Times of Oman - January 29, 2015

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THURSDAY, January 29, 2015 / 8 Rabia II 1436 AH

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HM’s blessings for proposals at symposium

FOUR KILLED IN ROAD ACCIDENT Three ambulance crew members died on the spot while the patient succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital in an accident on the AmeratQuriyat road on Wednesday. An ROP official said the crash occurred when the ambulance driver tried to avoid an animal crossing the road and dashed against a truck parked on the roadside.

Two of those who died were Omanis while another was a Filipino.

See also >A2

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said accorded Royal Blessing for the proposals at the Symposium to Assess Implementation of Saih Al Shamikhat Decisions received. The decisions taken at the symposium would contribute in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Sultanate in the future.

This was announced by Dr Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of the Main Committee of the Symposium at the Cultural Centre at Sultan Qaboos University. >A5 HM sends greetings >A2

OMR2,000 price tag for NOC How the Times of Oman reported yesterday that bosses were trying to charge expat workers for NOCs

Expatriate employees claim on social media that their bosses are asking huge sums to give them a No Objection Certificate

Times Reporting team MUSCAT: Employers in Oman are asking expatriates for up to OMR2,000 for No Objection Certificates, it has been claimed, even as industry leaders denounced the practice.

Without an NOC, expatriate employees cannot leave their jobs to join a different company in the Sultanate, even if they have com-

pleted their contract. The Times of Oman had reported on Wednesday how some companies or sponsors were reportedly attempting to charge their expatriate employees for the vital document, even as officials spoke out against such a practice.

In the wake of that story, more employees have come forward via social media claiming their bosses asked for OMR250, OMR600,

OMR750, OMR1,000 and even OMR2,000 for NOCs. However, the Ministry of Manpower said it had no comment to make on the matter as it had received no complaints, but an official said they would investigate the claims made and take appropriate action.

Likewise, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) promised to refer any TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

One-year jail term for running over man

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A national was sentenced to one year in jail by Nizwa Primary Court on Wednesday for running over another national and fleeing the scene in the wilayat of Nizwa last September. The court also ordered him to pay a fine of OMR150. The court asked the ROP to revoke the driving licence of the accused for a period of two months. >A3

WORLD Asha Bhosle to perform live in Muscat

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135,000 SMES TO BENEFIT

New SMEs get two years exemption from Omanisation FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: New small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be exempted from Omanisation for two years while existing ones can plan replacing their expats with nationals over the next four years, said Dr. Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Main Committee of the Symposium, while delivering the closing statement at a symposium in Muscat on Wednesday.

Around 135,000 SMEs are likely to benefit from this decision, said a statement carried on the Oman News Agency (ONA).

To support the Omanisation percentage in SMEs, the panel decided to include national parttimers in the calculations.

This decision was taken at the Saih Al Shamikhat Decisions Implementation Follow Up Symposium attended by a number of

Qatar all set to buy Canary Wharf district

ministers, members of the State Council, undersecretaries, members of the Majlis Al Shura, public officials and entrepreneurs.

Speaking to Times of Oman, an official of Global Financial Securities said the decision is a ‘good’ one as it would help SMEs to settle down over two years without having to be concerned about hiring employees.

The two-year reprieve will help them cover the pre-establishment costs, he explained.

He also noted that the government’s regulations regarding the SMEs should be ‘flexible’ to help them perform better and develop.

An Omani businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, said that exempting SMEs from the Omanisation target requirement for two years is a ‘good idea’ but is contradictory to the decision to reduce the number of expatriates working in the private sector from the current level of 39 per cent to 33 per cent. >A6

Qatar looked to have won a drawn-out bid to buy London’s canary Wharf on Wednesday after the owner of the landmark office quarter said its main shareholders favoured a sale. The board of Songbird, which controls 69 per cent of canary Wharf Group, appeared to concede defeat despite stressing that the offer worth £2.6 billion remained undervalued. >A15

MARKET

Oman plans to set up red meat plant

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Oman government is planning to establish a mega red meat project as part of a large scheme to achieve self-sufficiency in meat production. The proposed company, which will be promoted by Oman Food Investment Holding, plans to import sheep and cows from Tanzania and Sudan and set up slaughtering houses. >B1

such complaints to the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Manpower for investigation.

Industry and community leaders have spoken against the issue, but a legal advisor warned employees that they have no right to approach the courts for an NOC as it is not mentioned anywhere in the Labour Law. “Issuing an NOC is totally at the

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discretion of the employer. An employee cannot approach the court if he is denied the NOC. Only if the company has not provided the benefits mentioned in the job contract, can an employee approach the court. In the present circumstances, the employee can also ask for an NOC but it is up to the courts to take a call on that,” said a legal advisor in Muscat.

Even if expatriate workers have completed their two-year contract, they must obtain an NOC to switch employers. This can be

made easier if workers agree to leave the country, even for a short duration, before returning to join their new employer, as this will protect the current employer’s quota of expatriate clearances.

However, without an NOC the employee has to leave the Sultanate and cannot return for two years. One industrialist said that money should not change hands while issuing an NOC. “NOCs are provided on the basis of mutual understanding between the employer and employee. If there are some differences between them, employer will not be willing to provide an NOC and moreover, the employee will also not be expecting one. The issue of money should not come up,” said Anwar Al Balushi, chairman of Anvwar Asian Investment. >A2

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OMAN ZAMBIA

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Edgar Lungu on the occasion of being sworn in as a president for the Republic of Zambia.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to President Lungu to achieve further progress for the friendly Zambian people. -ONA

Road accident leaves 4 dead While the three ambulance crew members died on the spot, the patient died later.

The accident took place when the driver tried to save an animal crossing the road

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com

HM receives thanks cable MUSCAT: Participants of the 5th General Conference of the Secretariat General of Gulf Press Association (GPA), hosted by Oman Journalist Association in Muscat on January 26 and 27, sent a cable of thanks and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on the conclusion of the conference. -ONA

Companies spend huge amounts to bring workers from other countries and then train them. So, it is not wise that you leave the company after training, and even if you want to leave, both parties should come to a mutual agreement so that nobody suffers Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Social Club President

MUSCAT: A Filipino male nurse along with the medical orderly and the driver of the ambulance, both Omani nationals, were killed on the spot when their ambulance crashed into a truck on Al AmeratQuriyat road on Wednesday afternoon, while the patient died later.

“All the three died on the spot.

The bodies of the victims are at the ROP hospital,” said a source from the Al Masarah hospital.

The patient who was in the ambulance succumbed to injuries

later on. According to ROP the accident took place when the driver tried to avoid an animal crossing the road. The Filipino male nurse had joined the hospital only a few months back.

Meanwhile, Indian social workers in Sur are co-ordinating with police officials to prepare the papers required to repatriate an Indian woman’s mortal remains back to India who was charred to death in a road accident near Ras Al Hadd.

“Khadeeja, the Indian woman, was charred to death in the car after it hit an electric pole near

Sur. Pushpa, the co-passenger, and Shihab, the Indian driver, and Khadeeja’s son, are battling for life. One of the two children in the car who sustained injuries has been discharged,” said social workers. “Shihab will be transferred to Khoula hospital today,” they added.

Meanwhile, in another road accident in Ibri on Wednesday, one person sustained light injuries, said the ROP. Five days ago, an Indian couple had lost their lives in a road accident near Seeb.

According to the National Centre for Information and Statistics (NCSI), the number of those who suffered injuries in road accidents in Muscat has significantly decreased by 61.6 per cent in 2014.

In 2014, 816 people died and 4,143 were injured in 5,768 road accidents as compared to 913 deaths and 10,802 injuries in 7,829 road accidents in 2013. The number of deaths in road accidents has also dropped by 10.6 per cent in 2014.

FATAL CRASH: The ambulance crashed into a truck on Al AmeratQuriyat road on Wednesday afternoon. – Supplied photo

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A1 ‘Only small companies charging employees for issuing NOCs’ Abdul Gafoor, a top official of Al Shabibi Global LLC, said he felt that it was only small companies or individual sponsors who were trying to extract money.

“Companies will not do this. I am sure. But individual sponsors may be doing it to earn more money. It is totally against business ethics,” he said.

An Indian social worker said that this practice had been prevalent in some jobs in Oman a long ago, but now it had become widespread across job categories.

“What we have learnt is that the new move [the two year NOC rule] is aimed at regularising the job market and maintaining business ethics. But a few people are trying to exploit the loopholes and that is unfair. The aim of the government

is being scuttled through the illegal practice of demanding money for NOCs,” said Shaji Sebastin, a social worker and resident in Oman for more than three decades.

Some argued that employers have a right to recoup some costs paid to bring workers to Oman and train them.

Thasleem Khan, CEO and managing partner of Intelligent Parking and Elevator Company, said that the employees looking for an NOC should pay the visa charges and the money spent on training them. “But they should not ask for more money,” he said.

President of the Bangladesh Social club, Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan said employers and employees should come to a mutual agreement regarding issuing

NOCs. “Companies spend huge amounts to bring workers from other countries and then train them. So, it is not wise that you leave the company after training, and even if you want to leave, both parties should come to a mutual agreement so that nobody suffers,” he said, adding that issuing an NOC was totally at the discretion of the employer.

Pakistan Social club’s vice president A H Raja said that authorities should intervene and end this practice immediately.

“Small companies are playing this game but not big companies, almost 70 per cent of which are construction companies,” he said.

An official at Global Financial Securities also said the situation is not right and certain mechanisms

must be put in place by the authorities to deal with the issue.

The Ministry of Manpower should guide the workers on how they can approach the officials concerned and file their complaints to protect themselves.

Sometimes it is a lengthy procedure which needs to be made easy for the employees, he added.

“Some workers do not have enough financial resources to pay for an NOC,” he said. However, he said an employee should work for the company that has hired him or her for at least two years. “After two years, they should have the freedom to move,” he added.

Ahmed Ali M. Al Mukhaini, Consultant, Said Al Shahry & Partners, Advocates and Legal Consultants, said that he does not support the

kafalah (sponsorship) system and all related issues such as the NOC. “I am against companies charging their former employees for an NOC, as well as those fictitious companies that employ people on the payroll papers while these individuals pay a monthly allowance to those companies,” he said.

A senior Omani businessman, who asked not to be named, said that employers should not charge the workers for an NOC. “It should be free entry and free exit for employees,” he added. He also noted that in general, labour-related decisions that are too restrictive will negatively affect the quality of workers coming to the country.

One expatriate worker contacted the Times of Oman and complained that her employer had

asked for OMR750 in return for an NOC, which is twice the amount he had spent to recruit her.

She said that she decided to resign as her current salary was not enough to cover her expenses and she had been offered a better job.

However, Tawfiq Al Lawati, a member of the Majlis Al Shura, suggested that employees and employers could agree on a fixed sum for an NOC before the contract is signed.

“To avoid the current dispute, both parties can insert a clause in the job contract before it is signed, saying an NOC can be given for a certain amount of money,” he said.

He added that expatriates running businesses and keeping nationals as silent partners by paying money and sponsors demanding money for NOC are both illegal.

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National gets one-year jail term for running over man FAHAD AL MUKRASHI

fahad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A national was sentenced to one year in jail by Nizwa Primary Court on Wednesday for running over another national and fleeing the scene in the wilayat of Nizwa last September.

The court also ordered him to pay a fine of OMR150. The court asked the ROP to revoke the driving licence of the accused for a period of two months after he completes his jail term. The court also referred the claim of blood money to the competent authorities.

CRIME

One arrested for attempt to murder Times News Service MUSCAT: An Omani national has been arrested on the charge of attempted murder by the ROP in North Batinah.

The accused had accompanied the victim in his vehicle to a remote area and then threatened him with a gun telling him to hand over all his money.

When the victim tried to defend himself, he was fired upon. In the melee, the victim escaped and reported the matter to the ROP who arrested the accused.

Meanwhile, a citizen and four Asians were arrested in the Wilayat of Sohar on drug trafficking charges. ROP said the accused had links with an international gang smuggling narcotics into the country. Fourteen kg of hashish, 307 grammes of heroin and 9,288 tablets of Tramadol were recovered. They have been referred to Public Prosecution for further probe and trial.

The accused inadvertently took the vehicle for repairs to a shop in Nizwa owned by the victim’s son

Earlier, in a twist of fate, the accused took the vehicle for repairs to a shop in Nizwa owned by the victim’s son and asked for the rear view mirror, which had broken off in the accident, to be replaced.

He was unaware that the police had already informed the victim’s

family that they had recovered a broken rear view mirror at the accident spot. The victim’s son immediately identified the mirror as the one from the vehicle that had hit and killed his father and informed the police. Thereafter, the ROP arrested the accused.

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Asha Bhosle to perform live in Muscat The concert is being planned as the closing event of Muscat Festival 2015 with the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra and is being supported by the Embassy of India

Times News Service MUSCAT: After hosting Oman’s biggest live concert “Temptations Reloaded” with Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Priety Zinta and Ali Zafar in 2013; Light & Shadow Enterprises is back with its next production “Asha Bhosle Live” conducted by The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra in as-

sociation with Entertainment Network SAOC. Asha Bhosle Live is being presented by Light & Shadow Enterprises and Hi FM. Asha Bhosle, commonly referred to as Ashaji, is an Indian singer, who has done playback singing for over a thousand Bollywood movies. In addition, she has recorded several private albums and participated in numerous solo

concerts in India and abroad. Bhosle is the sister of veteran playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.

The year 2015 is a historic year as Oman and India are celebrating the 60th year of their diplomatic relations and thus the event is being planned as the closing event of Muscat Festival 2015 with the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra and is being supported by the Embassy of India. The event will be held at the City Amphitheatre, Qurum on February 14.

J.S. Mukul, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate, said that he is absolutely delighted that a musical concert featuring legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle in tandem with Sultanate’s very own Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra is being organised by Light and Shadow in association with Indian Embassy.

“Asha Bhosle, a Padma Vibhush-

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an awardee and the Guiness Book of world record holder for most recorded artists in music history, is best known as a play back singer in Hindi cinema over a career spanning six decades. The gala musical event will be a part of grand finale of Muscat Festival in 2015, which had a dedicated India pavilion and special participation showcasing Indian dance and culture, arts and crafts, as well as traditional products and handicrafts,” he said.

“The event is going to be an epic event where we will be having the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra conducting the entire concert and creating Asha Bhosle’s tunes to

TRADITIONAL OMANI EVENTS EXERT A BIG PULL ON MUSCAT FEST VISITORS Muscat Festival 2015 has witnessed a huge turnout of domestic visitors as well as international tourists with people flocking to the venues to enjoy the diverse events and activities. While the heritage village showcases traditional Omani arts, crafts and games, there are also live workshops on traditional Omani products like mats and sacks being made from palm trees leaves.

A traditional game one can witness being played at the village is Hawalees, a game still popular among people of all ages in Oman. Among many other games that attract visitors are Al Gumaidah, Al Anbar and Al Teelah. The multitude of traditional folk art performances to be enjoyed include Al Razfah, Al Aazi, Al Tagroodah, Al Dan Al Weeliah, Al Munanah, Al Rababah, Al Yoolah, Al Habban, Al Liwah and Al Qurbah. Besides, visitors can find shops in Amerat park selling local products like traditional Omani clothes, Bakhour and incense burners and a lot more.

— Taleb Al Wahibi/Times of Oman

which the legend will be performing. This is going to be an event like never before and taking OmanIndia relations to a different platform and will be the official event to celebrate the closing ceremony of Muscat Festival 2015,” the organisers said. A spokesperson of Light and Shadow, said, “We, at Light and Shadow, have always believed in providing quality and wholesome entertainment.

“Further with India-Oman Celebrating its 60th Diplomatic Year and the Closing of Muscat Festival 2015 on February 14th this is a double celebration for the citizens of Oman and all nations to come enjoy this epic event and support our effort in bringing Asha Bhosle A and The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra together on one stage for One Night Only,” he added.

Darren Shortt, Head Of Op-

erations. Hi FM, said: “Hi Fm is proud to be bringing Asha Bhosle to Oman, and the pairing with the Royal Symphonic orchestra of Oman firmly cements this as a once in a lifetime event, and we are thrilled to be part of this.”

Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra was established in September 1985. On 1st July 1987 the ROSO, performed its debut concert and till date the total number of concerts exceeds over 100.

There have been many landmarks in the history of the ROSO including their appearance in 1996 with Lord Menuhin and in 2005 with Dr Subramaniam, both world famous violinists. Many other world renowned conductors and musicians have graced the stage with ROSO including Dimitri Alexeyev, Russell Keable, Malcolm Binney and Simon Wright.

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list of works given to SMEs

“The outcomes of the Symposium have been raised to His Majesty the Sultan. These outcomes were represented in the following procedures,” Dr. Al Sunaidi said.

Government tenders and purchases: 1-Define a list of purchases and tenders for each government agency or company that is fully owned by the government and ensure that all their tenders and purchases are exclusively for SMEs with effect from the second half of 2015.

The Tender Board should prepare this list and update it regularly in coordination with the Public Authority for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (PADSME) and the concerned authorities.

2-For the government projects contracts and with effect from 2016, the companies that implement projects for the government will be mandated to submit detailed lists of the works that have been awarded to SMEs and their value.

3-To dedicate a department at each public organization to follow up the implementation of allocating 10% of the governmental purchases and tenders for SMEs and ensure accelerating the payment of their outstanding amounts before the end of the first half of 2015.

Payment for SMEs: 1-Obligate government organizations to introduce special measures to ensure the payment of the outstanding amounts for SMEs during a maximum of 28 days after completing the necessary documents.

2-Open a joint office at PADSME for representatives of the respective stakeholders to follow up the payment of the outstanding amounts for SMEs. 3- Approving soft terms for implementing the Omanisation level at SMEs owned and managed by full time Omanis, as per the regulations that will be decided by the Ministry of Manpower in coordination with the PADSME. These regulations will take into

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Kiyoumi lauds proposals MUSCAT: Said bin Saleh Al Kiyoumi, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, lauded the proposals of the symposium that received the Royal Blessing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

This is a continuation of the Royal attention accorded by His Majesty to the private sector since the beginning of the Blessed Renaissance march. -ONA

consideration exempting new SMEs from Omanisation levels at the first two years and gradual implementation of Omanisation levels during four years for existing SMEs and enlisting the temporary jobs at the Omanisation levels for SMEs subject without prejudice to the Labour Law. 4-Allow the government employees to get dedication leave for a period not exceeding four years without salary to manage their enterprises according to certain regulations that will be prepared by the Ministry of Civil Service, the PADSME and Al Raffd Fund.

The regulations should be approved by the Council of Ministers during 2015.

5- Promulgate a Law for SMEs in 2016 6-At all the layouts made by the Ministry of Housing or any other respective organisations and in coordination with the PADSMEs, to dedicate a percentage of the planned land plots for commercial, industrial, agricultural and tourism use for usufruct rights

for SMEs. Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, said that the Symposium proposed a number of additional measures to create SMEs friendly business environment.

These measures will be adopted and implemented in coordination with the different governmental stakeholders.

These measures, which will cover legislations, facilitating procedures, finance and investment, will be developed by committees and specialized work teams the most important of which are 1-The public organisations will publish periodic reports that show the projects and tenders that have been awarded to SMEs and their percentage of the gross awarded projects.

2-Give priority to SMEs for the public services tenders inside the governmental organisations installations.

3-Encourage companies at which the government owns not less than 40% of the capital to dedicate a percentage of their total purchase and tenders to SMEs. 4-Decide a percentage of government lands and properties dedicated for investment to SMEs. 5-Facilitate the commercial arbitration procedures for SMEs to ensure making decisions at their cases quickly.

6-Develop a list of economic activities for which the applicant will get approval to practice business during a certain period after completing the requirements. All field visits will be conducted after starting the business. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will develop this list according to certain regulations that will be agreed upon with the respective stakeholders. The list will be updated regularly.

7-Treat the Entrepreneur Card, issued by the PADSME, as a document that enables its holder to receive the required facilities and have priority in awarding tenders and purchases. -ONA

Majlis briefed on publishing industry’s developments MUSCAT: Development of publication and publishing sector in Oman, the appropriateness of the upcoming law, as well as the right of citizens to access knowledge and information, were among the issues on which Dr Abdel Munim bin Mansoor Al Hasani, Minister of Information, delivered a statement at the Majlis Al Shura on Wednesday.

At its 9th regular session of the 4th annual sitting (2014/2015) of the 7th term (2011/2015), Majlis Al Shura under the chairmanship of Khalid bin Hilal bin Nasser Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura, hosted Dr. Abdel Munim bin Mansoor Al Hasani, Minister of Information, to give the statement of his ministry.

The statement of the ministry delivered by Dr. Abdel Munim bin Mansoor Al Hasani, Minister of Information addressed several themes, including the plans and programmes of the ministry

regarding the development of publication and publishing sector, the appropriateness of the expected law to the current and future stage, as well as the right of citizens to access to knowledge and information, principles and foundations of control and freedom underpinning this policy, the foundations of freedom of expression under the current legal articles, and the role of the ministry in the emphasis on these aspects in the new law.

In his statement, the minister touched on the ministry’s efforts to strengthen and deepen aspects of national programmes, the values of citizenship and Omani culture to the community in different groups and classes, the most important programmes and executive plans to raise awareness regarding the national responsibility placed on young people in the construction and development, the role and contribution

of the Oman News Agency (ONA) in the formation of enlightened awareness as it is the only official source of news inside and outside the Sultanate, and the powers given to ONA for continuous development to achieve its goals.

The minister also touched upon the role of foreign media and channels that communicate with the Omani media, and what these channels offer of roles in the introduction of the Sultanate in various circles, and clarifying its policies, positions and orientations, maintaining a positive mental image outside the Sultanate, through the media attaché, publications and media materials, international book fairs and external events and activities.

The minister referred in his statement to the ministry’s policy and interest in training and caring to creative talent, and rehabilitation programs for national media cadres. -ONA

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We ended up doing prototype because it’s our first time and it would be easier than the urban concept Mohammed Omer, GUtech student

Students gear up for Eco-marathon Very economic vehicle prototype

GUtech students are giving final touches

4.7 HP diesel engine

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The vehicle will cover 12 kilometres in 20 minutes with 250ml of diesel fuel (36 baizas).

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to a fuel-efficient car they have designed

1 tyre

2 tyres

to compete in the upcoming Shell Eco-marathon in Manila

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A dozen engineering students from GUtech are putting the final touches on a fuel-efficient car they have designed and built themselves to compete in the upcoming Shell Eco-marathon in Manila.

The Eco-marathon is a competition that challenges students to design, build and drive the most energy efficient car. Three regional contests are held each year, one in the Americas, one in Europe and one in Asia, in which GUtech will compete, along with teams from Sultan Qaboos University and Caledonian College of Engineering. “Every engineer has a dream to make his own car, and this is one of the best ways to improve your mathematics, your mechanics, the subjects that you learn and actually use it,” said Mohammed Omer, a fourth year mechanical engineering student from Bangladesh and the team’s project leader.

The Eco-marathon is divided into two categories, one for an urban concept car which could hypothetically be used on city streets, and the other for a prototype car which focuses on maximum efficiency rather than practicality. In each case, the cars are designed for a single driver.

“We ended up doing prototype because it’s our first time and it would be easier than the urban concept. At the end of the day we want a car that actually runs in the competition,” explained Omer.

Cars in the Eco-marathon can be fuelled by internal combustion engines that run on petrol, diesel, or liquid fuel made from natural gas and ethanol, or by electric systems powered by hydrogen fuel cells and lithium-based batteries.

After researching the different types of cars, the GUtech team, which includes mechanical and process engineering students, opted for prototype car with a 4.7 HP diesel engine.

“Most modern cars are aiming

Source: GUtech

for diesel now because they are more fuel-efficient than petrol. In the long run we want to use the fuels that we have more efficiently,” Omer said.

The low, aerodynamic car, which weighs just 70kg, has an aluminium chassis and three bicycle tires, with a carbon fibre shell. The car is in its final stages now, which will include putting in the door and windows, attaching the body to the chassis, painting the car and adding the sponsors’ logos.

February 26 to March 1 Over four days of competition from February 26 to March 1 the car will undergo a series of safety and technical inspections, and, if it passes them, a number of attempts

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to drive around the track.

“We are going to run with 250ml of diesel fuel. We are going to travel 12km in 20 minutes,” Omer noted.

Tests conducted so far have proven that the car can indeed go that far, the members explained.

The aim of the marathon isn’t about speed but about distance, so the team just wants the driver, Pakistani student Azeem Noor Khan, to drive safely and ensure the car can perform to its maximum potential.

Compared to the winning team last year, which drove 717.6km on one litre of diesel fuel, their car probably won’t be in the running for a prize, but the team is still proud of their accomplishments this far, since it’s a steep learning curve for them.

Khan has studied driving techniques that reduce fuel consumption, such as taking the car up to 40km/h, which is approximately its top speed, and then cutting the engine and letting it coast.

“I have to control the throttle and the steering and follow a driving strategy, like when to accelerate and when to leave it. I got used to after one or two tries,” explained Khan, who was chosen to be the driver because at 52kg he is the lightest member of the team.

Participating in the Eco-marathon has been a dream project for the students, for whom designing a car is an ideal engineering feat.

It has allowed them to put the theories they have studied in their classes into practice and learn more about a vehicle’s mechanical functions.

“It takes a lot of work and research to design a car that is fuel efficient so we should respect the people who are working in this field,” said Khan.

Designing the car has also made the students think about the importance of fuel-efficiency.

Mobashar Kabir, a Bangladeshi member of the team, said many people in the GCC aren’t aware of fuel-efficiency or don’t care about

it since they prefer to drive fast.

“By this project we created awareness among ourselves because we know the results which we got were quite fascinating. We want to go [to Manila] not just because we want the money but because it’s also about creating awareness in the GCC,” Kabir said.

Conserving fuel is becoming more important in Oman, added Omer, since the resources are finite. He also suggested smaller cars, like theirs, would make more sense to reduce the congestion on the roads and in parking lots.

“Today it might feel odd, a single-seater in a closed cockpit… but who knows, in the future that might be the thing you actually see on the road,” added Kabir.

Competing in the Eco-marathon is a costly venture, so the team is looking for sponsors. So far Oman Air and Oman Gas Company have agreed to sponsor them and in return their logos will be displayed on car, but the team is still in need of more support.

Kabir said the companies have a vested interest in fuel-efficiency, since the main cost for airlines is fuel, and Oman Gas Company will want to find ways to make oil and gas resources last as long as possible.“They are looking forward to better, advanced technology,” he said.

For more information on the Shell Eco-marathon visit http:// www.shell.com/global/environment-society/ecomarathon.html.

SYMPOSIUM

A1 SMEs comprise 90% < FROM

of registered firms

“SMEs account for over 90 per cent of the firms registered in Oman so if they are not required to achieve the Omanisation rate for two years, then who is supposed to abide by it to increase the number of local workers?” he asked.

The symposium panel also came out with a decision to issue a special Law for SME companies. With rising complaints from SME companies government units paying late, the panel gave a deadline not exceeding 28 days after the completion of document submission for payment.

There have been six panel discussions for six different sectors most of them focused on the role of economic sectors in supporting SMEs. The first session focused on the role of agriculture, fisheries, oil, gas and logistic sectors in enhancing the growth of SMEs. The second session focused on the

role of IT&C, industry and tourism sectors in enhancing SMEs. The panel also approved the suggestion of proving unpaid four years holiday for government employees according to regulations will be formed by the ministry of Social Development and the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Aiming to highlight the changes facing entrepreneurs and SMEs, the panel discussed the future plans for agriculture, fisheries, logistic services, industry, IT&C and tourism sectors.

Addressing the issue of providing lands for SME companies to establish their projects, the panel decided to allocate lands planned for commercial, industrial, agricultural and tourism use.

According to the latest official statistics, the total number of expatriate workers in Oman stands at 1,565,523, including 1,267,418 foreign nationals working in the private sector.

T HURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 Jordan is ready to release prisoner Sajida Al Rishawi if the Jordanian pilot Lieutenant Maaz Al Kassasbeh is released and his life spared Mohammad Al Momani, Jordan’s Government spokesman

SUDAN SOUTH

Rebels kidnap six Bulgarians KHARTOUM: Sudanese rebels have taken captive six Bulgarians working with the UN’s World Food Programme after their helicopter was forced to land in Sudan’s wartorn South Kordofan province, the Bulgarian foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Fighting Fighting between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), which the ministry said was holding the Bulgarians captive, has increased in South Kordofan and Blue Nile provinces since peace talks collapsed in December. A helicopter operated by a Bulgarian air carrier made a forced landing in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, while flying to Khartoum from South Sudan on Monday, Bulgaria’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “Six Bulgarian nationals onboard were taken captive ... They are being held by Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North,” the statement said. — Reuters

REGION

Jordan offers prisoner swap, Japan hostage fate unclear Amman agrees to free the Iraqi woman who was jailed for her role in a 2005 suicide bomb attack

AMMAN: Jordan said on Wednesday it was willing to hand over an Iraqi woman jailed for her role in a 2005 suicide bomb attack if a Jordanian pilot captured by IS group was released.

Government spokesman Mohammad Al Momani made no mention of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, a veteran war reporter who is also being held by the militant

PLEA TO SAVE HOSTAGE: Relatives of Jordanian air force pilot Maaz Al Kassasbeh carry posters with his portrait and a slogan reading in Arabic, ‘we are all Maaz’, during a protest near the Prime Minister office in Amman late on Tuesday. – AFP

group. “Jordan is ready to release prisoner Sajida Al Rishawi if the Jordanian pilot Lieutenant Maaz Al Kassasbeh is released and his life spared,” Momani was quoted on state television as saying.

Kasaesbeh was captured after his jet crashed in northeastern Syria in December during a bombing mission against IS. His fate was thought to be tied to that of Goto after a video was released on

FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Syria government, opposition urged to unite MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged the Syrian opposition and representatives of the Damascus government on Wednesday to join forces to combat the threat of terrorism.

Talks between elements of the Syrian opposition - not including the Western-backed National Coalition - and government representatives began in Moscow as an attempt to revive stalled peace efforts in the four-year conflict; but expectations are low that they will yield a breakthrough.

“We believe that the understanding by politicians and leading representatives of civil society of the necessity to join forces to combat this common threat (of terrorism) should become the key for the resurrection of the unity

A7

REVIVING PEACE TALKS: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, centre, with members of the Syrian opposition and the government ahead of talks in Moscow, on Wednesday. – Reuters

of the Syrian nation,” Lavrov told both sides during talks.

The main Syrian political opposition, the Western-backed National Coalition for Syrian Revo-

lutionary and Opposition Forces, has shunned the meeting in Moscow, saying it would only take part in talks that lead to Assad leaving power.

More than 30 representatives of the Syrian opposition held talks among themselves in Moscow on Monday and Tuesday and came up with a list of issues to raise when Damascus envoys join them on Wednesday. Most, but not all, representatives of the opposition agreed on the list, participants said, which includes demands to end bombing of civilians by all sides of the conflict, free political prisoners and address the problem of kidnappings.

Qadri Jamil, formerly a senior official in President Bashar Al Assad’s government who joined the opposition, said other requirements were to allow food supplies to all Syrian regions, set up a human rights body and end sanctions slapped on Syria. — Reuters

Tuesday purporting to show the Japanese national saying he had 24 hours to live unless Jordan released Sajida Rishawi. The voice on the video said Kasaesbeh had a shorter time to live. Japan confirmed the existence of the video at 11pm (1400GMT) on Tuesday.

Momani said Jordan’s priority was to secure the release of the pilot, who hails from an important Jordanian tribe. Several hundred people, including Kasaesbeh’s relatives, gathered in front of the office of Jordan’s prime minister on Tuesday, urging authorities to meet the demands of IS. Sajida has been held in Jordan over her role in a suicide bombing that killed 60 people in the capital Amman.

In Japan, a spokesman at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s office said he had no immediate comment on the Jordanian statement. The hostage taking presents Abe with his biggest diplomatic crisis since tak-

ing office two years ago, and there has been a flurry of unconfirmed reports in Japanese media that a swap deal involving Goto might be in the works.

Goto’s mother, speaking before Jordan made its announcement, appealed for his life. “Please save Kenji’s life. I call on you to work with all your strength in negotiations with the Jordanian government,” Junko Ishido said in a letter to Abe that she read out at a news conference. “His remaining time is very short ... I beg you to do everything in your power,” Ishido said.

Abe said the latest video was “despicable”. He called on Jordan to cooperate in working for Goto’s quick release, but vowed Tokyo would not give in to terrorism.

Goto went to Syria in late October. According to friends and business associates, he was attempting to secure the release of Haruna Yukawa. — Reuters

A8

TH UR S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 015 There is no point in hiding the truth more so when there is a matter of gruesome murde murder being coming to light. That does not mean that I do not wish well for Shash Shashi Tharoor or I am accusing him of any conspiracy. After all he was my dear friend friend’s husband. So questioning of accusing anybody does not arise Amar Singh, Former SP leader

INDIA TA X H AV E N S A B R O A D

Anna hits out at Modi government on black money repatriation RALEGAN SIDDHI: Anti-corruption campaigner Anna Hazare on Wednesday attacked the Narendra Modi government for its ‘failure’ to bring back black money stashed in tax havens abroad and said people will teach it a lesson for the “fraud” perpetrated on them.

The 77-year-old Gandhian also refused to be drawn into the subject of political slugfest going on between his two former proteges — Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal and BJP’s Kiran Bedi — in the Delhi assembly elections.

“People were promised during Lok Sabha elections that black money will be brought back within 100 days (of BJP forming its government), that Rs1.5 million will be deposited in the accounts of every citizen, but not even Rs 15 have come.

“People have become aware now of the fraud perpetrated on them. They will teach a lesson (to the BJP-led government) the way they taught one to Congress.

The masses have awakened after 2011 movement against corruption,” he told NDTV in an interview. Asked about his views on Kejriwal and Bedi, both his proteges in the India Against Corruption campaign, crossing swords for chief ministership of Delhi, the anti-graft crusader said he would not talk about politics.

“I don’t want to go into these things. Ask me about other things, ask me about the country.

An Arvind or a Kiran is not important,” he said.

Questioned whether he was angry with them for entering politics against his advice, Anna said, “No, no. The question of getting angry arises when you have expectations that are not fulfilled.

“I don’t have any expectations from anybody, so where is the question of anger?” He also refused to hazard a guess about who — Kejriwal or Bedi — will

Amar Singh quizzed in Sunanda murder probe person and I was working in Dubai and about this IPL angle I have not spoken before. Not to be blamed, I took the blame on my head. There was no wrongdoing on my part.

If at all there was something to do, God knows and Shashi knows what it was,” he had said.

