Times of Oman - August 30, 2015

44 160

6 085010 120010 SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

SUNDAY, August 30, 2015 / 15 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH

timesofoman.com

wtimesofoman.com

facebook.com/timesofoman

twitter.com/timesofoman

blog.timesofoman.com

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Divorce stigma gone, break-ups on the rise As times have

Oman juniors clinch GCC Under-17 title

changed, women are no longer

C1

ready to accept the restrictions imposed

WA D I S A M E E N I N E A R B U R A I M I

by the society and couples today are not ready to compromise and put in extra time and effort to save their marriages

HAMOOD AL BREIKI MUSCAT: Economic and social issues, and interference by relatives are some of the reasons for married couples seeking divorce in Oman. Recent figures indicate that there has been an increase in the number of divorces and a decrease in marriages in Oman.

There were 3,622 divorce cases in 2014 as against 3,550 in 2013, while there 28,152 marriage certificates were issued, as compared to 28,515 in 2013.

Amjad Hassan Al Haj, working in the Sociology and Social Work Department at the Sultan Qaboos University, said there are several

reasons for the increase in the number of divorces, but mainly it is social and economic issues as well as interference by relatives in the decision-making process within the family.

According to Al Haj, the society in the past looked down on divorces but that is no longer the case now as attitudes have changed.

Jane Jaffer, an Oman-based counsellor, who has been speaking to married couples, said that many couples have relationship issues, especially in the first few years of marriage.

“I believe there are many factors contributing to the rising divorce rate in Oman. The first reason has to do with expectations. The previous generation was perhaps more stoic. Couples generally tolerated unhappy marriages because there was considerable stigma attached to being divorced. This generation expects instant gratification and couples are sometimes unwilling to put in

MORE DIVORCES, FEWER MARRIAGES 2013 30,000 25,000 20,000

28,515

2014

28,152

Number of marriages decrease by 363

15,000 10,000 5,000 0

Divorce cases rise by 72

3,550

3,622 Graphics

time and effort needed to ensure a happy marriage. Marriage requires a huge amount of compromise from both partners. Some are unwilling to make that commitment,” she said.

Jane said that in Oman arranged marriages can lead to dif-

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

REGION

MARKET

Experience for jobs

3 journalists jailed

Interest rate to harden

1

2

3

Many companies in Oman are now making experience mandatory for all job applicants. >A4

An Egyptian court sentenced three AlJazeera reporters to three years in prison on Saturday. >A7

Short-term interest rates are expected to harden in the coming months, with Oman raising debt funds. >B1

ficulties as the couple may know very little about each other prior to their wedding.

“They may find that they have very little in common with each other and feel disappointed and unhappy when their partner’s true character is revealed. But ‘love is blind’ and a couple who marry for love may also find that they have little in common once the phase of romantic love has passed,” she said.

“It goes without saying that, in this culture, a man who chooses to take a second wife is bound to suffer from relationship issues with the first wife. Sometimes the problems start later, when the children come along. Husbands can often feel excluded and left out in the cold. When a baby arrives, the dynamics of the relationship change and fatigue sets in. Couples may no longer be able to devote sufficient time to meeting each other’s needs,” explained Jane. >A6

Police rescue three tourists, one missing Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Three of the four tourists who reportedly went missing in Wadi Sameeni near Buraimi in Oman, have been found, while one is still missing, said the police on Saturday.

“They have been rescued by our personnel and are safe,” the police said in its tweet.

Earlier, the civil defence offi-

cials had tweeted on their official Twitter handle at around 4:45pm yesterday that four tourists had reportedly gone missing at Wadi Sameeni near Buraimi.

“There were 12 people in the group. Eight have been rescued, however, four are still missing,” the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance had said in its tweet. The nationality of the missing tourist is not known.

SEVEN FLIGHTS A WEEK

Oman, France sign air deal MUSCAT: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of air transport was signed in the premises of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation between the civil aviation authori-

ties of Oman and France.

The agreement allows the aviation companies of the Sultanate of Oman and France to operate seven flights a week between the two countries. >A2

A2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

OMAN

The Ministry of Health is in the process of building a water channel so that rainwater does not accumulate any more in Nahdha Hospital premises Tunnel to tackle floods at Al Nahdha Hospital >A3

O M A N I M A R I N E L AW

SMART PHONES

New marine safety, security regulations issued Times News Service MUSCAT: Several marine regulations are being developed by the Directorate General of Marine Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

These regulations come within the Ministry’s purview to develop areas related to marine transport, navigation, safety and security and keep pace with the developments

witnessed in these areas.

Dr Rashid bin Mohammed Al Kiyoumi, director general of marine affairs, said in a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA) that work is underway to update the Omani Marine Law issued in 1981 and issue several regulations including the Marine Training and Education Institutions’ Licence, the Omani Vessel Secure Staffing Regulation, Marine Towing Ves-

sels Operators’ Regulations and Marine Safety Equipment, in addition to the regulation on practicing maintenance works for Vessel Safety Equipment and Systems.

The directorate earlier issued several regulations including those on Marine Affairs Services Fees, Inspection Regulation and the Foreign Vessel Monitoring Regulation.

The statistics published by the

directorate revealed that 217 vessels were inspected and entered in the database of Riyadh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Pacific Ocean MoU for Vessel Inspection and Control during the first half of 2015. There were 59 vessels in violation as compared to 99 during the first half of 2014. The DGMA also issued 119 diplomatic permits for vessels to visit commercial ports in the Sultanate, 47

permits to visit the Port Sultan Qaboos and 72 to visit Salalah Port.

The statistics revealed that during the first half of 2015, the directorate issued 67 marine permits for foreign vessels to operate in the territorial seas of the Sultanate for not more than a year. Statistics also pointed out that 27 marine warnings were issued in the first half of 2015 to avoid incidents in the Sultanate’s territorial waters.

Civil Service Ministry bags award MUSCAT: In a major achievement, the Civil Service Ministry has won the Best Smart Phone Application Award at the Arab World level, which was awarded by the Dubai-based Arab Excellence Award Academy.

The ministry has won this award for the application of self-service related to the human resources management system for the employees of the civil service sector, executed by the Directorate General of Information and Statistics at the Ministry.

The human resources management system was part of the efforts of the ministry for providing electronic services to the employees.

The ministry had earlier won several awards, including His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in eGovernment Services in 2012 and the UN Award for Combating of Corruption.–ONA C I V I L AV I AT I O N

< FROM

Agreement

A1 signed

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Omani side by Anwar bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General for Regulation of Civil Aviation and from the French side it was signed by Michel Lamal, director for airlines and air transport at the French Civil Aviation Authority.

Oman Air was appointed to utilize the rights of the Sultanate and Air France to avail the rights of France in relation to the MoU. A number civil aviation officials, diplomats and representatives of the aviation companies of the two countries attended the MoU signing. The two sides have also reached a draft agreement for regulating the air transport services between the two countries.–ONA

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

Share your world with us on Instagram

A3

OMAN

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

SPECIMEN

DNA analysis gives rare insight into mysterious Omani Owl REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: When Magnus Robb, an ornithologist, and the Sound Approach — a team set up to study songs and calls of the birds — first discovered the Omani Owl in 2013, it created a stir among both ornithologists and biologists.

It was extraordinary that a bird of the size of a Barn Owl Tyto alba had evaded discovery. Critics said that describing and naming the bird only using sound recordings and photographs was not correct.

In addition to this, another group of researchers re-examined specimens kept in a museum in

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

England of the closely related Strix butleri (then known as Hume’s Owl), and suspected that its type specimen was in fact an Omani Owl. All the other specimens were different enough, especially when their genes were analysed, to be described as a new species, Strix hadorami.

However, there were no attempts to examine the DNA of the Omani Owl.

JOBS OF THE FUTURE

Ithraa to explore job avenues via tech innovations

This made it necessary for Magnus and his team to go back to the mountains of Oman and attempt to catch their owl to get its DNA profile. The team was lucky.

They have now confirmed that there are two different Strix species in the Middle East.

DNA analysis proves that the Omani Owl is indeed the same as Strix butleri, previously known only from its 137 year-old type specimen.

The other species is the recently named but much better known Desert Owl S hadorami (previously included in Strix butleri).

“In March, by using recordings and a decoy painted by known art-

ist Killian Mullarney, the Omani Owl was drawn into a net in the Jabal Akhdar Mountains where seven small feathers and blood could be taken for DNA analysis,” an official from Sound Approach told the Times of Oman.

“In order to attract an owl to the net, the team used playback of several CD tracks from Magnus’s recent publication called Undiscovered owls,” added the official.

The team worked with the permission of the Omani Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs as part of a joint conservation project with the Environment Society of Oman and BirdLife International.

Omani Owl rediscovered. -Omani Owl Strix butleri, Al Hajar mountains, Oman, 2 March 2015. Magnus Robb, Alyn Walsh & The Sound Approach

Tunnel to tackle floods at Al Nahdha Hospital

Times News Service MUSCAT: In a bid to boost the skills of Omani youth, Ithraa’s Oman at Work seminar ‘STEM: Jobs of the Future,’ to be held on September 16 at the Bank Muscat Head Office, will explore how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers will drive Oman’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, companies, products and industries.

“In the decades to come, it is crucial that Oman’s youth be encouraged to pursue STEM degrees, apprenticeships and careers. I strongly believe that both our traditional and emerging industries will rely on STEMtrained workers to ensure our future economic success,” explained Dr Nadiya Al Saady, executive director, Oman Animal, Plant and Genetic Resources Centre (OAPGRC), who will lead the session.

The four-part Oman at Work seminar series has been designed

by Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export promotion agency, to help the public and private sector better understand the challenges and opportunities of today’s evolving work environment and the fundamental impact this it is having on the Sultanate and its ability to remain competitive in today’s turbulent global economy.

Joining Al Saady will be Dr Sana Al Balushi, Rayan Al Kalbani, Dr Mohammed Al Mugheiry, and Dr Wael Al Harrasi, in addition to Dr Basel Dayyani, and Salim Al Mahrooqi.

Education is the bedrock of competitiveness - the engine, not simply an input, of the economy, suggested Dr Al Saady.

“Every aspect of our education system, from kindergarten through primary, secondary, tertiary to apprenticeships, and on-the-job training and teacher training programmes, must be aligned to equip Oman’s citizens with the 21st century

The Ministry of Health and Muscat Municipality authorities are in the process of building a water channel so that rainwater does not Dr Nadiya Al Saady, executive director, Oman Animal, Plant and Genetic Resources Centre (OAPGRC)

STEM skills they need to compete,” she said.

It is widely accepted that Oman’s long-term future is directly tied to the quality and skills of its workforce. Historically, a location’s attraction has often been based on its ability to offer cheap land and labour. In a global economy, however, employers are looking for higher-skilled workers with post-secondary education and specialised STEM skills sets.

According to the United States Department of Labour, only 5 per cent of their workers are employed in STEM-related fields, yet are responsible for more than 50 per cent of the country’s sustained economic expansion.

It is clear that the future of work will be STEM-driven, and that is where the high-paying jobs of tomorrow will be. Indeed, increasing international competition will require Oman to promote and support a vibrant STEM community, one that produces engineers, mathematicians, scientists, technologists and researchers, the human talent required to take Oman forward in the 21st century. To accomplish this, students must have access to top-quality STEM education that is engaging, motivating and leads to higher order thinking skills.

accumulate any more in Nahdha Hospital premises WEATHER WOES: A portion of the channel worked when the last rain occurred in 2015, so there was no waterlogging in the hospital though all the patients were evacuated.–File photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: To prevent rainwater from entering its premises, the Al Nahdha Hospital, with help from the Muscat Municipality, is building a channel behind the hospital that goes straight to the mountains.

“We are in the process of building the channel so that the rainwater does not accumulate any more in the hospital,” said a senior official of the Ministry of Health (MoH).

He also said that a portion of

the channel worked when the last rain occurred in 2015, so there was no waterlogging in the hospital though all the patients were evacuated. “We are, right now, renovating the hospital as it is very special and it is in the heart of the city,” said the official.

The hospital opened as a small time clinic but now handles all the emergency cases in the country.

“While accident cases mostly go to Khoula Hospital, we handle the rest,” he said.

ONA bags award for tourism coverage MUSCAT: Oman News Agency (ONA) will receive the best Arab news agency award for coverage of local and Arab tourism.

The award is presented by the Abu Dhabi-based Arab Centre for Tourism Media (ACTM). The awards ceremony will be held at Al Bustan Palace Hotel next Monday under the patronage of

Ahmed bin Nasser Al Meherzi, minister of tourism.

The supervisory committee on Tourism Media Awards for 2015, unanimously decided to select ONA among the winners of the ACTM annual awards, earlier announced in the Jordanian capital Amman in the presence of the Jordanian minister of tourism.

Entrepreneurs urged to be innovative Times News Service

Aspiring entrepreneurs must keep interacting with their counterparts in order to learn from the experiences Humaid Al Maslamani MD, Zawaya Design and Engineering

said Asma Al Feteisi, adding, “Entrepreneurs should also take advantage of the training opportunities offered by the various institutions in Oman and thus reflect the positive outcomes of the training programmes into their businesses.”

Al Feteisi has rich experience as she worked in the Public Rela-

facilities around the hospital.

It has been flooded after heavy rain on two occasions in the recent past.

There are many factors that led to the flooding at Al Nahdha, including the inefficient drainage system currently in use, the blockage of the pipes and the nearby culverts.

Interestingly, Al Nahdha Hospital was not affected by rains during Gonu, but it was flooded during heavy rains in 2012 and 2014.

