of prosperity in vast areas of underdevelopment and insecurity,” Swaraj said.

Swaraj also batted for enhanced partnership between India and Africa in areas like Blue or Ocean economy, maritime security apart from conventional sectors of agriculture, education and skills development, energy and infrastructure, science and technology.

Noting that over 180,000 Indian troops have participated in UN peacekeeping missions, more than from any other country, she said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced that India will further scale up its participation in UN peacekeeping operations, including by providing training for African peacekeepers at facilities in India and in the field. - PTI

I N I T I AT I V E

Jaitley launches two tax-payer friendly schemes NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday launched two taxpayer friendly measures — eSahyog and PAN camps — with a view to streamlining the taxation procedure.

“The objective of the I-T department is to make life as easy as possible for the assessee and difficult only for those who consciously evade and avoid taxes,” he said while launching the twin initiatives of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

The minister also interacted with officials from different centres through video conferencing and sought clarifications on various issues from officials.

The e-Sahyog is aimed at reducing compliance cost, especially for small taxpayers.

It is to provide an online mechanism to resolve mismatches in income tax returns of taxpayers whose returns have not been selected for scrutiny, without visiting the I-T Office. “e-Sahyog pilot project furthers CBDT’s commitment to work in an e-environment and reduces the need for the taxpayer to physically appear before tax authorities,” a finance ministry statement said.

The PAN camps are aimed at expanding the coverage of number of people through Permanent Account Number (PAN). - PTI

BIHAR POLLS

Modi calls grand alliance partners in Bihar ‘3 Idiots’

GARNERING SUPPORT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to supporters during election rally in Sitamarhi on Tuesday. - PTI

SITAMARHI: Hitting back at Nitish Kumar, who on Monday mouthed a limerick set to a film song to attack him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday likened JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance to “three idiots”, advised the chief minister to perfect the art of “Mushaira” and practise it at leisure after the Bihar polls.

“I have been noticing that Laluji entertains well and Bihar is getting some entertainment after many years. But these days there is an intense rivalry going on between Laluji and Nitishji on many issues — protecting the criminals, doing nepotism, breaking off from truth. Now the competition is also in the field of entertainment.

“Yesterday, I saw Nitishji doing some Mushaira. He felt that he will call some courtiers and journalists, recite poems and defeat Lalu by starting a new form of entertainment. I knew there are three partners in the grand alliance — Congress RJD and JD(U).

But I wonder why Nitish Babu chose a song from the film Three Idiots for his first Mushaira.

“Even if you wanted to parody a poem why did you think of the Three Idiots,” Modi said addressing a rally in Sitamarhi.

Kumar, the grand alliance’s chief ministerial candidate, had on Monday mocked Modi for not keeping promises and his frequent trips abroad using a song from Bollywood blockbuster Three Idiots.

“Bahati Hawa sa tha woh, Gujarat se aaya tha woh, kaala dhan laane wala thaa wo, kahan gaya use doondho. Humko desh ki fikr sataati hai, woh bus videsh ke daure lagaate hain, humko badhti mahangai satata, wo bas mann ki baat sunata. Har waqt apni selfie khinchta tha woh, Dawood ko laane wala tha woh, kahan gaya use dhoondo,” Nitish had said, parodying a song from the film.

(He was like the blowing wind, from Gujarat he came with prom-

ise to bring back black money, where has he gone? Find him.

While we worry about the country, he travels abroad; While price rise bothers us, he tells us only his ‘mann ki baat.

Always busy clicking selfies, he promised to bring back Dawood.

Where has he gone? Find him.)

Hitting back, Modi said, “What a game of entertainment Nitish Babu! You still have a week’s time.

Spend it doing this. Call your four-six courtiers, hold a Mushaira. “Practise it, perfect it, you will get many opportunities after November 8 (the day of counting).

You can then sing at leisure songs of your suffering and shed tears ruing why you left someone, why you joined someone. Keep writing poems on all this and keep shedding tears,” Modi said.

He was apparently referring to Kumar breaking ties with BJP in June 2013 after being together for 17 years following Modi’s appointment as his party’s campaign chief for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and then joining hands with his arch rival RJD chief Lalu Prasad for the Assembly elections in Bihar.

Asserting that leaders of the the anti-BJP grand alliance have “panicked over impending defeat”, Modi accused them of taking to “lies, cheating and betrayal” and repeatedly attacked Nitish over his meeting with a tantrik (occultist).

Terming Nitish’s meeting with the tantrik a sign of “lack of confidence” in the grand alliance, Modi wondered whether such “tantra-mantra can save them”.

Modi said people approach occultists only when they feel all roads are closed to them.

Accusing the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ leaders of levelling “baseless allegations” against NDA and him, he said, “Even those remarks are being attributed to us which we never made. Defeat stares them in the face, people of Bihar have bid them good bye.”- PTI

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PAKISTAN

Taliban militants express their support to quake relief efforts SCAN THIS TO VISIT

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The Taliban, which

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

have stepped up their still surveying damage and troops were working to help reopen the Karakoram highway linking Pakistan to China, after it was blocked by landslides.

Two army helicopters joined the relief mission and a special air force plane flew to the Chitral region, where 29 people were killed and more than 200 injured.

The earthquake struck almost exactly six months after Nepal suffered its worst quake on record, on April 25.

Including the toll from a major aftershock in May, 9,000 people lost their lives there and 900,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.

insurgency against the Western-backed government in Kabul this year, indicated they would not stand in the way of aid efforts

KABUL/ISLAMABAD: The Taliban urged aid agencies on Tuesday to push ahead in delivering emergency relief supplies after a major earthquake hit remote mountainous regions of northern Afghanistan and Pakistan, killing at least 300 people.

Relief groups’ efforts to assess the damage were hindered by an unstable security situation that has left much of the affected areas unsafe for international aid workers and government troops.

But the Taliban, which have stepped up their insurgency against the Western-backed government in Kabul this year, indicated they would not stand in the way of aid efforts.

Appeal “The Emirate calls on our goodwilled countrymen and charitable organizations to not hold back in providing shelter, food and medical supplies to the victims,” the group said in a condolence message to quake victims.

“And it similarly orders its mujahideen in the affected areas to lend

Latest aftershock Monday’s initial quake of magnitude 7.5 was followed by seven aftershocks, of intensity ranging as high as 4.8, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The latest aftershock came just before dawn on Tuesday.

The quake was 213 km (132 miles) deep and centred 254 km (158 miles) northeast of Kabul.

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE: This handout picture released by the Inter Services Public Relations on Tuesday, shows Pakistani members of an army medical team as they move an injured earthquake victim who was evacuated from Chitral by a military plane C-130, at a base in Rawalpindi. — AFP/INTER SERVICES PUBLIC RELATIONS

their complete help.” Authorities confirmed 228 deaths in Pakistan while in Afghanistan, the death toll had climbed to more than 80. At least 4,000 houses and compounds had been destroyed or damaged, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said.

The toll could climb as road and communications links are

restored to isolated villages. As a harsh winter sets in across the rugged Hindu Kush mountains where the earthquake struck, the plight of thousands left homeless is becoming more serious.

Insufficient food “We have insufficient food and other aid,” said Abdul Habib Sayed

Khil, chief of police in Kunar, one of the worst-hit provinces, where 42 people were confirmed dead. “It has been raining for four days and the weather is very cold.”

In Kabul, the capital, NATO officials said they were helping Afghan security forces plan relief operations. In Pakistan, where landslides and heavy rain and

snow over the weekend had already left thousands of tourists stranded in mountainous areas of the north, the country’s wellequipped military was heavily involved in relief efforts.

Surveying damage Military spokesman General Asim Bajwa said assessment teams were

US, Iran assistance The United States and Iran were among countries that offered humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, which already depends heavily on foreign aid after decades of war wrecked its economy and infrastructure.

In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US Agency for International Development was ready to provide emergency shelter and relief supply kits.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said a relief package would be announced after the damage had been assessed. — Reuters

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EU teeters as sceptics rise across continent

Location: Qurum Beach/Photo: Ranjith

AISHA SARWARI READERS’ FORUM

T

he victory of Poland’s anti-Europe Right Wing Law and Justice party is another nail in the coffin of the European Union, primarily because of its failure to halt a migrant crisis threatening to swamp the continent.

This latest win for an anti-Brussels party has come on the heels of Slovenia’s Prime Minister Miro Cerar, stating his country is already overwhelmed by tens of thousands of migrants, declaring that the refugee crisis may be “the end of the EU as such.”

Migration is now officially out of control.

More than 250,000 migrants have crossed the Balkans since September, and still they come.

Greece is taking nine thousand a day, while millions are making their way to Europe from Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

This week’s Polish landslide, in which Law and Justice won 39 per cent, trouncing the centre right ruling party, Civic Platform, is only the latest example of Europe’s voters turning against the Union.

Across the continent, anti-EU parties are sprouting like mushrooms after a flood: Denmark, Germany and Holland are all seeing anti-migration parties zoom up the polls.

France’s National Front is up 13 per cent since the summer, and last year Britain’s anti-EU UKIP beat both mainstream parties in the European elections. Polls in the UK now show a majority of voters will be voting to leave the Union in next year’s referendum.

And anger at Brussels is not confined to the right. Spain’s Eurosceptic leftists are making gains also, in a country where 72 per cent say they no longer trust the EU. And Greece’s Syriza hard left party has won two elections in a row, despite chaotic negotiations with its Euro partners that have made Greece’s lot worse than before.

More election shocks are on the way: Polls show 80 per cent of Sweden’s elected parliamentarians support the EU, but less than 50 per cent of the population.

Meanwhile in Brussels, the bureaucrats, paid by our taxes to govern us, sit paralysed in the headlights of the migrant crisis. EU commission President Jean-Claude Juncker

is still arguing over quotas to share out the 120,000 who arrived in July.

Almost none of the migrants are refugees in the strict sense of the word and are more a currently described as economic migrants: The twenty per cent who are Syrians come not from the country itself, but from camps and housing in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.

Nor are they the poorest of the poor, rather they are the ones who can afford the five thousand dollars or so it costs for gangs to smuggle them to Europe.

What ordinary voters know, and Juncker and his cronies do not, is that Europe is already full. Unemployment is rampant, with one in four out of work in Spain.

The time to crack down on migration was before the gangs established themselves, before the smuggling business became boom time for every gang and mafia enterprise.

But this was impossible, because the rot at the very heart of Europe set in long ago. Since the end of the Cold War, the EU bureaucracy has multiplied, a generation of leaders coming of age in the belief they can draw fat salaries from the tax payers without ever having to make hard decisions.

The EU “project” was to become a super state, where nobody needed work and everyone would get benefits.

The most surprising thing about the victories of Poland’s Law and Justice party, and of all the other anti-Union parties, is their unity of purpose. All are propelled by voters who think along the same lines. These voters may be against other continents emptying enmasse into Europe, but on the desire for law and order, for democracy and the right to have their taxes spent wisely, they are remarkably united. It is not Europe as a continent that millions of citizens want to leave, but instead the ghastly cloying bureaucracy that is the European Union. That Union’s failure to deal with the migrant crisis these past few months has become the last straw for the majority of the people that live in Europe and that fact will be evident in the polls of future EU countries elections. - Special to Times of Oman Richard Galustian is a Middle East security expert based in Libya

Red meat intake link with cancer is worrying This refers to the news story, Processed meat can cause cancer: WHO (October 27). The findings of the World Health Organisation that processed meat causes cancer is a wake up call. According to the study by the France-based International Agency for Research on Cancer, regular and habitual intake of red meat may cause bowel cancer. Along with earlier findings that meat may cause heart diseases and obesity, these new findings are really worrying. People who consume a meat-based diet have to be cautious now, as they are at risk. People who occasionally eat a large quantity of red meat are also at risk. A limited occasional intake of red and processed meat Scan this QR code to send letters to the may not be unhealthy as long as one is Readers’ Forum, engaged with an active life with modercontaining not more ate exercises. than 200 words with — P. A. Jacob, Muscat full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

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CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2000 Workshop on controlling and monitoring fishing grounds MUSCAT: Dr Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Rowahi, minister of agriculture and fisheries, opened a regional workshop on control and monitoring of fishing grounds in the Indian Ocean Rim countries at Sheraton Oman Hotel yesterday. The event is one of several workshops held by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) during the past 15 years.

INVITATION TO WRITERS

(in 1000's of tonnes) 2013

January

2014

830.4 546.5

February

862 378.1

March

755.2 377.2

April

1,525

250.7

June

383.7

1,111.3

639.9

1,182 1,328.9

July 574.4

TODAY IN HISTORY

August September

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE Protect your cash and valuables through New India’s MONEY INSURANCE POLICY.

1636: Harvard College, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, is founded in Cambridge.

1901: Race riots sparked by Booker T. Washington’s visit to the White House kill 34.

1904: St. Louis police use fingerprints for finding evidence .

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The articles should not exceed 800 words. Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

IMPORTS OF CARGO QUANTITY AT SOHAR PORT

May

Increase in absconding workers is a really worrisome trend

The increase in the number of people absconding from work in recent times is quite an alarming scenario, as their details are being published in the print media frequently. As the amnesty, which was extended to expatriate community who overstay in the country due to invalid documentations to proceed to their home countries, has nearly expired, this rise is really upsetting. — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

PICTOGRAPH

www.newindiaoman.com

2007: Argentina elects its first woman president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

505.6 588.5

1,570.4 2,094.8 1,349.0 1,970.3

October November

1,285.2 1,519.9

December

1,274.7 1,706.3

1,274.7 2013

TOTAL

1,706.3 2014

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information

WEDNE SDAY, O CTO BER 28, 2015

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W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

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China summons US envoy over South China Sea patrol SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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The patrol by the

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

USS Lassen was the most significant US challenge yet to the 12-nauticalmile territorial limits China asserts around the islands in the Spratly

BONE OF CONTENTION: This file photo taken on November 7, 2009 shows the guided missile destroyer USS Lassen anchored at Tien Sa port in Vietnam’s central coastal city of Danang during an official port of call. The US Navy destroyer navigated early on Tuesday within 12 nautical miles of artificial islands China is building in the South China Sea, a US defence official said. - AFP

archipelago

WASHINGTON/BEIJING: China’s Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui summoned US Ambassador Max Baucus on Tuesday to protest against a US naval patrol close to China’s man-made islands in the South China Sea, Chinese state television said.

Zhang called the US patrol “extremely irresponsible” and urged the United States to cease actions

that harm China’s sovereignty and security interests, China Central Television reported.

The patrol by the USS Lassen was the most significant US challenge yet to the 12-nautical-mile territorial limits China asserts around the islands in the Spratly archipelago and could ratchet up tension in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

One US defence official said the USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef. A second

defence official said the mission, which lasted a few hours, included Mischief Reef and would be the first in a series of freedom-of-navigation exercises aimed at testing China’s territorial claims.

Warned China’s Foreign Ministry said the “relevant authorities” monitored, followed and warned the USS Lassen as it “illegally” entered waters near islands and reefs in the Spratlys without the Chinese

government’s permission.

“China will resolutely respond to any country’s deliberate provocations,” the ministry said in a statement that gave no details on precisely where the US ship sailed.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang later told a daily briefing that if the US continued to “create tensions in the region,” China might conclude it had to “increase and strengthen the building up of our relevant abilities”.

Lu did not elaborate, except to say he hoped it did not come to that, but his comments suggested China could further boost its military presence in the South China Sea. “China hopes to use peaceful means to resolve all the disputes, but if China has to make a response then the timing, method and tempo of the response will be made in accordance with China’s wishes and needs.”

The second US defence official said additional patrols would follow in coming weeks and could be conducted around features that

Vietnam and the Philippines have built up in the Spratlys.

“This is something that will be a regular occurrence, not a one-off event,” said the official.

“It’s not something that’s unique to China.”

White House spokesman Josh Earnest referred questions on any specific operations to the Pentagon but said the United States had made clear to China the importance of free flow of commerce in the South China Sea. The US Navy last went within 12 miles of Chinese-claimed territory in the Spratlys in 2012.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of world trade passes every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims.

The Philippines, a vocal critic of China’s activities in the South China Sea, welcomed the United States action.

“The American passage through these contentious waters is meant precisely to say that there are norms as to what freedom-of-navigation entails and they intend to exercise so there is no de facto changing of the reality on the ground,” President Benigno Aquino told reporters. - Reuters

DISASTER TOURISM

Indonesia’s disaster sites get makeover as tourist spots SCAN THIS TO VISIT

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SIDOARJO (Indonesia): Plodding around a vast field of mud that sits on top of a dozen submerged villages, tourists snap photographs of a volcano that is still spewing sludge nearly a decade after it erupted in one of the strangest disasters on record.

A short distance away, a woman surveys stone sculptures of halfburied people and monuments commemorating the 2006 catastrophe that displaced tens of thousands of villagers and transformed a landscape stretching across hundreds of hectares at the eastern end of Indonesia’s Java island.

Disaster tourism has become more common in Indonesia, where visitors are drawn to sites of earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions to witness the aftermath of catastrophes or simply do some soul-searching.

“I had watched a lot of the news on television, but I didn’t expect that seeing it with my own eyes could give such a different impression,” said tourist Wisnu Titik at Sidoarjo’s mudflow disaster site. - Reuters

LIVING IN DUNES

Calais migrants face grim winter CALAIS (France): In the Calais migrant camp where the stench of garbage and bonfires of plastic waste taint the chilly sea air, a man in a polythene rain suit cycles on the spot, powering a dynamo to charge a mobile phone.

Of the 700,000 people who have reached Europe this year looking for peace and prosperity but lacking the papers to stay, the 6,000 living in the dunes on the northwest coast of France in hope of reaching Britain may be among the most determined and resourceful.

Yet simply staying warm, healthy, and in touch with loved ones is proving a challenge there as winter tightens its grip on the sprawl of tents and shanties.

There are families, young children, disabled people, and some who are making a living at the site, known locally as “the jungle”.

Not everybody is trying their luck with the regular Russian roulette of cutting holes in fences, leaping on trucks and trains, and trying to walk the undersea tunnel.

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Brwa, a 17 year-old Iraqi from Kirkuk, has been in the jungle for four months. He says he is the only member of his family attempting to go to Britain every night. In his tent are his parents, his sister, her husband and a oneyear old baby girl called Elia, who is sleeping.

“We use (canister) gas to heat the tent and everybody wants to come inside. The baby is always kept under blankets and a sleeping bag,” he says. Kazhen, 27, who fled from Kirkuk in Iraq in September, is blind, and moves around with the help of his friends.

“So many people are catching a cold. We wear a lot of clothing,” he says. Residents camping here are trying to reach Britain, which is in the European Union but outside its Schengen border-free travel zone. - Reuters

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

Mexico’s millionaire getaways ravaged by hurricane Patricia COSTA CAREYES (Mexico): Mexico may have dodged a bullet from the fury of Hurricane Patricia, but jet setters like Bill Gates, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cindy Crawford will have to find a new playground for now after the storm ravaged some of the world’s most exclusive holiday homes.

Patricia, packing 165mph (266 kph) winds, carved a swathe through relatively remote parts of rural Mexico last week, hammering exclusive retreats favoured by A-list stars.

While Patricia missed the sunkissed Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta and key port of Manzanillo, some of its fiercest winds first struck the eight miles (13 km) of private beach at the luxury vacation resort of Costa Careyes, where pop singer Seal married his now ex-wife, model Heidi Klum, a decade ago.

Founded by Italian bankerturned-real estate developer Gian Franco Brignone in 1968, prospective landowners in Careyes must comply with a list of eccentric rules that include “living in the present,” one visitor said.

Despite the hefty price tag of the properties, which can rent for up to $12,000 a night, wearing branded clothing and flashiness with money are frowned upon.

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Just a week ago, the resort’s multi-million dollar villas were enveloped in thick foliage that shrouded them from prying eyes along the coastal highway.

“It looks like an atomic bomb exploded here,” said Gustavo Gomez, head of security at the resort, pointing to hillsides bristling with denuded tree trunks, their foliage sucked off by Patricia’s devastating winds.

Evacuated The 20 or so guests staying at Careyes were evacuated before the storm hit, while the wider impact on Mexico was muted by a combination of factors including its speed and the fact it was broken up when it ran into mountains. No one was killed.

“People would pass by on the highway up there and they had no way of knowing what was here because everything used to be completely green,” Gomez said of the transformed landscape, which he estimates will take at least a year to recover. -Reuters

WE DNE SDAY, O CTO BER 28, 2015

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WORLD ‘Turkey hit Kurd militia in Syria’ We have said ‘PYD will not cross west of the Euphrates, we will hit them the moment they do’ and we have struck them twice, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on TV

ISTANBUL: Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey had struck Kurdish militia fighters in Syria twice after they defied Ankara’s warning not to cross west of the Euphrates river.

Ankara fears that advances by the Kurdish YPG militia, backed by

INSURGENCY: Weapons and bomb-making materials seized by Turkish special forces following clashes with suspected IS fighters are displayed at the Diyarbakir police on Tuesday. —AFP /STRINGER

its PYD political wing, on the Syrian side of its 900 km (560-mile) border will fuel separatist ambitions among Turkey’s own Kurds in the southeast of the country.

Washington has supported Kurds in Syria as an effective force in combating Islamic State militants, complicating its relationship with longtime ally and fellow

S W I N G T O WA R D S NAT I O NA L I S M

Poland’s eurosceptics score outright parliamentary win WARSAW: The eurosceptic Law and Justice party (PiS) has become the first party to win an outright majority in the Polish parliament since the fall of communism in 1989, official results showed on Tuesday.

Run by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the twin brother of Poland’s late president Lech, the PiS secured 235 seats out of 460 in the lower chamber of parliament, the Sejm, allowing it to form a government without coalition partners.

The victory marks a decisive swing towards nationalism and distrust of the European Union in the country of 38 million, suggesting there will be tensions with Warsaw’s key allies in Brussels.

State control The socially conservative PiS has promised to increase state control of the economy, tax banks and stop privatisation.

It also wants to lower the retirement age and boost economic growth to 5 per cent through fiscal and monetary stimulus.

The PiS’s opposition to accepting migrants fleeing war in the Middle East and Africa is likely to set it on a collision course with its key EU allies

It rejects adoption of the euro single currency any time soon.

The incumbent centrist Civic Platform won 138 seats, while the anti-establishment Kukiz’15 party secured 42 seats, the promarket liberal Nowoczesna won 28 seats, and the agrarian PSL 16.

Two leftist parties failed to pass the election threshold, meaning leftists will have no representa-

tion in the legislature for the first time since 1989.Law and Justice also secured an outright majority in the upper chamber of parliament, the senate.

The president, Andrzej Duda, was also elected in May on a PiS ticket, giving the PiS a clean sweep of the main elected offices.

It did not, however, secure a big enough majority to be able to change the constitution, something it has aspired to in the past.

Negative for credit rating Moody’s rating agency said on Tuesday that the PiS’ election victory could undermine Poland’s status as a regional safe haven for investors, and was negative for its credit rating.

Poland has seen its economy, the largest in ex-communist central Europe, expand by nearly 50 percent in the last decade, with the pro-market Civic Platform focusing on trying to make the most of EU aid and combining green-field investment with fiscal prudence. — Reuters

NATO member Turkey.

“We have said ‘PYD will not cross west of the Euphrates, we will hit them the moment they do’ and we have struck them twice,”

Davutoglu told AHaber Television late on Monday, without saying when the incidents took place.

Two senior Turkish officials told Reuters that Ankara had warned the United States and Russia earlier this month that it would not tolerate Kurdish militias encroaching on territory in northwestern Syria close to its border.

The YPG militia said in statements over the weekend that the Turkish army had twice attacked its positions near the border towns of Tel Abyad and Kobane.

“Turkey has drawn its red line as the west of Euphrates and this incident is in line with that warning,” a Turkish government official said, also without specifying a date

for the incident. Tel Abyad, on the border with Turkey, was captured in June from IS by Kurdish YPG militia backed up by US-led air strikes. Last week a local leadership council declared it part of the system of autonomous self-government established by the Kurds.

That has infuriated Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who on Saturday accused Kurdish groups of trying to grab control of all of northern Syria, adding that Ankara would not allow that to happen.

Syrian Kurds have established three autonomous zones, or “cantons”, across northern Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011.

They deny aiming to establish their own state. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM W EDN ES DAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015

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Oman to award 14 projects in Duqm Twenty three construction projects are underway in Duqm and 14 projects are in the tendering stage, said a Sezad official, who put the value of the ongoing projects at OMR200m

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Twenty three construction projects are underway in Duqm and 14 construction projects are in the tendering stage, said an official at the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm (Sezad), who put the value of the ongoing projects at around

OMR200 million.

Sezad aims to contribute to economic diversification, increase its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), help balance regional development and create high-value jobs, said Anwar Kahlan Al Battashi, urban planning manager at Sezad.

He made the comments at a presentation at the Oman Pro-

jects Forum on Tuesday, in which he briefed the participants on the latest master plans, various components, projects, existing and upcoming infrastructure as well as the business opportunities.

Different phases The development of Duqm will take place in several phases, he said, adding that the timeframe for the first phase is 2015 to 2025. The second phase is expected to be developed between 2026 and 2035, the third phase from 2036 to 2045, and the fourth phase will start afterwards, Al Battashi noted.

According to him, the development will be a mix of heavy, medium and light industries, which will be shaped based on environmental and sustainability principles.

One of the projects highlighted by the official was the Duqm Beach

Resort which will be developed in a 45-hectare land, with an investment of $500 million.

The project includes tourism, residential and commercial development, which is expected to create 1,000 jobs by 2020, Anwar Kahlan Al Battashi.

the fourth quarter of 2018, while the full operation is expected in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The urban planning manager at Sezad also commented on other important developments such as the railway project and the planned fisheries zone in Duqm.

Duqm Refinery The other project that the official says will give Duqm even a greater edge over other ports is the Duqm Refinery, being constructed in a 900 hectare-area with an investment of over $6.5 billion.

The capacity of the facility will be 230,000 barrels per day, he said, adding that 800 to 1,000 jobs will be created during the operation and up to 25,000 during construction.

Al Battashi noted that site preparation is going on and commissioning is expected to take place in

Frontier town Simon Newberry, associate principal – design, planning and economics, AECOM, delivered a presentation on the second phase of the master plan for Duqm Frontier Town, the challenges of developing a frontier town and implications for Duqm.

The expert said that Duqm can learn from the experience of successful frontier towns around the world, which have succeeded in developing not only a good physical infrastructure but also the

social infrastructure.

