Times of Oman - October 29, 2015

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6 085010 120010 FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

FOUR-PAGE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WITH THIS EDITION

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Oman has continued to play a full part on the international scene in co-operation with all like-minded countries, in the defence of the freedom and dignity of mankind.

THURSDAY, October 29, 2015 / 15 Muharram 1437 AH

CABLES

HM sends greetings to Turkey, Guatemala MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey, on the occasion of the 92nd anniversary of the declaration of the Republic.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to President Erdogan and the people of Turkey further progress and prosperity.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has also sent a cable of congratulations to President Jimmy Morales on the occasion of winning the presidential elections of Guatemala.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of success to President Morales in leading the people of Guatemala towards further progress and growth and further progress to the bilateral relations between the two countries. -ONA HM receives message from Somalia > A7

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reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A low pressure in the Arabian Sea has developed into a tropical depression with wind surface speed of 20-25 knots, Oman meteorological department said.

“The depression is 1,100km from the Oman coast and it may deepen into a deep depression in next 24 hours,” the met statement added.

Rains in September caused OMR3.6million loss to insurance firms, which calls for the need to boost emergency response measures

ket Authority (CMA) shows that compensation paid by insurance companies reached more than OMR3.6 million after it rained heavily for two hours on September 4 this year.

The heavy rainfall damaged vehicles and property, along with roads, and machines used for executing a number of government

R E A L - E S TAT E P R O J E C T S

39 Omran projects under execution

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Dar Al Atta’a Big Book Sale on October 31

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Thirty-nine Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) projects are in various stages of design, construction or tendering, said the company’s acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer.

Some of the projects that Omran is currently involved in include a mega real-estate project called Madinat Al Irfan, the W

Hotel, Wadi Bani Habib and the Al Hoota Cave redevelopment, as well as Atana Musandam, Omran CEO and COO, Ali bin Nasser Al Rasbi, said at the Oman Projects Forum on Wednesday.

Work is also ongoing at Saraya Bandar Jissah, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Duqm frontier town and Ras Al Hadd development, he said, adding that the company plans to create rest areas along the roads as well. >A4

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Dar Al Atta’a’s “Let’s Read” initiative has decided to start “Big Book Sale” event to be held on last Saturday of every month. >A4

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Shura members to elect new chairman

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Newly elected Shura members would be invited to select the chairman and two deputy chairmen. >A6

Radhika Hamlai advancing her art

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OMANVOLUNTEERS

Platform to tap youth passion ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: “Doing nothing for others is undoing yourself”. This quote aptly sums up the passion that has brought together youths to create an online platform aimed at tapping the potential for volunteer work in Oman.

Today we feature OmanVolunteers as part of Times of Oman’s #OmanPride campaign.

The group, which was officially launched at Bait Al Zubair on Tuesday, matches volunteers with volunteering opportunities in the community across Oman through

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Denying two depressions, a senior meteorologist from Accuweather.com said that right now there is only one system in the Arabian Sea. “The Indian Meteorological Department has categorised it as a tropical depression. It would be named as Chapala and models show it impacting Yemen and western Oman around November 2,” Jason Nicholls from Accuweather.com, said.

FLOODED WADI: Heavy rains damaged vehicles, roads and equipment. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Even though it rained for only two hours, it left a trail of death and destruction in Oman, which is grappling with the staggering financial cost of September’s flash floods.

Data issued by the Capital Mar-

Basma Mohammad Faisal, the five-year-old girl, is finally flying to India on Thursday morning. >A3

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Arabian Sea low develops into tropical depression

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Ailing girl Basma to leave for India today

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Staggering cost of flash rains revealed

REJIMON K

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

On the occasion of the 7th National Day

THE HOME OF GOOD NEWS

#OMANPRIDE crowd sourcing. The platform can be accessed at www.omanvolunteers.org. The initiative is powered by the Global Shapers Community (GSC) Muscat Hub, which strives to tackle some of the most pressing problems in the community

through new projects. A World Economic Forum initiative, GSC is a global network of local communities or hubs, led by young people, who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their community.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sayyid Mohamed Al Said, chief executive of the IBD Group, who was the guest of honour, said leaders of the future are those, who do not sit idly and take action to make a difference to the world. These are also people, who touch the lives of others in a society, he noted. >A7

and private projects. The report also revealed that engineering insurance claims topped the list, compared with other insurance products related to the size of paid compensation for individuals and affected parties as it exceeded OMR2 million for 59 per cent of the total loss that was estimated to be OMR3.6m.

Vehicle insurance of two types; comprehensive and third party came in second in terms of the size of paid compensation that reached OMR1 million for 22 per cent of the total loss.

Property insurance came in third, with 18 per cent of the total losses caused by rains.

The report also added that paid compensation covered losses to

contractors of construction and engineering projects and would only cover the loss to equipment and materials at the work site.

In light of this information, CMA has stressed on the importance of coordinating efforts with institutions concerned to promote the basic structure of emergency management resulting from rains.

Combined efforts Calling vehicle owners to adopt caution and not to enter wadis (valleys) during flooding, the CMA statement said, “Combined efforts to evaluate drainage channels, open drains for streaming and collected water in allies and residential areas as these are con-

sidered the basic tools for risk management.”

Meanwhile, a top official at an insurance firm said most of the vehicle losses were due to carelessness, which ended up with the insurers paying for the total losses.

“From our experience, we found that several claims could have been avoided if proper attention was given,” Philip K Philip, chief executive officer of the Muscat Insurance Company and Muscat Life Assurance Company, told the Times of Oman (TOO).

However, he said the motor comprehensive policy is expected to cover all loss or damage arising out of unforeseen events, including adverse weather conditions.>A7

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TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015

T HURSDAY, O CTO BER 29, 2015

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Ailing Basma set to leave for India

JOURNEY OF HOPE: The girl will arrive in Chennai in India on Thursday at 4pm, said Syed Zia Akhtar, assistant manager, International Patients Assistance Center, Global Health City. – AR Rajkumar

The Pakistani girl will be boarding an Oman Air flight to Chennai, India, along with her parents, after being discharged from the Royal Hospital on Wednesday afternoon

Times News Service MUSCAT: Basma Mohammad Faisal, the five-year-old girl who is suffering from multiple disorders, is finally flying to India for further treatment, on Thursday morning.

She will be boarding an Oman Air flight to Chennai, India, along with her parents, after being discharged from the Royal Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

“We are very happy that I will be finally going to India for her treatment,” her father, Mohammad Faisal Raza, said.

Speaking to the Times of Oman

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(TOO), Syed Zia Akhtar, assistant manager, International Patients Assistance Center, Global Health City, said the patient will arrive in Chennai on Thursday at 4pm.

“We have arranged an ambulance for the little girl and another car for the family to come to the hospital from the airport,” he said.

An apartment near the hospital has been booked for the family’s

stay. “Our liver transplant team has already gone through the reports for the patient. The child has a cirrhotic liver, with high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

With a background problem in chronic liver disease, along with biliary system issues, it is essential for Basma to undergo a liver transplant operation,” he added.

Her father also said the little girl had become very weak in the last one week as she had not been taking any food. “Let’s hope that she is cured so that we can return to Oman quickly,” he said.

Responding to a Times of Oman tweet about her story, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had tweeted last week, “We have issued a visa for Basma’s surgery in India. We wish her a speedy recovery”.

The five-year-old has been unable to eat food due to a blockage in the passageway connecting her liver to the pancreas.

The family’s elder daughter, Asfa Mohammed Faisal, had died on December 6, 2004 from cirrhosis of the liver.

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TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015

OMR1 OMAN Dar Al Atta’a Big Book Sale event set to return Times News Service

The ‘Big Book Sale’ event will commence at the Al Qurum Complex and will be held on the last Saturday of each month

IN GOOD COMPANY: Let’s Read bookshop is also planning to start some programmes aimed at encouraging good reading habits among children and teens. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Charitable organisation Dar Al Atta’a’s “Let’s Read” initiative has decided to reinstate the “Big Book Sale” event to be held on the last Saturday of every month.

“The Big Book Sale” event will commence from October 31 at the Al Qurum Complex and will be held on the last Saturday of each month.

It will be held on Saturday, October 31 this month, from 10am to 1pm.

“There will hundreds of great books for adults and children,” the organisers said. The “Let’s Read” bookshop also plans to start a Teen Book Club that will meet at the shop every two weeks, commencing from Wednesday, November 4 from 5pm to 6pm.

“If teenagers are interested in joining, they can contact us at: letsreadoman@gmail.com,” said Jane Jaffer of the “Let’s Read” initiative.

Timings She added, “Come and visit Oman’s first charity bookshop, we have a great selection of fact and fiction for all family paperbacks for OMR1 and hardbacks for OMR2. All the proceeds can go to Maktabati, Oman’s first mobile library and the ‘Let’s Read’ campaign to promote the love of reading among children in Oman.

Our location is shop 116, first floor, the Al Qurum Complex and our opening hours are between 10am

and 1pm and from 5pm to 8pm Saturday to Thursday and from 5pm to 8pm on Friday”.

The bookshop is Oman’s first charity bookshop, which has both fact and fiction books. It is also planning to start some programmes aimed at encouraging good reading habits among children and teens. Dar Al Atta’a’s “Let’s Read” campaign has been promoting love for reading among children in Oman since 2007.

The campaign’s committee achieves its aims in a variety of ways, by setting up play rooms, libraries and reading areas in hospitals, schools and nurseries. Each month, it collects used books and holds a sale at Al Qurum Complex. It also conducts story-telling sessions in schools and buys books and distributes them among children in the outlying areas.

Every year, it holds a “Big Book Day” event that includes literacy activities and story-telling sessions.

The campaign’s annual Children’s Writing Competition attracts hundreds of entries from all over the country. Many winning entries have been published. Speaking about developing reading habits in children, Jaffer said, “Children need to enjoy reading. Because the more they read, the more they will learn. The simplest way to make sure that we raise literate children is to teach them to read, and to show them that reading is a pleasurable activity.”

is what one pays for a paperback from a great selection of fact and fiction for all family at Oman’s first charity bookshop

CABLE

HM receives greetings from Sudanese president MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of greetings from Field Marshal Omar Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir, President of the Republic of Sudan, while crossing the Omani airspace.

In his cable, Field Marshal Al Bashir expressed his sincere greetings to His Majesty the Sultan, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant His Majesty a good health and happiness and

the Omani people further progress and prosperity.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said replied to the Sudanese President by thanking him for his good initiative and sincere feelings.

His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere greetings and his best wishes to the President and the brotherly Sudanese people, wishing him a successful journey and a safe return. -ONA

OMRAN PROJECTS

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A1 Tourism strategy Al Rasbi said Omran has undergone restructuring and has developed a new strategy to help enhance the contribution of the tourism sector to the economy as a main source of sustainability and aims to become the ‘developer of choice’ in the Sultanate.

Omran’s activities are focused on development, asset management and investment, the official said, adding that the company believes in public-private partnership.

The company has three subsidiaries, namely the Oman Heritage Development Company (Thurathana), the Oman Project Management and Development Company (Bunyan) and the National Omani Hospitality Company (Dhiaffa).

Omran has always been committed to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Al Rasbi noted.

In another presentation, an official from the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC)

said travel and tourism is forecast to support 116,000 jobs in Oman by 2024, citing a report published by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

It means that this sector will account for 8.4 per cent of total employment in the country, said Nagy Abu Zeid, senior manager, Strategy and Development.

According to the report, the total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to rise to OMR3,886.3 million by 2024.

The official also said aviation in Oman is developing to become one of the biggest industry sectors contributing to Oman’s economy, GDP and workforce.

Around 60 percent of world’s population lives within eight hours flying distance of Oman, he said, adding, “Key stakeholders have to collaborate to foster the Omani aviation sector for sustainable long-term development.”

“We expect 10 million passengers in 2015,” said the senior manager from OAMC.

R O P U P D AT E

20 arrested on drug charges Times News Service MUSCAT: An Omani national was arrested on charges of possessing and dealing in drugs.

The arrest was made by ROP’s Directorate of Narcotics Control of North Al Batinah in Wilayat of Saham.

Officers found 31 heroin capsules in his possession.

Meanwhile, police arrested 19 individuals in separate cases during last week in North Al Batinah for possession of drugs.

All suspects have been sent to the public prosecution for further investigations.

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TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015 The internal regulation of Majlis Al Shura has made a decision with regard to articles from 91 to 98- executive measures for the holding of the extraordinary session Sheikh Ali bin Nasser Al Mahrouqi, Majlis Al Shura Secretary-General

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Shura to elect new chairman, deputy chiefs an invitation from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Majlis Al Shura will hold an extraordinary session to select the chairman and two deputy chairmen for the eighth term. The selection would be made with absolute majority”.

Shura secretarygeneral said the elected members would be invited to attend the extraordinary meeting

Eighty-five Majlis Al Shura members have been elected by people for the eighth term.

MUSCAT: Newly elected Shura members would be invited to attend the extraordinary meeting to select the chairman and two deputy chairmen as per the provisions of the Royal Decree No. 99/2011, Majlis Al Shura

Secretary-General Sheikh Ali bin Nasser Al Mahrouqi said.

He added that this meeting comes as per the provisions of the Article No. 58 biz and Article No. 12 of the Basic Law of the State, which states that “in response to

Internal regulation He also pointed out that the internal regulation of Majlis Al Shura has made a decision with regard to Articles from 91 to 98- executive measures for the holding of the extraordinary session.

He affirmed that Majlis Al Shura has already started a number of meetings to prepare for this event and to ensure its success. A committee has been formed to regularise the session and to ensure the success of the forum.

The total number of Majlis Al Shura members, who were elected by people in their wilayats for the eighth term, is 85. -ONA

S E A S O NA L S I G NAT U R E E V E N T S

Moonlight dinner at Shangri-La Times News Service

Full moon beach dinner at Al Bandar’s sandy beach.

MUSCAT: Set by the seaside and lit up under the full moon, the stage was set perfectly for a unique experience. Backed by popular demand, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa brought back their Full Moon Beach Dinner at Al Bandar’s sandy beach on Tuesday night.

Following the previous success and popularity of the Full Moon Beach Dinners, the resort decided to bring back these evenings as part of their new seasonal signature events and will be hosting

the evening every month on the first full moon.

Bay of Al Jissah Guests are invited to dine under the moonlight overlooking the beautiful Bay of Al Jissah where they experience a truly unique setting on the beachfront of the Al Bandar Hotel with the majestic mountainous backdrop.

The evening will feature an extensive buffet consisting of Arabic mezzeh, freshest seafood, premium meat cuts, finest mixed grills and a wide range of tempting sweet delights.

T HURSDAY, O CTO BER 29, 2015 The idea for Oman Volunteers came in two folds; firstly, when I realised how underutilised the internet was in our community for social good, even though everyone was connected 24/7 Eman Rafay, Project lead Oman Volunteers

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INSURANCE COSTS

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reduce losses from flood’

“In the meantime, those insured are expected to act as if they are uninsured, taking reasonable care of their property,” he added.

Commenting on the material damage or losses caused at project sites, the official said it could not be considered as carelessness; unless no precautionary measures were taken by the property owner despite advance weather warnings.

When asked whether the insurance companies would pay for those who risked their life and cross wadis in cars, the official said if it was proved that the driver was crossing a flooded wadi purposefully, that it was a deliberate act; the claim would be rejected.

“But the onus of proving whether it is a deliberate act falls on the insurer and this could probably be a difficult thing to prove,” he further said.

Another insurance company official said every claimant should satisfy the insurance companies’ standard check list, such as the identification of risks and factors and measures undertaken to mitigate the identified risk.

“On the basis of the checklist requirements, we will decide whether we should pay for those claimants who were also careless during the rains,” Santosh Kurien, general manager at New Oman Insurance, told Times of Oman.

About good faith The official said claims made by those, who have parked their cars in wadis, will also be settled because insurance is all about good faith. “However, insurance companies will identify such locations and areas and get police help to ensure that no parking sign boards are put in such areas to avoid future claims of careless parking in wadis,” the official added.

Speaking about the engineering insurance claims, the official said the cost of large commercial property and engineering claims is rising, with the trend leaning towards ever higher values and risks that

HM RECEIVES MESSAGE FROM SOMALI PRESIDENT His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said received a written message from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, dealing with the bilateral relations and the means of enhancing cooperation. The message was received by Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, when he received in his office here yesterday Dawood Mohammed Omar, Advisor to the President of Somalia for Mineral Resources. -ONA

RISING COST: The cost of large commercial property and engineering claims is rising. – File photo

are increasingly interconnected and concentrated in areas with exposure to natural hazards.

Expensive affair “A property insurance claim today is four to five times more expensive than it would have been in the past. The value per square foot of an insured building is becoming higher and higher, which is helping push up the cost of some large property claims,” the official added.

Meanwhile, Mark Pudwell, training manager at Competence HR, said it is fair to say that neither insurance companies nor its clients have any influence on weather conditions, but just like the approach to any hazardous situations, we are all in a position to mitigate the risks presented by Mother Nature.

“The effects of severe weather conditions are usually extremely disruptive and result in the loss of life and property, particularly in Oman, where rain water rushes down the Hajar Mountains into wadis causing widespread flooding and damage. This all inevitably leads to a huge impact on the

economy in the form of insurance claims, rebuilding costs of essential services, vehicle losses, lost production time and the loss of life,” Pudwell said.

According to him, there are many ways in which the effects of a deluge can be mitigated that include carrying out environmental and geographical studies prior to awarding construction contracts, which can show whether such areas are prone to flooding.

Reducing impact “Insurance companies may base their premium assessment on such information, increasing premiums in those areas or refusing to cover them at all,” Pudwell said.

“The companies need to fully investigate claims for motor vehicle losses following storms to ensure that the loss was unavoidable and in cases where the loss was due to carelessness or stupidity, and should not pay up provided this is clearly stated within the terms and conditions of the coverage. We cannot stop nature from taking its course, but we can reduce its impact in economic terms,” he added.

#OMANPRIDE

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‘the spirit of volunteerism’

Wadia Hamza, head of interactions and the community lead of GSC in the Middle East and North Africa, said GSC aims to represent ‘the voice of the youth’ and is proof that they should be considered part of the solution and not be seen as part of the problem.

The Muscat Hub has raised the bar very high for other groups by launching the Oman Volunteers project, he said, adding that volunteers can make a positive impact on others’ lives.

Rumaitha Al Busaidi, curator of the Muscat Hub, said the online platform seeks to ‘capture the spir-

it of volunteerism’ in Oman, build capacity through volunteering and mobilise the power of volunteers to positively affect the community.

The fact that people can discover their passion, enhance their skills and find new opportunities through volunteer activities was highlighted at the event, attended by representatives from a public and private sectors.

Eman Rafay, the Oman Volunteers project lead, said people can utilise volunteering opportunities listed on the platform according to their passion, skills, location, schedule and the causes they care

for. “The idea for Oman Volunteers came in two folds; firstly, when I realised how underutilised the internet was in our community for social good, even though everyone was connected 24/7.

Secondly, when I saw the considerable amounts of free time young people had while waiting for employment”, she said.

Rafay encourages people to sign up as volunteers on the website and also has organisations and initiatives post areas in which they need volunteers to make the Oman Volunteers platform a long-term and sustainable network.

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TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015 Milan prosecutors asked that the investigation into Abdelmajid Touil’s alleged connection to the March 18 attack in Tunis — in which 21 tourists were shot dead — be dropped for lack of evidence Judicial sources

REGION Saudi-led allies bomb Houthis Coalition planes also dropped weapons for its allies battling Houthi rebels in the Yemeni city of Taiz

DUBAI: Warplanes from a Saudi-led alliance bombed the Houthi movement throughout Yemen on Wednesday and dropped weapons for its allies battling the group in the southwestern city of Taiz.

Taiz, Yemen’s third largest city, has become a major front in the coalition’s northward push toward the capital.

Coalition planes have dropped weapons to militias fighting artillery and heavy machine gun duels with the Houthis in civilian neighbourhoods there.

“Coalition forces supplied the resistance with a quantity of high-quality weapons which landed in the south of the city in an area under our control,” a sen-

THE RUINS: A Yemeni man carries his bags through the ruins of buildings destroyed in an air-strike by the Saudi-led coalition in the capital Sanaa on Wednesday. – AFP

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ior militia leader told Reuters.

Air strikes also hit military bases and Houthi combat positions in Taiz, Sanaa and the Western Red Sea port of Hodaida, residents said. Many of the raids targeting facilities that

have already been hit dozens of times throughout the mostly inconclusive seven-month war.

Deadlocked “The conflict is totally deadlocked,” Yemeni analyst Farea Al Muslimi said.

“There’s no political solution around the corner and both sides are settling scores with each other with impunity as civilians are stuck in the middle.” — Reuters

ALLEGED CONNECTION

Italy refuses to extradite suspect in Tunisian museum attack case MILAN: An Italian court on Wednesday refused to extradite a Moroccan man suspected of having supplied weapons for the attack on the Bardo Museum in Tunisia earlier this year because he might face the death penalty in the case.

Italy refuses to extradite suspects to any country if there is a risk they could be executed for the crime. Separately, Milan prosecutors asked that the investigation into Abdelmajid Touil’s alleged connection to the March 18 attack in Tunis — in which 21 tourists were shot dead — be dropped for lack of evidence, judicial sources said.

“The most serious crimes the accused faces are punished by death according to the Tunisian penal code,” said Giovanni Canzio, the president of the Milan court of appeals. “Capital punishment impedes extradition because it is not foreseen by Italian law.”

No guarantee Tunisia had not given Italy any guarantee that Touil would not face the death penalty, Canzio said and ordered the release of the Moroccan after more than five months in custody.

There was no immediate comment from Tunisia.

Touil came to Italy on a migrant boat from Libya in February, before the attack, and was arrested in Milan in May under an international arrest warrant.

Touil was 22 at the time of his arrest and denied any involvement in the assault.

A Tunisian government official said Touil had supplied arms to the militants prior to the attack and then boarded a boat for Italy.

His case fuelled fears that militants could be among the hundreds of thousands of migrants who have crossed the Mediterranean by boat to enter Europe in the past two years. — Reuters

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INDIA

‘DOING BUSINESS 2016’ REPORT

India ranks eighth in minority investors’ protection WASHINGTON: India is ranked eighth globally when it comes to protection of minority investors, ahead of many developed economies including the US, Germany and Japan.

China is ranked much lower at 134th and India is ranked best among all BRICS countries.

This is part of the latest ‘Doing

Business 2016’ report of the World Bank that covers 189 economies and where India’s overall ranking for ease of doing business has remained low at 130th position, despite an improvement since the last year.

The sub-ranking for protecting minority investors is topped by Singapore, New Zealand and Hong

Kong jointly at the first position.

Malaysia and the UK share the fourth position, followed by Canada (6th rank) and Slovenia (7th).

This is the only sub-ranking where India figures among the top-ten countries globally and reflects the reforms carried out with regard to regulations for companies and capital markets including by the

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

India shares the eighth position with Albania, Ireland, Israel, Mongolia and Korea with regard to the protection of minority investors.

While India’s ranking has remained the same from the last year, the country is still ahead of

Modi discusses trade with African leaders The African leaders appreciated India’s development projects in the continent and sought deepening of ties in diverse sectors including healthcare, education and capacity building

NEW DELHI: Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral talks with heads of several African nations during which UN reforms, combating challenge of terrorism and boosting trade and investment, particularly in oil and gas sector, figured prominently.

The African leaders appreciated India’s development projects in the continent and sought deepening of ties in diverse sectors including health care, education and capacity building.

In his meeting, South African President Jacob Zuma strongly called for reform of global governance system and said the UN structure which was set up after the second world war cannot remain relevant in 21st century.

He said it was important that all like minded countries come together to ensure reform of the UN, particularly the UN Security Council, observing that many conflicts in the world including the Syrian crisis could not be resolved because of veto powers of the UNSC member countries, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The heads of state and government of African countries are here to participate in the India Africa Forum Summit on Thursday.

Threat of terrorism There was a detailed discussion between Zuma and Modi on ways to tackle threat of terrorism, with both stressing that there was a need for concrete strategy to fight the menace in a united way.

The South African leader said TOWNHALL LECTURE

Lobbying for net neutrality: Zuckerberg NEW DELHI: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday said his firm is working on an open framework and continues to ‘lobby’ for net neutrality even as its plan to provide free Internet access to people under Free Basics programme faces criticism. “We do a lot to support (net neutrality) in terms of regulations, we are working on building an open framework...”

Zucerkerberg said, while speaking at Townhall at IIT- Delhi.

“We lobby for it (net neutrality) across the world but at the same time, we continue to push for access.” he added.

Facebook’s Internet.org platform, which was recently rebranded as Free Basics, has come under fire from Internet activists for violating the principle of net neutrality that is against any priority being accorded to an entity in Internet traffic flow on account of payments to service providers like telecom companies. - PTI

WARM GREETINGS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Chairperson of African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

coming together of African countries with India showed to the world that they no longer are dependent on former colonial powers. The prime minister also met Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, and Chairman of African Union. Both the leaders discussed issues of common interest, including UN reforms and the threat of terrorism.

Mugabe is the co-chair for the India Africa Forum Summit, and the two leaders reviewed the preparations for the Summit.

The prime minister also met President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana during which both sides reviewed the “warm” bilateral ties.

Growing bilateral trade came up for discussion and both leaders stressed on the need to step up engagement in sectors like agriculture, IT, skill development, cyber security and maritime security.

The prime minister met King of Swaziland Mswati III. The King spoke of his vision for his country’s development, including areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy and skill development and sought India’s assistance. The prime minister complimented the Swaziland

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King on his leadership and vision, and offered assistance in the country’s development.

Modi also met Boni Yayi, President of Beni and both the leaders deliberated on growing economic relationship between the two countries, particularly in areas of agricultural, power generation, water supply and transportation.

In the meeting between Modi and President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, issues relating to India’s oil exploration projects in that country were discussed besides cooperation in defence cooperation.

The issue of UN reforms also figured.

During the meeting between Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya, and the prime minister, areas of cooperation including healthcare, infrastructure and mutual trade and economic relations came up for discussion.

The historical ties between the two countries and the large In-

dian diaspora in Kenya were mentioned. Terrorism and UN reform also came up for discussion.

The Prime Minister also met the President of Uganda, Yoheri Museveni, and the two leaders discussed ways to enhance prosperity and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Growth opportunities Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday that Indian companies must invest in African countries as they offer resources and growth opportunities that can be a win-win situation for both sides, Sharing her experience after meeting visiting foreign ministers of African nations, Indian external affairs minister said countries in that continent offer immense business and investment opportunities for India.

“Nowhere is the impact of economic growth and development as visible as in Africa... The day you combine your strength with their needs, that would be a win-win situation for both... their needs would be fulfilled and you would make money,” she said while addressing the India-Africa Business Forum here. - PTI

many developed and major developing nations.

The annual report, that assesses ease of doing business activities in 189 economies, has ranked India at the 130th spot in overall ranking that is based on ten factors, including protection of minority investors. India has improved overall position from 142nd rank last year

and the same ranking rose to 134 after taking into data corrections.

The ranking is based on ten factors — starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. - PTI

A 10

TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015

INDIA

They are becoming more and more intolerant towards the mandate of the people. People have given a clear cut mandate to Narendra Modi and these people do not want Parliament to function M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister

53% voting in Bihar polls phase 3 SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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Continuing with

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

the earlier pattern, women outnumbered men in exercising franchise. Women voter turnout was 54 per cent and it was 52.50 for men

VOTING DAY: Voters click selfies after casting their vote during the third phase of Bihar assembly polls, in Patna on Wednesday. - PTI

PATNA: Women outnumbered men as an estimated 53.32 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 50 assembly constituencies spread across six districts of eastern Indian state of Bihar which went to the polls in the third phase on Wednesday.

Chief Electoral Officer Ajay V. Nayak told reporters that Buxar

recorded maximum 56.58 per cent voter turnout, while Patna saw minimum 51.82 per cent voting.

Continuing with the earlier pattern, women outnumbered men in exercising franchise.

While women voter turnout in Wednesday’s polling was 54 per cent it was 52.50 for men, he said.

Nayak said 59 persons were ar-

rested during the day.

Besides, 38 motorcycles, two country-made pistols and six cartridges were seized by the security personnel. Voting was, however, peaceful. He said a 123-year old lady cast vote on booth number 101 in Taraiya Assembly seat in Saran district. On Wednesday’s polling percentage was nearly three per

cent more than the total voting percentage in the 2010 state assembly poll but is less than the first two phases of balloting.

The first phase of polling on October 12 witnessed 57 per cent voters turnout and 54.5 per cent in the second phase on October 16.

Giving details, the CEO said Saran recorded 52.50 per cent turnout, Vaishali 54.82 per cent, Nitish Kumar’s home district Nalanda 54.11 per cent, Patna 51.82 per cent, Bhojpur 53.30 per cent and Buxar 56.58 per cent.

Kumar, who cast his vote at a polling booth at Bakhtiyarpur, faced protests from a section of the people agitating over the death of a girl allegdly due to lack of proper medical facility in the area.

Other prominent personalities who exercised their franchise during the day included Governor Ram Nath Kovind and his wife

Savita, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejaswi and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad arrived at the polling booth on an e-rickshaw with his mother.

Union Minister of State Ramkripal Yadav rode a motorcycle to a booth here to cast his vote.

Polling ended at 4pm in ten constituencies due to security reasons and at 5pm in the remaining 40.

Stakes are high for grand secular alliance and NDA in this round of polling. In the last Assembly poll in 2010 JD(U) had won 23 seats while BJP had won on 19 out of the 50 constituencies.

Eight seats had been bagged by RJD. But this time with a change in equation the scene is different.

From grand secular alliance, RJD is contesting in maximum 25 seats, JD(U) 18 and Congress 7 in the third phase.