ARAB MEDIA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

MUSCAT: Geared towards presenting the ultimate platform for Omani entrepreneurs to network with experts and learn about entrepreneurship to get innovative ideas for their businesses, the National Business Centre (NBC), on Wednesday organised the monthly Reyooq event in Sohar.

The event highlighted the experience of two entrepreneurs, namely Humaid Al Maslamani, founder and managing director at Zawaya Design and Engineering Consultancy, and Asma Al Feteisi, general manager at Mazoon Real Estate Investment Company.

Speaking at the event, Ismail Al Hajri, marketing researcher at the Public Authority for SME Development, explained that incubators represent institutions that aim at supporting entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas to achieve their ambitions.

“Innovation, Research and Development (R&D) and constant upgrading of the products and services, are three main aspects each entrepreneur should take into consideration in any field,”

He is also very confident that with the new drainage system in place the hospital is now safe for patients and doctors.

The municipality has already built a wall from the northern sides as well as a drainage system for the rainwater that collects there.

These procedures have helped to stop rainwater from entering from these two sides.

Officials at the municipality said that water had entered the hospital due to the lack of proper drainage

tionship Department at Dawood Trading Company from 2001 to 2004, as an accountant in Furniture Village from 2004 to 2006, and as accounts manager in Furniture Village from 2006 to 2008.

She is also the owner and CEO of Zulfa Trading Company, which specialises in main refurbishments and building cleaning.

On his part, Humaid Al Maslamani emphasised on the concept of commitment towards one’s own business.

“In addition to commitment, aspiring entrepreneurs must keep interacting with their counterparts in order to learn from the experiences of the prominent and successful entrepreneurs. Besides, each entrepreneur has to understand the notion of marketing and implement the right marketing tools in order to reach to the targeted segment,” he pointed out.

It should be noted that Zawaya Design and Engineering Consultancy is a multi-disciplinary professional corporation that was established in 2009 by Al Maslamani.

The headquarters of the firm are in Saham and render a wide variety of consultancy services for engineering projects. Zawaya provides a broad range of engineering services within Oman, which include architectural design, civil and structural engineering, highways, and traffic, in addition to transportation infrastructure and bridges, water, sewerage and drainage systems.

The awards ceremony will be attended by the ACTM board of directors and will be covered by news agencies and Arab and international media.

150 media professionals The ACTM is a voluntary Arab body, which includes more than 150 media professionals in the

tourism and cultural media in the Arab world. It aims at developing inter-tourism and the relevant Arab cadres and guide the media towards the heritage, cultural and tourist treasures of the Arab countries.

The ACTM also works to highlight all Arab efforts in tourism, heritage and culture.– ONA

A4

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

OMAN

2015-2016

season at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) will feature 11 concerts and free outdoor events based on Omani and Arab music

C O M M E N TA RY

‘War’ between experience and talent in ‘employment battlefield’

A

majority of the companies in Oman are now making it mandatory for job applicants to have sufficient experience while shutting the door on fresh graduates who too are equipped with the latest skills in their areas of specialisation.

Companies see it as a risk if they employ fresh graduates while refusing to accept that only a fusion of new talent and experience can bring in good results in the long term.

Universities always update their curricula with new technologies and tested ideas, especially in popular specialisations such as information technology, finance, engineering and medicine. When companies insist on recruiting only experienced staff, they leave behind a hole of grooming when the old guys finally reach the retirement age.

Here in Oman, the system works differently. The industries do not work together with higher education institutions. There is no collaboration between them and the blame is mainly on employers. Local college and universities show willingness to cooperate closely with companies to find out the needs of the industries. They even leave room to include the requirements

SUNDAY BEAT

SALEH AL SHAIBANY HAVE YOUR SAY AT TWITTER.COM/ TIMESOFOMAN OR SCAN THE CODE TO INSTANTLY POST YOUR THOUGHTS.

of companies in the academic curriculum to match the professional expectations. However, many employers are reluctant to forge a sustainable partnership with higher education.

All Omani universities, by laws strictly supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education, are affiliated to international academic institutions. New technologies, latest international practices and a variety of academic excellence are passed on to our universities. Students enjoy the same education as the parent institutions abroad.

If graduates, backed by international academic excellence, are not giving the chance to start a career, how would they get the needed experience?

Yet, industries turn them away and look for experience. But the question is: if graduates, backed by international academic excellence, are not giving the chance to start a career, how would they get the needed experience? Employers also fail to understand that their staff, who are working for many years in the industry, are not anymore in touch with the latest trends. Graduates can fill up that gap.

In Europe, it is the blend of new talent and experience that makes a successful company.

Without graduates, there will be

no one in the working hierarchy to groom the future leadership.

In 2010, Microsoft, the computer applications giant, said in its annual report that its success over the years is the ability of the company to “recruit talent straight from universities to work in unison with the existing staff.”

But Microsoft is not the only corporation in the world to harmonise the two skills. Many other companies have been practising it for years worldwide. Omani businesses must emulate this success. Relying

solely on experience will soon take away the competitive edge of their operations. Profits do not grow on trees, either. It needs an all-round accumulated effort to boost income. When they do advertise for graduates, local firms raise the bar very high.

They want the GPA (Grade Point Average) of students to be 3.0 and above.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education’s statistics, only 22 per cent of all graduates leave universities and colleges with that kind of GPA. If our companies now insist on it, who

will employ the rest? They argue that they are running very competitive businesses. They need only the cream of graduates, not the ‘frost’. The problem here in Oman is that we are still stuck with the old ways.

In Europe, most employers view social skills and personality type of graduates as more important than the grades shown in their transcripts. Soft skills and communication are also more crucial than an exceptional GPA. Hard skills such as numeracy and literacy are essential but problem solving is far more important.

When you are working for 20 years in the same field, you come to realise that you need a youngster next to you to do tasks that involve speed and quick thinking. Graduates also quickly adapt to new technology. At the same time, information in their field of specialisation is still fresh in their minds. Like a glove and a hand, the experienced workers and the graduates fit in perfectly in any organisation.

It is time local companies start taking graduates seriously and employ them to give the vital assistance for their long-term staff. Anything else is a professional disaster that is waiting to happen. saleh@timesofoman.com

ROHM to celebrate Arab, Omani music

‘STORIES UNTOLD’

This season, ROSO will play music CINE SAGA: Noora Al Meer and Muzna Al Musafir at the Stal Gallery.

Below, audience at the screening. - OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

dedicated to Oman by composers including, Aziz Al Shawan, Youssuf Shawki, Lalo Shifrin and Shirvani Chalaev SCAN THIS TO VISIT

ARTICLE, VIDEO, PHOTO GALLERY

MUSICAL FEAST: The Arab music selections begin with a highly-anticipated and very special concert to mark the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) on September 17.

– Photo: Khalid Al Busaidi/ROHM

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

‘Stories Untold’ brings first-time filmmakers SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Every woman has a story and on Wednesday evening six very personal stories from Arab women in six countries made into short films were screened at Stal Gallery in Muscat.

The project, ‘Stories Untold’, brought together first-time filmmakers in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt and Oman.

Each woman worked with more established Arab filmmakers, all women as well, to tell her story on film using a mobile phone.

“It’s always beautiful to be inspired. It’s always nice to tell your own story, to present it in its best way, and also to express what you feel, what you think. You always feel gifted when you can,” said Muzna Al Musafir, who worked on the Omani film.

Each story reflects the diversity of Arab women’s lives, and showcased the daily lives, the challenges, the experiences, and the joys that women experience in the Middle East and North Africa.

The films included stories of Syrian refugees in Amman and Beirut, a Palestinian cactus grower, a woman in Egypt, a woman in Tunisia, and a 3-year-old Bedouin and her grandmother in Oman.

“Being part of this project and being an Omani female filmmaker, I also feel a responsibility to tell stories from Oman because I feel this place is undiscovered. Stories here are untold,” said Al Musafir, adding that she wanted the whole world to hear these stories.

She taught three-year-old Dana and her grandmother how to use

their mobiles to film their daily life, which included driving from their home out to the goat pens, feeding and caring for their flock of goats.

It reflects the hardworking nature of Bedouin women, the simplicity of their lives, and the skills and knowledge that are passed down from generation to generation.

Filmmaking is an art that is generally dominated by men, whether it’s in Hollywood, Bollywood, or elsewhere, so this project aimed at getting more women involved as directors and storytellers. Al Musafir said this is especially important in the Middle East, where there is still so much inequality between men and women, and filmmaking can give women a voice.

“I think it’s important to tell stories with the sensibility of a female and also from a different perspective and a different eye. I also think we have that struggle of man and woman and equality, but I think we just have to have a dialogue. What a woman wants to say she has to say it,” commented Al Musafir.

‘Stories Untold’ was first screen at Dar Alanda Gallery in Amman.

Stal Gallery is the second to host the films, thanks to the help of Al Musafir, and Noora Al Meer, another Omani woman who was involved in the project.

Hassan Meer, Director of Stal Gallery, said these films are the kind of art that the gallery encourages since they are groundbreaking and help promote emerging artists.

He was pleased by the strong attendance at the screening, where it was standing room only, and said he hoped to host more similar events in the future.

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Celebrations of Omani and Arab music will be a key feature of the upcoming 2015-2016 season at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) with 11 different concerts and free outdoor events.

The season includes Omani classical and folkloric ensembles, popular Arab singers, and some of the finest musicians who will showcase the oud. It includes music from Oman, Lebanon, Egypt and Iraq, giving some regional diversity to line-up, said Dr Nasser Al Taee, advisor to the ROHM Board for Education and Outreach.

The Arab music selections begin with a highly-anticipated and very special concert to mark the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) on September 17. Al Taee said the concert celebrates the all-Omani orchestra, which 30 years ago seemed like a dream.

“This is an ambitious project and we always have to think back to 1985 when nobody thought this was possible,” he explained.

Despite some doubt from his advisors, His Majesty insisted on having the musicians trained here in the Sultanate rather than abroad. Since then they have become ambassadors of Oman playing in concert halls in Europe, the Middle East and beyond, Al Taee said.

ROSO will play music dedicated to Oman by composers including, Aziz Al Shawan, Youssuf Shawki, Lalo Shifrin and Shirvani Chalaev.

“They’re a great source of pride and we always look forward to their concerts here at the Royal Opera House Muscat,” Al Taee added.

Wael Jassar October has a strong showing of Arab concerts beginning with Lebanese star Wael Jassar on the 11th. Though he has recorded a lot of Arab pop music, this concert will focus on ‘tarab’ classics which suit his smooth, crooning voice.

“He’s really from the old school of ‘tarab’ where this enchantment can be rendered through the audience with this dynamic exchange between the singer and the audience,” commented Al Taee.

The annual Omani Women’s Day Celebration concert will be held on October 17. Omani women will take to the stage, and this year the concert will include a special appearance by Egyptian singer Hani Shaker.

“It’s nice to have him come in to celebrate Omani Women’s Day because he’s always been associated with love and sentimental songs. He’s an icon in Arab music,” Al Taee noted.

Hani Shaker The following day, on October 18, Hani Shaker will perform a full concert of his popular songs and Arab tarab music. Though his heyday was in the 1970s and 1980s, he is still bound to impress the audience and revive warm memories with his songs.

He stopped singing for a few years after the tragic death of his daughter, but has begun performing again.

To celebrate the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ROHM will have a special event on October 22 and 24 called Music For 45 Years of Loyalty & Love: Stars and Songs for Oman. Al Taee described it as a selection of compositions by established composers all about Oman, so it will fit with the National Day celebrations, too.

Military Music In November the popular Military Music of Oman event will return to the Maidan of the ROHM. The complimentary event has grown in size and attendance and this year will be held for three nights on November 5, 6 and 7. There will be more seating this year to accommodate the eager spectators who will watch the Omani military bands and guest performers as they play and march in formation in front of the opera house. “It’s a source of pride for us to have hundreds of our service men and women represented. It’s a great show, outside with lights and sometimes diverse types of music, even Jamaican and Oriental,” said Al Taee.

Oud Festival The ROHM is hosting a new event in December all about the oud. On December 2 there will be a symposium followed by concerts on the 3rd and 5th. The event marks the 10th anniversary of a similar oud celebration that Dr Issam El Mallah, advisor to the ROHM Board for Programming and Events, organised years ago, and which even His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said attended.

This symposium will explore the history and development of the oud, different schools of oud music and how they vary across the Arab World. The concert will feature some of the best oud players, including Nasser Shamma, Le Trio Joubran, Abadi Al Jawher, Safwan Bahlawan and Oman’s own Salim Al Mukrashi.

Maher Zain Another complimentary, outdoor event this season is two concerts

by Lebanese-Swedish singer Maher Zain, one of the biggest stars of modern Islamic music. His concerts on the Maidan will celebrate peace, love and human-

ity, and will include some of his popular religious songs.

This will be followed by another complimentary concert on the Maidan on January 5 when the First Royal Band for Music & Folklore does an open-air performance with traditional music and dance.

Al Taee said hoped these outdoor events would encourage more people to attend the ROHM. “We wanted to offer our audience a glimpse of what we do inside the theatre, not limiting the Maidan to just the military show. In the future we want to have more of these complimentary events outside so more people can enjoy them,” said Al Taee.

Kulthumiyat Another annual Arab concert is Kulthumiyat on February 3, which celebrates the music and legacy of Umm Kulthum. This year it features Syrian diva Shahd Barmada and Moroccan diva Asma Lamnawar. “Umm Kulthum was the most celebrated voice of the 1960s and 1970s. Since 1975 when she died lots of voices started by emulating her voice so she became an icon,” explained Al Taee.

Iraqi Maqam The final Arab concert, on February 6, is dedicated to Iraqi music.