According to him, some of the challenges facing the development of a frontier town are the different age profiles of the people living in the town, gender imbalance, transient population, spatial planning and phasing, infrastructure and construction as well as social challenges, especially those related to family connections and communication.

Ample opportunities Newberry said that there are good opportunities in Duqm for frontier town development and coordination between regulators, developers and consultants can help create a successful model. Adaptability of buildings, coordination of development, concentration of development and social infrastructure should be taken into consideration, he noted.

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W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

MARKET

IndiGo opens $462m-initial public offering Indian airline is seeking to raise Rs30.01b ($462m), according to terms for the deal, which will make it India’s largest IPO HONG KONG: Bidding opened on Tuesday for shares in the parent company of India’s leading airline, IndiGo, the nation’s biggest initial public offering (IPO) in almost three years.

InterGlobe Aviation and its existing investors are seeking to raise as much as Rs30.01 billion ($462 million), according to terms for the deal, which would make it India’s largest IPO since Bharti Infratel’s December 2012 offering.

With India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitching India as a safe and lucrative destination for foreign money, the sale will help gauge investor sentiment toward the world’s fastest growing major economy.

It’s the first IPO by a local airline since the 2006 listing of Deccan Aviation, which later was taken over by now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Jet Airways India, then India’s largest private airline, raised Rs19 billion in its 2005 IPO. Market leadership “Indigo’s market leadership position, cost competitiveness and low-cost carrier business model, along with India’s aviation potential, make IndiGo one of the consistent performers” in the country’s airline industry, Anand Rathi Share & Stock Brokers wrote in an October 26 research note. The Mumbai-based bro-

kerage recommended its clients subscribe for shares in the initial public offering.

IndiGo, the only Indian airline to have made a profit in each of the past seven years, is trying to tap a market where carriers have lost a combined $10 billion over the past six years, according to the Sydneybased CAPA Centre for Aviation.

At the top end of its proposed range of Rs700 to Rs765 a share, the IPO would value the airline at about Rs275.66 billion. That would make IndiGo the thirdlargest budget carrier in the AsiaPacific region, according to data.

As part of the IPO, IndiGo said it would allocate 10.9 million shares at Rs765 apiece to anchor investors, including the Kuwait Investment Authority and Harvard Management and Abu Dhabi Investment Council, for a total of Rs8.32 billion. Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley are leading the offering.

Barclays, Kotak Mahindra Bank and UBS Group also are working on the IPO. - Bloomberg News

WEDNE SDAY, O CTO BER 28, 2015

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MARKET S E L L I N G E N T I R E S TA K E

Oman-India fund divests stake in Solar Industries Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman India Joint Investment Fund, a joint venture between State Bank of India (SBI) and Oman’s sovereign fund, on Tuesday sold off its entire stake of 4.28 per cent in Solar Industries India for a little over Rs2400 million, according to a report carried by an Indian newspaper.

According to bulk deals data available with Bombay Stock Exchange, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for promoting joint investment in projects in India sold 7,74,195 shares, amounting to 4.28 per cent stake of the company.

The shares were sold for an average price of Rs3,100.42, valuing the deal, the ‘Economic ‘Times said.

The investment fund was formed in 2011 by State Bank of India and the State General Reserve Fund of Oman.

Meanwhile, SBI Mutual Fund bought 4,55,609 shares in Solar Industries India for Rs1412.3 million and Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund purchased 1,03,500 shares of the firm for Rs320.8 million.

OMR250m bids accepted in first sovereign sukuk issue scription with a committed orderbook of OMR336 million in firm orders is a confident step towards meeting the needs of the Islamic finance industry in the country and to supporting the national objective of developing the capital market in Oman,” he added.

The five-year benchmark sukuk was oversubscribed 1.7 times but the ministry finally accepted bids up to OMR250m at a cut-off yield of 3.50 per cent per annum

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s maiden sovereign sukuk issue has evoked a strong response to raise a total of OMR336 million in firm orders from a wide base of investors comprising both conventional and Islamic institutions.

The five-year benchmark sovereign sukuk issuance was oversubscribed close to 1.7 times. Against this strong committed orderbook, the Ministry of Finance has finally accepted bids up to OMR250 million at a cut-off yield of 3.50 per cent per annum to meet

one of its objectives of offering an investment avenue to Islamic institutions in Oman.

Approval by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) has also been received for the final allocation.

Capital market Commenting on the successful completion of the debut sovereign sukuk issuance, Mohammed Jawad bin Hassan, advisor to the Ministry of Finance and chairman of the Sukuk Committee, said: “The government had laid out very clear objectives for this debut sovereign sukuk issuance

Mohammed Jawad bin Hassan.

– Supplied picture

including offering investment avenues for Islamic financial institutions, Islamic funds and Takaful operators in Oman to deploy their excess funds in a Sharia-compliant manner in the country, and to support the development of the capital market in Oman.”

“The successful closure of the issuance and its sizeable oversub-

Book-building process It was the first time for a debt capital market issuance in Oman to be priced through a book-building process with a uniform price auction and this was a feature that was well received by the investors.

“We are delighted with the positive and strong response from a wide base of investors for the sovereign sukuk issuance despite the challenging environment. The success of this issue is an important step for the development of the capital market in Oman as it sets a benchmark for future issuances by the Government and also by the private sector players to meet their development and funding needs, while diversifying the financing base and risk away

from the traditional banking sector,” said Abdullah Al Salmi, executive president of the Capital Market Authority.

The issuance is rated A1 by Moody’s Investors Service, in line with the Sultanate’s rating.

The issuance is structured as a Sukuk-al-Ijara, which is a leasebased structure widely known and recognised in the global Islamic finance industry.

The sukuk will be listed on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM). Muscat Clearing and Depository (MCD) is acting as the certificate holders’ agent, paying agent and registrar for the sukuk investors. Once listed, the sukuk certificates can be traded on the MSM through CMA-licensed brokers with clearing and settlement through MCD.

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L I QU E F I E D NAT U R A L G A S

Iran seeks Oman’s spare capacity for liquefied gas Times News Service MUSCAT: Iran is seeking the Sultanate’s spare liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity to process the country’s gas for exports. Plans are afoot to lay a pipeline that will transport gas between the two friendly countries.

LNG is a natural gas form, which is converted into liquid form for ease of storage or transport.

Alireza Kameli, managing director of National Iranian Gas Export Company (NIGEC), pointed out that “currently, about 25 per cent of Omani LNG production plants’ capacity is empty” and that he underlined Iran’s plans to dedicate the empty capacity in Oman’s plants to Iranian LNG, according to a report published by Mehr News Agency.

“It means, on the basis of the new agreement, the commission costs of Omani LNG plants will be paid by Iran,” he said.

Describing details of Iran’s plan to join LNG retail market, the NIGEC managing director said that agreements with Muscat to convert part of Iran’s gas to LNG in Oman has already been signed. “The total available capacity at Oman’s LNG plant mounts to 1.5 million tonnes per year a part of which will be dedicated to Iran,” he added Reminding that Iran will own the produced LNG being in charge of its marketing, he said, “normally, participation in the market will be more convenient for us because the project will be carried out in joint

collaboration with Oman which already has its own costumers.”

Kameli said the gas contract with Oman consists of two stages one being basic marine engineering studies for which a contract has been signed and a contractor has been chosen.

He maintained that the next phase would be selection of another contractor to construct pipelines to transfer Iran’s gas to Oman.

Stressing that the pipeline construction process would approximately require two years, Kameli asserted, “accordingly, the two

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

IMF paints gloomy outlook for sub-Saharan African economy JOHANNESBURG: This year’s slump in commodity prices and the end of a flood of cheap dollars has pegged back African growth to its weakest in six years and things could get worse if the global economy continues to flounder, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday.

In its latest African Economic Outlook, entitled ‘Dealing with the Gathering Clouds’, the Fund said the poorest continent was likely to grow 3.75 per cent this year and 4.25 per cent next, a big drop from the years before and after the 2008/2009 financial crisis.

“The strong growth momentum evident in the region in recent years has dissipated,” the report said.

“With the possibility that the external environment might turn even less favourable, risks to this outlook remain on the downside.”

Hardest-hit have been sub-Sahara’s eight oil exporters — led by top producers Nigeria and Angola — although others such as Ghana,

HARD-HIT In its latest African Economic Outlook, the fund said the poorest continent was likely to grow 3.75 per cent this year and 4.25 per cent next year, a big drop from the years before and after the 2008/2009 financial crisis

Zambia and South Africa were also suffering from weak minerals prices, power shortages and difficult financing conditions.

Some bright spots However, the Fund noted some bright spots, most notably Ivory Coast, which is scheduled to expand as much as 9 per cent this year due to an investment boom

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that followed the end of a brief civil war in 2012.

This weekend’s overwhelmingly peaceful election, which President Alassane Ouattara — a former IMF official — is widely expected to win, has reinforced hopes Francophone Africa’s biggest economy has put its worst years behind it.

With commodities revenues forecast to remain depressed for several years, governments have to work quickly to diversify revenue sources by improving domestic tax collection, said Antoinette Sayeh, head of the IMF’s Africa department.

“Mobilising more revenues is an urgent matter - as is being more exacting in choosing expenditure,” she said. “It’s a difficult patch, but we definitely think that countries can move out of the very difficult terrain and grow more robustly.” Public debt levels have been rising, in part because of access since 2007 to international capital markets. - Reuters

countries have agreed that part of the transferred gas will be used by Oman and the rest will be devoted to LNG production.”

According to a Memorandum of Understanding which had been signed between Iran and Oman’s oil and energy ministers three years ago, the two sides agreed to begin construction of a gas pipeline from Iran to Oman.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh has deemed one of the most important reasons of exporting gas to Oman as participation in LNG retail market; “exporting gas to Oman will provide the opportunity to sell Iran’s natural gas to other countries in particular Asian countries,” he noted.

The project of transferring gas from Kish field to Oman will cover a 200-kilometre pipeline which for the most part would be located under the water; in the first phase of the project, one million cubic feet of gas will be transferred.

Natural gas falls below $2 for first time in three years LONDON: United States natural gas traded below $2 per million British thermal units on Tuesday for the first time since April 2012 as a glut of the power-plant and heating fuel expands toward a record.

Unusually warm weather for this time of year is threatening to crimp gas demand just as caverns and reservoirs are filling up with supplies.

Money managers raised bearish gas bets last week to an all-time high.

Gas reaching $2 “definitely

pressures the producers to cut back on investment, to cut back on drilling and leave a little bit of gas in the ground for later,” Tim Evans, an energy analyst at Citi Futures Perspective in New York, said. “In terms of the bigpicture, boom- or-bust cycle, we are in the bust phase.”

Drillers are using hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling to pull so much gas out of US shale that stockpiles of the fuel are on track to reach a record 3.956 trillion cubic feet. - Bloomberg News

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W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,939.97 .............. 5,932.95 ....................5,937.91 ...................5,932.95....................4.96 ...................0.08 Financial Index ..................................... 7,331.16 ...............7,288.88 ....................7,325.58 ................... 7,288.88..................36.70 ...................0.50 Industrial Index ................................... 7,342.36 ...............7,325.66 ....................7,338.63 ...................7,322.23..................16.40 ...................0.22 Services Index ...................................... 3,284.16 ...............3,280.17 ................... 3,280.17 ...................3,283.49.................. -3.32 .................. -0.10 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 913.93 .................. 909.74 ....................... 913.65 .......................909.74.................... 3.91 ................... 0.43 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 27,366,174 .................. 3,629,079 .................... 894 ............... 14,736,851,634 .................11 ..................... 10 ....................24 .........................45

The top gainer was Bank Nizwa, up by 5.19 per cent, while Oman Textiles was the day’s

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27

top loser, down by 4.89 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat bourse edged up on buying support, although trading volumes remained weak. The MSM 30 Index closed on a stable note at 5,937.91 points, up by 0.08 per cent. The MSM Shariah Index gained 0.43 per cent to close at 913.65 points.

Bank Nizwa led in terms of volume as well as turnover. Tuesday’s top gainer was Bank Nizwa, up by 5.19 per cent, while Oman Textiles was the day’s top loser, down by 4.89 per cent.

As many as 894 trades were executed in the session generating a turnover of OMR3.62 million with 27.3 million shares changing hands. Out of 45 traded securities, 11 advanced, 10 declined and 24 remained unchanged. At the close of the session, Omani investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR190,000 followed

by GCC and Arab investors at OMR89,000. Foreign investors, who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR279,000.

Financial Index advanced 0.50 per cent to close at 7,325.58 points. Bank Nizwa, Al Izz Bank, Al Madina Investments, Oman United Insurance and Global Financial Investment increased 5.19 per cent, 4.05 per cent, 1.69 per cent, 1.17 per cent and 0.98 per cent respectively. Gulf Investment Services and Al Sharqia Investments decreased 1 per cent and 0.88 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 7,338.63 points, up by 0.22 per cent. National Aluminium, Oman Fisheries, Oman Cement and Dhofar Cattlefeed gained 4.07 per cent, 1.75 per cent, 1.35 per cent and 0.95 per cent respectively.

Oman Textiles and Gulf International Chemicals declined 4.89 per cent and 0.69 per cent respectively.

Services Index declined 0.10 per cent to close at 3,280.17 points. Port Services and Al Jazeera Services advanced 0.62 per

cent and 0.49 per cent respectively. National Gas, Renaissance Services, OIFC, ACWA Power and Omantel declined 1.91 per cent, 1.13 per cent, 0.54 per cent, 0.49 per cent and 0.30 per cent respectively.

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

OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 754,977 ......... 173,609..................... 48 ........... 0.228 ...........0.233 ...........0.227........... 0.230 .............0.221 ........... 0.009.............4.072 ................0.230..............0.229...................0.230 ................... 7,721,434 ..........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 630,100 ............37,886..................... 26 ........... 0.060 ........... 0.061 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.059 ............0.001 ............. 1.695 ................0.061 ..............0.060...................0.061...................12,429,083 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ............................................................10,000 ...............4,527........................2 ........... 0.454 ...........0.454 ...........0.450........... 0.452 .............0.446 ........... 0.006............. 1.345 ................0.450..............0.450...................0.480 .................149,554,465........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 100,800 ...........26,208........................9 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.260 .......... 0.260 .............0.257 ........... 0.003..............1.167.................0.260..............0.256...................0.260 ..................26,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 188,674.............19,483..................... 10 ............0.103 ........... 0.104 ...........0.103........... 0.103 .............0.102 ............0.001 .............0.980 ................0.103 ..............0.100...................0.104...................20,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION .........................13,000 ...............2,122........................3 ............0.163 ........... 0.164 ...........0.163 ............0.163 .............0.162.............0.001 ............. 0.617 ................0.164 ..............0.164...................0.165 ................... 15,491,520 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................24,699 .............10,196........................3 ............0.412 ........... 0.414 ...........0.412 ........... 0.412 .............0.410............ 0.002............. 0.488 ................0.412 ..............0.412...................0.418................... 25,216,160 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ..............................................................799 ...................919........................1 ............1.150 ........... 1.150............1.150 ............1.120 ............. 1.120............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.150 ...............1.115...................1.230................. 224,000,000 .......0.100

Emerging stocks drop Emerging-market stocks fell with currencies before a Federal Reserve meeting as utility companies tumbled and lower oil prices dragged down energy producers. Russia’s ruble depreciated the most among its peers.

Dubai’s equities gauge slid to the weakest level in six weeks, while Saudi shares retreated 3 per cent. Gazprom dragged Russian equities lower as oil prices declined before United States data forecast to show crude stockpiles expanded in the world’s biggest consumer. The ruble headed for a three-week low.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index lost 0.8 per cent to 860.90 in London, its second day of decreases. While futures traders are assigning only a 4 per cent chance the Fed will raise interest rates at its two-day meeting starting on Tuesday, investors will be watching for commentary that may signal a policy shift on the near-zero borrowing costs that have supported demand for riskier assets.

Fed expectations are weighing on developing-country assets, said Maarten-Jan Bakkum, a senior emerging-markets strategist at NN Investment Partners in The Hague, said. Emerging markets have also faced pressure from "growth concerns in China and deteriorating commodity prices," he said.

The developing-nations measure has fallen 10 percent this year and trades at 11.3 times projected 12-month earnings. The MSCI World Index has lost 0.7 per cent.

OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ......................................8,765 ...............2,665........................3 ........... 0.304...........0.304 ...........0.304 .......... 0.304 .............0.304 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.304............. 0.304...................0.308 .................407,575,916 ........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 388,138............ 46,965........................7 ............0.121 ........... 0.121............0.121 ............0.121 ............. 0.121............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.121 .............. 0.118...................0.122..................242,037,848........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 2,031,385 ......375,226....................113 ............0.185 ........... 0.187 ...........0.183 ............0.185 ............. 0.185............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.184.............. 0.183...................0.184................... 27,763,875 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .........................................................................1,455 .................. 298........................1 ........... 0.205 ...........0.205 ...........0.205........... 0.205 .............0.205 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.205..............0.192...................0.204 .................292,132,410........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 123,000 ............15,990........................7 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.128...................0.130...................40,399,442.........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 168,637.............41,147......................12 ........... 0.244...........0.244 ...........0.244 .......... 0.244 .............0.244 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.244 ............ 0.244...................0.248 ................. 376,913,765 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 725,739..........388,996..................... 32 ........... 0.536 ........... 0.536 ...........0.536........... 0.536 .............0.536 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.536..............0.536...................0.538................ 1,228,416,912 ......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 423,000........... 74,267......................13 ............0.176 ........... 0.177 ...........0.174 ............0.176 ............. 0.176............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.175 .............. 0.174...................0.176 ..................253,693,440 .......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 260,701............ 22,541..................... 28 ........... 0.087 ...........0.087 ...........0.085........... 0.086 .............0.086 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.085..............0.085...................0.087...................24,938,335.........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ................................................... 133,238............ 58,624........................6 ........... 0.440...........0.440 ...........0.436........... 0.440 .............0.440 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.440..............0.434...................0.440 ..................26,620,000.........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 220,132 ......... 167,300......................21 ............0.760 ........... 0.760 ...........0.760........... 0.760 .............0.760 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.760..............0.760...................0.768.................. 494,717,615 ........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ............................................72,625 ............54,324........................2 ............0.748 ........... 0.748 ...........0.748 ............0.748 ............. 0.748............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.748 ............. 0.000...................0.752..................149,327,429 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................. 2,190 ...............6,001........................1 ............2.740 ........... 2.740 ...........2.740........... 2.740 .............2.740 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.740............. 2.500...................2.740..................261,552,714 ........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.............................................. 84,400 ................7,174......................12 ........... 0.085 ...........0.085 ...........0.085........... 0.085 .............0.085 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.085..............0.084...................0.085...................14,875,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................81,283 ............. 17,455........................8 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.211 ............0.215 ............. 0.215............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.214..............0.214...................0.215..................145,100,797 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................... 76,918 ............. 16,521......................12 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.211 ............0.215 ............. 0.215............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.215 ..............0.212...................0.215..................153,597,363 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................28,450 .............13,233........................7 ........... 0.470 ...........0.470 ...........0.464........... 0.466 .............0.466 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.464..............0.460...................0.464 ..................24,465,000.........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 111,400 .......... 182,314......................15 ............1.630 ........... 1.640 ...........1.630 ............1.635 .............1.640 ...........-0.005 ........... -0.305 ...............1.635 .............. 1.630...................1.635 ................1,226,250,000......0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ................................................. 5,500 ...............4,488........................1 ............0.816 ........... 0.816 ...........0.816 ............0.816 .............0.820 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.488 ...............0.816 ............. 0.000...................0.816..................130,560,000........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 225,000 ............41,615......................17 ............0.186 ........... 0.186 ...........0.183 ............0.185 ............. 0.186............-0.001 ........... -0.538 ...............0.183 .............. 0.181...................0.184...................37,000,000.........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 156,500 ...........45,020......................11 ........... 0.290...........0.290 ...........0.286........... 0.288 .............0.290 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.690 ...............0.286..............0.285...................0.286 ...................6,048,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............23,342 ............... 2,618........................9 ............0.113 ........... 0.113............ 0.111 ............0.112 ............. 0.113 ............-0.001 ........... -0.885 ...............0.113 ...............0.111................... 0.113 ...................10,080,000.........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES .......................... 40,000 ...............3,975........................2 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.099........... 0.099 .............0.100 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.000 ...............0.099..............0.099...................0.100.................... 5,825,478 ..........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 654,695 ..........114,663..................... 33 ............0.175 ........... 0.176 ...........0.175 ............0.175 ............. 0.177............-0.002 ............-1.130................0.175 .............. 0.175...................0.176 ...................50,863,929.........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................10,000 ...............3,084........................2 ............0.310 ........... 0.310 ...........0.308........... 0.308 ............. 0.314............-0.006 ............-1.911 ................0.308..............0.308...................0.320 ..................15,400,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,779,542 ...1,981,454...................477 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......33........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 12,850,095 1,040,105................... 159 ........... 0.079 ...........0.082 ...........0.079........... 0.081 .............0.077 ........... 0.004............. 5.195 ................0.081 ..............0.081...................0.082 .................121,500,000........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 5,112,844 ......393,570................... 170 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.078 ...........0.076........... 0.077 .............0.074 ........... 0.003.............4.054 ................0.077..............0.076...................0.077...................77,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 24,600 ................1,417........................5 ........... 0.058 ...........0.058 ...........0.057........... 0.058 .............0.057 ............0.001 ............. 1.754.................0.058..............0.056...................0.059....................7,250,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED ............................................14,509 ...............3,076........................1 ............0.212 ........... 0.212 ...........0.212........... 0.212 .............0.210 ........... 0.002............. 0.952 ................0.212.............. 0.215...................0.220 ..................16,324,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ......................4,800 ...................168........................ 1 ........... 0.035 ........... 0.035 ...........0.035........... 0.035 .............0.035 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.035..............0.035...................0.036....................2,975,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING...................................... 2,589 ..................228........................1 ........... 0.088 ...........0.088 ...........0.088............0.091 ............. 0.091............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.088..............0.088...................0.095....................6,843,928 ..........0.100 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. HOLDING......................... 500 .....................81........................1 ............0.161 ........... 0.161............0.161 ............0.147 ............. 0.147............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.161 .............. 0.161...................0.000 ..................10,290,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 638,791 ............ 96,255..................... 28 ............0.151 ........... 0.152 ...........0.150 ............0.151 ............. 0.151 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.150 ..............0.150................... 0.151 ................. 220,852,820 .......0.100 OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .................................... 72,000 ............ 25,259..................... 36 ........... 0.360 ...........0.360 ...........0.348........... 0.350 .............0.368 ...........-0.018 ........... -4.891 ...............0.348..............0.344...................0.348 ...................2,100,000 ..........1.000 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 18,720,728 . 1,560,157.................. 402 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 9........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ......................................... 164,767.............16,527........................7 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.105...................31,964,268 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 398,733.............37,375........................7 ........... 0.094 ........... 0.095 ...........0.092........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.095...................0.098................... 30,471,192 .........0.100 OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ...................... 302,404............33,567........................1 ............0.111 ............0.111 ............ 0.111 ............0.111.............. 0.112............-0.001 ........... -0.893 ............... 0.111 ...............0.111................... 0.113 ................... 33,605,151 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 865,904 ............87,469......................15 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 3........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

– United Securities/Bloomberg News

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex loses again; rupee closes steady MUMBAI: Indian shares remained cautious for a second straight session on Tuesday as the BSE Sensex slipped by 109 points to close at near two-week low of 27,253.44 on disappointing earnings of Lupin and investors staying on the sidelines ahead of the United States Federal Reserve's two-day meeting.

Brokers said, persistent selling because of the upcoming October derivatives expiry also influenced sentiment. The barometer index had slipped by 109 points on Monday as well, bogged down by subdued numbers of heavyweights, Bharti Airtel and HDFC. The 30-share BSE Sensex opened lower at 27,291.06 and stayed in the negative terrain throughout the session to touch a low of 27,209.52 before settling 108.52 points or 0.40 per cent down at 27,253.44. This is gauge's lowest closing since October 16 and has lost 217.37 points in last two sessions.

The 50-issue NSE Nifty also

dropped by 24.05 points or 0.30 per cent to end at 8,235.40 after shuttling between 8,241.95 and 8,217.05, intra-day. "Below-thanexpected quarterly corporate earnings and weak global cues disappointed the street," added Jain. Drug major Lupin on Tuesday plunged by 5.25 per cent after it posted a 35.11 per cent dip in its consolidated net profit .

Rupee steady In a choppy trade, the rupee ended barely steady against the United States currency at 64.97 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market.

The rupee opened marginally lower at 64.97 per dollar as against the previous closing level of 64.96 at the Forex market and moved down further to 64.99 on initial dollar demand from banks and importers. However, it recovered from initial losses to 64.93 on selling of dollars by exporters before ending at the same opening level of 64.97. - PTI

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ROUND-UP

eXtra opens its second flagship store in Oman

NAT I O NA L QU I Z C O N T E S T

16 Indian schools vie for Ambassador’s Cup INAUGURATION: eXtra was established in 2003 to provide customers with a complete consumer electronics and home appliances shop-

ping experience. – Jun Estrada/ TIMES OF OMAN

The new Oman store offers approximately 2,400 sq. m of selling space, and is located in Al Mawaleh North, near Markaz Al Bahja

MUSCAT: eXtra, an electronics and home appliances store owned

by United Electronics Company, opened its second showroom in Oman on Monday, as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.

This is the 40th store of eXtra, a result of the company’s continuous commitment to the GCC BEST QUALITY

‘Khayrat’ frozen vegetable range from A’Saffa: A healthy choice MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s leading food producer, has an exciting range of vegetable products under its ‘Khayrat’ brand.

Khayrat vegetables are handpicked from the best peaking crops in India and then quickly frozen (IQF) to ensure that they maintain their freshness and are packed full of nutrition and are the perfect accompaniment to other protein packed A’Saffa products. Their entire range consists of some of the freshest picks which include mixed vegetables, green peas, green beans, and sweet corn, says a press release.

Commenting on the range of vegetable products, Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales, A’Saffa Foods, said: “The name Khayrat means ‘the finest of crops’ or the ‘best quality ingredients’ and this is what we strive to provide for our customers in everything we produce.

“Over the past decade families across Oman have trusted us to bring them an exciting range of natural, healthy and protein packed products to the table and we are very proud of our existing range of frozen vegetable products.”