From NDA, BJP is fighting on 34, LJP 10, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) 4 and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) 2.

Among those whose political

fates were decided on Wednesday are Lalu Prasad’s sons Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejaswi Yadav at Mahua and Raghopur seats respectively in Vaishali district.

Other prominent contestants on Wednesday were BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav (Patna Sahib), ministers Shyam Rajak and Shrawan Kumar from Phulwari and Nalanda seats respectively.

Prasad’s political turf Saran, which has 10 assembly seats, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s home district Nalanda which has a total seven seats went to the polls on Wednesday.

There were a total of 1,45,93,980 voters for the 50 seats where the fates of 808 candidates, including 71 women,were decided on Wednesday. Voting on 81 seats have already been completed in the first two phases on October 12 and October 16.

Two more rounds of polling would be held on November one and November five for the rest of the 112 seats of the 243-seat Bihar Assembly and results would be declared on November eight. - PTI

GROWING INTOLERANCE

Naidu: Misinformation campaign on against central government NEW DELHI: Facing flak over “growing intolerance”, the Centre on Wednesday said a “misinformation campaign” is on to blame it for incidents outside its purview and accused the opposition of “showing intolerance” towards the people’s mandate for Modi government.

Putting up a strong defence of the government, which has been criticised over the Dadri lynching and beef row, Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said “some are trying to mislead and some are misled”, arguing that such incidents happened earlier too and the government has condemned them. Naidu said all the debate about beef and such issues was limited to some English media and others were not “bothered about this at all”.

“The government is not at fault for any of these things. Law and order is a state subject. How can anybody be unfair and criticise the government of India for something happening in UP, something happening in Karnataka....How can they try to link the prime minister with all the things, I am unable to understand.

“There is a misinformation campaign going on. I will only say that some are misled and some

are trying to mislead because of the propaganda. In this country of 120 crore, such incidents happened earlier also, they have happened in the recent past and they are condemnable.

“The party has condemned them. The government has condemned it and the prime minister himself has come out very strongly,” he said.

Hitting back at critics who have blamed the government for the alleged growing intolerance, Naidu said wryly that it was true that there was growing intolerance and added that it was among those who had lost elections.

Congress is not able to digest the reality that they have lost power, he said.

“They are becoming more and more intolerant towards the mandate of the people. People have given a clear cut mandate to Narendra Modi and these people do not want Parliament to function,” he said, attacking Congress.

The opposition party does not want him to do well internationally, he said. Naidu also rejected criticism of Delhi Police by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy over police entering Kerala House following a complaint that beef was being served there. - PTI

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LANDMARK DEAL

Turkey to provide 34 T-37 aircraft free of cost

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PAKISTAN

Earthquake toll crosses 250 The tremor that was centred in the

ISLAMABAD: Turkey will provide 34 T-37 aircraft and their spare parts to Pakistan free of cost in a landmark deal signed between the two countries in Ankara, an official announcement said on Wednesday.

On Pakistan’s desire of acquiring the aircraft, Turkey decided to provide 34 T-37, a jet trainer and light attack aircraft, without charging a single penny, said the defence ministry statement.

The agreement was reached during the meeting of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) which concluded in Ankara on Wednesday.

Director General Defence Procurement Maj-Gen Naveed Ahmed and Chief of Logistics Turkey Maj Gen Serdar Gulbas signed the agreement, while a Joint Communiqué was signed by Secretary Defence Lt-Gen Muhammad Alam Khattak and Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff General Yasar GULER. During the visit, secretary defence highlighted Pakistan’s defence capability and military capacity and requirements keeling in view the current global perspective.

Strategic importance Highlighting the exemplary brotherly relations between the countries, the secretary said, “Pakistan desires to further translate these relations into strategic cooperation, signifying strategic importance of our relations”.

While expressing his views in High Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) on regional and global security, Khattak said that both working groups have done considerable work to review progress on decisions that were taken in last HLMDG meeting as well as new agenda relating to politicomilitary matters and defence industry cooperation. — Express Tribune

Hindu Kush — the 800km mountain range that stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan — caused deaths and destruction in the two countries

ABBOTTABAD/PESHAWAR: Authorities assessed damages on Tuesday after a 7.5-magnitude catastrophic earthquake devastated northern parts of the country as harsh weather and rugged terrain hampered rescue efforts. Officials confirmed 267 deaths but feared that the toll could go up as many areas remain inaccessible. The tremor that was centred in the Hindu Kush – the 800km mountain range that stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan – caused deaths and destruction in the two countries and sent shockwaves as far as New Delhi.

While the National Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday confirmed 248 deaths, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of KhyberPakhtunkhwa (K-P), which was the worst-hit province of the country, said 208 people had been killed and 1,518 others injured in 22 districts. PDMA said 8,453 houses had been damaged and 113 schools flattened.

The FATA Disaster Management Authority recorded 610 destroyed and 2,590 partially damaged houses in Bajaur Agency,

HIT BY CALAMITY: Pakistani earthquake survivors remove the damages from their destroyed houses in Usiak, a village some 50 km from Chitral, on Wednesday. — AFP

Kurram Agency, Mohmand Agency, Orakzai, North Waziristan Agency and the adjacent frontier regions of Bannu and Lakki Marwat. Shangla, Chitral and Swat have been identified as the most affected districts in K-P, where the death tolls have risen to 48, 32 and 30, respectively.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Hazara has increased to 44, with hundreds hospitalised and many others yet to reach any healthcare facility because the remote areas have been blocked due to landslides. Torghar district was the worst-hit in Hazara division, where 26 villagers, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed and 200 others injured.

AGGRESSIVE PUSH

Uber plans to launch service ISLAMABAD: Online taxi-hailing service Uber will launch in Pakistan by the end of the year, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday, part of an aggressive push targeting megacities in the Asia Pacific region.

Undeterred by the failure of other online taxi-hailing ventures in Pakistan, Uber’s career page advertised three top manager positions in the eastern city of

Lahore this week. The company hopes Pakistan’s launch of 3G and 4G telecommunication services last year will galvanise business.

Access to Internet Fourteen per cent of Pakistan’s population of 190 million has access to the Internet and 73 per cent to mobile phones, the country’s telecommunications authority says.

“We want to launch by the end of the year or at the latest by early next year,” Shaden Abdellatif, Uber’s head of communications for the Middle East and Africa, told Reuters.

“We will put together a team in Lahore within the next couple of months,” she said, referring to Pakistan’s second largest city where the service will first be launched. — Reuters

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Tough times The widespread destruction prompted an immediate visit from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was briefed by the district administrations and military officials about the relief and rescue operations.

“We stand with the affected people in this tough time,” said the premier while talking to the area elders on the occasion. He lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Army

and other relief and rescue teams.

He also announced Rs100,000 for every destroyed house and Rs50,000 for each partially damaged house.

As for the deceased and the injured, he said the federal and K-P governments would announce a ‘good compensation package’.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan also visited the quake-hit areas in K-P, including the provincial capital Peshawar, where he met the injured at different hospitals. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak.

Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Hidayatur Rehman visited the affected areas of Bajaur

Agency and K-P, where he directed the army troops to do their best in providing relief to the affected people. The PDMA dispatched a relief package to each district in Malakand division.

Relief package Latifur Rehman, the spokesman for the authority, said the relief package comprised 1,000 tents, 2,000 blankets, 2,000 mats and 1,000 food packages.

Moreover, the Pakistan Army distributed 12,000 food packets along with ration packs for 1,000 families, 1,250 tents and 500 blankets. The Punjab government also handed over 50 trucks of relief goods to K-P. — Express Tribune

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PETER ORSZAG READERS’ FORUM

T

here is a powerful reason President Vladimir Putin won’t win Bashar Al Assad’s war for him. As with Russia’s limited military participation in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Putin doesn’t want casualties, because not even his powerful propaganda machine can conceal them.

On Tuesday, Russia acknowledged its first military casualty in Syria: Vadim Kostenko, a 19-yearold air force technician. The Defence Ministry, which flatly denied all previous reports of casualties, didn’t volunteer the information. Instead, the Conflict Intelligence Team, a volunteer group run by the blogger Ruslan Leviev that scours social networks to track Russian military activity, discovered that Kostenko died October 24.

Leviev’s team used the same approach it has to track the Russian army’s presence in Ukraine and the death toll there: It combed the social network for accounts of soldiers from units believed or reported to be involved in the action, and those of their friends. After discovering an epitaph for Kostenko, the team contacted his relatives and friends to confirm the death and discovered that a representative of Kostenko’s unit had told his family that he had killed himself.

The Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that data on Kostenko’s mobile phone suggested he had a falling out with his girlfriend. Kostenko’s parents and sister didn’t believe it, though. They said he had been cheerful when he talked to them on the day he died and that he and his girlfriend had been doing great and been planning to get married.

The Defence Ministry’s initial silence and the shaky suicide narrative indicate that Russian military officials are reluctant to recognise any deaths.

The Syrian operation was supposed to be lowcost. And in some ways, it is. Last week, The Moscow Times collaborated with the research group IHS Jane’s to come up with an estimate of the cost of the intervention. It said Russia was spending about $710,000 a day on aircraft sorties, $750,000 on munitions, $440,000 to support its personnel in Syria, $200,000 to maintain its naval presence and $250,000 on logistics, intelligence and communications. The total could be as much as $4 million a day. It’s a tiny amount compared with Russia’s $50 billion defence budget. A year of warfare at this rate would cost about as much as the $1.25 billion spent on government-controlled media this year, and the

propaganda benefits are probably greater.

The cost in human lives, though, is a different matter. Levada Centre, one of Russia’s few remaining independent polling services, said that in early October, immediately after the Syria operation began, 72 per cent of Russians supported the idea of bombing raids against the IS. Yet 46 per cent were worried that Russia could get bogged down in Syria, as it did in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Putin is authoritarian, but mindful of public opinion. He justifies his rule with the more than 80 per cent support he enjoys in polls. Given Russia’s precarious economic situation -- the price of oil is below the comfort level -- signs of an Afghanistanstyle disaster could easily erode that support.

During the Ukraine campaign, the Kremlin’s tactic was to meet any mention of casualties with deafening denials: Russia has never admitted that it had any regular troops in eastern Ukraine, so no soldiers were killed. This largely worked because the casualties were in the dozens or, at worst, hundreds.

Families could be silenced with threats and promises, social network accounts deleted, fresh graves explained away. With Syria, though, hiding even a small number of casualties is impossible. Russia is officially involved, and it would be unacceptable to fail to honour the killed in action. More stories about suicides wouldn’t be sustainable, either.

The troops who fought in Afghanistan were draftees. Those in Syria are professionals, but that won’t make their families grieve any less or improve public attitudes toward the Middle Eastern adventure.

Putin has vehemently denied any plans to deploy ground troops in Syria. Although his handling of Ukraine has thoroughly devalued such denials, he may mean it this time.

This is bad news for Assad. His ground offensive, backed by the Russian airstrikes, has been slow and not particularly successful. IS extremists appear to be pushing back near Aleppo. If the Syrian army is stopped, there’s little chance Russia would come to the rescue as it did at decisive moments in eastern Ukraine. Russia could mount an operation that it could deny, as it did in Ukraine, but Assad cannot count on that. He needs a victory on the ground to ensure continued Russian support.

The Kremlin has made that clear by offering help to some of Assad’s opponents as they battle IS. If Assad fails to deliver, Putin might let him go and negotiate his downfall with the US-led coalition. - Bloomberg View

Overstaying illegal workers set to face legal action This refers to the news story, More than 7,000 Bangladeshis yet to use amnesty (October 28). Even though various expatriate community members have undertaken a lot of efforts to spread awareness about the amnesty programme, many undocumented expats were not willing to utilise this opportunity.

After the end of the six-month long amnesty, the remaining undocumented expats will have to stay illegally here. It will be very difficult for them to continue in the Sultanate as the Ministry of Labour will intensify their crackdown on the labour violators. It is really unfortunate that a big number of undocumented and overstaying expatriates could not utilise Scan this QR code to send letters to the this opportunity to leave the Sultanate in Readers’ Forum, a legal and dignified manner. containing not more — P. A. Jacob, Muscat 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).

The Obama administration also proposes removing an anomaly in the Medicaid system. If Medicaid treated Puerto Rico in the same way as it does the 50 states, the federal government would pay for an estimated 83 per cent of its Medicaid costs bit.ly/obamaplanforpuertorico

Italy decision on Tunisia attack highlights West’s hypocrisy

This refers to the online story, Italian court refuses extradition to Tunisia of museum attack suspect (October 28).

This development is truly unfortunate and highlights the West’s double standards on punishing terrorists. Sometimes they seek regime change on pretext of democracy while at other times they back terrorism to thwart democracy.

— Rodney Landon, Ruwi

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

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2000 Ministry team visiting wilayats MUSCAT: A working team from the Directorate General of Economic Statistics at the Ministry of National Economy is visiting several regions and wilayats of the Sultanate to identify the sources of collecting data of consumer prices from commercial shops and establishments. Sabir Said Ali Harbi, head of the team, said that the objective of this process was for the creation of a new system of indices for consumer prices.

TODAY IN HISTORY

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1927 Russian archaeologist Peter Kozloff apparently uncovers the tomb of Genghis Khan in the Gobi Desert, a claim still in dispute.

1945: In US, the first ball-point pen goes is sold for a price of $12.

1969: First computer-to-computer link; the link is accomplished through ARPANET, forerunner of the Internet.

2008: Delta and Northwest airlines merge.

PICTOGRAPH

PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS IN OMAN By governorate and gender

Female

Governorate

Male

5,561

Muscat

2,662

3,705

Dhofar

2,393

593

Musandam

260

1,001

Al Buraimi

484 2,678

5,276

Ad Dakhiliyah

11,154

Al Batinah

5,779

6,332

Sharqiyah

3,209

2,570

Ad Dhahirah

1,374

658

Al Wusta

525

36,850

TOTAL

19,361

56,211 Source: National Centre for Statistics & Information

T HURSDAY, O CTO BER 29, 2015

WORLD

Suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 14 people in an overnight attack on a village in southeastern Niger Security sources

Nigeria’s troops rescue 338 held

by Boko Haram

SAFELY EVACUATED: A handout picture provided by the Nigerian army on October 28, 2015 shows some of the 338 people who were held by Boko Horom after they were rescued during an army operation and evacuated to Mubi. – AFP/ Nigerian Army

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comprised eight males, 138 females and 192 children

ABUJA: Nigeria’s armed forces on Wednesday said it had rescued 338 people held captive by Boko Haram and raided a number of the militant group’s camps on the edge of its stronghold in the northeast’s Sambisa forest.

Also on Wednesday, suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 14 people in an overnight attack on a village in southeastern Niger, security sources said.

The army said troops carried out a successful raid on camps on Tuesday at the northeastern

villages of Bulajilin and Manawashe, along Bita and Damboa road. Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of the military statement. “The rescued persons which comprised eight males, 138 females and 192 children, have since been evacuated,” said military spokesman Sani Usman, adding that 30 suspected militants had been killed.

The vast Sambisa forest reserve, the group’s remaining stronghold, has become hard to penetrate due to widespread landmines laid by the militant group.

In the last few months the military has ramped up its offensive into the Sambisa and surrounding areas with air strikes and an increase in ground troops.

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Meanwhile one of the sources said: “They executed at least 14 civilians,” referring to the village of Ala in the Diffa region near the Nigerian border. A second security source said that the assailants had looted the village and then set fire to the houses. Niger’s army is pursuing the militants, he added.

Niger’s Diffa region has suffered dozens of cross-border attacks this year by the militant group whose stronghold in northeast Nigeria lies just a few kilometres away.

Parliament on Tuesday approved a law prolonging a 15-day state of emergency for Diffa by three months in a bid to boost security. Suspected members of the militant group, which has killed thousands and displaced 2.1 million people in the remote northeast of Africa’s most populous nation, claimed the lives of at least 37 people and wounded 107 others last week in Adamawa and Borno states. — Reuters

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police fired water cannon to disperse around 500 people who gathered in front of the offices of Kanalturk and Bugun TV in Istanbul to protest police action

ISTANBUL: Turkish police stormed the offices of an opposition media company on Wednesday, days before an election, in a crackdown on companies linked to a US-based cleric and foe of President Tayyip Erdogan.

Brawls broke out and police fired water cannon to disperse around 500 people who gathered in front of the offices of Kanalturk and Bugun TV in Istanbul to protest against the police action.

Erdogan hopes the AK Party he founded will regain the oneparty rule it lost in a June vote.

Polls, however, indicate it is unlikely it will secure such a vote on

CLASHES: Turkish police use water cannon to disperse supporters and employees of Bugun newspaper and Kanalturk television station, during a protest against the Turkish government’s crackdown on media outlets, in Istanbul on Wednesday. – AFP

November 1, let alone the large majority it would need to change the constitution and endow the presidency with the broad powers Erdogan seeks.

Link The media groups are owned by Koza Ipek Holding, which has links to preacher Fethullah Gulen.

The authorities on Tuesday took over 22 companies owned by Koza

Ipek in an investigation of alleged financial irregularities, including whether it funded Gulen, whom Erdogan terms a terrorist.

The company denies wrongdoing. “This is a coup against opposition, against the media, against our existing constitution and against freedom of enterprise,” Abdulhamit Bilici, editor-in-chief of the Gulen-affiliated Zaman newspaper, told Reuters TV.

“Coups don’t happen only by tanks or by generals. Now we are witnessing a different coup under a civilian umbrella. This will not be acceptable for the Turkish people and this will not be acceptable for the international friends of Turkey.”

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Turkish prosecutors cited strong evidence that an IS group cell in the southeastern city of Gaziantep

carried out a spate of bombings culminating in a double suicide attack in Ankara. In a written statement, the Ankara prosecutor’s office said digital evidence indicated the Ankara bombers staged the attack, the worst of its kind in Turkish history, to undermine political stability and delay a parliamentary election set for November 1. “This group in Gaziantep took orders directly from the IS terror group in Syria and planned attacks across Turkey,” the statement said.

“There is a strong evidence that the terrorist organisation IS carried out attacks on HDP buildings in Mersin and Adana, the Diyarbakir rally bombing and the Suruc bombing,” it said, referring to a string of attacks on the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).

But rising violence has not distracted Erdogan from the battle against Gulen, who before their estrangement had helped him consolidate power in the early years of his government. Erdogan clamped down on Gulen’s commercial interests after police and prosecutors considered sympathetic to the cleric opened a graft investigation of Erdogan’s inner circle in 2013.

He has also purged police and judiciary. As police arrived to ensure the entry of administrators to take over the companies on Wednesday, the crowd of protesters chanted “the free media cannot be silenced”. “All I want is to be able to watch the channel I want when I get up in the morning, freely and in a democratic way. They are trying to silence it,” said Hesna Kekec, a headscarved housewife who came from the northwestern province of Kocaeli to protest.

Aydin Unal, an AK Party lawmaker and former Erdogan adviser, said on Tuesday legal action was planned against more opposition newspapers, including the nationalist Sozcu newspaper. “Sozcu newspaper insults us every day,” Unal told A Haber channel.

“There is a lot of pressure on Turkey. If we say something, the world accuses us of interfering with the press, so we’re not in a comfortable position now, but after Nov. 1 we will settle up with all of them.”

Rights groups questioned the move against opposition media outlets so close to an election.

“The government’s seizure of Koza Ipek undermines the fairness of the November 1 parliamentary elections,” Robert Herman of Freedom House said in an e-mailed statement.

Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. — Reuters

ELECTED

HISTORIC DAY: Nepal’s newly elected President Vidya Devi Bhandari, centre, leaves parliament after her election win was announced in Kathmandu on Wednesday. – AFP

Nepal elects first woman president KATHMANDU: Communist leader Vidya Devi Bhandari was on Wednesday elected as Nepal’s first woman president by the parliament, weeks after it adopted a new landmark Constitution that declared the country a secular state.

Fifty-four-year-old Bhandari, the Vice-president of CPN-UML and widow of late general secretary of the party Madan Bhandari, secured 327 votes against 214 votes of her rival veteran Nepali Congress leader Kul Bahadur Gurung. “I announce that Vidya Devi Bhandari has been elected to the post of Nepal’s president,” Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar said, to loud cheers from lawmakers.

She succeeds incumbent Ram Baran Yadav who was elected as the country’s first president in 2008 after Nepal was declared a Republic following the abolition of a 240-year-old monarchy. With the promulgation of the Constitution on September 20, it was required to elect a new president within a month of the commencement of the Parliament session.

Public statement In her first public statement as the president, Bhandari said the new Constitution would work for Nepal’s sovereignty and independence during her tenure.

She said the charter promulgated from the Constituent As-

sembly last month would protect sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Bhandari said her election was a step ahead in the process of implementing the Constitution as per its spirit.

Her victory was almost certain as 12 ruling parties including the third and fourth largest parties - UCPN (Maoist) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPPN) - had pledged their support. Gurung received votes only from NC lawmakers.

Close confidante Bhandari is a close confidante of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who was elected earlier this month and leads a coalition government. The president is the ceremonial head in Nepal while the prime minister is the nation’s leader. Bhandari began her political career with a leftist student movement in 1979. She then acquired membership of CPN (ML), went underground and fought against the partyless Panchayat system from Morang district.

She married the famed Communist leader Madan Kumar Bhandari. After the end of Panchayat system and restoration of multi-party democracy in 1990, CPN (ML) became CPN (UML) after unification with CPN (Marxist) and her husband became General Secretary of the unified party. — PTI

T HURSDAY, O CTO BER 29, 2015 Insurgents have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen in Sinai since mid-2013 after the overthrow by then-military chief Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of president Mohamed Morsi following mass protests against his rule

C OU N T E R - I N S U R G E N C Y O P E R AT I O N S

Egypt extends emergency in Sinai CAIRO: Egypt has extended by three months a state of emergency imposed on parts of Northern Sinai as the military mounts counter-insurgency operations against militants, the government said on Wednesday.

Insurgents have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen in Sinai since mid-2013 after the overthrow by then-military chief

Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of president Mohamed Morsi following mass protests against his rule.

The state of emergency extension, announced by now President Sisi in a written decree on Wednesday, will be implemented in Rafah, Al Arish, Sheikh Zuweid and surrounding areas starting retroactively from Tuesday and also extends a night-time curfew.

The measure was ďŹ rst introduced exactly one year ago after 33 security personnel were killed in an attack at a checkpoint in northern Sinai. It was extended by three months in January, April, and July.

The attack was claimed by Sinai Province, an affiliate of IS, which earlier changed its name from Ansar Bayt Al Maqdis. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Reuters

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MIGRANTS INFLUX

Austria hopes border barriers will help slow flow of migrants VIENNA: Austria on Wednesday outlined plans to build barriers including a fence at a busy border crossing to slow an influx of migrants as Germany accused Austrian authorities of shuttling groups of refugees in its direction after dark.

Austria has largely served as a conduit into Germany for hundreds of thousands of Middle East-

ern, African and Asian migrants fleeing wars and hardship who have travelled from the Mediterranean and through the Balkans since early September.

But as the southern German province of Bavaria, which borders Austria, has complained increasingly stridently to Berlin that it is reaching the limits of its capacity to receive refugees, concern in

Austria has risen that Germany could further restrict arrivals, creating a backlog.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere accused Austria on Wednesday of driving refugees to the German border after dark, suggesting it was doing so to help them cross undetected, and he said he expected Vienna to return to an orderly process im-

mediately. Shortly before de Maiziere’s remarks, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann said Austria was planning to build barriers at the Spielfeld border crossing with Slovenia through which several thousand migrants pass daily.

Having criticised the government of neighbouring Hungary for building border fences to keep migrants out, Austria was at pains

to explain that the Spielfeld barriers it was planning would be much more limited and were not comparable to those of Hungary.

“We want to be able to carry out controls on people, and for that one needs certain technical security measures,” Faymann, a Social Democrat, told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.

His coalition partner, Vice

Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner, a conservative, said another aim of the measure was to discourage migrants from coming.

“Slowly word will spread among the refugees that individual states do not have a form of invitation policy but are at the limits of their capacity and are carrying out tougher controls and security measures,” Mitterlehner said.-Reuters

Saudi Arabia, Iran to discuss Syrian crisis Saudi Arabia said its participation in the talks aimed to gauge the willingness of Russia and Iran, the Syrian government’s main

DAMAGES: A school girl walks past damaged buildings in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret Al Numan town in Idlib province, Syria on Wednesday. - Reuters

backers, for a peace deal

RIYADH/DUBAI: Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they would attend international talks in Vienna on Friday on the war in Syria, in the first meeting between the two countries aimed at ending the four-year-long war.

Saudi Arabia said its participation in the talks aimed to gauge the willingness of Russia and Iran, the Syrian government’s main backers, for a peace deal, Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said on Wednesday.

“The view of our partners...was that we should test the intentions of the Iranians and the Russians in arriving at a political solution in Syria, which we all prefer,” Al Jubeir told a news conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

First time Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and three of his deputies will attend the multilateral talks, Iranian state news

agencies said earlier on Wednesday. It will be the first time that Tehran attends international negotiations on Syria’s war.

Other participants, notably the United States, say Assad can play no part in Syria’s future.

The Saudi foreign minister added that the kingdom and its allies would hold a separate meeting on Friday to seek “the time and means of Bashar Al Assad’s exit”. Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, Lebanon, the European Union and France also said they would attend Friday’s talks, which come a day after a smaller round of negotiations between the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Around a dozen participants are expected in total.

It was not clear whether any

invitation had been issued to either the Syrian government or the opposition. Neither side was present at the last talks in Vienna.

Speaking at a news conference alongside his Saudi counterpart, British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond said he hoped the meeting would encourage dialogue between the two countries.

Long-term interests “Saudi Arabia and Iran are the two most important and powerful countries in this region. It is very much in the long-term interests of the region that eventually these two countries are able to talk to each other, are able to discuss differences, are able to seek solutions peacefully,” British foreign minister said. - Reuters ENCELADUS

Spacecraft to sample water plumes from Saturn moon CAPE CANAVERAL(US): A US spacecraft was poised to make a deep dive into plumes of water, ice and organic matter blasting from Saturn’s small, ocean-bearing moon Enceladus, in an effort to learn if it could support life, NASA said on Wednesday.

Only a drop of water will be collected during the 19,000 mph (30,600 kph) flyby, which is scheduled to take place about 1 pm EDT/1700 GMT. Scientists say that will be enough to answer some key questions about Enceladus, which has a global ocean sealed beneath its icy surface.

“This is a very big step in a new era of exploring ocean worlds in our solar system bodies with great potential to provide oases for life,” said Curt Niebur, programme scientist for NASA’s Cassini mission at Saturn. The spacecraft does not have instruments to directly detect life, but scientists hope to ferret out details about the underground ocean that is believed to be the source of Enceladus’ geyser-like plumes.

Cassini discovered the plumes, which stretch hundreds of miles into space, in 2005, a year after reaching Saturn. -Reuters

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MARKET OIL MARKET

Dubai market achieves record volume of 9b barrels Times News Service MUSCAT: Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) on Wednesday said it has now reached the 9billion barrel mark, with a total of 9million contracts traded on the exchange.

So far this year, the exchange has seen a major uptick in the number of participants trading on the DME. The exchange has also set new records for open interest and for physical delivery. Between 15 and 22 million barrels of Oman crude oil has been delivered every month through the exchange’s futures mechanism, which is unique

in the Middle East. The DME Oman contract currently has the largest physical delivery of any energy futures contract in the world.

Steady rise in volumes With the growth of energy trading along the crude oil corridor between the Middle East and Asia and the backing of major financial players and clearing members from Asia, the exchange has seen a steady rise in volumes that have reinforced DME Oman’s position as the most credible trading benchmark for the Asian crude oil markets. With primary global energy demand being driven by

OIL MARKET

Asia, the region has become key to price discovery.

“It’s great for DME to hit another milestone. Our long-term focus on transparency and on ensuring a fair price for both buyers and sellers has paid dividends and resulted in a high degree of trust in the DME Oman contract,” said Owain Johnson, managing director of the Dubai Mercantile Exchange.

“We are focused on building a strong platform at the DME and our recent initiatives such as incorporating floating storage into the delivery point as well as the launch of the DME Auctions platform will all strengthen the robust

trading ecosystem around the DME,” he added.

DME Oman contract There are around 90 participants from all market segments involved in price formation on the DME Oman contract and no single participant typically accounts for more than 10% of activity. DME’s transparent and regulated mechanism explains the high credibility of the benchmark among all parts of the oil supply chain.

DME is a fully electronic exchange, a joint venture between Dubai Holding, Oman Investment Fund and CME Group.

Oman’s maiden sukuk gets definitive A1 rating ment has substantial financial assets, as well as deposits in the domestic banking system.

Having said that, uncertainty exists over the effectiveness of the government’s policy response to challenges posed by lower oil prices to Oman’s government finances, external current account, and growth performance in 2015 as well as over the next three years.

This uncertainty is reflected in the negative rating outlook on the Government of Oman’s issuer rating.

A1 rating assigned GLOBAL GLUT: Oil has moved lower after a surge earlier this month above $50 a barrel failed to stick because of concerns about a prolonged global glut. - Times file picture

Crude oil declines to two-month low as US supply increases LONDON: Oil dropped to a twomonth low in New York before government data that’s forecast to show United States crude stockpiles increased.

West Texas Intermediate futures tumbled 1.8 per cent. Inventories probably rose by 3.75 million barrels last week, according to a survey before an Energy Information Administration report on Wednesday.

The US plans to sell millions of barrels of crude oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve from 2018 until 2025 under a budget deal reached on Monday night by the White House and top lawmakers from both parties.