Music of Iraq: Between Maqam Treasures and Modern Melodies will include the traditional music of Iraqi composer Hussein Al Adhami and modern tunes by Baidar Al Basri. Iraqi maqam is different from other maqams, said Al Taee.

“In Iraq maqam is more of a musical genre that combines vocal singing with music. It combines improvisation with set songs. It’s strictly practiced in Iraq,” he noted.

For more information about these concerts and other performances at the ROHM or to buy tickets visit its website at www. rohmuscat.org.om.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Tweet all about it

A5

OMAN

TRANSACTIONS

Al Buraimi, Musandam real estate deals reach OMR2.5m Times News Service MUSCAT: Real estate contracts worth OMR2million and more than OMR500,000, respectively, were traded in Al Buraimi and Musandam, in July 2015.

Khamis bin Saif bin Zahran Al Abdulsalam, director general of Housing in Al Buraimi Governorate, said the total value of real estate activity in the governorate was more than OMR1,996,625 during July while the fees col-

lected amounted to OMR32,723 through 508 legal transactions including transactions of sale, grants, inheritances, and swaps, in addition to mortgages and mortgage redemptions.

Al Abdulsalam added there were 128 sales contract transactions, 31 mortgages, 11 grants, six inheritances, one swap, four mortgage redemption contracts and four division contracts.

There were 323 title deeds issued in July in different wilayats

of the governorate. Of these,15 titles deeds were issued to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in line with the regulations of property titles in the Sultanate.

They comprised ten in the wilayat of Al Buraimi, three in the wilayat of Mahadha and two in the wilayat of Al Sinaina.

Al Abdulsalam said in conclusion that 25 applications were registered during July for housing assistance programmes,comprising 20 in the wilayat of Al Buraimi

Focus on waste food recycling to make compost Composting is good for the planet as well as the local community because it reduces green house gas emissions from landfills. According to research, composting 19 litres of food waste is equivalent to avoid burning 3.7 litres of petrol

MUSCAT: As Oman throws away one third of all the food that is produced, a leading corporate event organiser, Reflections LLC, has joined forces with world leading food waste solution provider, ‘The GreenGood Oklin Composting Machine’, to organise a half-day organic food waste workshop on September 7 at the Hormuz Grand Hotel.

Food waste that ends up in landfills is one of the biggest contributors of the harmful gases which cause global warming. The GreenGood Oklin Composting Machine from Hong Kong, introduced in Oman by Reflections LLC, turns food waste into compost within 24 hours and can process from 2 kg to 500 tons of food waste per year.

Commenting on this event, Niloufer Aga, Managing Director, Reflections LLC said: “Reduce, Recycle and Reuse” is a popular catch phrase of today’s Go-Green movement and local composting helps achieve all three of these objectives. By reducing the amount

By recycling food waste through local composting machine within 24 hours, our world becomes greener Niloufer Aga Managing Director, Reflections LLC

of food waste, we produce organic compost locally, which reduces the amount of money spent by the government and corporates on waste management dramatically.”

She also said: “By recycling food waste through local composting machine within 24 hours, our world becomes greener. And by reusing the final product as Fertiliser or Soil Conditioner, we complete the cycle and contribute to a more eco-friendly Oman.” The workshop has been designed to address the significant issue of sustainable food waste management

through the promotion of effective technologies and safe practices.

The half-day event will focus mainly on organic food waste streams and aims to stimulate the interest of government officials, businesses and public and to inform them about the latest developments in the field of food waste management.

According to research, reducing the amount of food waste in the waste stream significantly lowers the cost of maintaining public landfills and reduces their negative impact on the environment.

Landfill sites produce dangerous gases such as methane which is more poisonous than the carbon from your car. Local transport cost for hauling garbage to disposal site is also improved. Diseases such as malaria and cholera can be completely eliminated.

“Many types of local businesses and institutions generate food waste at their facilities. For example, larger food-centred businesses like supermarkets, vegetable markets, fish markets, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, catering operations, drilling contractors, construction sites and food processors typically have large amounts of food waste and can benefit significantly by composting and diverting this material from local landfills,” she said.

Composting is good for the planet as well as the local community because it reduces green house gas emissions from landfills. According to research, composting 19 litres of food waste is equivalent to not burning 3.7 litres of petrol.

“And the finished compost can be used by local farmers, gardeners, green-houses for organic farming and can reduce the need for chemical-based soil amendments. It’s a win-win scenario. In fact, the GreenGood Oklin Composting Machine technology is perfect for small businesses looking to break into the food waste composting business. And one thing is for sure, there is and will never be lack of food waste. It’s produced every day of the year and is freely available.”

and five in the wilayat of Mahadha. There were 27 applications for the housing loans programme,comprising 22 in the wilayat of Al Buraimi and five in the wilayat of Mahadha.

Musandam deals Ahmed bin Obaid bin Mohammad Al Balushi, the assigned incharge of the Director General of Housing in Musandam Governorate, stated that the traded value of real estate activity in Musan-

dam Governorate during July 2015 reached OMR524,511 while OMR17,940 was collected as fees, through 313 legal transactions including sales, grants, and inheritances, in addition to mortgages, and mortgage releases.

Al Balushi added that transactions in sales contracts comprised 28 contracts, 10 grant contracts, 11 and inheritance contracts, in addition to 12 mortgage contracts, and eight mortgage redemptions.

There were 244 title deeds issued

in July in different wilayats of Musandam. Of these,22 were issued to citizens of the GCC, nine in Daba wilayat,eight in Khasab wilayat and five in Bukha wilayat.

Al Balushi said that there were six applications registered for the housing assistance programme during the same period, and one family each benefitted in Khasab and Daba wilayats. As for the housing loan programme, one family benefited from it and four were registered.

H A RVA R D M O D E L U N I T E D N AT I O N S C O N F E R E N C E

Ghubra school students gain insights at model UN meeting Times News Service MUSCAT: Arvindakshan Rajesh and Sachit Anand, students of the Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG), were selected to interact with Raghuram Rajan, governor of the Reserve Bank of India, as part of the Harvard Model United Nations conference in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.

The conference witnessed the participation of students from more than 200 schools across 28 cities and towns in India and over 11 countries. The ISG delegates took an active lead as diplomats and representatives from Cote d’Ivoire and Dominican Republic.

Active participation They discussed and debated international issues from the point of view of their chosen countries.

Their well-researched position papers and active participation in resolution-making and debates were commended by all.

The group spent two nights at The Will’s Camp where they took up activities like trekking in the mountains in darkness, river crossing, rappeling and learning about various knots to build a small bamboo hut.

This was an exposure for them to life skills which helped the

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS: The group spent two nights at The Will’s Camp where they took up activities like trekking in the mountains in darkness, river crossing, rappeling and learning about various knots to build a small bamboo hut. – Supplied photo

students imbibe the core values of leadership, responsibility and confidence.

They also experienced a life changing moment when they dined at the Dialogue in the Dark where students were served dinner in complete darkness by visually impaired persons.

“Participating in the HMUN conference has instilled confidence and has helped us to overcome our fear to speak before a large gathering. We have also realised that we need to equip ourselves to be able to adapt to the emerging challenges that we face today,” remarked the boys.

I N D I A N S C H O O L M U S C AT

New office-bearers for gavel clubs Times News Service MUSCAT: Gavel club officers of all the 14 gavel clubs of the Indian School Muscat were inducted at a ceremony held for the purpose last week.

Cyprian Miquith, Division ‘L’ director, Region 11 of District 20 graced the occasion as the chief guest. Srinivas K Naidu, principal presided over the ceremony. The members of the school managing committee, toastmasters, teacher co-ordinators, parents and the members of the gavel clubs were also among the invitees.

The session was called to order

by Melita Rodrigues. Srinivas K Naidu, in his presidential address, asserted the need for effective

communication and also quoted the examples of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and other eminent personalities who have proved themselves through their words and actions. The pertinent and humorous speeches presented by Harkrishan Singh Punn, Angela Alex and Meraj Chaugule elicited an enthusiastic response from the audience.

There was a loud applause at the end of the speeches which reverberated in the new multipurpose hall and it was a clear indication that the gaveliers were proud to be part of the gavel clubs.

Govind Negi, area director, explained the duties and responsibilities of the club office bearers and then inducted them. Each of

the office bearers was presented with a badge of office.

The chief guest, in his address emphasised on the fact that being a gavelier also helps in becoming a good human being because of the different components that are learnt during the sessions.

Srikumar Pai commended the authorities of the school for administering 14 gavel clubs efficiently under the ISM umbrella.

The ISM has the largest number of gavel clubs and the maximum number of gaveliers. The session concluded with the vote of thanks

by Satvika Subramaniam. The programme was very meticulously planned and conducted by the gaveliers under the able guidance of their teacher coordinators.

A6

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 It is a great challenge to operate such a busy terminal 24 hours a day, seven days a week with its ever increasing movement of people and vehicles Eng Omar bin Ahmed Qatan, Omanoil’s chief executive officer

OMAN

Emirates offers special fares from Sultanate

MAIDEN PERFORMANCE

Indian singer Javed to perform in Oman Times News Service

The special fares are valid for Emirates’ Business and Economy Class cabins to all destinations worldwide from Oman

Times News Service MUSCAT: Emirates, a global connector of people and places, has announced the launch of an air ticket sales campaign, offering special fares in its Business and Economy Class cabins to all Emirates’ destinations worldwide from Oman.

The offer is valid for booking until September 4 for travel until December 10, 2015. (Terms and conditions apply).

Economy Class fares from Muscat, via Dubai, to the Mid-

GREAT OFFER: People travelling with Emirates will benefit from a generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class. –Supplied photo

dle East start from OMR122 and Business Class from OMR499, Far East OMR188 and Business Class OMR816, Africa OMR219 and Business Class from

OMR1,151, Europe OMR278 and Business Class from OMR1,085, North and South America from OMR406 and Business Class from OMR1,815.

Customers travelling with Emirates will benefit from a generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class.

MUSCAT: India’s most sought after Bollywood singer, Javed Ali, is all set for his maiden performance in Oman.

He will be performing with his team of 12 professional musicians on October 9, 2015 at City Amphitheatre in Qurum.

The event is being organised

by Majan Events in association with MKP. Besides Bollywood songs like Jashn-e-Bahaara, Khwaja Mere Khwaja, Ghalat Baat Hai, Nagada Nagada, Ek Din Teri Raahon Me, Tu Hi Hai in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Javed Ali has carved out a niche in Ghazal singing, Sufi and semiclassical songs and has been travelling all over the world giving live performances.

He has worked with music directors such as A.R. Rahman, Pritam, Yuvan Shankar Raja as well as Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Kailash Kher, Shaan, Babul Supriyo, Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar and Anup Jalota.

Recently, Javed Ali performed in Rehmatein ( July 17, 2015) - A tribute to legendary Padma Bhushan Jagjit Singh, Ghazal King, Khazana (July 25, 2015) - singing Sufi songs and his unreleased ghazals and the mega Concert (August 1, 2015) with 80-piece live orchestra

Bollywood singer, Javed Ali.

conducted by Great legendary music director Pyarelal (LaxmikantPyarelal music director duo).

He travelled to The O2 Arena with A.R. Rahman on August 15 for a mega musical show.

“We are really proud to bring a singer of this calibre to Muscat.

We are thrilled to see the response from music lovers via phone calls, Facebook and emails from Javed Ali’s fans in Muscat,” said Dipti Raval of Majan Events/ MKP. Tickets are priced at OMR25 for VVIP enclosure, OMR10 for VIP section, OMR5 and OMR2 for next two layers of Amphitheatre. Organisers will soon announce further details of ticket availability, group bookings, etc very soon.

ZERO-HARM WORK ENVIRONMENT

omanoil’s safety milestone at Mina Al Fahal Times News Service MUSCAT: In a major milestone, Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) has successfully surpassed 23 years without Lost Time Injuries (LTI) at Mina Al Fahal distribution and storage terminal, a joint venture with Al Maha Petroleum.

The safety milestone demonstrates the company’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its employees by constantly assessing risks, analysing existing standards, and fostering a culture of safety and preservation of life. “It is a great challenge to operate such a busy terminal 24 hours a day, seven days a week with its ever increasing movement of people and vehicles,”

COMMITTED TO SAFETY: omanoil manages the semi-automated terminal as a joint venture with Al Maha Petroleum. - Supplied photo

said Eng Omar bin Ahmed Qatan, omanoil’s chief executive officer.

“I am extremely proud of the 83 men and women who work tirelessly at the terminal and ensure that the highest of HSSE stand-

ards are followed and enhanced all the time,” he said.

“We are a company that leads by example in Oman’s oil and gas industry and our commitment to sustaining a zero-harm work

environment is what has enabled us to protect our employees, contractors and facilities for over two decades and for many more years to come,” he added. omanoil operates and fully manages the semi-automated terminal as a joint venture with Al Maha Petroleum.

The terminal is in operation 24 hours a day with an average output of approximately 6 million litres daily, loads more than 180 trucks every day and has a storage capacity of 55 million litres.

In recognition of its unrelenting commitment to safety, the terminal has, over the years, obtained a number of international safety certifications for its unprecedented operational quality and performance.

RISING DIVORCES

‘Couples should make all A1 major decisions together’ < FROM

Jane believed that unfortunately, there is still a great deal of inequality between the sexes.

“Ideally, a husband and wife should both have equal power within the relationship. Some couples fail to see marriage as a partnership. For example, the couple should ideally make all major decisions together. This is especially true when it comes to spending money.

“Financial difficulties, such as those caused by living beyond ones means, can put a huge strain on a marriage. In the past, husbands often dominated their wives by restricting their movements or lifestyle in some way.

Now, women demand equality and refuse to accept restrictions and domination,” she noted.