Delhi Police, which has registered a case of murder in the case and formed an SIT to probe it, is looking into the IPL angle and trying to figure out whether the entire controversy has anything to do with Sunanda’s mysterious death.

The IPL controversy had broken out in early 2010 when Tharoor was Minister of State for External Affairs.

Sources said the politician was asked about what Sunanda had told him regarding the IPL controversy and about allegedly taking the blame for Shashi Tharoor

I don’t want to go into these things. Ask me about other things, ask me about the country.

An Arvind or a Kiran is not important Anna Hazare Anti-corruption campaigner

emerge triumphant in the polls.

Anna said no change can be brought through party politics and that there was no mention of politics in the Indian Constitution.

“No change can be brought through party politics. The Constitution also does not mention politics. It says any Indian citizen can contest elections. When 543 good individuals win and choose the speaker of Lok Sabha and the prime minister and run the country, change will come,” he said.

Anna, however, acknowledged that the task was daunting and will take long to achieve. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Politician Amar Singh was on Wednesday questioned for nearly two hours by a special team of Delhi Police probing the Sunanda Pushkar case after he had recently claimed that she had spoken to him about the IPL controversy a couple of days before her death.

Sources said that Amar was asked about what Sunanda had told him regarding the IPL controversy and about allegedly taking the blame for Shashi Tharoor.

The former SP leader, who has been maintaining that he was a close friend of the Tharoors, was also asked about the relations between the couple and whether Sunanda had discussed anything about Tharoor’s alleged affair with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar.

Amar said that he was questioned for two hours by the Special Investigation Team but refused to divulge any details.

‘No point in hiding truth’ “There is no point in hiding the truth more so when there is a matter of gruesome murder being coming to light. That does not mean that I do not wish well for Shashi Tharoor or I am accusing

MYSTERIOUS DEATH: Delhi Police Commissioner B. S. Bassi said that Amar Singh was questioned by the SIT after he had recently told media that he has certain information regarding the Sunanda Pushkar case. - PTI file photo

him of any conspiracy. After all he was my dear friend’s husband. So questioning of accusing anybody does not arise,” he said.

“Whatever I knew about Sunanda, I have told the police and now I will not say anything since the matter has been taken into cognizance by SIT,” he added.

Delhi Police Commissioner B. S. Bassi said that Amar was questioned by the SIT after he had recently told media that he has certain information regarding the case.

“So we have formally spoken to him. We are trying to ascertain the facts from him. We had called him today and will take all the information we require from him in this connection,” he told reporters.

The police chief also said that Shiv Menon — Sunanda Pushkar’s son from one of her earlier marriages — will also be called for questioning by the Special Investigating Team soon.

Asked when the police would again question Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in this connection,

Bassi said that SIT will call him soon. “As I had told you that day, we could only question him for 3.5 hours. As this case has many aspects. So in such a short duration we cannot ask him everything in that time. Tharoor was questioned by police on January 19 at the office of Anti Auto Theft Squad (AATS) in South Delhi’s Vasant Vihar. The team has looked into the discussion we had with him that day. Later, I have been told that we need to further question him. So the SIT is planning to soon call him for questioning,” he said.

Fifty two-year-old Sunanda was found dead in a room in the hotel on January 17 last year.

Delhi Police filed a case of murder in the case on January 1 and an SIT was formed to probe the case.

Amar’s claim Amar had claimed that Sunanda had told him two days before her death that she had taken the blame for Tharoor in the IPL controversy.

“She said I have done a lot for this man. I was a happy go lucky

Allegations There were allegations that he had “misused” his office to ensure that Rs700 million, which was equivalent to 19 per cent equity in IPL Kochi franchise Rendezvous Sports, was paid to Sunanda.

Sunanda, who was then a friend and yet to become Tharoor’s wife, had refuted allegations of any wrongdoing.

She had also denied that she was acting as the front for Tharoor in the Kochi IPL franchise.

Later, she quit Rendezvous Sports World after deciding to return her free equity worth Rs70 million to the franchise.

Since registering a case on January 1, the SIT has questioned a number of people in this connection including domestic aides of Tharoor, staff of the hotel where Sunanda was found dead,family friend Sanjay Dewan and the hotel doctor who pronounced her dead.

It has also recorded the statements of several journalists in this regard with whom Sunanda had spoken a day before her death to find out whether she had mentioned to them about the IPL controversy, her husband Tharoor’s alleged relations with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar or about any plans of hers to hold a press conference. - PTI

ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEY

India overtakes EU as biggest milk producer AFTAB H. KOLA

Our Correspondent BENGALURU: India has overtaken the European Union in 2013-2014 to become the world’s biggest milk producer.

As per the government of India’s annual economic survey, the year-on-year growth rate is 4.04 per cent, nearly double than the rest of the world, indicating a sustained growth in the availability of milk and its products.

Sensing a bigger role in the domain of milk and its products, the government had formed the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which was designed to help increase productivity of milch animals and thereby meet the rapidly growing demand for milk in the country and provide more rural milk producers with better access to markets.

It provides for financing activities carried out by select End Implementing Agencies (EIAs) in 14 major dairying states.

Estimated demand India’s estimated demand for milk is likely to be about 155 million tonnes by 2016-17 and around 200 million tonnes in 2021-22.

In these projections, the Government sees a bigger role for the private sector in the dairy industry

and has identified areas for public-private partnerships (PPPs).

At present, the NDDB is running a programme called National Dairy Plan to augment milk production for meeting the growing demand.

Phase 1 of the plan was launched in 2012 at Anand in Gujarat. The project involves a total investment of Rs2,242 crore and aims at increasing milk production by increasing productivity of milch animals.

The White Revolution in the 70s changed the dairy scene in India. Also known as Operation Flood, it was launched to help milk farmers direct their own development, placing control of their resources they create in their own hands.

The Anand pattern experiment at Amul group, a single cooperative dairy based in Gujarat was the driving force behind the success of White Revolution.

The states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharastra, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are the major production areas of dairy in India.

In the year 2013-14, India’s export of dairy products was 1,59,228.52 metric tonnes to the world for the worth of Rs 3,318.53 crores.

TERROR PROBE

NIA arrests four more in Burdwan blast case NEW DELHI: The NIA on Wednesday arrested four people who were suspected to be hardcore members of banned Jamaatul-Mujahideen Bangladesh terror outfit and who were also alleged recruiters taking to 16 the number of people it has nabbed in its probe in the Burdwan blast case.

The four —Dalim Sheikh alias Faijul Hoque Sheik, Motiur Rehman alias Noor Alam, Habibur

Rehman and Ghiyasuddin Munshi — were arrested from different parts of the West Bengal.

The National Investigation Agency(NIA) took over the case from West Bengal police few days after the explosion after international links started surfacing.

The blast in Burdwan took place inside a house on October two last leaving one person dead and another seriously injured. - PTI

T HURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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Government in a rush to reduce its fiscal deficit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is racing to honour a commitment to narrow the deficit to a seven-year low of 4.1 per cent of gross domestic product in the year ending in March NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: India’s government made a push on Wednesday to bolster its strained finances, offering to sell a stake in miner Coal India and more mobile phone airwaves as it aimed to deliver on a promise to trim its fiscal deficit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is racing to honour a commitment to narrow the deficit to a sevenyear low of 4.1 per cent of gross domestic product in the year ending in March.

A revenue shortfall has driven up the deficit to 99 per cent of the full-year target in the first eight months of the year, casting doubts on that pledge.

Modi’s eight-month-old administration said it would sell a stake of up to 10 per cent in Coal India, of which the government currently owns close to 90 per cent.

The stake to be sold, worth about $3.9 billion at current

SLUGGISH: India’s economy grew 4.7 per cent in 2014 and the Central bank expects it to expand 5.5 per cent this year — far below the near double-digit growth needed to generate employment for tens of millions of new entrants to the job market. - AFP

market prices, will be unloaded through an auction on Friday, it added. Separately, the government will sell 2,100 MHz mobile phone airwaves at Rs37.05 billion per MHz, Telecoms Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The sale is expected to fetch about an extra $3 billion from a telecoms spectrum band auction scheduled for early March.

New Delhi is aiming to raise $13 billion from the auction, a quarter of which is expected to flow into the exchequer by March 31.

Modi’s deficit promise relies heavily on the asset sale programme. He has budgeted to raise $10 billion selling small stakes in state-run firms. But to date he has managed to raise a little more than $300 million.

The Coal India disposal would cover more than a third of the asset sales target. The government is also banking on the sale of a 5 percent stake in energy explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corp, worth $2.5 billion. The sale is scheduled before the end of the financial year, the oil minister said on

Wednesday. Friday’s sale will include at least 315.8 million shares in Coal India, with an option to sell 315.8 million more, the statement said. A floor price for the auction will be set on Thursday.

Last week the government invited bids from banks to manage a sale of 10 per cent stake in miner NMDC. It is also planning to sell 5 per cent in Power Finance Corp (PFC), Dredging Corp of India and Bharat Heavy Electricals, among others.

Ahead of the Budget, Finance Minister of India Arun Jaitley on Tuesday underlined the need for tax reforms and quick decision making to ensure stability in policy regime. The minister also asked the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) officials to maintain certain level of civility with assessees but to take to task the evaders and avoiders.

“Those who are liable to pay must pay...no evader or avoider must be allowed to go scot-free. At the same time, the levels of civility that we require in dealing with assessees will have to be very logical, very cogent,” he said. - Agencies

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

A9

TH UR S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 015

A 10

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

W E AT H E R

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.25pm 3.34pm 5.56pm 7.09pm 5.31am

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334 Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666 Muscat Pharmacy Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635 Atlas Pharmacy Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Al Hashar, Ruwi1 24 Hr Br. Tel. 24537080 Muscat, Al Sarooj. Tel: 24695536 Belqees, Al Khoudh (OIB) Tel. 24535398 Belqees, Ma’abelah. Tel: 24454624 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel. 23291635

MAINLY clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chances of early morning low level clouds or fog patches along Oman Sea and Arabian Sea coast.

EXPECTED WIND: Over most of the Sultanate wind will be northeasterly to easterly light to moderate becoming variable light at night.

SEA STATE: Moderate along the coastal areas of Al-Wusta and Dhofar governorates with a maximum wave height of 1.5 metres and slight along the rest of Oman coasts with a maximum wave height of 1.25 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during fog formation.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Mainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate. Chance of low level clouds and fog patches during late night to early morning over governorates of south AlSharqiya, Al-Wusta and Dhofar and along coastal areas of Oman Sea. During fog formation, visibilty may reduce to 100 metres or less especially in the interior regions.

HOSPITALS 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 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 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128,

OMAN Max 26 Min 17

Max 24 Min 16

Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570

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 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099

MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, SatWed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday - 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: At Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401 Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443

Max 23 Min 15 L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Max 25 Min 10

Max 26 Min 14

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30

Max 26 Min 17

Max 26 Min 9

SOUTH KOREA: A photographer waits to capture the sunlight. The country sees an average of some 10 hours of daylight in January. Its darkest month is December with an average of 9.5 daylight hours, and July is the lightest month averaging 14.5. -AFP

Max 27 Min 19 —www.met.gov.om

WORLD

Max 0 Min -1 Max 7 Min 2

Max 19 Min 6 Max -2 Min -3

Max 30 Min 22

Max 30 Min 14

Max 26 Min 13

Max 30 Min 20

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh Athens Baghdad Barbados Beijing Berlin Boston Brussels Buenos Aires Cairo Chicago Colombo Copenhagen Dublin Frankfurt Harare Hong Kong Istanbul Jerusalem Johannesburg

Max

Min

25 26 23 23 25 28 14 18 28 4 3 0 3 27 18 2 30 2 5 4 28 17 9 12 21

16 16 11 14 16 8 9 7 23 -10 -1 -4 0 18 7 -4 24 1 1 -1 17 15 6 2 15

Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Manila Mexico City Miami Moscow New Delhi New York Oslo Panama Paris Perth Prague Rio de Janeiro Santiago Seoul Singapore Stockholm Sydney Taipei Tokyo Toronto Vienna

Max

Min

30 15 7 10 30 24 21 -2 19 0 -2 16 5 34 4 34 32 2 28 2 22 22 8 -1 3

24 13 2 7 20 6 15 -3 6 -1 -7 12 2 20 -1 28 14 -3 24 0 16 17 2 -8 2

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi

08:50 11:00 14:30 15:45 17:40 18.35 20:20

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

20:50

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

10:25

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00 EVENTS

Muscat Festival 2015, January 15 to February 14 Tour of Oman 2015 starts from February 17, 2015 and ends on February 22

The Free and Open Source Software Conference will take place from 18th February to the 19th February 2015 at the Sultan Qaboos University.

Interior Design Decor & Furniture Expo, Oman International Exhibition Centre | Muscat, Oman | 17-19 Feb 2015.

The BIG Show Muscat, Oman International Exhibition Centre| Muscat, Oman | 30 Mar-02 Apr 2015.

EdTechTeam Oman Summit, organised by the EdTechTeam, Inc. will take place from 30th January to the 31st January 2015 at the American International School of Muscat.

Times Great India Education Fair Muscat is a 2 day event being held from 20th February to the 21st February 2015 at the Al Falaj Hotel.

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily LISTINGS 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Wild Card (2D)(Action | Crime) (15+) Cast: Jason Statham, Michael Angarano, Dominik García 2:00, 6:00, 10:00, 11:45 PM American Sniper (2D) (Act | Bio) (15+) Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner 2:15, 9:15, 11:45 PM Black Sea (2D) (Adv | Thriller) (TBC) Cast: Jude Law, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn 3:45, 7:45, 9:15 PM Blackhat (2D) (Action | Crime) (12+) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Wei Tang 2:40, 11:30 PM Selma (2D) (Biog | Drama) (PG) Cast: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo6:45 PM BirdMan (2D) (Com | Drama) (15+) Cast: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton 4:45, 7:00 PM Darker Than Night (2D) (Horr) (TBC) Cast: Zuria Vega, Adriana Louvier, 5:00 PM

Wild Card (2D) (Action/Crime) (15+) Cast: Jason Statham, Dominik García 10:30AM, 02:00, 06:00 & 10:00PM Gold Class: 04:00 & 11:15 PM Robot Overlords (2D) (Act/Sci Fi) Cast: Gillian Anderson, Ben Kingsley, Callan McAuliffe

12:15 PM & 02:15 PM Black Sea (2D) (Thriller/Adventure) Cast: Jude Law, Scoot McNairy 03:45, 07:45 & 11:45 PM Gold Class: 01:45 PM Song Of The Sea (2D) (Anim) (12+) Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Pat Shortt 10:45 AM & 12:30 PM Black Hat (2D) (Act/Crime) (12+) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Wei Tang 04:00 PM American Sniper (2D)(Act/Bio)(15+) Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna MillerTimings: 11:45 PM Gold Class: 05:45 PM Baby (Hindi) (2D) (Act/Crime) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Tapsee Pannu 08:50 PM Gold Class: 08:15 PM Selma (2D) (Biography/Drama) (PG) Cast: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth 06:30 PM

SCREEN 1 Hawaizaada - Hindi - (Drama | Romance) (PG ) Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Sharda 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 11:30pm SCREEN 2 Baby - Hindi - (Thriller | Act) (12+ ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Rana Daggubati, Anupam Kher 3:15, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:55pm SCREEN 3

P. K (Comedy) (PG) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma 3:30 & 8:45pm Alone - Hindi - (Thriller) (18+) Cast: Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover 6:15 & 11:45 pm

Black Sea – 2D (15+) Adv | Thriller Cast: Jude Law, Scoot McNairy 03:45, 06:00, 09:30, 11:45 PM Wild Card – 2D (15+) Act | Crime Cast: Jason Statham, Michael Angarano, Dominik García 03:00, 08:15, 10:00, 11:45 PM Blackhat – 2D (12+) Act | Crime Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Wei Tang 04:45, 7:10, 11:30 PM Song of the Sea – 2D (PG) Animation | Family | Fantasy Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, Pat Shortt 03:15, 05:00 PM Nagara Varidhi Naduvil Njan – 2D (PG) Comedy | Drama Cast: Sreenivasan, Sangeetha 06:45 PM American Sniper– 2D (15+) Act | Bio Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner 3:15, 05:45, 09:00 PM Hawaizaada – 2D (PG) Com | Dra Cast: Sreenivasan, Sangeetha, Bheeman Raghu 08:15 PM

Baby – 2D (12+) Action | Crime | Mystery Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Tapsee Pannu 11:15 PM

Wild Card (Act | Crime ) (15+) 03:30, 05:15, 10:00, 11:45 PM Robot Overlords (Action |Adventure | Sci-Fi) (TBC) 03:00, 09:45 PM Darker Than Night (Horror) (15+) Cast: Zuria Vega, Adriana Louvier, Eréndira Ibarra 03:00, 04:45, 11:30 PM Hawaizaada(Hindi) (Bio ) (PG) Cast: Mithun Chakraborty, Ayushmann Khurrana 07:00, 11:15 PM American Sniper (Act | Bio) (15+) Cast: Bradley Cooper, Kyle Gallner 04:40, 08:45 PM Baby (Hindi) (Act | Mystery) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Tapsee Pannu 07:00 PM Nagara Varidhi Naduvil Njan (Mal) (Comedy | Drama) (TBC) 06:30 PM

American Sniper (2D) ( Act ) (12+) 03:00, 11:30 PM Wild Card (Act | Crime ) (15+) Cast: Jason Statham, Dominik 03:15, 05:15, 11:45 PM Baby (hindi) ( Act / Crime ) (12+)

08:45 PM Darker Than Night ( Horrer ) (15+) Cast : Zuria Vega, Adriana Louvier 05.00, 07:00 PM Nagara Varidhi Naduvil Njan (Tel) Cast:Sreenivasan, Sangeetha 06:45 PM Hawaizaada (Bio) ( PG ) 06: 45 PM, 09:00 PM

Wild Card (2D/15+) (Act/Cri) 2:00, 6:00, 10:00, 11:45PM American Sniper (2D/15+) (Act) 2:00, 11:30PM Black Sea (2D/TBC) (Adv/Thriller) Cast: Jude Law, Scoot McNairy, 12:15, 3:45, 7:45, 9:00PM Birdman (2D/15+) (Co/Drama) Cast: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton 2:00, 6:45PM Blackhat (2D/12+) (Act/Crime) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Wei Tang 11:30AM, 4:15PM Selma (2D/PG) (Biog/Drama) Cast: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth 11:45AM, 4:15PM Nagara Varidhi Naduvil Njan (2D/ TBC) (Comedy/Drama) Cast: Sreenivasan, Sangeetha 6:30PM Hawaizaada (2D/TBC) (Hindi-Drama/Fantasy) 8:40PM Baby (2D/12) (Act/Crime/Mystery) 11:15PM

Wild Card : (Action / Crime) Cast : Jason Statham, Michael Angarano, Dominik García-Lorido 3.30, 5.15 ,10.00 pm & 11.55 pm.

CP No : 260 (15+) Blackhat : (Action / Crime) : Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Wei Tang 3.00 , 7.30 & 11.55 pm CP No : 261(12+) American Sniper: (Adv/ Drama) Cast : Jason Hall, Chris Kyle 1.00 , 7.00 & 9.30 pm CP No : 181 (15+) Darker Than Night : ( Horror ) Cast: Zuria Vega, Adriana Louvier, Eréndira Ibarra 5.30 pmCP No : (15+) Taken 3 : (Act / Thriller ) Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace 1.00 pm CP No : 153 ( 12+ )

Film Information - 24540856 / Advance Booking - 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776

“I” (Tamil) ( Action\Thriller) Cast: Vikram, Amy Jackson 3:00, 6:30 & 10:00 pm Cinema Main Baby - Hindi - (Thriller | Act) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Rana Daggubati, Anupam Kher, Kay Kay Menon 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45pm Cinema 3 Nagaravaridhi Naduvil Najaan Cast:Sreenivasan, Sangeetha 3:30, 6:30pm at Cinema 2/ 10 pm at Cinema Main Chinnadana Nee Kosam (Tel)(Com) Cast: Nitin Reddy & Misnti 3:45 pm Cinema 4 P K (Hindi) (Comedy) Cast: Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt 6:45 & 9:45pm Cinema-4

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

T HURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

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PAKISTAN

IS rebel admits to receiving funds ‘routed through US’ Yousaf Al Salafi is a Pakistani-Syrian, who entered Pakistan through Turkey five months ago. Earlier, it was reported that he crossed into Turkey from Syria and was caught there. However, he managed to escape from Turkey and reached Pakistan to establish IS

ISLAMABAD: Yousaf Al Salafi — allegedly the Pakistan commander of IS extremist group — has confessed during investigations that he has been receiving funds through the United States.

Law enforcing agencies on January 22 claimed that they arrested Al Salafi, along with his two companions, during a joint raid in Lahore.

However, sources revealed that Al Salafi was actually arrested sometimes in December last year and it was only disclosed on January 22.

“During the investigations, Yousaf Al Salafi revealed that he was getting funding — routed through America — to run the organisation in Pakistan and recruit young people to fight in Syria,” a source privy to the investigations

DARK SHADOWS: An Iraqi Yazidi woman who fled the violence in the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar,

cries as she stands among others at a school where they are taking shelter in the Kurdish city of Dohuk in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, on August 5, 2014. — AFP file photo

Ex-Taliban militant named IS regional chief ISLAMABAD: The IS extremist group has confirmed it has nominated former Taliban spokesperson Hafiz Saeed Khan as its commander for the region.

Saeed Khan, who left the Taliban in 2013, appeared in a video 10 days ago.

However, the news of his ap-

revealed to Daily Express on the condition of anonymity.

Al Salafi is a Pakistani-Syrian, who entered Pakistan through Turkey five months ago. Earlier, it

pointment as an IS commander was broadcast through an audio message, posted on a Twitter account, apparently run by the militant outfit.

Commander confirms IS commander Abu Muhammad Al Adni has also confirmed the outfit has ap-

was reported that he crossed into Turkey from Syria and was caught there. However, he managed to escape from Turkey and reached Pakistan to establish IS in the region.

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pointed its chief for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Saeed Khan belongs to Orakzai Agency and he has served as head of the Taliban Orakzai chapter. He had parted ways with the Taliban after the killing of the Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud in a drone strike. — Express Tribune

Sources said Al Salafi’s revelations were shared with the US Secretary of State John Kerry during his recent visit to Islamabad. “The matter was also taken

up with CENTCOM chief General Lloyd Austin during his visit to Islamabad earlier this month,” a source said.

Al Salafi also confessed that he — along with a Pakistani accomplice, reportedly imam of a mosque – was recruiting people to send them to Syria and was getting around $600 per person from Syria.

“The US has been condemning the IS activities but unfortunately has not been able to stop funding of these organisations, which is being routed through the US,” a source said.

“The US had to dispel the impression that it is financing the group for its own interests and that is why it launched offensive against the organisation in Iraq but not in Syria,” he added.

There are reports that citizens from Libya, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India besides other countries are being recruited by the IS to fight in Syria. Posters and wall chalking in favour of the IS have also been seen in various cities in Pakistan’ Meanwhile, a US drone strike on Wednesday targeted a Taliban compund and killed at least six militants in North Waziristan, one of seven semi-autonomous tribal districts that border Afghanistan and a hub for Al Qaeda and Taliban militants since the early 2000s.

“A US drone fired two missiles at a compound and vehicle in Shawal area of North Waziristan, killing six terrorists,” a senior security official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Another security official confirmed the strike and casualties.

Recent drone attacks by the US have raised speculation that Washington and Islamabad are coordinating their military efforts.

Pakistan, however, officially denounces the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty. — Agencies

H E A LT H C R I S I S

400,000 children miss polio vaccination ISLAMABAD: Some 400,000 children missed the vaccination initiative mounted as part of this year’s first nationwide antipolio drive, according to documents available with The Express Tribune.

Around 58,631 parents refused to get their children inoculated against the crippling disease. During the initiative a total of 34.7 million children were reportedly vaccinated against the set target of 35.5 million.

Parental refusal Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) recorded the highest number of parental refusal cases with 36,985 followed by Sindh 14,646, Balochistan 5,176, Punjab 962, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) 515, Islamabad 275, Pakistan-administered Kashmir 36.

There were no refusals in GilgitBaltistan (G-B) .

Overall coverage of the anti-polio drive remained up to the mark in all provinces except 74 per cent in Balochistan and 55 per cent in Fata. Punjab remained on top with 104 per cent, Islamabad stood second with 103 per cent followed by Pakistan-administration Kashmir and G-B with 102 per cent, Sindh 97 per cent and KP 95%.

Dr Rana Safdar, in-charge of the National Emergency Operation Cell (NEOC), has called the drive a success so far with above 90 per cent coverage in most of the provinces.

“This kind of coverage is the need of the hour for Pakistan,” he said, adding that this report should not be considered as final because in Karachi the anti-polio drive is in progress and Fata has yet to submit its complete result.

State Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar said improvement has been witnessed in the anti-polio drive in the county. — Express Tribune

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Did Obama and Modi write a new chapter?

A

fter years of near misses and unfulfilled promises, The US President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appear to have set relations between their democracies on a deeper, perhaps even revolutionary, path. Part of the improvement in bilateral relations has to do with the personal chemistry between the two, which by all accounts appears warm and genuine. Obama had barely gotten off his plane in New Delhi when he and Modi embraced like old friends. They share humble roots. A visit by Modi to the White House in September went exceptionally well. And there was plenty of colourful symbolism in New Delhi: Obama became the first American president to attend India’s annual Republic Day parade. There are strategic imperatives at work as well. Both leaders need to expand their economies, and both see the other as a crucial partner in offsetting China’s increasingly assertive role in Asia.

The potential for cooperation is considerable. Much of the public focus on the visit was on trade, energy and breaking a logjam that has held up the sale of American nuclear energy technology to India. But when Modi and Obama sat down to talk, the first 45 minutes of the discussion was consumed by China.

Although it has a history of suspicion and rivalry with China, India has acted independently in foreign policy and resisted American efforts to forge a common front. That seems to be changing with Modi, who shares concerns about China’s growing economic and military strength and has shown remarkable confidence in striking a new path. He signed a joint statement with Obama chiding the Chinese government for provoking conflict with its neighbours over the South China Sea; suggested reviving a security network involving the United States, India, Japan and Australia; and expressed interest in playing a greater role in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, in which India could help balance China’s influence. China was not happy, dismissing the visit as a “superficial rapprochement.” The trick for Obama and Modi will be to stand firm in support of a stable, rules-based order in Asia while not provoking China.

No real breakthroughs were announced on trade. The Americans have been frustrated with the slow pace of Modi’s economic reforms; and the solution that the two leaders claimed to have found to the Indian liability law that has blocked the sales of American nuclear fuel and reactors struck observers as vague and inconclusive. The modest movement on climate change was disappointing. Obama could not leave India without addressing human rights. In a speech on Tuesday, he urged India to protect the rights of girls and women, combat human trafficking and slavery, promote religious and racial tolerance, and empower young people. Yet, their talk of an “enduring commitment,” Obama and Modi have raised expectations and set a firm basis for moving forward. Building a true partnership will take sustained efforts over many decades. - The New York Times News Service

COMMENTARY

Europe has failed to offer hope and vision JAVIER SOLANA

Teachers, guns and money

T

here is a curious mix of what appears on the one hand advancement in the education set-up in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P); and on the other decidedly retrograde steps. Taking the positive first, the K-P government is planning to remove 50 per cent of the teaching cohort in government schools because of their poor performance. As the teachers are unlikely to go without making a fuss, a financial inducement to retirement may be offered in the form of a golden handshake. They will be replaced by teachers recruited through a selection process that will employ the National Testing Services (NTS) exam for which there will be a minimum 50 per cent pass mark. Currently, there are about 125,000 teachers in K-P, and around Rs93 billion have been spent in an unsuccessful attempt to bring state education on a par with the private sector. Replacing half of them is going to be a gargantuan task, and the NTS exam is to be administered to all teachers as a first step, those failing may be offered a financial inducement to leave.

This robust attempt to improve standards stands in contrast to the as yet poorly defined proposal — if there really is such a proposal — to arm K-P teachers in the hope that they will fight off any future attackers. Any such move would be both nonsensical and dangerous, and to even think that this would add anything to the overall security of the education system suggests that the person(s) so minded have not thought of the dangerous consequences that such a move could entail.

Teachers must not be co-opted into a role they are unfit for. Rather than arm the teachers, the authorities need to look at how extremism may be countered, because perpetuating a toxic gun culture serves nobody; least of all children. Let us hope this idea is stillborn, unlike the proposal to test teachers. We need to get rid of the dead wood and recruit fresh and better-qualified teachers — which we warmly welcome. By all means let us improve education, but not with a Kalashnikov in the corner of the classroom. - The Express Tribune

Employers in Oman are taking undue advantage This refers to the news story, Employers told to call a halt to a ‘fee for NOC’ (January 28). The new rules have handed over a great opportunity to employers in Oman to make money and blackmail the expatriate employees. Some of them are reportedly misusing the opportunity. I am afraid the rule, that expats who would want to switch jobs would have to secure an NOC from the employer or stay out of Oman for two years, is likely to lead to a very corrupt and unethical practice.

Kader Nizam Muscat

‘Employers told to call a halt to a ‘fee for NOC’ (January 28). I am working with a small company for the past one year and I want to resign but I am being denied the NOC by my employer. For the past four months, the company has been very irregular in paying salaries to the employees and has lately reduced the salaries by half. I have got an offer from a reputed company in Oman but I am unable to take the offer only because my employer would not give me the NOC. K.K. Muscat

Europe needs to take a good look at itself. It must recognise that second- and thirdgeneration immigrants are susceptible to the blandishments of terrorist organisations because European citizenship has not translated into social and economic inclusion

H

e came from Algeria seeking a better life, anticipating an escape from poverty, oppression, and hopelessness. In Paris, he found a low-skill job and had children and grandchildren. As French citizens, they had the right to an education and health care. But they grew up in the ghettos that ring France’s major cities, surrounded by families like theirs, literally on the margins of society. Unable to integrate fully, they had few opportunities for economic advancement. Paradise was never gained.

This story has been repeated millions of times in the countries of Western Europe, with immigrants and their families ending up poor and excluded. In the worst-case scenario, they are recruited by extremist groups that seem to offer what they are missing: a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose. After a lifetime of marginalisation, participation in a larger cause can seem worth the lies, self-destruction, and even death that inclusion demands.

In the wake of the attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris and the thwarting of another attack in Belgium, Europe needs to take a good look at itself. It must recognise that secondand third-generation immigrants are susceptible to the blandishments of terrorist organisations because European citizenship has not translated into social and economic inclusion. If anything, growing inequality — exacerbated by years of crisis — is making the problem worse. People need hope. They need to believe in a vision, a project that promises a better future for them and their communities. European countries once offered that sense of hope. But the crisis, and the official response to it, has replaced hope with frustration and disillusionment.

This has created fertile ground for anti-immigrant populists and terrorists alike. More than 1,200 French citizens are estimated to have joined the cause in Syria, along with 600 from the United Kingdom, 550 from Germany, and 400 from Belgium. Other European countries, including Spain, are experiencing a similar phenomenon. And some European citizens, like the Charlie Hebdo assassins, have acted at home. While intelligence services and police forces must be engaged to prevent attacks, devising an effective strategy to counteract extremist movements requires, first and foremost, understanding what drives them. Western countries must go beyond defending freedom of speech and improving police coordination to develop lasting solutions that address adherents’ economic and social marginalisation, while avoiding cultural confrontation and reliance on repression alone.

More fundamentally, such solutions require aban-

READERS’ FORUM NEW INDIA ASSURANCE Protect the welfare of your workforce through New India’s WORKMEN COMPENSATION POLICY. website: www.newindiaoman.com

R.K. Laxman had his hand on the pulse of the nation Some employers are using rule to blackmail workers This refers to the news story,

The sad demise of the distinguished cartoonist R.K. Laxman made me feel losing somebody

If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the facts ALBERT EINSTEIN

doning the false dichotomy of liberty and security. If security concerns trump basic rights and freedoms, fanaticism will have scored a victory; and the same thing will happen if expressions of Islamophobia and xenophobia increase.

A week after the Paris attacks, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated the sentiment expressed by former President Christian Wulff in 2010: standing beside Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, Merkel declared that Islam is as much a part of Germany as Judaism and Christianity. This statement represents the right way forward. Muslim immigrants, whether first, second or third-generation, must be able to integrate fully into European society, gaining the same opportunities as Europe’s other residents and citizens.

That principle should be applied at the global level as well, through the establishment of an inclusive framework that fosters development and encourages the rejection of fanaticism. The aggressive fundamentalism and infighting that held down Christian societies for centuries has been relegated to the past, and that is where it must remain.

A religion is not only a belief system; it is also an institution, a language, and even a kind of market actor, competing for supporters. Radical terrorist groups attempt to consolidate their distorted version of “true” faith as the only institution, imposing their language to win the entire market.

Today, groups like the IS and Nigeria’s Boko Haram have joined Al Qaeda in a struggle to attract coreligionists from all over the world, thereby securing their leadership in global terrorism. These groups take advantage of unruly environments and weak or collapsing institutions to gain a territorial foothold.

Indeed, it was the failed transitions in Syria, Libya, and Yemen after the Arab Spring revolts that fuelled the emergence of IS. Millions of young people, though disillusioned by decades of social paralysis, unemployment, and brutal dictatorships, had dared to expect better. Though Tunisians have made progress, the other affected populations, like many immigrants in Europe, have had their hopes shattered.

Radical extremism, like any other reductionist political programme, is capable of seducing a wide variety of people. The attribute they almost always share is a sense of futility or a lack of purpose.

The West must recognise that, as Afghanistan and Iraq have shown, conflict in the Arab world cannot be resolved through foreign military intervention. The only way to restore order and spur progress in the region is by empowering moderates, so that they can triumph over the forces of radicalism and violence.

The West’s role is to identify them and offer them acceptance and support. This lesson should be applied both abroad and at home. - Project Syndicate

very close. I have literally grown up with his ‘common man’. Even when I didn’t read newspapers I never missed his series of pocket cartoons. It was a ritual to start the day with his cartoon ‘You Said It’ in the Times Of India.

Whatever little I learnt about politics was through his cartoons.

He always had his hand on the pulse of the nation. The levity and flippancy in his work could extract laughter even during the most difficult times. May his soul rest in peace and his ‘common man’ continue to inspire us.

Subia Musheer Sohar

Fall of regimes has brought chaos in the Middle East In the context of the prevailing economic situation in the

Middle East, the region needs to look into a stabilisation plan to secure its interests. More than an investment plan, stability should be the key factor in ensuring the effective utilisation of the wealth available in the region. The world has already seen the fall of several regimes in the region. The phenomenon has indirectly led to unprecedented disorder affecting the economies in several countries. Rebuilding of the countries ravaged by civil wars for the past few years will be a mammoth task. Therefore, a well-founded strategy is needed to bring the society back to normal. Even though the Arab world is not short of capital, the priority should be to raise confidence of people and restore rule of law.