Extensive research He elaborated, “As is with all of our food products, extensive research was undertaken into the demand for frozen vegetables while introducing the range to the Sultanate and we are extremely happy with how well they have been received thanks to the A’Saffa Foods stamp of quality behind them.

“We take great pride in our food and we will continue our tradition of serving family-favourite foods that are healthy and wholesome.”

Frozen vegetables are one of the healthiest ways for families to get nutrition and vitamins, as up to 45 per cent of important nutrients can be lost in fresh vegetables by the time they are actually consumed. It can also take up to two weeks for fresh produce to actually reach a family table from being picked and that often fresh vegetables in supermarket are older than consumers actually think, making frozen vegetables more nutritious than fresh vegetables.

market. The new store offers approximately 2,400 square metres of selling space, and is located in Al Mawaleh North, near Markaz Al Bahja, says a press release. eXtra was established in 2003 to provide customers with a complete consumer electronics and home appliances shopping experience.

Abdul Hameed Al Ohali, CEO of eXtra, said that the company was working according to a clear strategy for the expansion, bringing eXtra closer to its customers across the GCC. Best products Commenting on the launch, Al Ohali said: “We are committed to our customers by offering a unique shopping experience, which begins with the best range of products available to customers in the Sultanate of Oman. We continue to strive to improve our after-sales service, and to develop our human resources and staff training in order to deliver the highest quality customer service.” “There is an in-

creasing demand for the products available at eXtra’s stores, and in the consumer electronics and home appliances sector. Our continued investment in expansion is based on our understanding of importance of the market,” he added. eXtra’s vision is to be the leading consumer retailer in Mena. The company operates 37 stores across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with an additional one store in Bahrain and two stores in Oman, receiving more than 13 million customers annually across its stores.

It was the first electronic retailer in the Kingdom to offer eCommerce to consumers, and its online retail platform remains a key driver for growth.

MUSCAT: The 10th edition of National Quiz for the Indian schools in Oman was conducted recently at the Indian School Ghubra (ISG).

It was produced by Quizpot, a group of like-minded volunteers interested in promoting the quizzing culture and knowledge outside the curriculum in young children. Sixteen Indian schools from all across Oman vied for the Ambassador’s Cup, which is a rolling trophy donated by the Indian ambassador, says a press release.

Murali Pillai, the quizmaster presented a classy, interesting and a very “crackable” quiz and the children from Classes VI, VII and VIII responded with equally brilliant answer confounding both the quizmaster and the audience with their quick wit.

The recipient of the coveted Ambassador’s Cup, the team from

the Indian School Ghubra (Shubham Bhan, Aditya Harish, Madhav Madhusoodanan) were winners for the 4th time in 10 years. The Indian School Wadi Kabir (Rahul Rethnakar, Chethan Sethu, Martin Joseph Scaria) were a close second, followed by the Indian School Darsait (Sneha Ann Reji, Sinan Faizal, Pranav Vinod Pillai) in third place. Mention must be made of the children from the Indian School Sur who narrowly missed out on the third place.

Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador of India, gave away the prizes to the winners. In his address he emphasised that it was not about winning or losing, but about the friendships they make in school which would last with them a lifetime. He also advised the children to make the best of their time in school to achieve academic and co-curricular competence.

B6

W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

ROUND-UP 2016 Mazda MX-5 now available at showrooms Going back to its roots, the fourthgeneration Mazda MX-5 embodies everything this iconic car is famous for and more

MUSCAT: The iconic, best-selling roadster — built for pure driving pleasure and exhilaration — the 2016 Mazda MX5 is now displayed at the Towell Auto Centre’s (TAC) Azaiba and Wattayah showrooms in Muscat.

Going back to its roots, the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 embodies everything this iconic car is famous for and more. It delivers outstanding agility and driving dynamics combined with thrilling rear wheel drive, while enjoying the latest in-car connectivity. Also this exciting sports car is powered by the award-winning Skyactiv Technology, ensuring the exhilaration of those twists and turns without compromising your fuel economy. The all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 really does offer the best of both worlds, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson of TAC comments: “The Mazda MX-5 claims the title of the best-selling two-seater convertible in history.

Boasting three generations over 25 years of production, the roadster is a very appealing car thanks to its eager, yet relaxed appeal.

The new 2016 MX-5 presents an entirely new face due to its KODO design. It is lighter, having dropped roughly 150 pounds from its predecessor’s weight. It is also smaller, quicker and more agile than before. It still, however, retains its iconic two-seat, rear-wheel drive roadster flavour and is by far the best looking Miata ever. Hence proudly we hail Long Live the MX5, #LongLiveTheRoadster.”

Infotainment and comfort features The 2016 Mazda MX-5 roadster boasts of rear vehicle monitoring system, traction control, Mazda connect with commander controls, touch screen 7 inch display screen, navigation system, cruise control, bluetooth, smart keyless entry with push start ignition, premium audio bose speakers grafted on the seats, reverse parking sensors, LED signature lighting with day time running lights, gun metal finished alloys and paddle shift gears making this roadster a de-

light for those looking for a feature loaded package.

Sporty driving dynamics This iconic roadster is all about pure driving pleasure, responding to the driver with Jinba Ittai dynamics as though it were an extension of your own body. The first Mazda MX-5 built with Skyactiv technology, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 is significantly lighter than the previous generation, with a sleeker, more rigid body and the lowest centre of gravity to date.

The advanced safety features offer an extra protection with helpful alerts, so you can just focus on enjoying the ride.

Irresistibly stylish looks and a captivating presence The all-new Mazda MX-5 has evolved with Mazda’s award-winning KODO: Soul of Motion design language to appeal to all your senses. Its muscular stance and piercing LED headlights provide a captivating presence on the roads.

Elegant proportions and smooth contours flow from the exterior into the car’s interior, giving it a sense of continuity and oneness.

Its stylish interior design features high quality craftsmanship, from the sporty seats to the intuitive controls in the driver’s cockpit. The all-new Mazda MX-5 indeed has been designed for pure driving pleasure.

Visit the TAC showrooms in Azaiba and Wattayah to see this iconic roadster and avail the opportunity to own one of the two 2016 Mazda MX-5 in Oman. Offering the trendiest of Japanese cars, Mazda has brought in a lot of excitement in Oman’s automobile industry with their ‘stylish, spirited and insightful’ branding. These three unique qualities lie at the core of each Mazda you spot on the streets and form the brand’s DNA and TAC makes owning a Mazda extra pleasant with its efficient after sales service and quick response time.

With a network of 13 service outlets and 10 parts outlets spread across Oman, TAC is the only Mazda distributor in the world to win the Mazda Customer Service award five years in a row. With 98.2 per cent parts deliverability, TAC also offers quick, efficient service with genuine parts available for all models.

NEW ROUTE

Qatar Airways to start flights to Birmingham DOHA: Qatar Airways will operate a new service between Doha and Birmingham, in the United Kingdom, from March 30, 2016, adding to its existing services to London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.

With eight flights a week, including two flights on Saturdays, passengers travelling to and from Birmingham will have access to convenient and seamless transfers at the airline’s state-of-theart hub Hamad International Airport, says a press release.

Birmingham is the largest and most populous city outside of London and is situated in the West Midlands. The announcement of this new route further strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to the UK regions, with Birmingham being the centre for the largest concentration of businesses outside of London, boasting 34,285 companies including over 700 international firms.

“We are delighted to announce Birmingham as Qatar Airways’ fourth destination in the United Kingdom from March 2016. This additional route strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to the regions across the UK and will create new commercial and leisure links between the city of Birmingham and the 152 destinations served by the airline.

“We look forward to welcoming new passengers on board our award-winning product, and to connecting Birmingham to the rest of our rapidly expanding network,” said, Akbar Al Baker, chief executive, Qatar Airways Group.

“This is fantastic news for both Birmingham Airport and the region, and is our 10th new airline to announce or launch this year.

Not only will our passengers have the choice of flying with the award winning carrier to Doha’s state-of-the-art hub Hamad International Airport, they will have a choice of 152 destinations served by the airline, including South East Asia, China and Australasia,” Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive Officer, Birmingham Airport, said.

The route will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner which has a two-cabin configuration, comprising 22 seats in Business Class and 232 Economy Class seats.

All seats include individual television screens, with Economy Class customers benefitting from a screen 10.6-inches wide, offering the latest inflight entertainment comprised up to 2,000 options while experiencing the airline’s award-winning service.

Every seat is an aisle seat in Business Class where passengers can catch up on sleep in a fully-flat bed or make productive use of their time utilising the large work surface area.

Passengers can also stay connected while travelling with the option of WiFi which is available throughout the aircraft.

Thanks to HIA’s modern design, passengers from Birmingham can now take advantage of convenient, quick and seamless onward connections to 152 key business and leisure destinations across Qatar Airways’ ever-expanding global network, including those in Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Africa, with the West Midlands in the UK now easily accessible from cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

ACCOLADE

Oman UAE Exchange wins Bizz award

United Securities claims Bizz award MUSCAT: United Securities has given Oman another reason to feel proud. This time, it has been honoured by the World Confederation of Businesses (Worldcob) with one of the most important business awards in the world: The Bizz 2015.

This distinction was given out recently at a gala ceremony held at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel in Muscat, says a press release.

With this recognition, United Securities has become a member of Worldcob, alongside many of

the world’s most important corporations. This honour will allow United Securities to continue growing as a business, increasing its capacity for trade relations, generating more business, and revitalising its corporate image.

Upon receiving the award, Mustafa Ahmed Salman, company’s chairman and Hassan Ali Jawad, managing director, noted that it has been a great honour to receive an award from the prestigious Worldcob.

This only motivates them to serve clients even better, he said.

MUSCAT: Oman UAE Exchange has been conferred with the coveted Bizz 2015 award by Worldcob.

Being the only exchange company to be chosen for the Bizz award adds colour to this feat.

The award ceremony took place at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel in Muscat recently in the midst of award winning companies world over. The Bizz trophy was handed over to Oman UAE Exchange in the presence of ambassadors and delegates, says a press release.

Upon receiving the award, Tonny George Alexander, director and Boban M. P., chief executive officer, noted that the achievement of Bizz award 2015 is purely a group effort and the award shows the commitment of the company towards its society and employees. This signifies the company’s leading role in the industry.

The Bizz is considered the most important business award in the world and is given out by Worldcob to the most outstanding companies and business people in each country. This award

UNIQUE CONCEPT

Consistent recipient Oman UAE Exchange has been a consistent recipient of Bizz awards from the year 2012. Other

accolades include the company being chosen as a Superbrand consecutively for 5 years starting from the year 2009.

Oman UAE Exchange is a successful company engaged in the exchange of all the major world currencies and remittances around the globe. After its inception in the year 1995, the company went on to become the No. 1 remittance brand in Oman.

At present, having the largest

network of 52 branches across the Sultanate. Oman UAE Exchange is the only Exchange Company in Oman and the whole of GCC to be IMS certified which include ISO 9001:2008 for quality, ISO 14001:2004 for environment and OHSAS 18001:2007 for Occupational Health and Safety respectively. The company has been adjudged as the No. 1 brand among exchange companies in Oman by a survey conducted.

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S K I L L S

10 regional wings participate in ISC India Day celebrations

MUSCAT: Gujarati Wing, Salalah, under the auspices of Indian Social Club, hosted India Day celebration featuring regional traditional folk songs and dances by various wings associated with the Indian Social Club Salalah, recently.

Altogether 10 regional wings performed and exhibited their respective state’s culture with full blend of their folk music and dance which lasted for four hours, says a press release.

The function was presided over

by Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to Oman, as the chief guest in the presence of Manpreet Singh, chairman, Indian Social

was created in order to recognise business excellence and is aimed at small, medium and large enterprises. Worldcob was also celebrating their 10th anniversary on recognising companies of high repute in tandem with their consistent performance.

Club, Salalah, along with the Omani dignitaries as the guests of honour, besides the representatives from the event partners.

The unique concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ was the main theme of the programme and it was the blend of music and art of each regional wings. The programme concluded with all the participants forming map of Mother India with popular Hindi song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. Many days of hard work put in by all the participants, and the committee members of the Gujarati Wing was highly appreciated by the audience.

Gujarati Wing of Salalah is

known for innovative approach and believes in giving unique programmes that involves participation of all the regional wings uplifting the unity.

The programme was wrapped up with the presentation ceremony of mementos to each regional wings by Pandey. Vote of thanks was presented by Jayshri Keshwani, thanking His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his benevolence and his government for their wholehearted support to conduct such programmes at this beautiful place of Salalah.

The Rangma festival 2015 also concluded recently.

Bank Sohar conducts specialised training for its call centre agents MUSCAT: Bank Sohar, in its endeavour to further improve its customer service experience and operational efficiency, recently conducted a specialised training course for its call centre agents and Branch Customer Service Representatives (CREs).

Designed and delivered by SpearHead Training UAE, the twoday training programme was conducted at the bank’s Learning Centre in Al Qurum, and focused on enhancing communication skills while further improving the relationship between call centre agents and CREs, says a press release.

Highlighting the importance of this training programme, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM of Human Resource and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar noted, “In light of the competitive environment in the banking sector, it is important for us to maintain positive relationships with our customers.

Our call centre is a key aspect of our customer relationship network and, as such, it is vital that its agents together with our CREs

have the necessary competencies and skill sets to handle all types of queries, complaints and feedback with the utmost level of professionalism and confidence.

This training programme was designed to achieve exactly this and, in doing so, help our staff consistently excel and deliver positive customer service experience.”

“Conducting this training course comes in line with the bank’s focus this year on upgrading its customer service experi-

ence while also providing staff with opportunities to develop their skills to progress within the organisation. The successful completion of this training will no doubt contribute towards further strengthening the productivity of our workforce, which in turn will help us better serve the needs of our valued customers as well as help reinforce our position us as one of the leading banking institutions within the country,” added Munira Abdulnabi Macki.

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New Dodge Challenger Hellcat debuts in Oman The iconic muscle coupe is propelled by the new supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 with an output of 707hp — greater than any V8 engine in Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s (FCA) celebrated history and making it the most powerful muscle car ever

MUSCAT: Dhofar Automotive, the exclusive dealers of Dodge vehicles, launched their highly anticipated Dodge Challenger Hellcat in Oman. The vehicle is poised to create a new benchmark by being one of the most powerful muscle-car ever.

The iconic muscle coupe is propelled by the new supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 with an output of 707hp — greater than any V8 engine in Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s (FCA) celebrated history and making it the most powerful muscle car ever. The available V8 can be mated with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission or a new Torque Flite eight-speed automatic - the first such gearbox

ever offered, says a press release.

“The supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 is beyond robust, and is a knockout punch from Dodge in the ongoing fight for musclecar supremacy, said Biju Luckose, Marketing manager of Dhofar Automotive. “With 91 per cent new content compared with the standard 392 HEMI, the Challenger Hellcat can be paired with a modified, Viper-sourced six-speed manual transmission that boasts an internal cooling pump and external, vehicle-mounted oil cooler.

Its 258mm heavy-duty clutch affords easy access to the new engine’s extraordinary power.”

That’s not all, with the Challenger Hellcat; the Challenger comes

with Torque Flite family of eightspeed automatic transmissions.

Like its predecessors, one that is unparalleled in efficiency and unrivaled for its smoothness.

To withstand the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8’s ground-breaking output, this transmission’s maximum engine-torque capacity is 30 per cent greater than any eight-speed previously offered by the group. With the new transmission, an extra layer of quality testing has been added to make sure shift responsiveness would match SRT customers’ expectations in a wide range of driving scenarios.

A new M-gate shifter and steering-wheel-mounted paddles better connect driver and transmission - key considera-

F I NA N C I A L S TAT E M E N T

per cent. Overall, the profit after tax increased by 14.1 per cent to OMR21.8 million, as compared to OMR19.1 million during the same period last year.

Hamdan Ali Nasser Al Hinai, chairman of ahlibank said, “The third quarter results for 2015 are reflective of ahlibank leveraging benefits on all fronts — from product innovations and enhancements, to network expansion and implementing innovative customer service concepts. The bank is committed to pursuing its objective of growth, not only in terms of market share but also in diversi-

fying its products and services to our growing customer base. In line with the directive of the government to encourage SME business, ahlibank also remains focused on providing this segment the necessary support it requires.” ahlibank will continue to build its brand equity and further expand its businesses locally as well as regionally. In the consumer banking area in particular, the bank will focus on enhancing its customer service proposition. In the wholesale banking segment, the bank aims to focus on developing comprehensive client solutions, and leveraging its banking expertise across networks. ahlibank has evolved year over year in a well-calibrated and controlled manner making appropriate investments in its human, technical and product capitals.

This approach has yielded excellent dividends. The bank’s business and financial model promotes the fostering and leveraging of established relationships; developing new ones with a sustainable revenue generation capacity and at the same time ensuring very high credit quality and service standards.

RECRUIT QUOTES Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out. — John Wooden Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyse you; they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.

— Bernice Reagon Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.

— Dale Carnegie

tions when tapping the nearly 200 possible drive-mode combinations that stem from five distinct settings: Default, Sport, Track, Valet, and Custom.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat’s Launch Control is standard. The feature’s performance is enhanced by new, stiffer, asymmetric half-shafts that minimise “power hop” under hard acceleration, and a new driveshaft that boasts high-strength CV joints and geometry optimised for spirited driving.

To find out more about the allnew Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat in Oman, visit a Dhofar Automotive showroom, from Saturday to Thursday between 8am and 1pm or 4pm and 8pm.

ONLINE SERVICE

Ooredoo introduces eShop on its website MUSCAT: A first in line of many, Ooredoo introduced a new dedicated eShop on its website, allowing customers to instantly purchase the new iPhone 6s and 6s plus and with more smartphones available online soon.

Customers can easily and securely place their orders online and pick up their new device in store the next day.

Feras Al Shaikh, director of Sales, Ooredoo said: “Our fully guaranteed online purchase and in-store pick-up is simple, accessible and convenient — this hassle-free experience gives customers the luxury of choosing their new device from the comfort of their own home, without having to wait in line.

“Customer input and preferences were central to our decision to develop and launch our eShop; making sure they are the first to receive their new device quickly and easily.”

To purchase the iPhone 6S or 6S plus, customers just need to access Ooredoo’s eShop on company’s website, with options then to choose the model, storage capacity and finish what they want. The portal also offers a secure payment gateway, accepting credit and debit cards from several local providers, such as Bank Dhofar, Bank Muscat, and the National Bank of Oman.

Our fully guaranteed online purchase and in-store pick-up is simple, accessible and convenient; this hassle-free experience gives customers the luxury of choosing their new device from home Feras Al Shaikh Director of Sales, Ooredoo

SPECIAL OFFER

ahlibank Q3 financial results reflect growth in key areas MUSCAT: Highlighting growth in key areas, ahlibank recently announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015. The results are based on the condensed interim financial statements which have been reviewed by the bank’s external auditors.

The financial results reflect growth in key areas in line with the bank’s business plan and an increase in core earnings. The bank’s customer deposits have grown by 27.4 per cent in line with the strategy to build a stable low cost deposit base. Loans and advances and financing growth of over 12.9 per cent, has been achieved with a prudent risk management approach and in a diversified manner. Total assets on September 30, 2015 stood at OMR1,924.3 million showing an increase of 20.8 per cent as compared to the same period last year. ahlibank’s operating income has increased by 13.5 per cent to OMR43.0 million as compared to the same period last year, and operating expenses (excluding Loan and financing impairment net of recoveries) were controlled at OMR15.2 million resulting in a cost to income ratio of 35.2

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OSN kiosk opens at Safeer Mall, Sohar MUSCAT: OSN along with its partner Mustafa Sultan Electronics opened a new kiosk in the heart of Sohar in Safeer Mall opposite Carrefour cash counters, recently.

The opening of the kiosk was necessitated because of high demand from customers for OSN bouquets in Sohar region. With its central location, the kiosk will also provide convenience and ease of reach to the residents of Sohar Industrial, Falaj Al Qabail and Liwa, says a press release.

To celebrate its opening, OSN announced exciting offers. Customers subscribing at Safeer Mall kiosk will get a special gift with their purchase.

The offer doesn’t end here.

Customers subscribing or renewing Platinum HD package can avail two months free viewing by subscribing for one year. The offers are for a limited period. OSN kiosk timings are 10am - 10pm throughout the week.

Now OSN takes entertainment experience to a whole new level with all the best TV channels, the latest movies and series, sports, OSN On Demand HD and various HD content. Also with recently launched OSN Play, subscribers now can watch their favourite shows, movies, live sports and Ar-

abic shows on their laptops, iPods and iPads on the move.

OSN is the home to over 145 channels and services filled with great value entertainment, offering viewers in the Mena region exclusive access to the latest blockbuster movies, top rated series, sports, documentaries, news, kid’s entertainment and live talk shows. The movie offering includes over a 100 uncut and uninterrupted movie premieres a month.

OSN boasts the most comprehensive portfolio of exclusive rights from all the major studios including Warner Brothers, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM, NBCUniversal, HBO and Dream-

Works and offers access to the world’s leading television brands including Disney channel, Sky News, Discovery Network and National Geographic.

Mustafa Sultan Enterprises Entertainment Factory (Pay-TV) division is pioneer in Pay TV business for more than 20 years and is the distributor for OSN in Oman.

Besides OSN, MSE-EF is a leading distributor for beIN Sports.

They have a showroom in Al Khuwair and four kiosks at Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre Muscat Grand Mall and Sohar Safeer Mall. MSE-EF also offers the Pay TV services through their sub dealers spread across all major towns of the Sultanate.

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Meethaq hosts forum on SME development in oil & gas sector The event held at Bank Muscat head office was attended by dignitaries and key representatives of the leading oil and gas establishments and SME development organisations

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, hosted a forum on SME development in the oil and gas sector, with Raoul Restucci, managing director of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), as the guest of honour.

The event held at the Bank Muscat head office was attended by dignitaries and key representatives of the leading oil and gas establishments and SME development organisations. Industry experts addressed the forum which spotlighted new opportunities and challenges for SME development in the oil and gas sector in Oman, says a press release.

In his keynote address, Raoul Restucci noted that the recessionary pressures faced by Oman in the

wake of decline in oil prices was an opportunity to drive change in favour of SMEs, which could serve as the engine of growth to create sustainable employment opportunities for the country’s youth.

PDO has a robust development programme in place to facilitate sustainable long-term prospects for SMEs, he added. Simplification of processes to help SMEs establish successful ventures is an area that needs to be streamlined in the country, he said. In regard to SMEs, the key priority of PDO is to set the foundation for sustainable employment and productivity, Restucci noted, adding that for the long-term, PDO was focused on creating value beyond oil and gas by diversifying to areas such as water and energy.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, group general manager – Islamic Banking, said: “In line with the vision and directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman is focused on stimulating an entrepreneurial mindset. Aligning with this national objective, Meethaq is focused on strategic initiatives to complement and add value to the

country’s progress and development. The bank remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the government and partners to create a favourable environment for SMEs in Oman, especially in the oil and gas sector, which serves as the lifeline of the socio-economic development of Oman.”

Al Harthy added: “As the powerhouse of Islamic finance in Oman, Meethaq extends support to all key economic sectors in the Sultanate.

With mandates to finance major projects across sectors such as aviation, shipping, agriculture and industry, Meethaq is well-positioned to cope with the challenges faced by the economy and provide the required support for the government and the private sector. The hosting of the forum reiterates Meethaq’s commitment to fostering national talent and providing support for SMEs that create meaningful employment opportunities. The role of SMEs is highly important as Oman is witnessing a gradual shift in economy towards SMEs, addressing the requirements of youth representing more than 50 per cent of the country’s population.”

Azza Al Ismaili, chairman and CEO of My Edu Zone, led an interactive session with Raoul Restucci in which critical aspects of SME development in the oil and gas sector were explored. Cash flow management was highlighted as a concern of SMEs in view of the delay in payment cycle.

Presentations on SME opportunities were made by Mohammed Ahmed Al Ghareebi, In-Country Value Development manager, PDO; Dr Hilal Al Hinai, general manager, Corporate Services, Orpic; and Janaab Sayyid Mohammed Ali Al Said, president and Group CEO – IBD Group & VEC. The SME forum noted that over OMR38-42 billion investments were expected to take place in the exploration and production related activities in the oil and gas industry in Oman during the 10year period from 2013 to 2022. Of these, the oil sector was expected to attract OMR23-27 billion investments and the gas sector another OMR15 billion. These investments were expected to lead towards additional in-country value (ICV) opportunities of OMR24

billion over the period 2013-2020.

In a presentation, Meethaq highlighted its unique positioning as the perfect Islamic financial solutions partner for the success of SMEs in the oil and gas sector. A panel discussion on building SME capability in the oil and gas sector shed light on business opportunities and challenges faced by SMEs. Warith Al Kharusi, executive director of Al Safwa Group, led the panel discussion as moderator and the panellists included Khalifa Said Al Abri, CEO of Riyada – The Public Authority for SME Development; Al Ghareebi; Dr Amer Rawas, Group CEO – Tasneea Oil & Gas Technology; Ahmed Al Esry, managing Partner, EY Oman; Hussam Al Nabhani, vice-president – Corporate & External Affairs, Oxy; Dr Zaid Al Siyabi, New Ventures director, CCED and ex-DG, Ministry of Oil & Gas; and Dr Hilal Al Hinai, general manager – Corporate Services, Orpic.

Meethaq, under the umbrella of Bank Muscat, is the centre for Islamic financial service in Oman, operating on the principles of transparency, trust and partnership.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Ooredoo marks first rebranding anniversary MUSCAT: Marking the first year since Oman witnessed one of the largest telecommunications rebrands in the Mena region, Ooredoo is celebrating its anniversary with a special promotion for its Nojoom Loyalty Programme members.

Customers sending a text message with the word ‘Ooredoo’ to 80144 today will receive 1,000 Nojoom points that can be redeemed for a host of exciting offers and discounts from a long list of partners across the Sultanate, says a press release.

Greg Young, CEO of Ooredoo said, “We wanted to say 1,000 ‘Thank Yous’ to each and every customer for their continuous support throughout this exciting year. Their loyalty has motivated us to constantly inspire, with innovative new products and services and firsts to the Omani market.” He added, “Since rebranding, we have moved forward at tremendous speed with our plans to empower customers and enhance their way of life through technology, but this is just the beginning.

Providing the best customer experience has and will always be at the heart of everything we do and as we grow we promise to continue our momentum and offer the latest in telecoms solutions in the Sultanate.”