Jane explained that when a couple approach her for counselling she holds a consultation with each individual to find out where their problems lie and to understand their points of view.

“Then I see the couple together. I guide and support the couple, helping them to make their own decisions. After questioning and discussions, I very often create a contract for both partners to sign stating how each individual must change in order to make life tolerable for the other partner,” she said.

She added, “I always implore the couple to do their very best to try and work things out, especially if there are children involved.

Children are often the true casualties of a break-up. Parents have to work very hard to manage the fall-out and impact the divorce has on the children. Getting a divorce does not necessarily end the heartache. When couples break up they are often left with a sense

of loss and feelings of failure.

Counselling may need to continue long after they have split up.”

Government support Divorce causes personal, domestic and social disintegration, and, in most cases, has greater impact on women than on men. However, in Oman, the government has been supporting divorcees.

Dr Hamood Al Nofli, also from the Sociology and Social Work Department at the SQU, stated that in 2013, 12,382 divorcees received social security. An estimated OMR12 million is spent annually, representing 11 per cent of the total expenditure on social security.

Al Nofli also added that the Ministry of Housing has contributed OMR240 million to build homes for divorcees.

In the future the government may have to provide childless women space in old age homes when they turn 60, or when they are unable to live independently, he said.

Al Nofli said that more than 15,000 children have been affected by the divorce of their parents.

He added that according to a study 54 per cent of those children are worried and insecure, 75 per cent performed badly at school, and 49 per cent felt depressed.

Besides, 83 per cent of the children felt that specialists were unaware of their circumstances, and 63 per cent said that their teachers were unsympathetic to their problems, he added.

According to a study, 62 per cent of divorcees refused to remarry and 94 per cent never returned to their husbands.

Talking about the drop in the percentage of marriages Al Haj

said, “It is more a question of late marriages. Thatis because most young men want to complete their studies and earn a good income.”

Expenses High marriage-related expenses are another reason for people to delay their marriage.

Al Haj suggested establishing a marriage support fund, conducting mass weddings and added that awareness campaigns might help the situation.

There were 3,662 divorce certificates issued by the notary public departments in 2014 as against 3550 in 2013. The majority, or 389 of these certificates, were issued in Salalah, representing 11 per cent of the total number, followed by Seeb with 326 representing 9 per cent, Muscat with 276 representing 8 per cent, and Saham with 126 certificates.

In 2012, Dr Auhoud bint Said Al Bulushi, head of research and studies at the Omani Studies Centre of the SQU, studied the issue of divorce in Oman.

Complicated social issue After publishing her study she had said, “Divorce is a complicated social issue as it impacts not only the individuals involved but the society as a whole.

To some, divorce is a solution while in other cases, it is the beginning of a series of problems and complications.

“It is clear that Omani society has been through rapid transformations in the past decades, which have affected the Omani family and social roles played by its members. These changes could have a negative impact on the stability of the Omani family.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

A7

REGION SYRIAN CONFLICT

Turkish jets join strikes on IS group for the first time

JAILED: Al Jazeera television journalists Mohamed Fahmy, centre, and Baher Mohamed, left, talk to the media with lawyer Amal Clooney, second right, Troy Lulashnyk, right, Canadian Ambassador to Egypt, before hearing the verdict at a court in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday. — Reuters

Egypt jails Al Jazeera reporters for 3 years Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed were in court for the verdict, while Australia’s Peter Greste was tried in absentia after this year

INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY: Marwa Fahmy, centre, the wife of Canadian Al-Jazeera journalist Mohamed Fahmy, unseen, reacts as she sits next to Amal Clooney, right, the human rights lawyer representing Fahmy, yesterday, in Egypt’s capital Cairo. — AFP

CAIRO: An Egyptian court sentenced three Al Jazeera reporters to three years in prison on Saturday, in a shock ruling that sparked international condemnation.

Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed were in court for the verdict, while Australian journalist Peter Greste was tried in absentia after his deportation early this year.

The court said they had broadcast “false” news that harmed the country.

Several co-defendants, accused of working with Al Jazeera, received similar sentences.

Canada called for the “immediate return” of Fahmy, while Qatar-based Al Jazeera denounced the verdict as an “attack on press freedom”.

“It’s a dark day for the Egyptian judiciary,” Giles Trendle, the English channel’s acting managing director, said at a news conference in Doha.

“Rather than defend liberty and the free and fair media, the Egyp-

tian judiciary has compromised its own independence.”

The retrial was ordered early this year after an appeals court overturned an initial sentence of seven years in prison, saying the prosecution had presented scant evidence against the defendants.

Fahmy’s lawyer, London-based Amal Clooney, told reporters after the verdict she would press the Egyptian presidency for a pardon.

“It’s a dangerous precedent in Egypt that journalists can be locked up simply for reporting the news and courts can be used as political tools,” she said.

Al Jazeera’s head of litigation, Farah Muftah, said in Doha that the ruling would be appealed before the Court of Cassation once the judge publishes the basis for his sentencings.

Relatives and supporters were dismayed by the verdict.

“I’m shocked. Terribly shocked.

We waited for an acquittal and then found ourselves stuck again in the case. This is illogical,”

his deportation early

Fahmy’s brother Adel said.

Greste described the jail terms as “devastating”.

“We did nothing wrong. The prosecution presented no evidence that we did anything wrong and so for us to be convicted as terrorists on no evidence at all is frankly outrageous,” he said.

The journalists were arrested in December 2013, months after the military overthrew president Mohamed Morsi and launched a deadly crackdown on his supporters.

At the time, Qatar, which owns Al Jazeera, was supportive of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood movement.

Judge Hassan Farid said on Saturday that it was clear to the court that the reporters “were not journalists” and had broadcast “false news” while operating in Egypt without a permit.

Mohamed received an additional six-month sentence for possession of a bullet he had picked up covering protest violence.

Fahmy and Mohamed, who had

IRAN

Military power not affected by nuclear deal: Rouhani DUBAI: Iran’s military capability has not been affected by its nuclear deal last month with six world powers, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, moving to reassure opponents that the deal was no sign of Iranian weakness.

“With regards to our defensive capability, we did not and will not accept any limitations,” Rouhani said at a press conference carried on live television.

“We will do whatever we need to do to defend our country, whether with missiles or other methods.”

Rouhani said at the ceremony that Iran’s military might was a precondition for peace, after being criticised by for negotiating with Western powers they see as fundamentally hostile to Iran.

Last week, Iran unveiled a new surface-to-surface missile it said could strike targets with pinpoint accuracy within a range of 500 km

Under the July 14 pact, Iran agreed to strict limitations on its nuclear programme to ensure it cannot be turned to developing atomic bombs, in exchange for a removal of international sanctions imposed on Tehran. Iran denies ever seeking bomb capability

from its nuclear programme.

According to the deal, any transfer to Iran of ballistic missile technology during the next eight years will be subject to the approval of the UN Security Council, and the United States has promised to veto any such requests. — Reuters

been released on bail in February at the start of the retrial, were taken into custody.

Lynne Yelich, Canadian minister of state for foreign and consular affairs, called on Egypt in a statement “to use all tools at its disposal to resolve Mr. Fahmy’s case and allow his immediate return to Canada”.

The trial has become an embarrassment for President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, who as army chief ousted Morsi from the presidency in 2013.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was “dismayed” by the outcome.

British Minister for Middle East and North Africa Tobias Ellwood said the sentencings would “undermine confidence in Egypt’s progress towards strong long-term stability based on implementing the rights granted by the Egyptian constitution”.

In the initial trial, two British Al Jazeera reporters who had left the country were tried in absentia and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Sisi has said he wished that the Al Jazeera journalists had not been put on trial. He may pardon them if he chooses.

Fahmy, who gave up his Egyptian citizenship in hopes of being deported as Greste was in February, said ahead of the verdict that the trial was “politicised”.

“If justice is to be served we should be acquitted as impartial journalists,” Fahmy, who formerly worked for CNN, said on the eve of the session.

The three were accused of having supported the Brotherhood in their coverage. However, during the trial, the prosecution failed to find fault in their reporting.

“The technical committee that was appointed by the judge gave the court a report stating that none of our reports were fabricated,” Fahmy said. — AFP

ANKARA/BEIRUT: Turkish jets took part in US-led coalition air strikes against IS in Syria for the first time on Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey last month agreed to open its strategically important air bases to the coalition, but has been reluctant to play a leading role in the fight against IS, fearing a backlash.

Friday’s operation follows a technical agreement with the United States on August 24 about Turkey’s role in the campaign against the extremists who control large areas of Syria and Iraq.

“Our jets started last night to carry out air operations with coalition forces against IS targets in Syria which pose a threat to our security too,” the Turkish statement released on Saturday said.

On July 24, Turkish warplanes attacked IS targets in Syria, but not as part of the coalition operation.

Commenting on the latest strikes, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook released a statement commending Turkey for its participation in coalition efforts to “degrade and ultimately defeat” IS. Ceasefire collapses Meanwhile, a truce between Syrian regime forces and rebel groups in three key towns ended early Saturday as the warring parties resumed clashes and shelling, a monitor and a mediator said.

Pro-regime forces, including Hezbollah, had agreed on a 48-hour ceasefire until dawn on Saturday in the rebel bastion of Zabadani and the governmentheld villages of Fuaa and Kafraya.

“The ceasefire has collapsed in Zabadani, Fuaa, and Kafraya this morning,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

“There are clashes and shelling

in Zabadani, and opposition fighters are shelling Fuaa and Kafraya.”

He had no details on who began firing and whether there were any casualties.

A Kafraya resident speaking to AFP by phone said “dozens of shells” had fallen on the town since early Saturday.

Fuaa and Kafraya, the last two regime-held villages in Syria’s northwest Idlib province, have been surrounded by a rebel alliance including Al Qaeda’s affiliate Al-Nusra Front.

The siege came in retaliation for a fierce offensive on Zabadani, along Syria’s border with Lebanon, by pro-regime forces early last month.

Temple destruction Furthermore, satellite images have confirmed the destruction of a Roman-era temple in the Syrian city of Palmyra, a United Nations agency said, after the IS claimed responsibility for blowing up the structure a week ago.

IS detonated explosives in the ancient Baal Shamin temple on August 25, an act that cultural agency UNESCO has called a war crime aimed at wiping out a symbol of Syria’s diverse cultural heritage.

Tight control An analysis of an image taken in June and others taken several days ago show the obliteration of the temple in the central desert city, the Geneva-based United Nations Institute for Training and Research said in a statement. “We confirm the destruction of the main building, while surrounding columns seem to be less affected.”

Activists have said IS is tightly controlling communications in the city, making its reports of events difficult to verify independently.

— Agencies

A8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 In a unanimous decision, the PAC suspended Khalsa and Gandhi from the party and referred their cases to the National Disciplinary Action Committee Deepak Bajpai, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson

INDIA

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

18 SOLDIERS INJURED IN ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSION Seriously injured army personnel being airlifted to army’s base hospital in Srinagar from CBS Army Headquarters after an ‘accidental’ grenade explosion during training, at Khrew in Pampore area of Pulwama district on Saturday, prompting army to order an inquiry. - PTI

AAP suspends two Punjab MPs for anti-party activities NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) on Saturday suspended parliamentarians Dharamvira Gandhi and Harinder Singh Khalsa from primary membership of the party and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them.

Both are Lok Sabha members from Punjab.

Gandhi, a cardiologist and social worker, represents Patiala constituency whereas Khalsa, a former diplomat, represents Fatehgarh Sahib constituency.

The AAP’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) suspended the MPs and referred disciplinary proceedings against them to the National Disciplinary Action Committee, said party spokesperson Deepak Bajpai.

“In its meeting on Saturday, the PAC took cognizance of antiparty activities indulged in by Gandhi and Khalsa in Punjab.

Land bill: Congress picks holes in notification route Ramesh alleged that the move was an

This has been done only with a view to blunt the opposition campaign in Bihar polls against the BJP that it was anti-farmer

‘insult to Parliament’ as it was an attempt to bypass it by a government which ‘slept for seven long months’ after coming to power’

Jairam Ramesh

and had failed to

Congress leader

bring amendments to relevant Acts before the 2014 end deadline

NEW DELHI: Congress on Saturday picked up holes in the notification route on the Land bill insisting that though the Law Ministry had opposed the move, government went ahead with it with an eye on the coming Bihar Assembly elections.

“This has been done only with a view to blunt the opposition campaign in Bihar polls against the BJP that it was anti-farmer”, party leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters.

Ramesh alleged that the move was an “insult to Parliament” as it was an attempt to bypass it by a government which “slept for seven long months” after coming to power” and had failed to bring amendments to relevant Acts before the 2014 end deadline.

At the same time, he made it clear that the Congress was only against the manner in which it has been done by the government and not against extending benefits to those whose land is acquired under the land law.

Giving up the ordinance route, government had on Friday issued an ‘order’ to include 13 central Acts like National Highway and Railways Acts to extend benefits to those whose land is acquired under land law.

The order issued by the government under the removal of difficulties clause (Section 113) in the Land Act now extends the provisions relating to the determination of compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement to all cases of land acquisition under 13 central acts which were left out in the 2013 law.

Controversial ordinance By using the clause, government has done away with the need to issue the controversial land ordinance for a record fourth time.

The ordinance will lapse on August 31, six weeks after the commencement of the Monsoon session — July 21.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi is understood to be in favour of

issuing such an order, but the Law Ministry said only an ordinance can be brought to bring the 13 acts under the ambit of the land law.

As per the section 105 (3) of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, Centre may, within one year of the enactment of the law, extend benefits of the first and second schedule of the Act (provisions relating to the determination of compensation and rehabilitation and resettlement) to the acquisitions made under 13 other central acts.