Ramachandran Nair Ruwi

Letters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

T I M E S OF OMAN

T HURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

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PERSPEC IVE We can’t insulate ourselves against this refugee crisis I

have visited Iraq five times since 2007, and I have seen nothing like the suffering I’m witnessing now. I came to visit the camps and informal settlements where displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees are desperately seeking shelter from the fighting that has convulsed their region.

In almost four years of war, nearly half of Syria’s population of 23 million people has been uprooted. Within Iraq itself, more than two million people have fled conflict and the terror unleashed by extremist groups. These refugees and displaced people have witnessed unspeakable brutality. Their children are out of school, they are struggling to survive, and they are surrounded on all sides by violence.

For many years I have visited camps, and every time I sit in a tent and hear stories. I try my best to give support. To say something that will show solidarity and give some kind of thoughtful guidance. On this trip I was speechless.

What do you say to a mother with tears streaming down her face who says her daughter is in the hands of the Isis, and that she wishes she were there, too? Even if she had to be raped and tortured, she says, it would be better than not being with her daughter.

What do you say to the 13-year-old girl who describes the warehouses where she and the others lived and would be pulled out, three at a time, to be raped by the men? When her brother found out, he killed himself.

How can you speak when a woman your own age looks you in the eye and tells you that her whole family was killed in front of her, and that she now lives alone in a tent and has minimal food rations?

In the next tent, I met a family of eight children. No parents. Father killed. Mother missing, most likely taken. The 19-year-old boy is the sole breadwinner. When I comment that it is a lot of responsibility for his age, he just smiles and puts his arm around his young sister.

He tells me he is grateful he has the opportunity to work and help them. He means it. He and his family are the hope for the future. They are resilient against impossible odds.

Nothing prepares you for the reality of so

ANGELINA JOLIE

There has been no progress on ending the war in Syria since the Geneva process collapsed 12 months ago.

Syria is in flames, and areas of Iraq are gripped by fighting. The doors of many nations are bolted

much individual human misery: for the stories of suffering and death, and the gaze of hungry, traumatised children.

Who can blame them for thinking that we have given up on them? Only a fraction of the humanitarian aid they need is being provided.

There has been no progress on ending the war in Syria since the Geneva process collapsed 12 months ago. Syria is in flames, and areas of Iraq are gripped by fighting. The doors of many nations are bolted against them. There is nowhere they can turn.

Syria’s neighbours have taken in nearly four million Syrian refugees, but they are reaching their limits. Syrian refugees now make up 10 per cent of Jordan’s population. In Lebanon, every fourth person is now a Syrian. They need food, shelter, education, health care and work.

This means fewer resources available for local people. Far wealthier countries might crack under these pressures.

Stories of terror, barrel bombs and massacres have acquired an awful familiarity. There is a great temptation to turn inward, to focus on our own troubles.

But the plain fact is we cannot insulate ourselves against this crisis. The spread of extremism, the surge in foreign fighters, the threat of new terrorism — only an end to the war in Syria will begin to turn the tide on these problems.

Without that, we are just tinkering at the edges.

At stake are not only the lives of millions of people and the future of the Middle East, but also the credibility of the international system.

What does it say about our commitment to human rights and accountability that we seem to tolerate crimes against humanity happening in Syria and Iraq on a daily basis?

When the United Nations refugee agency was created after World War II, it was intended to help people return to their homes after conflict.

It wasn’t created to feed, year after year, people who may never go home, whose children will be born stateless, and whose countries may never see peace. But that is the situation today, with 51 million refugees, asylum-seekers or displaced people worldwide, more than at any time in the organization’s history. - The New York Times News Service

Are we starting to see the end of Ebola?

A

t last there is some good news in the terrible struggle to bring the Ebola outbreak in West Africa under control. One year after it began, with at least 21,000 cases, and more than 8,000 deaths, it looks as though the disease is beginning to slow down.

At its worst there were hundreds of new patients each week in the three worst affected countries; last week there were just 8 in Liberia, and 20 in Guinea, though Sierra Leone still had more than 100. The cases are falling because of the enormous efforts to track down people who are sick, and isolate them in hospital before they can infect others.

Last week also saw the first batch of a new experimental vaccine being shipped to Liberia. The vaccine, produced by the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, contains part of the Ebola virus genetic material.

It thus prepares people’s immune systems, to be ready in advance, should they become infected. Trials of the new vaccine, which has already been tested in volunteers in the UK, should begin very soon in Liberia.

Vaccines aim to stop people becoming infected. But for those who are infected, new antiviral

TOM SOLOMON

drugs are needed. Several such treatments are currently being assessed in clinical trials in West Africa. Ironically, as the number of new Ebola cases drops, the chance to fully evaluate these therapies gets harder.

If there is no disease, you cannot determine whether vaccines are protecting people from it, or drug treatments are working.

But although vaccine and treatment trials are progressing, and the disease is slowing, we must not become complacent.

The weekly number of cases has fluctuated in the past, and unless we remain vigilant things could deteriorate again.

More medical and nursing staff will be needed, especially since the typical tour of duty is just a few weeks.

This week I was in PPE training with one of our research nurses Claire, who is due to go out to West Africa in the next week or two. PPE, or personal protective equipment, is what stands between you and the virus when you are dealing with something like Ebola. I have worked for years with dangerous viruses in the laboratory, and so am used to wearing all sorts of strange gear.

But as we practised gowning each other up, putting on the three

sets of gloves, and the breathing mask and face shield, this felt different; not such much because of the paraphernalia involved, but because the stakes are so much higher. In the laboratory there is just you, and the virus. And unless something goes badly wrong, it will sit there, in the vial, until you are ready to work with it.

But in the clinical setting, when the virus is in the body fluid of patients, it is a different story.

Sick people can be unpredictable, especially if they are scared or confused.

In the laboratory it is unusual to get any virus on your protective clothing. In contrast, caring for a patient who is vomiting or bleeding means you are bound to get virus on your gloves, your gown, and your boots.

This is why how you take the gear off is actually more important than how you put it on.

It only takes one minor slip, one momentary lapse of concentration, to put yourself at risk. With the extensive training Claire is getting, I feel confident that she will be fine. We should all be thankful for Claire and the many others like her. For without such heroism, this outbreak would undoubtedly be continuing to grow. - The Independent

Is liberté absolute? with each group seeped in its own traditions. For instance, the bodies of the four French Jews, who lost their lives in the shootout in the supermarket, were airlifted to Israel for burial.

This is just one glaring example of cultural particularism in France.

The country has the largest Muslim population in the European Union of over six million. It has the largest black population, which exceeds two million.

It also has the largest Jewish population, mostly Sephardic Jews. Multiculturalism in France, in a way, is deeply rooted in the history of the extractive relationship between the country’s colonial outposts and Metropolitan France.

Unlike the ‘economic colonies’ of the British Empire, France boasted of ‘settlement colonies’. At one stage, nearly a million French men had been living in Algeria even during the civil war.

With decolonisation, a process of immigration from the colonies gained pace.

The value of the three abovementioned principles needs to be seen in the ever-evolving multicultural context.

The three values are closely inter-connected while opinion-makers in France wish to see the principal of liberté on a standalone basis.

In a pluralistic society, liberté and freedom cannot be sustained over time while overlooking the broad overlap of the principal of fraternité.

The persistent irreverence of Charlie Hebdo cannot be condoned in the name of free speech, with intense and persistent protests by mainstream Muslims. A line has to be drawn between free speech and hate speech.

What if someone comes up with a counter-narrative on the Holocaust? Would the French media and state organs tolerate that narrative?

A rare display of fraternité was given by Ahmed Merabet, the Muslim policeman who laid down his life while trying to stop the Charlie Hebdo attackers from escaping.

The bravery of yet another Muslim, Lassana Bathily was also an enviable display of fraternité.

France needs to take care of its backyard. The Kouachi brothers were the products of a ghetto culture where the ideology of hate and revenge flourished, which is what ultimately fosters violence and militancy.

Muslims in France must also mull over the problem of strengthening their compact with their homeland.

They have reasons to feel hurt but there are more persuasive ways to bring the state and society to understand their point of view. - The Express Tribune

TARIQ MAHMUD

E

urope may never be the same again.

Even while Chancellor Merkel extends an olive branch to Muslims, the Pegida protestors, swelling in numbers on the streets of Dresden, chant full-throated slogans against them.

Despite French President Francoise Hollande’s extended outreach, mosques in France seem to be under siege. The Kouachi brothers’ bizarre and brutal act to supposedly ‘avenge’ has created a huge wedge in Europe.

Muslims all over France and in many parts of Europe are in utter shock and disbelief, with lurking fears of being subjected to more profiling, more stereotyping and more social intimidation in times to come.

France, as a country with a rich cultural heritage, has readily fallen back on its spiritual foundations — linking its national resolve to the three eternal principles of the French Republic: liberté, égalité, fraternité.

It is indeed going back to the philosophic plank of the French Revolution — an event that transformed the course of modern history.

The recent brutal attack is being considered as an attack on these key pillars of the Republic. It was liberté which guaranteed free expression, the manifestation of man’s individuality.

Ever since the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, liberté had been the ultimate end — the excellence to think freely and the freedom to do anything that did not harm others.

The same declaration also underscored the significance of égalité — equality before the law. Liberté was the higher end and required a clear pathway in order to be achieved.

Keeping the intent and spirit of the declaration intact, the means to achieve this ideal was only through fraternité — which requires an unflinching bond with the community and fellow beings.

While liberté was the end, fraternité was the way forward, which could help achieve it. This mandated meeting the obligations to the community one lived in.

While liberté is both a right and a privilege, fraternité is the obligation and responsibility.

In this continuum, one cannot enjoy any right without sharing the commensurate responsibility. Nothing is more relevant today than a correct understanding of this nuance in a complex multicultural society like France.

The country, as of today, is a diverse mix of different races, religions and cultures,

Australia climate report Australian scientists warn that temperatures could rise by more than 5°C by the end of the century if greenhouse emissions are not cut Year 2090 Mean Temperatures (If Emissions Not Reduced)

Current Mean Temperatures 26°C line

Very warm average NT WA

TODAY IN HISTORY

26°C

QLD

1813

Jane Austin publishes Pride and Prejudice.

1918

The Supreme Allied Council meets at Versailles.

1931

Winston Churchill resigns as Stanley Baldwin’s aide.

SA NSW VIC

20°C

ACT 14°C

20°C TAS

Cooler areas contract 14°C

Temperature Average will rise

Bush fires Harsher fire weather

Rainfall More extreme, intense floods

Oceans Warmer and more acidic. Sea levels continue to rise

Cyclones Fewer but more intense

1942

German and Italian troops take Benghazi in North Africa.

1967

Thirty-seven civilians are killed by a US helicopter attack in Vietnam.

1984

The Soviets issue a formal complaint against alleged U.S. arms treaty violations.

HISTORYNET.COM Source: CSIRO, BoM

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UN peacekeeper, two Israeli soldiers die in missile attack Hezbollah claims responsibility for the attack as Israel responds with artillery fire into southern Lebanon

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM/ BEIRUT: Two Israeli soldiers and a Spanish peacekeeper were killed on Wednesday in an exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel that has raised fears of a full-blown conflict between the group and the Jewish state.

In the biggest escalation since a 2006 war, the soldiers were killed when Hezbollah fired a missile at Israeli military vehicles on the frontier with Lebanon. The peacekeeper, serving with a UN monitoring force in southern Lebanon, died after the attack as Israel responded with air strikes and artillery fire, a UN spokesman and Spanish officials said.

EXCHANGE OF FIRE: A picture taken from the town of Ghajar on the Israeli side shows smoke from Israeli shelling covers the Lebanese town of Al Majidiyah on the Lebanese border with Israel on Wednesday. – AFP

Hezbollah said one of its brigades in the area carried out the attack, which appeared to be in retaliation for a January 18 Israeli air strike in southern Syria that killed several Hezbollah members as well as an Iranian general.

It came hours after Israeli jets bombed positions near the occupied Golan Heights, which Israel’s military said was in response to rocket fire from Syria.

Tensions in the region, where the frontiers of Israel, Lebanon

and Syria meet and groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad are active, have been bubbling for months but have boiled over in the past 10 days.

The Israeli military confirmed the death of the soldiers. Hospital officials said a further seven had been wounded, although none had life-threatening injuries.

Andrea Tenenti, spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said the peacekeeper’s death was under

investigation. UNIFIL has more than 10,000 peacekeepers. The United Nations’ special coordinator for Lebanon, Dutch diplomat Sigrid Kaag, called on all parties to refrain from any action that could further destabilise the situation.

The frontier has largely been quiet since 2006, when Hezbollah and Israel fought a 34-day war in which 120 people in Israel and more than 500 in Lebanon were killed. Since the end of the war with Hamas fighters in Gaza last year, Israel has warned of frictions on the northern border, including the possibility that Hezbollah might dig tunnels to infiltrate the Jewish state. In recent days it has moved more troops and military equipment into the area.

A retired Israeli army officer, Major-General Israel Ziv, said he believed Wednesday’s assault was an attempt by Hezbollah to draw Israel more deeply into the war in Syria, where Hezbollah is fighting alongside forces loyal to President Assad. “Israel needs to protect its interests but not take any unnecessary steps that may pull us into the conflict in Syria,” he said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has made security his top priority ahead of a parliamentary election on March 17,

said Israel was “prepared to act powerfully on all fronts”, adding: “Security comes before everything else.”

In a communique, Hezbollah described Wednesday’s operation as “statement number one”, indicating that a further response was possible. Nasrallah is expected to announce the group’s formal reaction to Israel’s January 18 air strike on Friday.

In Beirut, celebratory gunfire rang out after the attack, while residents in the southern suburbs of the city, where Hezbollah is strong, packed their bags and prepared to evacuate neighbourhoods that were heavily bombed

by Israel in 2006.

It remains to be seen whether Israel and Hezbollah will back away from further confrontation.

With an Israeli election looming and Hezbollah deeply involved in in Syria, there would appear to be little interest in a wider conflict for either side.

Regional analysts said they did not expect events to spiral.

“Netanyahu most likely realises that a prolonged military engagement in Lebanon could cost him the election,” said Ayham Kamel and Riccardo Fabiani of the Eurasia Group. — Reuters

TRIAL

Bahrain’s opposition chief rejects charges DUBAI: Bahraini opposition chief Sheikh Ali Salman, arrested for allegedly trying to overthrow the kingdom’s regime, rejected the charge as his trial opened on Wednesday, a judicial source said.

The judge decided to keep Salman behind bars and set the next hearing in Manama for February 25, his Al Wefaq bloc said.

Salman, 49, was arrested December 28, sparking near-daily protests across the kingdom.

The Al Wefaq head has been accused of “promoting the overthrow and change of the political regime by force” and of inciting disobedience and hatred in public statements. He was present at Wednesday’s hearing before the Higher Criminal Court, which was held under tight security and attended by representatives of several Western embassies. Salman’s defence team called for his release on bail as the opposition chief pleaded not guilty, judicial sources said.

His arrest has also sparked condemnation from the United States, Iran and international human rights groups.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, 109 parliamentarians from 43 countries called for Salman’s “immediate release”. — AFP

P O S T B L O O D B AT H

APPEAL: President Benigno Aquino gestures during an address

to the nation, regarding the clash between members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force and rebels, at the presidential palace in Manila on Wednesday. – Reuters

Aquino calls for support on peace deal with rebels MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino urged parliament on Wednesday to save a rebel peace deal after it was jeopardised by a bungled anti-terror raid that killed 44 police commandos. Public pressure is growing for retribution after Sunday’s bloodbath on the southern island of Mindanao, the worst loss of life by the country’s police or troops in recent memory.

Aquino warned against calls to jettison a regional autonomy bill now being debated in parliament -- aimed at ending decades of Muslim rebellion in Mindanao which killed tens of thousands -as payback for the police slaughter. “If the law is not passed soon, the peace process will fail,” he said in a live television address.

Hope “Our people will lose hope, resort to living outside the law and choose to commit violence against their fellow men.”

He also called on the 10,000-member Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the main rebel group which signed the peace agreement last year, to help the government “bring those responsible to justice”.

Senate (upper house) president Franklin Drilon earlier Wednesday said backing for the bill was seriously eroded two Aquino al-

lies withdrew support in protest at the killings, leaving less than half of the 24-member senate supporting it. “My worry is that the Bangsamoro basic law will not be passed because the incident has stoked emotions,” Drilon told local radio station DZMM. The bill needs majority support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to become law. Parliament had been aiming to pass it by March.

Public hearings on the bill were also suspended as other senators demanded an explanation for the bloodshed. House members also called for a reassessment of the peace accord.

Aquino said he had been told by police that Zulkifli bin Hir, a Malaysian bombmaker and leading member of the Jemaah Islamiyah group which staged the 2002 Bali bombings, was killed in the raid.

There has been no independent confirmation of the claim.

The 392-member police force mounting the raid suffered 44 dead while 16 policemen or civilians were wounded, Aquino said, giving an updated report.

Rebels gave no figures for their own dead or wounded.

Aquino said a second target of the operation, Filipino militant Abdul Basit Usman, put up a fight and forced the raiding force to withdraw. — AFP

T HURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

WORLD

Our people are suffering and demand respect...

We must bleed to defend their dignity Alexis Tsipras, Greece Prime Minister

Qatar all set to buy London’s prestigious business district The board of Songbird, which controls 69 per cent of Canary Wharf Group, appeared to concede defeat despite stressing that the offer worth $4b remained PRIZED CATCH: In this file picture taken on November 14, 2014, evening sunshine falls on

undervalued

LONDON: Qatar looked to have won a drawn-out bid to buy London’s Canary Wharf on Wednesday after the owner of the landmark office quarter said its main shareholders favoured a sale.

The board of Songbird, which controls 69 per cent of Canary Wharf Group, appeared to concede defeat despite stressing that the offer worth £2.6 billion ($4.0

R A JA PA K S A A P P O I N T E E B O O T E D

President reinstates Sri Lanka’s sacked chief justice Shirani COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s president has reinstated a former chief justice who was sacked by defeated leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, saying the removal of Shirani Bandaranayake had been illegal, state media said on Wednesday.

Rajapaksa dismissed Bandaranayake, the first woman to head Sri Lanka’s judiciary, in 2013 after its parliament impeached her, disregarding rulings from the Supreme Court that the process was illegal and threatened judicial independence.

Later Rajapaksa appointed his ally Mohan Peiris as chief justice, despite strong opposition from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, representing lawyers.

“President Maithripala Sirisena has reinstated the former chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake on a special cabinet approval,” state-run Independent Television Network said.

Illegal appointment “Therefore the appointment of Chief Justice Mohan Peiris will be cancelled and considered as an illegal appointment.”

The Presidential Media Division said both the removal of Bandaranayake and the appointment of Peiris were null and void

Shirani Bandaranayake

because the Rajapaksa government had not followed the proper constitutional procedure.

Abuse of power Rajapaksa lost his bid for a third term to Sirisena, his former health minister, in a January 8 presidential poll.

His government impeached Bandaranayake on allegations of failure to disclose financial assets, abuse of power and disregarding the constitution.

Bandaranayake has denied any wrong doing.

The Sri Lankan Bar Association, which had refused to recognise Peiris as a legitimate chief justice, said the government had accepted its opinion.

However, some lawyers voiced concern that Bandaranayake’s reinstatement had not followed the proper procedure. — Reuters

SETBACK FOR GHANI

10 Afghan cabinet nominees rejected KABUL: Afghan lawmakers on Wednesday rejected most of President Ashraf Ghani’s nominees for the new cabinet, in a fresh setback for the newly formed “national unity government”.

The lower house of parliament voted on 18 of Ghani’s 25 selections for ministerial jobs and rejected 10 of them including the proposed defence minister.

Those who won approval included Salahuddin Rabbani, the ex-head of the Peace Council and nominee for foreign affairs minister, and Noorul Haq Ulumi, the nominee for interior minister.

The proposed new cabinet was unveiled on January 12, after three months of wrangling following last year’s bitterly disputed presidential election.

Power-sharing deal It was meant to create a “unity government” agreed in a powersharing deal between Ghani and his presidential poll rival Abdullah Abdullah.

It is now the board’s understanding that each of the major shareholders intends to accept the offer.

The board... continues to believe that the offer does not reflect the full value of the business, its unique operating platform and its prospects, Songbird said

Canary Wharf and buildings in the financial district in East London. — AFP file photo

billion, 3.5 billion euros) remained undervalued.

Sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), in partnership with US group Brookfield Property Partners, had in December proposed an improved “final offer” for Songbird.

The cash bid, pitched at 350 pence per share, compared with

That deal, hammered out after tortuous negotiations, was seen as saving Afghanistan from the risk of civil war, after both men claimed victory in last year’s fraud-tainted election.

But last week parliament told Ghani that seven of his nominees were ineligible because they held dual nationalities.

Foreign citizenships Rabbani and Ulumi renounced their foreign citizenships to qualify, and MPs also approved Rahmatullah Nabil as the director of the NDS intelligence agency.

Those rejected included Sher Mohammad Karim, the current army chief of staff and nominee for defence minister, and Khatera Afghan, Ghani’s choice for minister of higher education.

Afghan was the only woman up for approval on Wednesday after two other female nominees were excluded from the vote, one because of dual nationality and one for having “insufficient educational documents”. — AFP

a previous 295-pence-per-share or £2.2-billion offer that was rejected last November.

QIA, which owns Harrods department store and the Shard skyscraper in London, already has a 28.6-per cent stake in Songbird.

Brookfield owns 22 per cent of Canary Wharf Group.

The former Docklands area of

A15

London where Canary Wharf is located was re-developed in the 1980s after having fallen into disrepair when the city’s status as a trading hub declined.

The area is now a magnet for huge building projects. QIA owns also significant stakes in British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s and the London Stock Exchange,

as well as half of the Olympic Village apartments in the capital’s Stratford district. — AFP

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DEFYING BRUSSELS

Greece scraps privatisation tenders ATHENS: Greece’s new hardleft government on Wednesday scrapped key privatisation tenders and pressed home its demand for debt relief, causing sharp falls on the Athens stock market as investors fretted over the risk of a default.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said his “national salvation” government would not sell a majority stake in the main ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, and would also halt the privatisation of the top electricity and petroleum companies.

The news sent Greek stocks tumbling, with the main index losing over 9.0 per cent and banks falling by a quarter.

Yields on Greek 10-year bonds also rose above the symbolic barrier of 10 per cent.

Tsipras, comfortably elected on Sunday on a pledge of ending painful austerity in a country worn down by six years of recession, said he wanted a “fair” renegotiation with Brussels of the country’s 240 billion euro ($269 billion) bailout.

His finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, insisted there would be no “showdown” between Greece and the European Union, while calling the austerity cuts a “toxic mistake” that ultimately benefited no one in Europe. — AFP

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Muscat 6,584.07 - 7.66 - 0.12%

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CURRENCY RATES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.26 Pound ........................................... 1.70 Indian Rs ............................. 159.57 Pak Rs ....................................258.13 Bangla Taka.......................199.48

Indian Rs ................................... 159.15 Pakistan Rs .............................260.70 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 343.65 Bangla Taka............................ 201.50 Phil Peso ..................................... 114.15

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......16.50

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$47.64 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........ $44.73 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$49.05 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$48.59 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$49.12

* Rates are as of Jan. 28 Source: Bank Muscat

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* Rates as of Jan. 28 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Proposed company DEAL: The agreement was signed by Hawazen Esber, chief

is planning to import

executive officer at The Wave, Muscat and Devki Khimji, executive director at Al Turki Enterprises. – Supplied photo

sheep and cows from

The Wave awards OMR16.2 million project to Al Turki

Our objective is to invest in projects that will ensure food security for the country

Tanzania and Sudan and set up slaughter houses in Tanzania

Salim bin Saif Al Abdali

and the Sultanate

Chief, follow-up and studies at Oman Food Investment Holding A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The Wave, Muscat awarded a OMR16.2 million contract to Al Turki Enterprises, for the construction of 99 villas known as Reehan Residences.

The agreement was signed by Hawazen Esber, chief executive officer at The Wave, Muscat and Devki Khimji, executive director at Al Turki Enterprises at a ceremony held at The Wave, Muscat.

Awarding the contract, Hawazen Esber said, “Reehan Residences, is one of our greenest precincts in the master plan and with 90 per cent sold out following the launch in June 2014, we are now ready to award the delivery of this precinct.”

Demand for luxury homes “We have noticed growing demand for luxury product in the market and we have responded by launching Reehan Residences last year and Marsa Gardens this month and there are a number of other new releases planned throughout the year. Reehan Residences included our first ever courtyard homes — which sold out completely — and a central comOIL MARKET

Crude slips as Saudi resists production cut RIYADH: Oil fell as Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest exporter, signaled it won’t act to balance the market while forecasts for United States crude inventories to rise bolstered speculation that a global glut will persist.

Futures dropped as much as 2 per cent in New York. Supply and demand and the “rules of economics will govern,” Khalid Al Falih, said the chief executive officer of Saudi Arabian Oil Company, said at a conference in Riyadh. Crude stockpiles probably expanded for a third week, a Bloomberg News survey shows before an Energy Information Administration report.

Opec resistance Oil slid almost 50 per cent last year as the US pumped at the fastest pace in more than three decades while the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) resisted calls to cut supply. Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al Naimi, who has said non-Opec producers should reduce their output first, met with the ambassadors of Russia and Norway to discuss market stability, according to the kingdom’s official press agency. “It’s interesting that the Saudis are repeating their position as strongly and as often as they are,” Ric Spooner, a chief strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney, said. - Bloomberg News

Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 156.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............. 147.75 * Rates as of Jan. 28 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Oman is planning to set up red meat plant

REEHAN RESIDENCES

Times News Service

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......15.80

munity swimming pool and recreation area exclusive for Reehan residents,” he added.

Esber said that Al Turki brings more than 35 years of local and international industry experience to The Wave, Muscat and have a record of quality delivery.

“Al Turki Enterprises has already been responsible for key projects in our master-plan including over 600 villas and townhouses and 550 apartments and continue to add value to the project through efficient building techniques and onsite management.”

“We have been entrusted by The Wave, Muscat to construct one of their most popular residential offerings and we are excited to be a construction partner throughout this leading development. As a premier solutions provider for key projects in Muscat, our qualified workforce aims to provide world class construction techniques to ensure on time delivery to the highest standards,” Devki Khimji said. The first stage of construction will include a four villa display village to showcase the new designs which will also be part of future villa releases at The Wave, Muscat.

MUSCAT: Oman government is planning to establish a mega red meat project as part of a large scheme to achieve self-sufficiency in meat production.

The proposed company, which will be promoted by Oman Food Investment Holding, is planning to import sheep and cows from African countries like Tanzania and Sudan and set up slaughtering houses in both Tanzania and Oman (probably in Salalah).

SLOW DOWN ENJOY THE RIDE

“Some consumers want to buy live animals, especially during Eid period. And that is why we are planning for both live animals and frozen red meat,” Salim bin Saif Al Abdali, chief of follow-up and studies at Oman Food Investment Holding told Times of Oman.

Negotiations have already been started with some Omani investors who have business interest in Tanzania. An Omani delega-

tion, which visited Tanzania last year, had discussions with officials and they are ready to give some facilities there.

Al Abdali said the Sultanate of Oman produces only 20 per cent of the country’s demand for red meat and the remaining 80 per cent is met by way of imports.

“We need to increase it to more than 50 per cent in the future. Our objective is to invest in projects that will ensure food security for

the country,” added Al Abdali.

Sudan is another country for the new company to procure animals due to ample availability of livestock there. However, he noted that a feasibility study for the project is yet to be conducted.

Like other dairy and poultry projects planned by Oman Food Investment Holding (OFIH), red meat project’s funding will be on similar lines — 50 per cent equity capital and 50 per cent debt.

The joint venture is being promoted by state-owned Oman Food Investment Holding, with active equity participation from investment funds and private investors.

Oman Food Investment Holding is being established by the government to invest in food security projects, which focus on import substitution and rural development.

“We need to improve our selfsufficiency and food security of Oman in main food items like dairy, poultry and red meat.”

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BankDhofar board proposes 10% cash dividend, bonus MUSCAT: Board of directors of BankDhofar on Tuesday proposed a cash dividend of 10 per cent amounting to OMR13.43 million and bonus share issue of 10 per cent amounting to 134.3 million shares of OMR0.100 par value each. The board also approved financial statements of the bank for 2014, said a disclosure statement, A resolution to approve these distributions will be presented to the shareholders at the annual general meeting to be held on March 24. The financial statements, the proposed dividends and bonus shares are subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Oman and shareholders of the bank.

Energy industry hiring in UAE falls DUBAI: Oil and gas industry hiring in the United Arab Emirates dropped as much as 30 per cent in the past six months as oil prices declined, The National reported, citing a survey by Abu Dhabi-based Reach Employment. Hiring fell about 5 per cent for “mission critical” jobs such as drilling operators and 30 per cent for “non critical” positions including HR.

NBAD beats estimates DOHA: National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s biggest bank by assets, reported a 28 per cent jump in fourthquarter profit, helped by higher fee and commission income and increased sales from overseas markets. Net income climbed to 1.37 billion dirhams.

- Times News Service/Agencies

Oman Oil, NBC sign pact to expand business incubator the growth and development of the enterprises,” said Shadya Al Ismaily, founder of Deema Oman.

Shadya’s exclusive jewellery designs and dinnerware are inspired

by Islamic art as well as Oman’s cultural heritage.

The designs and products created by Deema Oman are costume made for a specific customer. Hence, customers are guaranteed that the designs made for them will not be repeated for another customer.

Oman Oil Company and National Business Centre agreement aims to develop joint cooperation in supporting SMEs and instilling the concept

BOOST TO ENTREPRENEURS: The agreement ensures the provi-

of entrepreneurship

sion of necessary spaces to activate students’ projects in collaboration with government and private institutions, and provision of training opportunities to budding entrepreneurs.– Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: National Business Centre (NBC) and Oman Oil Company signed an agreement to expand the business incubator at the NBC on the last day of the exhibition held on the sidelines of Saih Al Shamikhat Decisions Implementation Follow-up symposium.

A number of incubators from the National Business Centre participated in the event.

The exhibition featured government bodies, entrepreneurs and major companies in the sectors that the symposium focused on including tourism, oil and gas, industry, mining, logistics, communication, information technology, agriculture and fisheries.

It aimed at showcasing the organisations that support entrepreneurs in order to build strategic partnership between the major

companies and entrepreneurs and explore the available opportunities for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The NBC agreement with Oman Oil Company aims at developing the joint cooperation between the two parties in supporting SMEs and instilling the concept of entrepreneurship by contributing to the expansion of the designated spaces to incubate the SMEs. Projects of students In addition, the agreement ensures the provision of necessary spaces to develop projects of students in collaboration with relevant government and private institutions, and provision of training opportunities to budding entrepreneurs. Developing new office spaces will increase the capacity of the centre to embrace new projects.

A C Q U I R I N G S TA K E

BANKING

Vodacom and Bharti Airtel to bid for Etisalat’s Zantel unit JOHANNESBURG: Emirates Telecommunications, the UAE’s largest phone company by market value, received offers from Vodacom and Bharti Airtel to acquire its controlling stake in Zanzibar Telecom, says three people with knowledge of the matter.

The Zantel unit, which is Tanzania’s largest Internet provider and is 65 per cent owned by Etisalat, has a valuation of about $300 million, said one of the people, who declined to be identified because the talks are private. Dar-e-Salaam-based Zantel also attracted a bid from Millicom International Cellular, the person said.

Representatives for Vodacom’s controlling shareholder Vodafone, New Delhi-based Bharti, Luxembourg-based Millicom and Abu Dhabi-based Etisalat declined to comment. Zantel would give a buyer access to spectrum in Tanzania, helping it cope with growing demand for mobile data. About 57

Through its participation at the exhibition, the National Business Centre highlighted its objectives which comprise facilitating and supporting the growth of investable ideas into successful businesses; building entrepreneurial skills through dedicated and focused training, coaching and mentoring; and providing business support facilities from office space, administrative support, financial support and consultancy services that are crucial in ensuring the success and survival of new ventures.

“Participating in this exhibition certainly allows us to get acquainted with the latest developments triggered in the SMEs arena in Oman, besides getting familiarised with the major challenges faced by the SMEs especially that the symposium came up with a line-up of decisions that would leave a positive impact on

HSBC Bank Oman proposes 5.5 baisas cash dividend Times News Service

per cent of people in Tanzania had wireless access in 2012, compared to a ratio of more than 71 per cent in neighboring Kenya, datashows.

In South Africa there are more mobile-phone accounts than people.

Tanzania’s wireless carrier Vodacom is Tanzania’s largest wireless carrier with 11.3 million subscribers, while Zantel ranks fourth with 1.8 million users as of September, according to the country’s communications regulator.

Meeco International of Tan-

zania owns 17 per cent of Zantel and the government of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous nation in a political union with Tanzania, holds 18 per cent, according to the carrier’s website.

Bharti fell 3.5 per cent to Rs380.25, the steepest decline in a month. Vodacom added 0.3 per cent to 136.92 rand in Johannesburg. Etisalat was little changed at Dh11.20 in Abu Dhabi.

Millicom lost 0.2 per cent to 534 kronor in Stockholm on Tuesday.

- Bloomberg News

MUSCAT: Board of directors of HSBC Bank Oman proposed a cash dividend of OMR0.0055 per share with a nominal value per share of OMR0.100, amounting to OMR11 million for the full year 2014.

The bank has achieved an 11.9 per cent growth in net profit at OMR12.2 million for 2014, according to a bank release.

Net operating income before loan impairment charges increased by 3.3 per cent.

The board approved the bank’s 2014 annual financial results and dividend payout, subject to approval of the Central Bank of Oman and shareholders of the bank at the annual general meeting.

David Eldon, chairman of HSBC Bank Oman, said, “At our annual general meeting last year, we talked about how we had spent a lot of time and effort putting in place a stronger foundation for the future as we continue on our journey to become the leading bank in Oman.

I am pleased that through the implementation of our strategy, we have been able to evidence this in these results, by growth in our revenues and diligently managing our costs, along with strong growth in the balance sheet through a noticeable increase in loans and advances to our customers. This has been achieved within a framework of delivering excellence in customer service at all times.”