Developed to bring new and innovative services to customers, Nojoom is the company’s exclusive rewards programme, which customers can access through the Ooredoo Oman smartphone app; available from the Google Play or Apple store.

E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D

World Malayalee Council honours ISD principal MUSCAT: Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, principal, Indian School Darsait (ISD) was conferred with the prestigious excellence award by World Malayalee Council, for her continuous and relentless pursuit of quality and excellence, and outstanding achievements in the field of education.

The function was attended by Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, Dr J. Alexander IAS and other dignitaries at Al Falaj Hotel,

recently, says a press release.

Recognition The award was bestowed upon Thashnath for her exhibition of gusto and effective adoption of dynamic and vibrant approach while imparting quality education in schools.

This recognition is indeed an honour extended to those who carve a niche for themselves through their efforts and succeed in making a difference in their arena.

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Oman golfers set to compete in NBO Golf Classic Amateur Final Oman’s top golfer Azzan Al Rumhy will be leading the nine-man field over 36-hole of the Almouj course in a stroke play format, teeing off as three groups of three players as the last tee times of the day on Day 1 and Day 2, following the completion of the first and second round of NBO Golf Classic Grand Final

MUSCAT: The cream of Oman’s national amateurs will be battling it out in the NBO Golf Classic Amateur Final at Almouj Golf, Muscat during the first two days of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, the climax to the 2015 European Challenge Tour season.

Oman’s leading amateur, Azzan Al Rumhy, will be leading the nine-man field over 36-hole of the Almouj course in a stroke play format, teeing off as three groups of three players as the last tee times of the day on Day 1 and Day 2, following the completion of the first and second round of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, on November 4 and November 5.

The Omani amateurs will play off the forward Championship tee markers on the Greg Norman-designed layout over the same course set-up for the leading 45 players on the European Challenge Tour, who are bidding to finish in the top 15 of the Road to Oman Rankings at the conclusion of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final and earn their playing cards to compete on the 2016 European Tour International Schedule.

The top three players in the NBO Golf Classic Amateur Final will be awarded a prize in the event based on their gross score at the completion of their second 18-hole round played on November 5. The Omani amateurs will be able to play practice rounds on November 1 and November 2.

Six of the field of nine Omani amateurs have already confirmed to play and they are Amjad Al Toky, Azzan Al Rumhy, Ali Hameed Al Salah, Hamed Al Rumhy, Fahad Al Kitani and Rashad Al Harthy.

Azzan Al Rumy, aged 31, and his brother Hamad, aged 29, with Ali Hameed and 15-year-old Rashad Al Harthy recently represented Oman in the Nomura Cup at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi.

It was the first time that an Oman team had entered the Nomura Cup, one of the biggest and most prestigious amateur team events in world golf. They competed against 26 countries from across the AsiaPacific region with teams coming from as far afield as China, Japan, Australia and Mongolia.

Ideal way Azzan Al Rumhy, who has represented Oman on numerous occasions, believes competing in the Nomura Cup was the ideal way to prepare for the NBO Amateur Final at Almouj Gol. He says: “We are all excited and looking forward to taking part in the NBO Amateur Final on the first two days of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final.

“It’s a new event and I think it’s the first event ever that’s going to be only for Omanis. It’s great to be playing on the same course as the pros that finished in the top 45 of the Road to Oman Rankings. I’m looking forward to that.

TEAM OMAN: From left, Hamad Al Rumhy, Rashad Al Harthy and Azzan Al Rumhy will be among nine Omani amateurs who will compete at the NBO Golf Classic Amateur Final at Almouj Golf. – Photo supplied

“The Nomura Cup was a great experience competing against teams from so many different countries. It was the first time we’d competed in the tournament and its one I’ve always wanted to play.

“I was the first time that we have had Rashad in the Senior Team and Rashad is a good example of how much junior golf has progressed in Oman. His game has improved a great deal recently and for a 15 year old to play in such a high-quality prestigious event as the Nomura Cup is a considerable achievement, although Rashad has had the experience of playing in the winning Oman junior team in the GCC Under-15 event both this year and last year. ” “Having my brother, Hamad, in the side is always good as we support each other and push one another to perform even better. It will also be good to compete against Hamad in the NBO Amateur Final.

I’m sure it will bring out the best in both of us.”

Hamad Al Rummy said: “It was great competing in the Nomura Cup with top players from Asia, especially from China, Chinese Taipei and Japan, that we see qualifying for quite a lot of major tournaments.

“There was a player competing from China that has qualified for the Masters and will be playing in the 2016 event. It’s a great honour for us to be in the same tournament with players like this and to be competing with them and learning from their game and swing.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Omani amateur tournament at the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final and also watching all four days with the top 45 players on the Challenge Tour’s Road to Oman trying to qualify for the European Tour.

“Having the Challenge Tour’s grand final in Oman has been great as a lot of broadcasters now talk about the ‘Road to Oman’ so every time they mention it, that

MENA TOUR

propagates the name of Oman internationally.

“A lot of people in our country never knew about golf until they read about or watched the Challenge Tour so it‘s great for golf in Oman. Almouj Golf is a great venue. It’s a Greg Norman design and a very challenging course with spectacular views of the ocean and of Muscat.”

Al Harthy added: “I’m really looking forward to the NBO Amateur Final and I think the Nomura Cup taught me how to play with experienced big players because I’m not yet at the level where I’m playing under par so I’m just learning now.”

Great boost Oman National Team coach, Marcus Casey, believes that the NBO Amateur Final played at his home club at Almou Golf, will be a great boost for amateur golf in the Sultanate, saying: “Junior golf is developing and progressing well in

Oman. All of the clubs are offering junior programmes and we expect the school programmes to start in the next few weeks.

“Playing in the Nomura Cup, ahead of the NBO Amateur Final, will be a great experience for the Oman Team. It’s a big step up for Rashad. It’s not really about how he does at this event, it’s all about the experience he will gain, so he can compete at the highest level in the future.

“Azzan, Hamad, Ali and Rashad have all played the Almouj course many times so competing at another links course like Yas Links is something I expect they will handle quite well. They just need to stay patient, take one shot at a time and remember that you don’t win a four-day tournament on the first day. Everyone makes mistakes and it’s all about making fewer mistakes than the other teams.”

Everything adds up to an exciting NBO Amateur Final at Almouj Golf on November 4 and 5.

OMAN IN ISAF WORLD CUP

Musaab-Hashim duo to compete Sports Reporter

IN FRONT: Clarke Lutton ensured the Scottish flag keeps flying at the Ghala Open. – Supplied photo

Lutton takes one-shot lead at Ghala Open MUSCAT: Clarke Lutton ensured the Scottish flag keeps flying at the Ghala Open after overnight leader Ted Innes-Ker slipped off the pace, going into the final round of the MENA Golf Tour’s event on Tuesday.

A good two shots behind at the start, Lutton returned a tidy fourunder 68 to reach seven-under for the tournament, one ahead of England’s Luke Joy and two clear of Stuart Archibald and Lee Corfield.

Spain’s Sixto Casabona-navarro and Max Williams of England shared fifth on four under as three players, including 2014 MENA Tour champion Joshua White, were tied for sixth a further shot adrift at three under, raising the prospects of a thrilling finish coming down the stretch on Wednesday.

Lutton rattled off five birdies against a lone bogey (at the 14th)

to keep his chances of winning the second event on the tour this season alive.

“It was a good, consistent round of golf as I never found myself in trouble out there.

Holed some nice putts for birdies, especially the ones at 16th from 25 feet and the other at the 18th from 15 feet, which kind of lifted my round,” said the in-form Scotsman, who broke through for his first MENA Golf Tour victory at The Els Club earlier this month.

“It feels great to be in this position going into the final round and will see what tomorrow brings.

I am feeling pretty happy with my game, which is good,” said the 27-year-old from Aberdeen.

England’s Joy, who matched the day’s best score of a 68, said he played a lot better that he did in the first round.“Just solid golf and

very happy with my round,” said the Englishman, who is a two-time winner on the tour.

The Duke of Roxburghe’s son, Innes-Ker, just failed to recreate the brilliance of his first-round 67 and stumbled to a 78, slipping into a tie for 19th on one over.

“I hit the ball in wrong places on the greens which made it difficult to roll in the putts.

And that, perhaps, was the only difference from the first round,” said Innes-Ker, who is playing his fourth season on the MENA Golf Tour.

“Maybe it was all due to the lack of course knowledge,” said the 31-year-old whose 78 contained six bogeys, including four in a row from the sixth.

England’s James Allan backed up his opening with 70 with a 75 to stay in front in the amateur division, one shot ahead of

Karim El Hali of Morocco.

Faycal Serghini carded a second round 77, joining fellow Moroccans Younes El Hassani, who returned back-to-back 73s, Mehdi Saissi and Karim El Hali in a four-way tie for the lead in the MENA Division.

“I was quite unlucky today: twice I couldn’t find the ball on the fairway and once it got stuck in a palm tree, resulting in many dropped shots.

This pretty much sums up my horrible day at the course,” said the experienced Moroccan, who currently leads the region’s Order of Merit standings.

Top-ranked Omani golfer Azzan Al Rumhy went down further in the second round posting 77 for a 8 over 152, while young Rashad Al Harthy lay further behind with an 88 and 83 in the first two rounds.

MUSCAT: Musaab Al Hadi and Hashim Al Rashdi is representing Oman in the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhab.

According to sources at Oman Sail, the Oman Sail duo will take part in the 49er category with Musab at the helm.

The Omani duo will try to make an impression, which sees healthy competition with sailing stars from all over the globe converging in the United Arab Emirates’ capital.

Meanwhile a press release from Abu Dhabi states the climax to the World Cup series has brought an illustrious gathering of elite sailors to the UAE capital to battle for gold medals, a prospect which can inspire dozens of school children rubbing shoulders with the sport’s best athletes.

Regatta hosts Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club (ADSYC) and ISAF, the International Sailing Federation, are using the World Cup stage to build for the future with the support of ADS Securities and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

On Tuesday, a group of World Cup qualifiers joined teams of young optimist sailors from ADSYC, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Emirates Heritage Club and Abu Dhabi Sailing Club (ADSC) as they competed against other in a round robin series of races.

Meanwhile, in a move which reflects the true spirit of sailing camaraderie, ADSC has relocated its entire sailing school activities to the World Cup venue this week in order to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s grass roots initiative.

Oman Sail’s Musaab Al Hadi.

“It’s wonderful to see the clubs working together in this way to draw youngsters into the sport and, at the same time, showcase the World Cup final as a target they can be aiming for in the years ahead,” said Carlo Croce, President of ISAF. “As each of the World Cup qualifiers here this week will tell you, there is no easy way to the top in sailing.

“But they all had to start somewhere, and every one of the young sailors we’re seeing here this week are being given great opportunities in Abu Dhabi. There is such a strong tradition of sailing here, coupled with a big desire to create its own world champions of the future.”

Australia’s Mat Belcher and Will Ryan in the 470 class, Belgium’s Evi Van Acker in the Laser Radials, Austria’s Lara Vadlau and Jolanta Ogar in the women’s 470s, Britain’s Bryony Shaw in the women’s RS:X class, and fellow countryman Oliver Bridge in the open kiteboard competition, are among those defending their World Cup titles in Abu Dhabi.

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OFA appoints German as Talent Development Expert MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) has appointed German expert Torsten Spittler as OFA Talent Development and Performance Expert.

According to an OFA statement, Spittler has joined the association’s Technical Division and will report to the OFA Technical Director Jim Selby.

“Spittler is a hugely experienced expert in the field and was recommended to the OFA by the German football association, DFB, as part of the ongoing relationship,” the statement added.

“Spittler’s role has specific responsibilities in Youth Talent Development (13-18 age group), Development of Talent Youth Player Coaches, Management of the OFA

Club Skills Development Academy and Talent Development Centre pathways, National Age Championships and Talented Player Camps, National ID and Talented Youth Player National curriculum,” it said.

Jim Selby commented: “This is one of the key roles we have identified to move our game plan forward. Torsten (Spittler) will be helping build the base from which our development structures and outcomes will grow.”

“His role is also to deliver a legacy for Omani staff to take the programmes into the future. The growth we have achieved to date means that his arrival is perfectly timed to deliver on the targets we set,” he added.

Tortsen, who has worked in the region for a number of years, is looking forward to start work at the Oman Football Association.

“I have been informed of all the progress that is being made, and I am aware that Oman has many talented players. My role is to nurture this talent and help develop our players so that the national teams of the future are stronger and better able to cope with the pressure of modern international football,” he said.

Meanwhile, the OFA also revealed that the tickets for OmanNew Zealand friendly, to be played on November 12 at Seeb Sports Stadium, will be available at Khimji and Oman Oil outlets from the end of October.

I am aware that Oman has many talented players.

My role is to nurture this talent and help develop our players so that the national teams of the future are stronger and better able to cope with the pressure of modern international football Torsten Spittler German expert

Sharapova screams past Halep, Pennetta prevails Sharapova topped the Red Group with her second win and next faces U.S. Open champion Pennetta with a semifinal spot on the line

SINGAPORE: Maria Sharapova continued her mastery of Romania’s Simona Halep with a high quality 6-4, 6-4 victory filled with bruising baseline rallies to edge closer to a last four berth at the WTA Finals on Tuesday.

The Russian world No. 4 topped the Red Group at the eight women end-of-season finals with her second win and next faces U.S. Open champion Flavia Pennetta, who said she would retire after the tournament, with a semifinal spot on the line.

The 33-year-old Italian had earlier kept alive her WTA Finals bid with a flurry of backhand winners as she downed a strapped up and

QUALITY WIN: Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return against Simona Halep of Romania during their match at the WTA Finals in Singapore on Tuesday. – Reuters

fatigued Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (5), 6-4 to leave the Pole bottom of the standings with two defeats.

It was Pennetta’s first win in the group — she was blown away by top seed Halep 6-0, 6-3 in her opener on Sunday — with her backhand proving a particularly devastating weapon at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Sharapova’s win over the Romanian means all four players in the group still hold hopes of grabbing one of two semifinal spots available and Pennetta said she had been

impressed by the Russian, who has been hit with injury problems since Wimbledon.

“She has this adrenaline because she was out for three or four months, something like that,” the Italian told reporters. “When you come in the court after so long you are with a lot of energy. It’s going to be tough for sure.”

Ferocious battle Sharapova edged Radwanska over three tough sets on Sunday but

showed no willingness to go the distance again on Tuesday in a ferocious baseline battle against the top seeded Halep.

Both players traded early breaks with neither enjoying an easy ride on serve before five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova secured the set by breaking Halep, runner-up here last year, for a second time at 5-4.

The 28-year-old Russian, who had won all five previous matches against Halep, was controlling the bulk of the rallies from the centre of the court with some rangy defensive work also causing the Romanian angst.

Sharapova, runner-up to American world No. 1 Serena Williams at the Australian Open this year, broke Halep again in a lengthy second game of the second set and some blistering winners from both sides of the court allowed her to open up a 5-1 lead.

She looked set to serve out the match before her double fault demons returned as she was broken from 30-15 up and then lost her next service game as Halep fought back to be on serve.

Her recovery, though, was quickly ended by the shrieking Sharapova who broke in the next game to seal the match with a bruising backhand before letting out a roar of approval. - Reuters

CRICKET

Retired Sehwag joins All-Stars T20 series MUMBAI: Recently retired Indian batsman Virender Sehwag has become the latest high profile player to confirm his participation in the inaugural Cricket All-Stars series, co-promoted by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne.

The All-Stars matches will be played in several cities across the U.S. next month with the first game scheduled for November 7 in New York. The event will then move to Houston on November 11 in and Los Angeles on November 14.

The 37-year-old Sehwag announced his retirement from international cricket last week and joins a host of former India internationals who will play in the U.S. including V.V.S Laxman, Saurav Ganguly and Ajit Agarkar.

“Warm welcome to my friend (Sehwag) and a batsman with his distinct style! Sehwag joins us at T20AllStars, 10DaystoGo,” Tendulkar tweeted on Tuesday.

However, Sehwag is the only player still playing domestic cricket. He has also signed up for the Masters Champions League, another tournament featuring retired players, expected to be held in January 2016 in the UAE. “Sehwag, Welcome to the cricketallstars buddy!!!! See you in NY (New York) and congrats on a wonderful career champion,” Warne tweeted on Tuesday.

However, his decision means Sehwag will miss part of Haryana’s Ranji Trophy campaign. Sehwag scored a century in his most recent match for them, against Karnataka.

While the former Delhi Ranji batsman will surely miss Haryana’s next match against Assam, starting on November 7, it also appears unlikely that he will be back in time for the one after that, against Odisha on November 15.

Anirudh Chaudhary, secretary of the Haryana Cricket Association, said the batsman had said he would miss one game, which they were “absolutely okay” with.

“Every match he is part of this team is huge for this team. Every interaction with him benefits the players. We are looking at him mentoring the players and our objective is achieved by his presence around the squad,” Chaudhary was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday.

“Once a player has announced his international retirement, anything he contributes at Ranji level we should gleefully accept.”

In a career spanning over 15 years in international cricket, Sehwag featured in 104 Tests and scored 8,586 runs at a staggering average of 49.34. In 251 ODIs, he amassed 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05. He also scored 38 international hundreds. - IANS

ISG STUDENTS EXCEL AT CBSE OMAN CLUSTER COMPETITIONS Students of Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG) have made the school proud by bagging medals in different disciplines at the CBSE Oman Cluster Competitions. The school’s under-19 boys won gold medal at the chess tournament held at Indian School Sohar on October 4. The under-14 girls won the handball tournament held at Indian School Al Seeb on October 7 and have qualified to participate in the CBSE National level competition to be held in India. Yashica Jain and Rupsha Debnath have clinched gold medals in the girls’ under-19 tennis tournament held at Indian School Muscat on October 20. The under-14 boys and girls as well as under-19 boys secured the runners-up position. — Supplied photos

WEDNE SDAY, O CTO BER 28, 2015

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SPORTS TROUBLE TIMES

Mishra gets bail after arrest in assault case

Sachin, Warne bat for cricket to make Olympic comeback The International Cricket Council (ICC)

It’s the most acceptable format for people who don’t have any knowledge about cricket or the ones who need an introduction to cricket. The game is over in three hours and it’s like any sport — you go to a stadium and after three hours you get back to your work

is scheduled to meet the International Olympic Committee (IOC) next month to MOBBED: Amit Mishra. – AFP

discuss a possible bid, with the

MUMBAI: India leg-spinner Amit Mishra was arrested by police and then released on bail in Bangalore on Tuesday in connection with a complaint of assault filed by a woman.

The 32-year-old featured in four of the five One-day Internationals against South Africa that concluded on Sunday and is also part of the squad for the first two tests of a four-match series against the same opponents starting next month.

The complaint was registered during the last week of September when Mishra was with the Indian team in Bengaluru for a training camp ahead of the series against South Africa.

The woman, who is reportedly a friend of the cricketer, alleged Mishra assaulted her in his hotel room. “We questioned him for two to two-and-half hours today and then he was arrested,” Sandeep Patil, Bengaluru’s deputy commissioner of police, central division, told Reuters.

“He was later granted bail as it’s a bailable offence. We will have to gather more evidence now before we file the chargesheet against him.”

Patil said there was no restriction on Mishra playing for India. The first Test against South Africa will be played in Mohali from November 5. - Reuters

Twenty20 format of the game most likely to be discussed

LONDON: Former Australia spinner Shane Warne and India batting great Sachin Tendulkar have joined the chorus clamouring for cricket to become an Olympic sport, the BBC reported.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is scheduled to meet the International Olympic Committee (IOC) next month to discuss a possible bid, with the Twenty20 format of the game most likely to be discussed.

Cricket has not featured in the Olympics since 1900, when Great Britain took on France in Paris, and the ICC has resisted attempts to include it in the Games in the past over fears that this might dilute existing competitions such as the 50-over World Cup and World Twenty20.

“I’d love to see it as an Olympic sport and, who knows, down the track it might be,” the BBC quoted former Warne as saying.

“I think it’s a great idea and I reckon T20 is the best format for it,” former India batsman and test cricket’s all-time leading run-scor-

Sachin Tendulkar Indian legend

er Tendulkar said. “It’s the most acceptable format for people who don’t have any knowledge about cricket or the ones who need an introduction to cricket.

“The game is over in three hours and it’s like any sport — you go to a stadium and after three hours you get back to your work,” the former India captain added.

The duo are captaining rival teams in a series of three Twenty20 All Star matches in the Unit-

CRICKET

CRICKET

Indian bowling attack more balanced for Tests: Srinath NEW DELHI: Former India speedster Javagal Srinath thinks India have a “more balanced bowling attack in the longest format” compared to South Africa which will provide them the edge in the upcoming four-Test series starting November 5.

Bowling contributed majorly to the hosts’ downfall in the preceding T20 and ODI series but Srinath is backing them to deliver in the Test series beginning at Mohali on November 5.

“With India, it has always been a combination of pace spin (that works for them). Spinners play a big role at home. If not 50-50, I would expect the faster bowlers to take 40 percent of the wickets. If you include the spinners, it is a fairly decent attack and gives India the edge in the Test series,” Srinath told PTI during an interaction.

Ishant, however, will not play the Mohali Test, owing to a onematch ban he copped in Sri Lanka.

There isn’t a significant change in the bowling line-up from the T20s and ODIs with Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron being the other seamers and Ravichandran Ashwin expected to return from injury to lead the spin attack comprising Amit Mishra and comeback man Ravindra Jadeja.

Yadav, who was rested for the

ed States in November as part of an attempt to raise cricket’s profile around the globe. Their backing for an Olympic bid will increase the pressure on the ICC to reverse its resistance to the idea.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in July urged the sport’s ruling body to try to get the game’s Twenty20 international format into the Olympics.

The MCC, founded in 1787 and the owner of the Lord’s ground

SUPPORT FOR BOWLERS: Former India quick J. Srinath.

last two ODIs, alongwith Aaron provide much needed venom to the attack but Srinath sees either of them playing in the eleven.

“You got to see their performance. How they are bowling just before the first match. The two bowlers are very similar in style, so you got to go by the gut feeling of the captain. Whoever performs better at the nets. Somebody who is hitting the lines regularly will probably get the nod,” he said.

Ishant, who starred in Sri Lanka, has to be the leader of the pace pack.

“India will miss him in Mohali but in the long run, Ishant is your leader of the pack. He should take more responsibility. He has lot of cricket left in him.”

Bhuvneshwar appears to have lost his swing and ended up leaking 106 runs in 10 overs at the final ODI at Wankhede.

Srinath, however, continues to have faith in his abilities.

“I think Bhuvi’s strength is his accuracy. He is an intelligent bowler. If not a strike bowler, he can be a good third seamer for the side.”

While Dhoni has repeatedly asked for consistency from his faster bowlers, Kohli prefers sheer pace.

“Dhoni is not part of the Test team so whatever Kohli feels is more important. He is your captain. Every captain has his thought process. You should allow them to function. He runs the team, he has the plan and will manage the resources accordingly,” said Srinath.

His prediction for the series opener at Mohali?

“It all depends on the first two days of the match. It depends on team composition, whether dew is around or not. Ishant not playing can pose issues but I still feel India will have bit of an advantage,” he added. - PTI

Shastri-Naik confrontation to be discussed MUMBAI: The Mumbai Cricket Association’s managing committee will discuss Wankhede Stadium curator Sudhir Naik’s complaint of verbal abuse against Indian Team Director Ravi Shastri on October 30 here.

MCA joint secretary P V Shetty told PTI that it has received the complaint from Naik, also a former India opener, and the managing committee will take up the matter.

“Naik has lodged a complaint with MCA. The matter will be taken up at MCA Managing Committee meeting on October 30,” Shetty said.

Another MCA joint secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar said, “We are taking the complaint to managing committee. Naik in his complaint said that he and Shastri had an exchange of words and the Indian team director used abusive words against him.”

Shastri did not like the flat track that was produced by Naik and he apparently expressed his displeasure at the nature of the strip. The Team Director allegedly used some harsh words and Naik also reacted sharply.

The curator, who has also been Zaheer Khan’s coach, then reported the matter to the Mumbai Cricket Association. - PTI

where it is based, was formerly the governing body of world cricket and is the guardian of the laws of the game. Warne said he was in favour of the Twenty20 format for the Olympics, but is open to the idea of indoor cricket being chosen as well.

“If it advertises the game of cricket and the skill and athleticism that are involved in a game of cricket then great,” he said.

“I haven’t seen a game of indoor

cricket for a long time so I don’t know how good indoor cricket is at the moment.

But the last time I saw it, it was fantastic — so hopefully they have grown a different skill for it.

“Ideally, I’d stick to Twenty20 because it’s over in three hours, it’s easy to organise and you play two or three games a day.

I’d include the associate nations because it’s helping spread the word of cricket.” - Reuters

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W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

SPORTS FIFA presidency candidate Salman hits out at nasty lies Launching bid, Sexwale wants to repair brand

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), submitted his papers on Monday to stand in FIFA’s February 26 election to decide upon a new leader of the world governing body, engulfed in a corruption crisis

KUALA LUMPUR: FIFA presidential candidate Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has dismissed accusations of human rights abuses during his time as Bahrain Football Association head as nasty lies, in comments to the BBC on Tuesday.

Salman, head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), submitted his papers on Monday to stand in FIFA’s February 26 election to decide upon a new leader of the world governing body, engulfed in a corruption crisis.

But Salman’s declaration came amid an outcry from human rights groups who say that he, as head of the Bahrain Football Association and member of Bahrain’s royal family, had local football players arrested, detained, abused, tortured and publicly humiliated during democracy protests in February 2011.

THE CANDIDATES: A combination of file pictures shows (from top left) former Trinidad and Tobago’s football player David Nakhid, UEFA secretary general Gianni Infantino, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Former FIFA deputy general secretary Jerome Champagne, Liberia FA chairman Musa Bility, FIFA vice-president for Asia Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, Chairman of the FIFA monitoring committee for Israel and Palestine, Tokyo Sexwale and UEFA President Michel Platini, who are official candidates for the FIFA presidency. – AFP

Bahrain was swept by protests during the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings demanding political reforms.

Salman faced the same accusations prior to his election as AFC president in 2013. He reiterated his previous position on Tuesday that he was innocent.

Damaging “These are false, nasty lies that have been repeated again and again in the past and the present,” he told BBC Sport, accusing some people of having an “agenda” in making the allegations.

“I cannot deny something that I haven’t done,” he said.

“It’s not just damaging me, it’s damaging the people and the country.”