In its response, the Law Ministry said that since the desired notification under section 105 of the Act has not been issued and the one year period has already been lapsed “doing so at this belated stage may not be legally tenable”.It said it can now be

done only through a legislation or an Ordinance.

Since a Joint Committee of Parliament is examining the amended land bill brought by the NDA government, the government did not touch upon the controversial clauses which were part of the ordinance.

Swabhiman rally Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi will address a first joint rally of the grand “secular” alliance in Bihar on Sunday though part vice president Rahul Gandhi is likely to give it a miss.

“We have received programme schedule of Sonia Gandhi for Swabhiman rally tomorrow,” state Congress chief Ashok Choudhary told reporters on Saturday.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad are organising the rally at Patna’s historic Gandhi maidan in an apparent move to project a united face of the alliance.

Choudhary said Gandhi would arrive here in the afternoon and straightway proceed to the venue and return to Delhi after addressing the rally.

Also, there is no clarity over the participation of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav in the event. More than 1.5 lakh party workers would join supporters of JD(U) and RJD in the rally.

Congress will contest on 40 seats in the 243-member Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled to take place in September-October.

JD(U) and RJD will fight on 100 seats each and remaining three will be contested by NCP. - PTI

“In a unanimous decision, the PAC suspended Khalsa and Gandhi from the party and referred their cases to the National Disciplinary Action Committee,” Bajpai said.

“Now the three-member NDAC, with Pankaj Gupta, Dilip Pandey and me as its members, will look into the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party activities against Gandhi and Khalsa,” he added. Bajpai charged Gandhi and Khalsa with involvement “in the activities of certain outfits, opposed to aims and objectives of the party”.

“The only aim of these outfits is to damage the party and anti-corruption movement in the country,” he said, adding that there were many instances that show that Gandhi and Khalsa were trying to establish a parallel organisation with the sole objective of damaging the party in Punjab. -IANS SUCCESSFUL

Orbit raising operation of GSAT-6 performed BENGALURU: After successful launch of GSAT-6, the country’s latest communication satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, Indian Space Research Organisation on Saturday said it has performed the first orbit raising of the satellite.

“First orbit raising operation of GSAT-6 was successfully completed by firing the Apogee Motor for 3385 seconds at 08:35 hrs IST on August 28,” ISRO said.

Realised orbit is 8,408km (perigee height) by 35,708 km (apogee height) with an inclination of 7.5 degree and an orbital period of 13 hours, 15 minutes and 24 second, it said. ISRO on Thursday had successfully launched GSAT-6, having an indigenous cryogenic engine, on-board the GSLV-D6 rocket from the spaceport at Sriharikota.

Soon after its injection into GTO, the two solar arrays of GSAT6 were automatically deployed and the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took control of GSAT-6, ISRO had said after the launch. In the coming days, GSAT-6’s orbit will be raised from its present GTO to the final circular Geostationary Orbit (GSO) by firing the satellite’s Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages, it had said.

The satellite will be commissioned into service after the completion of orbit raising operations, deployment of its 6 m wide sieve shaped unfurlable antenna, the satellite’s positioning in its designated orbital slot of 83 degree East longitude in the Geostationary Orbit and in-orbit testing of its communication payloads. - PTI

GLITTERING CEREMONY

Sania conferred Khel Ratna; Arjuna awards also given NEW DELHI: Tennis star Sania Mirza was on Saturday conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna — the country’s highest sporting honour — while shooting sensation was among the Arjuna award recipients in a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

President Pranab Mukherjee presented the award to Sania, clad in a maroon saree and blue blazer, amid thunderous applause at the Darbar hall where Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was among the attendees.

Sania became the second tennis player to receive the country’s highest sporting honour after Leander Paes on a day when Sports Ministry was fighting a court case that raised questions against its process of selecting the awardees.

The President also gave away the Arjuna awards even as the lineup was low on star power in the absence of cricketer Rohit Sharma, who missed the ceremony alongside boxer Mandeep Jangra and quarter miler M. R.Poovamma.

In all, the (retired) Justice V K Bali led panel had recommended 17 names for Arjuna.

Sania, who attracted the loudest applause from the esteemed gathering at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, received a medal, certificate and cash prize of Rs750,000.

She had flown in just to receive the award ahead of the US Open starting in New York on Monday.

The Arjuna awardees received statuettes, certificates and award money of Rs500, 000 each.

Shrouded in controversy The ceremony, however, was shrouded in controversy with the ignored athletes and coaches not accepting the recommendations of the ministry-appointed panel.

Just when it seemed there would be no controversy in the lead up to this year’s function, para-athlete H. N. Girisha approached the Karnataka High Court challenging Sania Mirza’s recommendation for Khel Ratna.

While Girisha will still be hopeful of getting the award later, another court case pending is of wrestling coach Vinod Kumar, who went to Delhi High Court claiming he was more deserving for the Dronacharya award than his rival Anoop Singh, whose name

was recommended by the government-appointed panel.

It will be known in the next weeks whether he gets the Dronacharya or not.

As it panned out, the haggling for awards continued against expectations of the government which had introduced a new points system to ensure free and transparent selection process.

Nonetheless, the ceremony provided pride and motivation for athletes who were eventually bestowed with the honour.

While Khel Ratna was awarded after a year’s gap, 17 were recommended for Arjuna against the usual number of 15 or less.

It was a proud moment for ace pistol shooter Jitu Rai, who was hard to ignore considering his stupendous success in the last two years. The 28-year-old had won gold in the 2014 CommonwealthGames as well as a gold in the Maribor World Cup in the same year, besides becoming the number one shooter in the world.

Also there was Dipa Karmakar, India’s first woman gymnast to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, besides hockey star P R

Sreejesh and wrestler Babita.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Sania Mirza Arjuna awardees for 2015: P R Sreejesh (hockey), Dipa Karmakar (gymnastics), Jitu Rai (shooting), Sandeep Kumar (archery), Mandeep Jangra (boxing), Babita (wrestling), Bajrang (wrestling), Rohit Sharma (cricket), K Srikanth (badminton), Swarn Singh Virk (rowing), Satish Sivalingam (weightlifting), Santhoi Devi (wushu), Sharath Gaekwad (para-sailing), M. R. Poovamma (athletics), Manjeet Chhillar (kabaddi), Abhilasha Mhatre (kabaddi), Anup Kumar Yama (rollerskating).Droncharya awardees: Naval Singh (athleticspara-sports), Anoop Singh (wrestling), Harbans Singh (athletics-lifetime), Swatantar Raj Singh (boxinglifetime), Nihar Ameen (swimming-lifetime) Dhyan Chand awardees Romeo James (hockey), Shiv Prakash Mishra (tennis), T.P.P. Nair (volleyball). - PTI

BIG HONOUR: President Pranab Mukherjee honours tennis player

Sania Mirza with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2015 at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

INDIA

RBI governor hints at interest rate cut Rajan, who has under pressure from the

We have not said we are finished (on cutting rates) and we will take a view as the data allows us to do

government and the industry to further cut rates, said RBI is still in an ‘accommodative mode’ and would take a decision as per the

Raghuram Rajan

data on inflation and

Reserve bank of India governor

other macroeconomic factors

WASHINGTON: Hinting at the fourth interest rate cut this year, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said he is not done with lowering rates and the central problem for the entire world remains slowing economic growth.

Rajan, who was participating in the elite Jackson Hole economic symposium of the Kansas City Federal Reserve, also said Reserve bank of India (RBI) has reached an agreement with the government on a new rate-setting panel, the Monetary Policy Committee, which would be announced soon.

Rajan, who has under pressure from the government and the industry to further cut rates, said RBI is still in an “accommodative mode” and would take a decision as per the data on inflation and other macroeconomic factors.

“We also have inflation which other people do not have. We have cut the interest rate thrice so far this year and we are still in accommodative mode. We will have a look at data as it comes in and

take a view accordingly. We have not said we are finished (on cutting rates) and we will take a view as the data allows us to do,” Rajan told CNBC in an interview on the sidelines of Jackson Hole summit.

Interestingly, it is the same summit where Rajan had once famously presented a paper that talked about an imminent global financial crisis, which eventually hit the world markets in 2007-08.

Rajan was IMF’s chief economist when he made that famous ‘prediction’.

On China, Rajan said India was a big trading partner, but still the impact may not be as big as some other countries from any slowdown in Chinese economy.

“If in fact there is a greater Chinese slowdown than is anticipated, it won’t affect us as much as other countries around the world...

Of course, everybody would like stronger Chinese growth, but to some extent we are among the least affected,” he added.

He also advised the US Federal Reserve against raising the rates when the world economy is in a turmoil.

“My position over time has been don’t do it when the world is in turmoil... It is a long anticipated event, it has to happen sometime — everybody knows it has to happen — but pick your time,” he said.

Separately, Rajan said in an interview to Bloomberg TV that RBI has reached an agreement with the government on the new monetary policy committee.

Rajan also said the panel would be different from what was proposed in a draft earlier last month, wherein the government was to appoint the majority of the members.

“There is an agreement with the government, which is not that plan,” Rajan said without divulging further details.

A major controversy had broken out after a draft proposal suggested the government appointing a majority of the members on the panel to be chaired by RBI Governor, while a veto power earlier proposed to be vested with the Chairman was also sought to be withdrawn.

Rajan, however, later said he was fine with the idea of veto power being dropped.

CRIME

Focus shifts on forensic evidence, as grilling on in Sheena murder

MYSTERIOUS MURDER: A file photo of Indrani Mukherjea and her daughter Sheena Bora, left. Indrani was arrested on Tuesday by Mumbai Police for allegedly murdering her daughter Sheena and disposing of the body in Raigad in 2012. - PTI

ALIBAUG/MUMBAI: The sensational Sheena Bora murder mystery on Saturday produced a new twist with police admitting that no case of murder or accidental death was registered after her human remains were recovered in Pen taluk of Raigad three years ago, that raises questions.

For the first time, Raigad police virtually confessed to the casual way in which their personnel treated the case when a burnt body was located in their area on May 23, 2012, a month after Sheena was believed to have been murdered.

“Neither a crime, nor a report of accidental death was registered when Raigad police sent recovered skeletal remains to JJ hospital in 2012,” Suvez Haque told reporters in Alibag, the Raigad district headquarters.

“I have been ordered to probe all the wrongs or lapses that were committed,” said Haque, who took over as Raigad SP earlier this year.

“We have given a factual report to our seniors. Inspector General of Police (Konkan Range) has yesterday ordered an inquiry. We will complete it at the earliest and produce our report,” he said.

However, Haque declined to go into aspects as to why the police acted indifferent three years when the human remains were recovered.

As the SP’s disclosure raised questions whether there was any cover up in the crime then, DGP Sanjeev Dayal said that an inquiry has been ordered to find out the lapses and promised action against erring officials.

Though Sheena, the daughter of high-profile media professional Indrani Mukherjea, was allegedly murdered in 2012 and her body disposed of in Raigad district, the crime came to light only recently.

The police have arrested Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, and driver Shyam Rai in the case.

Dayal said “We are gathering all the necessary information and will act against the officials concerned (of Raigad police) if it is found that they botched up the case (when the body was found).”

The remains found from the forest in Pen tehsil of Raigad have been sent for DNA test.

Meanwhile, the focus in the case shifted to the forensic analysis of the skeletal remains.

Police also continued their interrogation of the victim’s Indrani, Khanna and the driver to more details of the crime and the motive.

The bones and other skeletal remains found from the forest have been sent to DNA test, whose result is going to be crucial in further stages of the case “We have sent the bones and other skeletal remains for forensic analysis and are awaiting report,” a police official said.

JJ Hospital had on Friday handed over to Khar police a few bones it had received from Raigad Police in 2012.

Blood and hair samples of Indrani and Mikhail Bora have also been collected and sent to Forensic Science Laboratory, and the report expected in 3 to 4 days.

The investigation had gained further momentum with the arrest of Khanna, who according to Mumbai Police chief Rakesh Maria, had confessed to his complicity in the murder.

On Friday, the police had also briefly questioned Indrani’s husband Peter Mukerjea at the Khar police station, scene of action for the last four days. - PTI

A9

Currently, RBI Governor has a technical advisory committee to advise on monetary policy, but he enjoys authority to accept or reject the panel’s views.

Rajan further said there is a “mood of optimism” in India’s economy and it would be among the least-affected countries from problems in China.

He also urged the Parliamentarians to resolve their differences and allow the proposed GST law to be implemented, saying it would one of the most important changes in India.

He also termed the proposed bankruptcy code as an “extremely important” legislation.

“If we can get a good bankruptcy code, we can start issuing longterm bonds, which is absolutely necessary to finance infrastructure, finance all the big things the government plans,” Rajan said.

Talking about global markets, the RBI Governor said prices are not correct in certain asset markets and they may correct.

“Now, whether that happens smoothly or that happens in more volatile fashion, I think is anybody’s guess,” he said. - PTI

Q U O TA A G I TAT I O N

Gujarat limps back to normal as curfew lifted from all areas AHMEDABAD: Normalcy is gradually returning to the western Indian state of Gujarat where authorities on Saturday lifted curfew from all affected parts of the state as no incident of violence was reported for two days after the Patel quota agitation turned violent early this week.

“As no violence was reported in the state, curfew has been lifted from all the parts of the state, where it was clamped on August 25,” Additional Director General of Police (law and order), P. P. Pandey said.

In Ahmedabad city, curfew has been lifted from all the nine police station areas as the situation remained completely peaceful for around two days, officials said.

However, heavy deployment of para-military forces continued in all the areas hit by violence that had began from August 25 after the leader of the quota agitation, Hardik Patel was detained by the city police.