Public and private sectors Hilal Al Rawahi, founder of Al Salama Fire Engineering Consultancy, which is incubated at NBC, briefed the visitors and major participating companies on the services and products offered by Al Salama Fire Engineering.

“The exhibition offers an opportunity to explore potential opportunities with institutions from the public and private sectors. Al Salama Fire Engineering Consultancy is one of the consultancies that are registered and approved by the civil defence and is specialised in designing buildings that meet the requirements of Directorate General of Civil Defence’s Fire Hazard Prevention Department and NFPA codes which are used for life safety and protection of buildings from fire loss,” Al Rawahi pointed out.

Mubarak Awadh, general manager of AbrajMirbat Safety Services Company, said: “We have seen promising feedbacks from the visitors to our corner in the exhibition especially from the oil sector’s companies and several government institutions concerned with the products and services

offered by our company.

AbrajMirbat Safety Services is specialised in supporting the oil industry through the provision of services and equipment related to this field, in addition to providing preventive maintenance and repairing equipment in the drilling sites by the technicians. We rely on Omani cadres with a percentage exceeding 80 per cent,” he said.

Graduation project Anwar Al Majed United Company also took part in the exhibition.

The company is specialised in electrical power, was inspired by a graduation project in 2010, according to Abdullah Al Badi, owner of the company. The company was able to get a patent via creating a security and power monitoring device for electrical networks.

Anwar Al Majed also obtains a license to commence electrical business with electricity distribution companies in the Sultanate, comprising Muscat Electricity Distribution, Mazoon Electricity Company, Majan Electricity Company, Dhofar Power Company and Rural Areas Electricity Company.

The company provides a range of services including building electrical substations, building electrical networks, electronic meters installation, prepaid meter installation, temporary connections installation, and protection and security of electrical networks installation.

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TRADE GROWTH

India’s trade with Gulf countries shows rapid rise DUBAI: Key economies like India and China are rapidly becoming the biggest trading partners of the Gulf countries, as compared to other regions, a new study said.

Exploring the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) economic ties with global regions to identify major growth drivers, Economist Intelligence Unit with Falcon and Associates concluded the study on GCC Trade and Investment Flows. Key findings show a growing trend towards Asia, with China and India appearing as the most critical economies and a broadening of trade and investment to new sectors.

GCC exports to India have grown at an annual rate of 43 per cent over the last decade, the highest rate with any major trade partner, making up 11 per cent of the total GCC exports.

Highlighting that the Gulf’s commercial relationship with the Indian subcontinent stretches back thousands of years, the report shows that India is the thirdlargest investor in the United Arab Emirates.

Strategic location Indian membership of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce rose by 41 per cent between 2009 and 2012, with over 26,000 companies registering in the emirate till date. This number is expected to double by 2021 given the present growth rate.

“As a result of India’s renewed prosperity, there are lots of in-

GCC EXPORTS Gulf Cooperation Council‘s exports to India have grown at an annual rate of 43 per cent over the last decade, the highest rate with any major trade partner, making up 11% of the total GCC exports

vestors coming out of India and the opportunities in Dubai, combined with its strategic location, global connectivity and first class infrastructure, make it a natural destination,” founder and chairman of Nikai Group of Companies and president of the Indian Business and Professional Council, Paras Shahdadpuri, said.

“India is currently Dubai’s number one trading partner with a trade volume of $37 billion in 2013, representing 10 per cent of Dubai’s total foreign trade, and economic indicators point to an expansion of bilateral trade in the future,” he added.

“Perhaps the most important signal of growth in commercial ties is just not the flow of goods or money, but people, with an increasing number of Indians working in the Gulf. The numbers of new Indian businesses is also on the up, especially in the UAE,” senior editor at the Economist Intelligence Unit’s EMEA office Adam Green, said. - PTI

T HURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

B3

MARKET ECONOMY

Singapore’s monetary easing spurs currency slide SINGAPORE: Singapore unexpectedly eased monetary policy, sending the currency to the weakest since 2010 against the United States dollar as the country joined global central banks in shoring up growth amid dwindling inflation.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which uses the exchange rate as its main policy tool, said in an unscheduled statement yesterday it will seek a slower pace of appreciation against a basket of currencies.

It cut the inflation forecast for 2015, predicting prices may fall as much as 0.5 per cent.

The move was the first emergency policy change since one following the September 11, 2001 attacks

for the MAS — which only has two scheduled policy announcements a year — reflecting how the plunge in oil has changed the outlook in recent months. Singapore becomes at least the ninth nation to ease policy this month, as officials from Europe to Canada and India contend with escalating disinflation and faltering global growth.

“They’re essentially trying to stay ahead” by moving before the scheduled April policy review, said Song Seng Wun, an economist at CIMB Research in Singapore.

“We’ve already seen so many central banks cut. For Singapore to do such an unscheduled move, it has to be against the backdrop of enormous uncertainty.”

NINTH NATION TO EASE POLICY

Singapore becomes at least the ninth nation to ease policy this month, as officials from Europe to Canada and India contend with escalating disinflation and faltering growth

City state cut the inflation forecast for 2015, predicting prices may fall as much as 0.5 per cent

ECB action The European Central Bank (ECB) announced quantitative easing plans this month while Canada, Denmark and India cut interest rates. More may come — the Bank of Japan chief said the country may need to get creative in any further

Sharia banks eye market share in strife-torn Iraq Iraq’s cabinet approved a draft law on Tuesday regulating the Sharia-compliant banking industry, which will now move to the country’s parliament for passage

BAGHDAD: For all the sectarian violence gripping Iraq, Shariacompliant banks operating in the nation see opportunities for growth.

Elaf Islamic Bank, the 14-yearold Baghdad-based lender, is targeting a 28 per cent increase in profit this year, even as rival Cihan Bank said its income dropped last year as rebels seized parts of the country.

Iraq’s cabinet approved a draft law on Tuesday regulating the Sharia-compliant banking industry, which will now move to the country’s parliament for passage.

Airlines cancelled flights to Baghdad after a United Arab Emirates passenger jet was shot at, highlighting the growing security threat in a country where IS group has declared a caliphate.

Amid the strife, at least eight Sharia-compliant lenders are operating, including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, seeking to tap a population of 36 million that has one of the lowest penetrations of formal banking in the Middle East.

“It’s a high-risk market, but at the same time there’s strong potential,” Montasser Khelifi, a Dubai-based senior manager at Quantum Investment Bank, said.

“There is a huge population, it’s a big country with important oil resources. But the banking market is still not developed.”

11% Of Iraqis aged 15 years and older have accounts at formal banking institutions, according to World Bank data, compared to about 60% in the UAE

Huge opportunities About 11 per cent of Iraqis aged 15 years and older have accounts at formal banking institutions, according to World Bank data, compared to about 60 per cent in the UAE. Elaf expects to increase income to about $15 million this year from $11.7 million in 2014, according to Manjula Mathew, the bank’s executive director of research, investments and asset management. Kurdish International Bank’s profit increased 5 per cent to $36.7 million in 2014, according to chief executive officer Bustam Al Janabi. Cihan’s earnings fell 37 per cent to $22.6 million, said deputy chief executive officer Naz Bajger.

Iraq’s Islamic banks are still in their early phase and “the challenges are acute, but the oppor-

tunities are enormous,” Mohieddine Kronfol, the Dubai-based chief investment officer for global sukuk and Mena fixed-income at Franklin Templeton Investments, said. “We find that Islamic banks, wherever they operate, they tend to grow faster than conventional in acquiring market share.”

Security concerns Iraq’s lenders have been constrained by the dearth of legislation governing Islamic banks and advances by IS, which threaten to drag the country into the worst sectarian conflict since 2007. The central bank said it will spend $4.2 billion to support economic activity and create jobs as the nation also grapples with oil prices close to the lowest in six years.

The yield on Iraq’s 2028 dollar bond rose 37 basis points this year to 8.3 per cent. That compares to a 28 basis-point decline through January 27 to 4.1 per cent in the average yield of Middle East bonds, according to JPMorgan Chase indices.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al Abadi said that the country’s economic recovery isn’t complete and the fight against IS is far from over, more than a decade after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

“The challenges are huge,” he told Bloomberg TV’s Charlie Rose. “Our economy cannot sustain two major spendings. One is to sustain our society and two is to sustain this awful war. We need help on this.” Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has been operating in Iraq since 2012. - Bloomberg News

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monetary stimulus and Thai policy makers face growing pressure to lower borrowing costs.

Countries seeking cheaper currencies are running up against a limited number of major economies where policy makers are at ease with appreciation. The GULF COUNTRIES

Kuwait’s Zain mulls selling tower network LONDON: Kuwait’s largest mobile-phone operator is working with Citigroup on the sale of its tower network in two Gulf countries, which may fetch as much as $2 billion, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Mobile Telecommunications, known as Zain, is seeking to sell about 8,000 towers in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.

The sale will probably attract telecommunications companies with businesses in the region as well as private-equity firms, they said.

Costly infrastructure Carriers are offloading towers in emerging markets such as the Middle East and Africa as they seek to reduce exposure to costly infrastructure. Zain’s competitor Emirates Telecommunications agreed to sell 2,136 towers to IHS Holding in August, while MTN Group sold 9,151 Nigerian towers to the same company in September, in a deal valued at about $2 billion.

Zain operates across eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa region and has about 43.7 million customers, according to information on its website. - Bloomberg News

exceptions include the US and Switzerland, which abandoned its exchange-rate cap this month. In Australia, where an acceleration in core inflation sent the local currency higher yesterday, the central bank has signaled it would prefer a weaker exchange rate.

Significant shift Singapore’s dollar fell 0.9 per cent to S$1.3512 per US dollar, the weakest since September 2010.

The currency has fallen almost 6 per cent against the US dollar in the past three months, the thirdbiggest loser among 11 most-traded Asian currencies.

The MAS will probably weaken the Singapore dollar ‘quite solidly’

and the currency may drop to about S$1.4 against the US dollar by the end of March, said Tsutomu Soma, department manager of the fixedincome business unit at Rakuten Securities. While the exchange rate has weakened against the US dollar, it has gained against the ringgit, euro and yen in the last three months, the central bank said.

“Since the last Monetary Policy Statement in October, developments in the global and domestic inflation environment have led to a significant shift in Singapore’s CPI inflation outlook for 2015,” it said.

“The global economy continues to grow at an uneven pace” and falling oil prices have curbed inflation, it said. - Bloomberg News

B4

TH UR S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 015

MARKET

MSM ends in red zone

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................ 6,613.19 ...............6,583.95 ...................6,584.07 ....................6,591.73...................-7.66 .................. -0.12 Financial Index .................................... 8,070.48 .............. 8,020.42 ...................8,020.43 ...................8,029.44...................-9.01 ...................-0.11 Industrial Index ................................... 8,560.92 .............. 8,538.04 ...................8,554.04 ...................8,538.04..................16.00 ................... 0.19 Services Index .......................................3,573.53 .............. 3,568.34 ................... 3,569.35 ...................3,572.82.................. -3.47 .................. -0.10 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................985.93 ...................985.11 ...................... 985.29 ...................... 985.83.................. -0.54 .................. -0.05 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 19,169,904.................. 4,470,496 ................. 1,320 ............... 14,856,597,663 ................ 17 ........................8 .................... 13 .........................38

The top gainer was United Finance, up by 7.14 per cent, while Oman & Emirates Holding,

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28

down by 4.72 per cent, lost the most 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: MSM 30 Index was down by 0.12 per cent to close at 6,584.07 points. MSM Shariah index also decreased by 0.05 per cent to close at 985.29 points.

United Finance was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. The top gainer was United Finance, up by 7.14 per cent, while Oman & Emirates Holding, down by 4.72 per cent, lost the most.

Altogether 1,320 trades were executed in the day’s session generating a turnover of OMR4.4 million with more than 19.1 million shares changing hands. Out of 38 traded stocks, 17 advanced, 8 declined and 13 remained unchanged. Arab and GCC investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR258,000 followed by Omani investors at OMR245,000. Foreign Investors, who were the net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR504,000 Financial Index ended the day at 8,020.43 points, down by 0.11 per cent. United Finance, Al Sharqia Investments, DBIH, Bank Dhofar and ONIC Holding increased by 7.14 per cent, 4.44 per cent, 3.59 per cent, 1.71 per cent and 1.03 per cent respectively. Oman & Emirates Holding, NBO and Oman United Insurance decreased by 4.72 per cent, 2.25 per cent and 1.83 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 8,554.04 points, up by 0.19 per cent. Al Jazeera Steel, Al Hassan Engineering, Oman Fisheries and Al Anwar Ceramics increased by 3.64 per cent, 1.96 per

cent, 1.45 per cent and 0.45 per cent respectively. Galfar Engineering and Al Maha Ceramics declined by 2.20 per cent and 1.02 per cent respectively.

Services Sector Index decreased by 0.10 per cent to close at 3,569.35 points. Al Jazeera Services, Al Batinah Power and Renaissance Services gained 0.59 per cent, 0.56 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively. OIFC and Omantel declined 1.67 per cent and 0.56 per cent respectively.

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

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 5,423,510 ...... 811,464................... 185 ............0.140 ........... 0.154 ...........0.140........... 0.150 .............0.140 ............0.010 ..............7.143.................0.154 .............. 0.153...................0.154...................41,251,983 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 899,977 ..........169,121..................... 77 ............0.185 ........... 0.189 ...........0.185 ........... 0.188 .............0.180 ........... 0.008.............4.444 ................0.189 ..............0.188...................0.190................... 16,265,760 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 636,000 ......... 217,000.....................90 ........... 0.338 ...........0.344 ...........0.338........... 0.342 .............0.330 ............0.012 ............. 3.636 ................0.344..............0.344...................0.348 .................. 42,715,102 .........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 100,075 ............35,695......................13 ........... 0.366 ...........0.366 ...........0.354........... 0.356 .............0.350 ........... 0.006..............1.714.................0.356..............0.356...................0.360 .................478,194,228 .......0.100 OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING .......................................................... 105,000 ............41,160........................8 ........... 0.388 ...........0.396 ...........0.388........... 0.392 .............0.388 ........... 0.004..............1.031.................0.396..............0.392...................0.400 .................. 67,981,914 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 2,579,154 ...... 590,759....................151 ........... 0.228 ........... 0.231 ...........0.227........... 0.229 .............0.227 ........... 0.002............. 0.881 ................0.228..............0.227...................0.228 ..................29,884,500.........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 651,517 ............ 74,623......................18 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............0.114 ............0.115 ............. 0.114.............0.001 ............. 0.877 ................0.114 ..............0.109................... 0.114 ...................23,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ......................................................54,305 ............... 7,875........................8 ............0.146 ........... 0.146 ...........0.144............0.145 .............0.144 ............0.001 ............. 0.694 ................0.144..............0.143...................0.144..................290,045,355 .......0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 708,630 ......... 107,297..................... 52 ............0.150 ........... 0.152 ...........0.150 ............0.151 .............0.150.............0.001 ............. 0.667 ................0.152 ...............0.151...................0.152....................8,885,326 ..........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 135,600 ........... 46,104..................... 23 ........... 0.340...........0.340 ...........0.340 .......... 0.340 .............0.338 ........... 0.002............. 0.592 ................0.340..............0.338...................0.342 ..................20,809,453.........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................ 20,000 ...............9,000........................2 ........... 0.450 ...........0.450 ...........0.450........... 0.450 .............0.448 ........... 0.002.............0.446 ................0.450..............0.444...................0.450.................. 111,080,131 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ...................................... 88,900 ............42,980......................18 ........... 0.482 ...........0.486 ...........0.482........... 0.484 .............0.482 ........... 0.002............. 0.415 ................0.482..............0.480...................0.482 ................. 136,533,716 ........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................10,643 ............. 19,747........................5 ............1.855 ........... 1.870 ...........1.855 ............1.855 ............. 1.855............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.860 ..............1.860...................1.870..................371,000,000 .......0.100

Emerging stocks fall Emerging-market stocks fell as Brazilian equities slid with China’s before United States policy makers meet to decide on monetary policy.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index decreased 0.5 percent to 985.36 in London. The Ibovespa sank 1.9 per cent in Sao Paulo as state-run oil producer Petroleo Brasileiro published delayed third-quarter earnings. The Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.4 per cent as Industrial & Commercial Bank of China dropped.

The ruble depreciated 1.6 per cent versus the dollar as Russia missed a debt-sale target and speculation mounted it may face tougher sanctions over Ukraine.

Petrobras said it was unable to quantify the earnings impact of Brazil’s biggest kickback scandal.

The Federal Reserve is trying to determine whether falling oil prices, a stagnant European economy and fallout from the Greek elections will threaten the US recovery. - Uniteed Securities/Bloomberg News

OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ..................................................................650 .................. 332........................2 ............0.510 ........... 0.510 ...........0.510 ........... 0.510 ............. 0.510............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.510 ..............0.506...................0.510..................168,745,082 ........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ...................................................21,384 ...............3,208........................6 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.150 ........... 0.150 .............0.150............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.150 ..............0.150...................0.000 ..................38,038,500.........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .......................................................9,000 ............... 3,510........................6 ........... 0.390 ...........0.390 ...........0.390........... 0.390 .............0.390 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.390..............0.390...................0.400 ..................23,595,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER.................................................................2,110 .................. 793........................1 ............0.376 ........... 0.376 ...........0.376........... 0.376 .............0.376 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.376..............0.376...................0.400 ..................83,099,760 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 136,255............ 95,233........................8 ........... 0.700 ........... 0.700 ...........0.696........... 0.700 .............0.700 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.696..............0.696...................0.700..................455,660,961........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 189,220 ......... 335,704.....................80 ............1.775 ........... 1.780............1.770 ............1.775 ............. 1.785 ............-0.010 ........... -0.560 ...............1.770 .............. 1.770................... 1.775 ................1,331,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,185,661 .......704,483..................... 59 ........... 0.598 ........... 0.598 ...........0.592........... 0.594 .............0.600 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.000 ...............0.594..............0.598...................0.600 ............... 1,296,516,784 ......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 309,000 ........... 72,805......................19 ........... 0.240...........0.240 ...........0.235........... 0.236 .............0.240 ...........-0.004 ............-1.667................0.237..............0.237...................0.238...................47,200,000.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 284,750 .............91,711......................18 ........... 0.328 ...........0.328 ...........0.322........... 0.322 .............0.328 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.829 ...............0.322..............0.322...................0.324 ................. 32,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 323,923 ............57,762......................41 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.176 ............0.178 .............0.182............-0.004 ........... -2.198 ...............0.176 .............. 0.176...................0.178 ...................46,924,139 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 359,835 .........125,442........................5 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.346........... 0.348 .............0.356 ...........-0.008 ........... -2.247 ...............0.346..............0.342...................0.358..................424,151,970........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 1,386,342 .......167,595................... 125 ............0.122 ........... 0.123 ........... 0.117 ............0.121 ............. 0.127............-0.006 ........... -4.724 ...............0.123 ..............0.123...................0.124................... 14,746,875 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 15,621,441......3,831,401 ........... 1,020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......25........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 1,613,531 ....... 326,138...................106 ........... 0.200...........0.204 ...........0.199 ........... 0.202 ............. 0.195............ 0.007............. 3.590 ................0.204 ............ 0.204...................0.205 ...................6,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 202,110 ........... 21,064.....................20 ............0.101 ........... 0.105 ...........0.101 ........... 0.104 .............0.102 ........... 0.002..............1.961.................0.105 ..............0.105...................0.106.................... 7,821,632 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ....................................................... 75,421 ...............5,269........................7 ........... 0.069 ...........0.070 ...........0.069........... 0.070 .............0.069 ............0.001 ............. 1.449 ................0.070..............0.069...................0.072....................8,750,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001384............FINANCIAL SERVICES ............................................. 22,000 ...............3,540........................6 ............0.160 ........... 0.162 ...........0.160............0.161 .............0.160 ............0.001 ............. 0.625 ................0.160............. 0.000...................0.160...................10,465,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 382,158 ............68,743..................... 36 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.179 ........... 0.180 ............. 0.179.............0.001 ............. 0.559 ................0.180..............0.180................... 0.181 .................. 121,479,737 ........0.100 OM0000001228............OMAN HOTELS AND TOURISM .............................. 4,316 .................. 993........................1 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.230........... 0.228 .............0.228 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.230...................0.000 ..................12,540,000.........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 303,515.............24,511......................16 ........... 0.080 ........... 0.081 ...........0.080........... 0.081 ............. 0.081............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.081 ..............0.080...................0.081..................121,500,000........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................95,267 ............... 8,765..................... 10 ........... 0.092 ...........0.092 ...........0.092........... 0.092 .............0.092 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.092..............0.092...................0.094 ................. 92,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH...................................................3,116 ............... 7,027........................5 ........... 2.255 ...........2.255 ...........2.255........... 2.255 .............2.255 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.255..............2.255...................2.280 .................215,255,975 ........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 217,980.............19,623......................17 ........... 0.090 ........... 0.091 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.090 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.090..............0.090...................0.092 ..................15,750,000 .........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE .................................1,530 ...................156........................1 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.102........... 0.098 .............0.098 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.102..............0.090...................0.100....................9,800,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 527,128 .............95,015..................... 50 ............0.180 ........... 0.181............0.179 ........... 0.180 .............0.180 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.181 ..............0.180................... 0.181 .................. 128,593,141 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 100,391............ 58,252..................... 25 ........... 0.586 ........... 0.586 ...........0.574........... 0.580 .............0.586 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.024 ...............0.586..............0.582...................0.588...................29,000,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,548,463......639,096...................300 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......13........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN MARKETS

Indian stocks retreat from record levels, rupee remains unchanged MUMBAI: The benchmark BSE Sensex retreated from record high levels to close down by about 12 points due to profit booking in recent gainers, mainly capital goods, metal, auto and banking stocks.

The wider NSE Nifty managed to close at new high of 8,914.30 points amid a mixed trend in global markets. In the day trade, both Sensex and Nifty hit all time high levels of 29,786.32 and 8,985.05 points respectively. However, the indices pared gains later due to profit booking at record levels, brokers said.

The BSE 30-share barometer dropped to a low of 29,417.67 points in late afternoon deals on acrossthe-board profit booking. The index finally settled at 29,559.18 points, down by 11.86 points, or 0.04 per cent over last close.

The gauge had rallied 2,224.22 points, or over 8 per cent in the previous eight straight sessions on sustained foreign fund inflows, triggered by positive macroeco-

nomic data and a surprise rate cut by the Reserve Bank.

The CNX Nifty in highly volatile movements, gained 3.80 points, or 0.04 per cent to close at a new record high of 8,914.30, bettering its previous record closing of 8,910.50 on Tuesday. It shuttled between 8,874.05 and 8,985.05 during the day.

Traders adopted a cautious stance ahead of the monthly expiry in the derivatives segment tomorrow and were seen trimming their positions at record levels, brokers said. Weakness in some of the heavyweight counters like Bharti Airtel, Sesa Sterlite, L&T, Tata Motors, BHEL, Tata Steel, Tata Power, Hindalco and Sun Pharma dragged the benchmark Sensex down from record highs.

However, gains in HDFC, RIL, SBI, Maruti Suzuki, ITC, TCS and ONGC cushioned the fall.

Overall market breadth, however, remained positive on persistent buying by retail investors

in second-tier stocks. Foreign portfolio investors bought shares worth a net Rs9.55 billion on Tuesday, provisional data showed.

Most Asian markets ended higher while European markets were lower in their opening trade.

Meanwhile, premia eased on fresh receipts by exporters. The benchmark six-month premium payable in June ended lower at 190.5-192.5 from 192-194 paise.

Rupee unchanged The Indian rupee yesterday ended unchanged against the United States dollar at 61.41 ahead of the outcome of US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting.

The rupee resumed lower at 61.50 per dollar as against the last closing level of 61.41 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market. It moved down further to 61.52 per dollar on initial dollar demand from banks on the back of higher dollar overseas.

However, the domestic curren-

cy recovered from initial losses and firmed up to 61.29 per dollar on heavy selling from banks and exporters due to persistent foreign capital inflows into equity market. It ended at Tuesday’s closing level of 61.41 per dollar.

The rupee hovered in a range of 61.29 and 61.52 per dollar during the day. “Rupee remained volatile...investors remained cautious before the outcome of FOMC meeting which concludes tonight,” said Admisi Forex, Director, Suresh Nair.

The dollar index was up by 0.10 per cent against a basket of six major global rivals. The US dollar climbed in the global market versus its counterpart in Singapore after the Asian nation unexpectedly eased monetary policy.

Pramit Brahmbhatt, chief executive officer of Veracity Group, said: “The trading range for the Spot US dollar/Indian rupee pair is expected to be within 61.00 to 61.80. - PTI

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ROUND-UP

Al Ansari receives coveted ‘Contractor of Year’ Award The selection criteria for the award were based on critical factors such as nature and value projects completed, growth in the organisation, HSE standards and the quality system adopted while executing the projects

MUSCAT: Al Ansari bagged ‘The Contractor of the Year 2014’ award at the Oman Contractors Forum, an event organised by International Quality and Productivity Centre (IPQC) on January 26.

The award was received by Group Managing Director Kiran Asher and Managing Director Yusuf Nalwala.

The selection criteria for the award were based on critical factors such as nature and value projects completed, growth in the organisation, HSE standards and the quality system adopted while executing the projects, says a press release.

“This achievement speaks of our company’s commitment towards safety and desire to operate at the highest international standards. This would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the project team, QHSE team and our valuable cli-

ents,” said a statement from the Al Ansari management.

The Al Ansari Group has operations in Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and India and has strength of over 4500 people. The group’s business activities consist of trading in engineering goods, industrial supplies, civil and building construction, mechanical (plumbing and

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HVAC works), water and waste water treatment, electrical projects, instrumentation and process control, steel and wood fabrication works, agro-horticultural development, irrigation works, landscaping and beautification projects, and just recently entered in LED lighting industry too. They have a niche in the field of supply and in-

stallation of Kitchen and Laundry equipment as well as swimming pools and water features in Oman.

Al Ansari is registered as ‘Excellent Grade’ company and is accredited with ISO 9001 certification for all its construction activities. It recently upgraded its ISO certification to integrated management system.

E I D A L M AW L I D A L NA B AW I

MUSICAL EVENING

Sreevalsan’s classical music concert today MUSCAT: The Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing’s ‘Swathithirunal Sangeetholsam’ concert led by the famous Karnatic Musician Sreevalsan J. Menon and team, which was postponed due to the government announcement of three days official mourning due to the sudden demise of late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, is now being held today, says a press release.

The classical music concert

by Sreevalsan Menon and team, originally scheduled to be held on January 24, will now be held today at the ISCM (ISM) hall at Darsait at 8pm. Sreevalsan will be accompanied by Edappally Ajith on the violin and Ram Mohan on the Mridangam.

“The concert is open to all music lovers in Oman and all are welcome to attend,” said Sajeevan N. Vaidyan, secretary, Music and Drama Wing.

A D D - O N FA C I L I T Y

Bangladesh Social Club celebrates festival Radisson Blu starts outdoor catering

Times News Service MUSCAT: A party hall in Muscat turned into a venue of respectful celebration when the Bangladesh Social Club organised the festival of Eid Al Mawlid Al Nabawi, to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recently. The event was inaugurated in the presence of senior Omani and Bangladeshi officials. More than 1,100 people attended the programme.

Moulana Abdus Salam conducted special prayers where everyone prayed for the early recovery and good health of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and for the prosperity of Oman.

Talking to Times of Oman, Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, Chairman of Bangladesh Social Club Muscat, lauded the growing Oman-Bangladesh ties.

“On behalf of the Bangladeshi people, I would like to extend my greetings to His Majesty on the occasion of the 44th National Day and pray that His Majesty may al-

ways be blessed with good health and a long life. We are very happy that he is in good health in Germany and the Bangladesh community is eagerly awaiting his return,” said Mohammed Shafiqul Islam.

He also said that he really appreciated the tremendous progress the Omani people had made and also for the ever-enhancing relationship between Bangladesh and Oman under the outstanding leadership of His Majesty.

“Ever since diplomatic relations were established between the two brotherly Muslim countries,

Oman and Bangladesh have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations.

Bangladesh is proud to be one of the closest friends of the Sultanate, where a large number of Bangladeshi skilled and semi-skilled workers are contributing to the ongoing fast-track development activities in Oman. We are grateful to His Majesty for generously laying his trust in the abilities of the Bangladeshi workforce which are present in all sectors of Omani life,” he said.

Citing the last few years as significant, he said that the Bangladesh Foreign Minister had visited Oman in April 2012 and set a new course for bilateral relations.

“The Bangladesh foreign minister’s visit was reciprocated by the Omani authorities as they announced a full-fledged embassy of the Sultanate in Bangladesh through a royal decree issued in September 2012. The embassy has been relocated in late 2013. Then, the Bangladesh Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment visited Oman in early

T R A D I T I O NA L F I E S TA

The service is perfect for event organisers or private functions, to impress clients, host diplomats or to enjoy with friends. The menu includes continental, Arabic, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine, a combination that is sure to please a range of palates

vice is expected to rapidly gain popularity as it bears the brand’s mark of quality.

Additional benefits for bookers include no additional charges over the standard menu prices and the complimentary provision of crockery, cutlery, serviettes and chafing dishes for a predetermined minimal order. Rental of additional equipment can also be undertaken by the team to suit specific requirements.

M U S I C A L T R E AT

ISC celebrates kite-flying festival SALALAH: The eagerly awaited kite-flying festival was recently celebrated in Salalah with traditional zeal and enthusiasm at Dhariz beach at 10am onwards.

The event was organised by the Rajasthani Wing, ISC Salalah, says a press release.

Kite-flying festival is celebrated throughout North India on January 14 every year to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is a festival that heralds a change of season marking the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere — a celebration to mark the end of winter. The skies are blue and clear, a cool breeze blows and a feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion.

In Rajasthan, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the kite-flying day, an extraordinary day, unlike at other places.

Apart from celebration at Salalah’s Dhariz beach, the festival marked the coming together of people from extreme backgrounds and communities of India.

The festival commenced with flying a kite by the chief guest Amara Ram Gurjar, Second Secretary, Embassy of India, Muscat, guest of honour Manpreet Singh, Chairman ISC, Salalah, accompanied by Sohanlal, Convener and Dr Sandeep Ojha Co-Convener of Rajasthani Wing, ISC Salalah and other members of the wing.

May, 2013 and had bilateral meetings with his Omani counterparts and discussed ways and means to improve the existing relations regarding recruitment of skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh in the prospective fields,” he explained.

“It is my sincere wish that His Majesty be always healthy and strong and that under his distinguished leadership our friendly and co-operative relations may continue to be strengthened further,” the president of the largest social organisation of Bangladeshis in the capital, told Times of Oman. The club also organised a blood donation drive on January 23 at the club office hall in CBD area, Muscat, where more than 50 people donated blood including Bhuiyan, Muhammad Ismail, vice president, Sirajul Hoque, general secretary, M.N. Amin, joint secretary and Atiquz Zaman, treasurer.

The other members are Golam Mustafa Nizam, Abdur Rahim, Abdu Salam, Abul Bashir Sharkar, Belal Uddin and Jahid Chowdhury.

MUSCAT: Having already gained a reputation for great food in Muscat, the Radisson Blu Hotel recently announced the commencement of a new outdoor catering service. The add-on facility will come as good news to fans of the hotel’s impeccable culinary standards who can now place orders for catering up to 50 guests delivered to a venue of choice, says a press release.

The service is perfect for event organisers or private functions, to impress clients, host diplomats or to enjoy with friends. The diverse menu has been specially created by the food and beverage department and considers the varied tastes of guests and the diversity of the events that could be planned. It includes continental, Arabic, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine, a combination that is sure to please a range of palates.

“We are excited about the foray and expansion into catering services and promise our patrons the quality of food and service that they associate with the Radisson Blu Hotel. As a team of professionals with a commitment to quality, we hope to exceed the expectations of our customers that choose us for their events,” said Executive Chef Christian Pageot.

Catering will be available in a choice of four formats — cocktail reception, barbecue, set menu and buffet. With an assurance to deliver even up to Qantab, Barka and Al Amerat areas the ser-

‘Shaam-e-Sargam’ music concert set for February 13

Prarthana Choudhury.

The bright blue sky was soon covered with kites as people enjoyed the outing with snacks and music. Various games were also organised for the people by Mamta

Goyal and Mahim Bhardwaj.

In the end prizes were distributed among the winners followed by a vote of thanks by Mahim Bhardwaj.

MUSCAT: A treat for music lovers lies in store as Majan Events presents ‘Shaam-e-Sargam’, a fusion of melody and music, at Sur Ballroom, Hotel Muscat Holiday in Al Khuwair on Friday, February 13.

Spandana team’s yet another serenade of music, the event will encompass a confluence of film songs, ghazals, comedy and instrumental music.

The melodious evening is going to be a wonderful experience witnessing two versatile artistes Naveen Kumar and Prarthana Choudhury conjure musical mag-

The melodious evening is going to be a wonderful experience witnessing two versatile artistes Naveen Kumar and Prarthana Choudhury conjure musical magic with a team of acclaimed percussionists performing with their special musical instruments. The evening would surely resonate to the delight of all music lovers ic with a team of acclaimed percussionists performing with their special musical instruments.

The magical evening would surely resonate to the delight of all music lovers.

Naveen Kumar.

‘Shaam-e-Sargam’ will be a display of melodious intonation with beautiful hues of ghazals, classical, film, nostalgic and instrumental for three hours in Hindi, Kannada, Tulu and Assamese.

The musical convergence of these artistes in an aesthetic ambience is going to be a unique endeavour and effort of Spandana team.

During the past few years, the zeal and interest elicited by the Spandana team through their various programmes has evoked passion for melodious music among the music lovers of Oman.

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TH UR S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 015

ROUND-UP Kia offers cash bonanza during Muscat Festival Kia Oman has made available various cash gifts on different models. The cash gift amount varies from OMR250 to OMR1,100 depending on the model purchased

MUSCAT: “Enjoy the vibrant Muscat Festival and also check out the model-wise benefits of Kia’s cash gift offer,” reminds a Kia spokesperson. “We are offering customers a chance to get back up to OMR1,100, depending on the model.”

Kia has made available various cash gifts on different Kia models.

The cash gift amount varies from OMR250 to OMR1,100 depending on the model purchased. For example, a Picanto buyer is able to avail of a OMR250 cash gift.

This amount, the customer may

choose to keep or may opt to use it as a part of Down Payment. It is the customer’s own choice, says a press release.