Prolonged global glut Crude Oil has moved lower after a surge earlier this month above $50 a barrel failed to stick because of concerns about a prolonged global glut.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) continues to pump above its quota and the International Energy Agency (IEA) sees world crude supplies remaining ample until at least the middle of 2016. WTI touched a six-year low of $37.75 in August.

“We’re back to trading the fundamentals,” said Michael Corcelli, chief investment officer of hedge fund Alexander Alternative Capital in Miami. “Opec is

pumping a tremendous amount of oil and the market is heading for the six-year lows around $36.

We could wake up any day this week and find that prices have moved below those levels.”

Widening spreads WTI for December delivery declined 78 cents to close at $43.20 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It’s the lowest settlement since August 27. The volume of all futures traded was 14 per cent above the 100-day average. Prices have retreated 19 per cent this year.

Declines eased after the American Petroleum Institute was said to report US crude supplies rose 4.1 million barrels last week.

WTI traded at $43.43.

Brent for December settlement decreased 73 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to end the session at $46.81 a barrel on the London- based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The European benchmark crude closed at a $3.61 premium to WTI, the most since September 3.

The discount on front-month WTI widened to the most in five months. Crude inventories probably gained last week as refineries operated at the lowest level since January. Gasoline and distillate fuel stockpiles in the week ended October 23 are expected to have declined. - Bloomberg News

to the certificates by Moody’s Investors Service is at the same level as the long-term issuer ratings of the Government of Oman

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s maiden sovereign sukuk issuance has been assigned a definitive rating of A1 by Moody’s Investors Service. The rating for these debt obligations follows the provisional rating assigned on October 5.

The A1 rating assigned to the certificates is at the same level as the long-term issuer ratings of the Government of Oman, as the sukuk certificate holders will effectively be exposed to Oman’s senior credit risk; not be exposed to the risk of performance of the portfolio assets relating to the certificates; will not have any preferential claim or recourse over the assets, or rights to cause any sale or disposition of the assets except as expressly provided under the transaction documents; and only have rights against the Govern-

FINANCIAL STRENGTH: Moody’s Investors Service said that Oman’s government has substantial financial assets and deposits in the domestic banking system. – Bloomberg News

ment of Oman, ranking pari passu with other senior unsecured obligations as provided in the transaction documents.

Oman’s credit profile Moody’s notes that its sukuk rating does not express an opinion on the structure’s compliance with Sharia law.

On October 27, the Government of Oman priced its first-time sovereign sukuk, a five-year domestic issuance of OMR250 million with a rate of 3.5 per cent per annum, payable semi-annually. The sukuk issuance was oversubscribed close to 1.7 times.

Oman’s sovereign credit profile displays a number of strengths.

Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth will likely remain positive, although Moody’s expects it will slow to an average 2 per cent to 3 2 per cent per year

until 2019, down from a previously higher growth trend of 4.9 2 per cent on average between 2005 and 2014.

Offsetting this strength to some degree is the likely sharp fall in nominal GDP this year from the collapse in oil prices.

This will crimp government and private sector incomes. Moody’s base case scenario for oil market trends is a Brent crude price of $55 per barrel on average in 2015 and $53 per barrel in 2016 that rises only gradually to around $75 per barrel by 2019.

Financial assets Even factoring in the reduced government revenues and resulting higher government debt over the next one to three years, Oman’s debt metrics will still compare favourably with the Arated median. The Omani govern-

Fiscal deficits Given that the issuance rating is tied to the rating of the Government of Oman, the same factors and considerations would apply.

Therefore, given the negative outlook on the government’s ratings an upward movement in the rating is highly unlikely. However, containment of government fiscal deficits and consequent increases in government debt, and progress in diversifying the economy and government finances from oil, would place upward pressure on the rating and could cause the outlook to be changed back to stable.

Conversely, downward rating pressures will increase if diversification efforts slow down, and/or government finances deteriorate faster than in our baseline scenario, including a significant rise in the wider public sector debt.

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THIRD QUARTER

Volkswagen posts $3.85b loss TO ADVERTISE Call: 24726666

FRANKFURT: Volkswagen posted a €3.48-billion ($3.85 billion) third-quarter loss, its first in more than 15 years, and said fullyear earnings will come in significantly below last year’s level amid the diesel emissions scandal.

The operating loss, which compared to a €3.23 billion profit a year ago, was wider than the €3.27 billion deficit estimated on average by 11 analysts surveyed.

The cheating scandal accounted €6.7 billion in special costs in the third quarter, more than the €6.5 billion it originally set aside, the Wolfsburg, Germany-based company said Wednesday. Sales rose 5.3 per cent to €51.49 billion.

Matthias Mueller, chief executive officer, will face questioning from investors as he tries to gain their backing for his handling of the crisis. Volkswagen is bracing for costs that analysts have esti-

Matthias Mueller. – Bloomberg news

mated could total from €20 billion to as much as €78 billion.

Cost of lawsuits The company acknowledged prior to the Wednesday results that the provisions it set aside in the third quarter won’t cover the full cost of lawsuits, fines and repairs for 11 million vehicles fitted with software to rig diesel emissions tests.

“The figures show the core strength of the Volkswagen Group on the one hand, while on the other the initial impact of the current situation is becoming clear,” Mueller said in the statement. The shares rose 3.3 per cent to €108.6 in Frankfurt. Volkswagen has lost some €21 billion in market capitalisation since the scandal became public on September 18.

Mueller will need to address questions ranging from the progress of the investigation into how the cheating came about to longer-term strategy issues.

Most pressing are the cost and timing of recalls for 8.5 million cars in Europe and 480,000 in the United States. Though some vehicles will only need a software update, Volkswagen hasn’t said how will fix those that do require new parts. Others may be bought back entirely. - Bloomberg News

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MARKET BRIEFS

Spanish trade mission to visit Oman next month MUSCAT: A trade mission from Spain is scheduled to visit the Sultanate of Oman on November 3 and 4, according to Economic and Trade Office of the Spanish Embassy in Muscat.

Organised by the Bilbao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a delegation of 8 companies will hold discussions representing automatic systems equipment for gates and garage doors and access doors, technology services (laboratory tests), logistic services, high technology special cables, protection and control for motors & generators, surge protection devices, machine tools manufacturers, milling machines, lathes, expansion joints, high-tech machinery for the paper and cardboard converting industry. During the mission, the representatives will meet potential distributors and agents.

Work to build second phase of Duqm town on track: Official The project is part of Oman’s long-term plan to develop the coastal area of Duqm into a fully integrated commercial hub and spur residential development in the industrial zone

DEVELOPMENT: It is envisaged that the project will include a hospital, a school, retail and leisure facilities as well as a mix of buildings

from villas and townhouses to apartments. The photo shows the first phase of the project. - Supplied picture

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

Saudi Wealth Fund to seek bankers for global deals RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is seeking to hire bankers for international deals to help the kingdom acquire overseas technology and expertise. The sovereign wealth fund, which holds about $100 billion worth of stakes in local companies, is looking to appoint Saudi nationals with experience at both local and international investment banks. The hires will help the fund make strategic acquisitions in industries including transport, manufacturing and technology that will give Saudi access to foreign expertise and knowhow. - Times News Service/Agencies

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Work on the second phase of the Duqm Frontier Town is on track and greater emphasis is being placed on the social infrastructure of the development, said an official involved in the project.

The concept masterplan has been prepared and includes a number of options that are under consideration by the Duqm Development Company (DCC), said Simon Newberry, associate principal – design, planning and economics, AECOM. Speaking to Times of Oman, Newberry noted that the options have been presented and DCC will give feedback and directions.

The plan has not been approved yet but at the moment, it is envisaged that the project will include a hospital, a school, some retail and leisure facilities as well as a mix

of buildings from villas and townhouses to apartments, he said on the sidelines of the Oman Projects Forum on Wendesday.

Asked about the estimated amount of investment in the second phase, Newberry said that it is not clear at this stage as the preferred options have not been identified yet. The second phase is certainly much larger than the first phase, he added.

The expert also said that he cannot specify the exact time frame for the completion of the project but given the developments in Duqm, there will be a need for housing in the near future.

Long-term plan The Duqm Frontier Town project is part of the country’s long-term plan to develop the coastal area of Duqm into a fully integrated commercial hub and spur residential development in the industrial

AV I AT I O N

zone. It is aimed at providing quality accommodation for the management staff of Oman Drydock Company (ODC).

The first phase of the project, which was launched last year, is spread over 23 hectares, offering 344 fully furnished residential units, including 250 apartments and 94 villas.

Social infrastructure The facilities provided in the first phase include a leisure club which features a restaurant, swimming pools, multisport hall, gym, squash court, outdoor tennis court, beach volleyball court and retail shops.

Also drainage, power and communications distribution system, water distribution system and storage facilities as well as sewage treatment facility have been provided in the development.

Newberry said that a greater focus will be placed on the social

infrastructure of the development in the second phase to provide a pleasant experience for the community living there.

“I did not have an involvement in the first phase but in terms of the second phase, I think there are a couple of things we are trying to improve,” he said.

“The first phase looks good and works well. I think moving forward, we hope to focus on getting more of that social infrastructure and make it feel more like a community than buildings and perhaps making more of the existing environment topography and the bodies that exist on the site at the moment,” he explained.

Challenges In a presentation at the forum, Newberry said that some of the challenges facing the establishment of a frontier town are the different age profiles of the people

living in the town, gender imbalance, transient population, spatial planning and phasing, infrastructure and construction as well as social challenges, especially those related to family connections and communication.

There are good opportunities in Duqm for frontier town development and coordination between regulators, developers and consultants can help create a successful model, the AECOM official added.

Adaptability of buildings, coordination of development, concentration of development and social infrastructure should be taken into consideration, the expert noted.

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HONING SKILLS

Regional airlines set to log CMA’s training sessions for staff robust passenger growth of insurance firms, brokers begin Times News Service Times News Service MUSCAT: Development in the region’s aviation sector will once again be a major talking point at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016, as Gulf airlines look to capitalise on their strategic location, connecting East and West.

It has been a strong performance over the last 18 months for the region’s aviation sector with Gulf airlines in particular showing the strongest passenger growth in the world, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) statistics, following an 11.7 per cent year-onyear rise in traffic to August 2015, which is now beginning to manifest itself at ATM. Since June 2015, Emirates has announced improved frequencies and also new routes to Boston, Orlando, Chicago, Bali, Mashad (Iran), Bamako (Mali), as well as Panama City, the longest nonstop flight in the world in a westerly direction. Etihad Airways has opened up new routes to Edinburgh and Madrid and next year Qatar Airways will fly to Sydney, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Boston.

Low-cost airlines “The low-cost airlines are not being left behind either, flydubai now operates 110 routes and will carry 8.9 million passengers this year. Air Arabia now connects Casablanca with Montpellier (France) and Naples (Italy) and Marrakesh with Frankfurt.

In addition the Sharjah-based carrier is now extending its reach

Aviation industry should adapt, change: Etihad chief DUBAI: Asserting the civil aviation industry must adapt and change, Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer James Hogan has said partnerships and collaboration were the most tangible way to grow in the current competitive scenario.

Addressing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aviation Day in Abu Dhabi, Hogan said Etihad Airways’ successful partnership strategy could become a model for other players. He said that

to Urumqi in China,” added Noblet-Segers.

Other regional statistics support the bullish sentiment toward aviation growth forecasts, when demand and wealth dynamics are considered. According to the World Bank, the Middle East and North African (Mena) region population is more than 331 million with an annual growth rate of 1.73 per cent in 2013.

“That’s 5.7 million people per annum, or to put it another way, the equivalent of the population

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partnerships and collaboration were the most tangible way to grow in today’s highly competitive business environment, providing consumers with greater choice and connectivity.

“Ways of doing business globally have changed over the years and aviation, like many other industries, must adapt and change. In union there is strength and a shared vision. At Etihad Airways we have seen the results of working together which go well beyond commercial benefits,” he said. - PTI

of Riyadh. And with 31 per cent of the Mena population still under 15 years, it will continue to grow and it will continue to travel,” added Noblet-Segers.

In terms of wealth, the per capita income for the UAE according to the World Bank in 2014 was still more than $44,000, comfortably within the top 10 per cent of richest nations, behind Qatar ($97,000) and Kuwait ($49,000), but ahead of Bahrain ($25,000), Saudi Arabia ($24,000) and Oman ($19,000).

MUSCAT: Oman’s insurance watchdog Capital Market Authority’s (CMA) said its thirteenth programme on managing claims got underway on Tuesday with the participation of 30 employees organised for youth working in insurance companies and brokerage firms.

As Oman’s CMA continues to organise training sessions for national cadres, the total number of the trained employees for this year reached 280. This initiative comes within the efforts of the CMA to achieve its future plan for enabling national cadres operating in insurance sector.

The programme aims to qualify participants with fundamentals of dealing with claims and procedures followed for studying policyholders risks, and the mechanism of determining the size and type of

compensation. Audited indicators of the sector show that the size of paid compensations for individuals and institutions has risen 8 per cent in 2014 compared to the paid compensations for insurance companies which reached OMR232 million in the previous year.

The programme discussed the institutional claims philosophy regarding the service’s quality, importance of claims department, approved mechanisms for nego-

tiation, and techniques of dealing with policyholders.

Insurance claims The trainer also discussed about reserves of claims and its implementation with a detailed explanation of re-insurance claims. He also spoke about disastrous loss of 20 lives, causing physical injuries for more than 50 persons, or causes insured loss for more than $29 million or total loss of $457 million.

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MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,937.98 .............. 5,932.07 ................... 5,933.26 ....................5,937.91.................. -4.65 .................. -0.08 Financial Index .................................... 7,326.20 ...............7,305.80 ................... 7,306.04 ................... 7,325.58................ -19.54 .................. -0.27 Industrial Index ....................................7,338.63 ...............7,320.66 ................... 7,320.66 ................... 7,338.63................ -17.97 .................. -0.24 Services Index ...................................... 3,280.97 .............. 3,278.68 ....................3,279.61 ................... 3,280.17.................. -0.56 .................. -0.02 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................912.93 ...................911.37 ....................... 911.85 .......................913.65.................. -1.80 .................. -0.20 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 11,598,719 ..................2,274,363 .....................612 ............... 14,728,755,343 .................. 3 ......................14 ....................22 .........................39

The top gainer was Oman Textile, up by 5.14 per cent, while Al Hassan Engineering was

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28

the day’s top loser, down by 5.49 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Profit-booking on the Muscat bourse pulled down share prices. The MSM 30 Index marginally closed lower at 5,933.26 points, down by 0.08 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index down by 0.20 per cent to close at 911.85 points.

Bank Nizwa led in terms of volume while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. Wednesday’s top gainer was Oman Textile Holding, up by 5.14 per cent, while Al Hassan Engineering was the day’s top loser, down by 5.49 per cent.

As many as 612 trades were executed during Wednesday’s trading session generating turnover of OMR2.27 million with 11.59 million shares changing hands.

Out of 39 traded securities, 3 advanced, 14 declined and 22 remained unchanged.

GCC and Arab investors were net buyers for OMR58,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR42,000 followed by OMR15,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index falls Financial Index declined by 0.08 per cent to close at 7,306.04 points. Al Izz Bank, Oman United Insurance, United Finance and Bank Nizwa declined by 2.60 per cent, 1.92 per cent, 1.54 per cent and 1.23 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 7,320.66 points, down by 0.24 per cent. National Alumnium increased by 0.43 per cent to close at OMR0.230.

Al Hassan Engineering, Oman Fisheries, Oman Cement and Voltamp Energy declined by 5.49 per cent, 1.72 per cent, 1.33 per cent and 0.45 per cent, respectively.

Services Index declined by 0.02 per cent to close at 3,279.61 points. Oreedoo Oman was the only gainer to close at OMR0.764.

Port Services, Phoenix Power and OIFC declined by 1.84 per cent, 0.66 per cent and 0.54 per

cent, respectively.

Emerging markets slip Emerging-market stocks fell for a third day amid concern China’s growth slowdown is hurting corporate earnings and as investors awaited United States Federal Reserve comments to gauge the timing of the first US interestrate increase in nine years. Russia’s ruble rebounded with oil.

Chinese shares traded in Hong Kong posted their biggest drop in a month as companies from Tsingtao Brewery to Jiangxi Copper reported declining earnings, and UBS Group cut its forecast for growth in the world’s secondlargest economy.

Benchmark indexes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi slid to two- month lows. Brazilian stocks headed for the longest streak of losses in a month. The ruble and Indonesia’s rupiah helped a gauge of 20 developing-nation currencies rise for the first time in four days.

Futures trades signal a 96 per cent probability the Fed will hold its rates on Wednesday and a two-third likelihood it will leave them unchanged in December as well. Still, investors remain on the edge as officials including US Federal chair Janet Yellen, Stanley Fischer and John Williams said they expect a rates liftoff warranted this year.

China concerns have worsened the sentiment, with UBS lowering its forecast for the nation’s 2016 growth to 6.2 per cent from 6.5 per cent and a measure of consumer sentiment sinking to a record.

“Chinese corporate earnings are a reflection of the growth outlook,” Michael Wang, a strategist at hedge fund Amiya Capital in London. “Lower commodity prices are more worrying as they are more of a real-time indicator of what activity is like.

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

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 341,444 .........260,446......................12 ............0.756 ........... 0.764 ...........0.756 ........... 0.764 .............0.760 ........... 0.004............. 0.526 ................0.764 ..............0.764...................0.768..................497,321,392........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 304,000........... 70,290..................... 30 ........... 0.230 ...........0.233 ...........0.230............0.231 .............0.230 ............0.001 ............. 0.435 ................0.230..............0.227...................0.230 ................... 7,755,005 ..........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT .......................................................... 3,700 ...............4,126........................2 ............1.115 ............1.115 ............ 1.115 ............1.120 ............. 1.120............ 0.000.............0.000 ................ 1.115 ...............1.115................... 1.150 ................. 224,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 626,106 ............75,759..................... 25 ............0.121 ........... 0.121............0.121 ............0.121 ............. 0.121............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.121 .............. 0.121...................0.122..................242,037,848........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............75,000 ................7,725........................4 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.103........... 0.103 .............0.103............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.103 ..............0.103...................0.110 ................... 12,553,125 .........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER ................................................................. 114 ...................319........................1 ........... 2.800...........2.800 ...........2.800 .......... 2.995 .............2.995 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.800 ............ 2.800...................2.900 ...................2,396,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 208,900............12,609......................11 ........... 0.060 ........... 0.061 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.060 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.060..............0.059...................0.060 ..................12,429,083 .........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................27,902 .............11,496........................5 ............0.412 ........... 0.412 ...........0.412 ........... 0.412 .............0.412............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.412 ..............0.412...................0.416................... 25,216,160 .........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING .....................................3,000 ...............5,940........................1 ............1.980 ........... 1.980 ...........1.980........... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.980..............1.980...................0.000 ................ 190,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................ 57,856 ............... 5,728......................13 ........... 0.099 ...........0.099 ...........0.099........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.101 ....................2,970,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 687,280 .........368,378..................... 39 ........... 0.536 ........... 0.536 ...........0.534........... 0.536 .............0.536 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.536..............0.536...................0.538................ 1,228,416,912 ......0.100 OM0000002804 ...........ASAFFA FOODS ...................................................................100 .....................86........................1 ........... 0.860 ...........0.860 ...........0.860........... 0.860 .............0.860 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.860.............. 0.776...................0.860 ................ 103,200,000 .......0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ...........................22,014 ............... 2,179........................6 ........... 0.099 ...........0.099 ...........0.099........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.102.................... 5,825,478 ..........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ............ 226 .................. 441........................1 ............1.950 ........... 1.950 ...........1.950 ........... 1.950 .............1.950............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.950 ..............1.960...................0.000 .................134,550,000........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................83,262 .......... 135,929.....................24 ............1.635 ........... 1.635............1.625 ............1.635 ............. 1.635............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.625 .............. 1.625...................1.635 ................1,226,250,000......0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 1,566,501 ...... 274,531..................... 32 ............0.175 ........... 0.176 ...........0.175 ............0.175 ............. 0.175............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.175 .............. 0.174...................0.175 ...................50,863,929.........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 352,000 ............61,952........................8 ............0.176 ........... 0.176 ...........0.176 ............0.176 ............. 0.176............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.176 .............. 0.172...................0.176 ..................253,693,440 .......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 389,822 ........... 33,383..................... 29 ........... 0.085 ...........0.086 ...........0.085........... 0.086 .............0.086 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.085..............0.084...................0.085...................24,938,335.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................2,640 .................. 977........................3 ........... 0.370 ...........0.370 ...........0.370........... 0.380 .............0.380 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.370..............0.350...................0.390 ..................83,983,800.........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................ 12,180 .............33,373........................3 ............2.740 ........... 2.740 ...........2.740........... 2.740 .............2.740 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.740..............2.470...................2.740..................261,552,714 ........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 173,000 ............14,705........................7 ........... 0.085 ...........0.085 ...........0.085........... 0.085 .............0.085 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.085..............0.084...................0.086...................14,875,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................50,124 .............10,777........................6 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 ............. 0.215............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.215 ..............0.205...................0.215..................145,100,797 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................50,047 .............10,760........................6 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 ............. 0.215............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.215 .............. 0.211...................0.215..................153,597,363 ........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ..................................................... 27,610 .............12,104........................6 ........... 0.438 ...........0.440 ...........0.436........... 0.438 .............0.440 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.455 ...............0.438..............0.438...................0.440 ..................26,499,000.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 250,000 ............51,084........................9 ........... 0.204...........0.205 ...........0.202 .......... 0.204 .............0.205 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.488 ...............0.202 .............0.192...................0.204 .................290,707,373 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 405,000........... 74,550..................... 35 ............0.183 ........... 0.185 ...........0.182........... 0.184 ............. 0.185............-0.001 ........... -0.541 ...............0.183 .............. 0.183...................0.184...................36,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,080,482 ......198,289......................71 ............0.185 ........... 0.185 ...........0.182........... 0.184 ............. 0.185............-0.001 ........... -0.541 ...............0.183 ..............0.182...................0.183................... 27,613,800 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............99,255 ............. 11,037........................8 ............0.113 ........... 0.113............0.110 ............0.111.............. 0.112............-0.001 ........... -0.893 ...............0.112 ...............0.111................... 0.112 ....................9,990,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ........................................................... 30,000 .............13,400........................3 ........... 0.446 ...........0.448 ...........0.446........... 0.446 .............0.452 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.327................0.448..............0.448...................0.480 .................147,569,229 ........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..........................................................6,188 .................. 792........................1 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.128........... 0.128 .............0.130............-0.002 ............-1.538................0.128 ..............0.128...................0.130................... 39,777,912 .........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION .........................16,300 ...............2,612........................3 ............0.162 ........... 0.162 ...........0.160........... 0.160 ............. 0.163............-0.003 ........... -1.840 ...............0.160..............0.160...................0.162...................15,206,400.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 293,000 ............74,775......................12 ........... 0.255 ...........0.257 ...........0.255........... 0.255 .............0.260 ...........-0.005 ........... -1.923................0.257..............0.255...................0.257...................25,500,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,245,053 ...1,840,552...................417 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......32........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING ................................... 279,732..........103,044..................... 64 ........... 0.348 ...........0.382 ...........0.348........... 0.368 .............0.350 ............0.018 ............. 5.143 ................0.364..............0.364...................0.370....................2,208,000..........1.000 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. HOLDING......................2,245 ...................361........................1 ............0.161 ........... 0.161............0.161 ............0.147 ............. 0.147............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.161 .............. 0.161...................0.000 ..................10,290,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 140,824 ............21,130.....................20 ............0.151 ........... 0.151............0.150 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.151 ............-0.001 ........... -0.662 ...............0.150 ..............0.150................... 0.151 ..................219,390,219 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 3,025,365 ..... 242,002..................... 62 ............0.081 ........... 0.081 ...........0.079........... 0.080 ............. 0.081............-0.001 ............-1.235................0.080..............0.080...................0.081................. 120,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................56,500 ...............3,221........................6 ........... 0.057 ........... 0.057 ...........0.057........... 0.057 .............0.058 ...........-0.001 ............-1.724................0.057..............0.057...................0.058.................... 7,125,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 840,000........... 63,278..................... 39 ............0.075 ........... 0.076 ...........0.075........... 0.075 .............0.077 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.597 ...............0.075..............0.075...................0.076...................75,000,000.........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING......................................9,000 .................. 774........................3 ........... 0.086 ...........0.086 ...........0.086........... 0.086 ............. 0.091............-0.005 ........... -5.495 ...............0.086..............0.086...................0.091.................... 6,467,888 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 4,353,666.......433,811................... 195 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

NEW IDENTITY

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex closes in the red; rupee declines

BRACING FOR CHANGE: The unified brand, which was announced in June this year, is designed to reinforce the network’s global strength in providing audit, tax and consulting services to entrepreneurial, growth-focused organisations. – Supplied picture

RSM launches new global brand Times News Service MUSCAT: RSM International, the world’s seventh largest audit, tax and consulting network, has adopted ‘RSM’ as its united global brand name together with a new visual identity.

George Mathew & Co, the member firm in Oman of the RSM network has also adopted the new brand and visual identity alongside fellow members of its international network. RSM International has adopted ‘RSM’ as its united global brand name in over 110 countries worldwide.

The unified brand, which was announced in June this year, is designed to reinforce the network’s global strength in providing audit, tax and consulting services to entrepreneurial, growth-focused organisations. Underpinned by its own strong financial performance and a rapidly expanding international client base, the network’s new brand identity is based on the

theme of helping clients to move forward with confidence.

Long-term strategy Following recent extensive independent global client and prospect research, feedback confirmed that the network’s strengths lie in their ‘passionate focus on collaboration’, ‘deep understanding of what matters most to clients,’ and ‘insight sharing by senior partners’.

These values are captured in the network’s new global positioning: “The Power of Being Understood”.

Jean Stephens, chief executive officer of RSM International, said: “Uniting under one brand is an important step in our long-term growth strategy. In an ever more globalised economy, our new brand will further differentiate our offering to leaders of entrepreneurial, growing organisations globally who want to work with advisers that really take the time to understand and care about their business and its drivers.

The new single brand enables us to better promote our resources and expertise, and provide an enhanced, seamless service offering to clients all over the world, benefiting them and also our 37,500 professionals globally.”

RSM has launched a global advertising campaign presenting its new brand across eight major international transit airports and digitally in global business media.

In addition, RSM has launched a new bi-annual global economics publication – The Global Real Economy – providing insights and analysis on a range of international issues relevant to middle market business leaders.

Global expansion Jean Stephens commented: “Over the years, the network has developed a strong suite of services to support our clients’ global expansion, helping them to address changes in regulation and the global business environment.

That’s why we are celebrating our new brand by providing clients with value-driven insights designed to help them succeed in an increasingly competitive and global economy.”

George Mathew, managing partner of the RSM member firm in Oman commented, “This is an exciting development for our firm and our global network RSM International. We believe that this change will strengthen our presence in the market, which will in turn create opportunities for our clients and our people. It will allow us to grow our services in line with our client’s needs and provide the clients access to a global network of likeminded, trusted advisors from across the world.”

RSM is the world’s sixth largest provider of tax services, has the fifth largest firm in the US and the third largest in China.

RSM was the fastest growing top ten global network in 2014 with 18 per cent growth.

MUMBAI: Markets ended in red for the third straight day, as the Sensex slipped by another 213.68 points to end at two-week low at 27,039.76 on profit-booking from investors mainly in banking, power, realty and auto counters ahead of the expiry of futures and options October contract on Thursday.

Lower Asian cues coupled with cautious approach of investors ahead of the US Federal Reserve statement due later in the day also affected the market sentiment.

Bank stocks led decline for key benchmark indices. Axis Bank tumbled by 7.36 per cent on concerns regarding the private sector bank’s slippages in the second quarter of September 2015. ICICI Bank and State Bank of India also ended lower by 4.30 per cent and 2.67 pct respectively.

The Sensex resumed lower at 27,131.71 and hovered in a range of 27,163.98 and 26,919.96 before ending at nearly two-week low at 27,039.76, showing a loss of 213.68 points or 0.78 per cent.

The Sensex has dropped by 431.05 points or 1.57 per cent in two days.

The CNX 50-share Nifty dropped by 61.70 points or 0.75 per cent to close at 8,171.20. It has also 124.25 points or 1.50 per cent in two weeks.

In overseas equity markets, stocks in China and Indonesia led decline in Asian markets as investors turned cautious ahead of the outcome of a monetary policy review from the United States Federal Reserve which could provide clues about the timing of the Federal’s first interest rate hike in a decade.

In the domestic market, 19 scrips out of the 30-share Sensex pack ended lower while 11 others closed higher.

Other major losers were NTPC 2.19 per cent, Lupin 1.83 per cent, Dr Reddy’s Lab 1.79 per cent and M&M 1.62 per cent while Cipla rose by 1.64 per cent, Bharti Airtel 1.62 per cent and ONGC 1.41 per cent.

Among the S&P BSE sectoral indices, Bankex fell by 2.53 per cent followed by Power 1.48 per cent, Realty 1.24 per cent, Auto 0.65 and Healthcare 0.50 per cent while Consumer Durable rose by 1.63 per cent.

Rupee depreciates Snapping two-day losing streak against the United States currency, the rupee recovered by four paise to 64.93 per dollar on fag-end selling of dollars by banks and exporters on the back of lower dollar in the overseas market.

The rupee resumed lower at 65.07 per dollar as against the last closing level of 64.97 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market and moved down further to 65.0950 on initial dollar demand from banks and importers.

However, it trimmed its initial losses against the dollar and recovered to 64.9150 per dollar before settling at 64.93 per dollar, showing a gain of four paise or 0.06 per cent.

It had dropped by 14 paise or 0.22 pct in the previous two days.

It moved in a range of 64.9150 per dollar and 65.0950 per dollar during the day.