The Bahraini, who is closely allied with Kuwaiti Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, one of the most powerful men in international sports politics and a key figure in the Olympic movement, is one of

eight candidates to head FIFA. The 49-year-old Manchester United supporter initially backed Sepp Blatter before throwing his support behind UEFA President Michel Platini to succeed him as FIFA president. Both were suspended for 90 days this month pending a full investigation by FIFA’s Ethics Committee. Both deny any wrongdoing.

Salman, expected to be able to call upon the bulk of support among the 47 members in the Asian confederation, said he was the man to fix FIFA, which has been reeling since May when the United States indicted several FIFA officials for bribery, money laundering and wire fraud.

Swiss authorities are also investigating the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

“With the support I’m going to get, we’re going to turn it around very quick,” Salman said. - Reuters

JOHANNESBURG: South African business magnate Tokyo Sexwale, who was a close friend of Nelson Mandela, said on Tuesday he wanted to repair the “severely undermined” FIFA brand as he confirmed he was standing for the presidency of world soccer.

The post-apartheid government minister who spent 13 years with the late president at the Robben Island prison said bribery allegations connected to the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa would not affect his candidacy.

Sexwale was a member of the bid team and the organising committee for the 2010 World Cup, the first held in Africa. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula confirmed in June the country had given $10 million meant to help pay for the tournament to a football official indicted in the United States, but denied the payment was a bribe, as U.S. prosecutors allege.

The money was approved by the South African government and in agreement with the South African Football Association to support the African diaspora in Caribbean countries as part of the World Cup legacy.

“It doesn’t affect me as a candidate because I was not involved in the money or giving anybody the money,” Sexwale told a news conference confirming he was running in the Feb. 26 vote to replace Sepp Blatter after Monday’s

candidacy deadline.

“It’s a question best left to the people who are doing the investigations but it should be done with dignity so that we don’t tarnish the reputation of this country.”

‘Beautiful game’ FIFA will be keen to ensure its next leader is above any suspicion after becoming embroiled in the worst scandal of its 111-year history, with the United States having indicted several officials for bribery, money laundering and wire fraud in May. Sexwale has been a member of FIFA’s anti-discrimination task force and has conducted talks between the Palestinian and Israeli federations. “Having spent time inside FIFA, I am more than ready to take on the world,” Sexwale said.

“I think it was a vote of confidence by people who I can only say understand who I am and what I will be able to bring to football. FIFA, the organisation of the beautiful game, is damaged. The brand is severely undermined.”

Blatter and Michel Platini, president of European soccer’s governing body UEFA, who had been favourite to succeed him, have also been suspended for 90 days pending a full investigation. Sexwale said he would head to Cairo immediately to seek the support of the Confederation of African Football. - Reuters

STRONG BACKING

Russia ready to support Infantino in FIFA election MOSCOW: Russia will support Gianni Infantino’s bid to become FIFA president if UEFA President Michel Platini is unable to run for the post, the President of the Russian Football Union (RFU) and Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Tuesday.

“Russia will support the UEFA General Secretary, Infantino, in the FIFA presidential elections, if the head of UEFA Platini is unable to take part,” Mutko told R-Sport news agency.

On Monday, the UEFA executive committee supported Infantino’s candidacy to take part in the elections. Platini has also put himself forward, but was later suspended for 90 days by the FIFA ethics committee due to an investigation into corruption at world football’s governing body. — Reuters P O L L TA L K

Bility claims he is only credible FIFA candidate CAPE TOWN: Liberian Football Association president Musa Bility, one of eight potential candidates for the FIFA presidency, says he presents the only credible option for the leadership of world football’s governing body.

The African Football Confederation (CAF) has declined to endorse Bility’s bid to stand for the election. “I don’t see any real challengers because all the others who are running have played some part (in FIFA affairs) and if we have to reform football, none of them should be given the right to run the organisation,” he told the BBC in an interview broadcast. — Reuters

BID

German FA scandal clouds Hamburg’s Olympic referendum BERLIN: The German football scandal over an alleged slush fund used to get the 2006 World Cup to the country is not helping Hamburg’s 2024 Olympic bid ahead of the city referendum next month, bid chief executive Nikolas Hill said on Tuesday.

Hamburg is bidding for the summer Olympics along with Rome, Paris, Budapest and Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee will elect the winning bid in 2017.

The northern port city will stage a referendum on November 29 to decide whether the bid should go ahead, with officials confident of a strong support in favour of the candidacy which will earn it bonus points with the IOC but Hill said the soccer scandal was not doing them any favours.

“Hamburg 2024 stands for utmost transparency, and this is very well received among Hamburg’s citizens,” Hill told Reuters in an e-mail. “All the contracts we have concluded are there for anyone to read in the City of Hamburg transparency portal.

“Hamburg’s citizens have also realised that in recent years the IOC has likewise made a lot of efforts in this regard, especially

in the form of the 2020 reform agenda. Nevertheless, the debate about FIFA and the role played

by DFB as the German Football Association does not help in the referendum.”

Hamburg has proposed a compact inner-city bid, along the lines of Agenda 2020, a set of IOC reforms aimed at making the Olympics cheaper, more manageable and more attractive to cities.

Hill said the bid needed about a quarter of a million ‘Yes’ votes out of about one million for a quorum but said the majority of citizens were backing the bid.

“We assume that the majority of Hamburg’s citizen supports the candidacy,” Hill said. “What will be decisive, however, is that all those in favour actually vote.

“We need to achieve a double quorum. 20 percent of Hamburg citizens must vote and we need 20 percent of the votes to be a Yes, meaning about 260,000 votes.”

Hamburg’s concept involves the Games being held in the Kleiner Grasbrook area, technically an island but only a 10-minute walk from the city centre, that would become the Olympic park and would offer short distances for athletes and fans to the competition venues. — Reuters

DHOFAR DOWN AL MUSANNAH Dhofar overcame Al Musannah in a thrilling encounter to move to the second place in the Omantel Professional League on Tuesday. In the first match of the sixth week action, played at the Seeb Sports Stadium, Dhofar edged Al Musannah 2-1 to take their tally of points to 11 and moved from sixth place to second. Al Arouba, also on 11 points, lead the table thanks to their better goal average. In the day’s other matches, Saham and Sur played out a goalless draw at Sohar Sports Complex while Al Nasr-Al Nahda match also ended 0-0 at Al Saada Sports Complex in Salalah.

Meanwhile, the match between Fanja and Al Shabab was postponed due to the demise of an official of Al Shabab. On Wednesday, Muscat face Sohar, Suwaiq play Salalah and Al Khabourah square off against Al Arouba. — JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

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SPORTS

Defence is key for final: Wallabies Both Australia and

Battered Pocock ready for the fight of his life

New Zealand may well embrace the running game and boast players who can score tries from anywhere but if the tradition of previous World Cup finals is followed, the title is more likely to be decided by tackling

LONDON: For all the flair and attacking instincts that Australia and New Zealand have, the Wallabies believe defence is still looming as the decisive factor in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final.

Both teams may well embrace the running game and boast players who can score tries from anywhere but if the tradition of previous World Cup finals is followed, the title is more likely to be decided by tackling.

“It’s an important part of the game,” Australian loose forward David Pocock told reporters on Tuesday. “We’ve seen how tight a lot of the games have been. I think at the moment it’s pretty important to get the balance between the two (attack and defence).”

Statistically, New Zealand have been the best team in the tournament, scoring 36 tries and conceding four. Australia are second best in both categories, scoring 26 touchdowns while giving up five, though they had a much tougher run to the final that the All Blacks.

Neither side conceded a try in last weekend’s semifinals.

Although Australia may have conceded one more try than New Zealand, the Wallabies produced arguably the most impressive defensive display of the competition when they held out Wales in their match after being reduced to 13 men.

LONDON: With two blackened eyes, bruises and cuts on his cheeks, and a swollen, broken nose streaming with blood, David Pocock’s commitment to Australia’s Rugby World Cup campaign is plain to see.

It’s not just his mangled face though. His whole body is aching from the battering he has taken over the past six weeks and he has a calf injury that is being managed day to day.

But for Pocock, who has become the enduring image of Australia’s never-say-die approach to the World Cup, the pain has all been worth it and on Saturday, he will realise a childhood dream when he plays in the final against New Zealand.

“It’s one of those things, it’s getting towards the end of the season so you’ve played a lot of rugby and I think your body gets used to recovering,” he told a news conference on Tuesday. “We’ve got an outstanding strength and conditions team and medical team and physios that look after us so there’ll be no trouble getting up for another game.”

Seemingly down for the count a year ago, the Wallabies have picked themselves up off the canvas and transformed themselves into a team of warriors. Unfancied before the tournament, they battled

“The guys have been impressive throughout the tournament,” Australia’s defence coach Nathan Grey said. “They’ve been very consistent with the way they’ve been defending. They should take confidence out of it.”

Grey is one of two members of the Australian coaching set-up who won the 1999 World Cup in a side which conceded one try all tournament.

Stephen Larkham, who was flyhalf for the Wallabies that won in 1999 and finished runners-up in 2003, is now the backs coach.

Larkham is primarily in charge of

their way through the toughest pool in World Cup history, showed nerves of steel to come from behind and beat Scotland in the quarterfinals, then survived a ferocious battle with Argentina to join their old rivals New Zealand in the final.

No-one personifies the physical sacrifices the players have made more than Pocock, who draws his inspiration from the 1995 World Cup final, between South Africa and New Zealand, which he watched as a child from his grandfather’s farm in Zimbabwe.

“Certainly for me some of my greatest memories watching rugby were that ‘95 final,” he said. “As a kid, that did something to me. I dreamt about playing in the World Cup after that.”

Five years later, when Pocock was 12, the Zimbabwean government announced it was seizing farms from white landowners. Pocock’s family packed up, left Africa and moved to Australia.

Pocock’s childhood experiences left a lasting impression on him, shaping his strong beliefs.

When he’s not playing rugby, he runs a charitable foundation aiding self-sufficiency in poverty stricken areas of Zimbabwe and is an activist for a variety of causes.

the attack but agrees that defence could be the more important factor.

“I guess this tournament has been a little up and down in terms of attack and defence,” Larkham said. “So I want to make sure the whole team performance is good and I thought it was on the weekend (against Argentina).”

“We scored a couple of good tries but I think defence is going to be the key,” he said.

One of Australia’s all-time greats, Larkham said he could see some parallels between the 1999 team and the current Wallabies squad but added there was little

“I’ve absolutely loved the game of rugby and I’m so grateful for the opportunity that it’s given me but I’m very conscious of the fact that at the end of the game it’s a game,” he said.

“It’s there to be enjoyed, it can offer so much to us, but there’s certainly a lot more to life than chasing a rugby ball.”

In his spare time during the World Cup, Pocock has been watching wildlife documentaries. In the aftermath of Sunday’s semifinal win over Argentina, there were no wild celebrations for him.

Instead, he returned to the Australian team’s hotel to watch some old episodes of a David Attenborough series on Africa.

A strong advocate for diversity, the Australian coach Michael Cheika, the son of a Lebanese migrant who worked in women’s fashion before coaching, has described his team as a mixture of jokers, lovers and fighters.

With his splattered nose, Pocock is the perfect image of a prize-fighter, but like the rest of his team, his looks are deceiving and he’s a bit of a everything.

“I like to consider myself more a lover than a fighter,” he said. “But a bit of a knock on the nose can change that.” - Reuters

sage advice he could pass on to the new generation. “Not a lot. The game’s moved on. That was ‘99 and 2003 and the game’s certainly moved on from that time,” he said.

“I think this journey is fairly similar. We probably got together under Cheik (head coach Michael Cheika) a little under a year ago and we’ve had an accelerated little growth together, whereas in 1999 and 2003 we had two years of preparation.

“But I’d say these boys are at the stage we were at, particularly in 1999 and 2003... this team’s much better.” - Reuters

NEVER-SAY-DIE APPROACH: Australia’s David Pocock pictured during a training session at the Lensbury Hotel in Teddington, Middlesex, on Tuesday. – Reuters

2019 WORLD CUP HOSTS

Japan must ensure Brave Blossoms’ heroics don’t wilt TOKYO: Late in September, 52 Japanese children turned up for an introductory event at Tokyo’s Katsushika Rugby School, about five times the intake of the year before.

It was no coincidence that days earlier, Japan’s rugby team had stunned South Africa and the sporting world with a last-gasp 34-32 win over the two-time world champions at the World Cup on the other side of the world in England.

“We’ve never seen such numbers in the past,” Moriyuki Hayashi, the school’s headmaster, said. “The national team not only

put rugby on the map overseas, but within Japan as well.”

As Japan prepares to host the next Rugby World Cup in 2019, the first time it will be held outside traditional powerhouse nations, organisers hope the infectious success of the team this year turns into a lasting passion for the sport.

Rugby participation in the Asian nation of 130 million people has waxed and waned since its introduction in the mid-to-late 19th century by British armed forces personnel posted there. It has in fact been in decline over the last two

decades, hit by the rising popularity of soccer, a falling birthrate and embarrassing defeats on the field.

Players, coaches and officials are aware of the scale of the task to deliver a thriving tournament in 2019, a year before Tokyo hosts the Summer Olympics.

“The rugby population sank like a stone after Japan’s 145-17 loss to New Zealand at the 1995 World Cup,” said Hiroki Narumi, a 42-year-old coach at the Shinagawa Bamboo Rugby School in Tokyo, and former editor of Japan’s Rugby Magazine.

According to Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) statistics, rugby participation peaked at 167,000 in 1994 but had declined to 106,000 in 2014.

There are encouraging signs.

Some are only just being felt, after the heroics of the “Brave Blossoms” at the 2015 tournament.

The team had the dubious distinction of being the first to win three pool games and yet fail to qualify for the knock-out stages.

Eddie Jones, head coach of Japan at the World Cup, stressed the importance of individual bril-

liance and the broader appeal of an exciting, fast-passing playing style when trying to build a support base for rugby.

“Behind me you have the new sporting heroes of Japan,” he told reporters after returning from England with the team. “It’s a great credit to this team. They are the heroes. They’ve changed Japanese rugby. To finish the tournament ranked ninth in the world, it’s an absolutely amazing success story.”

But Jones, born to a JapaneseAmerican mother, also sees major challenges to building a lasting

legacy. “This is like a balloon,” he said while in England. “It can be popped or it can be a real growth spurt. It’s entirely the responsibility of the JRFU. JRFU Chairman Noriyuki Sakamoto believes it will be home enthusiasm, more than visitors pouring in from abroad, that will be key to the success of 2019 tournament.

He said: “We don’t have a specific goal of increasing the rugby (playing) population by 2019...

The bigger task is doing something about the current playing environment.” - Reuters

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W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

SPORTS

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THRILLING ACTION AT OMAN AUTO X TIME ATTACK ROUND 2 The motorsport enthusiasts were treated to an exciting action at the Oman Auto X Time Attack Round 2 organised by the Oman Automobile Association at the Muscat Speedway recently. The event attracted participants from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon besides a number of local participants. Results: AWDR: 1. Ahmed Arafat (57.795), 2. Alain Nawfal (57.819), 3. Nabeel Al Shibani (57. 985). AWDM: 1. Wail Al Shibani (1:02.249), 2. Nasser Al Harthy (1:03.099), 3. Saif Al Harthy (1:03. 517). AWDR: 1. Ahmed Arafat (57.795), 2. Nabeel Al Shibani (57.985), 3. Mazin Al Shibani (58.257). AWDS: 1. Warith Al Harthy (1:05.150), 2. Said Al Dughaishi (1:05.682), 3. Sultan Al Harthy (1:06.684). FWDM: 1. Mannan Al Rawahi (1:01.846), 2. Hammam Al Kindi (1:08.436). FWDR: 1. Alain Nawfal (57.819), 2. Ahmed Al Raisi (1:01.457), 3. Anas Al Raisi (1:03.153). FWDS: 1. Ghassan Al Harthy (1:05.640), 2. Khamis Al Ghailani (1:07.076), 3. Motasim Al Balushi (1:07.777). RWDM: 1. Wissam Hathim (1:03.243), 2. Mohammed Al Balushi (1:05.464), 3. Abdullah Al Ghailani (1:09.581). RWDR: 1. Zakariya Al Ofi (58.998), 2. Ahmed Gamal (1:02.621), 3. Mohammed Abu Khalid (1:09.393). — Supplied photo

Mourinho tarnishing EPL image: Hackett Keith Hackett, former general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, wrote in his blog ‘sadly the image of the Premier League is being tarnished by the actions of the manager of Chelsea’

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s constant spats with referees are tarnishing the image of the English Premier League (EPL), according to the former general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) Keith Hackett.

The Football Association (FA) has charged Mourinho with misconduct for comments made to Jon Moss that resulted in the Portuguese being sent to the stands during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham United.

Chelsea’s under-fire boss is

also appealing against a £50,000 ($76,655) fine and a suspended one-match stadium ban after he said referees were “afraid” to award his team penalties following the home defeat by Southampton earlier this month.

“Sadly the image of the Premier League is being tarnished by the actions of the manager of Chelsea,” Hackett wrote in a blog on you-are-the-ref.com.

“He appears to be one very unhappy person who, frankly, is using referees as a scapegoat for the poor performances of his team. Moss was appointed to what appears to be a poisoned chalice when it comes to Chelsea, not the easiest team to control.

“For a number of years with Jose Mourinho in charge, Chelsea have been a difficult team to referee.”

The Premier League champions, who are sixth from bottom this season, also had midfielder Nemanja Matic and assistant manager Silvino Louro sent off on Saturday. The PGMOL is responsible for the development and mentoring of the best referees in England and Hackett urged senior officials to take Mourinho to task over his public criticisms.

“It’s my firm belief there needs to be an urgent summit meeting between Jose Mourinho, Bruce Buck, the chairman of Chelsea, Richard Scudamore, the chief executive of the Premier League, and Mike Riley, general manager of PGMOL,” he said.

“The public spats involving the manager of Chelsea need to be dealt with immediately in a faceto-face meeting.” - Reuters

Pune City defeat Kerala Blasters in five-goal thriller PUNE: Former Turkish international Tuncay Sanli continued his good form as his powerful header in the 72nd minute enabled FC Pune City register a thrilling 3-2 victory over Kerala Blasters in an Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament, here on Tuesday.

For the winners, the other two goals were scored by Nigerian striker Kalu Uche in the 16th and 23rd minute while Mohammed Rafi struck for the losing side in the first and 30th minutes.

The win took David Platt coached Pune City past Chennaiyin FC as they are now on top of the eight-team league table with 12 points from six games with their fourth win.

The Blasters are languishing at the bottom of the table with four points from six games having lost their fourth match.

It was perhaps the most entertaining match in the tournament, where the standard of football has not exactly been great.

The fortunes swung like a pendulum from the very first minute when Kerala striker Rafi scored his third goal of the season just after kick off in the very first minute.

With Chris Dagnell essaying a neat cross from the wide right, Rafi positioned himself to perfection as he got the visitors lead in the opening minute of the match.

However, in the 16th minute, it was Pune, who got the equaliser

The win took Pune to top of the league table

as their left winger Nicky Shorey had a dream match and was the architect in all three assists that got them the goals.

Shorey floated one from the left with Uche heading home as former India stopper Gourmangi Singh not in his position.

Within seven minutes, Pune made it 2-1 courtesy ShoreyUche combine. It was Shorey, who weaved past a couple of Blasters men before unleashing a perfect assist which the Nigerian tapped home from close range.

But Pune’s joy was shortlived as Rafi got his fourth goal of the tournament, when Rafi headed him at stroke of half an hour as his nod first hit the right post and then trickled down towards left before entering. The teams went into the break with scoreline reading 2-2.

The winner by Tuncay came in the 72nd minute when Shorey again went down wide left to essay a cross which saw the former Fenerbahce and Middlesbrough striker outjump his marker to perfectly nod the ball home. - PTI

PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle’s Coloccini wins red card appeal LONDON: Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini will not serve a one-match ban after winning an appeal for wrongful dismissal following his sendingoff in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at north-east rivals Sunderland.

The Argentine was shown the red card after conceding a penalty for shouldering Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher off the ball as he attempted to reach a through pass.

“An independent regulatory commission found the match ref-

eree had made an obvious error in dismissing the Newcastle United defender for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity,” the FA said in a statement on Tuesday.

Newcastle, however, have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players in the wake of the incident and have until Oct. 30 to respond to the charge. Steve McClaren’s side, who were drawing 0-0 when Coloccini was sent off, are second from bottom with six points from 10 games. - Reuters

MOTOGP

Champion Rossi to race in Valencia despite penalty ROME: MotoGP championship leader Valentino Rossi said on Tuesday he would race in the final grand prix of the season in Valencia, despite receiving a contested penalty that will force him to start from the back of the grid.

Rossi was penalised for clashing with Marc Marquez at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, appearing to flick the Spaniard with his leg and send him sliding off the track.

The nine-time world champion has denied accusations of dangerous driving and had suggested he might skip the season decider on November 8, acknowledging that he stood little chance of defending his championship lead from the back of the field.

Rossi is one of Italy’s most famous sportsmen and the controversy has infuriated his legion of fans. Underlining his star status, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi took time out of a visit to Peru on Monday to call him and

Valentino Rossi

fans have peppered his Twitter feed and Facebook page with encouragement.

“Thanks to everyone for their fantastic support. Reading (your comments) has helped me overcome the bitterness and anger,” Rossi wrote on Twitter and Facebook. “From today we are working towards Valencia.”

Nearly 370,000 people have signed an online petition calling

on MotoGP organisers to drop the Valencia penalty.

“It seems that the sport has an agenda that betrays riders and fans, who expect and deserve a clean championship,” the petition says.

Prior to Sunday’s race, Rossi had claimed former champion Marquez wanted fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo to win the championship instead of him. Out on the track, the pair vied for position and at a certain point, Rossi flicked his knee out, sending his rival crashing to the ground.

Subsequent video shown repeatedly on Italian television suggested that Marquez had brushed his head against Rossi’s leg first.

Rossi’s supporters pinned the blame squarely on the Spaniard for the fall. “All of Italy lines up to defend Valentino,” Il Messaggero said on its front page on Tuesday.

Rossi leads Lorenzo by seven points ahead of Valencia, with 25 points available to the victor in Spain. - Reuters

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LIFESTYLE

W ED N ES DAY, O CTO B ER 2 8, 2 0 1 5

Leisure WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

ANSABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WINGED SANCTUARY Al Ansab Wetland, an abode of over 290 species of birds in the heart of Muscat, provides a unique experience to birdwatchers and visitors.

With the onset of winter, this wildlife habitat is expecting more visitors including tourists.

STORY: SALIM JOSEPH

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W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

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Oman, has a strategic position when it comes to the migration of birds from north to south and vice versa which involves a long distance travel during different seasons.

include a highly sophisticated education centre with touch screens that would provide all information about the native and migratory birds, and gap hides, tower hides, and cave hides, from where visitors can watch the little grebes and lapwings, and catch a glimpse of the Sultanate’s abundant bird life.

As Salim points out, it’s going to be both an audio and visual treat for visitors. Besides getting a great opportunity to watch birds, a visitor can get all the information about birds including their life cycle. “At one touch you have the photograph and the sounds, whether it’s chirping, squealing or hooting, made by each bird.

It’s going to be a unique place in Oman for birdwatchers from across the world,” he adds. The enhancement of the facilities would mean a significant increase in the number of visitors to the wetland, at least 100 visitors a day and the centre would be requiring more employees and tour guides to take care of the visitors.

Currently the facility has two support officers, Mundher Al Amri and Manal Al Kindi, who offer good guidance and maintain the place. They also do weekly surveys and make reports giving the list of birds spotted at the wetland every week. The wetland now has birdwatchers coming from the UK, Egypt and from across the world, who would be on a lookout for a particular bird.

For facilitating a smooth visit to the wetland, Salim and his team has in place an online booking system and Mundher and Manal take people on a one or one-and-ahalf hour tour in the area. The best time to visit the Wetland is early morning and late afternoon hours.

Photography: Supplied, A. R. Rajkumar

L

ittle Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Greater Cormorant, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo… it’s a long list of birds including migratory ones; over 290 species, to be precise, all in one place, and that too in the heart of Muscat.

Yes, we are talking about Al Ansab Wetland, a rich habitat for birds including migratory ones.

And, this place has been attracting people from different walks of life including students, photographers and birdwatchers, who wished to see long-necked flamingoes wading into a pond or marsh sandpipers breeding in swamps.

But you cannot just walk in.

Haya Water, which manages the wetland, appeals all to use the online booking form on the websitehaya.com.om or call Haya Water Call Centre on +968 8007 7111.

With the onset of winter, the place is expecting more visitors including tourists. Last year, their numbers had exceeded 1,700.

The wetland, in fact, is not fully natural as it receives treated water from Al Ansab STP (Sewage Treatment Plant). As pointed out by Wetland manager Salim Al Saadi, this is Haya Water’s contribution to the global cause of preserving or creating birds’ habitats, and to inspire the conservation of migratory birds and their environments.

Oman, he says, has a strategic position when it comes to the migration of birds from north to south and vice versa which involves a long distance travel during different seasons. Birds migrate from colder areas to warmer places, from Europe and Central Asia to Africa and back and Oman provides them a feeding and resting place. These habitats are vital for their survival and many make Oman their home and breed as they find suitable habitats here. And their number is going up, he adds.

Keeping this in mind, the authorities had planned a facelift with a state-of-the-art education centre and several air-conditioned hides camouflaged in the landscape. Though there had been some initial delay, the work is expected to begin this year end or in the beginning of 2016. It may take another year to complete the project. The new facilities would

RICH HABITAT FOR MANY Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Greater Cormorant, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Teal, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Western Marsh Harrier, Grey Francolin, Common Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Common Snipe, Common Ringed Plover, Red-wattled Lapwing, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint, Ruff, Common Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Whiskered Tern, Rock Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Pallid Swift, Green Bee-eater, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Sand Martin, Pale Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-throated Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, White-spectacled Bulbul, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Graceful Prinia, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Purple Sunbird, Turkestan Shrike, Brownnecked Raven, Common Myna, House Sparrow, Indian Silverbill, Streaked Weaver.

PLAN A VISIT • Make sure you have booked before you visit Al Ansab Wetland (use the online booking form on the website haya.com.om or call Haya Water Call Centre on +968 8007 7111) • The best time to visit the Wetland is early morning 7:00-9:00am or late afternoon 3:00-5:00pm • Follow the instructions of guides who will help you make the most of your visit.