As per the spokesperson, “The scheme will be valid for the dura-

tion of the festival and end on February 14. Cash gifts on 2015 Kia models: Picanto: OMR250, Rio: OMR475, Cerato: OMR575, Optima: OMR675, Cadenza: OMR1,100, Carens: OMR375, Soul: OMR275,

Carnival: OMR375, Sportage: OMR575, Sorento: OMR725, Mohave: OMR875 and Cerato Koup: OMR300. (There is no cash gift on K4000 and Kia Quoris or on any government and ministry purchases. Model specific conditions apply.) There also are many ‘on the spot surprises’ …customers can win exciting prizes by answering simple questions at the Kia stalls, at both the venues.

Kia’s range of 2015 vehicles is on display at both Muscat festival venues — Naseem Gardens and Al Amerat Park.

Kia Motors Corporation (www. kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.7 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in nine manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries.

Reliable International Automotive, the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers.

Excellent product attributes and unmatched 18 facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way.

AT H L E T I C M E E T

ISWK holds Sports Day MUSCAT: It was a red-letter day when ISWK transformed the course of history by way of running its 22nd Sports Day and Annual Athletic Meet on its own ground. ISWK prided itself on receiving one of the greatest cricketers Indian subcontinent has ever produced — Louis Rohan Duleep Mendis, presently serving as Chief Development Officer of Oman Cricket, as the chief guest for the occasion, says a press release.

Mendis was ushered by the Chairman of the ISWK Sports Sub Committee Prakash Ved and other esteemed members of the School Management Committee, Members of the Educational Cell of Banyan Merchant Association, Director Academics, Leo Lobo, Principal, D. N. Rao and other dignitaries and special invitees.

Emil and Yuvashree, along with Mayook Misra, Ivan Joseph Manjila, Brijesh Gandhi and Rohan Koshy, who represented Oman

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in the International U-16 cricket match held in Malaysia, were bestowed with the honour of lighting the flame and bearing the torch.

They were joined by U19 Girls Football team, U19 chess players, athletes, table tennis players, winners of CBSE clusters U14 chess and badminton players. Then came the March Past of all the four Houses – Tagore, Ashoka, Vivekananda and Akbar to submit the salute to the chief guest. Overall Athletic Trophy went to Ashoka House whereas Tagore House was also named runner-up.

The evening ended with the ceremonious handing over of the school flag by the head council to the principal.

GOLD SPONSORS

Infiniti Oman sponsors Muscat Festival MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive distributor of Infiniti vehicles in Oman, is one of the gold sponsors at this year’s Muscat Festival, scheduled to be held till February 14.

The Sultanate’s biggest cultural and entertainment extravaganza — Muscat Festival that attracts a huge number of visitors is a prominent highlight of the social calendar in the Sultanate, says a press release.

Grand display As a part of this initiative, Infiniti has put up a grand display of its latest range of vehicles at the Muscat Festival grounds in Al Amerat Park. Capitalising on this month-long annual event that is designed to showcase the Sultanate’s rich cultural heritage as well as its modern facets, Infiniti Oman has also planned for exciting sales promotion offer during the festival period.

Exclusive festival offer Customers buying Infiniti vehicles during the ongoing Muscat Festival will be eligible to enjoy exclusive benefits like free periodic vehicle maintenance of three years or 50,000km (whichever is earlier), free first year vehicle registration, free extended six years/ unlimited mileage warranty, free 1st year vehicle insurance (for Oman and UAE), free AAA / Road Assistance supported by AAA Oman and UAE, assured gift for every purchase (installation of window film and body paint protection). The offer is valid only on select models of Infiniti.

Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) like every other year is actively part of Oman’s biggest cultural show. Being a gold sponsor, SBA intends to showcase the very best of their customer service, product range, unique schemes and more. Customers visiting the Infiniti exhibit during the Mus-

cat Festival can take advantage of some of the most unique schemes, prices and surprises on each of their models.

Infiniti Oman has always strived to be different and unique by offering unmatched services towards their most valued customers, focused primarily on a niche target audience – the brand is recognised for its unmatched services and desirable line up of vehicles.

“We are extremely proud to be associated with the Muscat Festival this year and it gives us an honour to support the Omani community in general,” said a senior SBA official.

Personal tips Commenting on the festival a senior SBA official said, “Our dedicated staff members will be present at the Al Amerat Park exhibit to give personal and friendly tips and advice to interested customers on all Infiniti vehicles. Inter-

ested customers will be entitled to interesting offers and schemes from Infiniti Oman that will make their purchasing an Infiniti vehicle even more exciting.”

“Infiniti as a brand is known for its superior driving finesse and we want our customers to be able to experience all of that. What better way to reach out to the Omani community during the Muscat Festival and giving them what they deserve the best,” concluded senior SBA official.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Infiniti Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 40 showrooms, service centers and parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

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B7

ROUND-UP

Rehana steals show at Urdu Mushairah

F U N D AY

Daleel Petroleum holds Family Day

Leading Urdu poetess, author of six poetry books and holder of Sahitya Academy Award of India, Rehana Qamar, who presided over the Mushairah, was warmly welcomed by the audience

MUSCAT: Renowned US-based Urdu poetess Rehana Qamar stole the show with her mesmerising poetry, leaving a huge impression on her Muscat audience at a Mushairah organised recently by Alpha Events Oman at Al Wadi Tower in Wadi Kabir, says a press release.

Ayaz Hussain, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Sultanate of Oman, was the chief guest.

The proceedings started with the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Quran followed by a naat.

A student from the junior section of Pakistan School Muscat offered dua for early recovery and good health of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

A group of children from the same section added to the charm of the evening by presenting a beautiful cultural show to pay tribute to the exemplary leadership of His Majesty. The tableau was widely appreciated by the audience.

Leading Urdu poetess, author of six poetry books and holder of Sahitya Academy Award of India,

She captivated the poetry lovers with her heart touching poetry for more than an hour and received generous applause Rehana Qamar, who presided over the Mushairah, was warmly welcomed by the audience.

She captivated the poetry lovers with her heart touching poetry for

more than an hour and received generous applause.

The local Urdu poets, who read their couplets and received applause, included Farhan Raja, Sadaf Zuberi, Faheem Zia, Azra Aleem, Zakir Hussain Zakir, Murawwat Ahmad, Sakhawat Bukhari and Qamar Riaz.

The chief guest Ayaz Hussain presented a memento to Rehana Qamar and gave away gifts to Shehnaz Arshad and Nahed, teachers of PSM, in the presence of Khalid Jadoon, Principal of PSM. The largely attended event was sponsored by Ittfaq Travel & Tourism and Adam’s Sons Jewellery Co.

RECOGNITION

Greaves Cotton wins ‘Superbrand’ status MUSCAT: Technical Trading Co. (TTC), part of Al Sulaimi Group Holding, has announced that Greaves Cotton has been recognised by Superbrands India as one of the strong brands in the consumer and Industry category of 2013-14, says a press release.

“This is a great milestone achieved by Greaves Cotton and we are proud to be associated with the brand. The partnership with Greaves Cotton started four years back and we are proud to say that we have over 300 installations of diesel generators and mobile light towers across Oman,” said George Simon, Senior Division Manager.

“Greaves power generators from 10kva to 2250kva are the preferred choice of our clients

across various industries in Oman. TTC has been the market leader due to its wide distribution network of sales and service ensuring minimal downtime.

“With focus on innovation,

technological superiority and quality consciousness, Greaves has been able to increase the customer loyalty index, exponentially,” he added.

Globally, Superbrands recogni-

tion has become a sought-after marketing accolade and a familiar brand differentiator. The Superbrand organisation has been tracking the branding phenomenon for over 13 year now.

The criteria for selection of the winning consumer brands include perceived brand image plus the brands mindshare, goodwill, consumer loyalty, trust and emotional bonding. Superbrand has a robust two step selection process, which takes almost three months.

Greaves Cotton has been elevated to the status of ‘Superbrand’ by popular consensus among industry experts and consumers. The global acknowledgment places Greaves Cotton in an elite league of the world’s best brands.

OFF ROAD KING

Last 2 days to book Mercedes’ 6x6 SUV DUBAI: Customers have just two days to book their favourite 6x6 SUV as Mercedes-Benz is calling the final chapter in the production lifespan of the G 63 AMG 6x6.

Having enjoyed two years of immense success in the region, the company will stop the 6x6 production from May 2015.

However, while production is expected to stop in May 2015, motoring enthusiasts can still place their orders before the final order deadline of January 31, says a press release.

In a niche class of its own, the G 63 AMG 6x6 is a show vehicle that brings together the best of worlds, and has enjoyed its reign as the biggest, most rugged off roader Mercedes-Benz has ever produced.

The G 63 AMG 6x6 took the region by storm when it was introduced in early 2013. It has been a successful model from the start and has strengthened MercedesBenz’s leadership in the SUV segment. The Middle East has proved to be the most crucial sales market for the vehicle.

“Exceptionally popular in this region, the G 63 AMG 6x6 will be missed not just by Mercedes-

Benz, but also by our SUV enthusiasts. It enjoyed an immediate and overwhelmingly positive response from the day it launched in 2013 and continues to do so today.

The Middle East region alone accounts for 41 percent of the global sales of the G 63 AMG 6x6, which is no surprise for a market always looking to have the best or nothing,” said Dirk Fetzer, Director of Sales & Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant.

Taking the desert by storm The superior 6x6 comes with an all-wheel drive technology, AMG V8 biturbo power and looks that

leave no room for doubt: 400 kW (544 hp), a 6x6 drive, low-range ratio, five differential locks, portal axles, tyre pressure control system and a special chassis allow this pickup to make good progress in environments where the concept of individual mobility normally bites the dust as soon as the road ends.

The G 63 AMG 6x6 is also equipped with special, two-part 45.7 cm (18-inch) beadlock wheels.

When a tyre is fitted to this type of wheel, it is clamped between the wheel (formed by the two halves of the rim) and an internal beadlock ring so securely that, even in the

event of a complete loss of pressure, it cannot slip off the rim and sand cannot enter.

Thanks to the wealth of interior enhancements from the AMG stable, passengers can enjoy the highest possible degree of off-road ability with three portal axles which have been added to the Mercedes-Benz off-road portfolio. As a result, the ground clearance of the G 63 AMG 6x6 is increased to 460 millimetres which allows the passengers to enjoy a commanding view and additional ground clearance.

Other visual highlights include the use of elegant carbon fibre for the integrated LED light strips above the windscreen as well as for the large flared wheel arches while the rear load area section has a distinctive stainless-steel roll-over bar. The load area, which is lined with particularly tough and durable bamboo, can be accessed by means of a tailboard.

Sporty luxury, the hallmark of AMG, is the defining characteristic of the interior, with light brown or porcelain design leather, contrasting top stitching and attractive diamond-pattern quilting.

MUSCAT: Daleel Petroleum held its annual family gathering which witnessed an overwhelming attendance from employees and their families.

The event was organised at the Al Nahdah Resort, Barka under the theme ‘Go-Green’. This year, the family day focused on enhancing going green concept, says a press release.

The day was planned taking into consideration all ages with programmes, games and competitions to engage every person attending the event.

“The event had a special touch this year and a remarkable attendance which truly confirms the theme of going green. A concept highly promoted by concern departments in Daleel Petroleum. The appreciation is not only to our employees but to the families that have been supporting them in their journey with

Daleel,” said Ahmed Al Kharusi, Manager Human Resources.

Present at the event were both Gong Changli, chief executive officer, and Moza Al Adawi, chief operating officer.

In a gesture of recognition, both officials presented long service certificates to employees who have completed five to 30 years with Daleel Petroleum.

This was an opportunity to acknowledge dedication and loyalty, and interact with employees at a less formal level.

Daleel Petroleum has built a very good foundation of ever more efficient production, use of latest technology, ethical business standards and social responsibility. Operating in Block 5, onshore Oman approximately 450km North West of Muscat, the dedicated and talented workforce is successfully propelling production efficiency.

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Compact new 2015 Honda CR-V arrives with loads of innovations The 4th generation 2015 CR-V boasts of a host of new and standard features depicting it as more efficient, functional and confident SUV

MUSCAT: Honda fans in Oman can now happily drive away their favourite SUV — all-new featurepacked 2015 CR-V. Oman Marketing and Services Co., distributors for Honda cars in Oman, has announced that the car was now available across all Honda showrooms in Oman.

The 2015 CR-V is a fresh upgrade with customer friendly features, says a press release.

The 4th generation 2015 CR-V boasts of a wider stance with enhanced exterior styling, offers a 4 grade line up including a 2WD option powered with a new direct-injection DOHC 4 cylinder i-VTEC engine with CVT transmission, plush interiors and a whole host of new and standard features depicting it as more efficient, functional and confident SUV.

Exterior styling The CR-V styling has been thoughtfully enhanced with customer preferences in mind. The all new 2015 CR-V boasts of new exterior design which illustrates it as a smart yet tough SUV. The new front fascia blends with the new solid chrome grille lamp and the redesigned headlamps to give it a rugged and tough look.

The sleek new front headlamps incorporate powerful halogen bulbs. LED daytime running lights as standard and HID projector headlamps in EX and EX-Leather grades gives the car a bold face optimizing visibility in low light or foggy conditions. At the rear, LED combination lamps have been restyled to give CR-V a more fluid three dimensional appearance.

Front sleek Fog lights with chrome garnish on the newly designed bumper is available on the EX and EX-Leather grade enhancing exterior aesthetics.

Newly styled 17” and 18” Alloy wheels compliment the exterior design enhancements highlighting improved dynamism of CR-V. CR-V’s body retains aerodynamic efficiencies of the previous version, with numerous design elements such as a long roofline and an integrated rear spoiler. New to CR-V, the EX and EX-L grades include Honda’s Lane Watch camera that displays a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the display audio screen. All grades are equipped with, door mirror with side turn signal.

As a result of the new engine, transmission and number of innovations reducing frictional energy losses, the 15MY CR-V boasts of a well balanced driving performance with class leading fuel economy.

• CR-V 2WD LX: 15.3 km/litre.

• CR-V 4WD LX: 15.3 km/ litre.

• CR-V 4WD EX/EX-Leather: 14.7km/ litre.

The above mentioned certified fuel economy is rated excellent by the GSO. (GCC standardisation organisation).

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Interior comfort Honda’s goal of creating a more stylish and functional interior has been realized with the reshaped chrome-effect inlay running the width of the dashboard and through the use of high quality materials on the key surfaces.

To further improve CR-V interior, a number of changes were made for the 2015 CR-V to increase visual appeal, convenience and control. Standard on all trims is the newly designed configurable centre console that not only adds storage versatility but more comfort with its broad, sliding armrest, while also conveying a more luxurious appearance.

In addition, 2015 CR-V offers an interior that has a spacious feel, lots

FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND

Powertrain Honda upgraded its engine for an increase in both torque and efficiency. Powering the 2015 CR-V is a new Earth Dreams Technology direct-injected 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine.

The CR-V’s new power plant is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivering much improved torque of 245 N-m @ 3900rpm (i.e. 9.73% above the 2014MY) and a horsepower of 185 hp @ 6400rpm .

Body and safety The 2015 CR-V utilises Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure technology to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility. The CR-V boasts of Honda active-safety features such as the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Traction Control System (TCS) which enhances handling stability and predictability especially in poor traction conditions in addition to Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake Distributor (EBD) and Hill Start Assist.

Another new feature is the Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) is standard on all 2015 CR-V models. The system incorporates driving stability technology that initiates steering inputs that prompt driver to steer in correct direction during cornering and in slippery road conditions.

Also available on the 4WD EX and EX-Leather models, Honda Lanewatch, provides broader view

Grade and colour In addition to the standard grades i.e. 2.4L 4WD LX, EX & EX-Leather, Honda added new 2.4L 2WD LX grade to meet demands of customers in the region. 2015 CR-V will be available on 8 Exterior colours vs 7 in 2014MY. The 2015 CR-V comes in the below exciting colours: 1. Albaster Silver Metallic 2. Crystal Black Pearl 3. White Diamond Pearl 4. Modern Steel Metallic 5. Basque Red Pearl 6. Urban Titanium Metallic 7. Mountain Air Metallic – new colour 8. Copper Brown Pearl – new colour

MID-SIZE SEDAN

Bank Muscat, Roumaan join hands to launch online shopping festival MUSCAT: Bank Muscat and popular online shopping portal Roumaan have joined hands to launch a first-of-its-kind online shopping festival. The 10-day shopping bonanza commences on February 1 and runs until February 10.

The online festival is the biggest online shopping sensation in Oman offering 1,000 unbeatable deals to be availed exclusively through www.roumaan.com/onlinefestival for Bank Muscat cardholders, says a press release.

“Bank Muscat is delighted to join hands with Roumaan to launch the unique shopping, leisure and entertainment event targeted at the largest banking family in Oman. Complementing the culture of e-Payment in the Sultanate, online festival is designed to

of storage space and easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seat that provides cargo loading convenience.

On EX and EX-Leather grades, inclusion of intuitive 7-inch colour intelligent multi-information display (i-MID) adds technological supremacy. EX grades are also equipped with smart entry and push start which enables you to unlock the door, start the car, shut the car and walk away without ever having to touch the key.

of the passenger side roadway in the color information display whenever right turn signal is engaged or the lane watch button is pressed. The display can show cars from one or two lanes.

2015 CR-V is equipped with parking sensors on all grades to alert the driver when the object is close. 4 sensors emit audible beeps that quicken as you approach objects. In addition to that, EX and EX-Leather models are equipped with the rear view camera as a part of Honda approach to reduce pedestrian injuries.

The passive-safety features include Front Dual SRS airbag system (Dr. and Assist), front side airbag system, side curtain airbags and 3-point ELR seatbelts for 5 passengers.

accommodate the best interests of all Bank Muscat cardholders. The exciting online shopping festival offers a rewarding experience, reinforcing the benefits of convenience and security that electronic payments provide for Bank Muscat cardholders. The festival has created an exclusive opportunity for the bank customers to benefit from exciting promotions and offers,” said Tariq Atiq, AGM – Cards and e-Banking, Bank Muscat.

All Bank Muscat cardholders can either make the payment online or avail Roumaan’s ‘card on delivery’ service where customers can swipe their Bank Muscat cards when the product is delivered at their doorstep. Conceived as a family affair for Bank Muscat cardholders, the unique shopping

festival reflects the bank’s commitment to encourage the secure and convenient use of electronic payments in Oman. In recognition of the electronic channel services, Bank Muscat won the coveted Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-Government 2014.

“Roumaan has made online shopping popular with its trusted website catering to the tastes and needs of different segments of the market. In just a year since its inception, Roumaan has received a great response and it is our constant endeavour to introduce new and exciting offers. The new year campaign is a great way to keep the spirit of celebration alive amongst customers,” commented Aqeel Munam Sulaiman, CEO of Salman Corporation.

2015 Nissan Altima: A car with special powers MUSCAT: The Nissan Altima, which breaks new ground for the mid-size sedan segment, is hands-down the most engaging vehicle in its class. And if you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined.

Nissan has taken one of their most successful model, the Nissan Altima, to a new level by keeping its DNA and changing nearly everything — the visual appeal, the driving experience and, of course, the technology. Nissan Altima offers numerous segment defining attributes that enhance the ownership experience and provide real customer value, says a press release.

Added features Remote engine starter: Nissan vehicles are known to offer smoother ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish,while delivering breathtaking performance and road-holding. Their ‘multi-dimensional performance’ means the driver can enjoy the full depth of a Nissan’s capabilities whether navigating the corners of a winding mountain road, cruising on a motorway or even travelling in an urban environment.

The 2015 Altima comes with the Nissan Intelligent Key that allows the owners to drive in comfort and style regardless of the rising temperatures of the Sultanate. The Nissan Intelligent Key allowsdrivers with a tap of a button on the door handle or trunk to unlock them, while the keys stay inside a pocket or purse. Drivers can start a car from up to 60 metres away with the Remote Engine Start System.

This convenient solution lets drivers cool down the vehicle before it’s time to get in, provided they set the climate control functions when they step out.

With vehicles facing the brunt of the scorching heat nowadays; drivers are faced with extreme driving conditions. By using the remote engine starter, drivers can get the car engine running and activate the cooling before they step inside. That gives them the opportunity to stay indoors in the cool until the car is ready to drive. This can be particularly handy if drivers have young children and babies, or anyone else that is very sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Standard TPM System: smart technologies are designed to help monitor conditions like a warning to let the driver know about straying lane, or a system that

helps ensure they are travelling on properly inflated tyres.

Standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System with easyfill tyre alert lets drivers know when a tyre is low and the easy-fill tyre alert takes the guess work out of filling tyres with a beep of the horn when they have reached the correct pressure.

NissanConnect in Altima 2.5 SL: This uses hands-free technology, smartphone, and Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their vehicle. It is loaded with features and compatibility with a growing list of apps that lets you play your music, keep tabs on your social network, and navigate any city like a local.

Other features include sunroof, blind spot warning, moving object detection, lane departure warning, paddle shifter, 8-way power driver seat and 2 way lumbar support, LED Type tail lamp, xenon projector headlamps, leather seats and premium trim console and door.

Reverse Sensor: A seamless sensor designed at the rear bumper of the vehicle makes the Altima look sleek.

In addition to its many other functions, the advanced drive-assist display can be linked to three new available safety features – blind spot warning (BSW), lane departure warning (LDW) and moving object detection (MOD) – typically offered only on more upscale vehicle and first time in the segment. Thanks to the use of the systems’ advanced next-generation rear view camera, the BSW, LDW and MOD are integrated and intuitive.

The 2015 Altima offers superior quietness through efforts to reduce cabin noise coming from the powertrain (new engine and exhaust mount designs), climate system (increased HVAC mounting rigidity) and the body (increased body rigidity) versus the previous Altima design. New noise absorption materials with

a 30 per cent increase in absorption capability (versus previous Altima) are also used throughout the cabin, including areas such as the roof trim, instrument panel and floor mats.

Best-in-class seat comfort In the desire to help reduce the fatigue experienced during long commutes or extended road trips, Nissan turned to seating and posture from zero-gravity research.

According to this research, the least fatiguing seats are those that come closest to a ‘neutral posture’ – a relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment.

Altima seats help reduce muscular and spinal loads, and improve blood flow – thereby helping reduce fatigue over long periods behind the wheel. Seat surface perforations provide increased ventilation, breathability and comfort.

Along with premium seat comfort, the all-new Altima offers superior quietness through efforts to reduce cabin noise coming from the powertrain (new engine and exhaust mount designs), climate system (increased HVAC mounting rigidity) and the body (increased body rigidity) versus the previous Altima design. New noise absorption materials with a 30 per cent increase in absorption capability (versus previous Altima) are also used throughout the cabin, including areas such as the roof trim, instrument panel and floor mats.

Altima’s Remote Engine Start gives the driver the power to start the car engine and switch on the AC from as far as 60 meters. With it vehicle owners can also lock or unlock doors, and open the trunk.

Coupled with plush interiors and revolutionary technologies like Push Button Ignition, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control and more, the Nissan Altima is designed to give passengers a comfortable driving experience that’s simple out of the world.

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SPOR YOUR GAME

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DHONI & CO WILL FIND IT CHALLENGING: DRAVID Former India captain Rahul Dravid said ng to that the upcoming World Cup is going gh be a challenge for the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team, which should hope for the Australian and New Zealand wicketss to remain slow and supportive of spin.. >C3

The Djoker vs The Man 3.0 Generation Next men’s challenge ends in quarterfinals, teenager Keys looking for Serena scalp in women’s singles semifinals

MELBOURNE: Top seed Novak Djokovic and champion Stan Wawrinka set up ‘The Djoker v The Man 3.0’ at Melbourne Park after impressive quarterfinal victories on Wednesday, while an ill Serena Williams moved a step closer to her 19th grand slam title.

The American, however, will first have to overcome the pure hitting of Madison Keys after the 19-year-old ended the fairytale run of Serena’s older sister Venus, despite suffering from a thigh injury that hampered her movement.

With many suggesting prior to the tournament it could signify an epochal shift in both games, the teenager represents the up and comers in the semifinals after Djokovic and Wawrinka crushed the last hopes of ‘Generation Next’ in the men’s draw.

Djokovic, seeking to become the second man to win a fifth Australian Open title, beat Canada’s Milos Raonic 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-2 in the late match on Rod Laver Arena, hours after Wawrinka had easily dispatched fifth seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(6).

“Definitely expecting a marathon like the last couple of years.

THE MAN 3.0: Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka plays a shot during his men’s singles match against Japan’s Kei Nishikori. – AFP

I’m sure that both of us will give our best to perform our best tennis,” Djokovic said in a courtside interview.

“We always ask for the best of each other.”

It will be the third successive year Djokovic and Wawrinka have met at the Australian Open, with the man winning those epic clashes ul-

timately going on to clinch the title.

As defending champion in 2013, Djokovic prevailed 12-10 in the fifth set in their fourth round clash.

Last year, Wawrinka won the fifth set 9-7 in their quarter-final, indicating fans on Friday should be set for another epic encounter.

“You know when you play Novak, especially in semi-final in a

THE DJOKER: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic serves during his men’s

singles match against Canada’s Milos Raonic. – AFP

grand slam, you have to play your best game,” Wawrinka said.

“You have to play your best tennis if you want to push him. So far I’m playing great. I’m confident with my game.”

Party pooper American teenager Keys proved to be the ultimate party pooper with

her victory over Venus while at the same time indicating the mantle of American women’s tennis should be in safe hands when it is moved on from the two sisters.

Serena and Venus had been hoping to provide fans with the first all-Williams sisters clash at a grand slam since the 2009 Wimbledon final in the semifinals.

Keys, who was inspired at four years old to take up the game after seeing Venus play at Wimbledon, refused to succumb to sentimentality and demonstrated the ball striking and power hitting, which had destroyed players of the calibre of double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, in a 29-minute first set.

An adductor injury that forced her out of the Wimbledon third round last year, just days after she had stormed to the Eastbourne title, however, flared up again in the second set, which brought back some desperate memories.

“It was definitely a flashback to Wimbledon for me,” Keys said of the injury that forced her to take an injury break while trailing 4-1 in the second set.

“It was quite an overwhelming moment and scary ... and I had the nightmare of ‘I don’t want this to happen again’.”

Keys, now coached by former number one Lindsay Davenport, however, showed her maturity and mental toughness once she settled to overpower Venus and battle through the injury to advance to her first grand slam semifinal.

“It’s definitely an amazing moment,” she added. “I’m enjoying those moments for little bits of time and then refocusing and thinking about the next round.”

Keys’ chances of making the final have improved with the world number one battling the effects of a cold after a virus hit several players at the tournament.

“I’ve been sick the past few days,” a hoarse-sounding Serena told reporters after her 6-2, 6-2 destruction of last year’s finalist Dominika Cibulkova.

“It’s just getting worse and worse. I heard it’s a virus going around with a lot of the players.

“I think I caught it.” - Reuters

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Socceroos say they have jump on Korea Australia’s record has given coach Postecoglou heart as he prepares for a Korean side which has reached the final without conceding, the first since in 39 years to do so

NEWCASTLE: Ange Postecoglou said he’s not worried about South Korea’s miserly defence in the Asian Cup final after the Socceroos underlined their incredible ability to score through almost any player.

Defenders Trent Sainsbury and Jason Davidson struck in Tuesday’s 2-0 semifinal win over UAE to extend Australia’s tournamentleading tally to 12 -- with 10 differ-

ent scorers. And Australia’s record has given coach Postecoglou heart as he prepares for a Korean side which has reached the final without conceding, the first since in 39 years to do so.

“We’ve played five games, we’ve scored 12 goals and conceded two, and we’re in the final, I think that speaks for itself,” said Postecoglou.

Striker Tim Cahill is the only man to net more than once, with

Massimo Luongo, Mile Jedinak, James Troisi, Matt McKay, Robbie Kruse, Mark Milligan and Tomi Juric all grabbing one apiece.

UAE marked Cahill heavily after his two goals in the quarterfinal against China, but they were caught by surprise when Sainsbury and Davidson popped up for their first international goals.

“There has been a lot of emphasis on Timmy and rightly so because he was fantastic in the quarter-final but I think this tournament has shown that we can score goals from other areas,” said Postecoglou.

“We’ve never really felt that it was just about Timmy scoring,” the 49-year-old added. “We knew building into this tournament that if we play our style of football and get players in positions we could score, including at set-pieces.”

Attacking philosophy Before South Korea, Iran in 1976 — when only six teams played — were the only side to reach the final without conceding, and they remained unbreached as they lifted the title with a 1-0 win over Kuwait.

But Postecoglou remains confident over his attacking philosophy,

saying it was popular with both players and the nation. No other Asian Cup side has had more than six different scorers.

“I think Australian sporting teams would want to be really aggressive, proactive and attack the game to opponents and I think we’ve done that this tournament,” he said.“The general feeling I get from the supporters is that they are loving watching this team play and that’s great because we want to be successful but we also want to continue to grow this game in this country.”

Postecoglou will field a different team to the one that lost 1-0 to the Koreans at the group stage, when he opted to rest his first-choice strike partnership of Cahill and Kruse. And with Australia into their second straight Asian Cup final after their 2011 loss to Japan, the boss urged his players to grasp the opportunity of a lifetime.

“It’s a massive game. We’ve now been in Asia a little while but we haven’t won anything and this gives us an opportunity to achieve something,” Postecoglou said.

“We’re not going to host another one in our lifetime. That’s why I think it’s really important for us,” he added. - AFP

CONFIDENT: Australian coach Ange Postecoglou says he is not worried of South Korea’s miserly defence. – AFP

ASIAN CUP

Koreans tough enough for Aussies, says captain Ki

GREAT SUPPORT: South Korean fans have enjoyed the Asian Cup and the now want the Asian Cup. – AFP

SYDNEY: South Korea could thrive in the role of underdogs when they face hosts Australia in the Asian Cup final this weekend, says skipper Ki Sung-Yueng.

Having reached the final for the first time in 27 years battered, bruised and held together by team spirit and sheer bloody-mindedness, the Swansea City midfielder told Korean reporters on Wednesday that the Red Devils had the steel to go all the way.

“I believe it will come down to mental strength,” said Ki, who has been a calming influence on South Korea after losing the influential pairing of Lee Chung-Yong and Koo Ja-Cheol to injury in the group stages.

“That will be more important than physical strength,” he added,

noting that the Australians would hold the advantage in terms of power. “This is a great opportunity for South Korean football.”

South Korea’s rich pedigree speaks for itself, the team famously reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2002. But they have curiously failed to lift the Asian Cup since 1960. “We understand the magnitude of the game without anyone telling us,” insisted Ki when reminded of the fact before Saturday’s showdown in Sydney.

But coach Uli Stielike has moulded a resilient side in his own image, the former West Germany international renowned in his playing days as a steely defensive midfielder who went on to become a fan favourite for Real Madrid after joining them in 1977.

The Taeguk Warriors have reached the final without conceding a goal, beating Australia 1-0 along the way to secure top spot in Group A. Forward Lee JeongHyeop has become a smash hit with fans after scoring the winner against the Socceroos and another in Monday’s 2-0 win over Iraq in the semifinals.

A shock selection by Stielike before the tournament, Lee confessed he had no idea if he will even start in the final — and insisted it didn’t matter either way.

“I don’t know if I’ll play,” he said before training. “It’s not about personal milestones at all. All that matters is winning the title. People are talking about me because I’ve scored a couple of goals but my job is to score goals.” — AFP

FOOTBALL

Timmy Time as Cahill targets silverware SYDNEY: Tim Cahill has attracted countless plaudits and the fierce devotion of many fans over his long career but on Saturday Australia’s favourite footballing son could finally get his hands on some serious silverware.

A runners-up medal with Australia at the 2011 Asian Cup and another two after losing English FA Cup finals with Millwall and Everton are a relatively paltry return for 17 years in the professional game.

In front of 80,000 of his fellow Sydneysiders on Saturday, though, Cahill will be leading the Australia front line as the Socceroos take on South Korea to decide the 2015 Asian champions.

Now one of the few thirtysomethings in the squad Ange Postecoglou has rebuilt since he took over as coach in October 2013, Cahill serves as talisman, inspiration and, most importantly, goal-scorer.

“I am really proud of the boys, the staff and everyone that has backed us from the start,” he said after the 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates in Tuesday’s semi-

to see off China in the Asian Cup quarter-finals last week.

They are just two of the 39 goals he has scored in 81 matches in the green and gold since he made his debut for Australia in 2004, making him his country’s most prolific scorer.

Veteran Tim Cahill.

final. “During the 14 months the journey has been amazing. Now we have to focus on one of the biggest games in Australian football history.”

Anyone who thought Cahill’s powers might be on the wane towards the end of his career will have been forced to reassess over the last seven months.

His stunning volley against the Netherlands was one of the best goals at last year’s World Cup and he produced a brilliant bicycle kick as part of a two-goal effort

Punchy celebration Cahill scored his first international goals 11 years ago to help the Socceroos to the last of their Oceania Nations Cup titles, earned by beating the Solomon Islands 11-1 on aggregate in the final.

The competition has got stiffer since Australia joined the Asian confederation but Cahill has never stopped scoring, mostly with his head and in the last 10 years always celebrated with a flurry of punches aimed at a corner flag.

His ability to jump above much taller defenders and get his head on the ball is a mark of his determination and combative nature.

The desire for continual improvement has also helped with his longevity and it is a theme his team mates will hear plenty about as they prepare to face the South

Koreans at Stadium Australia.

“When we look at the game today are we really happy with the way we played? Possibly not really,” he said after the dominant semi-final victory in Newcastle.

“We know we have played better. We definitely could have been tidier on the ball.”

Cahill has made it clear that the Asian Cup will not be his Socceroos swan song and has indicated he might try and play on until the 2018 World Cup, which would be his fourth.

Reports in Asian media indicate he might soon be leaving New York Red Bulls for a three-year deal with a club in the Arabian Gulf.

Whatever the truth, it will not distract Cahill from his preparations for Saturday’s match.

“I won’t focus on Korea, I have never focused on any team I have played,” he said. “We need to understand the position we are in. It is going to be all about us.

“The mindset is to win, but to win the right way, by playing good football. It is going to be a big night.” - Reuters

T HURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

SPORTS Dhoni & Co will find it challenging during World Cup: Dravid Stressing the importance of team work, Rahul Dravid said one celebrated player like Mahendra Singh Dhoni or his deputy Virat Kohli cannot win the cup alone.

At least six players will have to hit their best forms

Rahul Dravid expressed confidence that the Indian team has the right combination to reach the quarterfinals.

After that it would be only about ‘three good days’ of performance, he said

MUMBAI: Former India captain Rahul Dravid on Wednesday said that the upcoming World Cup is going to be a challenge for the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team, which should hope for the Australian and New Zealand wickets to remain slow and supportive of spin. “It’s going to be a challenge, it is not easy.