The dollar index was trading lower by 0.19 per cent against a basket of six currencies in the late afternoon trade.

In the overseas market, the US dollar struggled for direction in the late afternoon trade, as investors held back from taking lopsided positions ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee. - PTI

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ROUND-UP

Toyota Innova: Perfect 8-seater for big families The multi-utility Innova arrests attention with its dynamic looks and impressively sculpted contours

MUSCAT: With a spacious 8-seater interior and a dynamic design, the Innova is perfect for the modern family, offering flexible space for infinite possibilities.

Toyota Innova has style, space, safety and comfort, all packed in one.

The multi-utility Innova arrests attention with its dynamic looks and impressively sculpted contours. It seats comfortably, ensuring spacious legroom in and around the second and third row seats.

Now, ever since Saud Bahwan Automotive has launched the Festival of Joy campaign the Innova

is available with insurance (one year Oman only) on 2015YM Innova of 2015 production. This benefit is applicable until November 12, for all purchases except those made by government organisations and ministries. Conditions apply. Please visit nearest Toyota showroom for further details, says a press release.

This is one of the many delightful reasons to own an Innova. Fashionably adorned with a bold front grille, stylish front bumper design and an attractive backdoor garnish that catches the eye, the Innova offers outstanding manoeuvrability

H E A LT H C A R E

even at high speeds. Powered by a 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder, 16V, DOHC, EFi, VVT-i engine, its front and rear suspensions achieve excellent drive comfort and stability as well as an extremely quiet ride.

The top of line grade hosts a plethora of high class features – auto ac, multi-information display, outer mirrors with turn signal indicators, side protection moulding with chrome, bluetooth integrated music system with 6.1” display screen, woodgrain panelling, alloy wheels, fog lamps and steering mounted controls, to name a few.

The Innova packs a host of

B5

safety measures that include the thoughtful design of the driving position, enabling each driver to find a position of comfort and control with an excellent field of view.

Other safety measures include a specially designed body, comprising a crumple zone and high integrity cabin, which help to protect occupants by minimising deformation to the passenger compartment. The dual airbags, ABS and seatbelts further add to the outstanding safety offered by Innova.

All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment.

Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge and first aid kit) is a dealer installed non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment. The vehicle specifications may change without prior notice. Pictures and colours may differ from actual specifications of the vehicles.

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

E X PA N S I O N

Muscat Insurance opens 15th new branch in Mabelah MUSCAT: Muscat Insurance Company (a Muscat National Holding Group company), leading insurance service provider in the Sultanate, marked the expansion of its branch network with the inauguration of its 15th new branch in Mabelah under the auspices of Sheikh Khalfan Saleh Al Nabi.

Philip K. Philip, GCEO MNHC, said: “We are on the path of high growth. Today MIC is the fastest growing insurance company in personal lines insurance. With the opening of a branch in Mab-

elah we are looking at increasing our footprints across the Muscat governorate, in order to ensure reach and ease of doing business with our customers.”

Ramesh P. L., GM, MIC, assured the dignitaries that his team shall work in close proximity with the customers and is committed to delivering outstanding service through its dedicated staff.

The new branch will be a full service outlet, offering all products and services of Muscat Insurance Company.

MEGA EVENT

Expert laparoscopic surgeon joins Starcare MUSCAT: Starcare Hospital announced the joining of Dr P. N. Ajitha, a renowned laparoscopic surgeon from India.

The hospital, under the flagship of Starcare Health systems has bloomed into a prominent destination for those, seeking quality healthcare. The presence of a team of dedicated, experienced and qualified medical professionals is the reason for this.

The services of Dr Ajitha is now available at Starcare Hospital, says a press release.

Dr Ajitha has conducted more than 6,000 surgeries in her career. She is the first lady gynaecologist to perform total laparoscopic hysterectomy in Kerala, India. She is also the first lady gynaecologist to conduct single port laparoscopic hysterectomy, in Kerala.

She completed her MBBS from Calicut Medical College, Kerala.

Later on, she completed her Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Dr Ajitha attained her Diploma in Pelvic Endoscopy ( Keil University) from Germany.

She has won many accolades and is a life member of Indian Medical Association, Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaec Society of India, Indian Association of Human Reproduction and Indian Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists.

Dr Ajitha is functioning as the State Chairperson of IMA Women Wing (Kerala), Secretary of Indian Menopausal Society, Calicut etc. She is a member of Rotary

International and is a Paul Harrison Fellow. She has conducted many social development programmes and has given talks on gynaecology and laparoscopy on a number of occasions.

She has appeared in many television shows and has spread awareness about the benefits of using the latest technology in the medical field.

While welcoming her, K. Jayan, vice president, Starcare Health Systems UK, said, "Performing 6,000 surgeries is no mean feat.

The challenge for a physician today is not just delivering quality treatment to a patient but also to be abreast with the latest advancement in the medical technology. Dr Ajitha has been able to excel in both and that’s why she is considered one among the best in the field today."

He also added that with the addition of Dr Ajitha to the present team of medical professionals in Starcare Hospital, the facility is well on its way to reach higher destinations.

Telugu Wing’s ‘Muscat Madhurimalu’ brings renowned artistes to Muscat MUSCAT: Indian Social Club (ISC) Telugu Wing’s ‘Muscat Madhurimalu 2015’ mega event was staged recently with a resounding success at Al Falaj Hotel.

Indra Mani Pandey, Indian ambassador to Oman, and Neelu Rohra, first secretary at the Indian Embassy, attended the event.

The event which brought on stage famed lyricist Ananth Sriram, Tollywood TV artistes and popular playback singers Kausalya, Krishna Chaitanya, Saketh and Parnika whipped up topnotch, non-stop entertainment keeping the audience in rapture through the entire evening.

Sriram held the audience in a trance with his poetic speech and a rendition of verses composed as a tribute to NRIs. The poignant lyrics left a profound impact on the audience, says a press release.

The singing sensations ensured that they catered to everyone in

INTRA-SCHOOL COMPETITION

Declamation contest held at PSM MUSCAT: Pakistan School Muscat (PSM) recently conducted the intra-school declamation contest 2015.

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

Shahid Javaid, M. Sajid, Usman Lakhan and Hafeez Malik also attended the occasion. Attaullah Niazi, senior principal, Pakistan School System, Khalid Jadoon, PSM principal, and Munnazza Ghafoor, principal, Pakistan School Junior Branch, were also present along with a number of guests, dignitaries and participants of the event.

The jury of the declamation was formed by Bukhari, a renowned educationist and the Principal of Pakistan School Seeb, Col. Irshad, the ex-principal of PSM and Sahahra Humayun, a talented speaker and an ex-student of Pakistan School Muscat. Asim Rana compiled the scores.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran by Ahmad Ali, the contest began. The programme consisted of two levels. In level 1, the students of Grades V-VIII painted

their side of the picture on the topic, ‘Social Media is spoiling our youth’.

Contestants from Grades IXXI spoke of their views about the maxim, ‘God helps those who help themselves’.

The speakers from PSM and its branches in Mussanah, Nizwa and Sohar took part in the contest.

All the participants displayed the best skills of oration which made the contest a neck and neck competition of speeches.

In group I, Hira Mahmood of Pakistan School Sohar secured the second position and Laiba Ali of Pakistan School Muscat stole the show as the top speaker. In

group II, Javeria Zahid of Pakistan School Mussanah ended up second while Rabia Zeeshan of Pakistan School Sohar claimed the top position. In overall results, Pakistan School Sohar mounted the victory summit. PSM administration awarded trophies to Maryam Shoaib Khan, Farzana Shahzad and Iram Ashfaq as acknowledgement of their services for the organisation.

Live national songs and documentaries added colours to the event.

Trophies, certificates and medals were given away to the winners of essay writing competition and declamation contest.

the audience with the perfect mix of melodies, golden hits and current chart busters.

The singers also presented a special Hindi segment with riveting numbers as a tribute to the ambassador.

Speaking on this occasion, Anil Kumar, convener, said: “While the well-known serial artistes Anil, Mythili, Nirupam and Chaitra of Ashta-Chemma revved up the glamour quotient of the event with their superb dancing skills, the immensely popular anchor Shyamala captivated the audience with her quick repartees and charming compering.”

The 1,500 strong audience sat mesmerised till the very end. The surprise gifts added to the excitement. In addition there was a raffle draw with attractive high value prizes.

The final 45 minutes of the programme had almost the entire au-

dience on its feet with the singers belting out a non-stop medley of fast beat songs leaving the delighted crowd asking for more.

Anil said the mega event was a glitzy entertainment.

Community service ISC Telugu Wing which has been committed to community service right from inception reaffirmed its commitment to social causes by presenting a cheque of OMR1,500 to the Charity Wing of Indian Social Club during the event.

The event, which was hosted free of charge saw members of all quarters of the Telugu community attending with great enthusiasm.

The huge success of the mega nite was a befitting acknowledgement to the committed and selfless work put in by the committee members of the Telugu Kala Samithi for over four months.

The gold sponsors for the event were NCC International and Teejan Group of Companies.

The silver sponsors were Avani Infra Developers, Roca, Bank Muscat, Muscat Finance, Al Wasit Machinery, Modern Exchange, Dunlop, Voltas, Lalbuksh Voltas and Towell Engineering Group.

The bronze sponsors were Xpress Money, Global Technology, Al Sulaimi Group, Carrier, AGAF Contracting Company, Oasis, Mustafa Sultan Exchange, Muscat Gases Co, Amwaj Saham Trading and SAS Al Hekmah Est. The official carrier was Oman Air and the media partner was Times of Oman.

On behalf of the Indian Social Club Telugu Wing, committee members thanked everybody and requested the members of the community to become part of the Indian Social Club by enrolling membership for the year 2015.

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TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015

ROUND-UP Stage set for big Pan India property show real estate company that provide comprehensive residential and commercial solutions across various real estate categories for more than four decades. The group has successfully developed over 4.5 million sq.ft area and around 15 million sq.ft area is under development stage. Innovative design and concepts, strict adherence to delivery schedules and budget estimates are the defining benchmarks of Puranik Builders.

Properties being showcased at the real estate show will be known for their latest technological advancements and modern construction trends

MUSCAT: The stage is set for the biggest Pan India property show to be held tomorrow and the day after, at Holiday Muscat, Al Khuwair, sponsored by Phoenix Group, Hyderabad. The Times of India, India’s largest newspaper, in association with Muscat-based East Expo, is organising Oryx property show.

The Indian property show returns with a large number of participants taking the show to greater heights. This event generates a lot of excitement and interest to the Indian community in Oman, says a press release.

Expected to be the biggest show in its history, the two-day property extravaganza will showcase properties from the UAE, Singapore, Oman, Malaysia and India (Biggest pavilion with 30 exhibitors- Pan India Presence). Both commercial and residential projects will feature in the exhibition.

Property developments, which will be showcased at the property show, will be known for their latest technological advancements and new construction trends.

The International Property Show is the leading consumer event in Oman making it a perfect platform for providing buyers and investors with a ‘one-stop shop’

D E B AT E C O M P E T I T I O N

opportunity to capitalise and take advantage from the best property deals in India.

It will open doors from 10:30am to 8:30pm on both these days. With more than 170 exhibitors and 220 stands spread across 6,000sq.m the show is much larger than its previous editions.

The Indian property show has become a launch platform for developers over the years. New and upcoming projects, lucrative investment opportunities, exciting deals will be showcased here and NRIs get best bargains in return.

With 200 properties to see and experience and prices starting at a low of OMR6,200 to high end luxury properties are made available.

It promises a good mix of properties PAN India with developers coming from different regions of India representing Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns and metropolis.

The show enables the buyers to understand the pulse of property scenario back home.

The exhibitors at the show will include best of the Indian real estate developers, estate agents and finance companies. This year’s show will witness a large Indian pavilion alongside Yaas properties from Dubai offering lucrative investment and buying options in UAE. The large Indian contingent will be represented by key developers such as Phoenix Builders, Puranik Builders, Aparna Constructions, and Hyderabad to name some.

With focus on cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Chennai, Co-

imbatore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Gurgoan, the choice becomes even more interesting and attractive for those looking at buying or investing in these places.

The property show’s main sponsor Phoenix Group, Hyderabad will present two of its big projects.

The Golf Edge in Hyderabad is a one-of-its-kind luxury home of 487 apartments in the heart of Nanakramguda-Gachibowli in Hyderabad. It is located in the middle of the IT hub housing names like Microsoft, Dell, Deloitte, Infosys, Wipro to name a few. Golf Edge is a fully-furnished, fully-fitted and fully-serviced apartment with a global appeal. On the campus is an internationally branded star hotel Holiday Inn Express and Suites.

There are a host of corporate work spaces, international schools, shopping malls, multiplexes all around the site within just a couple of kilometres radius.

The Commune in Chennai is a collection of landscaped green attached villas ranging from 1,200 sq ft to 1,800 sq ft. Set amidst a premier gated community on OMR, this 40 acre landscaped project, is a part of the Village Township, promoted by Phoenix Hodu Developers. There is no dearth of amenities and utilities; including a 30,000 sq.ft club house.

Puranik Builders — Ideas that stay with you Puranik Builders Pvt. Ltd. is one of the well-known and leading

Awards Best residential project for Thane based Puranik City by CNBC Awaaz in 2014, The Most Powerful Upcoming Brands in India - Power Brands Rising Star 2012, Best project award for Puranik City in the year 2010 by Accommodation Times, Best maintained garden by the Thane Municipal Corporation in 2005 and others.

Best investment Investment in Indian property sector is a best investment for various reasons including highest LTV, tangibility, less volatility, rental income and appreciating asset. Indian property market is huge and yet affordable compared to international investment destinations.

With a guaranteed capital appreciation on real estate in India this is far higher than the high-yielding deposits for non-resident Indians.

Visitors at the Indian property show will get free advice and information on various aspects such as existing property and tenancy laws, rate of return, finance options, etc. The property exhibition is specially designed to meet the needs of Indians in Oman.

Other highlights will include free seminars, designed to offer interesting insights and analysis to the customers, which will be conducted by some of the most influential property industry professionals, and legal advisers. ‘Get to know your City’ will focus on bringing the customer closer to choosing his dream home.

ISD hosts Ambassador’s Polemic Challenge 2015 MUSCAT: Indian School Darsait (ISD) hosted the Ambassador’s Rolling Trophy - Polemic Challenge 2015 organised under the aegis of Board of Directors, Indian schools in Oman recently at the senior school auditorium.

Twenty-four participants from 12 Indian schools competed in the battle of words and wits to grab the coveted Ambassador’s Rolling Trophy.

Annual event Ambassador’s Polemic Challenge is a prestigious annual event keenly contested by almost all Indian schools in the Sultanate. The event was conceptualised to commemorate International Day of Peace.

The topic for this year’s debate was ‘Education alone can bring world peace’. Erudite wars of words and rebuttals set fire to cerebrations of the enlightened audience.

Speakers vied with each other to present their views in the most convincing way and countered the questions posed at them.

Most of the debaters exhibited their rhetoric to the fullest.

Indian School Muscat emerged as the winners of this year’s Ambassador’s Polemic Challenge.

The following are the prize winners - The best speaker: Angela

PROUD MOMENT

RECOGNITION

Alex of ISM, the second best speaker: Arundhati Panicker of Indian School Sur, consolation prize: Samawiyah S of ISM and the best rebuttal: Mamata Gopinathan of ISWK. Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, attended the occasion and distributed certificates and mementos to the winners. The dignitaries present included Cdr. Mathew Abraham, educational adviser to BOD, Abdul Rahim Kassim, President SMC, Dr Amsa Parambil, vice president SMC, Dr Alex C. Joseph, assistant educational adviser to BOD and coordinating teachers from the participating schools.

Earlier, Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath, principal ISD, welcomed the debaters, members of the jury, distinguished guests and the organisers and participating schools to the august gathering.

Wishing the participants every success, she commended the toil and hard work of these young talents and appreciated the trainer teachers who worked behind the scenes. Representing the judges, John Moshi, shared his views and experience on communication. Dr Alex C. Joseph proposed vote of thanks.

EXHIBITION

National Life CEO honoured NTT congratulates Oman Air on its with coveted Bizz Award MUSCAT: The World Confederation of Business (Worldcob) recently honoured S. Venkatachalam, CEO of National Life & General Insurance Company (NLGIC) by awarding him the World Business Leader award as well as honorary title of Excellence in Business Management. This is the second time Venkatachalam is receiving this honour, first being in the year 2013, says a press release.

The Bizz award is considered to be a prestigious award in the business field worldwide that monitors pioneering companies and leading figures all over the world in terms of their achievement in the field of business activities, exceptional achievements, leadership and social responsibility.

Speaking on this occasion, Venkatachalam said: “We are extremely delighted to receive such a prestigious international award that emphasises NLGIC’s commitment and focus on following the best international practices in all its activities in terms of quality of our operations and customer centric approach to products and world class customer services.”

National Life & General Insurance Company is the first and the largest insurer in the Sultanate of Oman to have completed 30 years of excellence in insurance. They

Dreamliner delivery

We are extremely delighted to receive such a prestigious international award that emphasises NLGIC’s commitment and focus

S. Venkatachalam CEO, NLGIC

are the total insurance solutions provider in the Sultanate offering solutions in both life and general insurance. They have the Good (B++) Financial Strength Rating from A.M. Best Co., world’s oldest and most authoritative rating agency and are certified with ISO 9001:2008 by British Standards

Institute. The company is already providing wider range of insurance products to cater to all customer segments.

They are now leveraging on their widespread experience, profound knowledge and customer loyalties to deliver value to clients, partners and stakeholders.

MUSCAT: National Travel & Tourism congratulated Oman Air on the occasion of the airline receiving its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. They said this is indeed a proud moment for the airline as well as the country.

National Travel & Tourism (NTT), has been closely associated with Oman Air since its inception more than two decades ago. During this period, as Oman Air expanded its fleet and network, NTT has always been at the forefront to promote the services of the national carrier in both the government and private sectors, says a press release.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner uses cutting-edge technology and materials to achieve best-inclass parameters in performance, efficiency and passenger comfort. With the induction of this aircraft into the fleet, Oman Air would be able to open new and additional routes for the convenience of travellers out of Oman.

“As a top seller of Oman Air services, we believe the induction of Dreamliner into the Oman Air fleet would further add to the award-winning and excellent Oman Air services to our clients.

This would no doubt support us

to promote Oman Air services even better,” said an NTT spokesman on the occasion.

NTT today offers the highest levels of customer service and response from multiple locations throughout Oman with emphasis on providing top-notch travel, holidays and freight management services.

NTT sales outlets are available in Wattayah, Ruwi (CBD), Seeb, Salalah, Sohar and Buraimi (liaison office).

NTT’s various divisions offer the whole gamut of services.

NTT Travel Services: Provides cutting-edge service levels relating to corporate and individual travel on a 24x7 basis.

Choice Holidays offers comprehensive holiday options all over the world. NTT Tours offers comprehensive destination management services, offering one of the widest range of tours and specialised products for the discerning tourists into Oman.

NTT Cargo offers comprehensive, door-to-door freight services, both air and sea. Hertz Rent-A-Car has more than 1,000 vehicles making it one of the largest rent-a-car service providers in the country.

PSM students visit EduTraC MUSCAT: The students of Pakistan School Muscat (PSM) visited EduTraC Oman, the higher education exhibition, which was held under the patronage of Ministry of Education – National Career Guidance Centre, aiming to bring in the leading career options to spotlight for students in Oman.

The students of AS, AII, XI and XII were part of this visit.

By arranging this visit, the school administration highlighted its interest in finding the best future academic possibilities for its students, says a press release.

Exhibiting keen interest, the students visited different stalls to gather information about diverse and advanced study programmes offered by a vast number of universities from around the world.

The most visited stalls by the students were of the colleges and universities in Oman, Malaysia and the UK.

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ROUND-UP

twenty4 opens third showroom in Muscat

Keeping in line with its current in-store layout, the new store too will feature large aisles and bright and spacious setting that will enhance the feel-good factor

MUSCAT: After the successful successive opening of twenty4 stores in Muscat within the last one year, twenty4 is now set to welcome fashion enthusiasts to their third store located at the plush and brand new Panorama Mall in Bausher.

The opening was held amidst media guests, top officials and inaugurated by Salim Ali Nasser Al Siyabi, chairman, Panorama Mall.

Inaugurating the new outlet, Nasser Kunnummal, country head of twenty4, said, “Bausher is a potential market for twenty4 and there is a strong demand of customers for the products offered by the brand.”

He further commented, “The opening of twenty4 inside the Panorama Mall will further strengthen the portfolio of the area as well as open lot of avenues for people living in and around that area.

The presence of retailers catering to the mid-market segment helps Oman to position itself on the global front.”

Keeping in line with its current in-store layout, the new store too will feature large aisles and bright and spacious setting that will enhance the feel-good factor. Shoppers can look forward to a wide array of trendy clothes and accessories under one roof, which will make it truly a one-stop shop for all their shopping requirements.

Tarique Azmi, concept head, twenty4 said: “We are delighted with the response and interest that we have been receiving for our brand from patrons in Oman. The opening of the 3rd store strength-

ens our belief in Oman as a potential market for the brand.”

Introductory offer “Customers who purchase full price merchandise worth OMR15 and more will be eligible to get a free comforter. With twenty4’s latest offering, we want to make shopping during this month even more fun and satisfying for customers. At twenty4, shoppers will find all the amazing savings on merchandise we are known for, in addition to finding our existing stores refreshed with new, bright and colourful must-have items.”

Uber-cool collection twenty4’s chic, young, and ubercool collection offers incredible value to fashion conscious customers of any age. The store has already proven its mettle amongst consumers in the region, who are spoilt for choice with the brand’s exciting variety of clothes and accessories for women, men, young adults, kids and even homes. Also noteworthy about twenty4 is the fact that complete emphasis is given to customer convenience by the brand - with customer friendly

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signage, ample and spacious trial rooms, large cashiering banks, ample parking space outside the store, to name a few.

With the fashion direction for the season now defined, rush to the twenty4 store to shop for an array of options from the brand’s spring collection. You can also like twenty4’s Facebook page for a daily dose of high-street fashion.

Headquartered in the UAE, twenty4 is the Middle East’s fastest growing fashion retailer and part of the BMA International Group, one of the biggest retail conglomerates in the Middle East.

Showcasing popular collections for men, women, kids and homes, twenty4 has a long standing affair with fashion. As a brand twenty4 believes in constantly being a trend-setter in the region and has successfully created a marketing portfolio, newer forms of communication, channeled to keep the consumer involved. That’s not all, the store’s world-class design and ample retail space ensures an uncluttered, fun and cosmopolitan shopping environment and is definitely a one-stop shop for all fashion needs.

GROWTH

Bank Muscat board approves Q3 results MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial institution in the Sultanate, yesterday announced the Q3 financial results, approved by the board of directors.

The bank posted a net profit of OMR136.2m for the 9-month period ending September 30, 2015 compared to OMR126.7m reported during the same period in 2014, an increase of 7.5 per cent, says a press release.

Shaikh Khalid bin Mustahail Al Mashani, chairman of Bank Muscat, said: “The key business lines of the bank maintained performance momentum during the period in question. Going forward, the bank will continue its prudent policies and align growth according to market conditions, which pose a challenging situation.”

The bank’s net interest income from conventional banking stood at OMR176.0 million for the nine months of 2015 compared to OMR170.3 million for the same period of 2014, an increase of 3.3 per cent. Net income from Islamic financing was OMR13.7m for the nine months of 2015 compared to OMR12.4m for the same period of 2014, an increase of OMR10.2 per cent.

Non-interest income at OMR112.9 million was higher by 8.4 per cent compared to OMR104.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Operating expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 stood at OMR126.0 million as compared to OMR117.6 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of 7.2 per cent.

Impairment for credit losses for the nine month period in 2015 was OMR42.7 million as against OMR40.7 million for the same

The bank posted a net profit of OMR136.2m for the 9-month period ending September 30 2015 compared to OMR126.7m reported during the same period in 2014, an increase of 7.5 per cent period in 2014. Recoveries from impairment for credit loss were OMR25.5 million for the nine month period of 2015 as against OMR19.6 million for the same period in 2014. Share of income from associates for the nine month period in 2015 was OMR1.9 million against OMR896,000 for the same period in 2014.

Net loans and advances from the conventional operation increased by 8.7 per cent to OMR6,566 million as against OMR6,042 million as at September 30 2014. Customer deposits, including CDs from the conventional operations increased by 6.7 per cent to OMR6,778 million as against OMR6,351 million as at September 30 2014.

Islamic financing receivables amounted to OMR482 million as of September 30, 2015 compared to OMR385 million in the same period of 2014. Islamic banking customer deposits amounted to OMR549m as of September 30 2015 compared to OMR231m reported in the same period in 2014.

INCREASED CHOICE AND CONVENIENCE

Frankfurt, Dhaka lead the way in Oman Air’s winter schedule MUSCAT: The major upgrade to Oman Air’s Frankfurt service, and introduction of new service to Dhaka form centrepiece of the airline’s newly-announced Winter 2015/16 schedule.

Oman Air’s service between Muscat and Frankfurt is now operated using the airline’s brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The iconic jet was first delivered to Oman Air at the beginning of October. Following an inaugural flight from Muscat to Salalah on October 18, it first flew to Frankfurt on October 25. Since the route was first launched in 2009, using Airbus 330s, Oman Air experienced huge demand for more seats. Deployment of the Dreamliner, with its enhanced capacity of 18 Business Class and 249 Economy Class seats, enables Oman Air to meet

significant ongoing growth within the German market. Furthermore, Oman Air is now the only airline to offer direct flights from Germany to Oman.

The launch of Oman Air’s new service from Muscat to the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, also on October 25 has similarly been undertaken in response to strong consumer demand. The route is Oman Air’s second to Bangladesh and 18th on the Indian Sub-Continent. It provides essential support for Bangladesh’s sizeable expatriate workforce, as well as increased opportunities for leisure travellers to discover the country’s extensive natural beauty.

The service currently offers four flights per week, with six frequencies per week expected to commence from December 1.

Whilst Frankfurt and Dhaka provide the centrepiece for Oman Air’s Winter 2015/16 schedule, a wide range of other changes bring increased choice and convenience for air travellers. Worthy of note is an increase in the number of flights between Muscat and Paris from four per week to five. The change took effect from October 25. Also from the same date, the number of flights from Muscat to the Indian leisure destination of Goa increased from four flights per week to six flights per week.

Meanwhile three more of Oman Air’s most popular services will receive a significant boost. Flights from Muscat to Colombo, in Sri Lanka, have increased in number from 10 per week to 14. Flights between Muscat and Dammam, in Saudi Arabia, have increased

NEW SHOWROOMS

Route upgrades In addition to increased frequencies, Oman Air’s Winter schedule notes that a number of routes will benefit from upgrades in the types of aircraft that operate on them. Following the introduction of Dreamliner flights to Frankfurt, the Boeing 787s will also be deployed on services between Muscat and Milan from December 1. Dreamliners will also be deployed on one flight per day basis between Muscat and Salalah from December 1.

Also within the Gulf region, flights from Muscat to Jeddah and Riyadh will be operated using Oman Air’s award-winning Airbus 330. The aircraft will supersede Boeing 737 on the routes. Flights to Khasab will be operated using Embraer 175. The Embraers will replace ATR42 which are currently deployed on the route and are due to be phased out from Oman Air’s fleet.

Welcoming the changes, Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer at Oman Air, said: “As Oman Air’s fleet and network continue to grow, we are delighted to be offering our customers even greater choice and convenience. The changes we have announced in our Winter 2015/16 schedule will introduce greater frequencies to many of our most popular destina-

tions. Furthermore, the introduction of our Dreamliners to destinations in Europe and Oman, and the deployment of larger and more modern aircraft on other routes, will allow us to surprise and delight many more customers.

“All these moves represent a very positive response to the increases in demand that we are experiencing in markets such as Germany, India, Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, demand throughout our network continues to grow.

I would therefore advise travellers to book their seats with Oman Air at the earliest opportunity. Bookings can be made via our website (www.omanair.com) or through a local travel agent.”

Oman Air’s Winter 2015/16 schedule is in operation from now until Sunday March 27, 2016.

ACCOLADE

Joyalukkas continues expansion drive DUBAI: Joyalukkas, the world’s favourite jeweller, continues its massive expansion drive with the opening of 13 brand new showrooms across GCC and India.

The back-to-back inaugurations were in keeping with the company’s chairman and MD Joy Alukkas’ objective to make the brand more accessible to all jewellery lovers.

The opening of the new showrooms, just before the historically frenzied gold and jewellery buying months of November and December, is a move that has been welcomed by loyal customers, says a press release.

John Paul Joy Alukkas, executive director, Joyalukkas Group

in frequency from 14 per week to 16 per week. Services between Muscat and Tehran are also set to increase from seven flights per week to 10 flights per week from November 15, in response to high consumer demand.

said: “We are very pleased that our goals to expand rapidly across GCC and India are coming to fruition according to schedule, proving that there is big demand for the unique Joyalukkas experience.

“I personally thank each and every customer for the support and encouragement offered to us in the last 28 years.”

Quality service New showrooms feature the brand’s signature bright and spacious interiors, showcasing the jewellery collections’ world-class craftsmanship, as well as high quality of service Joyalukkas is known for in all its locations.

The showrooms inauguration started with Udupi showroom opened on October 23.

The Tirunelveli and Nagercoil showrooms opened on October 26, followed by the Malleswaram store today and the Viruthachalam showroom on October 31 in India.

The opening of showroom in Oman Avenues Mall, Bausher is slated for today.

Showrooms at Safari Mall, Abu Hamour, Doha, Al Watan Centre, Airport Road, Doha and Barwa Village, Al Wakrah, will open tomorrow, followed by Lulu Hypermarket, Al Batha, KSA store on November 5.