• You will see more if you move slowly, quietly and not dressed in bright colours.

• Make sure to take along your cameras and binoculars.

T R AV E L T I P S

Travelling with Children Family vacations and travel can be fun and learning experience for both children and parents.

But such occasions call for great care and patience, and preparations to make the trip manageable and enjoyable. Maintain a good sense of humour while travelling to give your children a vacation to remember in spite of any unforeseen obstacles

Before Leaving: Update immunisations for the entire family, depending on the destinations and duration of stay. Let children pack their own bags and choose their favourites. Take wide-brimmed hats and minimum 30 SPF Sunscreen.

At theAirport: Allow plenty of time for check-in and between connecting flights. Arriving early to board together prevents last minute delays and confusion. Review screening procedures with children before entering security checkpoints.

On the Flight: The best seats to have when flying with small children are the first row in economy class.

There’s a lot of legroom. If the front row seats are not available, place children away from the aisle, preferably between responsible adults.

At the Destination: The daily schedule should have some flexible, free time for each family member. If possible, each member of the family should have a cellphone or walkie-talkie to keep in touch at all times. lifestyle@timesofoman.com

WE DNE SDAY, O CTO BER 28, 2015

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LIFESTYLE

EXPLORING THE DUNES

THE HOBBYIST Fatma Humaid Al Maqbali Desert Crossing/ Dune Bashing

Why Do You Love It? Driving in the desert or dune bashing helps me explore my abilities. I am a team leader in my company and I look after my children at the same time, which means there is a lot of stress in my day-to-day work. Going for a desert crossing once or twice a year releases all my stress. I even prefer extreme crossing during hot weather conditions, which is more challenging. It’s a great opportunity for you to explore deep within and find out who you really are.

How Did You Get Into It? From my childhood days, after seeing others driving in the desert, I often dreamt to get behind the wheels. But I never expected it to become a reality. I was 18 years old when I went for a desert crossing with my mother and my aunt in a small group led by the Guide Oman founder, Mohammed Issa Al Zadjali. Then I started driving myself and since then I go once or twice every year.

How Can I Get Into It? There’s nothing to be afraid of doing a desert crossing as you are doing it with a group, and your safety is assured. In fact, I would like to see more Omani women trying this. May be they are a bit scared, but these trips can help them overcome their fears. If you go once, you will repeat it, may be for 10 times or more.

What’s Your Pro-Tip? You don’t need to panic. Don’t fear about getting stuck in the sands. Actually that’s the fun part. It makes you a better person, and makes you one who can deal with problems.

A good and safe driving in the desert depends on your mentality, and your skills which you can develop easily. It depends on the desire in you to explore more and more. And you need to keep in mind your safety as well.

Contact info/resources for desert crossing in Oman The Guide Oman is organising desert crossings and winter is the right season for these trips.

Contact: Rmayston@theguideoman.com, +968 9803 8820, facebook.com/TheGuideOman instagram.com/GuideOman

Don’t fear about getting stuck in the sands.

Actually that’s the fun part. It makes you a better person,

Photography: Supplied

and makes you one who can deal with problems

Y O U R FAV O U R I T E B O O K

The Old Man and the Sea A novella by Ernest Hemingway Then the fish came alive, with his death in him, and rose high out of the water showing all his great length and width and all his power and his beauty. That’s the blue marlin, the giant fish in the waters off Cuba, which Santiago, Hemingway’s old man, hooked after going 84 days without taking a fish.

Santiago’s great catch after being snubbed as salao, ‘the worst form of unlucky’, is a symbol of the book itself, which Hemingway wrote a decade after penning his previous successful book For Whom the Bell Tolls. He wanted to prove before his critics that he is not finished as a writer, and The Old Man and the Sea turned out to be his masterpiece.

But Hemingway claims that there’s no symbolism in this work – the marlin Santiago hooks

from the schools of bonito and albacore. I too don’t want to go after any symbolism or view it as an allegory. The book is simply great for its simplicity and power, which we start to feel from the very description of Santiago’s eyes: Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same colour as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.

The boy, Manolin, is Santiago’s companion, but he had stopped going with him after 40 days without a fish. And he is sad to see the old man coming each day with his skiff empty. But he still helps him to carry the lines, gaff, harpoon or the sail. And the old man looks at losing or defeats in a different way and is happy even after his favourite Yankees lose in the American League. “That means nothing. The

great DiMaggio is himself again,” he tells the boy.

He misses the boy when he hooks the big marlin on the 85th day, and when he gets towed away out into the sea. He had kept his lines with utmost precision, never losing his hopes to be ‘lucky today’. Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready. And it had come, a slight pull at first, but he knew exactly what it was hundred fathoms down.

Santiago is ready to stay with the fish until he is dead and would want to kill it with utmost love and respect. Then we see Hemingway’s powerful description of the fish as it jumps up for the first time. As if in a motion picture we see the line rising slowly and steadily, the sur-

face of the ocean bulging ahead of the boat and the fish coming out… unendingly and water pouring from his sides.

Yes, The Old Man and the Sea is Hemingway’s masterpiece, which I think none should miss reading.

It talks about the ultimate human strength, which can be destroyed but not defeated.

-Reviewed by Salim Joseph

ARE YOU A PROLIFIC READER? Which is your favourite book? Pick one and send in your thoughts on it.

Contact shafeeq@timesofoman.com

W E D NE S DAY, OCTOBER 2 8, 2 015

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FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@MGM

@SOHAR

@RUWI

Cast: Donnie Yen, Charlie Yeung 4:30PM Shandaar– 2D (Romance, Comedy) (PG) 3:45, 7:00, 11:30PM Ennu Ninde Moideen – 2D (Romantic) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon 6:45, 8:30PM (PG12)

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Shaandaar (Romance) (HINDI)(PG) Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant 4:00, 8:45, 11:30 pm The Little Prince (Animation)(3D)(PG) Voice Overs: Rachel McAdams, Benicio Del Toro, Marion Cotillard 2:00 pm The Last Witch Hunter (Actin)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 2:00, 5:45, 9:45, 11:55 pm Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (Horror)- (3D)(15+) Cast : Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George 4:00, 8:00, 10:05 pm War Pigs (Action, War) (12+) Cast : Luke Goss, Dolph Lundgren 2:15 pm The Martian(3D) (Adventure, Sci-Fi) (PG) Cast : Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig 7:30, 11:45 pm Momentum (Action, Thriller) (15+)(2D) Cast : Olga Kurylenko, Morgan Freeman 6:45 pm Infinitely Polar Bear (Drama)( (2D)(PG12) Cast : Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana 5:45 pm Breaking Through (Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast : Sophia Aguiar, Jordan Rodrigues 4:00 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL Goosebumps 3D (Action| Adventure) (12+) Cast : Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush & Jack Black 4:45 & 7:00PM The Last Witch Hunter 2D (Action) PG12 Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 2:00, 9:30 & 11:55PM Gold Class: 8:45 & 11:00PM Breaking Through 2D (Drama | Music) 12+ Cast : Sophia Aguiar, Jordan Rodrigues

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION (Horror)- (3D)(15+) Cast : Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George 4:00, 8:00, 10:05 pm

The Last Witch Hunter 2D (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) PG12 Cast : Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood Timing : 2:00, 9:30 & 11:55 pm Gold Class : 8:45 & 11:00 pm

2:45PM The Little Prince 3D (Animation) PG Voice Overs: Rachel McAdams 11:45 am Shandaar 2D (Romance| Comedy) PG Cast: Olga Olga Kurylenko, Morgan Freeman 4:15 & 9:15 pm Pan 3D (Adventure | Family ) (PG) Cast: Levi Miller, Garrett Hedlund 7:15 pm The Martian : 3D (Action | Sc-Fic ) PG Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain 12:00pm Gold Class: 3:30 pm The Walk : 3D (Adventure | Drama ) (PG) 4:45 & 07:00PM Gold Class : 6:15PM

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain 7:15 pm The last Witch Hunter – 2D (PG12) Action Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 2:45, 5:00, 9:30, 11:45 pm Patthu Endrathukulla – 2D (PG12) Action Cast: Vikram, Samantha 11:45 am, 4:15, 9:00 pm The Little Prince – 2D (PG) Animation 12:00, 2:30, 7:00pm Shaandaar – 2D (PG) Comedy, Romance Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant 12:00, 2:45, 4:30, 7:15, 10:00, 11:15 pm Ennu Ninde Moideen – 2D (PG12) Romantic Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon 11:45 AM, 8:15 pm

Shandaar : 2D (Romance| Comedy) PG Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant Timing : 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

SUR The Last Witch Hunter (Action) (PG12) Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 7:00, 9:00 PM Soldier of the Damned (Action) (15+) Cast: Gil Darnell, Miriam Cooke, Lucas Hansen 3:30, 5:15, 11:30 PM War Pigs (Action | War) (12+) 4:00 PM Shandaar (Hindi) (Romance | Comedy) (PG) 6:00, 8:45 PM Ennu Ninde Moideen (Mal) (Romance | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon, Saikumar 11:00 PM

Ennu Ninde Moideen - 2D (M) (Romantic) (PG12) Cast : Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon Timing : 8:30 PM

Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Tabu, Neeraj Kabi and Sohum Shah 6.45 pm Screen 3 Talvar (Mystery/Thriller) – PG12 3.45 pm Jazbaa (Action / Drama ) – 12+ 6.45 pm Pathu Enrathukulla (Action ) Tamil – PG12 9.45 pm SOHAR The Martian - 3D (PG) Action, Sci-Fi Cast : Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain 6:45 pm War Pigs - 2D (12+)Action | War Cast : Luke Goss, Dolph LundgrenTimings : 5:25, 11:45 pm The Last Witch Hunter - 2D (PG12) Action Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 2:30, 4:35, 9:30, 11:45 PM The Little Prince - 3D (PG) Animation Voice Overs: Rachel McAdams 2:45, 4:45 pm Infinitely Polar Bear - 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana 3:30, 7:15 pm

RUWI Screen 1 Shandaar 2D (Romance| Comedy) PG Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 pm Screen 2 Jazbaa (Action / Drama ) – 12+ Cast : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan 3.45, 9.45 pm Talvar (Mystery/Thriller) – PG12

AZAIBA The Martian – 3D (PG) Action, Sci-Fi Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain 5:30, 11:45 pm Jazbaa – 2D (12+) Drama, Action, Adventure Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bacchan, Irrfan Khan 2:00 pm Crimsom Peak - 2D (15+) Drama, Horror

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension - 3D (15+) Horror Cast : Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George 6:45, 11:30 pm Shandaar - 2D (PG) Romance| Comedy 2:30, 5:15, 8:00, 10:45 pm Ennu Ninde Moideen - 2D (M) Romantic Cast : Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon 8:30 pm (PG12) The Guardian Angel - 2D (12+) Action Cast : Vahik Pirhamzei, Bokeem Woodbine, Justine 9:00 PM BURAIMI The Last Witch Hunter – 2D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 5:00, 9:45, 11:45PM Soldier of the Damend – 2D (Action) (15+) Cast: Gil Darnell, Miriam Cooke, Lucas Hansen 6:30, 9:50 PM The Guardian Angel 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Vahik Pirhamzei, Bokeem Woodbine 11:45 PM Kung Fu Jungle – 2D (Action, Thriller) (12+)

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

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

32 28

Daily Daily

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

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

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

Programmes are subject to change

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

40-80%

JOBEN MATHEW ROBIN October 28, 2005

SOUBHAGYA October 28

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

LISTINGS

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

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)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ennu Ninde Moideen (Mal) (Drama) Cast: Prithviraj, Parvathi Menon, Bala & Lena 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm Cinema Main 10 Endrathu Kulla (Tamil) (Act ) Cast : Vikram, Samantha & Jackie Sherof 3-45, 6-45, 9-45 pm at Cinema -2 Life of Josutty (Mal) (Drama) Cast: Dileep and Jouthi Krishna 3-30, 6-30, 9-30 pm at Cinema-3 Shaandaar (Hindi) (Rom) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Ali Bhatt 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema -4 Next Change: Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (Tamil) Kanche (Telugu)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

MUSKAN WASEEM October 28, 2012

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

STAR CINEMA

0

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

Paranormal Activity:The Ghost Dimension (Horror) Cast: Chris J Murray, Britshaw, Ivy George 6.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2815 (15+) The Last Witch Hunter (Action /Adventure/ Fantacy) Cast: Vin Diesel,Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 2.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2816 (PG12) Breaking Through (Drama /Music) Cast: Julie Warner, Robert Roldan, Jordan Rodrigues 2.00, 4.00 & 10.00 pm CP No: 2817 (12+) Shaandaar (Comedy/Drama /Romance) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant 4.00 & 7.00 pm CP No: 2818 (PG)

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

SALALAH The Martian (3D) (PG) (Action//Sci-Fi) Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain 4:45 pm The Last Witch Hunter (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 11:15 am, 2:30, 4:30, 9:15, 11:30 pm Breaking Through (2D) (12+) (Drama/Music) Cast: Sophia Aguiar, Jordan Rodrigues 12:45, 4:35 pm The Little Prince (3D) (PG) (Adventure) 10:30 am, 12:30 pm Infinitely Polar Bear (2D) (PG12) (Comedy) 2:45 pm War Pigs (2D)(12+) (Action/War) 11:00 am, 6:45 pm Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (3D)(15+) (Horror) 1:15, 3:00, 7:20, 11:45 pm Shandaar (2D) (PG) (Romance/Comedy) 9:00, 11:35 pm Patthu Endrathukulla (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) Cast: Vikram, Samantha 6:30 pm Ennu Ninde Moideen (2D) (PG12) (Mal) 8:35PM (Romantic) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon

BAHJA CINEMA

WITH LOVE

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

11.56pm 3.11pm 5.36pm 6.48pm 4.54am

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

@SHATTI

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

WEDNE SDAY, O CTO BER 28, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE

Copper Magic

Location: 23°29’34.5”N 58°46’18 .5”E Have you been able to capture the beauty of an off-the-beaten-path destinati on in Oman? Send your pictures with a caption & geo-locator to: shafeeq@timesofoman.com

IN THE NEWS

Want to Get Hooked in Goa? Go Angling

PANAJI: A sudden ripple cuts through the still water and a dazzling flash of silver bounces off the hooked but wet and wriggling fish’s flank in the sparkling sun.

Up along the bank of the river, around 30-odd contestants stare at the catch. Some with curiosity, others with ire as the judge calls out the angler’s name amid applause and cheers. Such fishing competitions are fast gaining popularity in Goa, where fish is not just an essential part of the diet, but the tropical state’s social ethos.

Guilherme D’Costa, a veteran angler, is a master of several fish-

ing competitions, which he says help create bonding amongst youth as well as motivate them to participate in outdoor activity.

“Besides generating interest in the skill, we also hope this contest will bring about togetherness among youth in the village, D’Costa told IANS. D’Costa’s most recent fishing contest along the Chapora river in Revora, a picturesque village in north Goa 20km from Panaji, attracted dozens of anglers and a Sunday audience upwards of 800 angling fans.

A typical angling do is a mini

fiesta with music and locally prepared food dished out under a garishly-coloured awning, with anglers lined up near the quieter end of the fiesta, their fishing rods stretched out over the water at various angles, waiting to hook up the prize catch.

The one who catches the biggest fish, not only wins the honours that day but also has the pleasure of dining on a big fish fillet that night.

Anglers are often known to catch snappers, reef cods and other high value fish that can cost upwards of Rs3,000 apiece de-

pending on the size. Such competitions are held in several villages with sizable water-bodies, as well as state capital Panaji.

“A lot depends on the tide, the direction of the water as well as the time of the year the competition is held. Months from August to October are considered the best when fish is most available,” D’Costa said.

But fishing as a sport is not limited to group angling competitions in shallow rivers and creeks.

Big game fishing is also emerging as a popular sport in Goa, one which vibes with its reputation as a lifestyle tourism destination.

Antonio Estrocio, a local from Dona Paula and his company ‘Goa Fishing’, offer tourists and locals a wide range of fishing activity ranging from light off-shore fishing, in-shore fishing, river fishing as well as spear fishing.

“Off-shore fishing is at its best from October to December for big Ginger Mark, Emperor Snapper, Threadfin Salmons, Large Groupers, Cobia, Barracuda, GT’s, Spanish Mackerels, Wahoo, Dorado (Mahi Mahi) and Sail Fish. Inshore fishing and river fishing are very productive all year round. We also fish in the estuaries and deep into the rivers off the Mandovi and Zuari,” he said.

And for those who can’t stand the thought of a trembling fish, breathing its last on the deck, there’s also a “catch and release” option. -IANS

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

C1 2 C12

WE CTOBER 2 8, 2 01 5 W E D NE S DAY, O OCTOBER 015

LIFESTYLE

MIDDLE EAST LUXURY TRAVEL PREFERENCES Exclusive, Differentiating, Unique

KEY FACTS AND FIGURES

5

$8,310

1.9

69%

First class flying, cruise trips, 5 star accommodation and high expense were the strongest associations with luxury travel.

Typical total trip expenditure among online respondents for their last luxury holiday.

The average number of luxury holidays taken by online respondents in the past 12 months.

Agree defining luxury travel as 5 star accommodation or better is appropriate, although only 38% strongly agree.

THE GUEST JOURNEY

60%

choose a destination from friends/family recommendations

53%

personally book their travel

61% 5.1

GUEST PREFERENCES At the hotel, respondents wanted a good view from their bedroom and fine dining restaurants At the airport, respondents place the highest importance on quick check-in and ‘fast track’ through passport control 77% are likely to book an all inclusive luxury holiday package

travel with their spouse nights is the average trip duration

4 out of 5 go on a luxury holiday for relaxation SOURCE: YOUGOV

BRIEF

South Africa Revises Visa Rules as Tourism Numbers Decline The African nation amends its visa regulations to tackle the dwindling number of visitors due to cumbersome procedures The nation will now accept visa requests by post and set up biometric testing at its airports, he told reporters in the capital, Pretoria. Last year, the Home Affairs Ministry introduced rules requiring applications be made in person at embassies, where people’s biometrics would be taken.

It also said children had to be accompanied by one natural parent when travelling and that they have a full birth certificate stating the names of both parents.

The number of air passengers under 18 years of age travelling to and from the country fell 50 per cent from a year earlier in June and July due to the birthcertificate requirements, which started in June, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association said on October 1. Having the document to hand was aimed at reducing child trafficking.

“We had to impose the chil-

dren restrictions due to a Constitutional Court case in 2005, and the various child protection acts,” Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said.

The new regulations mean that children from visa-exempt countries such as the UK and the US won’t need those requirements because those were the

main target markets for tourists to South Africa.

Projections by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa indicate the rules would reduce the total number of annual foreign tourists by 578,000, or about 6 per cent of the 9.5 million foreign tourists that travelled to the country last year. - Bloomberg

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

AL KHAIRAT TRAINING SERVICES • PMI - PMP • PMI - RMP • PMI - PGMP • AACEI - CCP • AACEI - PSP • LEED GA/AP • NCMA - CCCM/CPCM

- (Project Management Professional) - (Risk Management Professional) - (Program Management Professional) - (Certified Cost Professional) - (Planning & Scheduling Professional) - (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - (Certified Commercial Contracts Manager & (Certified Professional Contract Manager) • STRESS MANAGEMENT • PRIMAVERA - (P6.8) • CUSTOMISED TRAININGS

For more info: +968-92295269 - +968-24488341 Email: info@alkhairattraining.com (Muscat, Sohar& Salalah)

CARGO

D8

CLINIC FOR SALE A well established medical clinic with new equipments with valid license

Contact: 99888586 E-mail.

Issa@oasismaritimeservices.com

D2

W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

Flats in Wadi Kabir.contact 99376454

2 BHK apartment for rent at Muscat hills with Golf Course view. Rent: RO.900/per month

600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details.contact 91214849/ 99364735

If interested please contact – 97986525 Or Email – sskpvr@gmail.com

2 BHK Al Amerat 6 new bldg with A/C 200/- R.O. Contact: 99024730

2BHK commercial Al Khuwair R.O 375/-.Contact: 92144045

Warehouse for rent in Ghala. Contact: 99208423

2BHK villa Mumtaz R.O 300/-. Contact: 92144045

Flat for rent in South AL Hail 1 room, seating room, 1bath, 1kitchen parking. The flat is clean and good location for Contact: 93214010 / 92602050

One & two bedroom apartment available for rent at South Ghubra close to Atlas hospital near Grand mall & Avenues mall, next to Diwan’s office. #99833747 / 24562526

2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686

2BHK flat at Al Khodh & 2 BHK Honda Road Ruwi. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

2BHK for rent in Al Amerat rent R.O 250/- Month. Contact: 92925173

02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) Flat at Honda road.

Contac: 99342733 / 99795241 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nadha Hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 1000sqm industrial and with compound well & two rooms at Misfah.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area, Ruwi, opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352 Room for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis hotel with A/C. Contact: 95124975 1/2, B/R – Res / commercial directly from owner near Bank Muscat, Bausher. Contact 92158031 Well maintained 3 bedroom flat with 2 bathroom, car parking and a/c is available for rent in al Mawallah near Ahmed Clinic, free electricity and water. Contact 99219699.

ISD, walking distance, 2 BHK, recently renovated flat, new and well maintained building. Ideal for Keralite / South Indian family, 350/per month, including air conditioners and maintenance. Contact: Iqrar on 99076557. Available from 1st November.

Flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom in wadi kabir for 260 RO. Contact : 97771444 5 Bedroom Luxury Villa in Al-Ansab Phase 3. Contact 99417023 2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 92888063 Tourist restaurant in Falaj Al qabail Sohar , good location. Contact : 94066999 / 99369733 6 bed rooms for rent in Al Khuwair 33 for family only rent 500 R.O. Contact: 99366624

Furnished office space & room available in Walja. Contact: 96246625

Deluxe 3 BHK Penthouse with Seaview, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. #9772 1313 New buildings commercial / residential in Muttrah both will BE rented out for one company only for more details. Contact: 99364735/95729711 Flat 2bedrooms, 2 toilets, kitchen and sitting room in Al Ansab.

Contact: 95302993 / 95216161 Office/Shop 28 SQM, Wadikhabeer, Contact 93004902

1BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi.

Contact : 99269751

Villa in Arjan complex near Seeb stadium 4BHK, 1 living room, 1 majles, 1 extra room in ground floor.

Contact 93219597

2BHK with Split Unit A/C , Wadikhabeer near Indian School, 99441193, 93004802

For rent one bedroom Majlis, 2 toilets, kitchen, balcony Greater Muttrah near Muscat Electricity distribution new building rent R.O 230/-. Contact: 99243059

1BHK flat available in MBD near Khimji Supermarket with split AC & curtain R.O 230/-.#97748721 / 92393067

Flats and shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD Mumtaz area. Contact : 97293708 / 92433127

1BHK new bldg with A/C curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061408 / 99024039

3 BHK Penthouse Flat with Split A/Cs, Free Unlimited Broadband WiFi, Security access system, Pvt. Terrace & Secured car park, Opposite Kims Hospital Al Falaj, Monthly Rent: 625/-.

Contact: 99657906 or 24702141

Unfurnished Villa 5 B/ R @ Madinat Al Ilam, Fully Furnished Villa 5 B/R @ Madinat Al Ilam Executive Fully Furnished 1 B/R Apartment at Al Khuwair 33. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC. 24834888 / 99249069 / 92888376/ 99436312.

Email: info@alshahiintl.com 1BHK Ghubra R.O 275/-. contact 92144045 2BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-.#92144045 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-. Contact: 92144045

1&2 BHK C.B.D. Contact: 99024730 1&2 BHK Wadi Kabir. #99024730

Big room with attach bathroom, Kitchen in Muscat RO 95/-. Contact: 95094028

Fully furnished, 2 bedroom luxury flat for rent at Ghala for short or long term basis. # 91786526 / 99881653

1BHK Darsait R.O 225/-. Contact: 92144045

Large room private toilet small kitchen, Electricity water lnclusive monthly RO 180/-, opp. Qurum Park.

Contact Hassan: 99349990 Private room with toilet, electricity water lnclusive opp Qurum Park monthly RO 130/-. #99349990 2BHK flat + AC Amerat 6 km from Amerat police. Contact: 95521432 600 SQT Commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details please Contact: 91214849/ 95729711

2BHK with Split Units , WadiKhabeer, 93004802.

Flat for rent 2BHK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Brand new residential flats in Wadi Kabir near Muscat football club, have 2 bedroom family hall, 2 toilets, Kitchen with spilt AC for 250/- R.O. #95999904 / 98585889 / 92383886

New flats for rent At Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes1 living room, 2 bedrooms, Kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C, high quality finishing, rent RO 340 /-.contact 00968 92225523 2 bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. contact 92584715 / 24700120 Showroom / storage / office space (area 290 SQM, 6 M Height) available 4 R.O PER SQM, facing Al Mina Street, near Darsait Lulu. Contact: 99360631/ 96760819/ 24711184 2 rooms in Al Khuwair 17/1 rent 250/- R.O with water & elect. Contact: 99330385 Luxury apartments in Al Khoud 3, composed of clean – conditioned room, lounge and toilet, kitchen and store. Contact 93366421 Al Mawalh villa for rent 17 bedrooms, all attached toilet, 2 big hall, 1 big kitchen, outside 1 kitchen 1 PVT room near (Mac Donald). Contact: 99654252 / 95566475 2bedroom centrally air conditioned flat at CBD. contact 24714625 / 94460790 1BHK flat spilt with A/C Al Khuwair, 230/-. contact 99358589 / 95570288 Ware house space for rent at Ghala and Barka up to 20000/- Sqm. Contact: 99509460 / 93731363

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

Running furniture showroom for urgent sale.

Ladies beauty parlor sale at Muttrah.

Contact - 91135930

FOR SALE Company maintained Mercedes prime mover (2005).

Contact 99449048 26750468 COMPUTER

DHOKA SCAFFOLDING ALL TYPES FOR SALE OR RENT

FOR SALE Excess tractor and agricultural parts for sale for details. For details please visit us at Zawawi Trading Company – Muscat branch – E& P division, for more information please Contact: Mr. said Al Shammakhi 99456045

TATA BUS model 2009

COMPANY CLOSING- LANDS FOR SALE

Used Visi coolers (chiller) for sale.

Contact: 93888028 / 93204920

For sale

Restaurant for sale lease running restaurant, opp. Mars Wadi Kabir 7 visa. Contact: 93334685

Seating 60+1 Good condition Sohar

1. Al-Hail North 6300 SQM. (Resi/Comm) 2.Al-Hail South 3600 SQM. (Resi.)

3.Ar-Rumais 5235 SQM.