You are playing in very different conditions,” Dravid told reporters here. It was a bit “strange” to see that most of the Australian wickets were slow during the recently-concluded Test series and Dravid hopes the pitches behave n the same manner to assist India’s most potent weapon, spin.

“That’s the advantage India

has, if the wickets stay slower and lower as we have seen in the Test matches, then the spinners will come into the mix and India can afford to play two and even three spinners,” he said.

However, he also pointed out that the slow track at Adelaide was much different from the fast one in Brisbane. Dravid expressed confidence that the Indian team has the right combination to reach the quarterfinals.

After that it would be only about “three good days” of performance, he said.

He cautioned that hosts Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have 60-70 per cent chance to lift the cup.

“It is going to be who handles

pressure better and who handles the must-win games better.

India will make to the quarter final, and I think they have got the players to do it,” he said, adding that by quarter finals, the team should get their act together and the entire playing 11 should be in top form.

Dravid, who had a formidable reputation as a number three, said he would like Virat Kohli to walk onto the field after 10-12 overs which would allow him time to settle in for a big knock.

As far as the opening pair was concerned, he said it is unfortunate that Rohit Sharma is down with injury, but his comeback will help things a lot, while Shikhar Dhawan, who has had a few bad

games recently, should be given necessary time to perform.

He acknowledged that the bowling has been lacklustre in the recent past, but pointed out that the return of Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja was a positive development.

“I am not overly worried about form right now.

We had a few issues with injuries with couple of batsmen and bowlers getting injured, it’s been hard for them, but I am not overly concerned,” Dravid said.

Stressing the importance of team work, he said one celebrated player like Dhoni or his deputy Kohli cannot win the cup alone.

At least six players will have to hit their best forms, he added. - PTI

NEW SIGNINGS

Aussie duo Finch, Maxwell join Yorkshire

Glenn Maxwell

LONDON: Yorkshire have signed Australian batsmen Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell as their overseas players for the 2015 season, the reigning English county champions announced on Wednesday.

Finch, who played for Yorkshire last season, will play in all formats of the game, while Maxwell is due to feature in the domestic T20 Blast competition.

Aaron Finch

“It is great to be heading back to Yorkshire,” said Finch, who averaged 48.50 in last year’s County Championship. “I enjoyed my time with the club last year and made some lifelong friendships.

“This year the club will be aiming to win the title again and there is a major emphasis on doing well in the T20 competition.

“Having Maxi playing alongside me will be terrific. He is a true

competitor and loves the shorter form of the game.”

Maxwell, who has previously played for Yorkshire’s domestic rivals Hampshire and Surrey, was this week named Australia’s Twenty20 Player of the Year.

“I’m pumped and can’t wait to play for Yorkshire in the T20 Blast competition,” he said.

“Yorkshire are one of biggest clubs in the world and to get the

chance to play for them is an honour. “I had two great spells with Hampshire and loved every minute. Heading to Yorkshire gives me a new challenge that I will relish.”

Yorkshire first-team coach Jason Gillespie, the former Australia bowler, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bits to be able to secure the services of two very exciting players in world cricket.” - AFP

FOR WORLD CUP 2019

ICC includes Afghanistan, Ireland in rankings-based qualification system DUBAI: The ICC Board on Wednesday approved that Afghanistan and Ireland will join the 10 full members in the rankingsbased qualification system for the ICC cricket World Cup 2019.

The top eight-ranked sides on the ICC ODI Team Rankings as on September 30, 2017 will qualify automatically to the 2019 event, while the bottom four will play in the 10-team ICC World Cup qualifier 2018 that will determine the final two teams in the line-up.

As a result, Afghanistan and Ireland will no longer play in the ICC World Cricket League Championship, the ICC’s one-day competition for the leading Associate and Affiliate sides. The final two positions in the ICC World Cricket League Championship will now be filled by Kenya and Nepal, who

GOOD NEWS: File photo of Afghanistan cricketers with the World

Cup trophy when it toured their country. – AFP

finished third and fourth, respectively, in the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in Namibia last week. They will join Hong Kong, Namibia, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates in the two-

year competition, which is scheduled to start in mid-2015.

The new structure also includes a promotion and relegation system for Associate and Affiliate Members, with a challenge series to take place between the lowest-

ranked Associate Member on the rankings table and the winner of the ICC World Cricket League Championship.

The winner of the play-off will be included on the Rankings table for the next cycle, and the loser will compete in the ICC World Cricket League Championship.

Ireland and Afghanistan will continue to play in the four-day, first-class ICC Intercontinental Cup 2015-17, along with Hong Kong, Namibia, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland and the UAE. ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “Both Afghanistan and Ireland have excelled on and off the field in recent years, and this decision is a critical step forward to the ICC’s aim of having more competitive teams in international cricket.” — PTI

C O M M E N TA RY

India must experiment Ashwin as opener at Dhawan’s expense

I

NDIA have been given a chance to qualify for the final by the weather in Sydney. Even as I write this, the Sydney weather has hardly improved and it’s been raining the whole day.

What the washout did was it gave India two points, which means that all India needs to do is beat England, and that too without a bonus point, and they will be through to the final. However, that is easier said than done, for England have lifted their game dramatically after conceding the bonus point to Australia in their first game.

After that, they not only beat India with the bonus point but also ran Australia close in their second encounter with the old rivals.

The pitch at Perth is going to be pretty similar to the one in Brisbane where the Indian batsmen floundered, and so India will have to bat out of their skins to put up a winning score. Shikhar Dhawan’s continuing lack of runs has put a severe strain on the Indian batting, especially since it does not look as if Rohit Sharma is going to be fit soon. Dhawan continues to open the face of the bat and is getting caught in the slips. Whether India goes in without him is to be seen, but in case they decide to do that then it would be a good idea to try Ashwin at the opening slot. He is a well organised batsman and has the technique to handle the moving and bouncing ball.

What that will do is allow India to go in with five regular bowlers with Stuart Binny as the spare bowler.

India can play Jadeja and then Shami, Bhuvneshwar and Umesh Yadav, and they will have a balanced attack though their batting may be a bit suspect. It will still have depth with Jadeja batting at number eight, but whether he will succeed on the bouncy Perth pitch remains to be seen. It is a make or break situation for them and they have to give it everything.

Though the team management says that Ishant is fit and available for selection, the fact is that unless he plays we won’t know how fit he is. Even in England, Ishant stayed on the bench for quite some time after his match winning spell in the Lord’s Test. If they had no intention of playing him, he

Ajinkya Rahane should be tasked with staying till the end, as that would mean that even while one end would be secure, the runs would still be coming, as he has all the shots in the book and doesn’t need to go for the rushing down the pitch shots. India need to show that they are thinking, they are planning, they are fighting

should have been allowed to go home for a while and then rejoin the team. He would have been rejuvenated and returned to battle in a better frame of mind than when you stick around in a losing atmosphere that can suffocate fresh thinking.

Rahane should be tasked with staying till the end, as that would mean that even while one end would be secure, the runs would still be coming, as he has all the shots in the book and doesn’t need to go for the rushing down the pitch shots. India need to show that they are thinking, they are planning, they are fighting. If they do that, then even if they lose there won’t be too many regrets. - PMG

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TH UR S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 015

SPORTS OFA board and clubs work out compromise formula meeting held on Wednesday, the OFA agreed to fulfill the demands of the clubs which have been pressing for immediate action on various issues

FAHAD AL MUKRASHI

fahad@timesofoman.com

HOCKEY

Olympian Jaswant is no more KOLKATA: India’s two-time gold medal winning hockey Olympian Jaswant Singh Rajput passed away this morning following a prolonged illness, according to the Bengal Hockey Association. He was 88.

“He was suffering from age related illness for more than a month and was looked after by his niece at his Bradford Lane residence near Park Street,” a BHA official said.

Paying glowing tributes to Jaswant Singh Rajput, former Olympian Gurbux Singh said: “He was part of the galaxy of stars that made India proud. He was unassuming and made Kolkata his home after shifting base.”

The former India centre-half was part of the gold medal winning teams in 1948 London and 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

With the likes of Leslie Claudius, Keshav Dutt and Meldric Daluz, Jaswant had formed a lethal foursome and was part of a golden era in Bengal hockey with as many as seven players in the Helsinki-bound side.

He shifted from Delhi to pursue his career in hockey and played for Bhowanipore Club before moving to Mohun Bagan in 1952 as helped them to win the Beighton Cup. - PTI

Ghala Golf Club to launch new brand identity MUSCAT: Ghala Golf Club will open the doors to its brand new venue and launch their new brand identity as one of the most prestigious and leading golf clubs in the Oman on Saturday.

The event will be held under the auspicious of High Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Culture and Heritage, at the Ghala Golf Club’s current location close to the Muscat Expressway.

The Ghala Golf Club was established merely months after Oman’s Renaissance and officially organised the first competition in December 1970 in Ghala. Since then, Ghala Golf Club has been growing and expanding, and has gained the reputation of being a social club that aims to spread the art and sport of golfing in Oman and developing Omani golfing talent.

Many Omani golfers have grown into skilled golfing experts due to the club’s support, and have gone on to be a part of the local competitions, as well as representing Oman in regional competitions.

During an emergency

MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) has worked out a comprise formula with the disgruntled clubs who have been complaining of various issues including the disappointing performance of the Sultanate’s national team in the ongoing Asian Cup and the administrative and financial irregularities at the Oman football’s governing body.

The OFA and clubs reached an agreement following an emergency meeting organised under the chairmanship of association chief Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi at the OFA Headquarters on Wednesday.

The OFA had invited the clubs for a meeting after around 30 clubs demanded immediate action on the said issues, some reports even suggesting that the clubs were calling for an Extraordinary General Assembly while threatening to introduce a ‘no-confidence motion’ against the entire board.

However, representatives of only 25 clubs turned up for Wednesday’s meeting, which too came after OFA met the officials 12 clubs a day earlier.

NEW VENUE

DEMANDS AND PROMISES: Oman Football Association chief Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, centre, addresses the representatives of the clubs during an emergency meeting held at the association headquarters in Seeb on Wednesday. – Supplied photo

During Tuesday’s meeting, the 12 clubs presented a list of their demands for the OFA to pursue and fulfill.

“The OFA had invited the 12 clubs for Tuesday’s meeting to know what their demands are. And the clubs have listed out their demands. Now the OFA has to fulfill those demands in a certain of period of time,” Bausher Club chief Saif Al Khalili said while speaking to Times Sport.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the members said to have discussed reasons behind Oman’s poor performance and failure to reach the knockout stages of the Asian Cup in Australia as well as

the future of the team’s French coach Paul Le Guen.

‘Not against individuals’ However, Al Khalili, who is also the General Secretary of the Association of the Sports Clubs, refused to reveal the details of both the meetings.

“We have an agreement with the OFA to keep the details confidential. We will not be speaking about any of the issues until the OFA issues an official statement on Thursday,” he said.

Al Khalili, however, added: “All we can say at this point is that OFA has given an initial approval to most of the demands.”

Asked about only 25 clubs attending Wednesday’s meeting, he said: “Today’s meeting was more of a consultative meeting between the clubs and the OFA. “The clubs were given the option — of attending or not attending. But we have put forth all our demands.”

Al Khalili also stressed that the clubs are ‘not against any individuals’. “We are not against particular individuals at the OFA. “In fact, our demands are aimed at further development of football in Oman. Development is on top of our priorities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saham Club chief Adil Al Farsi said both parties have

reached a ‘compromise to find satisfactory solutions’ for the development of the Omani football.

“A comprehensive report on team and coach Paul Le Guen will be prepared and the issue of whether to continue with his services will be discussed during the General Assembly which is scheduled for March,” he said.

Earlier sources at the OFA confirmed that most of the members are in favour of retaining Le Guen whose contract runs till 2016.

Another official said in the event of no satisfactory action from the OFA, they will press for an Extraordinary General Assembly on February 28 as planned earlier.

MOTORSPORT

Ahmad’s Al Nabooda Racing to pile on pressure in Porsche GT3 Cup title chase MUSCAT: Al Nabooda Racing are relishing a quick return to action in Qatar after a dominant display

by Clemens Schmid at Losail International Circuit raised their hopes of a third successive team title in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.

According to a press release issued by the team on Wednesday, the defending champions have reached the half way point in the season with Schmid looking almost unbeatable in the race for the individual drivers’ crown and building a healthy partnership with Ahmad Al Harthy.

After back-to-back-victories by Schmid in Qatar last weekend, Al Nabooda Racing have moved to within nine points of early leaders Sky Dive Dubai Falcons and will be looking to pile the pressure back on at the Losail circuit in Rounds 7 and 8 on February 5 and 6.

“Five wins in six races is a brilliant performance by Clemens in view of how competitive the GT3 Cup series has become,” said team manager Vijay Rao. “At times he looks in a class of his own, and what is equally impressive is the way he has worked with Ahmad to help him settle in after joining us at the start of the season.

“It’s never easy for a new driver coming into a championship like this, and there’s added pressure if

NEVER EASY: Al Nabooda Racing manager Vijay Rao said ‘it’s never easy for a new driver to coming into a championship like this but Ahmad Al Harthy has worked hard’. – Supplied photo

you’re with the team which has set the pace for the last two seasons.

“But Ahmad has worked hard and will continue to get quicker as the season progresses. So we feel that we’re in a good position, and the guys are both looking forward to the next two rounds back at Losail.”

The next two races in the

12-round Porsche one-make series have been brought forward a week from the original dates, and will both be run under lights. Last weekend’s two races were the first GT3 Cup rounds to be held at the track in daylight, but regardless of the conditions, Schmid clearly enjoys the Losail circuit where he led

Rounds 5 and 6 from start to finish from pole position.

After running wide in the first race Al Harthy’s challenge was hindered by gravel collecting in his tyres, but he fought his way to eighth place and scored more valuable team points with seventh position 24 hours later.

ISC TENNIS

Taisei enters boys U-14 semifinals MUSCAT: Talented Japanese teenager Taisei Nishino entered the semifinals of the boys under-14 singles at the ISC-Muscat Pharmacy Open Junior Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat.

Top seed in the under-14 section, Taisei Nishino has showed brilliant touch and has not yet been tested.

He has not lost a game in the three rounds en route to the semifinals. Following up on his brilliant 8-0 victory over Zain Ashfaque, Taise was in full cry when he handed Shlok Ail an 8-0 drubbing in the quarterfinals.

Shlok Ail had earlier advanced to the quarters after defeating Arvind S with a convincing 8-1 result.

Second seed Muneer Al Rawahi has also been in top nick having advanced to the quarterfinals with two straight victories.

Muneer first routed Glenmark Rodrigues for an 8-0 victory and in the second round coasted to a comfortable 8-0 win over Shyam M. Fourth seed Hassan Haider has quietly taken his place in the last eight stage after registering a confident 8-1 triumph over Varun Deepak in the second round.

Abdullah Al Raisi advanced to the last eight after cruising to a 8-0 win over Anubrata Seal so did Sanskar Dubey who downed Aditya Singh 8-0.

In other action of the same event, Vedanth Ram was in his elements as he made a positive start scoring a fine 8-4 victory over Prashant Luthra before making a shock exit losing to Sabharish Kumar who held his nerves to stun Vedant with a hard-fought 8-5 victory.

In earlier matches, Shyam M. had advanced with an 8-4 win over Harsh Shah, Zain Ashfaque had an easy outing demolishing Kevin Thomas 8-0, Aditya Singh was an 8-2 winner over Shunam Ghosh and Guha Kaarthik struggled before overcoming Sharon Raphel 8-5.

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SPORTS

TU Delft Challenge hope to be third time lucky at SATT Team Delft Challenge has a new look this year and new skipper Sonnema is confident the strong team spirit they have formed will pay dividends

MUSCAT: TU Delft Challenge, the amateur student team from the Netherlands, are hoping to make it third time lucky in the EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour (SATT) 2015.

After announcing themselves as title contenders last year with a podium place in just their second attempt, new skipper Wouter Sonnema, a 20-year old Civil Engineering student who took part last year as a crewmember on TU Delft Challenge, has high hopes of improving on past performances and maintaining the positive momentum that saw the team finish fourth in 2013 and third last year.

Sonnema said: “EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour is the highlight of the year for TU Delft Challenge.

We go to Arabia aiming to win every race we start. We have good speeds downwind and our tactics upwind are good, but there are four new teams so a lot of unknowns.”

Team Delft Challenge has a new look this year and with student members, Jelger Rozendaal (18) and Daan Geldermans (21) joining the team after impressing in selection trials, Sonnema is confident that the strong team spirit they have formed will pay dividends.

Professional sailor, Koen van Esch, has also joined the team as coach and has spent many hours training in light airs to make sure

NEW LOOK TEAM: With new members on board, TU Delft Challenge have hopes of improving on past performances. – Supplied photo

the team is ready to challenge some of the world’s best sailors.

A larger field of 11 teams featuring the best sailing talent in the GCC and elite international sailors take on the intense challenge of a brand new 760 nm course around the Gulf of Arabia. Kicking off in Muscat on February 15, the new course presents different challenges to previous years and

teams must develop new tactics to adapt to the strong headwinds and conditions.

After the opening stage, teams will set sail for Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, as well as Qatar and Bahrain, in identical Farr 30 racing yachts that ensure sailing skill is the deciding factor.

The ‘reversed’ course repre-

CYCLING

MUSCAT: The fifth Trans Hajar Mountain Bike Race, organised by Oman Cycling Association, kicks off on Friday with a field of 75 pro and amateur riders from 18 nations.

Held over five days from January 30 to February 3, the race will take riders across some of the Sultanate’s most spectacular and rugged landscape with challenging climbs, descents and customised single-track racing around Jebel Shams, Arabia’s highest peak which stands at 3,028 metres.

This year’s course is a completely new 400-kilometre route that offers a taste of authentic Arabia with canyons, wadis, rivercrossings and traditional Omani villages providing a unique perspective of untamed Oman and the beautiful mountain range in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

Seven Omani riders are taking part this year and will hope to challenge the strong field of international cyclists. Omair Al Rawahi, Mohammed Al Shandoodi, Mashari Al Khalili, Hatim Al Bishri, Mazin Al Haddabi, Faisal Al Baqoobi and Musab Al Rashdi are all ready to tackle the Sultanate’s highest mountain and test themselves on the new course.

Leading the international charge is South Africa with 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic hopeful James Reid making his Trans Hajar debut while Hannele Steyn returns to Oman to defend the title she won last year.

James has recently joined Team RECM, South Africa’s leading professional cycling team, and is ready for his next adventure.

He said: “I am very excited to be racing for the first time in the Middle East — I have raced in China, but never in this new and exciting part of the world.”

“It is just about the beginning of the season for us, so my shape should be decent and this should be a good test ahead of a big year.

In South Africa we have a lot of stage races and marathon events of a similar nature to the stages of the Trans Hajar but the remote start on Day Two looks like something different and will be a lot of fun,” he added.

sents an exciting challenge for the young sailors from TU Delft Challenge, who have been competing in Farr 30 championship races all year and narrowly missed out on a top 10 place at the Farr 30 World Championships last September.

“Having 11 teams participating this year as opposed to six last year is really significant progress for SATT and a larger field of Farr 30s NEW EVENT

Fifth Trans Hajar Mountain Bike Race attracts 75 riders

Ministry to host squash tournament MUSCAT: Squash is unheard of in Oman but the Ministry of Sports Affairs is going all out to make a new beginning for the sport in the Sultanate by conducting a squash tournament.

The tournament is scheduled to be organised on on February 20 and 21 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

The primary aim of the Ministry is to promote the sport.

The tournament will include two competitions — Under-16 and Open categories.

Interested participants may contact Taher Al Barwani (96339655).

UNIQUE EVENT: Action from the last edition of the Trans Hajar Mountain Bike Race. – Supplied photo

Hannele Steyn, previous winner of the Cape Epic and past winner of the World Triathlon Championship, faces fierce competition to retain her title against some the sport’s most successful riders.

“I am scared and excited about the Trans Hajar because I know it is a tough race, at much higher altitude and with an extra day to complete this year. I love the race, though, because of the beautiful desert scenery and what’s more I love to race in the heat,” she said.

“I have competed in the Trans Hajar for the last two years and it has always been very well organised with the best camping facilities I have experienced at a race.”

Commenting on this year’s race, Saif bin Sabaa Al Rushaidi, Head of Oman Cycling Association, said: “We are proud to launch the fifth edition of Trans Hajar and celebrate our recent classification by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The unique event has expanded this year and attracted international riders and provided them with the opportunity to experience the contrasting climbs and descents of Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains, which rival some of the best bike trails in the world.

“Each stage offers riders a new test with short and steep climbs and longer routes that pass

through deep canyons and winding mountain passes that provide the ultimate mountain biking experience and truly showcase the beauty of Oman.”

The multi-stage marathon race follows the tried and tested format of a prologue where riders compete as individuals rather than in pairs, with quad bikes, offroad buggies and 4×4 support cars equipped with satellite phones, toolboxes, first aid kits and some basic spares patrolling the routes to lend a hand.

Trans Hajar was first launched in 2011 by a group of cycling enthusiasts to conquer Oman’s varied terrain, technical rock gardens, wadi beds, wide dusty graded roads and gradient climbs and descents. It fast became known amongst globetrotting cycling enthusiasts as an ideal winter destination for travellers seeking adventure, culture and an untouched environment.

Oman prides itself on its authenticity, traditions and welcoming approach to visitors and is home to some of the best biking trails in the world. For the second year in succession, the field operations of the world-class race will be managed by Oman Sail with an aim to develop the event further and strengthen its stature within the international biking arena.

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always makes for a greater spectacle,” added Sonnema.

EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour was established in 2011 as the Middle East’s equivalent of the Tour de France a Voile. The race offers professional and amateur racing teams a chance to compete in warm weather during the winter months and rekindle the region’s long affinity with the water.

FOOTBALL

Barca chief slams Fifa rules over transfer ban BARCELONA: Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu believes Fifa regulations concerning under-age player transfers needs to be revised and that current rules would have prevented Lionel Messi from joining the club.

The Catalan side have been banned from signing players during this transfer window and the next one for breaking the rules over the signing of foreign under-18 players.

Now Real Madrid are also being investigated by Fifa over the transfer of 51 players and there are rumours that the activities of other La Liga clubs could be examined.

The ban is a major blow for Barca, who have been held up as an example for their development of youth players through their celebrated Masia academy, where they nurtured the talent of Argentine-born Messi after he arrived at the club aged 13.

Bartomeu is angry at the way they have been treated.

“The problem is with Fifa and they need to change this article 19 (over the transfer of youth players) as it doesn’t make any sense,” the president told Spanish radio. “Leo Messi couldn’t have come to Barca according to Fifa. Fifa have a problem and they can’t have a rule which so many kids are not complying with. At the moment, it is Barca who are paying for five kids.

“Barca have suffered injustices in the past and this is another example.

“Clearly there are going to be other clubs involved, (Spanish federation president Angel Maria) Villar already told us that other Spanish teams were being investigated. I don’t want other clubs to be investigated. I want Fifa to change the rules and (Fifa President Sepp) Blatter to consider this.” - Reuters

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SPORTS

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Figo wants to challenge Fifa chief

CRICKET

Revealing his plans one day before nominations close, Figo said he would run against Blatter

WINNERS: GCC Blues pose for a group photo along with the chief guest and other dignitaries. – Supplied photo

because “football

GCC hosts Republic Day of India National Stone cricket tourney MUSCAT: Gulf Cricket Centre (GCC) organised the National Stone Cricket Tournament to mark the Republic Day of India celebrations at the municipality ground in Al Amerat.

The 25 overs-a-side in-house academy match, involving the under-13 and under-16 players, was played between GCC Blues and GCC Reds.

After winning the toss, GCC Blues Captain Shrihari chose to bat first and the team did well to score 204 all out in 25 overs. In reply GCC Reds were bowled for 188 in 25 overs.

Chief guest B.P. Kulkarni, Air India Country Manager, handed over the trophy and medals to the winning team.

Guest of honour Arun Kumar Pandey, Al Ayam Enterprises Managing Director, honoured the runners-up team. Vaishali Sanjay Karwani presented the individual awards.

GCC official Mohammed Irshad presented mementos to umpires Sanjit Kanojia and Jaypal Udeshi as well as scorers Hussain and Maqsood.

RUNNERS-UP: GCC Blues team celebrate with their trophy. – Supplied photo

The event was sponsored National Stones LLC, Air India, Muscat Pharmacy Pocari Sweat, Naqi International LLC, Al Ayam Enterprises LLC, Mohammad Rafeeq and Partners LLC and Oasis Waters.

Brief scores: GCC Blues 204 in 25 overs (Shrihari 53, Talha 40, Ajay 37 n.o., Veera 2 wkts, Arjun 2 wkts, Moin 2 wkts) bt GCC Reds 188 all out in 25 overs (Arjun 44, Faiz 33 n.o., Veera 20, Ali Akbar 20; Githin 3 wkts, Ajay 2 wkts).

Individual awards: Best batsman: Arjun; Best bowler: Githin; Best fielder: Prathiesh; Best all-rounder: Shrihari; Man of the match: Ajay. Best upcoming players: Jefrin, Gyan and Hatisham.

deserves better” than its current reputation

LONDON: Former Portugal international Luis Figo said on Wednesday he wanted to stand for the Fifa presidency and had the five nominations needed.

Revealing his plans one day before nominations close to enter the race, the former Real Madrid and Barcelona forward told CNN he would run against incumbent Sepp Blatter because “football deserves better” than its current reputation.

Figo, 42, was twice voted World Player of the Year and played for Portugal a record 127 times, scoring 32 goals.

“I care about football, so what I’m seeing regarding the image of Fifa — not only now but in the past years — I don’t like it,” he said.

Figo is the latest to throw his hat in the ring alongside Blatter, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, former Fifa official Jerome Champagne of France, ex-France international David Ginola and Dutch FA President Michael van Praag.

His compatriot, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, issued a statement saying: “Luis Figo’s candidacy is a great step forward for football. His career over many

years grants a better future for Fifa. “I believe in his character and determination, as well as his passion for the game. He will be a president focused on football and its general improvement, acting closely with all Federations.”

Speaking about his campaign, Figo said: “Football has given me so much during my life and I want to give something back to the game.

In recent weeks, months, and even years, I have seen the image of Fifa deteriorate and as I speak to many people in football — to players, managers and Association Presidents — so many of those people have told me that something has to be done.

“Throughout my career I have worked at all levels of the game.

This has given me a unique insight and understanding that I feel can enhance the discussion about the future of FIFA and the future of football.”

In a 20-year playing career Figo made nearly 800 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

He also led Portugal’s ‘Golden Generation’ in three European championships and two World Cups. Since retiring he has represented charitable causes and built a reputation as a multilingual ambassador for the sport.

Figo, who has served on the Uefa Football Committee since 2011, said it was vital to see change in the governing body of world football. “It is essential that we see change at the top and we set Fifa on a new course which is all about football and less about politics,” he declared.

“This is why I am looking forward to getting on the road in the coming weeks, to explain in detail my programme and my vision.”

The Danish FA (DBU) said it would back Figo “to get as wide a field with as many different profiles as possible.” - Reuters

OOC PLANNING AND FOLLOW-UP COMMITTEE MEETS The Planning and Follow-up Committee of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) held their first meeting of the year under the chairmanship of committee chief Sheikh Saif bin Hilal Al Hosni at the OOC Headquarters on Wednesday. The panel members reviewed the report of the committee and discussed Oman’s participation in the second GCC Beach Games in Doha April 3 to 16 April. During the meeting, Al Hosni said the committee is in favour of continuing the support national teams and also providing the technical support in order to achieve the good results in the international competitions. — Supplied photo

AT H L E T I C S

Bubka to take on Coe for IAAF presidency KIEV: Ukrainian pole vault legend Sergei Bubka will challenge Britain’s Sebastian Coe for the presidency of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), he confirmed on Wednesday.

The two men are the only candidates so for to succeed Lamine Diack, who is due to step down in August. Bubka, 51, said: “I am seeking the IAAF presidency to give something back to the

world of athletics which has given so many opportunities to me throughout my life.”

An IAAF council member since 2001 and vice-president since 2007, Bubka set 35 world pole vault records in a glittering career which brought him an Olympic gold in the colours of the Soviet Union in 1988 and six consecutive world championships from 1983 to 1997, three of them for Ukraine.

“I wish to build upon the pro-

gress achieved by the IAAF under the leadership of its president (Lamine Diack),” he added, “to ensure that the sport of athletics and its governing body are world-class and an example to others with regard to governance, transparency and ethics.

“We also need to provide greater grassroots support to inspire the next generation of athletes... and we need to ensure protection of clean sport.”

Former middle distance star Coe, who headed the London 2012 Olympic organising committee, threw his hat into the ring in November with a pledge to attract more young people to the sport and crack down on the scourge of doping. Diack, 81, has been president since succeeding Primo Nebiolo in 1999 but will retire this year and the vote for his successor will take place at the IAAF Congress in Beijing. - AFP

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SIGHT & SOUND

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MACKENZIE CROOK: THE ACTOR WHO PREFERS TO S TAY AT HOME IS H O L LY W O O D ’ S MOST U N L I K E LY NEW S TA R

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s a teenager he was so skinny he couldn’t even get a date.

And after ten years as an obscure stand-up comic even his parents suggested it might be time he looked for a proper job...

But what started as a low-budget off-peak TV comedy show changed all that. Today at 40, Mackenzie Crook, who played geeky Gareth in the cult comedy The Office has become, to his intense surprise, a major money-spinning star.

After blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Brothers Grimm and Finding Neverland, Mackenzie is now starting a second series of his TV comedy series The Detectorists, about a pair of metal-detecting enthusiasts.

“I’m fascinated by people and their hobbies, and how they spend their spare time,” says Mackenzie,

who admits to breeding tortoises.

“Hobbies seem to run in our family.” My dad spent a lot of time in his shed in the garden and now I find I’m doing the same.”

But although he is expected to earn a cool $10 million this year, Mackenzie has no intention of moving from his semi-detached north London house where he lives contentedly with wife Lindsay, son Jude and daughter Elizabeth.

“I keep being asked back to America but I only want to go back every couple, of years or so. There’s too much to do here. I don’t need to be constantly flying off to Los Angeles. I’m just an odd-looking bloke who’s been tremendously lucky.

I’ve no time for all that stardom stuff. I just don’t believe in it.”

“He is the loveliest actor I have ever worked with,” confirms Jona-

than Gershfield, who directed Mackenzie in his recent movie 3 And Out, in which he plays a London underground train driver who accidentally kills two people. “I have never met a successful actor so utterly bereft of self-importance.

“I still find it all unreal,” explains Mackenzie.”Ten years ago I was so skint I couldn’t even afford to buy a car and had no idea where the next job was coming from. Now Johnny Depp rings up for a chat!”

He remembers that when he was asked to be in Pirates of the Caribbean he thought it was a joke.

He was just as astonished to become Christian Slater’s co-star in the West End theatre hit One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and to get rave reviews for his starring stage role in Chekhov’s The Seagull.

“I still don’t regard myself as a

proper actor — just a comic who’s had a stroke of luck,” Mackenzie says. “But I’m enjoying it while it lasts. It’s the show-business equivalent of winning the lottery! My parents still feel relief rather than elation!”

The side-kick makes it big Mackenzie is the first to appreciate that his world-wide following, from Russia to China, originally stems from just six hours of TV exposure as side-kick to cringe-making manager Ricky Gervais in The Office, the black comedy of life in the office of a stationery company on a depressing UK industrial estate.

“We expected to get a few weeks work out of it and then move on to something else,” Mackenzie says. “Then all this happened...”

“All this” includes a succession of

TV and show-business awards, an international cult following and Mackenzie’s spectacular rise from unknown to superstar.

Mackenzie remains in touch with Ricky Gervais and the rest of The Office cast, but they are now all so busy that they meet less frequently than they would like to. Part of the genius of the 0ffice was that they picked people who got on — we had such a laugh making the show and I was always aware that we were doing something special.

“There’s talk of making a movie version but I wouldn’t want to be in it. I think we should remember the series how it was — and leave it at that.”

Mackenzie says he was so small and skinny as a youngster that he was treated with growth hormones.

“I was a late starter where girls were concerned and while other guys were able to blag their way into pubs at 14 and 15, because they looked 18, I remained looking about ten years younger than I was!”

His parents — his father worked for an airline and his mother was a hospital administrator — simply couldn’t understand it when their son announced he wanted to be a stand-up comedian.

“Some mates were involved in making The Office and I was asked if I’d like to be in it. I loved the scripts and Gareth’s character — I modelled him on someone I’d known at school . Then it all took off from there.”

Soon to return to Hollywood to start yet another Pirates of the Caribbean sequel, Mackenzie said.

- John Graham/Tony James Features

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ETCETERA CARMEN EJOGO The Oscar-nominated historical drama was controversially nominated for Best Picture, but not for Best Director or any other acting awards

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armen Ejogo first played Coretta Scott King in Boycott, an HBO movie that aired in 2001. It examined the Montgomery bus boycott, the seeds of which were planted when, in 1955, an African-American woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man.

She returned to the role in Selma the Oscar-nominated historical drama that was, controversially, nominated for Best Picture, but not Best Director or any acting awards. The acclaimed and timely film unfolds in 1965 Alabama and depicts the events before, during and after the King-led march from Selma to Montgomery, a civil-disobedience campaign that led directly to the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year.

Ejogo spoke passionately about the film during a recent telephone interview from her home in Brooklyn, which she shares with her husband, actor Jeffrey Wright, and their two children, Elijah and T.K. It’s worth noting that Ejogo and Wright met making Boycott, in which he played Martin to her Coretta.

“My priority, this time, was that I wanted to explore the messiness of her emotional state in 1965,” Ejogo said. “She was somebody that had an awful lot going for her in terms of academic capacity, intellectual capacity. She was progressively minded, a feminist, an artist, a singer. All of those things didn’t really get to be expressed because she’d become a mother and wife, for the most part.

“She actually wasn’t as involved in Selma as many of the other characters in the film,” the actress said.

“We see her in the film a lot, but in fact she was in Atlanta a lot with the kids. There was a disconnect then, in what was going on in Martin’s life and what was going on in hers. So I think there was a degree of frustration and messiness. I don’t think it was as straightforward a calling for her as maybe as it has presented in the past.”

Matters were “a little clearer” for Coretta in 1955, when both Kingswho had met in 1951 and wed in 1953-had only recently been thrust into leadership positions within the civil-rights movement, according to Ejogo. It was a much more optimistic time for the Kings, she said, despite the fact that they were the target of death threats.

“It hadn’t become a day-in, day-out occurrence in the way it

was when you see them in 1965, in Selma,” Ejogo said. “So I think she was a woman of her time in that she’d been reduced to these very domestic, subservient roles in some way. That had to be deeply frustrating for someone with so much capacity and ability.