The group will soon open in Shabiya, Mussafah.

Ooredoo recognised as one of top performing companies by OER MUSCAT: For the fifth consecutive year, Ooredoo was recognised as Sultanate’s one of the Top 20 performing companies by Oman Economic Review (OER), Oman’s leading economic and business publication.

Accepting the accolade on behalf of the company was Jorgen Latte, chief financial officer, who joined representatives from leading corporations listed on the Muscat Securities Market.

The recognition was based on financial indicators including growth of profit, earnings per share and share price growth. The

last 12 months have seen Ooredoo’s numbers grow substantially, driven by an increase in both mobile and fixed data, as well as international voice revenue, says a

press release.

The leading telecommunications company also launched a series of inspiring new offers and services into the market, all of which have been generating significant interest and uptake.

Supporting Ooredoo’s strategy of service innovation, quality and reach, the company also achieved key milestones in its network modernisation programme, including increased radio capacity and core network enhancements; all of which has been validated by its strong performance results across the board.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THU RS DAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015

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OEF cuts down on competitions, to focus on Olympic disciplines OEF chief Sayyid Mundhir Al Busaidy said the federation will consider increasing the number in all disciplines in the coming months provided more sponsors come forward to support the activities, though ‘the focus at present is firmly on the Olympic events’

A SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Placing more emphasis on quality rather than quantity, the Oman Equestrian Federation (OEF) has decided to reduce the number of competitions while devising the calendar of events for the 2015-16 season.

However, according to OEF chief Sayyid Mundhir Al Busaidy, the federation will consider in-

REVEALING PLANS: Oman Equestrian Federation chief Sayyid Mundhir Al Busaidy, second from left, speaks during a press conference at the Oman Olympic Committee headquarters on Wednesday. – JUN EXTRADA / Times of Oman

creasing the number in all disciplines in the coming months provided more sponsors come forward to support the activities, though ‘the focus at present is firmly on the Olympic events’.

Speaking at a press conference organised to reveal the details of the calendar, Sayyid Mundhir said: “Last season we have hosted 72 competitions, in various disciplines including dressage, show jumping, endurance races, traditional events and tent pegging.

“But this year our calendar includes 66 competitions. We have cut down on the numbers but we will cover all the disciplines. We are hoping this will help us on focussing on the quality rather than the quantity.”

The OEF chief, however, said there is scope for increasing the

competitions. “We will surely be keeping our options open, at least for the next couple of months. If more sponsors come forward we will be adding more competitions.”

“But whatever be the changes, the focus will be on Olympic disciplines like dressage and show jumping,” he added.

Giving further details of the competitions in the new season, he said: “We have planned eight endurance races, including two qualification rounds. There will be 23 show jumping competitions with three Grand Prix events.

“In tent-pegging we will have nine competitions, including three Grand Prix events. The calendar also includes six dressage and eight traditional horse festival events.”

The traditional events will be held in different wilayats and at

FELICITATION: Oman Equestrian Federation chief Sayyid Mundhir Al Busaidy, right, felicitates a member of Oman squad who won a bronze medal in the endurance competitions at the recent second GCC Games in Dammam.

the end of the season the OEF will honour the best three wilayats.

The federation has also planned a special Cup event for the ‘elite riders’ of the Sultanate.

Attract new participants Asked whether there are plans to increase the tent-pegging competitions or to host international events in the disciplines considering the success achieved by Omani riders and teams, he said: “No doubt, we had great success in the tent-pegging in the last season.

Our riders have done exceptionally well in various competitions, including the ITPF World Cup we have hosted.

“We want our teams and riders to continue with their good work.

But we also want them to compete and get the experience of perform-

ing outside the country in the international events.”

“As for the domestic events, we have already planned a few competitions. But as I have mentioned our focus will be on Olympic disciplines,” he added. The OEF chief also stressed the need to attract new talents to the equestrian sport.

“When we are talking about the Olympic, we know there is a need to focus on increasing the number of participants. We need to bring in new riders and increase the quality of horses. “But it is not going to be easy. As you know the horses used in equestrian sports are different from the ordinary ones and they also cost more. “But we are making some changes in the rules and introducing some new ones... all aimed at encouraging and attracting new talents to the sport.”

About the exclusive women’s competitions, he said: “Last season we had organised an endurance race for women. It was a great success as several Omani riders as well as some expat women and those from other GCC countries took part in the competition.

“This season too we have planned a similar endurance race.

After seeing the feedback we receive, which we are sure will be positive, we will hopefully plan more such events in the future,” he informed. OEF General Secretary Dr Juma Al Mushaiki and Treasurer Ahmed Al Jabri also spoke on the occasion. On the sidelines, the OEF also felicitated the Sultanate’s endurance squad who have won bronze medals at the second GCC Games organised in Saudi Arabian city of Dammam recently.

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TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015

SPORTS CRICKET

Thakur, Shukla meet IPL team representatives NEW DELHI: BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur and Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla met with representatives of six IPL franchisees here on Wednesday to update them on the recommendations proposed by the board’s working committee for the next two years of the lucrative Twenty20 tournament.

“We are making constant efforts to keep our stakeholders involved at all levels. It was important for us to take the franchisee on board and let them know about our discussions and recommendations and our reasons behind those recommendations with regards to vivo IPL season 2016 and 2017. The

franchisees expressed satisfaction and support towards the IPL. “We are committed to deliver the best of IPL editions in the years to come,” Thakur was quoted as saying in a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). During the meeting, the franchisees were informed that the IPL will continue to remain an eight team event during the 2016 and 2017 seasons and bidding for the two new teams for these editions will start after the BCCI’s annual general meeting on November 9.

They were also briefed about the modalities of the player auction for the next two IPL seasons. — IANS

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Corfield defies windy conditions to triumph Thomas emerges leading amateur as Serghini and Saissi share honours in MENA Division at the Ghala Open

MUSCAT: Corfield wiped off a two-shot deficit in windy conditions to win the Ghala Open for his fourth victory on the MENA Golf Tour on Wednesday.

Playing in the day’s second last group, Corfield closed with a bogey-free three-under 69 to finish at eight under, two clear of Germany’s Aaron Leitmannstetter with England’s Stuart Archibald settling for third on five under.

“It was probably the best round I played this year.

Going bogey-free in such windy and tricky conditions shows I played some good golf out there,” said Corfield after receiving the winner’s trophy from Ziyad Al Zubai, a board member of Ghala Golf Club, and Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour.

“I got a bit lucky on the 9th when I managed to save a par from beneath a palm tree.

Overall, it was a pretty solid round,” he said.

“The standard of golf on the MENA Golf Tour is getting better and better every year.

There is more strength in depth,” said the Englishman who thanked his coaches Justin Parsons and Clauding Foong at the Butch Harmon School of Golf at The Els Club Dubai for all their hard work they have done on his game.

CHAMPION: England’s Lee Corfield receiving the winner’s trophy from Ziyad Al Zubai, a board mem-

ber of Ghala Golf Club, and Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour. – Supplied photo

Germany’s Leitmannstetter matched day’s best score of a 68, which contained six birdies and two bogeys, to move up the leaderboard as Clarke Lutton, the overnight leader, carded a final round five-over 77 to slip to tied eighth on two under.

“I started off well, but a miscued approach on the seventh ruined my confidence.

I just struggled to string together the round thereafter,” said Lutton, who broke through for his maiden win on the MENA Golf Tour at The Els Club earlier this

month. India’s Rayhan Thomas returned a two-under 70 to win the Leading Amateur award at one-over, one ahead of England’s James Allan, the current Order of Merit leader in the division.

The Moroccan duo of Faycal Serghini and Mehdi Saissi shared the honours in the MENA Division with an identical score of three over as Ayoub Lguirati and Karim El Hali were declared joint winners in the region’s amateur division.

The MENA Golf Tour travels to Ras Al Khaimah next week

for the ninth and penultimate event of the season, starting on Monday.

Ghala Open results: 1.Lee Corfield (England) 8-under; 2.Aaron Leitmanstetter (Germany) 6 -under; 3. Stuart Archibald (England) 5-under Leading amateur: Rayhan Thomas (India).

MENA Division: Professionals: Faycal Serghini and Mehdi Saissi (both of Morocco) tied for first. Amateurs: Ayoub Lguirati and Karim El Hali (both of Morocco) tied for first

T HURSDAY, O CTO BER 29, 2015

C3

SPORTS Ashwin nearing full fitness before Tests

TENNIS

The Tamil Nadu bowler was ruled

South Africa is an excellent side and they have adapted to the conditions very well. It will be a tough challenge and we will be up for it

out of the OneDay International (ODI) series against the Proteas after suffering a side strain in the first ODI at Kanpur

Ravichandran Ashwin

Mixed results for Fatma in Canada MUSCAT: Fatma Al Nabhani had a mixed day at the second of the back-to-back ITF Pro Circuit tournaments the Omani tennis ace is taking part in Canada.

The Omani star, who is currently placed at 471 in the rankings, failed to clear the first hurdle in the singles but reached the quarterfinals of the doubles in the $50,000 Tevlin Challenger in Toronto.

In the first round of the singles competition, Fatma fought bravely against third seeded Stephanie Vogt of Liechtenstein.

But the latter proved too strong for the Omani, who managed to win four games before going down 4-6, 0-6.

In the doubles, however, Fatma and her Swiss partner Amra Sadikovic had an easy ride against American pair of Brynn Boren and Caitein Whorisky before storming into the quarterfinals with a 6-1, 6-0 victory.

In the last eight stage, Fatma and Amra will come up against top seeds Sharon Fishman of Canada and Maria Sanche of the United States.

Fishman and Sanchez ad-

The Omani star, who is currently placed at 471 in the rankings, failed to clear the first hurdle in the singles but reached the quarterfinals of the doubles in the $50,000 Tevlin Challenger in Toronto vanced after defeating Germany’s Kim-Alice Grajdek and Shahar Peer with a 6-3, 6-3 scoreline.

Fatma also took part in the $50,000 Saguenay tournament in Quebec where her singles campaign ended in the second round while she failed to make past the first round in the doubles competition.

Fatma has shifted to $50,000 events after finding success at two back-to-back $10,000 tournaments held in India recently.

CHENNAI: Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes he is close to full fitness and is confident of delivering with the ball in the forthcoming four-match Test series against South Africa, starting in Mohali on November 5.

The Tamil Nadu bowler was ruled out of the One-Day International (ODI) series against the Proteas after suffering a side strain in the first ODI at Kanpur.

India suffered their worst defeat at home when they went down by 214 runs in the final ODI in Mumbai to hand over the series 2-3 to the visitors.

Following both the Twenty20 International and ODI series losses, India will heavily rely on Ashwin to help the team get back

to winning ways in the longest format of the game.

“I’m close to achieving full fitness and I’m feeling fine. I’m confident of bowling well in the series.

It is not that we played poorly. We fought our way back into the ODI series brilliantly after we found ourselves trailing 1-2. We levelled the series 2-2 here and it was up to the last match in Mumbai where anything could have happened,” Ashwin said here on Tuesday on the sidelines of a promotional event. Speaking on the upcoming Test series, he said, “It will be a close contest. South Africa is an excellent side and they have adapt-

ed to the conditions very well. It will be a tough challenge and we will be up for it.”

Ashwin, who is the only Indian Test bowler to be ranked in the top-10 of the ICC rankings at No.8, feels the wickets so far have aided the batsmen.

“I am not taking away any credit from the batsmen but I believe they have been scoring runs on wickets that have aided batting.

Bowlers need to be given wickets that are helpful to them.

I want to see batsmen scoring runs on wickets that aid bowlers,” the 29-year-old said.

The Chennai-born spinner

backed his teammates, saying that the young players need more time to settle down.

“There are no weaknesses in the Indian side. We are a young side which is gaining experience.

There are only a few players who have played over 100 ODIs, and so this team needs to be given more time,” he said.

“If you look at the South African side, players like Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers were given a lot of time to settle down. I guess Indian players too need a similar cushion.

Before the series began, everyone knew it would be hard-fought and it did live up to its billing.” - IANS

ISL

Chhetri ’tricks as Mumbai rout NorthEast MUMBAI: India football captain Sunil Chhetri capped a superb display with a fine hat-trick to orchestrate Mumbai City FC’s 5-1 rout of North East United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the D Y Patil Stadium here on Wednesday.

Chhetri, who once again combined very well with Haitian Sony Norde and compatriot Subash Singh, scored from the penalty-spot in the 25th and 48th minutes, while volleying home from close range in-between in the 40th minute, to complete the second hat-trick of the season. Chennayin FC’s Steiven Mendoza had scored the first against FC Goa. The triple strike took the diminutive Indian striker’s tally of goals to six — the highest so far in the league this season — and included his double strike against Delhi Dynamos and a lone goal against

FC Goa, both won 2-0 by Mumbai.

Then Norde finished off the match as a contest with a controlled strike in the 51st minute before fellow-Haitian team captain Frantz Bertin headed home three minutes from regulation time to complete NEU’s humiliation.

NEU got their only goal of the game, which neutralised Chhetri’s opening goal, through Boithang Haokip in the 29th minute, before playing second fiddle right till the end to the home team.

The third successive victory, all at home, propelled Mumbai to the second spot on the table. They have ten points now, two points behind leaders FC Pune City and level with FC Goa who have an inferior goal difference. The defeat left NEU stranded in seventh spot, one rung above cellar outfit Kerala Blasters, with six points.

OFA FELICITATES STAFF MEMBERS ON YOUTH DAY AND WOMEN’S DAY The Oman Football Association (OFA) organised the staff members at a ceremony organised to observe the Oman Youth Day and Women’s Day as well as the celebrate the birthdays of the staff. The event was presided over by OFA Chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, who handed out presents to the staff. All the women staff were also given commemorative presents to mark National Women’s Day. — Supplied photos

Both teams missed a few halfchances to score before Mumbai shot into the lead in the 25th minute through a penalty award.

It came off a counter attack when a surprisingly unmarked Chhetri collected the ball on the right side of the field, darted into the penalty area and laid a measured pass to Subhash Singh on his right.

Subhash crossed to the left. The ball struck the hand of a leaping defender Carlos Lopez leading to a penalty award which was coolly slotted home into the left corner of the goal

by Chhetri, the India captain’s fourth strike in the last three games.

However, Mumbai’s joy of taking the lead was short-lived as four minutes later North East drew level through a fine, curling left-footed free-kick from the right of the area by homegrown talent — Hoakip.

The ball swerved towards the

goal, beating a couple of defenders forming the wall and India custodian Subrata Paul, who was rooted to his spot, on its way in. The home team bounced back into the lead again five minutes before half time, with Chhetri scoring past rival custodian Rehenesh Paramba.

Changing ends, Mumbai virtually finished off the game as a contest by scoring two goals in four minutes. The first came via a penalty converted by Chhetri to complete his hat-trick, in the 48th minute.

Then Haitian Norde showed some magical tough on the left side before coolly putting the ball past the hapless NEU goalkeeper.

Chhetri missed in an one-onone situation against Rehenesh before Mumbai captain Frantz Bertin rose to head in his first and the team’s final goal against a demoralised opposition. - PTI

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TH UR S DAY, O CTOBER 2 9, 2 015

SPORTS Blatter blames Platini, England and US for ‘attacks’ against him In an interview, Sepp Blatter praised Russian President

If Almighty is with me, I do hope that I’ll be back as president of FIFA. Then I could at least conduct this congress.

This is my dream

Vladimir Putin and said Russia would never lose the 2018 World Cup despite calls from some quarters in Britain

MOSCOW: Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was a “ball in a big political power game” involving the United States and Russia in an interview in which he also criticised UEFA’s Michel Platini for playing a part in attacks on him.

In the interview with Russia’s TASS news agency, the 79-yearold Swiss also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and said Russia would never lose the 2018 World Cup despite calls from some quarters in Britain.

Blatter is serving a 90-day suspension imposed by FIFA’s Ethics Committee which is looking into a 2 million Swiss franc ($2.03 million) payment he made to Platini in 2011 — a case which is also part of a Swiss criminal investigation.

Blatter, who has been president of FIFA since 1998, said politics was behind “attacks” on him which followed the indictment of 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives by U.S prosecutors in May. “At the beginning it was only a personal attack. It was Platini against me. He started it, but then it became politics,” he said in the interview published on Wednesday.

“And when it is in politics, it is not any longer Platini against me. It is then those who have lost the World Cup. England against Russia. They lost the World Cup. And the USA lost the World Cup against Qatar.

“But you cannot destroy FIFA. FIFA is not the Swiss bank. FIFA is not a commercial company. So, what they have done together with the Swiss, they have created this attack towards FIFA and the president of FIFA,” he said.

“And you are from TASS and you know what are the problems between your country and the U.S. The FIFA World Cup or the FIFA president is a ball in the big political power game,” he said.

Denouncing England as “bad losers” for losing the 2108 World Cup to Russia, he said: “In Great Britain they have made this beautiful game, they have introduced fair play. But there was only one vote going for England. They were eliminated in the first round. Nobody wanted to have England”.

Blatter said Russia’s preparations for the tournament were going well and he had warm words for Putin whom he described as a “good friend of Joseph Josephovich”, referring to himself in Russian style. “You know what I like in Russia also is that in difficult situations I still have the full support of President Putin. This is good. And I support him in all discussions, in all situations,” he said.

‘Envy and jealously’ Blatter, who said he regretted not standing down as he initially planned in 2014, argued there was “envy and jealousy” of FIFA’s commercial success but rejected the suggestion that the current crisis

Sepp Blatter Suspended FIFA President

Seven ready to run for FIFA post; Nakhid disqualified ZURICH: Seven candidates are now lined up to take over at FIFA from Sepp Blatter, whose 18 years as president are ending with world soccer’s governing body entangled in a scandal over pervasive corruption.

FIFA confirmed seven candidates had registered by Monday’s deadline, with candidates from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

One potential candidate, David Nakhid, was forced out on Wednesday when his registration was ruled invalid. Another, South Korean Chung MongJoon, pulled out on Monday because he had been banned from soccer for six years.

Among the seven registered candidates, Michel Platini’s is in doubt. The head of European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, he is also currently suspended for 90 days, along with Blatter.

Those remaining are: Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrein; Frenchmen Platini and Jerome Champagne; and the Swiss Gianni Infantino, Liberian Musa Bility and South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale.

One of them will become the head of an organisation facing its worst scandal ever.

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives on a series of corruption charges, and Swiss authorities are investigating the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments to Russia and Qatar respectively.

Since 2010, FIFA’s own Ethics Committee has banned more than a dozen current and former members of the executive committee, either while in office or after they had left.

The exclusion of Nakhid was a

at FIFA was a de facto ‘American takeover’ of the body.

“Personally I don’t think so.

Because even speaking about the American takeover of FIFA - football, the real football, where is the real money, where are the good players, the good competition - it’s

SEVEN IN RACE: From top left, Gianni Infantino, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Jerome Champagne, Musa Bility, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Tokyo Sexwale and Michel Platini. – AFP

‘Shocked’ But FIFA’s electoral rules state that candidates must present letters of support from five football associations, and that each cannot back more than one candidate. One association

had signed letters of support for both Nakhid and a rival candidate. “One of the five declarations of support for Mr Nakhid was declared invalid as the same member association had issued a declaration of support for another candidate,” FIFA said on Wednesday.

“The electoral committee decided not to consider Mr Nakhid’s application as it did not fulfill the required five declarations of support.”

Nakhid’s spokesperson told Reuters they were “shocked”

Europe. They cannot take it. It’s not the way Americans would have business. I don’t think it is in their business thinking.

Blatter said FIFA’s Ethics Committee, whose decision he is appealing, had bowed to pressure to remove him. “I think it was the

pressure of the media. It was the pressure to get rid of the FIFA president. Unfortunately, Platini was in the same boat. And they wanted to say - We, Ethics Committee, we are not at the service of the president, we are totally independent. This is wrong. They

surprise, though. A former Trinidad and Tobago international player, he took part on Monday in a sports conference in Denmark, along with Champagne, as a candidate. He spent Tuesday afternoon giving interviews and laying out his plans.

and would appeal. He plans to issue a formal statement later.

The seven other candidates must now face integrity checks under FIFA’s code of ethics.

FIFA said that Platini’s bid would not be processed while he is banned, but he could still stand if he wins an appeal.

“Should such a ban be lifted or expire before the FIFA presidential election, the Ad-hoc Electoral Committee would decide, depending on the respective exact point in time, on how to proceed with the candidature

can be independent but they don’t need to be against me,” he said.

Blatter suggested Swiss media coverage of him was tainted by “primitive” prejudices about his origins from the small canton of Valais. But after 17 years in football’s top job, Blatter said he hoped

concerned,” FIFA said in a statement.

As an alternative European candidate, UEFA’s general secretary Infantino announced he would stand on Monday.

Champagne is a former French diplomat who held various posts at FIFA between 1999 and 2010 but is a critic of UEFA. Sexwale is a South African businessman and former apartheid-era political prisoner and Bility is head of the Liberian Football Association. Prince Ali is a former FIFA executive committee member and Sheikh Salman is head of the Asian Football Confederation.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said in a statement it had heard representations from four of the candidates but was not yet ready to endorse any of them.

“After discussions with these (four) figures, the executive committee of CAF unanimously decided to let the administrative procedures for the registration of candidates take its course, given there is plenty of time to decide (on a candidate) that will serve the primary interests of the continent,” it said. - Reuters

he would be cleared in time to lead FIFA’s congress on Feb. 26, which will elect a new leader.

“If Almighty is with me, I do hope that I’ll be back as president of FIFA. Then I could at least conduct this congress. This is my dream,” he said. - Reuters

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SPORTS

Elite sailors face stern test at World Cup Final

CRICKET

A total of 150 competitors from 39 countries have POPULAR EVENT: FRiENDi Mobile COO Adnan Al Alawi, CEO Alex

Bennett and Brand Manager Joseph Rajan at the unveiling of the Challengers Cup trophy. – Supplied photo

Jazz Boys to host FRiENDi Mobile Challengers Cup MUSCAT: Jazz Boys Cricket Club will organise the 18th edition of their FRiENDi Mobile Challengers Cup cricket tournament from November 6. The matches will be played at Al Ghubra Power Plant lush green ground during two weekends.

The 16-team tournament is open to teams who have not played in the final of the previous Jazz Boys-conducted tournaments.

The participating teams can include any players other than those playing in the Oman Cricket’s Premier and A Division leagues.

The tournament is mainly sponsored by FRiENDi Mobile, National Metal Cans, Danube, Abdul Fatah Mohammed Noor Co, Al Hajiry Group, Cluttons and The Body Shop.

“Cricket lovers and their families have embraced our tournament and this year’s version promises to exceed their expectations with swashbuckling cricket and attractive prizes,” the organisers said in a statement.

“With big hitting the current trend in cricket, teams will find it a big challenge to limit the flow of runs in this eight over format. But over the years Jazz Boys tournament has unearthed some bowling gems too, which is definitely good for cricket,” it added.

Around 19 teams - Rain Riders, Asfandyar XI, SS Friends, Akct Muscat, Future CC, Masters XI, Al Dasser Friends, Ashes, Attic Outdoors, Cyclone, Darsait XI, FAP UTSC, Indian XI, New Man-

The tournament will start on November 6

gloreans, National Gas, Mobile Point Ruwi, Royal Strikers, Tely Boyz and Mangaloreans - have already registered for the tournament. However, the organisers will select the 16 teams after checking their eligibility criteria.

The tournament draw will be conducted at Palm Restaurant in Al Khuwair at 8 p.m. on November 3 in the presence of team captains and managers as well as the representatives of the sponsors.

The organisers, meanwhile, have declared a lot of attractive prizes and they include trophy cash award and gift hampers for all players of the winning and runners-up teams.

The individual awards include best batsman (FRiENDi Mobile), best bowler (FRiENDi Mobile), best fielder (FRiENDi Mobile), maximum sixes (FRiENDi Mobile), best spectator (gift hamper), man of the match (gift from FRiENDi Mobile), man of the series (Home Theatre), best dressed and most colourful team (Colourful Trophy), outstanding catch of the tournament (FRiENDi Mobile) and best wicketkeeper (gift hamper).

assembled at Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club to contest eight of the ten classes chosen for Rio Olympics

ABU DHABI: With nine gold medals at stake over four days of intense racing, the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final gets under way in Abu Dhabi on Thursday with some of the sport’s most accomplished elite athletes facing a stern examination.

Not even the multi-world title winning combination of Australia’s Mat Belcher and Will Ryan can afford a lapse in concentration if they are to secure another World Cup crown and gain extra momentum towards next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

A total of 150 competitors from 39 countries have assembled at Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club (ADSYC) to contest eight of the ten classes chosen for Rio, as well as an open kiteboarding competition containing one of the sport’s rising stars.

The nature of competitive sailing at the highest level, and the quality of the World Cup field built from five qualifying regattas, means that even the most decorated among the competitors can take nothing for granted in the regatta, which is supported by ADS Securities and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

“This is as good as it gets in Olympic class sailing and we expect racing to be fiercely contested across the board from start to finish,” Carlo Croce, President of ISAF, the International Sailing Federation, said.

“We are delighted to be back for a second year in Abu Dhabi which has become a truly world-class ven-

ELITE TEAM: From left Will Ryan, Malcolm Page, ‘Medal Maker’ Victor Kovalenko and Mat Belcher.

ue for sailing, and along with our partners at Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club look forward to putting on a great show in the UAE capital.”

With their victory in the recent 470 World Championships, Belcher and Ryan extended the remarkable winning record of sailors who have been guided by the man they call ‘The Medal Maker’, Victor Kovalenko, the Ukrainian born coach of the Australian Olympic sailing team In total, Kovalenko has coached the winners of nine Olympic medals — six of them gold — and 18 world championships. His relationship with Belcher goes back 16 years, peaking when the six-time world champion won gold at the London 2012 Olympics alongside Malcolm Page.

Double Olympic champion Page, who retired immediately after London to be replaced by Ryan, is in Abu Dhabi as a senior ISAF official and is ideally placed to say what is so special about Kovalenko.

“I wouldn’t say he has one special area of expertise, but he’s an amazing coordinator in the way he puts a programme together,” said Page. “He likes long-term projects and builds your skills over a period

OFA ORGANISES BEACH SOCCER COACHES COURSE The Oman Football Association (OFA), in co-operation with the world soccer body FIFA, has organised a beach soccer coaches course at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The course, attended by 25 aspiring coaches, was conducted by Oman beach soccer team coach and international lecturer Talib Hilal. Jim Selby, Director of Technical Department at OFA, distributed the certificates to the participants during the closing ceremony organised on Wednesday. — Supplied photos

of time, testing and fine-tuning them and making sure that you peak at the right time.”

While Belcher and Ryan will start as firm favourites to retain their 470 World Cup title in Abu Dhabi, they know it will be anything but easy, particularly over a four-day regatta format which can see medal hopes disintegrate with one major race disaster.

ISAF and ADSYC, the regatta hosts, aim to inspire UAE youngsters this week. They could be helped in this by the appearance of Russian teenager Elena Kalinina, who won this year’s women’s IKA Formula Kite World Championships before her 18th birthday and is shortlisted for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards.

“I started kite boarding at the age of 12,” said Kalinina, who competes against the men, including British defending champion Oliver Bridge, in the open competition in Abu Dhabi.

“Before that I sailed optimists but I had to change as I was too big to be sailing in that class.

“Most of the time my father was coaching me, and I gained a lot of knowledge from my optimist

coach. Now I kite in the sailing academy in St. Petersburg.

“It is much more interesting to compete with men. They are very skilled, but kite boarding is not determined by the strength of your arms or legs, so I feel confident competing with them.

“I think it would be great for kiteboarding to be included in the Olympic Games. Right now a lot of people just kite for fun, but if it became an Olympic sport I feel more people would take it up.”

Kalinina has taken an instant liking to Abu Dhabi, as did Belgium’s Evi Van Acker last year when she captured the Laser Radial World Cup gold.

Van Acker is determined to pull off a repeat performance this week, but will be under pressure, as will Austria’s Lara Vadlau and Jolanta Ogar who are back to defend their title in the women’s 470 class, and Britain’s Bryony Shaw in the women’s RS:X competition.

All the race action takes place in the waters around Lulu Island off the Abu Dhabi corniche, presenting a great spectacle for spectators, and a worldwide ISAF television audience of millions.

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TH UR S DAY, O CTOBER 2 9, 2 015

SPORTS

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Muguruza wins again, Kvitova opens account Muguruza backed

Sania-Martina on course for knockouts

up her impressive opening round-robin

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win over Safarova with another straight sets victory over Kerber, while Kvitova got her campaign back on track with a hard-fought victory over Safarova

SINGAPORE: Spain’s Garbine Muguruza moved to the brink of the WTA Finals last four with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Angelique Kerber on Wednesday after Petra Kvitova opened her account with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over fellow Czech Lucie Safarova.

Muguruza (2-0) came into the tournament on the back of her first premier level tournament win in Beijing at the start of the month and backed up her impressive opening round-robin win over Safarova with another straight sets victory over Kerber.

Kvitova (1-1), Kerber (1-1) and Safarova (0-2) can all still advance to the last four from the ‘White Group’ with one round of matches to play.

But Muguruza is in prime position to advance as the winner of the four-player pool in Singapore.

“Every time I step on the court against Angelique it seems to be a tough match so I knew I had to be at my best today to secure the victory,” Muguruza said in a courtside interview after improving to 4-3 against the German.

The 22-year-old Muguruza started the contest full of positive intent, immediately finding the corners and licking the paint with her powerful ground strokes as she broke in the first game before Kerber had a chance to settle.

Slowly but surely, the German worked her way back into the set, breaking back in the fourth game through sheer determination and a tenacious defence as the pair fought tooth and nail to gain the ascendancy.