Ahmedabad District Collector Rajkumar Beniwal said five companies of Army which were called in to control violence will be sent back by the evening on Saturday.

The city roads witnessed normal traffic with buses of BRTS (Bus Rapid Transport System) and AMTS (Ahmedabad Munici-

pal Transport System) plying on Saturday. In view of the festival of Rakshabandhan, shops as well as other business establishments remained open on Saturday with people flocking the markets.

In other violence-hit districts including Rajkot, Mehsana, Surat, Jamanagar, Morbi and Sabarkantha, normalcy has returned.

However, mobile Internet services across the state are barred till Monday, said a senior police official.

Meanwhile, agitation leader Hardik Patel said, “I am likely to take part in funeral of Swetang Patel tomorrow.”

When asked if the Patel community members will take any “precautionary steps” during the funeral procession, Hardik said government will be held responsible if anything happens.

“I have urged my community people to keep calm, but if anything wrong happens there (in the funeral procession), government will have to take responsibility,” Hardik said.

Hardik’s detention after the mega rally on August 25 that he organised for reservation was followed by widespread violence in the state in which ten people including a police constable lost their lives. - PTI

RAKSHA BANDHAN: On the eve of Raksha Bandhan festival, school students, tie Rakhi on the wrist of Army soldiers who remain on duty in the wake of recent incidents of violence following the agitation by Patel (Patidar) community demanding reservation, in Surat on Friday. -PTI

A 10

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

PAKISTAN S H AWA L A R E A

RAKSHA BANDHAN FESTIVITIES A Pakistani Hindu woman drops milk into Arabian sea as she celebrates the festival of Raksha Bandhan, in Karachi on Saturday. The festival celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers, symbolised by the rakhis which sisters tie around their brothers’ wrists. — AFP

14 militants killed in air strikes near Afghan border ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: At least 14 militants were killed Saturday in air strikes in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border, the military said.

The strikes targeted militant hideouts in Shawal area of the lawless North Waziristan tribal region, where the army has been waging an offensive against the Taliban since June last year.

“In precise air strikes in Shawal, 14 terrorists were killed today,” the military said in a statement.

The death toll could not be independently verified as the conflict zone is remote and off-limits to journalists.

Officials say more than 2,800 militants have been killed since the launch of the latest offensive.

Lahore raids Following implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in Punjab, Rangers on Friday conducted night-long raids in Lahore, taking into custody 70 suspected militants.

The raids come a week after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed the Punjab Government to ensure implementation of the NAP to eradicate terrorism from the province. The raids were carried out at several locations including houses, hotels and restaurants, after which 70 suspected militants were arrested. — Agencies

RESPONSIBILITIES

US praises Pakistan for nuclear weapons safety WASHINGTON: The White House said on Saturday that it is confident Pakistan is aware of its responsibilities pertaining to the safety and security of its nuclear weapons.

“We continue to be confident that the government of Pakistan is aware of those responsibilities and takes those responsibilities quite seriously,” White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said at a news conference.

The remark came a day after two leading US think tanks claimed in a report that Pakistan would have more than 350 nuclear weapons in a decade, which means that the country would have the third largest stock piles of nuclear weapons after the US and Russia.

Commenting on the report, Earnest said, “I did see the report. I don’t have an official administration assessment to share with you. I would say there a couple things that come to mind.”

The spokesperson went on to add that responsibility for nuclear stockpile remains with all countries who have secured a nuclear stockpile.

“This applies not just to Pakistan but to countries around the world that have a nuclear stockpile – they have a responsibility for securing that nuclear stockpile.”

Meanwhile a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, regarding the nuclear report said “Such utterly baseless reports are designed to divert attention from the exponential increase in India’s fissile material stockpiles.”

The White House spokesperson also added that President Barack Obama had set a longterm goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. — Express Tribune

Imran set to protest outside election body on October 4 The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman issued an ultimatum to the Election Commission of Pakistan to replace its four members by October 4

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Issuing an ultimatum to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Saturday gave the polling body up until October 4 to replace its existing four members, while also announcing a demonstration outside ECP headquarters if the party’s demands are not met.

Addressing a gathering in Lahore on Saturday, Imran said his party would contest all by-polls and local bodies elections, but not under the existing ECP set up.

He announced Jehangir Tareen would contest the by-poll from National Assembly’s NA-154 seat Lodhran while Aleem Khan would compete from NA-122, the constituency where Imran contested against Ayaz Sadiq in the general elections of 2013. Shoaib Siddiqi will contest election from Punjab Provincial Assembly’s PP-147 which falls under NA-122, said Imran.

Imran said his party would not allow anybody to do rig the upcoming polls.

“We will install cameras at every polling station and will not allow anybody to cast fake votes,” he said.

SEEKING JUSTICE: Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, centre, addresses supporters during a protest rally against the country’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led government in Islamabad on August 16, 2014. — AFP

Reiterating his stance on ECP, the PTI chief said the polling body acted as if it was election commission of Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N).

He said the polling body had until October 4 to replace the existing ECP members, adding that his party would decide its future course of action on October 4, depending on whether the ECP meets its demands or not.

Earlier, Imran had said the poll inquiry commission’s verdict on general elections would have been

different provided the election tribunals gave their ruling first.

“The judicial commission investigated the elections as a whole while elections tribunals have counted each and every ballot,” said Imran while talking to media outside Bani Gala before leaving for a party meeting in Lahore.

“Decisions by the tribunals were delayed deliberately.”

The commission in its 237page report had said despite some lapses on part of the ECP “the 2013 general elections were in large part

organised and conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.”

Accusing the ECP of colluding with ruling PML-N in poll rigging, the PTI chief said the party would decide if they would contest the upcoming by-polls and local government elections under the same ‘umpires.’

Regarding the cancellation of party rally, Imran said there were security threats and he could not put his workers’ life in danger.

He was scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Saturday to host rallies

marking the party’s recent victory as the election tribunal announced re-polling in NA-122 and NA-154.

However, Lahore administration failed to give the party security clearance. The PTI chief once again challenged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to contest against him in NA-122.

“I am inviting you. Have a match with me. You can bring your own umpires just like you used to [during our cricket matches] in Lahore Gymkhana,” said Imran.

— Express Tribune

CRACKDOWN

IS group formally listed among banned outfits: Official ISLAMABAD: The government has finally moved in to rein in IS presence in Pakistan, blacklisting all groups which have expressed their sympathies for the ultraextremist group.

“We have formally included IS to the list of banned outfits this month,” an interior ministry official confirmed to The Express Tribune on Friday.

“We have notified it and with this new addition, 213 organisations have been formally proscribed in Pakistan.”

Although the government has long denied that IS — which is banned under a United Nations sanctions regime — has a footprint in Pakistan, the official said security forces have been tasked with foiling the efforts of local terrorists

to join up or develop links with the group in the Middle East.

He said the interior ministry had also previously banned some 171 groups proscribed under multiple UN resolutions on the request of the Foreign Office. The ministry had also proscribed 61 other organisations involved in anti-state and terrorist activities locally.

“Under the UN Security Coun-

cil’s resolutions, Pakistan is bound to include IS in its list of proscribed organisations,” an FO official said.

The foreign ministry, in a sevenpoint strategy document – a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune – said Pakistan’s top security agencies have been directed to immediately adopt measure to counter ‘the emerging

IS threat’ in the country. The strategy has also been shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Former interior minister Rehman Malik termed the move to ban IS and its affiliates in Pakistan a positive step. However, he stressed that the government will have to find a way to rein in the group’s sympathisers in the coun-

try and choke the foreign funding they receive.

Defence analyst Brigadier Mahmood Shah, meanwhile, said the move would give a clear message to certain countries which are reportedly funding IS activities.

He added that it would pave the way for Pakistan’s security forces to choke the funding of the group.

— Express Tribune

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

A11

ASIA

E R AWA N S H R I N E B L A S T

Thai police arrest foreign man over Bangkok bombing BANGKOK: Police hunting the perpetrators of Thailand’s deadliest bombing arrested on Saturday a foreigner they said matched the description of a man who left a bag at the crowded site of a blast in Bangkok nearly two weeks ago.

Police raided a four-storey budget apartment in a suburb of the capital and found fake passports and bomb-making materials possibly used in the August 17 attack at a shrine that killed 20 people and shook Bangkok’s bustling commercial heart.

The suspect was a 28-year-old foreigner who had been in Thailand since January last year and was being held at a military facility on initial charges of possessing illegal explosives, police said.

“It’s unlikely to be terrorism.

It’s not an international terrorist act,” Police chief Somyot Pump-

anmuang told a news conference.

Somyot did not explain how police had come to that conclusion, but said the motive was “taking personal revenge for his comrades”.

He did not elaborate.

The bomb tore through the crowded Erawan Shrine, one of the country’s top tourist attractions and close to several of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels and its biggest shopping malls.

Among the dead were 14 foreigners, seven from mainland China and Hong Kong, in an attack the military government said was a strike at Thailand’s ailing economy. With few clues so far, speculation has been rife about who masterminded the devastating attack, the scale of which Bangkok has never seen, despite going through a decade of intermittent political turmoil in the capital.

back, with a beard and hair shaven short. Police showed another image of a Turkish passport with a photograph that appeared to be the same man but police indicated the passport was fake. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Speculation in media and among experts has been rife about who has motive and capability to carry it out, pointing to southern ethnic Malay separatists, opponents of the ruling military, international extremists or sympathisers of Uighur Muslims, of which Thailand forcibly repatriated more than 100 to China last month.

Thai police said on Thursday they were looking into recent arrivals from Turkey as part of their bomb probe. Police had made little progress and have been criticised for providing contradictory information. -Reuters

National police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said more people were being sought and evidence pointed to the arrested man’s involvement in a second bomb a day later in the city’s Sathorn area, which caused no damage. “We found he’s connected to both Bangkok blasts,” Prawut said. “We believe the perpetrators are from the same group.”

Murky probe The prime suspect is a young man with shaggy dark hair dressed in a yellow shirt seen on grainy closedcircuit television footage dropping off a backpack and casually leaving the scene before the bomb went off.

A televised announcement showed still images of bags full of what appeared to be bomb-making materials and a photograph of a barefooted man, hands behind his

SUSPECT: An arrested suspect of the recent Bangkok blast is shown

in this Thai Royal Police handout released on Saturday.-Reuters

Mahathir joins protestors seeking Najib’s resignation The brief appearance of the deeply respected former leader, once Najib’s patron and now his fiercest critic, thrilled the protesters and could add momentum to their movement PEACEFUL PROTEST: A protestor holds a placard criticising Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak during an anti-government rally near Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Tens of thousands of Malaysians streamed into central Kuala Lumpur to call for the prime minister’s ouster over corruption allegations and demand broader reforms, spurning warnings by police who have declared the rally illegal. -AFP

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s former leader Mahathir Mohamad made a surprise appearance on Saturday among tens of thousands protesting to demand the resignation of the prime minister over a multi-million-dollar payment into an account under his name.

The rally in Kuala Lumpur brought into the streets a political crisis that has raged since reports in July that investigators probing the management of debtladen state fund 1MDB had discovered the transfer of more than $600 million.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, who denies wrongdoing, has weathered the storm and political analysts doubt the two-day rally will force him out of power.

However, the brief evening appearance of the deeply respected 90-year-old Mahathir, once Najib’s patron and now his fiercest critic, thrilled the protesters and could add momentum to their anti-government movement.

Security was tight and anti-riot trucks and a water cannon were parked near a square where pro-

testers had planned to converge.

In the end, they hung back behind barricades.

Pro-democracy organisation Bersih, which organised the rally in Kuala Lumpur and the two main cities on Malaysia’s side of Borneo, said the crowd in the capital swelled to 200,000 at its peak.

The Malaysiakini news portal put the number at half that and police said it was just 25,000.

There were no reports of violence and the mood was festive during the day as protesters some with placards reading “Out, Najib, Out” - blew plastic horns and shouted “bersih!”, a Malay word for “clean”.

“We the Malaysians want to clean up this country, we reject dirty politics,” said Tinagar Veranogan, a demonstrator in a crowd mostly made up of young people from the ethnic Indian and Chinese minorities.

City authorities rejected an application by Bersih for a protest permit, raising fears of a repeat of a 2012 rally when police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters.

The government blocked access to Bersih’s website and banned the wearing of its signature yellow T-shirts, but the crowd of protest-

RED CROSS

ers was a sea of yellow.

“For 58 years people have been patient with bribes, a political system that cannot resolve 1MDB. Today we want reform,” said Bersih leader Maria Chin, calling on parliament to hold a vote of no confidence in the prime minister.

The second day of the rally on Sunday is due to start with physical exercises, mass at a cathedral and interfaith prayers.

‘Huge frustrations’ “There are huge frustrations with a number of endemic rights issues in Malaysia at the moment - the crackdown on freedom of expression by the government must end,” Josef Benedict, Amnesty International’s deputy campaigns director, said in a statement.

Najib was not in Kuala Lumpur.

The Bernama national news agency quoted him as saying from the eastern state of Pahang that the patriotism of the rally organisers and participants was “shallow and poor”. Analysts say the Bersih movement is unlikely to inspire broad public support because it lacks strong leadership.

Ibrahim Suffian, director of independent pollster Merdeka Center, said discontent with Najib, who took office in 2009, is

RESPECTED FIGURE: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad attends a rally organised by pro-democracy group ‘Bersih’ (Clean) in Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday. -Reuters

concentrated in urban areas and a national survey this month by his group showed a slight majority opposed the rally.

Malaysia’s anti-graft agency has said the funds paid into Najib’s account were a donation from the Middle East, which came just before a 2013 election. The identity of the donor has not been revealed.

Najib, 62, says he did not take any money for personal gain.