“It’s of no surprise to me that, certainly after Martin’s death, she became very, very supportive of women’s rights movement and so on,” she said. “I think she had all these things simmering and waiting to take shape.

“So, yeah,” Ejogo said, “that was a big difference (between the two films).”

Selma is not a biopic, telling the life’s story of either King. Instead, like Boycott, it scrutinises a particular seminal event with the Kings as central figures. Ejogo and Da-

vid Oyelowo, who portrays King, aimed to maximise every screen moment they shared, she said, to make the intimate, emotional details ring true.

“It was critical,” Ejogo said. “Every gesture, every behaviour had to resonate and be a clue into a very private couple’s life together. In the first scene she ties his ascot. She’s so decked-out, elegant and glamorous, but at some point she takes the gloves off and dismantles her fantastic outfit in order to do the duty of the wife, which is to help her husband get ready.

She’s got to focus on the main event, as it were. Little details like that were important to us. “Then there’s a scene in their kitchen at home, where, in the moment, we came up with the idea that maybe Martin has no idea where to find

L O N G -AWA I T E D

Danny begins shooting Steve Jobs biopic DANNY BOYLE has finally begun shooting the long-awaited Steve Jobs biopic with Michael Fassbender in the lead role as the late Apple founder.

Filming has begun in San Francisco after numerous casting disruptions delayed the project for months, according to The Guardian.

Gone Girl director David Fincher was originally on board with Leonardo DiCaprio as Jobs but after Sony passed the film on to Universal, Slumdog Millionaire’s Boyle joined and gave the main part to Fassbender.

Fincher withdrew last April after an alleged pay dispute and reported pressure from Angelina Jolie to helm Cleopatra, before DiCaprio followed him out of the door in October.

Christian Bale was lined-up to replace DiCaprio but left shortly before Sony’s controversial decision to sell the rights over “conflicting feelings”.

Work is now underway at last, with Kate Winslet playing former Macintosh marketing head Joanna Hoffmann, Jeff Daniels as former Apple CEO John Scul-

ley and Seth Rogen as Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network) has penned the as-yetuntitled movie, which also stars Katherine Waterson, Sarah Snook, Adam Shapiro and Michael Stuhlbarg.

The storyline is being kept

secret, but reports hint that it will be structured in three parts with the final scene involving the unveiling of the first iMac in 1998.

Jobs died from cancer in 2011 and has been portrayed on the big screen before, by Ashton Kutcher in 2013’s Jobs.

-Jess Denham/The Independent

a garbage-bin liner,” she said. “Because he’s never home, he has no idea where to find them.

“It sounds trite, but the more specific we got with details like that, we felt, the more revealing we were of the back story and the stresses and the subtle issues at play between these two people.”

Generosity of spirits Ejogo profusely praised her costar, calling Oyelowo “a gentle soul” and “very loving.”

“These are qualities that you don’t always see in actors,” she said with a nervous laugh, “or they don’t necessarily show up with those characteristics intact and make that a part of how they interact with you as a performer.”

Oyelowo, she said, did that and more. “That really was everything

to David,” Ejogo said. “I can’t overstate how the nature of the person played into the performance that both he gave and I gave, because a generosity of spirit is obviously something you need to bring to the table if you’re trying to play somebody like Martin Luther King, who, I think, had that same quality.”

Born in England, Ejogo grew up in West London and considered herself “one of those kids who just loved to be entertaining, loved to entertain and put on magic shows for the kids on the street.”

She wasn’t consciously aware of where it would steer her, at least not at first, but rode a wave that saw her model, perform music, host a video program, The Carmen Ejogo Video Show (1990), and act in films and on television.

Now 40, she has a filmography

that includes such big-budget affairs as Absolute Beginners (1986), Metro (1997) and The Avengers (1998), but also Perfume (2001), Pride and Glory (2008), Away We Go (2009), Sparkle (2012) and The Purge: Anarchy (2014). Up next is Born to be Blue, which casts Ethan Hawke as the self-destructive jazz trumpeter Chet Baker and Ejogo as the woman who inspired his personal and professional renaissance.

“As I became more conscious,” Ejogo recalled, “I started becoming more aware of the impact, more aware of what I wanted to do as a citizen of the world and as an actor.

“It became very clear to me that projects in all forms that are innovative, hopefully experimental and hopefully constantly changing, are what’s exciting to me. -Ian Spelling/The New York Times News Service

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The actress is also known for her sharp wit and comedic awareness

Speaking of her need for strict discipline to maintain a feeling of organisation amidst her chaotic life, she continued: “I’m a control freak. I like to be in charge of everything.

“My life was so out of control growing up, it’s very important today for it to be in control. I have to bite my tongue sometimes if I’m on a movie, when I think I can figure out how to make this problem that they’re having go smoothly. I just

ut the actress was far from as successful at school as she has been on the screen. She struggled through childhood feeling insecure about the rate at which she was learning and making sense of the world around her, eventually coming to the conclusion that she just “wasn’t smart”.

“I just couldn’t retain anything,” she told the Hollywood Reporter.

bite my tongue, especially with a (bad) director. Some directors are just like — oh, God, oh God, oh God! I have to just suffer through this.”

Aniston also spoke of learning more manageable ways to express her anger. “I always thought, if you’re angry you just don’t say anything,” she said.

“I would come out passive, things would come out passively.

But it doesn’t have to be black or white. You don’t have to be a hys-

“Now I had this great discovery.

I felt like all of my childhood trauma-dies, tragedies, dramas were explained.” Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

It can occur at any level of intellectual development and can impact on memory, organisation and sequencing skills, as well literacy and numeracy.

what I’d just read, and I think I got three right. Then they put a computer on my eyes, showing where my eyes went when I read. My eyes would jump four words and go back two words, and I also had a little bit of a lazy eye, like a crossed eye, which they always have to correct in photos.”

Being armed with this new information, she continued, changed her perception of her life forever.

And she carried on struggling right through to adulthood, before she was diagnosed with dyslexia during a routine eye test.

“The only reason I knew (that I had it) was because I went to get a prescription for glasses,” she said.

“I had to wear these Buddy Holly glasses. One had a blue lens and one had a red lens. And I had to read a paragraph, and they gave me a quiz, gave me 10 questions based on

terical human being and have veins pop- ping out of your neck and turn bright red and terrify people — or else keep quiet and put your head in the sand.

“I used to loathe confrontation.

Loathe it. It was absolute. I understood anger, but I didn’t know that you should express it. Which has been something that I’ve really tried to work on.”

-Jenn Selby/The Independent

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ETCETERA CHANNING TATUM IS ON A ROLL

The actor has the physique of an action hero, but his career has evolved into Hollywood’s most diverse one

‘I

remember my body dangling from a crane 40 feet up in the air,” Channing Tatum said, recalling the filming of Jupiter Ascending in Chicago. “We were being flown down a street about 30 miles an hour.”

All of a sudden the camera, which had been zooming in on him and co-star Mila Kunis, swerved toward them and came at them, gaining speed as it moved. “I karate-kicked it away,” the 34-year-old actor said with a sheepish laugh, “and I think I broke the camera.

I think I cost the studio about $100,000. I just couldn’t help it!”

Normally, Tatum said-speaking by telephone to promote the film, which will open in the US on February 6 — his life is less exciting and much less glamorous.

For example, he spends most mornings playing with his yearold daughter, Everly.

“I do diapers,” he said. “I do good diapers and I sing songs.” It’s a far cry from making “Jupiter Ascending,” a science-fiction extravaganza written and directed by Andy and Lana Wachowski, creators of The Matrix (1999), and also starring

in, which is quite interesting.

“I’m tasked with finding Jupiter and bringing her back,” he continued. “But what I find is something very special about her. The question then is, do I protect her and help her, or do I just do my job?’”

Caine opts to become Jupiter’s protector, and they’re off on a massive chase which involved some elaborate stunts.

“It’s my most physical film to date,” Tatum said. “It was a long shoot, and you really had to keep up the physicality to get through some really great action scenes.

It’s my most physical film to date. It was a long shoot, and you really had to keep up the physicality to get through some really great action scenes Sean Bean, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Eddie Redmayne. The film is set in a totalitarian future in which the Queen of the Universe has decreed, for reasons that initially are unknown, that a seemingly unremarkable young woman named Jupiter Jones (Kunis) must be killed. Caine (Tatum) is sent to do the job.

“I’m a genetically engineered human who was built in a test tube,” Tatum explained. “I’m spliced with what would be a wolf on this planet.

So basically I’m a hybrid wolf and human with a bit of albino thrown

Action hero Tatum has the physique to be an action hero, but his career has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most diverse. In 2014 he showed his comedy chops with Jonah Hill in 22 Jump Street, but also played his most challenging dramatic role in the critically acclaimed Foxcatcher, which has earned Oscar nominations for two of his co-stars, Steve Carell as Best Actor and Mark Ruffalo as Best Supporting Actor.

In the film, which is based on a true story, Tatum plays cham-

REBOOT

New ‘Ghostbusters’ movie lands all-female cast THE GHOSTBUSTERS reboot has found its new spectrecapturing team, with director Paul Feig confirming on Twitter that Bridesmaid actresses Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, and Saturday Night Live comedians Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones will star.

A remake of director Ivan Reitman’s 1984 comedy classic, Feig’s take on the property is said to be targeting a scarier tone that will not maintain any continuity with the original film or its 1989 sequel (or the surprisingly continuity-heavy animated series The Real Ghostbusters, for that matter).

The quartet take over from the original 80s team of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and the late Harold Ramis, with the reboot getting a release date of 22 July, 2016.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, with Feig later tweeting out a picture of the four actresses as confirmation.

The actresses have been linked with the project for some time, with Murray previously saying he thought the idea of a female team was “swell”.

Fans seem to be happy with the choices, with one Twitter user writing: “Notably, if you were casting a new Ghostbusters movie without any re-

gard for gender, you couldn’t get much funnier than those four humans.”

McKinnon last year won an Emmy for her work, and recently gave a very well-received parody of Justin Bieber’s Calvin Klein shoot on SNL. According to THR, the film is eying a summer shoot in New York. It has been gestating for some time.

Original director Ivan Reitman was on board as were Aykroyd and Ramis, but Murray did not seem keen to return to the franchise. Reitman later dropped out following Ramis’ death, leaving Bridesmaids director Feig to step in. -Agencies

pion wrestler Mark Schultz, who, with his brother Dave (Ruffalo), became the first brothers to win Olympic gold medals in wrestling.

Adrift after his triumph, Schultz is recruited to join Team Foxcatcher and train for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul under the guidance of eccentric multimillionaire John du Pont (Carell), who is sponsoring the team. He moves to the du Pont estate, where he is later joined by his brother.

Things are not as they seem, however. Du Pont’s erratic behaviour and his penchant for psychological games begin to work on Mark’s fragile self-esteem, and events spiral toward a tragic end.

It was the first time that Tatum had played a real person who was still alive, and he relished the opportunity. “I had the unique ability, in this movie, to really get to know my character,” the actor said. “I got to spend a good amount of time with him and the people who knew him intimately. “I think du Pont came into Mark’s life at a very interesting time,” Tatum said. “For one of the first times, he shone light on him and made him feel seen and loved in a way. He

brought him out of the shadow of his brother.”

His performance as Mark Schultz is, among other things, an impressive job of physical acting. Mark is reticent and inarticulate, but Tatum captures the distinctive movements of a world-class wrestler.

Early life Tatum grew up in Alabama, where his mother worked for an airline and his father was a construction worker. His early life was all about sports, with track and field, baseball and soccer only beginning the list-though, unfortunately for Foxcatcher, he never wrestled.

“I played football for 10 years and did baseball and mixed martial arts,” he recalled. “I was all about being that guy who was part of a team or someone who was always competing.

“I was the best when I had someone just grinding me,” Tatum continued. “I did well when there was someone who wouldn’t let me have a breath. My dad was tough on me, which was good for me.” As a young adult, however, Tatum’s determination was of little use

because he didn’t have a sense of his future path. He left college and worked as a construction worker, a mortgage broker and a salesman. Meanwhile, however, he supplemented his income by modelling and making television commercials.

“Acting just seemed like the natural next step,” he said.

Tatum made his movie debut in Coach Carter (2005), which led to A Guide to Recognising Your Saints (2006), She’s the Man (2006) and Step Up (2006), on the set of which he met his future wife, actress Jenna Dewan, as well as GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), Dear John (2010), The Vow (2012), 21 Jump Street (2012) and White House Down (2013).

Upcoming releases Next up is Magic Mike XXL. “This is the Super Bowl version of the first one,” Tatum said.

After that he’ll star in Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, set in post-Civil War and focusing on a group of bounty hunters. His two upcoming films are as diverse as his three previous ones. - Cindy Pearlman/The New York Times News Service

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X-Men all set for debut on small screen soon X-MEN could be making its small screen debut soon. US channel Fox is in negotiations to adapt a live action series for TV, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Former Star Trek 3 screenwriting duo Patrick McKay and JD Payne are set to pen the potential TV show, with 24 producers Evan Katz and Manny Coto also on board.

X-Men: Days of Future Past writer Simon Kinber hinted at the prospect of a TV show last April, citing the success of ABC’s Agents of SHIELD (2013) and Netflix’s Daredevil (2015).

Chris Pratt to fill Harrison Ford’s boots in ‘Indiana Jones’ CHRIS PRATT is reportedly being courted for a reboot of the hit franchise, after Disney bought the film rights from Paramount in 2013. Harrison Ford made the character famous in Raiders of the Lost Ark and his will be huge archaeologist boots to fill, but Pratt has made a big name for himself too with a recent lead turn in Guardians and the Galaxy. The 35-year-old begins work on The Magnificent Seven with Denzel Washington in April and inevitably, a Guardians of the Galaxy sequel is on the cards.

MICHAEL KEATON: DOWN MEMORY LANE The actor on ‘Birdman’ winning the Best Picture at the Oscars and his acting journey

I

t was noon on a rainy, dismal day in New York, and the 63-year-old actor was sitting nervously in the back row of a Manhattan movie theatre, catching a few minutes of a preview of Birdman, the film that has reinvigorated his career and finally brought him an Oscar nomination as Best Actor.

Clad in dark slacks, a black sweater and a white shirt, his hair light and shorn, Keaton seemed, well, nervous.

Being Michael Keaton is a pretty good deal these days. Birdman — the full title is Birdman: Or, The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance — has won lavish reviews and earned Oscar nods not only for Keaton but also for writer/director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and co-stars Edward Norton and Emma Stone.

Keaton plays Riggan Thomson, a burned-out movie star best known for playing a big-screen superhero. Riggan has money and fame, but he doesn’t care about either. Instead he desperately wants to reinvent his creative life after walking away from Birdman 4.

Unfortunately his winged alter ego keeps talking inside Riggan’s head, offering life advice and career direction. The character clearly wants him in feathers again, at any cost.

Instead Riggan decides to direct and star in a Broadway play showcasing a needy actress (Naomi Watts) and an out-of-his-mind actor (Edward Norton).

Meanwhile Riggan has to deal with the layers of guilt inflicted on him by his estranged daughter (Emma Stone), who’s all grown up now but happy to remind him that he was more interested in stardom than in fatherhood when she was younger.

There are obvious resonances to the career of Keaton, who re-

The idea for this film came from the struggling battle that all artists have in life, which is a personal battle. You become aware of how the ego works, and I know my ego is a huge conquistador and a tyrant who sometimes can be very misleading mains best known as the star of Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), but director/ co-writer Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, best known for 21 Grams (2003) and Babel (2006), sees it as a broader portrait of artistic struggle.

“The idea for this film came from the struggling battle that all artists have in life, which is a personal battle,” Inarritu said in a separate interview. “You become aware of how the ego works, and I know my ego is a huge conquistador and a tyrant who sometimes can be very misleading. I can be doing something that I think is brilliant and then I go, ‘You stupid (idiot), it’s a piece of (garbage) and nobody will care about it.’

“That’s the struggle Riggan is going through with his play.”

That struggle is a familiar one

for anyone in his line of work, Keaton said. “All of us go through it as actors,” he said. “As you age, that doubt doesn’t go away. I think it fuels you when you ask, ‘Can I really do this?’

“The character is really one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done,” Keaton continued, “and not in terms of the character, but in terms of how the film was made. In most scenes I had about 30 to 49 seconds to surf a lot of different emotions.”

Keaton has a scene in which he rips into a theater critic who threatens to demolish his play with her review, even before having seen it. Did the actor, who has had his share of pans through the years, find special appeal in that scene?

“This is where I’m really a dope,” he admitted. “I don’t really read anything about myself. It’s miserable to read it, so I just don’t do it.

“Originally in my career, I did believe that you should be courageous and read everything written about you,” Keaton added.

“Then I read a few and thought, ‘I’ll never do that again.’”

Well, hardly ever.

“If someone says, ‘Hey, you got a really nice review,’ then I’ll read it,” the actor admitted. “I’m willing to make myself feel better.”

During his career heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, Keaton got his share of tabloid attention, which equipped him to play Riggan, whose life has been wrecked, at least to some degree, by the press.

Nonetheless, he said that he didn’t see much of himself in the character, at least in that regard.

“Overall-unless I’m being really stupid here, and that could be true-I do feel like I have been treated pretty fairly,” he said.

Since his days in the spotlight, Keaton added, the nature of celebrity has changed.

“I think everybody is kind of

a celebrity now,” he explained.

“Anybody can be anything, thanks to the Internet. All of a sudden the dog running into a wall is a huge celebrity with millions of hits.

“It’s everybody’s turn,” Keaton continued. “Because of Youtube, a lot of people are walking around in their own movie. It follows that celebrity is not a big deal anymore. I don’t even think people are knocked out by celebrity anymore. I think everyone is a celebrity in his or her own head.”

Born Michael John Douglas, Keaton grew up in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of seven children. His father was a civil engineer and surveyor, while his mother was a homemaker. After two years of studying speech at Kent State University in Ohio, Keaton dropped out of school and moved to Pittsburgh to try standup comedy.

A stint as a cameraman at the local PBS station led to acting gigs-he made his screen debut in 1975 as one of the Flying Zucchini Brothers on Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood — and he also worked in theatre before moving to Los Angeles to enter the film business. That was when, per Screen Actors Guild rules, the presence of someone else using the same name transformed Michael Douglas into Michael Keaton.

It took five years of scrambling and bit parts before Keaton got his big break in Ron Howard’s Night Shift (1982), but thereafter his ascent was rapid. First in comedies such as Mr. Mom (1983), Gung Ho (1986) and Beetlejuice (1988) and later in such dramas as Clean and Sober (1988), My Life (1993) and The Paper (1994), Keaton became one of Hollywood’s go-to guys.

It all peaked, however, when director Tim Burton signed him to play Batman. Decades later the memories are still fresh. -Cindy Pearlman/The New York Times News Service

RUMOUR

‘Tom DeLonge leaves Blink-182 indefinitely’ BLINK 182 fans were likely playing I Miss You on a loop, as guitarist and co-vocalist Tom DeLonge had announced he is leaving the pop-punk band “indefinitely”.

His former bandmates Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus, with whom he founded Blink-182 in 1992, said that “the show must go on” in a statement released by the band’s publicist, KROQ reported.

The statement came after the Musink Music and Tattoo Festival in California announced that Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba would be filling in for DeLonge - sparking rumours that DeLonge had left.

Barker and Hoppus said they were “excited” that Skiba

would stand in for DeLonge at the festival on 22 March in Orange County, California, and planned to “honour all Blink-182 commitments”.

“We were all set to play this festival and record a new album and Tom kept putting it off without reason. “A week before we were scheduled to go in to the studio we got an email from his manager explaining that he didn’t want to participate in any Blink-182 projects indefinetly, but would rather work on his other non-musical endeavors ,” the statement explained.

“No hard feelings, but the show must go on for our fans,” the pair said. Skiba will continue to make new music and tour with the Alkaline Trio, the state-

ment added. Fans quickly took to Twitter to lament the change in the band’s lineup, causing his name to trend.

A new update in the public DeLonge said among the members of Blink-182: He — Delonge, that is — says despite what Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker are saying, he “never planned on leaving the band.”

Delonge not only denied the claims they made in Rolling Stone, but said they “poisoned” their relationship when they announced his departure without his knowledge.

While he admitted that other commitments like Angels & Airwaves kept him busy, he maintains he never said he was out. -Agencies

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OFFICES FOR RENT - Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

- Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

- Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 95530121, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

We have 2 BHK luxury flats with 3 toilets in Ghala for rent, very spacious, building on main road, huge parking, good for families, 20 flats available. # 93782735 / 99208033

We have 1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK flats, 4, 5 bedrooms villa, open space offices & shops available in Ghala, Ghobrah, Qurum, Mabela, Ruwi, Darsait, Mumtaz, Wadi Kabir. All brand new buildings & very affordable prices.

Contact 93782735 / 99208033

We have 3 BHK flat in Ghubah North close to sea with balcony, very nice location. #93782735 / 99208033 We have 3 BHK apartment in Al Khuwair 28 Muna Complex with swimming pool, gym, covered car parking, prime location, good for European & Indian Families. Contact 93782735 / 99208033 2 BR flat for rent in Wadi Kabir next to Al Maha Petrol Pump.

Rent RO 300 pm. contact 99440826

We have 2 BHK flats in Ghala, 2 BHK offices in Ghala, 100 SQM open space office in Ghala. Full furnished office in Ghala, 4 BHK villa in Al Khuwair 33. # 93782735 / 99208033

Fully furnished 1 bedroom penthouse Wadi Kabir behind Sana Hassan, monthly RO 275/-.

Contact 99349990

3BHK, (3 bathroom and big hall) opp. Apollo Hospital, Hamariya R/A (OMR 300/-) Contact 91181761

Fully furnished rooms for rent for family. Contact 99251975, Al Khuwair

Flat located in Al Muhaj Square Al Amerat on the main road.

Contact 98895553

Furnished room with AC for Executive, Al Khuwair. Contact 97004265, 99689315

Shop or office near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99233116

For rent flat and showroom in Al Khuwair, Ghala, Ghubrah and Darsait. Contact 24485240, 24485241, 93651633, 92109563

Flat in Wadi Kabir, 2 bedrooms, 3 toilets and one sitting room.

Contact 99210008

Flat Al Ghubrah near Indian School second floor without lift, 1 BHK living room, 2 bathrooms, split AC, family only, RO 280/-, kitchen, balcony.

Contact 92479515

2 BHK at Honda Road, Al Farzana Trad, building No.2324 way-4331.

Contact 99224748, 99332297 1 BHK Wadi Kabir, RO 190/-.

Contact 95094028 Industrial land available for rent in Misfah Phase II, 5400 SQM with boundary wall. Contact 99349311 Room for rent sharing flat single room bathroom balcony cupboards & A/C RO 150/- with E/W near Al Falaj, Ruwi. Contact 96787979 Flat for rent near Al Khoudh suq 2Bedrooms, 1Familyroom, 3Bathrooms Kitchen, Split AC (280) OMR Contact95151522 Labour Camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99792181

Room available at Barka, near al shaikh total room space 660 sqm.width.11.7 m length.56 m.

Contact: 96971777, 99015059 email:marafialwasanintl@gmail.com Office space with cassette type A/C’s with free internet at al Khuwair near KM Hypermarket. Contact 99460330 1000 SQ Mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. contact 24700120, 92584715 2 BHK Wadi Kabir, RO 300/-.

Contact 92144045 1, 2, 3 BHK flats. Contact 92144045

Office space in CBD & Al khuwair.

Contact 99792181 Restaurant or Super Market for Rent or Sale in Bowsher. # 99792181 Flat for rent in Al Azaiba, Al Mawalah & Al Khoudh. Contact 99336639 1 BHK RO 190/-, Darsait.

Contact 96760894 One BHK flat in Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque, RO 190/-.

Contact 95094028 Bath attached room for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99378661

1 BHK Mumtaz Area with A/C, RO 250/-. Contact 92144045 2 BHK with A/C Al Falaj, RO 425/-.

Contact 92144045 1 BHK with A/C Al Ghobrah, RO 275/Contact 92144045 2 BHK commercial Al Khuwair, RO 400/-. Contact 92144045 2 BHK with A/C Al.Khuwair, RO 375/- Contact 92144045 2 bedroom flat for rent in Hamriya, RO 160/-. Contact 95401070

I room with attached toilet in Al Hail for bachelor, rent RO 100 to RO 130/-.

Contact 97661432 Industrial empty plots 1000 – 15000 sqm are available in Misfah / Jiffnain rent for long lease, RO 1.200 per sq mt. Contact 96789522 2 BHK with window A/C in Al Khoudh rent RO 250/-. Contact 97661432 Constructed warehouse 3000 sq mt with boundary wall & gate in Misfah ready for lease or rent for long term.

Rent RO 3.500 per sq. mt. #96789522

Flat new Al Athaibah near 18 Nov Street, 2 BHK hall, 2 bathrooms, split A/C, RO 350/-. Family only.

Contact 92479515 Flat Al Khuwair near Badr Al Samaa, 2 BHK living room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, split A/C, family only, RO 375/-. Contact 92479515 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco.

OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

For rent apartments: An apartment in old Muscat at Oman Arab Bank’s building. 3 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms, dining room, living room and a kitchen. Air conditioned apartments.

2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room area and kitchen in an excellent location in Al Khuwair opposite the court of first instance. For further information call 97072976 Offices space available min.120 upto max. 142 sqm, with data cable, pantry, cassette AC, parking, @ RO. 4/per/sqm at Jibroo Muttrah. Contact: 93221054, 99229263, 95215289 4 bedrooms Deluxe Villa available at Al Khoud-6. (2Nos.) for 450/- per month each. Contact: 93221054, 99229263, 95215289 Flat for rent for family, 2 bedrooms, 1 hall, 2 bathrooms at Al Amerat.

Contact 99598264 / 99329949 1 BHK / 2 BHK flats available at Darsait near Medical.

Contact 24705742 / 24705639 2 bedrooms flats available at Ghubrah, near Grand Mall, close to Atlas Hospital, next to Diwan’s office.

Contact 24562526, 99833747 3 bedroom residential villa in Al Khuwair near to Zakher Mall. Has shaded car park. Can be used for office or other commercial purposes.

OMR 690 Monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Al Qurum heights Sea view.

Contact 99249069 / 92888376/ 93201688 New bldg 3 BR flats located at Darsait, Muscat close to Kims Pvt Hospital. Contact 92020004 / 99800838 For rent at Al Khuwair, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sitting, dining, kitchen split A/C near Rawasco, 1st floor.

Rent 480 PDC. Contact 99879939 For rent at Ruwi, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting, dining, kitchen with A/C near Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi, Way 2116 building 577, rent RO 275, PDC. Contact 99879939 For rent at Al Khuwair, 1 room with bathroom (Independent), near Rawasco with split A/C, 2nd floor, rent RO 125 PDC. Contact 99879939 2 BHK Commercial, Al Khuwair, RO 375/-. Contact 92144045 Apartments in Al Khuwair new area each apartment contains (2 bedrooms + living room) for RO 365. # 93181111 6 bedroom villas at Al Ansab (nr Express highway).

Contact 99199365 Villas & flats & stores. Contact 99776071 / 99057348 Abu Adnan Tower - flat for rent available at Al Mabelah, 2 B/R, 1 hall, 2 toilets, 1 kitchen.

Contact 95566475 / 99654252 Villa, ground floor in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569, 97004265

Ghubrah, 2 BHK, 3 bath new building, rent RO 380/- per month.

Contact 98266157

1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390. #99319880

Flat deluxe in Al Amerat Mahaj 4, 3 rooms with 3 toilets.

Contact 99672604

1 BHK with attached toilet & bathroom behind Bank Muscat at Wadi Kabir.# 99373290, 24815012

Executive fully furnished 2 B/R Apartment @Azaiba near Zubair Showroom, executive fully furnished 2 B/R Apartment @Al Khuwair 33 near Zaker Mall, executive fully furnished 1 B/R Apartment @Al Khuwair 33, executive fully furnished 3 B/R Apartment @Al Khuwair 25.

Please contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC, 99249069, 92888376, 93201688

1 & 2 BHK in Rex road.

Contact 99792181

Luxurious flat with AC’s, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with store & family hall. # 93366421

1 BHK flat Qurum RO.270/- with split A/C. Contact – 99358589 / 95570288 /97079146

2 BHK in Bowsher. Contact 99792181

For store, workshop in Wadi Kabir Industrial Area 5/5 m. # 99374977

2 BHK flat at Al Khuwair RO.370/with split A/C. Contact – 99358589 / 95570288 /97079146

1 & 2 BHK in Ruwi. Contact 99792181

2 bedrooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact 24700120, 92584715

New building in Muttrah, 2 b/d room flat + setting room, 3 baths+ kitchen with split unit ac’s. Behind Khimjis main office/opposite to Oman House Call 99419712

100 &190 Sqr Mtrs office space in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

Huge 2 bedrooms apartment, Al Khuwair for rent immediately.

Contact 95631834 / 91335205

House in Darsait near the sea with 2 bedrooms, toilets & kitchen RO 350/- with E/W. Contact 94455311

180 Sqr mtrs Showroom in CBD. Contact 99792181

4 BHK Villa in Madhinat Ilham.

Contact 99792181

1&2 BHK flat & Shop for rent at MBD, Hamriya, Hallat sad, Al Khoudh area.

Contact: 24834644, 93994401, 02, 03 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact 99003626 1 BHK at Ghobrah - Near Indian School. Contact: 99014885

If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 Luxury 2 bed room villa at BausherAL Ansab Phase 3. Call. 99324456 2 BHK at Al Azaiba, Building No.5145 Way 4470.# 99224748, 99425665 For rent (flats), 2 bedrooms + hall +kitchen, location: South Al Mawaleh. Contact 99870020

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE Port cabins – New & refurnished Porta cabin for sale and rent.

Contact 96723468

ACC.WANTED Single room or studio flat required in Ruwi area.

Contact : 95405033

If you have any empty land, plot, building, villa to sell. Contact with all information : info@goldenllc.com Restaurant for leasing/sale in Al Hail. Contact 94148970, 94148972, 97820877 Darsait Business Office furniture, Isuzu 4 ton brand new.

Contact 91391363 Villa for sale in new Al Khoudh.

Contact 99778773 A newly opened Barber Shop for sale at upcoming industrial zone in Misfah. Expat leaving Oman.

Genuine buyers call 93833107 (Sale Price Negotiable) Sale!, all household items, like fridge, freezer, cooking range, washing machine, window/split A/Cs, LCD TV, Laptop, tab and many more for attractive prices. Location : near Toyota service Center, Honda Road. Contact - 97048983, 95293643

ACC. AVAILABLE WANTED Urgently Required 5000 used shuttering Jacks for Construction Company. Contact: 92867677

FOR RENT 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880

Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

For sale Professional sound system contact 99353978

Sharing room available for Keralite / Tamil bachelors in Ruwi RO 45/- per month. Contact 92956291

Flats ground floor, 3 Rooms & AC, kitchen, hall, in Al Mabaila South.

Contact 99377290

For sale Barber Shop in good running area, Al Khuwair.

Contact 99616650

2 B/ R Fully Furnished Executive Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33 Near Zaker Mall. 3 Bedroom Furnished executive apartment @ Al Khuwair 25.

5 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished villas at Azaiba with servants, 3 Bedroom Unfurnished Villa @ Mawalah South Area 6 with Servant Quarter, 5 Bedroom Unfurnished Villa @ An Apartment that resembles a penthouse has 2 rooms with 2 toilets, living room & an elegant balcony. Fully furnished, suited for families. Final price RO.300/- Mabela 8 near German University. #99888400

A running gents tailoring shop for sale in Sur with full clothes and all type of sewing machines.

Contact 99376723

Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999 Flats and shops. Contact 93009999

Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman. com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for rent for family & bachelor at Honda road. Contact 99040590

Deluxe 1 & 2 BHK flats in Ruwi & Darsait & Mumtaz Area.

Contact 99142314 Separate 2 room bathroom, kitchen in Wadi Kabir, RO 150/-.

Contact 99384640 Room available at barka, near al shaikh total room space 660 sqm. width.11.7 m length.56 m. contact:96971777,99015059 Email : marafialwasanintl@gmail.com Brand New Villa in Al Hail.

Contact 92817777 Excellent 4 bedrooms house in Al Hail. Contact 92817777

Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator.

Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com Looking for commercial lands for sale in Al Ghobrah North (urgent serious buyers, commercial lands in al Ghobrah North (corners prime location). Contact 91155779

GOOD NEWS

Self contained room for executive bachelor in secured villa in Ghubra, call 92595830 / 24495667 Ghubrah furnished room with attached bath, dish, wi-fi available for executive person. # 98266157 4 bedrooms house and one bedroom attached bathroom sharing kitchen in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 96639246 Spacious semi-furnished room with separate entrance, attached washroom for non-cooking Indian Bachelor near ISG.# 95146361, 92657598 Single room attached bathroom, kitchen, split A/C, Al Ghubrah near Mars Hypermarket, OR 180/-.

Contact 95094028 Furnished single room with attached bathroom near Mars Hypermarket, Al Ghubrah. Contact 97312111, RO 150/- per month Independent room furnished Executive at Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99336206 Rooms for rent in Al Hail, front of the Wave. Contact 95192927

NRI

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, ideal care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987 Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at Al Khuwair. Contact 24478618 / 97263637 /93309131

MATRIMONIAL Keralite girl, 26 (160), BSC Nurse at South America seeks suitable alliance. Contact 94413100, 98335340 Proposals are invited from parents of professionally qualified Nair Boys for 24 year old Upper Middle Class Nair girl hail from Trivandrum, (171 cm, Star-Bharani) employed in a reputed Company in Oman.

Contact 0968-9950 2593 /99798041. (KM ID.2844689)

2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Tel: 97000155 or 92688692

2 BHK apartment for residential use at Qurum. Contact 94057023

600 sq mtrs residential land in Misfah Phase 2. OMR 25 Thousand.

Tel : 99333479 or 95215360

Independent rooms in Qurum/ Al Hail. Contact 95529970

2 Bedroom flat for offices with furniture near Al Manaf Hotel, Ghala.

Contact 99525743, 99439705

LOST

Independent room with attached bathroom and AC near Wadi Adai signal. Contact 92148188

Excellent 3 bedrooms , 2 sitting rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen & store with A/C. 92817777

Muhammad Shabbir has lost Pakistani Passport No. SA6898701.

Finder please handover to ROP.

Household items on sale.

Contact 93833107

2 BHK apartment for residential use in Al Khuwair 33. Contact 94057023

BUSINESS

Sharing Accommodation for executive bachelor in near Wadi kabir garden. RO 150 with electricity and water. Contact 99440826

Room for rent for family & bachelor at Ghubrah. Contact 97681599

Accommodation available for South Indian family, one bedroom, kitchen, hall in a villa, Al Ghubrah.