Contact 99449228

Interested buyers please contact GSM 99227267

Shop for sale North Al Hail near Zam Zam Hyper market. #99618161 / 94422131/ 96557131 Comm. & Res land in the heart of Ruwi 2400 sq mtr for sale.

Contact : 91155779 Comm. & Res land in Darsait, opp.

Pakistani School, 900 sq mtr for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. contact 94652485/ 99273774/99202278

ACC. AVAILABLE Big room in available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/per month including W+ E. Contact: 99495131

Single room available near Muttrah Souq for Executive Kerala bachelor.

Contact: 96195506

Comm. & Res land in Ghala heights 400 sq mtr for sale. #91155779

Single room with attached toilet & bath for Executive bachelor rent including with water & electricity in Ruwi. Contact: 99327158

For sale land in Amerat 3000 Sq.mt with petrol pump permission.

Contact 99323957 / 92702891

Please contact – Mr. Ravi on 96529679 Email – ravi@alliedoman.com / narayan@alliedoman.com

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail. Contact 92817777

Comm. & res. land for investment for 25 years in Ghala heights.

Contact: 91155779

Beauty parlour in Mobela for sale.

Contact: 96131261

FOR HIRE WITH OPERATORS 1. Back Hoe Loaders (Shovels): 5 Nos 2. 10 Tons Vibratory Roller Compactor: 1 No. 3. 42 Mtrs. Concrete Pump Putzmeister: 1 No. 4. 45 Cbm Tippers: 2 Nos 5. 50 M height, 50 Boom tower cranes: 5 Nos.

Family sharing Ruwi high street Raymond bldg. Contact : 99895616 Independent rooms in Qurum /AL Hail. Contact 95529970

ACC. AVAILABLE Fully furnished office space in As - Assalah Tower Ghobra.contact 98202001

Furnished single rooms available for Executive bachelors at Ruwi.

Contact : 93431089

AVAILABLE Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784 1BHK, fully furnished with furniture AC LCD, ETC, ideal for small family or 2 bachelors available from 1st November. #96444400 New fully furnished room & attached bathroom, kitchen, wifi, for bachelor Honda road. Contact: 98582078

M.V.FOR SALE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Toyota YARIS. Model 2008. KM 70000 Expat driven, All services at Toyota. Very clean. Rate: 2750. Contact 99445675.

Mazda 323, 1997 model, 219525 km for sale / Hyundai Sonata 2005 model, 150870 km for sale, expat Handled.#98512702 / 99351044

NRI 17cents residential plot for sale in Mundoor Center (near Amala hospital) about 75 meters from Mundoor main road.

Contact: 00968 -92376297

Please contact – 99458883 Email – amro.alsiyabi@gmail.com

D4

W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

URGENTLY REQUIRED RECEPTIONIST

Urgent Requirement

Sales Lady For Jewellery Showroom

1. Two years experience in sales.

2. NOC is must. (send CV with current picture) Email:vacancy299@gmail.com

• • • •

Omanis Only (preferably female) Must speak English fluently Ability to handle Office/Admin works Good knowledge of computers Interested candidates please send CV to: hilalproperties@hilalprp.com.om or contact 24600688/ Fax: 24600683

ADMIN/ HR

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH

Female Receptionist required for play area in Azaiba. Must be energetic, speak good English, and be good with children. Start date midNovember. Sponsorship available.

Email CV to playareaom@gmail.com

Leading construction company requires experienced Site Engineer and QA/QC Engineer for residential/ commercial project. Require NOC. Send your CV : degree.engineer2015@gmail.com

Urgently required for a Hotel / hotel apartments in Muscat: Receptionists (Omani) – male / female. Contact 97677211

Experienced construction Civil Engineer with qualification (attested) certificates & with Omani driving license.

Contact: slayhawk@yahoo.com 99601004

ACCOUNTANT We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, , Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133, Email: admin-dept@daud.om

CATERING Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DOMESTIC HELP FULL time housemaid needed for family in Azaiba - good salary, accommodation ,visa provided, accommodation provided. No release.

Contact 95123244 Wanted full time maid for Indian family. Visa provided. Contact: 92800073 / 95120404 Wanted housemaid with release for Indian family. Contact 92800073 or 99247040

DRIVER Required 2 Expatriate Drivers for manpower supply company with Oman driving license. Contact 94148972 / 94148970

Valid bike license (Oman), Driver required for reputed chain of restaurants in Muscat visa available.

Contact: 93798969 Required heavy duty driver, preferably with good experience and communication skills. Contact: 91408759 Email: hanaa.alritaj@ gmail.com

EDUCATION Required teachers with B.Sc B.Ed BA B.Ed, Karate and art for Omani Pvt. School.contact 95141554 / 95825772 Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Urgently required Project Engineer for a reputed Construction Company in Muscat with Civil Engineering Degree/Diploma, 4 to 10 years experience, holding Oman/GCC Driving License. E.mail: assaud@omantel. net.om or FAX: 24953530 Urgently required for a leading Company Planning engineer. Fax : 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@ gmail.com MEP Engineer electrical with full knowledge of concealed wiring, air conditioning works, plumbing having at least 3 - 5 years experience in supervision and project execution. autocad is a must. contact tgi17@ omantel.net.om Joinery foreman with minimum 3 - 5 years experience in interior finishing related to all carpentry and aluminum works required. Persons with relevant experience and release / NOC. Contact tgi17@omantel.net. om

MEDICAL Required General Physician, Gynecology, Dentist, Pharmacists, Lab technicians, Nurses. Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@ gmail.com Urgently required Staff Nurse dental clinic Al Ghoubra. Contact: 95094028 Urgently required female therapist Panchakarma in Ghoubra. Contact : 95094028 Urgently require Female nurse with or without MOH license for a dental clinic at Bahla 98230488 Required Prometric passed nurse to join clinic. Contact: 91478749 Required female Nurse with MOH license for a private a private clinic in Bowsher area, Muscat. Contact: 92189807 Female Lab Technician required urgently for Sohar International Medical Centre-reasonable salary and furnished accommodation -email: muttaheraziz@yahoo.com ; sohar.imc@gmail.com / tel:91304511 / 92369417 /93342567

MANAGER A newly started travel agency in Ruwi requires a Manager.

The candidate should have 5-7 years experience with excellent communication skills and a valid Omani driving license. Interested candidates , please send CV to manager4travels@gmail.com, within 15 days from the date of this advertisement

MISC Wanted Oman candidate to work as Operation staff in Logistics company in Muscat. Contact: +968 24794579 Email: noha.chalhoub@compasslog.com Travel agent in Muscat required counter staff (male / female) Sales Executive (male/female).

Interested send CV on vacancies20152015@hotmail.com Storekeeper Required Urgently – Any Graduate with 2-3 years experience in similar field with good knowledge of MS Office, Age: 2328 years can apply to tclsales@ teejan.com A well reputed profile sheet & Purlin manufacturing company urgently requires following personals with valid Oman driving license, Factory Manager, Accountant, Sales Executive. Send your CV to applymd2015@gmail.com

Contact 92025033, dr.srinivas76@gmail.com

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Experienced electrician / lineman (preferred Gulf return) for Electrical company. Clearance ready. Contact : 99706132 Email: atlasllc11@gmail. com

SKILLED LABOUR Required female tailors Philippine national 2Nos and cutting Master also Philippine female. Must have Oman experience in stitching fashion clothes. C.R 1046847. Contact : 93219696

Experienced Secretary required experienced for Ruwi office. Must have high standard of competence in MS Office suite and excellent Arabic / English communication skills. Send CV and covering email to mj-co@omantel.net.om

A well known family in Oman urgently needed an experienced Indian female part time or full time Nursing Assistant to take care of their Mother recovering from stroke.

Contact 99717791 or 94084335 INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING FIRM REQUIRES FOR PROJECTS IN SULTANATE OF OMAN

QUANTITY SURVEYOR

(DIPLOMA IN QUANTITY SURVEY) WHO ONLY CAN JOIN IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCE: 8 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN INCREASINGLY RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS, EXPERIENCE IN CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, REVIEW OF PAYMENT CERTIFICATES, VARIATION ORDERS AND CLAIMS IN THE FIELD OF WATER SUPPLY AND INFRASTRUCTURE CVs mentioning Oman tel. No. to be submitted to: omanengineco@yahoo.com

Vacancy

Supply Chain Executive 1. Minimum of 2 years experience in supply chain management 2. Has work experience in logistic company 3. Has to have expertise in logistics and inventory management

Send CV to jobws2000@gmail.com A reputed Company urgently requires smart and efficient personnel for their Insurance Brokerage activity

a) Insurance Brokerage Manager Candidate should have minimum 10 yrs experience in Insurance Sector, and able to lead a team

b) marketing executives Should have min 5 years exp in Insurance Sector

kindly email CV`s to : miad@ra.cc SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

SALES / MARKETING A new lady’s fashion shop in shopping mall require Omani and Filipino sales lady. A new fast food shop in the same mall require Filipino cashier.

Please send CV to newbrandpanorama@gmail.com Male - Marketing Supervisor with University Degree, Experience in Marketing, w/ excellent communication skill. Email admin-dept@daud. om Required project salesman on profit sharing basis. contact@absmct.com/ 99221683 Lady Telesales Executives & Business Development Executives with Oman D/L for leading IT & Media Enterprise. Enthusiastic Freshers also welcome. jobs@interacoman.com Male/Female advertising and media sales executives required with valid driving license and minimum 1 year experience. Mail CV to blackandwhiteoman@gmail.com Sales man with 3- 5 years experience with driving license to work in insurance brokerage in Oman.

Contact: 93544244 Required urgently for sales of building materials, PPE & related products with driving license & 4+ yrs experience in this field. Email CV & expected package to salesforoman@gmail.com

Sr. Accountant with 14 yrs experience, 2 yrs in Oman capable of handling all accounting functions. NOC available. Contact: 92404608 Email: jin_75@rediffmail.com Male Accountant 24 yrs, MBA (Finance & HR), DIFA certified having 2.9 yrs experience as Account assistant looking for suitable job, Currently on Visit Visa. Contact:95878661 E-mail: nazeelc@yahoo.com Fresher 24 years B.Com Graduate, Tally 7.2 & ERP-9, looking for a suit#Contact: 97219505 Male accountant BSc Hons (Finance & Accounts) having 2 years experience in accounts, looking for suitable job on visit visa. Contact: 91420128 Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah.

More than 20 years experience in accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts), 8 years working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Salalah.

Contact: 91325029 CMA, three years experience 24, Indian on visit visa seeking accounts / Audit position. Contact: 96694516 Email: kalathiljoe@live.com Finance Manager 26 years experience with NOC available immediately. Contact: 91302906 / 91335205

Wanted Sales man (experienced in transporting etc). contact 94007259 Email: smylackal@gmail.com

Finance Controller 15 years experience in Oman corporate financing , management accounts , feasibility study, cost control , business plan, ERP, MIS Banking, International trade etc seeks suitable opportunity.

Contact: 98571309

Urgently required: Sales Executive- with 5 years experience in aluminum and sales, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

Indian Chartered Accountant having 7 year experience in MIS, Budgeting, Taxation, ERP, Costing, Cash Flow etc. working as Asst.

Manager - Finance. NOC Available; contact: igneshmlazar@gmail.com / 91789950

Urgently required Sales Executive with 2 years experience in electrical outdoor sales. Must have D/L and NOC. Contact: 91373200 Email: oman@sentorsupplies.com

Indian male, 30 yrs, 7 yrs experience in UAE in Accounts, Sales & IT, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable position. Contact 95657110, Email : muhammedanu@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing Executive for travel and tourism. Contact: 92890506

Indian female 5+ yrs Oman exp in Accounts tally looking for suitable placement in W.K to Qurum area.

Contact: 95580416

A trading company in Muscat requires Sales Executive with minimum 1 yr experience & Oman driving license & welding machine / electronics / power tools technician with min. 1 year experience.

Email: jobs.trading2015@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE An Omani company in Muscat are looking for Indian Procurement Engineer with 5 years in GCC. The experience should be in industrial procurements (oil & gas and power plant). Indian nationality send the CV, Omani PRO. Candidates could send their CV to kheradmand@teccontracting.com

Wanted female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse – 2 no., Dental Asst, female Lab Tech from India or Filipino with MOH license & data flow for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Mussana.

Wanted urgently

Male 28, MBA Finance & Marketing with 4 Years experience in UAE seeks suitable placement.

Contact - 90264337 Indian male warehouse In charge & Accounts Assistant last one year in Oman experience with building materials cements paints. NOC available. Contact: 94525213 Email: lojikts@gmail. com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance, Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L, NOC available.

Cont: 98278801, mansoormk10@ gmail.com

Indian male 20 + yrs exp in Non banking finance co (NBFC) in Oman as Credit Analyst, risk, recoveries operations, well versed with branch operations & flair in Arabic with valid D/L now on visit. #99055123 MBA International Business in finance and operations Indian male 24, (3 months visit visa) seeking immediate placement. Contact 968 97489409 / Email: abhay8168@ gmail.com Accountant finance Indian male 25 yrs B.Com tally ERP.9, 3+ yrs working experience in India on visiting visa for 3 months seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93772901 /95309001 Email id: araj2378@ gmail.com Indian male 22 years, B.Com Graduate 1 year experience as Accountant in India on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 98693800 / 95709455 Email: hameeshham29143@gmail. com Part time accountant, senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, up to finalization. contact.95254864

Accountant , Indian (Kerala) male, more than 09 years experience in Qatar (02 years) and New Delhi experience upto finalization of Accounts & expertise in using Tally ERP-9, MS Office (Word & Excel). Currently on visit visa, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97864890 / 97268429 Email: vinodthomas80@gmail.com

Indian female 28 years M.Com, Accountant having 6 years experience in Accounts, finalization, Tally currently on visit visa.

Contact : 95595083 Email: merlinfernandes16@yahoo.in

Indian male 35 years BBM diploma in A/C & Banking 5 years experience in Oman as Business promoter with valid D/L & NOC seeking urgent placement in Muscat. Contact : 92683606 Email: abhi.abraham09@gmail.com

Indian female MBA , 3 Years experience in Admin MIS , family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com

ADMIN

Indian lady 15 yrs experience in Insurance / Accounts looking for suitable placement. Contact : 92986455

10 years Gulf & 4 years Oman experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position.

Contact: 95824598

Urgent Accountant (female India, 6+ years exp in tally ERP (latest), finalization of account, tax accounting, stock maintenance, payroll, ledger etc. Contact: 91551164 / 91175456

Hr & admin with 15 years experience looking for a job change.NOC available.contact 92475023,email:phoenix.snair@ gmail.com

Accountant, B.Com, male, having 2 years Oman & 8 years Kerala experience in finalization of accounts, stock maintenance, payroll, tally ERP , MS Office etc. NOC in hand.

Contact: +917356273548 Email: shajumathew23@gmail.com

Indian lady, B. Tech graduate currently pursuing MBA via off campus and having 2 years work experience willing to work in management sector. Contact 91156408

Accountant cum Sales Executive Indian male 29 yrs, 6 years experience in Oman presently on visit visa, Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 95273713, Email: binadam399@gmail.com Accountant Indian female having 5 years exp in finalization, audit and administration in GCC presently in Muscat seeking suitable position. Contact 97323574 Email: sreeja@236@gmail.com Accountant, Indian female on visit visa degree: B.Com, exp 6+ years in tally ERP-9 (latest), finalization of account, Tax, Accounting, Stock maintenance payroll etc. Contact: 91551164 /91175456 Email: mk-jothipriya@gmail. com Sri Lankan Male Accountant, Age 26, BBA Spl, CA Inter, Having more than 5 years’ Experience in accounting field seeking for suitable placement NOC Available Contact: 97250638 msmnaja@ gmail.com Indian male 8 years experience having B.Com and MBA ready to work in HR customer service, Admin banking & related field.

Contact : 97436890 / 96939803.

Email: girimub@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Finance Manager, 12 years experience in leading Construction and manufacturing companies (9 years in Oman) have strategic vision and proven leadership ability. B.Com, CPA- USA & modern accounting certificate from “AUC”. “NOC” in hand. Contact: 97220505

Indian female , MBA( HR) experience in both corporate and teaching back home, looking for any suitable HR/ Admin / teaching post currently on visit visa. Contact: 90139719 Email:umadevi23@gmail. com A BBA degree holder Man looking For suitable job contact 95864575 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Looking for job Admin / HR. Release available. contact 94229041 HR/ Recruitment specialist with 8 years Oman experience in entire gamut of HR functions like resource planning, recruitment, HR policies & procedures performance appraisal, expatriate affairs, exit interviews & ticketing. contact 93825307 Email: javthath@rediffmail.com

ARCHITECT Architect (BSC), female 23 one year experience with valid Omani driving license, under family visa looking for suitable placement. contact 92670199 Email: tkhaleque92@ gmail.com Indian, Architect male 25, two years experience in UAE design, tender, site inspection with strong knowledge in AutoCAD, Photo shop Microsoft office looking for a suitable placement. Contact 92382038 Email: umar16.arch@gmail.com Architecture Structural Draughtsman having 5 years Oman experience, NOC available. Contact: 97312627 Interior 3d designer, good knowledge in softwares. contact 93837973 Architect with bachelor degree 4 years experience in architectural design (interior & exterior) professional in (3D Max- Archicad - AutoCAD - Photoshop). contact 96041201 Email: amer.yousfan@ gmail.com

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad d/man, exp in arch, interior 3d, photoshop. Contact : 93837973 Architectural & Structural Draughtsman 5 years experience.

Contact: 97312627

Indian female, 30 yrs, Interior Designer Bachelor degree with 5 yrs working experience seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact 98499975, Email : swasdesigner@gmail.com

Project/ Program Manager/ Finance professional Qualification MBA PMP six sigma (GB) Countries exposure Canada & Middle East, Industry any (experienced in bank, telecom, transport.

Nationality-Canadian. On visit in Oman.

Contact - 97203531

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. DOMESTIC HELP Housemaid wanted for Kerala family in Seeb. Visa available. Contact: 97494228

Instrumentation Engineer, Indian male 24 years of age on visiting visa with 2 years experience in oil & gas seeking suitable position. Contact: 94743685 Email: akashpp444@ gmail.com

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver available. Contact: 94141925

Mechanical Engineer (6 years Diesel Engine, control maintenance, solar) (1 year HVAC) NOC & D/L. Contact: 97452159 Email: mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.com

Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver for job. Contact: 94182497

Civil Engineer 20 years experience in project management including 10 years in Oman. Contact: 91177755

Driver for job. Contact: 98934367 Pakistani, light driver looking job exp, 4 years. Contact: 96346582 12 years experience need a job.

Contact: 99709344 Light duty driver 3 years experience in Oman looking for job. Contact: 93131542 20 years experience. Contact: 94795033 Driver looking For job 95154610 Light duty driver seeks placement.

Contact: 94435912 / 92439315 Light duty driver 8 years exp in U.A.E need visa Oman seeks placement.contact 96975028 / 95803184 Pakistani Driver wanted job, with 3 years experience. contact 94356465 Driver, 42 yrs, suitable job K.S.A 12 years Oman, 4 years release available. Contact: 93885404 Looking for driving job. Contact: 93650209 Light driver need job exp 4 years.

Contact: 94208089 Looking for driving job. #98219182 Indian driver, 4 years experience in Oman with car looking for suitable job (NOC available). #93053917 Driver seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98134080 Indian Driver need job. contact 91254539 Light driver for job 5 yrs exp.

Contact: 92171166 Bangladeshi male driver, 48 yrs, exp 14 years, 9 years need job & visa, got release letter. #99165961

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Jordanian Engineer in MECHANICAL & MANUFACTURING Good experience Sheet Metal Fabrication, AutoCad, Solidworks 3D, Storage Tanks & Silos, Sales - Speaking Arabic/English/Russian -GSM#90198575 / 99201710 Electrical Engineer (B.E) with 5 years experience (3 yrs in Gulf) NOC available. Contact: 92119851 Email: mayurdevadiga@gmail.com Resident Engineer B.E civil 25 years exp 12 yrs in Architecture consultancy having Oman Dubai D/L NOC available. Contact: 95732453 Email: milindj951@gmail.com Indian male 23 years B.E Electrical Engineer 1 year experience is looking for suitable job in Oman currently on visiting visa (certificate attested). Contact: 93547687 Email: ajay.v.s.prabu@gmail.com Workshop Supervisor 29 years working in Oman P.D.O area project NOC available. Contact 94594234 Email: acmshaheed@outlook.com B.Tech mechanical Engineer from Indian with CSWIP 3.1 certificate is looking for suitable placement. Contact: 96518095 B.Tech mechanical Engineer, 24 yrs, 2 yrs exp seeking job on visiting visa.

Contact: 93523752 Email: binunechikkadan@gmail.com Indian, female, 24 yrs, BE, CS Engg with 2 yrs Exp in Tech Support at Hewlett Packard & S/W Development at ISRO-India, looking for a job in Tech Support /Admin/Teaching/IT field. Contact : 92891427, reshmatj@ gmail.com

Indian male, 23 years, B.Tech [ECE], 1 year experience in sales and installation (electronics, IT and networking devices) is looking for suitable job. Currently on visiting visa. Contact: +968 96761020 email:a dik.mm7@gmail.com B.SC Civil Engineer, road construction field with 12 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92200485 Indian female 25 years B.Tech (Electrical) having 4 years experience in tendering, estimation and costing seeking suitable placement currently on family visa. #97228117 Omani Mechanical Engineer with 2years Experiences looking for new opportunity . Contact:95993315, alrus7idisaif@gmail.com Maintenance planner (CMMS), Indian male 29 yrs, B.Com, MBA having 5 years Gulf exp in oil and gas industry in planning dept. currently on visiting visa, looking for suitable job. Contact: 93179096 Civil Engineer, Indian male, 11 years experience in construction, having D/L and NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer Indian male 27 years having 4 years experience including 2 years GCC experience, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 90156984 Email: noorullahanas@gmial.com

Diploma in Civil Engineer, have total 4.5 years experience & have 1.5 years experience in Oman. #96535084 BSC (Hons) Civil Engineer with Oman work experience and valid driving license looking for immediate placement in consultancy or construction firm currently on visit visa. Contact: 91181680 Indian Electrical Engineer B. Tech, female 24 seeking job. presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact number 96897436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com BE mechanical Engineer MBA Indian male 25 currently working in Qatar skills, MEP Designing, Surveying Oracle AutoCAD, SAP. Contact: +97474470866 C/O Oman 95071632 Male 22, B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering dynamic personality, seeking suitable position languages known English, Hindi, Currently in Oman. Contact: 93611341 / 92603257 Email: arjunakshysree@ gmail.com Indian lady Electrical Engineer, M. Tech in power systems (NITC) & B.Tech in EEE (CET) with 3 years experience in electrical design & consultancy. Proficient in AutoCAD, LT & HT design estimation, seeking suitable position in Muscat. #97710156 Email: deepthikarur@ gmail.com BSC Civil Engineer and MBA 25 years experience in roads, infrastructure and management have Oman D/L. Contact: 96936263 Email: saadfallih@gmail.com Electronics Engineer, 26 yrs Indian with 2 years work experience & PG diploma in power electronic. Contact: 98477015 Civil Engineer 5 years experience in Oman, 3 years in EURO looking best career in my field or management, with valid driving license. Contact: 93149659

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Diploma Engineer civil. #91151237 Project Engineer (Electrical) 5 years experience in Oman primary substations + OHL, oil & gas, AutoCAD design driving license. NOC available.

Contact: 93210528 / 99410588 M.Tech having 3 years experience in Mechanical Engineering department looking for any University to hire. Contact: 90150913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.in B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with MBA in marketing & HR 3 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. #0091 9846568080 / 0091 4772702080, Email: jbabu4@gmail.com Civil Engineer, Indian male 29, having 7 years exp in construction field& Auto Cad in Oman. Having valid driving license. Fluent in English & Arabic. Looking for suitable job in reputed firm. #99650569 Indian male B.Tech Mechanical Eng (2 years exp in India) fire safety seeking suitable placement. Contact: 93523752 Civil Engineer B.Sc -6 years experience with constructions companies - 1 years in Oman - qualified as Site Engineer & Planning Engineer.

Contact+968-94682217 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 Road and Construction Engineer exp 5 years in Oman. contact 97646908

HOSPITALITY B.F hotels management 2 years exp food and beverages service, kitchen, 4 languages, N.O.C available. Contact: 95196212 Email: mido.hossams09@yahoo.com Hotel exp 4 years F+ B (service) visit visa expires 13/11/2015, B.A Hotel Management. Contact: 91987013 / 96971643 Email: shinekls34@gmail.com

LOGISTICS

SALES / MARKETING

10 yrs exp in Oman in logisticshave Oman D/L-looking for suitable placement-contact 96410767, email: harishkts@yahoo.com

Pakistani male, 8 years sales and marketing experience specialized in MBA, Marketing with valid driving license (GCC), NOC and with best sales performance award looking for suitable position Email: sheraz.rotanahotel@gmail.com , 99249296 / 93313173

MEDICAL Palestinian dentist looking for job in private hospitals, Medical Center or Dental Centers in Muscat 15 yrs exp P. hospitals out Muscat. #96951750 Prometric passed Indian male Nurse is looking for suitable placement. Contact 00919887620101 / 96518095 Medical Lab technician, MSc, 29 years, An Indian female having 3 years experience with prometric passed on family visa seeking suitable placement in capital. Contact: 93231549 Email: sujithsolomon@ yahoo.co.in

MISCELLANEOUS Social worker MSW Children counselor, 2 years UK, Indian exp or resident visa. Contact: 94635091 Email: betzyza14@gmail.com Sudanese lawyer with experience 10 years in Judiciary in Khartoum.

Contact: 94458976 Microbiologist, Indian female, 25 yrs Msc Microbiology with 2.5 yrs Exp in Hospital & Dairy industry. Expertise in Microbial analysis of milk products and clinical samples. Currently in Oman seeking for suitable job opportunities. GSM#94767297 Email:shobi24190@gmail.com Indian male 30 yrs 9 experience in Oman housekeeping supervisor with NOC seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96254837 Email: sudheeshmrf@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Relationship Manager Indian male 28 BB, MBA 5 years exp currently working in India, computer skilled.