He has sacked his deputy and other ministers who publicly questioned him, and the attorneygeneral who had been investigating 1MDB (1Malaysia Develop-

ment Berhad) has been replaced.

Authorities have also suspended two newspapers and blocked access to a website that had reported on 1MDB. Najib retains significant support from the longruling Barisan Nasional coalition and from his party, the United Malays National Organisation that represents the Malay majority.

The coalition, in power since 1957, lost the popular vote for the first time in 2013 to an opposition alliance that split this year. Mahathir, Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, withdrew support for Najib last year. -Reuters

L A B O U R A F FA I R S

First-ever minimum wage okayed in Myanmar YANGON: Myanmar’s government has approved the country’s first-ever national minimum wage, state media reported on Saturday, after months of bitter negotiations with labour groups and employers.

The wage has been set at 3,600 kyat ($2.80) “for a standard eighthour work day” and takes effect from Tuesday, said the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. It will apply to workers “across all sectors and industries” but small businesses employing less than 15 people will be excluded, it added. Myanmar has seen a wave of protests for better pay and conditions, particularly among workers in the growing garment sector, after decades of direct junta rule came to an end in 2011.

The decision on the wage, announced by the National Minimum Wage Committee on Friday, follows several rounds of talks between the government, labour groups, employers and workers since a law approving its introduction was passed in 2013.

Plethora of reforms It comes as part of the plethora of political and economic reforms introduced under the quasi-civilian government that has also seen a growth in foreign investment, with big brands looking to move into the nation after most international sanctions were dropped.

But even the low sum reached had been vehemently opposed by some employers who claim that low worker productivity in Myanmar meant they could not afford to pay more. Pressure to adopt a fair minimum wage has also come from outside with a number of Western manufacturers arguing that poor pay was counterproductive.

In Myanmar employees had previously been demanding a minimum of 4,000 kyat ($3.10) a day with protests over wages outside factories in recent months seeing several labourers arrested in the ensuing police crackdowns.

In neighbouring Thailand, where an estimated two million Myanmar nationals form part of a vast migrant labour force, the national minimum wage is set at 300 baht ($8) per day. -AFP

CHANGE

Koreas agree to hold China toughens laws to curb corruption family reunion talks SEOUL: The North Korean Red Cross has agreed to working-level talks with its South Korean counterpart early next month on arranging a reunion of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, officials said on Saturday.

The initiative follows an interKorean agreement reached earlier this week that committed both sides to organise a reunion sometime around the Chuseok harvest festival holiday, which falls on September 27.

An official from the South’s Unification Ministry said the North had accepted the Seoul’s proposal for initial talks on September 7 at the border truce village of Panmunjom. The last family reunion

was held at a North Korean mountain resort in February 2014, and was the first such event for more than three years.

Millions separated Millions of people were separated during the 1950-53 conflict that sealed the division between the two Koreas.

Most died without having a chance to see or hear from their families on the other side of the border, across which all civilian communication is banned. About 66,000 South Koreans -- 12 percent of them aged over 90 -- are on the waiting list for an eventual reunion, but only several hundred can be chosen each time. -AFP

BEIJING: China on Saturday amended the country’s criminal law, tightening corruption sentencing, reclassifying rape in certain circumstances and eliminating the death penalty for nine crimes, state media reported.

The standing committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) said people convicted on serious corruption charges and who were handed death sentences suspended for two years will have those converted to life in prison after the two-year period, the official Xinhua news agency said.

The change is to “safeguard judicial fairness” and prevent “the most corrupt criminals from serving shorter prison terms through commutation”, Xinhua quoted the NPC as saying. Ruan Qilin, a professor at the China Univer-

National People’s Congress said people convicted on serious corruption charges and who were handed death sentences suspended for two years will have those converted to life in prison after the period

sity of Political Science and Law, said that the change to corruption sentencing was aimed at officials who use illegal means to have their sentences commuted or to achieve parole or non-prison sentences, the agency reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a much-publicised drive to crack down on corrup-

tion, vowing to take on both senior as well as low-level officials.

Critics, however, say there are no safeguards against the campaign being used for political purposes and that no systemic reforms have been introduced to fight graft.

China also toughened certain sexual crimes to classify them as

rape, a crime subject to harsher punishment, Xinhua said. It added that those convicted of raping a child may face the death sentence.

China’s public security ministry ordered a nationwide crackdown on the sex trade last year following an expose amid criticism that authorities long turned a blind eye. The NPC also approved the removal of the death penalty for nine crimes, Xinhua said.

These include smuggling of weapons, ammunition, nuclear materials and counterfeit currency; the counterfeiting of currency; fraudulently raising funds; the obstruction of duty of a police officer; and creating rumours during wartime to mislead people.

Xinhua said that the maximum penalty for those crimes would become life in prison. -AFP

A12

TIMES O F O MAN

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

#TRENDING ONLINE HOT PICKS MOST READ

MOST SHARED

TIMESOFOMAN.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

TOTAL VIEWS

TOTAL PAGE LIKES

21,851,328

216,721

1 Sheena murder probe

1 Avoid Caesarean births,

gathers pace

advises an expert in Oman

bit.ly/sheenaboramurderprobe

bit.ly/avoidcaesareanbirths

2 Muscat Municipality warns

against sale of poor quality fruits and vegetables bit.ly/poorqualityfruitsale

3 Oman Tank Terminal

Founder: Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali Chairman / Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Anees bin Essa Al Zedjali Chief Executive Officer: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali EDITORIAL Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24813153 E-mail: editor@timesofoman.com ADVERTISING Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24812624 E-mail: advertising@timesofoman.com CIRCULATION Telephone: 24726666 Fax: 24818270 E-mail: circulation@timesofoman.com

Company launches floating storage facility in Oman 2 Breathtaking beauty at

bit.ly/floatingstoragefacility

beaches near Fins bit.ly/finsbreathtakingbeaches

4 Excessive use of

underway in Oman

bodybuilding supplements can harm health, says expert in Oman

bit.ly/eidflightrush

bit.ly/supplementscanharm

3 The great Eid flight rush gets

4 Right-wing press has

Printed and published by: Muscat Media Group Post Box: 770 Postal Code: 112

5 Decrease in non-oil exports,

revealed what a disaster Jeremy Corbyn as PM

no cause for worry, says expert

bit.ly/rightwingpresscorbyn

bit.ly/dipinnonoilexports

5 Oman committed to

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/OPINION

currency peg despite cheap oil, says central bank chief bit.ly/omancurrencypeg

DR JAMES J. ZOGBY MOST POPULAR VIDEO

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/VIDEOS Dhiraj Nayyar A massive fire has been reported in Ghala industrial area on Wednesday “You Stink” is the first eruption of mass discontent. Lebanon’s problem are so deep, however, that they will not be solved by mass protests. Despite it’s vibrant political culture and freedoms, there is a marked absence of nonsectarian political institutions bit.ly/lebanonyoustinkdemos

TWEET WE LIKE @Hazeem88 A great weekend just passed by #Oman @ The Wave Beach https://instagram.com/ p/690YyQqXsm/

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

Gujarat quota agitation should worry Mr. Modi

FIRMIN DEBRABANDER

INSTAGRAM.COM/TIMESOFOMAN The statistician Nate Silver highlighted race disparity again this summer when he pointed out that the murder rate for African Americans is nearly eight times that of whites — and comparable with murder rates in the developing world bit.ly/deadlygunflowinus

KAMRAN REHMAT «

SHARE THIS!

Photo: ONA

F

or the last few days, an extraordinary political tumult has wracked the western Indian state of Gujarat, home of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An influential community — the Patidar caste, more commonly known as Patels because of the last name many hold — has rallied behind 22- year-old firebrand Hardik Patel to demand guaranteed places (“reservations”) in the government bureaucracy and educational institutions. Patel’s temporary arrest earlier in the week set off riots; the army has since practically shut down several major cities. The movement should worry Modi deeply — and not only because of the violence.

India has a long list of disadvantaged caste and community groups, and an equally long history of demands for affirmative action. The country’s 1950 constitution specifically granted reservations to scheduled castes (formerly the “untouchable” Hindu castes) and scheduled tribes. The Patels, however, are hardly underprivileged. They comprise roughly 20 per cent of Gujarat’s population; many are hugely prosperous landowners and businessmen. In the United States, Patel immigrants are well-known and successful in the motel business among others. They’re also politically powerful at home — four Patels have led Gujarat as chief minister, including the incumbent Anandiben Patel.

They’re no one’s idea of a deprived community.

Moreover, protests such as this week’s agitation should’ve faded after India abandoned an insular socialism for the path of economic liberalisation in 1991. Interestingly enough, the biggest churning in favour of broader affirmative action took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s (at the tail end of India’s tryst with socialism) when a large number of historically underprivileged castes (known as “other backward classes,” or OBCs) were granted extensive reservations in government jobs. The opening up of the economy since then should in theory have expanded opportunities for everyone. Gujarat in particular, under Modi and others, has grown at a rate faster than the Indian average and in double digits for around seven years between 2004-05 and 2011-12.

The Patels’ anger, though, shows that much

more needs to be done to expand the size of the proverbial cake in India. Modi seemed to understand this when he took office 15 months ago after 10 years of a government that was more focused on redistribution than growth.

Unfortunately, his attempts at growing India’s economy and increasing opportunities have been incremental, not radical.

His government’s record in upgrading India’s education system in particular is dismal: There’s been no reform at all. Most of India’s best institutions are funded by the state — whether the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management or top universities in Delhi and Mumbai. Governments of whatever political persuasion have taken that as a licence to interfere in the running of these institutions, compromising their quality. At the same time, the government doesn’t have the money to create new, quality institutions. And a complex net of socialist-era regulations continues to deter the growth of private-sector schools and universities. While foreign investment has been liberalised in other sectors of the economy, foreign universities aren’t permitted to set up campuses in India.

Although Patels have generally done well in business, most remain small entrepreneurs or farmers subject to the vagaries of the broader economy. Government jobs — half of which are already committed to members of various disadvantaged groups — are attractive for their greater stability and in some cases, prestige. As long as that remains the case, demands similar to the Patels’ will only surface again and again.

There’s little point in redistributing by force, or decree, limited opportunities. The only solution is the one Modi promised during his campaign: Radical action to grow the economy and create more attractive employment and education opportunities for the millions of youth entering the job market every month. Yet so far he’s shown little willingness to privatise an inefficient public sector, and little ability to tackle fundamental land and labour reforms.

Patel anger is a sign of how frustrated those younger Indians are growing with the pace of change. Already a quarter of the way into his five-year term, Modi would be wise to heed them. - Bloomberg View

READERS’ FORUM Carry out inspections of shops across the Sultanate This refers to the online story, Muscat Municipality warns against sale of poor quality fruits and vegetables (August 28). Well done Muscat Municipality. It is high time to check such products from hypermarkets and souks as shopkeepers make huge profits on them.

Please carry out inspections around the Sultanate.

— Zakia Lamki, Muscat

Thailand needs to undertake a ruthless crackdown on rebels

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

This refers to the online story, Thai police arrest foreign man over Bangkok bombing (August 29). The recent series of untoward incidents in Thailand is very worrisome. The Asian country has long been known for welcoming people from all across the world. It seems that very hospitality is the cause of the current unrest. The charging of a foreigner shows the madness of extremist act in one of the world’s most relaxing places. The rulers need to crack down ruthlessly on them without any partiality.

— Alison Fredericks, Muscat

Don’t underestimate China

This refers to the recent global stock market crash. A lot of people are needlessly blaming China. President Xi Jinping is carrying out much needed reforms, which have long been advocated by the International Monetary Fund and US President Barack Obama. I am sure that China will recover fast as the engine of global growth.

— Zaheer Dilshad, Muscat

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, cricketer-turnedphilanthropist-turned politician Imran Khan, philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, cricketer Misbahul Haq and martyrs Peshawar’s Army Public School have captivated Pakistanis for the last five years bit.ly/5influentialpakistanis

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 Meet on culture and peace MUSCAT: As part of observing the International Year for Culture and Peace, a programme has been arranged by the Brahmakumaris in coordination with the Unesco, highlighting the importance of the culture of peace here. The UN General Assembly had earlier proclaimed the year 2000 as the International Year for Culture of Peace. Sister Jyothi, Rajasekar and Dayal of Brahmakumaris World Spiritual University in Mount Abu, India, spoke on the vitality of the culture of peace.

PICTOGRAPH

OMAN-UAE TRADE EXCHANGE From February to April 2015, not including oil or re-exports (In million rials)

February

26.1

March

April

14.5

21.8

OMAN EXPORTS TO UAE

UAE EXPORTS TO OMAN

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

1941: The German U-boat U-570 is captured by the British and renamed Graph.

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

1944: German forces in Toulon, France, surrender to the Allies.

www.newindiaoman.com

1965: The Viet Cong are routed in the Mekong Delta by U.S. forces, with more than 50 killed.

2003: Two hundred twenty-three die when a dam breaks at Qinghai (Kokonor), in northwest China.

276.8 323.5

290.0

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

300,000

people have fled conflict and hardship in the Middle East and Africa for a better life in Europe this year, and 2,500 more have died in the attempt, mostly in the Mediterranean

A13

WORLD WA R - T O R N

PROTEST AGAINST FRANCE TRAVELLERS CAMP KILLING Protesters burn debris during a demonstration on the A1 motorway between Paris and Lille in Roye, northern France on Saturday, after four people were killed on Tuesday at a shooting in a travellers camp. Among the victims of the shooting were a gendarme, a man, a woman and a young child, while another gendarme and a child were wounded. Also wounded was the man who allegedly opened fire first. - AFP

Coalition forces pound Yemen rebels, set sights on capital ADEN: Warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition hit Yemen rebel positions on Saturday as reinforcements reached pro-government forces preparing for an anticipated advance towards the capital, military sources said.