Please contact 99209160

New Villa for Rent Two floors newly built villa in Maabillah, 8 Fullfledged Residential Area 6 Rooms, 8 Toilets, excellent finishing spacious Kitchen, Big Dining Rooms in Both Floors, Easy Access to Muscat and Sohar using Maabillah Bridge.

Contact 92828303

I am looking for a VCR Video for a price. Please call me if you have one in stock. Contact 99291154

Room available in Ruwi near Badr Al Samaa for Exe bachelor or couple RO 125/- including W/E. Contact 92196783 Big room attached bathroom, kitchen in Wadi Kabir. Contact 95094028

Building material shop for sale.

Opp Mars Hypermarket, Al Ghubrah.

Contact 99881647 / 93797343

Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship. Contact 97628242

Bedroom with A/c sharing kitchen for Executive bachelors at Al Khuwair. Contact 99636550

FOR SALE

Urgent sale of scrap for electronic items such as TV, Refrigerator, Freezer, Cooking Range, Washing Machines, Accessories etc.

Only serious buyers kindly contact: +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

BUYING/SELLING

Furnished single room with separate bathroom near al meera hypermarket, azaiba. Gsm 94288863

Used Blackberry Q10 (2 Month only ) 16 GB, warranty in Oman and Dubai R.O 110 only..

Contact 95442455

Show room on the main road Saham center total area 450 m sq. Contact: 99366558 / 99334226

AVAILABLE

Room with separate toilet and WiFi, Wadi Kabir near pencil building.

Contact 93416854

Land for sale at Trivandrum near Medical College Sreraryam, 3 cents road side. Contact 93772067, +91 9567517447 Villa for sale 2200 sq ft in 8 cent.

Kottayam. Contact: 92652534 For Astrological consultation, Jathakam.Contact 99860435 / 97102599

LOST Noorul Huda has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. E1423627. Finder please handover to ROP Mohammed Hussain Zaman has lost Bangladeshi Passport No AD7951971. Finder please handover to ROP. Rahmat Aziz has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. E1443956. Finder please handover to ROP Subuj Mia has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA4362779.

Finder please handover to ROP Letun Mia Hali has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA2613963. Finder please handover to ROP Niranghosh Erumathiruthy Gangadharan has lost Indian Passport No. M0507629. Finder please handover to ROP

D4

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ADMIN/HR Indian male MBA 32 yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking suitable placement in Admin/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid Oman D/L .Contact - 99054786 Indian male, 35 years with 10 years Oman experience in HR & Administration looking for suitable placement. Please contact 94473070 Indian HR admin job, 22 yrs experience, 9 yrs in Oman. NOC available.

Contact 92981324, 97241168, email: sreekp7@gmail.com Indian female, Graduate experience in Admin Customer Service operation, retail looking for suitable job.

Contact 94231020 Masters in Law, MBA in HR, experienced and highly qualified lady Indian nationality looking for job in Admin or as Legal Advisor in reputed firms. Contact 92595933

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ELECTRIC/MECHANICAL

SALES / MARKETING

We are looking for a part time accountant for our office . Must have knowledge of Tally soft ware . Working hour is flexible , but not after 5 pm .Please contact by email : sales@petromaroman.com / mobile + 968 99338105

Required experienced Technicians specialized in cold room, chiller room, freezer and fridge maintenance and repair works. Send CV to nationalhvac@ymail.com or fax: 24799442

Urgently required a dynamic Marketing Executive for a furniture company. Should posses a valid Omani Driving License.

Contact 97164554 / aliasgar@ultimate-furniture.com

Required experienced Accountant Tally, excellent English & driving license. Contact – omanlaw.om@gmail.com / 24497762 / 92192510 Wanted Accountant part time job in Company, email : anas@kenzostone.com, nabil@kenzostone.com Male Accouuntant required in Ghala. Candidates present in Oman only. Contact 99454425, Email: qamest@omantel.net.om

ADVOCATES Wanted experienced LLB holders.

Email : lawfirmfm@gmail.com

BEAUTY Required Indian or Pakistani beautician should know henna designing for Sur. Visa & accommodation available.

Contact 92795061

DESIGNER Urgently required Interior Designer qualified with minimum 5 yrs experience, capable to execute internal / external decorations to work for a leading construction company.

Email : alfayafy@outlook.com or fax : 24479675 Interior Design office seeking AutoCAD Draftsman, 3 yrs experience with knowledge of MEP Drawings. Send CV at tarneem.design@gmail.com, 95273166 / 24155315

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Required driver with car, looking for a person with experience in making gift boxes and special packing. Send CV to abba201541@yahoo.com

Electrician with 2 yrs experience.

Send CV to jobs@prestigeprojectsoman.com or call 00968 92341826

MEDICAL Required Staff Nurse and a helper immediately for a medical centre Mabela. Contact..95200180 Required the following staffs for a medical complex in Salalah urgently 1) Female Gynecologist, Arab Nationality, 2) Male Pharmacist, Indian, 3) Lab Technician, Indian.

Those interested kindly contact 97413418, 92732491.

Please send your resume to careclinicsalalah@gmail.com Wanted female physiotherapist with MOH License. Send CV at Email : info@sagarpolyclinic.com Dentist required to work urgently in dreams clinic at Al Khoud and must be resident in Sultanate of Oman.

Please send your CV to the following email – towershr70@gmail.com / balushi70@gmail.com / info@towersinternationalgroups.com Mobile – 99882340 / 24545914 Urgently required an experienced Pharmacist with MOH License for a reputed Pharmacy in Muscat.

Please send CV to newcareesr2015@gmail.com Urgently required a GP Doctor with MOH license for a leading Medical Clinic. Contact 92008272 / 96602188, email : dearnaif@hotmail.com General practitioner Doctor is required to work urgently in Dreams Clinic at Al Khoudh and must be resident in the Sultanate of Oman.

Please send your CV to the following email: towershr70@gmail.com, balushi70@gmail.com & info@towersinternationalgroups.com, Mobile 99882340, Tel: 24545914

MISCELLANEOUS Required 1.Glass Partition Fixer 2. Carpenter. Contact - 93420789

DOMESTIC HELPER MANAGER House driver for Salalah. Contact 95600011, 99081190

ENGINEERS Wanted Civil Engineer. Email : almoosaengineering@gmail.com Required B.E Mechanical Engineer with minimum 3-5 yrs Gulf experience specialized in HVAC works, good knowledge in AutoCAD. Preferred with Omani Driving License.

Send CV to nationalhvac@ymail. com, fax: 24799442 Omani Trainers & OJT’s for Mechanical / Electrical / Instrumentation & Business with suitable qualification and min 5 yrs experience in Oil & Gas. Very attractive salary offered. Suitable candidates send your CV to trainingjobsoman@gmail.com

Showroom Manager required for a leading spare parts Showroom in Doha-Qatar. Bilingual with min 5 yrs experience in Auto Spare Parts (heavy/light) field. Interested candidates please send their CVs to ashkar@alable.net Telecom / Electrical Supervisors, minimum 3 yrs exp, GCC exp & D/L preferred, Diploma in respective fields essential.

Contact 96341946, email : kmmadhupal@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Wanted Salesman with driving licence and car. Email id: jobssales2015@gmail.Com Urgently required Salesperson with valid Oman Driving License, must have experience in handling ‘A’ Grade Hyper. Mail your CV to wasim@alliusie.com, mibrahim@alliusie.com or call 98099914, 97138599

A Energy drink wholesale Distributor in Oman, required experienced Storekeeper, Marketing Executive & Marketing Manager.

Send CV at Email : cvjobsmuscat@gmail.com Urgently needed, Projects Sales Executives (3), Store Helpers (2), kitchen carpenters (2), Office Assistants/Secretary (2) (All male only) for a leading building material trading company. Candidates with right education, experience and D/L (Sales), please email CV to trend1993@yahoo.com Marketing Executive with light duty driving license. Send CV to jobs@prestigeprojectsoman.com or call 00968 92341826 Looking for outdoor salesman for heavy equipments.

Contact- 93292015, 99656542 Highly reputed Perfume Company requires Omani Sales girl promoters. Contact 95663682, 92956876 Required an experienced person who has ideas to start a new business in electrical field or supply with minimum cost. Contact 99426421

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Head office waiter storekeeper required for new Indian Restaurant. Contact 96500750

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Post Graduate Indian male having 2 year experience looking for suitable opportunities, currently on visit visa. 95356569.

Sudanese with 2 yrs experience in data entry and data collection plus customer service.

Contact 95140805, email ; zeejunior010@gmail.com Sudanese resident Bachelor of IT with 2 yrs of experience in customer service plus data entry & collection. Contact 95273302 / 96446656, Email: momazoon@gmail.com 26 years Indian male BMS (Building Management System) Engineer with 4 yrs of experience in Security systems(CCTV, access control systems, fire alarm systems and public addressing systems) seeking suitable placement. Kindly contact me on +91 9884277198, E-mail: yuvarajsd@ymail.com Indian male 27 years, B.Com, Graduate 2year experience in marketing, looking for good placement in any field, since from 4year in Oman. Contact 98765838 Indian, Female, Pharmacist available with NOC and MOH License, preferably in Muscat.

Contact 9439 1355.

Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410

Indian female Graduation in computer Science having 2 yrs experience in Oman seeking for suitable job in Admin/HR, email : maluvijayan40@gmail.com or contact 92014628 Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic.

Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian female, 25 yrs, bachelors of businesses management, having experience of 5 years as a fund/ financial administration, on visit visa,looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94662416 Apurwaverma@gmail.com

ARCHI./ DRAUGHTSMAN 28 yrs Indian male, M.Arch, 3.5 yrs exp in Green Building Architecture seeking placement.

Contact 91540113, Email: abdulmomin.h@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Pakistani male, 26, B.Com 16 yrs specialization in finance & accounting, 1.5 yrs of experience in banking and industry seeking suitable job.

Contact 95351872, omer.raza.cheema@gmail.com Indian male, 25 yrs, M.Com, CA finalist having 5 yrs of working experience in Finance & Accounts on visit seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92320520, email : coolsam06@gmail.com Accounting up to finalization, auditing & contact for tally ERP software Contact– 91720465 Indian Accountant, Male having 7 yrs exp in Oman seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact 96258733 Indian Male looking Accounting, finance, MBA finance, 3 yrs GCC, 6 yrs India. Contact 97138592, fahimakthar@gmail.com Chartered Accountant B.Com / CA / CIA, 10+ yrs in Audit, Accounts, Finance. Contact 94641805 Indian Male, 25 yrs currently in Oman on visit looking for suitable vacancies in accounts, B.Com completed 1 yr experience.

Contact 92024380 Indian male, 25 yrs, now on visit visa having 2 yrs experience in Accounts and Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact 95351570, mail2ajithpc@gmail.com Part time accounting & finalization.

Contact 93053875 Accounts Finalization, Part Time Accounting, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Onsite Tally Training, Onsite Training for Accountants, Inventory Management.

Contact : 94669089, email : ibfcoman@hotmail.com Indian accountant with more than 30 years experience in construction accounting (both finance and cost) with experience in material management and general administration seek part/full time assignment.

Ready to work anywhere in Oman and UAE and can join immediately.

Contact 98598099 Male Indian, 22 yrs, B.Sc, Computer science on visit valid upto 10/02/2015 looking for a suitable placement. Contact 92579790 Indian Male, MBA, B.com Having 7 yrs of experience in finance Department (Trading & Logistics) with knowledge of ERP & Tally, and Oman valid D/L. NOC is available looking for suitable Position contact No.99279626 Email ID: magdum28@gmail.com

Indian Male 25 years B.Com having 3 years of exp of Oman in Accounts/Administration.Well versed with computer knowledge looking for suitable position. Immidiately available. Contact:93207867 email: tambeazhar@gmail.com Accountant, Indian Male, B.Com, MBA presently working in Oman since 9 yrs having suitable change, NOC/Release available.

Contact 94134085, email : muscatoman95@yahoo.com Accounts Manager, 8 yrs experience in trade, construction and real estate looking for suitable placement. Contact 94669596 Indian male, 24 yrs MBA, having 2 yrs of experience in financial accounting finalization, knowledge of Tally, ERP, focus, wings, PEACHTREE, MS Excel, Payroll, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement available immediately.

Contact 91058205, email : aslammohammed10@gmail.com

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver Contact 92303692 Indian light driver having good experience in Oman wanted job.

Contact 95214332.

Light driver looking for a job as house driver. Release available Contact 99206340 Pakistani driver with L/D valid Omani license.

Contact #97331685 Bangladeshi male, light driver, exp 6 yrs looking for job.

Contact 97460056 Oman experienced Bangladesh Driver available. Contact 96692774 Light driver & delivery boy available. Experience & Graduate.

Contact 98987475 Office Executive light driver, 2 yrs exp. Contact 93408758 Indian Driver need job with car.

Contact 91254539 LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064 6 Years experience light duty driver.

Contact – 96736744

Pakistani male, 25 yrs, MBA Finance, 1.6 yrs exp in Accounts seeking placement in Accounts, Administration or Business Management.

Contact 92651927 / 94250149

Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678

Male, 4 yrs of experience as Financial Analyst looking for suitable position. Contact 94140728

Jordanian Engineer Electrical 7 yrs exp. Consulting, site & shop drawing works. Ready to join immediately.

Worked in UAE & Saudi Arabia.

Contact - 00971555594733

Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Accounts part time works upto finalization & finalization works.

Contact 96247295 Accountant / Auditor, Srilankan male 27, having 3+ yrs experience looking for suitable placement.

Contact 93556320 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306

DESIGNER AutoCAD Interior Designer / detailer, 9 yrs GCC experience seeking for a suitable opening in a reputed company, NOC available from current employer. Contact 92110589 Indian female, 25yrs BscFASHION DESIGNING, 3yers experience in designing field and teaching. looking for a sutable placement. Contact: 98785310.

Email: vinaya.m.nair@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

B. Tech Civil Eng. 3 yrs exp in Oman with driving license.

Contact 93733627.

Mail id : joinvisam@gmail.com, neethusprakash@gmail.com Diploma in Civil Engineer, 15 yrs Oman experience (total 28 yrs) looking for senior position with valid D/L, NOC available. Contact 99013465 Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card.

Contact 94378581 Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com Telecommunication Engineer with 5 yrs experience in the Gulf.

Contact 95219822 Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. Contact 98162295 M. Tech Electrical Eng. Female, now in visit visa.

Contact +968-94654481.

Looking Part time Job in HVACContact - 93198128 Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian Civil Engineer, M.Tech in Construction Management, Primavera Expert looking for suitable placement. Contact 92550987 Civil Engineer - Bldg Construction 7 yrs exp in Oman with D/L. Contact 96429748 Email: ilyas.civengg@yahoo.co.in Indian male, Mechanical Engineer, (M.Tech), Manufacturing Engineering, having 2 yrs exp with Oman D/L seeking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact 98681278, email : alexyvellara@gmail.com Civil Engineer, 4 yrs exp, Diploma.

Contact 96326570, email : awaisahmad9632@gmail.com Indian male, 28, Electrical Engineer with 5 yrs Gulf experience in HV & LV installation works in construction, driving license and medical license available seeking placement, NOC available. Contact 91391587 Q A Design / Design Coordinator/ Project Control _B Tech Electrical, MBA (Total Quality Management), Experience in Major Projects in Oman NOC available Ph: 99506977 Electrical Engineer experience 1.3 yrs in Oman, Diploma. Medc.CEP+ Oman D/L. Release available. Contact 95431009 / 96762489 Indian Male, 24, UK, graduate – MSc (Eng) Environmental Engineering and Project Management with B.E Biotechnology, Omani D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact 91106535, pranayck90@gmail.com Russian female, Bachelors degree in economics with 3 yrs experience.

Fluent in English, Arabic & Russian.

Contact 95343882 Indian Male, 24, UK Graduate - MSc (Eng.) Environmental Engineering and Project Management with B.Eng. Biotechnology. Holding Valid Omani Driving License, looking for suitable placement +968 9110 6535 pranayck90@gmail.com Indian female, Electrical Engineer (family visa) M-Tech in Power System having 1 yr experience seeking suitable placement.#94306164 Project Engineer (B.E Civil) having 10 yrs experience in Interior fit out industry looking for suitable opening from reputed companies (NOC available) from current employer.

Contact 91403433 Indian male, BE Mechanical Engineer having 4 yrs experience seeks suitable placement. Family visit visa. Contact 95088176, toufikyermal@gmail.com Project Engineer / Site Engineer (Dip. Electrical) having 9 yrs exp in 400 KV/132 KV Cable Project, 11 KV indoor/outdoor Tr., DG set, light & power wiring, drafting in AutoCAD. Possess driving license. Contact 91554270, underoneroof51@gmail. com, contact 91554270 Civil Engineer (Diploma) seeking for a placement. Contact 95200650

Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050 Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available .

Contact 96968554 Email: mehranahmad26@yahoo.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian Male, 29, 5 years experience in steel fabrication field (piping and structural) as site engineer. Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 96115463.

Jijoraju085@yahoo.com.

Seeking job, BTech Instrumentation, 12 years experience Design, FEED, Detailed engineering, Oil & Gas, Instrumentation systems, Oman Driving license.

Email :- wilfridsjacob@gmail.com Mobile:- 00968 99048130

HOSPITALITY M.Sc International Tourism & hotel management UK Graduated with Omani D/L seeking job as CRE, tour operations & marketing in hospitality & tourism industry.

Contact 91640428

INFORMATION TECH Oracle certified BE (CS) Indian male with skills in OCA (DBA, SQL10g, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 98436022/99848874 Email: rineel2005@yahoo.com Indian male, BE Wireless Networks, CCNA & MCSE trained, 3 years experience as IT support assistant at a leading higher education institution in Oman, seeking a position as an Network/Systems Engineer. Contact:96008737.

Email: m.anas365@outlook.com ERP Specialist, 14 yrs exp, Indian male, (VB.NET & SQL Server) able to handle in-house development single handedly. Release/NOC available, valid D/L. Contact 93047636 Indian Male 23 yrs – IT / Pre-post Sales Consultant / Business Analyst / Web Designing. 2 yrs. exp.

Languages-HTML5, WebRTC, Java, CSS, C++, .Net, SQL, Oracle, ERPMicrosoft Dynamics CRM. Looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98802504, email:shrihari26@gmail.com B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507

Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com

IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668

Indian male, BE MBA PMP having 20 yrs exp in Civil Residential Commercial Infra Construction and contract management looking for role in Project / Program Management.

NOC available. Contact 94634053

BCA Graduate, Indian male with 1yr of exp in System Admin, IT Support, Network Admin and 1yr exp as sales Executive.CCNA,MCSE .looking for suitable job. # 95938303 email- hafsalhs@gmail.com

Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@gmail.com

IT Professional, 7 yrs exp in System Administration, IT Support, Networking etc. currently on visit visa. Contact 94064579, email : preejes01@gmail.com

Indian male, 28 yrs, Electrical Engineer, 5 yrs Gulf Oman experience in HV and LV Installation work seeking placement. NOC available.

Contact 91391587 Diploma Civil Engineer, Indian male, 29, 4 yrs experience in building construction field, 2 yrs experience with consulting company in Oman driving license and release available from current company. Contact 93282447, cv.shihabedappal@gmail.com Diploma in Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience in Oman with D/L. Contact 94052815 Experienced female Electrical Engineer.Contact 93800906 Sudanese Mechanical Engineer, 3 yrs experience in HVAC fire fighting, NOC and driving license available. Contact 91135140

MEDICAL Medical- Indian female, 27 yrs, masters in hospital administration, fellowship in HTA studied in a super specialty medical sciences and research center in India and done project in an established hospital in sultanate of Oman.

Contact 93200827, 91026506

SALES / MARKETING

MEDICAL Indian Female, 28 yrs Staff Nurse, 7 yrs of experience (4 yrs in Gulf) presently working in India, Oman Prometric passed 63%, valid BLS & ACLS certificates, looking for suitable job in Muscat area.

Email : anishaabrahamc@gmail.com or call 93137898 Indian male Pharmacist (B.Pharma) 5 1/2 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement in Muscat. NOC from the present employer available.

Contact +968 98525100

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Warehouse Manager with 10+ yrs Oman experience in Building Material and construction field with D/L, release available. Contact 99883712 Indian male Graduate with 20+ years of Administration, Operations & Management experience in IT, Oil & Gas & Hospitality Industry. 12 years in Oman with vast contacts, very strong management, operational, communication and interpersonal skills, can handle any size of business and projects whether it’s in initial stage or established. Can join immediately. Local release available on request. Contact: 9906 4589 Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position.

Gsm: 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel.

Contact 91219787

MECHANICAL/TECH. Electrical Technician with 7 yrs experience in the field of oil & gas. Contact 96946044 / 94682982 Indian male, 27 yrs, B.Tech Mechanical, 1 yr pipeline experience seeking job in any mechanical field, NOC available, available in Oman till 31st Jan. Contact 95982207, rahman.taus@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Quality Assurance Officer, ISO Quality System Internal Auditor, BSc Graduate, female 27, with 4 years experience seeks suitable placement.

Contact nipuni.d.silva@gmail.com Microbiologist & Quality Assurance Executive, BSc Graduate, female, 27 with 4 yrs experience in food industry looking for a suitable placement.

Email : nipuni.d.silva@gmail.com Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Female dentist with MOH license and with Noc looking for suitable placement in Muscat region Contact no. 99147426 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378 Female, 27 yrs G.N.M with 4 yrs experience and Prometric Pass looking for suitable placement.

Contact 96269381, email : lijusk@gmail.com

Foreman Indian Male, 11 yrs experience in building construction having Kuwaiti Driving License presently in Kerala.

Contact +91 9947689894 Civil foreman maintenance D/L, 12 yrs in Oman, 2 yrs in Kuwait.

Contact 96405865, 99534138, India - +91 7589248550, +91 9464255409, email: sukhwinder9@yahoo.com

Indian male, 32 yrs, total 8+ yrs experience with 4+ yrs experience of Sales and Marketing in Oman, seeking job.

NOC available. #95731981 Indian male, 32 yrs, B.Tech E&I, 10 yrs experience in sales, procurement, BDM, 6 yrs in Oman experience Oil & Gas Sector seeks suitable placement, Omani D/L, NOC available. Contact 97233074 MBA (Operations Marketing) with 2 yrs experience in Logistics and Operations, looking for suitable placement. Presently on visit visa.

Contact 97920125, email : hareeshg111@gmail.com Indian Male, 32 yrs having 8 yrs experience seeking suitable placement in sales procurement logistics, coordination, operations holding valid Omani D/L. Contact 92031081 MBA Professional with Omani D/L seeking Sales or Marketing job.

Contact 94143154, rinojnathen008@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, 3 yrs Sales experience in Oman, license, NOC available. Contact 99534384, email : ajuashfak@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs Computer Engineering in Diploma, 3.6 yrs experience in sales looking for sales executive job. Contact 96396011 Indian male, 10 years ongoing Oman Experience in Sales / Marketing of Oilfield Equipment / Supplies, looking for mid career job opportunity with reputed firms / groups. Masters Degree. NOC available.

Contact +968 94045125.

Email: djoman.career@gmail.com Dynamic Indian male Graduate with experience in Sales and Marketing of luxury auto brands, having 8 yrs of Oman experience with D/L currently in Oman.

Contact 93342565, 99364437, email : manojkpa@rediffmail.com Filipino Male, 26 yrs old looking for any job in restaurant or hotel or Sales or finance and having exp total of 8 yrs in all these fields. #92156753 MBA Graduate with valid Omani D/L looking for suitable job.

Contact 94143683 MBA, 26 years male, 4 Year Experience (1year Banking experience in UAE) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94600128 Email: hassan_imran_ch@hotmail.com 18 yrs Oman experience in Building Materials seeking suitable placement, NOC available. Contact 93105775 Indian male, MBA 9+ yrs Oman exp in Sales & Marketing in FMCG (F & B) sector on a Supervisor / managerial role with D/L & Local NOC available.

Contact 97912789 Young female, having experience of working in Oman with expertise in the field of Event Management, Advertising, Marketing and Hotel Management. Currently on a visit visa. Seeking for a suitable Job. Contact # 96153578 Indian male, B.Com, 20 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing having UAE light D/L looking for suitable post. Contact +91 9946699062, email : sajim40@gmail.com Pakistani male, 34, College 2 yrs, 2 yrs experience as Sales Representative, 3 yrs experience as Clerk / Office Assistant, 3 yrs experience as Salesman in Oman, Computer Skills : Excel, BUSY, ERP, languages known – English, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu. Contact 96763346 Indian male, 30 yrs, 8 yrs + experience in Sales & Marketing, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95601197 Indian Male having 7 yrs in experience in Oman Sales & Marketing Office Automation Printer, Copier, MFP, IT products & Stationery. Looking for Suitable Placement NOC Available Contact :97384748 Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Sales & Marketing Indian male MBA (marketing & sales) business development experience at all levels of management. Currently on visit visa. Contact – 91272819

Diploma Holder, Now working as logistic coordinator/ salesman with one year experience, seeking for Suitable Jobs in Oman, NOC available, Trying for License.

Contact 94440370

Indian Male, MBA in Marketing and Finance, 10 years’ Sales & Business Development Experience with valid D/L of Oman & UAE looking for a suitable placement. NOC Available.

Contact: 93969961 e-mail abhilash.pvrk@gmail.com 15 years experience in Business Development , marketing, purchase – UAE & Oman-staff coordination, documentation, civil & technical maintenance, -valid GCC license-looking for working partnership or management post. Contact:91568362 / Email vpj555pem@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female MCA, with 5 years 4months of exp. in oracle, sql, plsql, unix. Knowledge in c language Contact no:93234758, email id:indu.mr@gmail.com Indian female, 25 yrs, B.Com with computer Application, 1 yr experience as Accountant, looking for suitable job. Contact 98847165 Graduate, Indian, having 6 yrs experience in Sales with D/L, NOC available. Contact 93410723 Indian female, 25 yrs, M.Sc Software Engg., on visit visa having 2 yrs experience in IT & Admin seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96985150, Email: anucherian15@gmail.com MBA Marketing with 10 years experience in Oman and Pakistan, sales of industrial equipment and machinery, now on visit visa looking for job.

Contact 99189286 Pakistani Male Having 5 year experience Valid Omani license working in Transport Division looking for a suitable position .Salary is negotiable...naveedmuhammad037@gmail.com Mob:93363316 Indian male, B.com with tally, having 11 years experience in accounting, looking for a part time job. contact.96423671 Diploma Holder, Now working as logistic coordinator/ salesman with one year experience , Seeking for Suitable Jobs in Oman, NOC available, Trying for License , Contact 94440370 Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations, seeking suitable Manager/Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/NOC Available.

GSM: 95036410 B pharm, Indian female, Oman MOH License holder, seeking job.

Email- shivallath@gmail.com.

Contact no:99665183 Part- Time Accountant, well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 A young, Bsc & B.Ed female graduate with 9 months of teaching experience in science subjects looking for suitable position in reputed organisation. Currently on Visit Visa. Please contact: 92282796 Accountant, Indian male,29 years.

Presently working in Oman as Accountant.7 years Successful experience in Accounts with Oman Driving license, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Civil Engineer, B.E in civil, Experience in Oman approx in two years.

Cell no : 94389853 Email: faheemdeer1986@gmail.com.

30 year Indian male MSW- HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact me in 93488914 Indian male 23 yrs, 4 yrs experienced in Architectural Draughtsman looking for a suitable Post GSM:96023726, Email jayan.mathew009@gmail.com 26 year Indian male BMS (Building Management System) Engineer with 4yrs of experience in Security systems(CCTV, access control systems, fire alarm systems and public addressing systems) seeking suitable placement. Contact +91 9884277198, E-mail: yuvarajsd@yahoo.com

Indian male, 4 Years experienced in Architectural & Structural Draughtsman, looking for a suitable Post GSM:96023726, Email :jayan.mathew009@gmail.com Accountant ,Indian male,24 years.

Presently working in Oman as Accountant.2 years experience in Accounts with oman Driving license. NOC available..Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 93409315 Post Graduate Indian male, MBA (Hospital Administration) having 4 yrs. experience in hospital administration looking for suitable placement. Currently on visit.

Contact: 96701543, 92945632 PROCUREMENT OFFICER-Indian 33yrs, 7yrs Exp. in Oman in (ROAD,CIV,MEP & Others) Contg & Trdg Co. Visa will Exp in Feb-15. M: 94064650, Email:nagauae@gmail.com IT supports 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop Support, Backup administrator, Wireless Networking, server admin.

Contact - +96896126502 Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 Seeking for immediate placement as a manager- projects, sales, marketing, product, business development job for BE- MBA, 12 years Oman experience with D/L. #96040977, kvmssn@gmail.com AutoCAD draughtsman (Architect ural+Structural+Plumbing & HVAC) having more than 12 years Oman experience seeking work as a FREELANCER. Contact - 91620107 Indian Female, B.com, 2year Indian Exp. in Accounts, strong in Tally ERP 9,MS Office, looking for suitable position. Part time/ Full time. Contact-95939129, 99104579, mail: sreekulaparambil@gmail.com Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations, seeking suitable Manager/Supervisory Position.Visa transfer/NOC Available.

Contact : 95036410 31 years, male with Gulf Experienced Microsoft Certified Solution Associate, Have GCC driving license, looking for a suitable job as Network/System Administrator.

Phone: +968 93927126, 99853614, Email: khalil837@hotmail.com 26 years male, MBA Finance & Marketing, 1 year experience in marketing. Looking for sales job.

Contact: 95437921 Mechanical Engineer with 10+ years experience currently on visit visa looking for a Operation Manager/Branch Manager position in reputed organizations. #95757845 Indian female, Accountant. having +5 years experience in Oman till Nov 2014. seeking suitable placement. NOC available. currently in family visa. Contact :98447045, email:anilavandika@gmail.com Indian male, 26 yrs - MBA Graduate with 3 yrs of Experience in Banking ( Standard Chartered Bank Scope International - Operations) &Coffee Vending Machine (Fresh & Honest Cafe ltd - Operations) on Visit Visa seeking placement. # 91267867 INDIAN, B.E Mechanical Engineer, 2 years job experience in Oman in pipeline field, fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi, with valid Omani driving license (light) searching for job. #99871470 Male 28, seven & half an year experience. Worked as maintenance division co-ordinator, purchaser’s assistant, and office administration works. Valid driving license.

Contact 94454847 Civil Engineer, B.E in civil , Approx. two year experience in Oman, Pakistani age 29 years.

Contact : 94389853 Email : faheemdeeer1986@gmail.com

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

CLASSES

WEBSITE

Al Manar Vocational pleased to announce at vocational short and long term courses in tailoring, cooking and internal design. Contact us now : 24698070 or 91144335

COMPUTER WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

BUSINESS

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. # 24793614/ 99314807 Cleaning services, carpet & sofa shampooing, marble restoration (grinding) and polishing, pest control, fogging service. Contact 99448057, 95401996 Cheapest Prices, all types window, curtains and blind. #99539521 Computer service/ AMC/ Networking. Contact 93552434 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376

BUSINESS Wanted dentist or investor to buy a well-running dental clinic in Sohar immediately. Contact 92625962, 95904234

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

A.M Trading Pest control.

Contact 99067923 GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC all kind of pest control. #92326955 We assist in new business set up local sponsorship, real estate services, assist in company formation services. Contact - 93166088 My client needs to buy Residential land or villa in Al Ghubra Bahar Factory area. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Painting Interlock plumbing maintenance. Contact 92142319 Split & window A/C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 House shifting. Contact 99557080, 96236476

Window & split unit A/C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476

Split & window unit A/C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080

House shifting packing.

Contact 99657644, 98518013

For HT cable jointing and termination works 33KV/11KV. #99056438 / Email: npgoman@gmail.com

Pest control & cleaning services professionals in pest control service bedbugs treatment, rodent, treatment, snake treatment and termite treatment, pre and post construction. Contact 93098450, 96408964, fax : 24472116 For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric.

Contact 99002390 We serve Oman, all kind of building maintenance & stainless steel fabrication. Contact 91452233 Carpet & sofa cleaning, house cleaning. Contact 99542979 / 98855815 Civil Maintenance, Painting Electric, Plumbing, Decor, Tile Fixing, Lecithin Copra Board flat stifling , Carpet Cleaning and A/C Servicing. Contact 97897831 (Indian keralite) Waterproofing, light weight Screed, Antitermite and MS Fabrication.

Contact 92888337 Electrical Plumbing Painting Contract and Maintenance.

Contact 98456535 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir AlRizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

MANPOWER

PRO services. Contact 99368907 Fast & Right Way - For all PR related works – permanent Visa stamping, family visiting visa holders, clients contacts – with NOC letter with signed & sealed photocopy documents . Contact 91568362 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Catering services We do industrial catering service, Canteen/ mess, 3 times packed meals, and all types of catering events.

Contact 92188777/99249899

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 93405941 VIP transport 24 hrs services.

Contact 92108447, 96781899 Truck transporting & shifting.

Contact 99008442 We can give best price for transportation to shift the material from DUBAI to OMAN and local OMAN areas. (Less 25 ton wait Dubai To OMAN Only 170/OMR). GSM 91006589,97754600 ASIF ALI

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available. #95570429 Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact 92306582

Transportation. Contact 94087276 Transportation. Contact 91379976 Transportation. Contact 95190627 Pick & Drop any time.#97014786 Labor Pick & drop. Contact 92218001

CONTD on pg 7

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D7

DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

M.V. FOR SALE

DRIVING

Ford Mondeo, automatic, 2 ltr, 2006 model, RO 1200. Contact 99016562 Toyota Innova 2012 for sale.

Contact 92282533 Pajero 3.8 v6 full option, 2008 model expat driven single owner, excellent condition, accident free, 217k.

Contact - 92590781 L/R Discovery, 2003, KM 1,60,000. Contact 99238877

FOR HIRE

TRUCK FOR HIRE

Lexus GS300, 2006. Contact 93218349 Chevrolet van model 2000 for sale, RO 1400/-. Contact 96789522

Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck (2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Contact: 95346950 50 seater bus with PDO speciďŹ cation for rent or lease. # 99839898

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation. Contact 99542393

FOR HIRE

Transportation available 99159277 Transportation. Contact 96538078

Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can.

Contact on 97864747

Transportation Available Contact 97180655

D8

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Indian, Arabic, Chinese dishes, BuďŹ&#x20AC;et Lunch (On Friday) Indoor & Outdoor, Catering, Party hall available Take Away & Home Delivery

Party booking & sugges ons 99320065, 99341643

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624