At 4-4, the Spaniard increased her intensity levels a notch and quickly forged three break points, edging ahead on the second of them and

IN FORM DUO: India’s Sania Mirza, left, and Martina Hingis of Switzerland. – AP/PTI

SINGAPORE: Top seeds Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis won their second match in a row to more or less seal a women’s doubles semifinal spot at the WTA Finals at the Singapore Indoor Stadium here on Wednesday.

Following their straight sets victory in the opening match of the red group of round robin on Monday, the Indo-Swiss combine came up with another brilliant performance to beat Czech seventh seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecká 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 17 minutes.

Playing on hard courts, Sania,

closing out the set with a blistering serve in the next game that Kerber sent sailing over the baseline.

Muguruza, who started the season ranked outside the top 20, continued to apply pressure at the start of the second as Kerber hung on by her fingernails, until the Spaniard finally converted her sixth break point of the set to edge 3-2 ahead.

Kerber refused to buckle, however, and broke back against the run of play in the eighth game before Muguruza wrestled back control in what had become a baseline slugfest, then closed out the contest as her demoralised opponent wilted under a barrage of booming forehands.

who won the prestigious tournament last year with Zimbabwe’s Cara Black, and Martina got off to a perfect start by first holding their serve and then breaking the Czechs in only the second game of the match.

They again broke Andrea and Lucie in the sixth game of the first set to take a 5-1 lead.

Serving for the set, the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champions were, however, broken by the seventh seeds in the seventh game.

The Czech Republic girls also went on to hold their serve in the next game.

But at 5-3, the world’s top-2

Czech mates Earlier, Kvitova got her campaign back on track with a hard-fought victory over Fed Cup teammate Safarova to record her first win of the week on the Singapore Indoor Stadium’s purple hard court.

Both women had lost their openers on Monday so were desperate to pick up a much-needed win and it was the double Wimbledon champion who made the most of her opportunities on the key points to emerge victorious.

“We actually are good friends from the Fed Cup, so I’m really glad the (final) is coming soon and we are going to be colleagues and not opponents,” Kvitova said of the upcoming Fed Cup showpiece

ranked Sania and Martina only needed a couple of minutes to pocket the set in 33 minutes and take the lead in the match.

Like the first set, the IndoSwiss pair was broken once in the second set.

But Sania and Martina were just too good, breaking the Czech serve twice more to easily pocket the contest.

Sania and Martina, the only pair in their group to have not lost a set, will take on Hungarian-French fourth seeds Tímea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic in their final round robin match on Friday before the knockouts. - IANS

against Russia in Prague on November 14-15.

“It’s tough to play her... not only because she’s a very good player right now, in good form, but also playing a friend is a little bit tougher with emotions. So it’s not easy to handle all this kind of stuff.”

The left-handers took to the court in identical outfits and were also almost impossible to separate on the scoreboard until Kvitova ramped up the pressure to break in the 12th game of both sets to improve to 8-0 against Safarova.

The ‘Red Group’ concludes on Thursday with Simona Halep (1-1) taking on Agnieszka Radwanska (0-2) before Maria Sharapova (2-0) faces Flavia Pennetta (1-1). - Reuters

OPL

Al Khabourah rout Al Arouba, Sohar move to top of table

KEEN TUSSLE: CAction from the match between Sohar and Muscat at the Seeb Sports Stadium. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

MUSCAT: Sohar outplayed Muscat to move to the top of the table while Al Khabourah stunned defending champions Al Arouba in the Omantel Professional League (OPL) on Wednesday.

Sohar’s 4-2victory over Muscat at the Seeb Sports Stadium helped them take their tally of points to 12 from six outings, same as Suwaiq, who had earlier defeated Salalah by a solitary goal at the Sohar Sports Complex.

But Sohar occupy the top place having scored 10 goals against Suwaiq’s eight. In the second match of the Sohar Sports Complex double header, middle table Al Khabourah defeated Al Arouba by a 4-1 margin. Al Arouba are now in the third place with 11 point, above Dhofar who also

have 11 points from six matches.

Below them are Al Musannah (10), Al Nahda (9) and Fanja (7), though the last mentioned team’s match against Al Shabab was postponed from Tuesday’s to Friday. Al Khabourah are in eighth place with seven points. There was more good news in store for Al Khabourah as Oman national team coach Paul Le Guen has called up their Said Obaid for his wards next training camp, which is scheduled to start on November 2 ahead of their international friendly against New Zealand on November 12. Oman will be playing the New Zealand friendly as part of their preparations for the next World Cup and Asian Cup away qualifier against Turkmenistan on November 17.

LONDON: The world’s fastestgrowing sport. That status is claimed by many, but rugby union has a genuine shot at the title on the back of a record-breaking Rugby World Cup. As the tournament approaches its climax, having smashed attendance and TV audience records despite host nation England’s early exit, the sport aims to build on growth from Asia to Europe and the Americas.

Data collected by governing body World Rugby shows that player numbers climbed to more than eight million last year from 5.48 million in 2012.

“We’re going into new countries all the time, huge new programmes in countries like Mexico and India, and we’re going into Mongolia and Asia,” World Rugby’s head of competitions and performance, Mark Egan, said.

“It’s all about getting in there on the ground, going into schools, educating parents about our sport, the strong values our sport has. It’s a very powerful message.”

The emergence of Italian rugby offers a vivid illustration of the game making its mark outside established strongholds.

For decades rugby in Italy was very much a niche sport, but since it joined Europe’s Six Nations championship in 2000 the number of registered players and coaches has climbed to 110,000 from 25,000, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) says.

Aided by the increased media exposure, FIR revenue has increased tenfold to 40 million euros-plus ($45 million) since 2000, making it one of Italy’s wealthiest sporting federations.

‘Life school’ Riccardo Sironi, trainer at OverBugLine Rugby in the northeastern town of Codroipo, said hardly anyone in Italy had heard of rugby when he first played in 1974.

But now even little Codroipo has teams from under-6s to under14s, with 100 children signed up.

“Demand from families keeps on growing, because rugby is not just a sport but a life school,” he said.

Women’s rugby is also taking off. The number of women FIR cardholders has risen to 7,200 from 600 in 2000 and Italy finished third in this year’s Women’s Six Nations, with victories over France, Scotland and Wales.

Japan, meanwhile, is making huge strides, though participation has fluctuated over the past 20 years. With only one victory from seven previous World Cups, Japan pulled off the biggest upset in the tournament’s history by beating South Africa in their opening game and were desperately unlucky not to progress beyond the pool stage.

The Brave Blossoms’ exploits drew record TV audiences in Japan, reaching 25 million for the game against Samoa, which augurs well for when they host the 2019 tournament.

“Maybe there were 30 million people in Japan watching this game. That’s the whole of the Australian population, plus the kangaroos, and New Zealand and all the sheep,” Japan’s Aussie coach Eddie Jones said after their closing win against the United States. “Now out of that 30 million people there are kids that want to be the new Michael Leitch (the Japan captain). It’s a fantastic opportunity for Japan.”

The success of the tournament is seen by World Rugby as the springboard to further growth.

New markets “The game was on a upward spiral anyway, but I do think the Rugby World Cup is giving us huge exposure,” Egan said.

“Japan beating South Africa and the competitiveness of the Tier Two countries is opening us up to a lot of new markets ... we have seen some good growth in Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala, also in Ecuador.

“I think we have three million in Germany who are tuning in to the World Cup.” Overall figures for Europe show

an increase of about 13 percent since 2012 to 3.45 million players.

Of the smaller rugby nations, Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, Poland and Malta have all at least doubled playing numbers.

World Rugby is investing £350 million ($538 million) across 120 national unions between 2009 and 2016, with nearly half going outside the top-tier nations.

But while the overall picture is of rugby on the rise, drill below the headline numbers and a more nuanced trend emerges.

Though World Rugby’s data shows total playing numbers have risen 46 percent since 2012, the age breakdown indicates that the main driver is pre-teen rugby, which jumped by 88 percent, with teen participation up 29 percent.

The number of adult players, however, has dipped by three percent over the same period.

It is a phenomenon familiar to many at grassroots level.

Maidenhead RFC, an amateur club competing just below the English national leagues, has a flourishing youth section, but senior playing membership that once supported eight teams has dwindled and only three sides now run out every Saturday.

“Our youth rugby is very strong, with good numbers of players and qualified coaches. We have 400plus kids from under-6s to under-16s, plus 40 to 50 colts,” club chairman Stephen Bough says of a youth section that counts England’s James Haskell among its impressive alumni.

“But like many clubs, we struggle with senior numbers,” he added, citing the pressures of work and family.

World Rugby is aware of the divergence but expects the sheer weight in numbers of children taking up the game to boost adult participation in the years ahead.

“That is what makes the grassroots, mass-participation programme at youth level so important,” World Rugby media manager James Fitzgerald said.

Sevens growth There is also the potential for the sport to follow a different route entirely. Player numbers in the lucrative U.S. market have exploded since 2012, rising by nearly 350 percent to almost 1.5 million. But it is the ‘how’, rather than the ‘how much’, that could be most significant.

There are signs that USA Rugby could devote less time and money to 15s and focus on the Sevens format — a less complex, broadcaster-friendly game that has gained inclusion at next summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Las Vegas is already part of the World Sevens series, San Francisco has been awarded the 2018 Sevens World Cup and, tellingly, the USA won the last World Sevens tournament at Twickenham in May and are a medal prospect in Rio. But America is by no means the only country showing appetite for the 15-a-side game’s upstart cousin.

“Rugby needs the Olympic movement to be global,” said Carlos Barbieri, president of Rugby South America, noting that Brazil is investing heavily in the game, particularly Sevens.

While World Cup semifinalists Argentina clearly lead the pack in South America, participation numbers in Brazil have soared to about 420,000 from only 13,000 in 2012, with female players accounting for a third of the total.

“The Brazilian women are learning fast, quicker than the men, and playing at a level that allows them to have a team on the World Sevens circuit,” Barbieri said.

The rugby purists need not panic about a Sevens revolution quite yet, however. “It’s a brand of rugby that has taken off in the States in a big way,” said former England scrumhalf Nigel Melville, now chief executive of USA Rugby. “That doesn’t mean 15s isn’t being played ... (Sevens) is just another brand.

“It’s global, its an Olympic sport, its something special and helps us all grow the game.” - Reuters

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LIFESTYLE

T H U R S DAY, O CTO B ER 2 9, 2 0 1 5

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

RADHIKA HAMLAI AT HOME THE EXPERIENCED ARTIST STILL UTILISES EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP NEW IDEAS AND ADVANCE HER ART Story: Dr Patricia Groves Photography: Shabin E

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TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015

LIFESTYLE Radhika Hamlai, Artist and Curator Honorary member of the Omani Society of Fine Arts (OSFA) Member of the Bombay Art Society; frequently exhibits in India Curated a show in 1999 at the Indian Embassy with Omani and Indian artists, as well as in Ahmedabad Hot and Cold exhibition in Delhi, with a group of Muscat artists. Other overseas exhibitions also include shows in Berlin, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Switzerland, Bahrain and the UAE Organised and curated the seminal Oman-Indian Art Exchange Workshop (“Art Camp”) and Exhibition in 2009 which featured talks by the famous Indian Art Historian Alka Pande Exhibited in numerous women artists’ quartets, such as Painted Poetry and 4x 1 - A Female Interpretation with prominent Muscat artists, especially Sarah White, Maryam Al Zadjali and Tahira Fida Showcased works in group exhibitions in all major Muscat Galleries Radhika’s studio is a simple and comfortable two-room apartment ment in the family house. The room where here she produces her art is stocked with pigments, brushes, charcoal, paper aper and canvas. The remaining room oom is a lounge with a computer and nd a couch. Upstairs in another part rt of the house is a light-filled penthouse ouse area where she once worked and now occasionally goes for inspirapiration. When Radhika enters her studio, she turns on music to suit the art she wishes to create and lights ghts candles perfumed with one of her favourite floral scents — Jasmine mine or rose. She then sits meditatively vely for about twenty minutes beforee she picks up a paint brush or a piece ce of charcoal – and the result showss the quality of thought and feeling that goes into her work.

Radhika’s art pieces are found und in important collections such h as that at Bait Al Zubair, as well ll as in major venues in the region and India, including five star hotels ls in Oman and the UAE – and half way around the world in Toronto Canada, where a large painting hangs angs above the fireplace in the sitting ting room of my family home, admired ired by all who enter.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR Fifteen years ago Radhika was a fresh young artist bursting with the awakening joy of discovery. She was on fire, wings aloft - and seemed to outshine her work. Today Radhika is every bit as enthusiastic, if not more so. She has gone through phases of total Abstraction, Fauvist Expressionism and semi-abstract Symbolism. Now Radhika has fused these elements into her own brand of semi-figurative Expressionism in which representations of surreal human figures can be discerned and their existential auras sensed. Radhika has achieved her own mastery of colour and form, with powerful results, using for example mysterious forms in bright pink-orange and gold – or glassy teal-green. Radhika is well-known and equally well-loved for her devotion to art, her work for others, and the compelling magic of her warm and engaging personality. “I live in a matching world of beautiful nature, bright colour and dramatic light, where everything affects and inspires me.”

ART BAHRAIN Art Bahrain is a melting pot of artists, curators, cognoscenti and art lovers from Bahrain and around the world, who can share space, ideas, and inspiration. This prominent art exhibition provides an ideal platform for the local, regional and global art communities to engage, synergise and stimulate creativity; promoting Bahrain’s emerging talent and celebrating the region’s artistic vivacity as a whole. Radhika Hamlai participated in the first edition of Art Bahrain from October 13 to 16, 2015.

Photography: Shabin E

W

andering with Radhika Hamlai around her studio which is strewn with fresh artwork, and having traced her progress for many years, I mention the first thing that comes to mind — “You’ve come a long way…” She responds, “I have a long way to go.”

This is just like Radhika — always evolving her art, ever striving to improve. Radhika goes on to say that she has been what she terms ‘a serious artist’ for 15 years, but her history with art began much earlier. In her recent work, Radhika has been experimenting successfully with different media — printing her figures on canvas carry bags in one venture, on ceramic bowls and plates in another, and brilliantly weaving her abstract designs into tapestries.

Radhika has just returned from an art fair in Bahrain where she met an array of interesting artists with whom she exchanged ideas and from whom she learned a few new approaches and techniques. It’s always like this – Radhika takes advantage of every opportunity to develop new ideas and advance her art.

T HURSDAY, O CTO BER 29, 2015

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M

y school holidays meant the sound of the sea and that of bare feet running on the soft sand of the beach that stretched forever. Yes, there were other sounds, too, of the seagulls.

They fought over the fish that were scattered on the mats to dry under the hot sun.

I also remember the crabs that used to dive for cover into their holes as I approached them and the tangle of the fishermen’s nets around my feet. The clatter from the small, boat repair workshop bounced off the blue waters and blended with the roaring of the waves as they rushed to the shore. The workshop was quite a distance away and I would sometimes visit it to watch men stripped to the waist, hammering the vessels together, in a smokefilled workplace reeking of tobacco and burning tar.

“Hey, boy, don’t just stand there like a piece of wood. Pass me that box of nails from the table.”

This was typical of the shouts

they directed at me. I would happily oblige them in a world that was free of parental supervision, though, I was only ten and a few streets away from home. I knew I was all right and so did my parents. I was safe from any physical harm by unscrupulous people.

Those days, every adult was a parent of other people’s children and if they were around, then it was like being supervised by your own parents. Independence then started early in life and we were free to make our own mistakes. That way, we learned fast.

Can I let my children be alone in a foul-smelling workshop where men work half-naked now?

I don’t think so. The world hasn’t changed much from those days but its inhabitants have. Children have become the favourite target of criminals who wouldn’t think twice before abusing them.

We are obviously denying our children the same freedom our parents gave us when we were growing up. We don’t take the same risks and we bottle them up in a way where they can only see

Actress Drew Barrymore expressed her love to her mother Jaid in a touching tribute that she posted on social media. In the emotional post that she posted on Instagram on Tuesday, the Big Miracle actress admitted that she had a bad relationship with her mother in the past. “Today I wrote a book. And as I thank and celebrate many women this week, I must say a huge thank you to my mother,” Barrymore wrote alongside a black-and-white image of her as a little girl holding an ice cream while sitting on her mom’s lap.

Justin Bieber Wants to Make Music with Adele

Try kickboxing as an evening stress Club, The Champ Gym, Al Khuwair

Barrymore’s Emotional Tribute to Mother

The outdoor space is being replaced by the four walls of protection that we call home the outside world from the glass that surrounds them. It’s sad but life has changed for the worse.

I have this fear of seeing my children growing to being dependent on familiar surroundings, reluctant to take risks that are so important in shaping their lives. It’s downright unfair, because we may blame them later for not taking the chances that will surely come to them. Life is about taking that extra step towards the unknown at least once in your lifetime. But modern day child-rearing is about

over-protection and guilt that comes when we know we are doing the wrong thing.

If they can’t venture out alone ten steps beyond the busy main road, without parents tagging along, then we shower them with indoor gadgets to keep them amused. They hear the rustle of the dry leaves and watch burning tar from computer games or television programmes. But they can’t smell the rotting branches of an old tree bowing to the ground in its final days from glaring screens.

Their physical senses have been replaced by electronic ones. Now it’s the tap of a keyboard or the sharp tug of a joystick.

From the constant watchful eyes of the parents, the children of today know only to obey commands programmed by an obsessive mum and dad. That’s why they love computer games - it is the only way they can reverse the trend. The great outdoors that we enjoyed as children is fast vanishing for our kids and are being replaced by the four walls of protection that we call home.

Singer Justin Bieber says he has a deep admiration for British singer Adele and says she’s the “one person” he could see himself collaborating with in the future.

“If I could duet with one person it would probably be... I would say Adele. She’s talented. Everything she does is awesome,” Bieber said on KISS FM. Meanwhile, the Baby crooner shed light on his creative differences with another recent collaborator Kanye West, who worked on a track for his latest album Purpose but it didn’t make the cut. And despite getting Kanye’s “opinion” on his new music, the singer didn’t admit it didn’t “match up” with his own.

David Beckham to Star in his own Documentary Former football star David Beckham will star in the documentary film David Beckham: For the Love of the Game. Commissioned by BBC, the film will see Beckham play football in seven continents. The 90-minute film follows Beckham on a journey to the villages of Papua New Guinea, the foothills of Nepal, the streets of Buenos Aires and the desert plains of Djibouti.

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Titli – 2D (Crime, Drama, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Shashank Arora Timings: 6:30PM Shandaar– 2D (Romance, Comedy) (PG) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant Timings: 3:00, 8:45PM Ennu Ninte Moideen – 2D (Romantic | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon Timings: 6:00PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI THE LAST WITCH HUNTER (Actin)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood Timings : 02:30 pm /09:30 pm /11:45 pm PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION (Horror)- (3D)(15+) Cast : Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George Timings : 6:00 pm The Martian(3D) (Adventure, Sci-Fi) (PG) Cast : Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Timings: 6:45 pm APOCALYPSE (Horror)(2D)(18+) Cast : Leo Gregory, Sean Cronin Timings : 11:45 pm GOOSEBUMPS (Action, Adventure) (3D)(12+) Cast : Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush 02:30 pm /07:00 pm /09:15 pm /11:30 pm BURNT (Comedy, Drama) (2D)(12+) Cast : Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller Timings : 04:00 pm /07:45 pm GUARDIAN ANGEL (Action, Drama) (2D)(12+) Cast : Vahik Pirhamzei, Bokeem Woodbine Timings : 04:45 pm /09:45 pm COCONUT: THE LITTLE DRAGON (Animation) (2D)(PG) Cast : Timings : 02:15 pm The Program (Biography, Drama) (2D)(PG12) Cast : Jesse Plemons, Lee Pace, Ben Foster Timings : 04:45 pm /09:45 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL Goosebumps : 3D (Action | Comedy) (12+) Cast : Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush Timing : 03:30PM, 09:45PM & 11:45PM Gold Class - 02:15PM & 11:00PM Coconut: The Little Dragon : 3D (PG) Cast : Animation Timing : 11:00AM & 05:30PM Burnt : 2D (Comedy, Drama) (12+) Cast : Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Timing : 11:15AM, 05:30PM & 09:30PM Gold Class - 06:45PM

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02:30, 05:00 PM Burnt – 2D (12+) Comedy, Drama Cast - Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller Time – 04:15, 06:35 PM The last Witch Hunter – 2D (PG12) Action | Adventure | Fantasy Cast – Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood Time – 04:10, 11:30 PM Shaandaar – 2D (PG) Comedy, Romance Cast – Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant Time – 02:20, 09:10, 11:20 PM Ennu Ninte Moideen – 2D (PG12) Romantic Cast – Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon Time – 06:10, 08:30 PM

AZAIBA Titli – 2D (15+) Crime/Drama/Thriller Cast – Ranvir Shorey, Shashank Arora, Shivani Raghuvanshi.

Time – 06:15 PM Main Aur Charles – 2D (18+) Drama/ Thriller Cast – Randeep Hooda, Richa Chadda Time – 02:15, 04:35, 07:00, 08:45, 11:15 PM Goosebumps - 3D (12+) Action, Comedy Cast – Jack Black, Dylan Minnette Time – 02:15, 09:20, 11:50 PM Coconut: The Little Dragon – 3D (PG) Animation Cast - Max Von Der, Dustin Semmelrogge

Screen 3 Jazbaa (Action / Drama ) – 12+ Cast : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan Timing: 3.45 PM Titli (Drama/Thriller) – 12+ Cast: Ranveer Shorey, Shivani Raghuvanshi Timing: 6.30, 11.45 PM Shandaar (Comedy/ Drama ) – PG Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant Timing: 9.00 PM SOHAR The Last Witch Hunter - 2D (PG12) Action Cast : Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood Timings : 05:00 , 09:15 , 11:30 PM Shandaar - 2D (PG) Romance| Comedy Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant Timings : 06:30 PM Ennu Ninte Moideen - 2D (M) (PG12) Cast : Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon Timings : 08:45 PM Goosebumps - 3D (12+) Action | Comedy Cast : Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush Timings : 03:00, 09:15, 11:20 PM Goosebumps - 2D (12+) Action | Comedy Cast : Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush Timings : 07:15 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Main Aur Charles ( Drama/Thriller ) – 18+ Cast : Randeep Hooda, Adil Hussain Timing: 2.30, 5.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM Screen 2 Shandaar (Comedy/ Drama ) – PG Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant Timing: 3.45, 6.30, 11.45 PM Titli (Drama/Thriller) – 12+ Cast: Ranveer Shorey, Shivani Raghuvanshi Timing: 9.15 PM

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The Guardian Angel - 2D (12+) Action Cast : Vahik Pirhamzei, Bokeem Woodbine Timings : 04:30, 09:30, 11:50 PM Coconut: The Little Dragon - 3D (PG) Cast : Timings : 03:00, 04:45 PM Main Aur Charles - 2D (TBC) Drama| Cast : Randeep Hooda, Richa Chadda Timings : 02:00, 07:10 PM The Curse of Downers Grove - 2D (15+) Cast : Bella Heathcote, Kevin Zegers Timings : 11:45 PM Burnt - 2D (12+) Comedy| Drama Timings : 02:30 , 06:45 PM Patthu Endrathukulla - 2D (T) (PG12) Action Cast : Vikram , Samantha Timings : 12:00 , 09:00 PM BURAIMI Guardian Angel– 2D (Action, Drama) (12+) Cast: Vahik Pirhamzei, Bokeem Woodbine Timings: 2:45, 7:15, 9:00, 11:45PM Apocalypse– 2D (Horror) (18+) Cast: Leo Gregory, Sean Cronin Timings: 3:15, 4:45, 11:30PM The Last Witch Hunter – 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood Timings: 5:15, 9:15, 11:00PM

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TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

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MOHD ANSHID October 29, 2012

ALISHBA AKMAL October 29, 2011

MIHIKA SARAF October 29, 2007

HIRANMAYEE October 29, 2004

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Ennu Ninde Moideen (Mal) (Drama) Cast : Prithviraj,Parvathi Menon,Bala & Lena 3-00 & 10-00 Pm Cinema Main; 6-30 Pm Cinema -2 \\ 6-45 Pm cinema -3 10 Endrathu Kulla (Tamil) (Act ) Cast: Vikram, Samantha & Jackie Shroff 3-45,6-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema -4 Life Of Jusutty (Mal) (Family Drama) Cast Dileep, Joythi Krishna &Rachna Narayanan Kutty 3-45 Pm At Cinema -3 Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (Tamil) (Act\Rom) Cast Vijay Shethupathi & NayanThara 6-30 Pm Cinema Main// 3-30 & 9-30 Cinema -2 9-45 Pm Cinema -3

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ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

The Guardian Angel: (Action / Crime / Drama) Cast : Numan Acar, Volker Albers, Loyd Bateman 3.45 p.m., 7.45 p.m. & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2894 (12+) Apocalypse: ( Horror ) Cast : Leo Gregory, Sean Cronin, Brian Woodward 2.00 p.m., 8.00 p.m. & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2895 (18+) The Culling (Horror / Thriller) Cast: Jeremy Sumpter, Elizabeth Di Prinzio 6.00 p.m. & 10.00 p.m.

CP No: 2578 (18+) The Last Witch Hunter (Action /Adventure) Cast : Vin Diesel,Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood 12.00 p.m.(Noon), 4.00 p.m. & 10.00 p.m.

CP No: 2866 (PG12) The Curse of Downers Grove ( Drama / Horror) Cast: Kevin Zegers, Penelope Mitchell 2.00 p.m. & 6.00 p.m.

CP No: 2867 (15+) The Little Prince: (Animation / Fantasy) Voice Overs: Rachel McAdams, Benicio Del Toro, James Franco 12.00 p.m. (Noon) CP No: 2864 (PG)

0

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

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

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

SALALAH Goosebumps (3D) (12+) (Action/Comedy) Timings: 10:45AM/02:45/05:45/09:40PM The Last Witch Hunter (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood Timings: 12:45/02:00/07:40/11:35PM Guardian Angel (2D) (12+) (Action, Drama ) Timings: 10:45AM/04:45/11:45PM The Culling (2D) (18+) (Horror) Timings: 12:55/11:30PM Coconut: The Little Dragon (3D) (PG) Timings: 10:30AM/04:00PM Burnt (2D) (12+) (Comedy, Drama) Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller Timings: 12:15/02:35/06:30PM The Programme (2D)(PG12) (Biography ) Timings: 04:30PM Shandaar (2D) (PG) (Romance/Comedy) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kumud Pant Timings: 09:00PM Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (3D) (15+) (Horror) Timings: 07:05PM Ennu Ninte Moideen (2D) (PG12) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon Timings: 08:30PM

BAHJA CINEMA

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

SUR The Last Witch Hunter (Action) (PG12) Cast: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood Timing: 03:00, 05:00 PM Guardian Angel (Action | Drama) (12+) Cast: Vahik Pirhamzei, Bokeem Woodbine Timing: 02:45, 09:30, 11:45 PM Apocalypse (Horror) (18+) Timing: 04:55, 09:45, 11:30 PM Titli (Hindi) (Crime | Drama) (15+) Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Shashank Arora Timing: 07:00 PM Ennu Ninte Moideen (Mal) (PG12) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathi Menon Timing: 06:40 PM

Titli – 2D (Crime, Drama, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Shashank Arora Timings: 6:30PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

11.56pm 3.11pm 5.36pm 6.47pm 4.54am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@SHATTI

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

T HURSDAY, O CTO BER 29, 2015

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LIFESTYLE The Star of Italy in Oman GHAWI BAZAAR

BUY LOCAL: PRECIOUS STONES

Photography: O.K. Mohammed Ali

Every culture has its own beliefs about specific stones, and those beliefs are often tied to that culture’s history, geography, and spiritual practice.

From the east to the west, people have all kinds of interesting reasons and stories behind their jewellery choices, from emotional connections and memories to the purported mythical powers associated with a particular stone.

BY DR PATRICIA GROVES

T

he insignia of the Order of the Star of Italy is a beautiful medal made in the image of an eight-point star.

It was a breathtaking moment at the residence of the Italian ambassador when this highly honorific medal was conferred with the rank of Commendatore on His Highness Sayyid Mohammed bin Salim Al Said, Head of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this week.

Fittingly, it was Sayyid Mohammed’s Italian counterpart, the Chief of Diplomatic Protocol of the Italian Republic, Riccardo Guariglia, who adorned His Highness with Italy’s Star strung on a ribbon in the colours of the Italian flag, which are the same as those of the Omani flag.

The Star of Italy is bestowed by the President of the Italian Republic on Italians abroad or other nationals who have acquired special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between

Italy and other countries.

The ceremony was hosted by Paola Amadei, Ambassador of Italy, in the presence of undersecretaries, Ambassador Ahmed bin Yousef Al Harthy and Ambassador Mohammed bin Yousef Al Zarafi, along with other representatives from Oman’s

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various diplomats and dignitaries.

In her speech, Paola remarked that Sayyid Mohammed “has proved a true friend of Italy by providing an unmatched support to all the activities of our embassy over the years, many of which would not have been

possible if it weren’t for his enduring constructive engagement.”

Sayyid Mohammed responded with a brief and utterly sincere speech in which he thanked the ambassador for the honour, modestly saying that he was only fulfilling his duty. But everyone in the room knew it was so much more than that.

Sayyid Mohammed never misses any of the countless diplomatic receptions, dinners and events that require his presence or to which he is invited – and is without exception always gracious, warm and welcoming to whoever wishes to converse with him.

His packed daily schedule would overwhelm almost anyone else, yet Sayyid Mohammed never seems at all tired or in the least bored. He has won not only the esteem, but also the hearts of all who know him.