Contact: 0091 9747101018 Email: rahuljayamohan@gmail.com C/O Oman: 95071632 Indian 14 years experience in consumer goods as Marketing Manager with visa D/L. Contact: 90314809

Indian B. tech Civil, 19 years exp , seeks suitable position. #98365910 Email: kks.pkd1969@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, B.Tech, with 8 years GCC experience (5 years in Oman) in MEP & Oil/gas construction/Inspections side with NOC, is seeking new assignments in Oman.

Has attested degree certificate and Oman D/L. Contact No.96083636, Email:tobineasow@gmail.com

Indian male 38 yrs total 19 yrs experience (Gulf 13 yrs) in Electrical field, electrical Forman experience 4 yrs in Oman seeking suitable placement in hospital setup, maintenance, department, construction field now visit visa, NOC available. Email: binu. kumar51@yahoo.com Palestinian Petroleum Enneer (B.E) 25 yrs available in Oman seeking for placement. Contact: 91445467 Email: abdulrahman.m.mustafa@gmail.com Indian female 11 years experience in Oman as a Quantity Surveyor in Civil having valid Omani driving license.

NOC available. Contact: 99879525

Civil Eng 1 year exp Indian male 23 yrs, knowledge in quantity surveying currently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 00968 95786832

Experienced Civil Engg professional 12/26 years ran a company as Working partner have estimation, tendering of high rise building infrastructure steels conc. Products seeks suitable placement. contact 95360102 / 94460357

HSE Engineer, Indian 26 years B.Tech Mechanical Engineering Nebosh IGC qualified 5 years exp in O & G on visit visa. Contact: 94135234 Email: labythomas@gmail.com

Indian male 24 years Instrumentation technician have 2.5 years experience in India, seeks a suitable job. Contact: 92696798 Email: ajoarikkatt@gmail.com

Kerala Electrical Technician, foreman cum Storekeeper (Electrical).

Contact: 93563744

Qualified Engineer with 3-5 yrs exp in purchase, 2.2 yrs in automotive service, excellent communication, presentation and management skills.

PH: 968 91306841; Email: shanyphilip23@gmail.com

Civil Engineer B.Tech with Iosh, Nebosh certification having valid Omani driving license looking for suitable job. Contact: 93631625 Mechanical Engineer (UK), 28 years, male having 3.5 years experience, looking for suitable placement with valid Oman driving license NOC available. Immediate availability Contact: +968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk B.Tech mechanical Eng (Indian) having 4 years exp in oil field, completed CSWip 3.1 welding inspection level-2, primavera and good knowledge in designing software like Staddpro tekla auto spool AutoCAD etc seeking suitable placement. Contact : 96071081 BE Mechanical Engineer, 23 years, Indian male on visit available for immediate placement please contact: 96145820 or arunsankar.10.92@ gmail.com

Electronics diploma 1 year exp in telecommunication, mobile tower field support Engg. Vishnu Madhu Soodanan. Contact: 94519571 / 95233636 Email: vishnumadhull@ gmail.com BSc. in Civil Engineer 12 years experience in infrastructure & building having UAE D/L currently on visit visa looking suitable placement.

Contact 91206763 Email: delwar.civil.97@gmail.com 4 years experience Electrical Engineer electrical primary substations UG cables and OHL, fluent in English and Arabic. Contact: 91204243 Electrical Engineer 4 years experience oil and gas electrical substation water project fluent in Arabic and English primavera p6 operator.

Contact: 99525856

Having 5 years exp, as office coordinator, NOC available. #92889617 Male BA, with D/L having 7 years exp in Oman wanted suitable job in Sales inventory & procure. contact 92191026 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. #95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@ gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Welder fabrication, 6g 3g,tig arc gas PH : 95068064

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills.

Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. #95149624

MISCELLANEOUS Advertising/media executive with 15 years gulf experience with oman driving license. Seeks good opening.

93031168.

Indian (Bangalore), internal auditor / senior accountant having (Gulf) 8 years, (India) 15 years experience, presently on employment visa seeking suitable placement in Salalah / Muscat. Contact 968 94765948, email:amituppin@gmail.com Sudanese / 30 years old / M.Sc. Logistics Management /English & Arabic/ logistics - procurement inventory planning / 91270881

IT SALES / MARKETING

M.Tech (Electronics) Indian lady (on visit), 5 years teaching experience in engineering colleges also running entrance coaching centre for 8 years is looking for a better placement in colleges, schools & office etc. Contact: 93596002

Indian male, 26 M.A., 2 yrs experience in India and 11 months in Oman looking for job in sales or accounts. Contact: 97022508 Email: zakariyazba@gmail.com

Software Programmer, 6 yrs exp in software projects & development (Java,PL/SQL Unix) on visit visa.

Contact: 99487493 Pakistani male 28 data entry experience 5 years in I.T Computer M.S excel MS Word, installation all windows formating networking and E.T.C. Contact : 94568628 Email: amjad.aslam007@gmail.com Desktop / server / network support exp 7 yrs male, visit visa CCNA, MCSE. Contact: 93594114 Indian army Retired Colonel with 25 years experience in project management, optical cables, telecommunications & IT system integration available for immediate employment in project management / Business development. Immediate available to join. Email: amrain66@ gmail.com Indian male 28 yrs, Master degree in Computer Application, 2 years exp in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93295112 Email: syedsadathali.mca@gmail.com Indian female 25 years M. Sc Computer Science 1 year experience looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 91080464, Email : leahagnes@hotmail.com ME Communication System, Exp in RF/Microwave, Access Ctrl, Networking & Server Ph: 95508754 Indian male (22) Java /J2EE specialization with BCA Graduate having 6 months experience in web application development / IT technical support, looking for suitable job.

Contact: 00968 96292480 Email: farzeenfarook@gmail.com IT Telecom / Networking Engineer with CCNA & CCNP, 3 yrs experience, currently in visit visa. contact 97435944 Email: abdulsameerr@ gmail.com IT System Administrator MCSA Sudanese UAE experience. contact 91302074 Computer & Network Engineering.

11 yrs experience looking for suitable job. Contact 92811179/ 95882614 Email: khalido24@yahoo.com

Indian male more than 8 years experience in UAE in Office , Sales Marketing with good computer skills having driving license looking for suitable placement. contact 99369081 Email: shazulashraf60@gmail.com Indian Male 26, U.K Post Graduate M.A, MBA, 3 years Experience, looking position within Marketing, Branding, Business Development & PR. Contact: greetings111@ hotmail.com Tel No: 95128769 /+918939165131

Civil Engineer B.tech with iosh nebosh certification having valid Omani driving license, looking for suitable job in Oman. #93631625 Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building/pipe line construction & factory production field. have good computer skills & driving license and NOC, looking for a suitable placement. mr.victor2015@hotmail.com contact: 99008101 INDIAN MALE accountant, 12 years experience in accounting with tally also, looking for a suitable placement. contact . 98983122

Indian, female 28 yrs, B.Com, 7 yrs call center/marketing experience, currently on visit, seek suitable placement. Contact Rashmi 96746698.

FEMALE SYRIAN ARCHITECT ,new graduate have good experience in architect programs, auto-cad 3d max ,sketch up , Photoshop ,sketch up, searching for a job full time or part time, for contact : 97482871

9 years experience in construction Purchase seeking suitable placement immediately, NOC available.

Contact: 97332401

Indian Male 33 yrs, BCA ,10 years experience(India & Oman) IT Support, System administrator/supervisor looking for suitable Job.#95448561

Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups.

Contact 97601343

Indian male, 10 years Driving experience in Dubai. Looking as a company driver job. Contact : 96180458 , +91 99 61 019366 (India )

Digital marketing / ad words/ analytics / SEO expert, exp 5 yrs (male) certified) , (visit visa). Contact : 93594114 (visit visa). Email: abeyre@gmail.com

32 years, Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 7.5yrs Exp (HR/SAP operations) with Oman valid driving license, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource & Admin/backend jobs.Contact: 00968-99322978

Indian male B.Com with valid driving license & 8 years of Gulf experience with NOC or transfer letter whatever required looking for a outdoor job is sales or business development immediate placement.

Contact 91234320 Sales & marketing professional with 8+ years experience at UAE & Oman in hotels & airlines with valid driving license NOC available, seeks suitable opportunity. #: 95544612 Purchase experienced 8 years in Construction Company Indian male 45 yrs, release & D/L available. Contact: 90268183 / 96987234 Indian male MBA, 2 years experience in sales and 2 years experience in HR with D/L looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91202335 Email: mrishad90@yahoo.com

Bangladeshi male, seeks job as Supervisor, 2 yrs experience with cleaning company & valid Oman driving license. Contact 97443270 Indian Male,27 years, MCA, 3 years Experience in Web developer, Technical Supporter, looking for suitable position. Presently Working in India. Contact- +91 7403288953, +91 9020679788.Email-vinuvn88@ gmail.com.

Indian male having 14 years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept, having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position , at Salalah. Noc available. Email. Madhuvtk@ gmail. com Contact: 91182907 Sudanese / Arabic & English teacher for all nationalities / willing to teach at home. Tel: 94211377

D6

W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian male having 7 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Office Driver ,Looking for a suitable Position, NOC Available. Contact: 99680429, Email:anzarkutty1975@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT: Indian male 25 having 4 years experience in accounting & having well knowledge in tally.

Contact:968094535881, 0091 9037622048, Email: vishnuraj889@gmail.com

Syrian architect have years and half experience in oman looking for work, full time perfect in architectural programs 3d max , auto cad , Photoshop , and sketch up. for contact : 0096897482871

Pakistan Male: 24 years,M.Com Finance having 2.5 year experience as a accountant & marketing executive looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97670816, E.mail: naeem.ahsan68@gmail.com

Female, Indian, 35 years, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) fresh graduate with BSc looking for positions in Front Office, administration office, or any suitable positions in hospital, polyclinic, companies or Institutions.

Contact 90236481.

Senior Accountant. 8 Years experience. NOC available. Oman driving license. Seek suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170

Indian Male 47 years MBA-Operations Management with total 25 Yrs exp inclusive of 9 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC, seek challenging position in SCM/Logistics/Procurement.

GSM-94236414. Mail id – dialindia33@gmail.com Well experienced management finance specialist having 18 years experience available for placement.

Contact.95602518 23, Male, ACCA Affiliate, OBU Bsc, 2.5 years of experience in audit and finance in Big 6 Firms, Looking for permanent placement in similar field. Release NOC available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com 22, Male, Indian, BBA (Marketing), 1 year experience in India, Looking for suitable placement in Sales and Marketing. #91897046, azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Indian Male,27,ACCA Part Qualified,B.COM with 7+ yrs exp in receivables and credit control in Oman looking for suitable placements. NOC available. # 9657 4343.

Indian Female, Science Graduate, 3 years Experience in Teaching back home. Looking for a suitable job opportunity as a teacher, in Schools in Muscat Region. Contact : 96431456 / 95704814 Looking for a suitable job as Jr. Accountant/ Jr. Administration in a reputed company. NOC Available.

GSM # 93004738.

ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Chemical Engineer Indian 2 years of experience in production field Contact: 91247222 Email:sahadpoonchola@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 Civil Autocad Draughtsman part time work for job mob :96023726 Indian female, MBA, 25yrs Having 4yrears of experience in MNC, hands of experiences in recruitment and administration, flexible for any suitable job placements currently in visting visa. Contact Tel : 98864639 Email : neethuvijayan06@gmail.com Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India.

On a Visit Visa in Oman. Staying with parents at Azaiba. Ph: 24492638.

Email: shyamal008@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 Yrs, Business Management, 6 years in Oman.

Knowledge of MS Office and Arabic Language. Seeks suitable position.

Contact 93931935 Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no- +971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com Indian male, with finance and Law degree, having more than 25 years of experience in Finance/ Accounts / Audit (5 years of Oman experience) seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 98421619.

E-mail: talemadhamu@yahoo.com.

31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement.

Kindly contact me on 93488914, email-Kaarthickshankar@gmail.com MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. #91391802.

Indian female with MBA in finance seeking immediate placement.

Contact: 968-93316493 Sudanese/26/Bsc Computer Science /3 years exp/skills Excellent knowledge in operating systems and maintaining computers Java Programmer Web Developer Linux SMS solutions Android developer/ email khalid.omx@gmail.com/ # 944958080 and 99758186.

Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian B.E Computer Science graduate 2012 passout. 1 .5 yrs exp. in Accounting. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Having NIIT certificate in Diploma in Java Technology. # 97767894 Email: jinsonjacobjohn@gmail.com Indian male 24 YEARS, B.Tech (Electrical & Electronics), having 2 yrs. exp as Electrical Site Engineer.

Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries. Contact 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail. com Indian male, 24 years, HSE Engineer having 2 years of Indian experience.

Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries.

Contact 98045482 Indian Male (Diploma in electronics Engineering and CCNA.) having 9 years of experience in Networking, 5 years’ experience in Oman. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 93787098, Email –anishktr@gmail.com Mechanical Draftsman, Indian male 27, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering having 7 years of experience in Auto CAD looking for a suitable placement.#97351786 / 96143708 mohammednazeer07@gmail.com ACCA Affiliate, OBU Degree, 2.5 years experience in audit and finance in Big6 firm, Looking for permanent placement. NOC release available. Contact: 95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com 27, male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of Accounts, Statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & Oracle Software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization, seeking for permanent replacement ,#97654769, email id- abdullah.nooralam@yahoo. com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience ,Oman driving licence,Noc available. Seek Suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170 B.E Mechanical Engineer with 2 years’ experience in HVAC field on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 93442296 Email Id: sal201091@gmail.com.

Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286

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 22yr BBA with LOGISTIC Diploma, exp in tally and data entry seeking in suitable placement.

Contact; 90151739 email shakeeb.mp280gmail.com

Site Supervisor/ L Driver, Pakistani Male 33 with valid D/L, 4 years experience in Muscat, fluent in English, Arabic looking for suitable place. Contact: 97950869

Indian Male, MBA, Talented management expert having 6 year experience at U.A.E, India and Oman in luxury goods and Retail. Seeking suitable openings in related or same field. Contact:92700670 Email: jobcareer44@gmail.com B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the field of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. presently working in Amazon India development centre as a content quality associate seeking for suitable jobs in Oman.

Contact : +91 9940514005, 93116402 email: mail2nbn@gmail.com MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802 Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer / Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. # 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com M. Tech VLSI design, B. tech Electronics and instrumentation, Indian female,3 years teaching experience for graduation level students, seeking suitable placements .

Ph:00968 92904155. email-achusooraj@gmail.com Indian 26M, B. Tech Computer Science graduate, 3 years exp in India, looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact : 93125669, Email : amritrajGT18@gmail.com Sudanese/Bsc IT/26/2 years experience/excellent Eng-Arb speaking/ Omani driving license/96387227/ henrykarrar@gmail.com 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. # 91892264. mail: yv.dixit@yahoo.com Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat. Contact94369965mail - satya1528@gmail.com Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, Networking and Server support with valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. contact 92607532 Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384 Indian male Accountant, 12 years experience, looking for a full time or part time job, experience in tally also. Contact 98983122 Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India. On a Visit Visa in Oman.

Staying with parents at Azaibah.

Ph:24492638. Email: shyamal008@ gmail.com India male 33 years. DCT, BBA, OSHA, looking for Job in Construction HSE, 11 Years experience with GCC license, NOC available Contact :- 9418 4280 Filipino Senior Architect with 13 years GCC experience. Proficient in 3D StudioMax, AutoCAD, Revit, Phostoshop, and Microsoft Office.

With NOC and Omani driving license.

Please contact 91292933.

Indian female, 40 yrs, 7 yrs experience in customer service, with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95580711 ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural Engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Iranian male.

Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Indian Female with relevant work experience. Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation and Control, Power & Heat, Electrical & Fluid, Drives & Actuators etc. Looking for an entry level position. Email s.dinesh1508@ gmail.com. Mobile: 97848075, +918105413827

SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil Engineering having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact- 95042656 Indian female, MBA, 25yrs Having 4yrears of experience in MNC, hands of experiences in recruitment and administration, flexible for any suitable job placements currently in visting visa. Contact: 98864639 Email : neethuvijayan06@gmail.com Indian Male -25years B.Tech Engineer seeking any suitable jobs in Oman ,currently on visit visa.

Contact : Haneesh N. Surendran, Mob : 90126573, Email: - haneeshns02@gmail.com Female Junior Architect, Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling, Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com Contact 00968-94057427.

Indian male BE Electrical & Electronics and PG in power systems (transmission & distribution) on visit seeking placement.

Contact 94669679 E Mail : prsabarish@gmail.com Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 Female, 35years, Bachelor of Pharmacy fresh graduate with BSc and MA looking for suitable position in hospital, polyclinic, companies or Institutions. Contact 90236481.

Electrical Maintenance Engineer, 29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact 98440637.

Mail ID : venkatbadri23@gmail.com Administration - Having 9+ years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience, Oman driving license, Noc available seeks suitable opportunity.

GSM- 97705854 Indian male 24 B.Tech IT(engineer) 2.5 years exp in hardware networking, programming such as C and C++.

Currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 95153693 Indian male Auto Cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact : 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian male 32 M. A. English and having 4 years of experience in teaching current company is ready to issue release letter.

Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Sudanese male, 31 years, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer , 6 year experience in construction and electrical production plant .

Mobile No ; +96894549609 Indian male 37 years B.Tech Graduate having 12 years experience of Electrical DCRP Works / Jobs in Oman with driving license looking for suitable opening. NOC available can join immediately. Contact : saiviharvasanth@gmail.com Indian female B.ARCH with 10 years experience (Indian & Oman) as an Architect is seeking a suitable in Muscat. Contact: 92412810 BE Civil Engineer with 11 years of experience in building construction with valid Oman DL, looking for suitable placement, NOC available.

Please contact 91329910.

Indian male 24 B.Tech IT (engineer) 2.5 years exp in hardware networking, programming such as C and C++.

Currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 95153693 Indian male 23yrs, 2yrs exp. In Accounts (india). Seeking suitable position in accounts. Currently on express visa. M: 94399509, E. midhunaloor16@gmail.com Civil Autocad draughtsman looking for part time job. Mobile: 95218737

Indian Male: 31yrs 8 Years Experience in the field of Business Development/ Sales/ Retail/ Logistics with good communication Skills seeking for suitable job in Oman .

Now available in Visit visa valid till (21st Oct). Contact; 99052340 , email: pradee.ys@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT , Indian male 30 years B.Com Having 7 years of Oman experience in the field of accounts & finance seeks for better placement.

Contact : 96143708 / 97351786 ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position.

Iranian male. Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience, Oman D/L, Noc available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM- 98184170 Network/Noc Engineer, Indian male 27 years B.com (General) 5 years & 4 month’s of experience in the field of networking seeks for better placement. Contact :97663834, bro’s no:98730758 Indian male, BBA, having 8yrs exp including 2yrs of (UAE) exp looking opportunities withinSales, Logistics, Retail, Operations. CONTACT 99052340, Mail Id: pradee.ys@gmail.com B.Com Graduate, associate insurance, 25 year male, 3 years experience in accounts and 3 years in sales and marketing.#no-95236312, mail id-lilommca@gmail.com Syrian Architect years experience in oman for work 2d plans and 3d internal and external projects in cooperation or even a piece . for contact : 97482871 Electrical Engineer with BS & MS Degree having 5 years of Experience in Electrical Utility/Water sector seeks a suitable job (on visit).

Contact: snaveelh@gmail.com Phone: 24413033/ 95731852 25 year male, B graduate, associate insurance with 3 years exp in accounts and 3 years in marketing.

NOC available. Mail id lilommca@ gmail.com and no-95236312

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 22 years, looking for suitable placement in Hardware and Networking field, Having 1 year exp. in India, training in al ameen computers Muscat Ruwi. Qualification is Diploma in Electronics and Communication at present I am having my valid employee visa In the same work. Contact : - 9739622910/8050101914, Email ID :- fairozhuded13@gmail.com Structure/Pipeline,Piping Draughtsman have 12+ yrs. Exp. in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92103713 NOC available.

Indian male, 26 yr, b. tech Computer science, 4 years experience as system and network engineer looking for suitable job. #0096893125669, Email : amritrajGT18@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with BS & MS Degree having 5 years of Experience in Electrical Utility/Water sector seeks a suitable job. Contact: 95731852 snaveelh@gmail.com Chartered Accountant, looking out for an opportunity in Oman in Audit OR Finance field. Available in Muscat from 10th – 16th Oct. Call : 91258435 26, Male, Indian, BBA (Finance), MBA(HR), Looking for suitable Job. Contact immediately. Contact 98176105, nruknaddin@outlook.com Indian lady looking for accounts Job, two years experience one year worked in Oman B.Com Graduate , Tally ERP9. GSM : 91123561 Indian looking for a part time accounting or Internal Auditing job, contact 99196621.

Indian male with CA & CPA having 20 years of experience, currently on visit seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93910095 Email: rejithomas07@gmail.com Female accountant on family visa available for part time / full time.

Contact: 98002428 Filipino male, 29 Graduate of Bs IT with GCC experience as document controller and Executive Secretary looking for employment. Contact: +968 93929569 Indian female MSC computer Sc, IELTS certified experienced in teaching higher grades IGCSE GD, CBSE in Oman and India seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98048946 Indian female M.Sc Physics, B.Ed having 5 years experience in teaching looking for suitable job. Contact: 97367389 Sales Manager MBA, having 12 years of experience with valid GCC driving license looking for a suitable position NOC available. Contact: 98125226 Electrical Forman Indian male 38 years, total 19 yrs exp in electrical field, electrical Forman exp 4 yrs in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97379290 MECH. Engg with 3+ year’s exp in India & U.A.E (Site Engg / Sales Engg) in oil & gas on visit visa looking for suitable jobs. contact 97896725 Email: georgymct@gmail. com Pakistani male 29 years General Salesman with 5 years of experience, valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placement. #97216830 Chemical Engineer, Indian, 2 years of exp in industrial production, seeking suitable placement. contact 91247222 Indian male, 4 years of experience in Structured cabling, termination and Fiber optic splicing. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 92484039, Email –rajaveer8989@gmail.com

Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat. #968 94369965,mail - satya1528@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM CONTACT 98294551

MATRIMONIAL A respectable Hindu KAPU (Naidu) family from Vijayawada A.P.India invites alliances for their daughter, 25 years, B. Tech (computer Science) father working in Oman. Contact: 95097913 / 99744870 Email: sarathbabureddi@gmail.com Kerala orthodox boy 29/188 working as Staff Nurse MOH Muscat seeking suitable alliances. Contact: 99461264 Indian Kerala male, 32 yrs, Christian R.C working in Muscat looking for a suitable bride. If interested Contact: 9845460 / 99883109

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

LOST Napisah Bt Dahlanemad has lost Indonesian Passport No. AS 661143.

Finder please handover to ROP Asma Begum has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AD 8257258. Finder please handover to ROP Reputed contracting company required sound parties to invest ongoing excavate projects high profits assured. Contact: 98867530/ 95565039

Indian Female, 35years, Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) fresh graduate with BSc and MA looking for positions in Front Office,administration office, or any suitable positions in hospital, polyclinic, companies or Institutions. Contact 90236481

We want finance for 3 (three) moths or renewable every 3 months from Omani nationals or Expatriate for trading business. Contact: 99462591 or 93525028 Email: blueoceanoman@gmail.com

Network/Noc engineer, CCNA certified & CCNP trained, Indian male 27 years B.com(general) 5 years & 4 month’s of experience in the field of networking seeks for better placement. contact 97663834 / 98730758

BUYING/ SELLING

Civil Engineer B.Sc -6 years experience with constructions companies - qualified as A Project Engineer & Planning Engineer .

Contact+968-94682217

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Kutchhi coffee shop, pure Veg available, Mandvi Kutch Dabeli, Chappati, puri Bhaji, Vada Pav, Farari Kachori, many more, next to Lulu Wadi Kabor Souq Al Juma, shop #3. Contact Udit – 94460286, Kishore – 99437869

Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building construction & factory production field. have good computer skills & driving license and NOC, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 99008101

INDIAN FEMALE– ME in CSE with 2 years’ experience in teaching seeking Suitable Job Opportunity. Contact: 94263445 or +91 9486251274, E mail – apshinmar@ gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

GOOD NEWS

Indian male 25 years, MBA finance and marketing with tally have 1.3 year experience in India. Now in Oman on visit visa. GSM: 97445488

Working as Senior accountant,5yr. exp.in oman, Accounting upto finalisation, relevant computer skills tally9, Sage, vcams , Audit ,valid oman driving license, languages known English, Arabic, Hindi. NOC avaliable can join immediately. Tel: (+968) 96339599.

E-mail-(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail. com)

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

Indian male , 23 yrs, postgraduate Mechanical Eng. (M.Sc, UK), 1 year sales exp, having Oman DL, seeking for suitable employment in reputed firm. Contact: 91419764 Email: z.enggoman@gmail.com Pakistani male, MBA(Marketing)+PGD(HR) with 9 yrs experience in banking & hospital industry (Consumer Credit Review, Admin & HR). 3 yrs experience as Asst Manager, Admin & HR in famous private hospital in Oman with NOC. Contact: 95761982 or umerok@ hotmail.com

IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

Pakistani male 34 years living with parents in Oman for 27 years using hearing aid looking for a suitable alliance. Contact: 95544612 / 99353096

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian male MBA (MKTG) B.com having 2 years experience in sales marketing and business development looking for a suitable opening presently on family visit visa. # 93268245 Email: gregjose1991@ gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Nair boy 38 years Palakkad having land & property in Kerala working in a Star Hotel MCT as Supervisor for cast 15 years is looking for life partner. No demand at all. Bindu : 97944673

SIT.WANTED

Indian Female 10 years as cook in Muscat, Oman . South Indian, Gujarati special food, Looking for part time. Contact 96710189

CLASSES

We want to buy running car workshop in Oman. Contact : 99157377

DRIVING

Zulfiqar Ahmed has lost Pakistani Passport No. WC 1153671. Finder please handover to ROP

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998 Split window unit A/ C servicing.

Contact 94694472 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. contact 99884591 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. contact 99344723 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

L.L.C. contact 24810137, 99450130

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble.#24793614/ 99314807 Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 Pest Control Gulfa Intl .LLC. Contact: 92326955 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. #ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013

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W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours # 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

WEBSITE

RENT A CAR

MANPOWER

TRANSPORTATION Driver with car. Contact: 92279370 Transportation. Contact: 94087276 Transport. Contact: 94510847

Labour available for loading & unloading of goods. # 92246399

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

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