In the past, His Highness has served his country abroad as ambassador, and in Muscat he is a daily ambassador for the friendliness and good will that characterises the people of Oman.

WHAT There are over 80,000 stones on planet earth. Natural gemstones are ones that are naturally beautiful, without any treatments or enhancements, whereas synthetic gems have more sparkle than real gemstones. About 90 per cent of gems are treated to enhance their beauty.

VARIETIES Opals are the remnants of lightning strikes to the ground, and the flashes in the stone are captured lightning. Tiger Eye Stones are carried as an amulet against curses or ill wishing, and is known to give people courage, self confidence and strength of will.

Cat’s-eye Chrysoberyl stones supposedly have a stabilising influence, opening one to a sense of self worth and allowing forgiveness, according to folklore in the Gulf region. Some legends say Moonstone was formed out of the rays of the moon. Others claim you can see the future in a moonstone during a waning moon. Turquoise stones are oldest protection amulets, and are also known as a symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures, it is extremely popular among Omanis.

WHERE TO BUY B O L LY W O O D

Quality stones are available at Muttrah Souq, Nizwa Souq and reputed jewellery outlets in Oman.

Photography: IANS

Modelling is Not a Brainless Profession, Says Neha Dhupia NEW DELHI: Model-turned-actress Neha Dhupia, who also represented India at the Miss Universe pageant in 2002, says modelling is not a brainless profession but a job that needs lot of “hard work”.

Neha is anchoring the Kingfisher Supermodels 3 show where she is also mentoring 10 supermodels who can be seen battling it out through 20 episodes of tasks and challenges on a show aired on NDTV Good Times.

Controverting the people’s common perception about models, Neha said that modelling is a “hardworking” job with models, who are also practising dentists, lawyers and have corporate jobs.

“It is a myth that modelling is a brainless profession. We have girls here who are dentists, lawyers, girls who are doing corporate jobs and working in tech companies. It is a lot of hard work, long hours and everyday you have a new boss,” Neha said.

“It is not a great place to be but

having said that, there is a lot of adulation. If you are good at what you do, it is a great place to be. It is competitive, cut-throat like everything else. Get into it only if you are fully ready,” said the Singh Is Kinng actress.

Advising that modelling is about working on your positive traits and concealing the negatives, Neha said that imperfections are beautiful and it’s about owning yourself.

“If you want to get into modelling, be professional, work on your positives, conceal your negatives and keep at it. Don’t come with preconceived notions. Imperfections are beautiful,” she said.

“Even if you think that you cannot be model because there is something wrong...just get into it. You have models in New York who have taken the modelling industry by storm, there is a girl who has discoloured skin patches but still she is everywhere! It is about owning yourself,” she said. — IANS

HOW MUCH Quality, beauty and size decide the price of the stones, which ranges from OMR10 to OMR2,000.

Have a favourite Omani product or shop?

Tell us about it: ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

C1 2

TH UR S DAY, OCTOBER 2 9, 2 015

LIFESTYLE The Embassy of the Republic of Korea will organise the annual Korean Movie Nights at the City Cinema, Muscat Grand Mall, on November 3 and 4 at 7.30pm. The event, which aims to promote cultural exchange and offer a glimpse of Korean cinema, is supported by Korean Film Council, Oman Film Society and City Cinema.

T

wo popular movies _ Goodbye Mom and The Happy Life — will be screened this year.

Released in 2009, Goodbye Mom is a touching drama about mother daughter relationship. Aeja was once a promising student. Not only she did well in school, she also loved to write poetry on rainy days and also possessed excellent fighting skills. Her dream was to become a novelist and a few years later she moved to Seoul to fulfil the dream. Although Aeja became 29 years old, she could not achieve any of the success she had hoped for. Her only accomplishment to date was winning an award from a local newspaper organisation.

Aeja’s personal life was also not much better off. Her boyfriend cheated on her and eventually ran off leaving behind large amounts of debt. Aeja was nearly pushed to the edge. At that time, Aeja receives a message from her mother asking her to come back to Busan for her brother’s wedding. Aeja’s

mother has always been tough on her and when she got back to Busan her mother treated her no different.

However, the relationship starts to change in an unexpected way.

The Happy Life, which was released in 2007, is a comedy drama revolving around the college rock band Volcano and its members.

Sang-woo, the leader of college rock band Volcano, dies setting up a reunion for Gi-yeong and the other members of the group. Former bass player Seong-wook lives a hand-to-mouth existence working two jobs. Drummer Hyeoksu is a single father struggling to make a living as a car salesman.

Unemployed lead guitarist Giyeong dreams of taking over Volcano as the new front man. At the funeral, Gi-yeong suggests they reform the band, but his former band mates all reject the idea. But Gi-yeong persists and gets each to relent, setting the stage for a rock and roll reunion. The movies are English subtitled and admission is free. - lifestyle@timesofoman.com

GET SET FOR A KOREAN MOVIE FIESTA

Korean Movie Nights Organiser: Embassy of the Republic of Korea Movies: Goodbye Mom (November 3, 7.30pm) The Happy Life (November 4, 7.30pm) Venue: City Cinema, Muscat Grand Mall Entry: Free

BRIEFS

Ryan Adams Compares Taylor Swift to Shakespeare Singer Ryan Adams, who earlier put out an album filled with his covers of songs from Taylor Swift’s hit album 1989, has compared the pop star to William Shakespeare, saying her lyrics have struck him as incredibly deep for almost a decade now. Talking about the making of the covers album, which is also titled 1989, Adams said that the transition from working on his own material to recording Swift’s songs was like “being in Ghostbusters or something, and then all of a sudden I have to go do Shakespeare”. “Well, look, those songs are popular for a reason. She’s a popular artist for a reason,” Adams told theguardian. com. Adams said that he had been a longtime fan of Swift and his 1989 was the result of his love of her music. He then gushed over White horse off the former country darling’s 2008 album Fearless, saying that he got “chills” from “head to toe” when he first listened to the song. “I remember feeling shocked by her voice, shocked at how clean that song was. I like stuff that sort of penetrates through my regular consciousness and hits me where I’m not looking. That’s usually stuff that’s a little darker,” he said.

‘Zootopia’ to Have New Major Characters Walt Disney Animation Studios has released some photographs of its upcoming animated feature Zootopia, offering a look at some new characters such as a cape buffalo police Chief Bogo, Mayor Lionheart and other animal characters who reside in the fictional animal city. One of the images shows Lionheart giving speech in podium while another one features Bogo in a rage, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Besides releasing the new photographs, Disney has announced the other voice cast members who will join previously-announced actors Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin and Shakira. Idris Elba voices Bogo, head of the Zootopian Police Department; Octavia Spencer lends her voice for Mrs Otterton, an otter struggling to find his missing husband; J.K. Simmons is on board to voice Lionhearted; Tommy Chong voices Yax the Yak, “a most enlightened, laid-back bovine”; and Nate Torrence is Benjamin Clawhauser. Other voice cast members are Jenny Slate, who voices Assistant Mayor Bellwether, “a sweet sheep with a little voice and a lot of wool”, Alan Tudyk, who voices Duke Weaselton, “a smalltime weasel crook with a big-time mouth”, and Raymond Persi, who voices Flash, “the fastest sloth working at Zootopia’s DMV”.

Depp May Star in a Time-Travel Film Actor Johnny Depp is in early negotiations with Fox to produce and star in Neil Gaiman’s timetravel tale Fortunately, the Milk with Edgar Wright directing. Australia-based Animal Logic Entertainment, best known for The Lego Movie, is producing the live-action and animation hybrid. Zareh Nalbandian from Animal Logic Entertainment is the producer, reports variety.com. Bret McKenzie, half of the Flight of the Conchords duo, is writing the script, based on Gaiman’s children’s book. Fortunately, the Milk was published in September, 2014 and is narrated by a child. -IANS

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

D4

CARGO

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AL KHAIRAT TRAINING SERVICES • PMI - PMP • PMI - RMP • PMI - PGMP • AACEI - CCP • AACEI - PSP • LEED GA/AP • NCMA - CCCM/CPCM

- (Project Management Professional) - (Risk Management Professional) - (Program Management Professional) - (Certified Cost Professional) - (Planning & Scheduling Professional) - (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - (Certified Commercial Contracts Manager & (Certified Professional Contract Manager) • STRESS MANAGEMENT • PRIMAVERA - (P6.8) • CUSTOMISED TRAININGS

For more info: +968-92295269 - +968-24488341 Email: info@alkhairattraining.com (Muscat, Sohar& Salalah)

RENT: RUWI : SPACIOUS 2 BHK AL KHUWAIR - 1 BHK with A/C OPP. AL NAHDHA HOSPITAL- & Wattayah NEAR Honda S/RM: DELUXE 2 B H K with 3 bathrooms and 1 BHK with 2 bathrooms -built in wardrobe, security , split a/c ..

Contact: 24 70 30 60

CLINIC FOR SALE A well established medical clinic with new equipments with valid license

Contact: 99888586 E-mail.

Issa@oasismaritimeservices.com

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T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

Brand new residential flats in Wadi Kabir near Muscat football club, have 2 bedroom family hall, 2 toilets, Kitchen with spilt AC for 250/- R.O. #95999904 / 98585889 / 92383886

2 BHK apartment for rent at Muscat hills with Golf Course view. Rent: RO.900/per month If interested please contact – 97986525 Or Email – sskpvr@gmail.com

2 BHK Al Amerat 6 new bldg with A/C 200/- R.O. Contact: 99024730

2BHK commercial Al Khuwair R.O 375/-.Contact: 92144045

Warehouse for rent in Ghala. Contact: 99208423

2BHK villa Mumtaz R.O 300/-. Contact: 92144045

Flat for rent in South AL Hail 1 room, seating room, 1bath, 1kitchen parking. The flat is clean and good location for Contact: 93214010 / 92602050

One & two bedroom apartment available for rent at South Ghubra close to Atlas hospital near Grand mall & Avenues mall, next to Diwan’s office. #99833747 / 24562526

2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686

2BHK flat at Al Khodh & 2 BHK Honda Road Ruwi. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

2BHK for rent in Al Amerat rent R.O 250/- Month. Contact: 92925173

02 BHK commercial / residential (with split AC) Flat at Honda road.

Contac: 99342733 / 99795241 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nadha Hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 1000sqm industrial and with compound well & two rooms at Misfah.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area, Ruwi, opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352 Room for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis hotel with A/C. Contact: 95124975 1/2, B/R – Res / commercial directly from owner near Bank Muscat, Bausher. Contact 92158031 Well maintained 3 bedroom flat with 2 bathroom, car parking and a/c is available for rent in al Mawallah near Ahmed Clinic, free electricity and water. Contact 99219699.

ISD, walking distance, 2 BHK, recently renovated flat, new and well maintained building. Ideal for Keralite / South Indian family, 350/per month, including air conditioners and maintenance. Contact: Iqrar on 99076557. Available from 1st November.

Flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom in wadi kabir for 260 RO. Contact : 97771444 5 Bedroom Luxury Villa in Al-Ansab Phase 3. Contact 99417023 2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 92888063 Tourist restaurant in Falaj Al qabail Sohar , good location. Contact : 94066999 / 99369733 6 bed rooms for rent in Al Khuwair 33 for family only rent 500 R.O. Contact: 99366624

Furnished office space & room available in Walja. Contact: 96246625

New Building in Muttrah, 2 B/D room flat + Sitting Room,3 Baths+ Kitchen with split unit Ac’s. Behind Khimji’s main office/opposite to Oman House Call 99419712 1 BHK for rent at Al-Khud in Baskin Robbins Building. R.O. 200. Contact: 94194876, 99478492 Deluxe 3 BHK Penthouse with Seaview, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. #9772 1313

1BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi.

Contact : 99269751

Villa in Arjan complex near Seeb stadium 4BHK, 1 living room, 1 majles, 1 extra room in ground floor.

Contact 93219597

New buildings commercial / residential in Muttrah both will BE rented out for one company only for more details. Contact: 99364735/95729711

For rent one bedroom Majlis, 2 toilets, kitchen, balcony Greater Muttrah near Muscat Electricity distribution new building rent R.O 230/-. Contact: 99243059

1BHK flat available in MBD near Khimji Supermarket with split AC & curtain R.O 230/-.#97748721 / 92393067

Flat 2bedrooms, 2 toilets, kitchen and sitting room in Al Ansab.

Contact: 95302993 / 95216161

1BHK new bldg with A/C curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061408 / 99024039

Office/Shop 28 SQM, Wadikhabeer, Contact 93004902

Unfurnished Villa 5 B/ R @ Madinat Al Ilam, Fully Furnished Villa 5 B/R @ Madinat Al Ilam Executive Fully Furnished 1 B/R Apartment at Al Khuwair 33. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC. 24834888 / 99249069 / 92888376/ 99436312.

Email: info@alshahiintl.com 1BHK Ghubra R.O 275/-. contact 92144045 2BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-.#92144045 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-. Contact: 92144045

1&2 BHK C.B.D. Contact: 99024730 1&2 BHK Wadi Kabir. #99024730

Big room with attach bathroom, Kitchen in Muscat RO 95/-. Contact: 95094028

Available 1 BHK & 2 BHK flats at Ghala Industrial area, Coco Cola road (for family/ Exec bachelors). Contact 92854747

1BHK Darsait R.O 225/-. Contact: 92144045

Large room private toilet small kitchen, Electricity water lnclusive monthly RO 180/-, opp. Qurum Park.

Contact Hassan: 99349990 Private room with toilet, electricity water lnclusive opp Qurum Park monthly RO 130/-. #99349990 2BHK flat + AC Amerat 6 km from Amerat police. Contact: 95521432 600 SQT Commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details please Contact: 91214849/ 95729711

2BHK with Split Unit A/C , Wadikhabeer near Indian School, 99441193, 93004802 Flats and shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD Mumtaz area. Contact : 97293708 / 92433127 2BHK with Split Units , WadiKhabeer, 93004802.

Flat for rent 2BHK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Flats in Wadi Kabir.contact 99376454

3 BHK Penthouse Flat with Split A/Cs, Free Unlimited Broadband WiFi, Security access system, Pvt. Terrace & Secured car park, Opposite Kims Hospital Al Falaj, Monthly Rent: 625/-.

Contact: 99657906 or 24702141 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details.#91214849/ 99364735 New flats for rent At Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes1 living room, 2 bedrooms, Kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C, high quality finishing, rent RO 340 /-.#00968 92225523 Showroom / storage / office space (area 290 SQM, 6 M Height) available 4 R.O PER SQM, facing Al Mina Street, near Darsait Lulu. Contact: 99360631/ 96760819/ 24711184 2 rooms in Al Khuwair 17/1 rent 250/- R.O with water & elect. Contact: 99330385 Luxury apartments in Al Khoud 3, composed of clean – conditioned room, lounge and toilet, kitchen and store. Contact 93366421 Al Mawalh villa for rent 17 bedrooms, all attached toilet, 2 big hall, 1 big kitchen, outside 1 kitchen 1 PVT room near (Mac Donald). Contact: 99654252 / 95566475 1BHK flat spilt with A/C Al Khuwair, 230/-. #99358589 / 95570288

FOR SALE Excess tractor and agricultural parts for sale for details. For details please visit us at Zawawi Trading Company – Muscat branch – E& P division, for more information please Contact: Mr. said Al Shammakhi 99456045

T H U R S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE

Running furniture showroom for urgent sale.

Ladies beauty parlor sale at Muttrah.

Contact - 91135930

FOR SALE Company maintained Mercedes prime mover (2005).

Contact 99449048 26750468

Scraps for sale in Muscat

Scraps for sale in Sohar

1. Metal 2. Cable 3 .Wires

1. Metal 2. Cable 3 .Wires

Contact Drake & Scull International LLC GSM : 95355693

Contact Drake & Scull International LLC GSM : 95355693 SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

COMPUTER

DHOKA SCAFFOLDING ALL TYPES FOR SALE OR RENT

CLASSES

Please contact – 99458883 Email – amro.alsiyabi@gmail.com

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM CONTACT 98294551

GOOD NEWS

FOR SALE Used Visi coolers (chiller) for sale.

Contact: 93888028 / 93204920 Restaurant for sale lease running restaurant, opp. Mars Wadi Kabir 7 visa. Contact: 93334685 Comm. & Res land in the heart of Ruwi 2400 sq mtr for sale.

Contact : 91155779 Comm. & Res land in Darsait, opp.

Pakistani School, 900 sq mtr for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. contact 94652485/ 99273774/99202278 Comm. & res. land for investment for 25 years in Ghala heights.

Contact: 91155779 Comm. & Res land in Ghala heights 400 sq mtr for sale. #91155779 Beauty parlour in Mobela for sale.

Contact: 96131261 For sale land in Amerat 3000 Sq.mt with petrol pump permission.

Contact 99323957 / 92702891

ACC. AVAILABLE Fully furnished office space in As - Assalah Tower Ghobra.contact 98202001 Furnished single / sharing room for Exe bachelor at Rex Road (near Kamat hotel). Contact: 95096081 Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784 1BHK, fully furnished with furniture AC LCD, ETC, ideal for small family or 2 bachelors available from 1st November. #96444400

TATA BUS model 2009

For sale Seating 60+1 Good condition Sohar

Contact 99449228

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail. Contact 92817777 Single room available near Muttrah Souq for Executive Kerala bachelor.

Contact: 96195506

Reputed contracting company required sound parties to invest ongoing excavate projects high profits assured. Contact: 98867530/ 95565039 Ware house space for rent at Ghala and Barka up to 20000/- Sqm. Contact: 99509460 / 93731363

ACC. AVAILABLE Big room in available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/per month including W+ E. Contact: 99495131 Single room with attached toilet & bath for Executive bachelor rent including with water & electricity in Ruwi. Contact: 99327158 Family sharing Ruwi high street Raymond bldg. Contact : 99895616

We want finance for 3 (three) moths or renewable every 3 months from Omani nationals or Expatriate for trading business. Contact: 99462591 or 93525028 Email: blueoceanoman@gmail.com

BUYING/ SELLING We want to buy running car workshop in Oman. Contact : 99157377

DRIVING

Independent rooms in Qurum /AL Hail. Contact 95529970

Mazda 323, 1997 model, 219525 km for sale / Hyundai Sonata 2005 model, 150870 km for sale, expat Handled.contact 98512702 / 99351044

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

MATRIMONIAL A respectable Hindu KAPU (Naidu) family from Vijayawada A.P.India invites alliances for their daughter, 25 years, B. Tech (computer Science) father working in Oman. Contact: 95097913 / 99744870 Email: sarathbabureddi@gmail.com Muslim girl, 23 yrs, 162” looking alliance from Doctors TamilNadu/ Kerala. Contact 98553628

COMPANY CLOSING- LANDS FOR SALE 1. Al-Hail North 6300 SQM. (Resi/Comm) 2.Al-Hail South 3600 SQM. (Resi.)

3.Ar-Rumais 5235 SQM.

Interested buyers please contact GSM 99227267

Indian Kerala male, 32 yrs, Christian R.C working in Muscat looking for a suitable bride. If interested Contact: 9845460 / 99883109

M.V.FOR SALE Toyota YARIS. Model 2008. KM 70000 Expat driven, All services at Toyota. Very clean. Rate: 2750. Contact 99445675.

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Kerala orthodox boy 29/188 working as Staff Nurse MOH Muscat seeking suitable alliances. Contact: 99461264

Furnished single rooms available for Executive bachelors at Ruwi.

Contact : 93431089

AVAILABLE New fully furnished room & attached bathroom, kitchen, wifi, for bachelor Honda road. Contact: 98582078

Kutchhi coffee shop, pure Veg available, Mandvi Kutch Dabeli, Chappati, puri Bhaji, Vada Pav, Farari Kachori, many more, next to Lulu Wadi Kabor Souq Al Juma, shop #3. Contact Udit – 94460286, Kishore – 99437869

CLASSES

Nair boy 38 years Palakkad having land & property in Kerala working in a Star Hotel MCT as Supervisor for cast 15 years is looking for life partner. No demand at all. Bindu : 97944673

IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

Pakistani male 34 years living with parents in Oman for 27 years using hearing aid looking for a suitable alliance. Contact: 95544612 / 99353096

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi • Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

NRI 17cents residential plot for sale in Mundoor Center (near Amala hospital) about 75 meters from Mundoor main road.

Contact: 00968 -92376297

FOR HIRE WITH OPERATORS 1. Back Hoe Loaders (Shovels): 5 Nos 2. 10 Tons Vibratory Roller Compactor: 1 No. 3. 42 Mtrs. Concrete Pump Putzmeister: 1 No. 4. 45 Cbm Tippers: 2 Nos 5. 50 M height, 50 Boom tower cranes: 5 Nos.

Please contact – Mr. Ravi on 96529679 Email – ravi@alliedoman.com / narayan@alliedoman.com

D4

T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

URGENTLY REQUIRED RECEPTIONIST

Urgent Requirement

Sales Lady For Jewellery Showroom

1. Two years experience in sales.

2. NOC is must. (send CV with current picture) Email:vacancy299@gmail.com

Wanted female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse – 2 no., Dental Asst, female Lab Tech from India or Filipino with MOH license & data flow for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Mussana.

Contact 92025033, dr.srinivas76@gmail.com

ADMIN/ HR Female Receptionist required for play area in Azaiba. Must be energetic, speak good English, and be good with children. Start date midNovember. Sponsorship available.

Email CV to playareaom@gmail.com Young Omani PRO: deemaild@ gmail.com Urgently required for a Hotel / hotel apartments in Muscat: Receptionists (Omani) – male / female. Contact 97677211

ACCOUNTANT We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, , Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133, Email: admin-dept@daud.om

CATERING Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970

DOMESTIC HELP Maid required for Indian family visa and accommodation provided.

Contact: 97448484 Housemaid wanted for Kerala family in Seeb. Visa available. Contact: 97494228 FULL time housemaid needed for family in Azaiba - good salary, accommodation ,visa provided, accommodation provided. No release.

Contact 95123244 Wanted full time maid for Indian family. Visa provided. Contact: 92800073 / 95120404

• • • •

Omanis Only (preferably female) Must speak English fluently Ability to handle Office/Admin works Good knowledge of computers Interested candidates please send CV to: hilalproperties@hilalprp.com.om or Fax: 24600683

Urgently required by an LLC Company in Muscat 1) Projects Manager – Mechanical: Degree holder with atleast 10 yrs experience in oil & gas industry in Oman.

Should be capable of doing tendering & execution of mechanical projects.

2) Projects Manager – Civil: Degree holder with atleast 10 yrs experience in oil & gas industry in Oman. Should be capable of doing tendering & execution of civil projects.

Interested candidates may send their CV urgently to openingatlcc@gmail.com

Required 2 Expatriate Drivers for manpower supply company with Oman driving license. Contact 94148972 / 94148970

EDUCATION Urgently Required an English Teacher (Part-time) for teaching English, daily one hour (As Your preferred time). Good Remuneration. Interested Persons may contact 94571643 Science, Maths & English Teachers are required in a private school in Al Ansab. Send your CV at Email : 94540479, aleithar@hotmail.com Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

Urgently required for a leading Company Planning engineer. Fax : 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@ gmail.com MEP Engineer electrical with full knowledge of concealed wiring, air conditioning works, plumbing having at least 3 - 5 years experience in supervision and project execution. autocad is a must. contact tgi17@ omantel.net.om

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING FIRM REQUIRES FOR PROJECTS IN SULTANATE OF OMAN

QUANTITY SURVEYOR

(DIPLOMA IN QUANTITY SURVEY) WHO ONLY CAN JOIN IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCE: 8 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN INCREASINGLY RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS, EXPERIENCE IN CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, REVIEW OF PAYMENT CERTIFICATES, VARIATION ORDERS AND CLAIMS IN THE FIELD OF WATER SUPPLY AND INFRASTRUCTURE CVs mentioning Oman tel. No. to be submitted to: omanengineco@yahoo.com

Supply Chain Executive 1. Minimum of 2 years experience in supply chain management 2. Has work experience in logistic company 3. Has to have expertise in logistics and inventory management

Send CV to jobws2000@gmail.com A reputed Company urgently requires smart and efficient personnel for their Insurance Brokerage activity

a) Insurance Brokerage Manager Candidate should have minimum 10 yrs experience in Insurance Sector, and able to lead a team

b) Marketing Executives Should have min 5 years exp in Insurance Sector

kindly email CV`s to : miad@ra.cc SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Qualifications: • Male expats with GCC experience in sales • Must have a valid GCC driving license • With pleasing personality • Very good English communication skills • Very good in customer service

Male 28, MBA Finance & Marketing with 4 Years experience in UAE seeks suitable placement. Contact - 90264337

Please send your updated CV with photo and complete contact details to info@alrahbaoman.com

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH

MISC

Joinery foreman with minimum 3 - 5 years experience in interior finishing related to all carpentry and aluminum works required. Persons with relevant experience and release / NOC. Contact tgi17@omantel.net. om

Wanted Oman candidate to work as Operation staff in Logistics company in Muscat. Contact: +968 24794579 Email: noha.chalhoub@ compasslog.com Travel agent in Muscat required

SKILLED LABOUR An Omani company in Muscat are looking for Indian Procurement Engineer with 5 years in GCC. The experience should be in industrial procurements (oil & gas and power plant). Indian nationality send the CV, Omani PRO. Candidates could send their CV to kheradmand@teccontracting.com Leading construction company requires experienced Site Engineer and QA/QC Engineer for residential/ commercial project. Require NOC. Send your CV : degree.engineer2015@gmail.com Experienced construction Civil Engineer with qualification (attested) certificates & with Omani driving license. Contact: slayhawk@ yahoo.com 99601004

A leading cosmetic company in Muscat is looking for an IT Executive Email us on vacancies@ maryanagroup.com

A reputed Wellness Center is looking for MOH licensed or Prometric Passed Physiotherapist, Nurse and Occupational therapy. Please send your CV to : hr2015.oman@gmail. com Required General Physician, Gynecology, Dentist, Pharmacists, Lab technicians, Nurses. Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@ gmail.com Urgently required Staff Nurse dental clinic Al Ghoubra. Contact: 95094028 Urgently required female therapist Panchakarma in Ghoubra. Contact : 95094028 Urgently require Female nurse with or without MOH license for a dental clinic at Bahla 98230488

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Urgently required Project Engineer for a reputed Construction Company in Muscat with Civil Engineering Degree/Diploma, 4 to 10 years experience, holding Oman/GCC Driving License. E.mail: assaud@omantel. net.om or FAX: 24953530

Contact 99717791 or 94084335

Vacancy

JOB VACANCY

MEDICAL Valid bike license (Oman), Driver required for reputed chain of restaurants in Muscat visa available.

Contact: 93798969

A well known family in Oman urgently needed an experienced Indian female part time or full time Nursing Assistant to take care of their Mother recovering from stroke.

SALES MEN – HoReCa for one of the leading FMCG company in the Sultanate of Oman.

IT DRIVER

Wanted urgently

Required Prometric passed nurse to join clinic. Contact: 91478749 Required female Nurse with MOH license for a private a private clinic in Bowsher area, Muscat. #92189807

MANAGER A newly started travel agency in Ruwi requires a Manager.

The candidate should have 5-7 years experience with excellent communication skills and a valid Omani driving license. Interested candidates , please send CV to manager4travels@gmail.com, within 15 days from the date of this advertisement

Required female tailors Philippine national 2Nos and cutting Master also Philippine female. Must have Oman experience in stitching fashion clothes. C.R 1046847. Contact : 93219696

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Experienced Secretary required experienced for Ruwi office. Must have high standard of competence in MS Office suite and excellent Arabic / English communication skills. Send CV and covering email to mj-co@omantel.net.om

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Experienced electrician / lineman (preferred Gulf return) for Electrical company. Clearance ready. Contact : 99706132 Email: atlasllc11@gmail. com

SALES / MARKETING A new lady’s fashion shop in shopping mall require Omani and Filipino sales lady. A new fast food shop in the same mall require Filipino cashier.

Please send CV to newbrandpanorama@gmail.com Male - Marketing Supervisor with University Degree, Experience in Marketing, w/ excellent communication skill. Email admin-dept@daud. om Required project salesman on profit sharing basis. contact@absmct.com/ 99221683 Lady Telesales Executives & Business Development Executives with Oman D/L for leading IT & Media Enterprise. Enthusiastic Freshers also welcome. jobs@interacoman.com Male/Female advertising and media sales executives required with valid driving license and minimum 1 year experience. Mail CV to blackandwhiteoman@gmail.com Wanted Sales man (experienced in transporting etc). contact 94007259 Email: smylackal@gmail.com Urgently required: Sales Executive- with 5 years experience in aluminum and sales, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Urgently required Sales Executive with 2 years experience in electrical outdoor sales. Must have D/L and NOC. Contact: 91373200 Email: oman@sentorsupplies.com Sales & Marketing Executive for travel and tourism. #92890506

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance, Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L, NOC available.

Cont: 98278801, mansoormk10@ gmail.com Sr. Accountant with 14 yrs experience, 2 yrs in Oman capable of handling all accounting functions. NOC available. Contact: 92404608 Email: jin_75@rediffmail.com Male Accountant 24 yrs, MBA (Finance & HR), DIFA certified having 2.9 yrs experience as Account assistant looking for suitable job, Currently on Visit Visa. Contact:95878661 E-mail: nazeelc@yahoo.com Fresher 24 years B.Com Graduate, Tally 7.2 & ERP-9, looking for a suit#Contact: 97219505 Male accountant BSc Hons (Finance & Accounts) having 2 years experience in accounts, looking for suitable job on visit visa. Contact: 91420128 Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah.

More than 20 years experience in accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts), 8 years working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Salalah.

Contact: 91325029 Finance Manager 26 years experience with NOC available immediately. Contact: 91302906 / 91335205 Young 24, ACCA affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business, seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or audit With valid driving license. Contact 92430152 ,Email - rau_dey@yahoo. com Chartered Accountant with ICWA Inter having 5 years experience in Finance, Accounts, Costing, Budgeting, Audit, Insurance, Treasury & Banking operations - NOC Available + Oman Driving License Contact :97881548 Email-financecost2@ gmail.com ACCA member / B.Com (3.7 years experience) looking for Accounts / Audit job. Contact: 97769145 Email: mnnaem02@gmail.com Finance Controller 15 years experience in Oman corporate financing , management accounts , feasibility study, cost control , business plan, ERP, MIS Banking, International trade etc seeks suitable opportunity.

Contact: 98571309 Indian Chartered Accountant having 7 year experience in MIS, Budgeting, Taxation, ERP, Costing, Cash Flow etc. working as Asst.

Manager - Finance. NOC Available; contact: igneshmlazar@gmail.com / 91789950 Indian male, 30 yrs, 7 yrs experience in UAE in Accounts, Sales & IT, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable position. Contact 95657110, Email : muhammedanu@gmail.com Indian female 5+ yrs Oman exp in Accounts tally looking for suitable placement in W.K to Qurum area.

Contact: 95580416 Part time accountant, senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, up to finalization. contact.95254864

Indian male 20 + yrs exp in Non banking finance co (NBFC) in Oman as Credit Analyst, risk, recoveries operations, well versed with branch operations & flair in Arabic with valid D/L now on visit. #99055123 MBA International Business in finance and operations Indian male 24, (3 months visit visa) seeking immediate placement. Contact 968 97489409 / Email: abhay8168@ gmail.com

Indian female 28 years M.Com, Accountant having 6 years experience in Accounts, finalization, Tally currently on visit visa.

Contact : 95595083 Email: merlinfernandes16@yahoo.in

ADMIN Indian female MBA , 3 Years experience in Admin MIS , family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com

Accountant finance Indian male 25 yrs B.Com tally ERP.9, 3+ yrs working experience in India on visiting visa for 3 months seeks suitable placement.#93772901 /95309001 Email id: araj2378@gmail.com

10 years Gulf & 4 years Oman experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position.

Contact: 95824598

Indian male 22 years, B.Com Graduate 1 year experience as Accountant in India on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 98693800 / 95709455 Email: hameeshham29143@gmail. com

Indian lady, B.Tech graduate currently pursuing mba via off campus and having 2 years work experience willing to work in management sector.”91156408,divyasara16@ gmail.com

Accountant , Indian (Kerala) male, more than 09 years experience in Qatar (02 years) and New Delhi experience upto finalization of Accounts & expertise in using Tally ERP-9, MS Office (Word & Excel). Currently on visit visa, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97864890 / 97268429 Email: vinodthomas80@gmail.com

Hr & admin with 15 years experience looking for a job change.NOC available.contact 92475023,email:phoenix.snair@ gmail.com

Indian male 35 years BBM diploma in A/C & Banking 5 years experience in Oman as Business promoter with valid D/L & NOC seeking urgent placement in Muscat. Contact : 92683606 Email: abhi.abraham09@gmail.com Indian lady 15 yrs experience in Insurance / Accounts looking for suitable placement. Contact : 92986455 Accountant Indian female having 5 years exp in finalization, audit and administration in GCC presently in Muscat seeking suitable position. Contact 97323574 Email: sreeja@236@gmail.com Accountant, Indian female on visit visa degree: B.Com, exp 6+ years in tally ERP-9 (latest), finalization of account, Tax, Accounting, Stock maintenance payroll etc. Contact: 91551164 /91175456 Email: mk-jothipriya@gmail. com

Indian female , MBA( HR) experience in both corporate and teaching back home, looking for any suitable HR/ Admin / teaching post currently on visit visa. Contact: 90139719 Email:umadevi23@gmail. com Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Looking for job Admin / HR. Release available. contact 94229041 HR/ Recruitment specialist with 8 years Oman experience in entire gamut of HR functions like resource planning, recruitment, HR policies & procedures performance appraisal, expatriate affairs, exit interviews & ticketing. contact 93825307 Email: javthath@rediffmail.com

ARCHITECT Indian male 8 years experience having B.Com and MBA ready to work in HR customer service, Admin banking & related field.

Contact : 97436890 / 96939803.

Email: girimub@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available. Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Finance Manager, 12 years experience in leading Construction and manufacturing companies (9 years in Oman) have strategic vision and proven leadership ability. B.Com, CPA- USA & modern accounting certificate from “AUC”. “NOC” in hand. Contact: 97220505

Architect (BSC), female 23 one year experience with valid Omani driving license, under family visa looking for suitable placement. contact 92670199 Email: tkhaleque92@ gmail.com Indian, Architect male 25, two years experience in UAE design, tender, site inspection with strong knowledge in AutoCAD, Photo shop Microsoft office looking for a suitable placement. Contact 92382038 Email: umar16.arch@gmail.com Architecture Structural Draughtsman having 5 years Oman experience, NOC available. Contact: 97312627 Architect with bachelor degree 4 years experience in architectural design (interior & exterior) professional in (3D Max- Archicad - AutoCAD - Photoshop). contact 96041201 Email: amer.yousfan@ gmail.com

DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad d/man, exp in arch, struct, now in visit visa PH : 91146914

T H U R S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DRAUGHTSMAN Indian male diploma Civil (Draftsman) 2 years experience in AutoCAD, looking for suitable post. Contact: 91146914 Email: shafnas456@gmail. com Architectural & Structural Draughtsman 5 years experience.

Contact: 97312627

DRIVER 3 years experience in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact: 97462781 Light driver looking for job 7 years exp. Contact: 94208089 Looking for driving job. Contact: 98219182 Experienced Light Duty Driver available. Contact: 94141925 Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver for job. Contact: 94182497 Driver for job. Contact: 98934367 Pakistani, light driver looking job exp, 4 years. Contact: 96346582 12 years experience need a job.

Contact: 99709344 Light duty driver 3 years experience in Oman looking for job. Contact: 93131542 20 years experience. Contact: 94795033 Driver looking For job 95154610 Light duty driver seeks placement.

Contact: 94435912 / 92439315 Light duty driver 8 years exp in U.A.E need visa Oman seeks placement.contact 96975028 / 95803184 Pakistani Driver wanted job, with 3 years experience. contact 94356465 Indian driver, 4 years experience in Oman with car looking for suitable job (NOC available). contact 93053917 Driver seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98134080 Indian Driver need job. contact 91254539 Light driver for job 5 yrs exp.

Contact: 92171166 Bangladeshi male driver, 48 yrs, exp 14 years, 9 years need job & visa, got release letter. contact 99165961

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Jordanian Engineer in MECHANICAL & MANUFACTURING Good experience Sheet Metal Fabrication, AutoCad, Solidworks 3D, Storage Tanks & Silos, Sales - Speaking Arabic/English/Russian -GSM#90198575 / 99201710 Electrical Engineer (B.E) with 5 years experience (3 yrs in Gulf) NOC available. Contact: 92119851 Email: mayurdevadiga@gmail.com Resident Engineer B.E civil 25 years exp 12 yrs in Architecture consultancy having Oman Dubai D/L NOC available. Contact: 95732453 Email: milindj951@gmail.com Indian male , 23 yrs, postgraduate Mechanical Eng. (M.Sc, UK), 1 year sales exp, having Oman DL, seeking for suitable employment in reputed firm. Contact: 91419764 Email: z.enggoman@gmail.com Indian male 23 years B.E Electrical Engineer 1 year experience is looking for suitable job in Oman currently on visiting visa (certificate attested). Contact: 93547687 Email: ajay.v.s.prabu@gmail.com Workshop Supervisor 29 years working in Oman P.D.O area project NOC available. Contact 94594234 Email: acmshaheed@outlook.com B.Tech mechanical Engineer, 24 yrs, 2 yrs exp seeking job on visiting visa.

Contact: 93523752 Email: binunechikkadan@gmail.com Indian, female, 24 yrs, BE, CS Engg with 2 yrs Exp in Tech Support at Hewlett Packard & S/W Development at ISRO-India, looking for a job in Tech Support /Admin/Teaching/IT field. Contact : 92891427, reshmatj@ gmail.com

Indian female, 30 yrs, Interior Designer Bachelor degree with 5 yrs working experience seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact 98499975, Email : swasdesigner@gmail.com

Project/ Program Manager/ Finance professional Qualification MBA PMP six sigma (GB) Countries exposure Canada & Middle East, Industry any (experienced in bank, telecom, transport.

Nationality-Canadian. On visit in Oman.

Contact - 97203531

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Instrumentation Engineer, Indian male 24 years of age on visiting visa with 2 years experience in oil & gas seeking suitable position. Contact: 94743685 Email: akashpp444@ gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (6 years Diesel Engine, control maintenance, solar) (1 year HVAC) NOC & D/L. Contact: 97452159 Email: mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.com Civil Engineer 20 years experience in project management including 10 years in Oman. Contact: 91177755 Indian male, 23 years, B.Tech [ECE], 1 year experience in sales and installation (electronics, IT and networking devices) is looking for suitable job. Currently on visiting visa. Contact: +968 96761020 email: adik.mm7@gmail.com

Male 22, B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering dynamic personality, seeking suitable position languages known English, Hindi, Currently in Oman. Contact: 93611341 / 92603257 Email: arjunakshysree@ gmail.com BSC Civil Engineer and MBA 25 years experience in roads, infrastructure and management have Oman D/L. Contact: 96936263 Email: saadfallih@gmail.com Civil Engineer 5 years experience in Oman, 3 years in EURO looking best career in my field or management, with valid driving license. Contact: 93149659

B.SC Civil Engineer, road construction field with 12 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92200485

Indian male 38 yrs total 19 yrs experience (Gulf 13 yrs) in Electrical field, electrical Forman experience 4 yrs in Oman seeking suitable placement in hospital setup, maintenance, department, construction field now visit visa, NOC available. Email: binu. kumar51@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer, Indian male, 11 years experience in construction, having D/L and NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com

Indian female 11 years experience in Oman as a Quantity Surveyor in Civil having valid Omani driving license.

NOC available. Contact: 99879525

B.E Mechanical Engineer Indian male 27 years having 4 years experience including 2 years GCC experience, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 90156984 Email: noorullahanas@gmail.com

Experienced Civil Engg professional 12/26 years ran a company as Working partner have estimation, tendering of high rise building infrastructure steels conc. Products seeks suitable placement. contact 95360102 / 94460357

Indian B. tech Civil, 19 years exp , seeks suitable position. #98365910 Email: kks.pkd1969@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian Male 2.5Years Experience Looking for suitable Job. Contact:91845173 Email:er. joshidhaval@gmail.com Civil Eng 1 year exp Indian male 23 yrs, knowledge in quantity surveying currently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 00968 95786832 HSE Engineer, Indian 26 years B.Tech Mechanical Engineering Nebosh IGC qualified 5 years exp in O & G on visit visa. Contact: 94135234 Email: labythomas@gmail.com Kerala Electrical Technician, foreman cum Storekeeper (Electrical).

Contact: 93563744 Civil Engineer B.Tech with Iosh, Nebosh certification having valid Omani driving license looking for suitable job. Contact: 93631625 Mechanical Engineer (UK), 28 years, male having 3.5 years experience, looking for suitable placement with valid Oman driving license NOC available. Immediate availability Contact: +968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk B.Tech mechanical Eng (Indian) having 4 years exp in oil field, completed CSWip 3.1 welding inspection level-2, primavera and good knowledge in designing software like Staddpro tekla auto spool AutoCAD etc seeking suitable placement. Contact : 96071081 BE Mechanical Engineer, 23 years, Indian male on visit available for immediate placement please contact: 96145820 or arunsankar.10.92@ gmail.com BSC (Hons) Civil Engineer with Oman work experience and valid driving license looking for immediate placement in consultancy or construction firm currently on visit visa. Contact: 91181680 Indian Electrical Engineer B. Tech, female 24 seeking job. presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact number 96897436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com BE mechanical Engineer MBA Indian male 25 currently working in Qatar skills, MEP Designing, Surveying Oracle AutoCAD, SAP. Contact: +97474470866 C/O Oman 95071632 Indian lady Electrical Engineer, M. Tech in power systems (NITC) & B.Tech in EEE (CET) with 3 years experience in electrical design & consultancy. Proficient in AutoCAD, LT & HT design estimation, seeking suitable position in Muscat. #97710156 Email: deepthikarur@gmail.com

Indian male 24 years Instrumentation technician have 2.5 years experience in India, seeks a suitable job. Contact: 92696798 Email: ajoarikkatt@gmail.com Electronics diploma 1 year exp in telecommunication, mobile tower field support Engg. Vishnu Madhu Soodanan. Contact: 94519571 / 95233636 Email: vishnumadhull@ gmail.com BSc. in Civil Engineer 12 years experience in infrastructure & building having UAE D/L currently on visit visa looking suitable placement.

Contact 91206763 Email: delwar.civil.97@gmail.com Civil Engineer, Indian male 29, having 7 years exp in construction field& Auto Cad in Oman. Having valid driving license. Fluent in English & Arabic. Looking for suitable job in reputed firm. #99650569 Civil Engineer B.Sc -6 years experience with constructions companies - 1 years in Oman - qualified as Site Engineer & Planning Engineer.

Contact+968-94682217 Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres), seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Road and Construction Engineer exp 5 years in Oman. contact 97646908

HOSPITALITY Hotel exp 4 years F+ B (service) visit visa expires 13/11/2015, B.A Hotel Management. Contact: 91987013 / 96971643 Email: shinekls34@gmail.com

IT Software Programmer, 6 yrs exp in software projects & development (Java,PL/SQL Unix) on visit visa.

Contact: 99487493 Pakistani male 28 data entry experience 5 years in I.T Computer M.S excel MS Word, installation all windows formating networking and E.T.C. Contact : 94568628 Email: amjad.aslam007@gmail.com Desktop / server / network support exp 7 yrs male, visit visa CCNA, MCSE. Contact: 93594114 Indian army Retired Colonel with 25 years experience in project management, optical cables, telecommunications & IT system integration available for immediate employment in project management / Business development. Immediate available to join. Email: amrain66@ gmail.com

IT Indian male 28 yrs, Master degree in Computer Application, 2 years exp in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 93295112 Email: syedsadathali.mca@gmail. com IT Telecom / Networking Engineer with CCNA & CCNP, 3 yrs experience, currently in visit visa. contact 97435944 Email: abdulsameerr@ gmail.com IT System Administrator MCSA Sudanese UAE experience. contact 91302074

MEDICAL Palestinian dentist looking for job in private hospitals, Medical Center or Dental Centers in Muscat 15 yrs exp P. hospitals out Muscat. #96951750

MISCELLANEOUS

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. #95149624

MISCELLANEOUS Advertising/media executive with 15 years gulf experience with oman driving license. Seeks good opening.

93031168.

Indian (Bangalore), internal auditor / senior accountant having (Gulf) 8 years, (India) 15 years experience, presently on employment visa seeking suitable placement in Salalah / Muscat. Contact 968 94765948, email:amituppin@gmail.com Sudanese / 30 years old / M.Sc. Logistics Management /English & Arabic/ logistics - procurement inventory planning / 91270881

Social worker MSW Children counselor, 2 years UK, Indian exp or resident visa. Contact: 94635091 Email: betzyza14@gmail.com

Civil Engineer B.tech with iosh nebosh certification having valid Omani driving license, looking for suitable job in Oman. #93631625

Sudanese lawyer with experience 10 years in Judiciary in Khartoum.

Contact: 94458976

Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building/pipe line construction & factory production field. have good computer skills & driving license and NOC, looking for a suitable placement. mr.victor2015@hotmail.com contact: 99008101

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Relationship Manager Indian male 28 BB, MBA 5 years exp currently working in India, computer skilled.

Contact: 0091 9747101018 Email: rahuljayamohan@gmail.com C/O Oman: 95071632 Indian 14 years experience in consumer goods as Marketing Manager with visa D/L. Contact: 90314809

SALES / MARKETING Indian male more than 8 years experience in UAE in Office , Sales Marketing with good computer skills having driving license looking for suitable placement. contact 99369081 Email: shazulashraf60@gmail. com Indian Male 26, U.K Post Graduate M.A, MBA, 3 years Experience, looking position within Marketing, Branding, Business Development & PR. Contact: greetings111@ hotmail.com Tel No: 95128769 /+918939165131 Indian, female 28 yrs, B.Com, 7 yrs call center/marketing experience, currently on visit, seek suitable placement. Contact Rashmi 96746698.

9 years experience in construction Purchase seeking suitable placement immediately, NOC available. Contact: 97332401 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343 Digital marketing / ad words/ analytics / SEO expert, exp 5 yrs (male) certified) , (visit visa). Contact : 93594114 (visit visa). Email: abeyre@gmail.com Indian male B.Com with valid driving license & 8 years of Gulf experience with NOC or transfer letter whatever required looking for a outdoor job is sales or business development immediate placement. Contact 91234320 Sales & marketing professional with 8+ years experience at UAE & Oman in hotels & airlines with valid driving license NOC available, seeks suitable opportunity. contact : 95544612 Purchase experienced 8 years in Construction Company Indian male 45 yrs, release & D/L available. Contact: 90268183 / 96987234 Indian male MBA, 2 years experience in sales and 2 years experience in HR with D/L looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91202335 Email: mrishad90@ yahoo.com Male BA, with D/L having 7 years exp in Oman wanted suitable job in Sales inventory & procure. contact 92191026 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. contact 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com

INDIAN MALE accountant, 12 years experience in accounting with tally also, looking for a suitable placement. contact . 98983122 FEMALE SYRIAN ARCHITECT ,new graduate have good experience in architect programs, auto-cad 3d max ,sketch up , Photoshop ,sketch up, searching for a job full time or part time, for contact : 97482871 Indian Male 33 yrs, BCA ,10 years experience(India & Oman) IT Support, System administrator/supervisor looking for suitable Job.#95448561 Indian male, 10 years Driving experience in Dubai. Looking as a company driver job. Contact : 96180458 , +91 99 61 019366 (India ) 32 years, Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 7.5yrs Exp (HR/SAP operations) with Oman valid driving license, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource & Admin/backend jobs.Contact: 00968-99322978 Bangladeshi male, seeks job as Supervisor, 2 yrs experience with cleaning company & valid Oman driving license. Contact 97443270 Indian Male,27 years, MCA, 3 years Experience in Web developer, Technical Supporter, looking for suitable position. Presently Working in India. Contact- +91 7403288953, +91 9020679788.Email-vinuvn88@ gmail.com.

Indian male having 14 years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept, having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position , at Salalah. Noc available. Email. Madhuvtk@ gmail. com Contact: 91182907 Indian Female 10 years as cook in Muscat, Oman . South Indian, Gujarati special food, Looking for part time. Contact 96710189 Indian male MBA (MKTG) B.com having 2 years experience in sales marketing and business development looking for a suitable opening presently on family visit visa. # 93268245 Email: gregjose1991@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female M.Sc Physics, B.Ed having 5 years experience in teaching looking for suitable job. Contact: 97367389 Sales Manager MBA, having 12 years of experience with valid GCC driving license looking for a suitable position NOC available. Contact: 98125226 Electrical Forman Indian male 38 years, total 19 yrs exp in electrical field, electrical Forman exp 4 yrs in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97379290 MECH. Engg with 3+ year’s exp in India & U.A.E (Site Engg / Sales Engg) in oil & gas on visit visa looking for suitable jobs. contact 97896725 Email: georgymct@gmail.com Pakistani male 29 years General Salesman with 5 years of experience, valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placement. #97216830 Chemical Engineer, Indian, 2 years of exp in industrial production, seeking suitable placement. contact 91247222 Indian male, 4 years of experience in Structured cabling, termination and Fiber optic splicing. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 92484039, Email –rajaveer8989@gmail.com Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat. #968 94369965,mail - satya1528@gmail.com Pakistani male, MBA(Marketing)+PGD(HR) with 9 yrs experience in banking & hospital industry (Consumer Credit Review, Admin & HR). 3 yrs experience as Asst Manager, Admin & HR in famous private hospital in Oman with NOC. Contact: 95761982 or umerok@ hotmail.com Indian male 25 years, MBA finance and marketing with tally have 1.3 year experience in India. Now in Oman on visit visa. GSM: 97445488 Working as Senior accountant,5yr. exp.in oman, Accounting upto finalisation, relevant computer skills tally9, Sage, vcams , Audit ,valid oman driving license, languages known English, Arabic, Hindi. NOC avaliable can join immediately. Tel: (+968) 96339599.

E-mail-(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail. com) Indian Female, 35years, Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) fresh graduate with BSc and MA looking for positions in Front Office,administration office, or any suitable positions in hospital, polyclinic, companies or Institutions. Contact 90236481 Network/Noc engineer, CCNA certified & CCNP trained, Indian male 27 years B.com(general) 5 years & 4 month’s of experience in the field of networking seeks for better placement. contact 97663834 / 98730758 INDIAN FEMALE– ME in CSE with 2 years’ experience in teaching seeking Suitable Job Opportunity. Contact: 94263445 or +91 9486251274, E mail – apshinmar@gmail.com Civil Engineer B.Sc -6 years experience with constructions companies - qualified as A Project Engineer & Planning Engineer . Contact+968-94682217

Indian male with CA & CPA having 20 years of experience, currently on visit seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93910095 Email: rejithomas07@gmail.com

Indian male 22 years, looking for suitable placement in Hardware and Networking field, Having 1 year exp. in India, training in al ameen computers Muscat Ruwi. Qualification is Diploma in Electronics and Communication at present I am having my valid employee visa In the same work. Contact : - 9739622910/8050101914, Email ID :- fairozhuded13@gmail.com

Female accountant on family visa available for part time / full time.

Contact: 98002428

Sudanese / Arabic & English teacher for all nationalities / willing to teach at home. Tel: 94211377

Filipino male, 29 Graduate of Bs IT with GCC experience as document controller and Executive Secretary looking for employment. Contact: +968 93929569

Structure/Pipeline,Piping Draughtsman have 12+ yrs. Exp. in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92103713 NOC available.

Indian female MSC computer Sc, IELTS certified experienced in teaching higher grades IGCSE GD, CBSE in Oman and India seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98048946 Indian male, 19 years experience in purchase, material coordinator in building construction & factory production field. have good computer skills & driving license and NOC, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 99008101

Indian male having 7 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Office Driver ,Looking for a suitable Position, NOC Available. Contact: 99680429, E-mail:anzarkutty1975@ gmail.com Syrian architect have years and half experience in oman looking for work, full time perfect in architectural programs 3d max , auto cad , Photoshop , and sketch up. for contact : 0096897482871

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T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours # 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

WEBSITE

RENT A CAR

MANPOWER

TRANSPORTATION Transportation any time Al Ghoubra. Contact: 97681599 Driver with car. Contact: 92279370 Transportation. Contact: 94087276 Transport. Contact: 94510847

Labour available for loading & unloading of goods. contact 92246399

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

T H U R S DAY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SIT.WANTED

LOST

MISCELLANEOUS

Mayya Karrero has lost Nepal Passport No. 06067500. Finder please handover to ROP

MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. #91391802.

MD Abu Tahar has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AP 8496828. Finder please handover to ROP

Sudanese/26/Bsc Computer Science /3 years exp/skills Excellent knowledge in operating systems and maintaining computers Java Programmer Web Developer Linux SMS solutions Android developer/ email khalid.omx@gmail.com/ # 944958080 and 99758186.

Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian B.E Computer Science graduate 2012 passout. 1 .5 yrs exp. in Accounting. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Having NIIT certificate in Diploma in Java Technology. # 97767894 Email: jinsonjacobjohn@gmail.com Indian male 24 YEARS, B.Tech (Electrical & Electronics), having 2 yrs. exp as Electrical Site Engineer. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries. Contact 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail. com Indian male, 24 years, HSE Engineer having 2 years of Indian experience.

Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries.

Contact 98045482 Indian Male (Diploma in electronics Engineering and CCNA.) having 9 years of experience in Networking, 5 years’ experience in Oman. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 93787098, Email –anishktr@gmail.com

SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Female, Indian, 35 years, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) fresh graduate with BSc looking for positions in Front Office, administration office, or any suitable positions in hospital, polyclinic, companies or Institutions. Contact 90236481.

Indian Male 47 years MBA-Operations Management with total 25 Yrs exp inclusive of 9 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC, seek challenging position in SCM/Logistics/Procurement.

GSM-94236414. Mail id – dialindia33@gmail.com Well experienced management finance specialist having 18 years experience available for placement.

Contact.95602518 23, Male, ACCA Affiliate, OBU Bsc, 2.5 years of experience in audit and finance in Big 6 Firms, Looking for permanent placement in similar field. Release NOC available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com 22, Male, Indian, BBA (Marketing), 1 year experience in India, Looking for suitable placement in Sales and Marketing. #91897046, azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Indian Male,27,ACCA Part Qualified,B.COM with 7+ yrs exp in receivables and credit control in Oman looking for suitable placements. NOC available. # 9657 4343.

Indian Female, Science Graduate, 3 years Experience in Teaching back home. Looking for a suitable job opportunity as a teacher, in Schools in Muscat Region. Contact : 96431456 / 95704814 Looking for a suitable job as Jr. Accountant/ Jr. Administration in a reputed company. NOC Available.

GSM # 93004738.

ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Chemical Engineer Indian 2 years of experience in production field Contact: 91247222 Email:sahadpoonchola@gmail.com Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 Civil Autocad Draughtsman part time work for job mob :96023726 Indian female, MBA, 25yrs Having 4yrears of experience in MNC,

hands of experiences in recruitment and administration, flexible for any suitable job placements currently in visting visa. Contact Tel : 98864639 Email : neethuvijayan06@gmail.com Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India.

On a Visit Visa in Oman. Staying with parents at Azaiba. Ph: 24492638.

Email: shyamal008@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 Yrs, Business Management, 6 years in Oman.

Knowledge of MS Office and Arabic Language. Seeks suitable position.

Contact 93931935 Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no+971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com Indian male, with finance and Law degree, having more than 25 years of experience in Finance/ Accounts / Audit (5 years of Oman experience) seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 98421619.

E-mail: talemadhamu@yahoo.com.

Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Indian male 22yr BBA with LOGISTIC Diploma, exp in tally and data entry seeking in suitable placement.

Contact; 90151739 email shakeeb.mp280gmail.com ACCOUNTANT: Indian male 25 having 4 years experience in accounting & having well knowledge in tally.

Contact:968094535881, 0091 9037622048, Email: vishnuraj889@gmail.com Pakistan Male: 24 years,M.Com Finance having 2.5 year experience as a accountant & marketing executive looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97670816, E.mail: naeem.ahsan68@gmail.com Senior Accountant. 8 Years experience. NOC available. Oman driving license. Seek suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement. Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Indian female with MBA in finance seeking immediate placement.

Contact: 968-93316493

Mechanical Draftsman, Indian male 27, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering having 7 years of experience in Auto CAD looking for a suitable placement.#97351786 / 96143708 mohammednazeer07@gmail.com ACCA Affiliate, OBU Degree, 2.5 years experience in audit and finance in Big6 firm, Looking for permanent placement. NOC release available. Contact: 95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com 27, male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of Accounts, Statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & Oracle Software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization, seeking for permanent replacement ,#97654769, email id- abdullah.nooralam@yahoo. com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience ,Oman driving licence,Noc available. Seek Suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170 B.E Mechanical Engineer with 2 years’ experience in HVAC field on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 93442296 Email Id: sal201091@gmail.com.

MBA (F) B.COM Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job.

Presently on family visit visa.

Contact: - 96259171. Email: bhumicapandya@gmail.com Site Supervisor/ L Driver, Pakistani Male 33 with valid D/L, 4 years experience in Muscat, fluent in English, Arabic looking for suitable place. Contact: 97950869 Indian Male, MBA, Talented management expert having 6 year experience at U.A.E, India and Oman in luxury goods and Retail. Seeking suitable openings in related or same field. Contact:92700670 Email: jobcareer44@gmail.com B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the field of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. presently working in Amazon India development centre as a content quality associate seeking for suitable jobs in Oman.

Contact : +91 9940514005, 93116402 email: mail2nbn@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer / Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. # 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com M. Tech VLSI design, B. tech Electronics and instrumentation, Indian female,3 years teaching experience for graduation level students, seeking suitable placements .

Ph:00968 92904155. email-achusooraj@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

CHANGE OF NAME I Googila Rajesham (holder of Indian passport No. F 4211186) Son of Shankeriah having permanent residence in 2- 45, Ragudu Sircilla Karimnagar Telengana (AP) (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in AL Nasr Trading P.O BOX. 337 P.C 113 (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Googila Rajesham (old name) to Abdul (given name) Rahman (Sur name) (new name) for all practical purposes.

I have changed my religion from Hindu to Islam. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

FOR HIRE Volvo excavator.ec.290 and xcmg shoval. 3m3 pls contact.95254864.

SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802 Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Indian 26M, B. Tech Computer Science graduate, 3 years exp in India, looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact : 93125669, Email : amritrajGT18@gmail.com Sudanese/Bsc IT/26/2 years experience/excellent Eng-Arb speaking/ Omani driving license/96387227/ henrykarrar@gmail.com MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. # 91892264. mail: yv.dixit@yahoo.com Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat. Contact 94369965mail - satya1528@gmail. com Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, Networking and Server support with valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. contact 92607532

Split window unit A/ C servicing.

Contact 94694472

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. contact 99884591

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. contact 99344723

Pest Control Gulfa Intl .LLC. Contact: 92326955

Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India. On a Visit Visa in Oman.

Staying with parents at Azaibah.

Ph:24492638. Email: shyamal008@ gmail.com

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

L.L.C. contact 24810137, 99450130

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/ 24788722 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

D8

T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624