Apache helicopters struck a base occupied by rebel forces near Bayhan, in the southern province of Shabwa, hours after fighter jets targeted a convoy of the Houthi rebels in the area, a military source said. Warplanes also pounded arms depots in the rebel-held capital Sanaa, according to witnesses.

Bayhan borders the eastern province of Marib, where military reinforcements have arrived from neighbouring Saudi Arabia to bolster forces loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, military sources said.

Operation Armoured vehicles have crossed the Wadia border point in Hadramawt province, heading to Marib, where loyalists are preparing a large offensive, a military official said. The operation, aimed at driving the Houthis out of Marib and pushing west towards the capital, will begin in the next few days, the official said. - AFP

I M M I G R AT I O N P O L I C Y

Sweden’s far-right wants referendum on immigration STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s farright Sweden Democrats, which recently topped an opinion poll for the first time, want a referendum to be held on the country’s generous immigration policy, its party leader said on Saturday.

“It’s time for a referendum in Sweden on our immigration policy,” Jimmie Akesson told supporters who gathered to hear his annual summer speech.

His chances of obtaining a vote are however slim: Parliament must vote on whether to hold a referendum, and only six have been held since 1922.

Sweden welcomed 80,000 refugees last year, shouldering the biggest burden in the EU as a proportion of its population of 9.7 million.

With a cradle-to-grave welfare state, a reputation for tolerance, and a healthy economy and job market, Sweden is a favoured destination for the record number of migrants fleeing conflicts, authoritarian regimes and poverty worldwide.Akesson said Sweden’s openarms policy and generous benefits system were contributing to the tragedy unfolding in Europe today.

“What is it that makes people risk their lives and those of their children to come here? I dare say it is the other parties’ lax policies that cause many of these tragic fates. That cause death,” he said.

The Sweden Democrats, with roots in Sweden’s most radical extreme right, entered parliament in 2010 with the ambition of curbing immigration.

They became the third-biggest party in 2014 general elections with 12.9 per cent of votes and 49 of the 349 seats in parliament. - AFP

Thousands hold ‘You Stink’ rally against politicians The protesters said they were against the political class accused of corruption and failing to provide basic services, and their protests are for all Lebanese people

BEIRUT: Tens of thousands of protesters from across Lebanon flocked to a mass rally on Saturday in downtown Beirut against a political class accused of corruption and failing to provide basic services.

Waving Lebanese flags, men, women and children gathered at the iconic Martyrs Square which sat on a Christian-Muslim dividing line during Lebanon’s 19751990 civil war.

The protest, which began at 6 pm (1500 GMT), followed demonstrations last weekend that descended into violence as some protesters clashed with police.

“Today, we’re expecting more than 50,000 protesters,” said Assaad Thebian of the “You Stink” organising campaign, which has stressed the non-partisan nature of the show of contempt for Leba-

ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTEST: People take part in an anti-government protest at Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, on Saturday. Thousands of protesters waving Lebanese flags and chanting anti-government slogans converged on a square in central Beirut on Saturday for a rally against political leaders they say are incompetent and corrupt. - Reuters

non’s leaders.

Correspondents gave an initial estimate of tens of thousands of people, including entire families, taking part.

Upbeat “This is not a protest for political parties. It is for all the Lebanese people... We are against the parties that are exploiting citizens,” said fellow organiser Lucien Bourjeily.

The demonstrators were in an upbeat mood.

“These protests have given us hope. We were here last weekend, but today is much bigger,” said Patrick Manolli, a young man,

alongside his beaming wife carrying a huge Lebanese flag.

“We are here to protest because the country has all become garbage,” said Tamer, a young boy aloft on a relative’s shoulders.

In the absence of political party flags which normally dominate such events in Lebanon, the crowd carried banners bearing blunt messages.

“Sometimes doing nothing is the most violent thing to do,” read one. Lebanon’s multiple television channels, of all political persuasions, ran in-depth coverage of what was the country’s largest ever gathering organised

by civil society.

The “You Stink” campaign began in response to a trash crisis that started with the closure of Lebanon’s largest landfill in midJuly, resulting in garbage piling up on the streets of Beirut and beyond. Since then there have been small protests which have broadened to include demands for a political overhaul of government institutions seen as corrupt and ineffective by many Lebanese.

Organisers have said they would call at Saturday’s demonstration for new parliamentary elections and for the resignation of the environment minister.

Lebanon’s parliament has twice extended its mandate since 2009, and has been unable to elect a president since May 2014. Political deadlock has also paralysed the cabinet.

The country suffers chronic electricity and water shortages, further strained by the influx of more than one million Syrian refugees.

Last weekend, thousands of people gathered in central Beirut to vent their anger, with protesters calling for “the fall of the regime”.

The campaign blamed “troublemakers” for violence which saw some protesters throw bottles and fireworks at security forces.

Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets.

To try to avoid similar unrest, authorities and the campaigners have adopted several measures.

The army and police were running a “joint operations room” to “guarantee the well-being of protesters” during Saturday’s protest, said Beirut governor Ziad Chebib.

The army also deployed troops around Martyrs Square as policemen manned positions inside it.

“You Stink” also mobilised 500 volunteers to coordinate with security forces to try to prevent violence, Thebian told AFP. The protest movement has won support from actors, singers and other artists, and has been given wide coverage both on television and on social networks.

Many see it as a clear change from rallies which are usually organised by political parties to push a cause in Lebanon, a country divided by deep-rooted political rivalries. - AFP

FLEEING CONFLICT AND HARDSHIP

Austria migrant tragedy suspects in custody as second truck found KECSKEMÉT (Hungary): Four suspects in Austria’s migrant truck tragedy were remanded in custody in Hungary on Saturday, as Austrian police rescued three “severely dehydrated” refugee children packed into another vehicle.

The young children were hospitalised after the truck containing 26 “illegal foreigners” from Syria, Bangladesh and Afghanistan was pulled over by police early on Friday after a chase close to the German border.

“If the journey had continued the situation could probably have become critical,” a spokesman for police in Upper Austria state said.

The Romanian driver, who had refused to pull over for a routine check, was arrested.

The incident came a day after the decomposing bodies of 71 migrants including four children

were found in an abandoned truck on a motorway in eastern Austria near the Hungarian border, provoking international revulsion.

Horrified, heartbroken Saying he was “horrified and heartbroken” by the gruesome discovery and a new Mediterranean shipwreck claiming at least 111 lives, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said it was high time for concerted action to tackle the crisis.

“I appeal to all governments involved to provide comprehensive responses, expand safe and legal channels of migration and act with humanity, compassion and in accordance with their international obligations,” Ban said.

The abandoned truck, found on Thursday on an Austrian motorway in the baking sun near the Hungarian border, contained the

SUSPECT: One, centre, of four suspects is led by a Hungarian police official into the Kecskemet courtroom on Saturday. Four suspects in the deaths of 71 migrants found in an abandoned truck in Austria arrived on Saturday for a court hearing in Hungary. - AFP

tightly packed bodies of 59 men, eight women and four children.

They were thought to be Syrians.

The tragic discovery highlighted the dangers faced by people fleeing

conflict and hardship in the Middle East and Africa even once they reach Europe, with many putting their fate in the hands of profithungry people smugglers.

In the new Mediterranean disaster off Libya, rescue workers said on Saturday that in addition to the 111 confirmed dead, “dozens” were still missing. A total of 198 among the 400 on board have been rescued. The UN estimates 300,000 people have fled conflict and hardship in the Middle East and Africa for a better life in Europe this year, and 2,500 more have died in the attempt, mostly in the Mediterranean.

“My little sister, someone climbed on her back and pushed her down. When I saw her for the last time, she was underwater with him on top of her,” Pakistani Shefaz Hamza, 17, a survivor who also lost his mother in the latest tragedy, told AFP in Libya.

In Hungary, three Bulgarians and one Afghan arrested over the Austrian case were remanded in

custody on Saturday until September 29 in Kecskemet, a town near the Serbian border then over 140,000 have crossed this year.

Police believe them to be lowranking members of one of the numerous, often unscrupulous human trafficking gangs that transport thousands of migrants coming to Europe -- in return for sometimes exorbitant amounts of money.

The four suspects — the Bulgarians are 29, 30, 50 and the Afghan 28 — on Saturday declared their innocence and said they would appeal the court decision. Only one had legal residence in Hungary.

The discovery in Austria was a rare occurrence on land in a prosperous country when so many migrants have died at sea. Police said the people may have been dead for up to two days. - AFP

A 16

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

WORLD

Tablet lovers add dd us on Google +

RUN BY BOKO HARAM

Spy ring busted at Abuja airport ABUJA: Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency has warned travellers to be ready for an attack on the capital’s airport after announcing it had smashed a spy network run by the Boko Haram group.

The Department of State Services (DSS) said in a statement late Friday that it had arrested a 14-year-old at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja

who admitted he had been ordered to spy on security procedures.

He was to pass on “information in respect of travellers’ movement including passenger screening, boarding procedures and other processes in the departure and arrival halls”, DSS spokesman Tony Opuiyo said in the statement.

“The service is working closely with major aviation stakeholders,

especially the Aviation Security Department, to forestall any possible attack and to ensure adequate security at the airports,” he added.

Agents were still hunting the militant who directed the boy, following Monday’s arrest, he said.

Boko Haram has waged a sixyear violent campaign for an Islamic homeland during which at least 15,000 people have died. -AFP

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY ADD IN GOOGLE+

South Sudan army, rebels trade blame over new offensive The warring sides in South Sudan blamed each other for breaching the terms of a peace deal, brokered 8-nation IGAD bloc

PEACE DEAL: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, right, is congratulated by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, left, and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, centre, after signing a peace agreement in Juba on Wednesday. - Reuters

JUBA: South Sudan’s army and rebels accused each other of sparking fresh fighting on Saturday in the north-east, hours before the start of a ceasefire to end a brutal 20-month civil war.

The warring sides traded blame for breaching the terms of a peace deal, brokered by the regional eight-nation IGAD bloc along with the United Nations, the African Union, China, Britain, Norway and the United States.

“Riek Machar’s rebels attacked Malakal yesterday (Friday)”, and the “assault on Malakal resumed this (Saturday) morning,” army spokesman Colonel Philip Aguer told a press conference.

“We want the IGAD to establish the presence of a ceasefire mechanism in all the counties,” Aguer said.

“That’s untrue, their forces attacked us near Malakal,” rebel spokesman James Gatdet Dak said, referring to a strategic northeastern town and a gateway to the country’s last remaining major oil fields. They wanted to

seize the area before the ceasefire comes into effect,” he said.

It was not immediately clear if the ceasefire had entered into force on Saturday afternoon in the world’s newest nation which broke away from Sudan four years ago.

Dak said it was supposed to come into effect at midnight (2100 GMT Saturday).

Information minister and government spokesman Michael Makuei said: “This is of course a violation of the cessation of hostilities of the agreement and it should be recorded.”

The rebels repeated the accusation and called for the government to be severely condemned.

“We suspect that their plan is

by the regional

to launch a full-scale offensive against our bases around Malakal.

This is a serious violation of the terms of the peace agreement,” a rebel statement said.

But IGAD spokesman Hailemichael Gebreselassie disclaimed any knowledge of the clashes, saying: “We haven’t heard anything related to any incidents.”

The accord, signed by rebel leader Machar on August 17 and the government only on Wednesday, gave a 72-hour deadline for a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Aguer said the rebels attacked Malakal, the state capital of Upper Nile, overnight “using mortars and machineguns” and resumed shelling on Saturday. - AFP

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM S U N DAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

MARKE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Interest rates expected to harden as debt issues absorb liquidity A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com

If the government continues borrowing, bank liquidity will be tightened and the lending rates will not remain at the same level

SALALAH 2 PROJECT

ACWA Power, Mitsui group get financing for Oman power plant Times News Service MUSCAT: A consortium including ACWA Power and Japan’s Mitsui has secured financing for the $630 million Salalah 2 power scheme in Oman, the Saudi Arabian company said.

The pair, along with local partner Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding Co, won the contract in March to construct a 445MW gas-fired power plant at Raysut in the southwest of the Sultanate, according to a Reuters report. Under the proposal, the consortium will also acquire Dhofar Generating Co, which owns and operates an existing 273 MW gas-fired plant.

Banks supporting the loan were Standard Chartered, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, Mizuho, Bank Muscat and Bank Dhofar, the statement added.

ACWA and Mitsui will each take a 45 per cent stake in the project while Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding will hold the remaining 10 per cent.

MUSCAT: Short-term interest rates are expected to harden in the coming months, with Oman government raising debt funds to cover deficit in view of falling oil prices. The liquidity within the financial system has been absorbed as the government has raised OMR500 million so far this year — OMR300 million in July and OMR200 million in February — by way of development bond issues.

Also, the Sultanate’s government is in an advanced stage to float the

country’s first sovereign sukuk or Islamic bond worth OMR200 million, which will take the total debt issue to OMR700 million.

As per the budget document for this year, net local borrowing was estimated to the tune of OMR400 million, which excludes OMR100 million for repayment.The development bonds will help plug a projected OMR2.5 billion deficit in the nation’s budget for 2015.

“It is so far not very significant since the financial system has enough liquidity. However, if the issue continues, it will cause a rise in interest rates,” said a senior bank-

er working with a leading commercial bank in Muscat. If government continues borrowing, bank liquidity will be tightened and the lending rates will not remain at the same level. The official, who does not want to be named, said that the liquidity crunch would first cause increase in interest rate for shortterm funds, which will eventually reflect to other rates like corporate and retail loans.

“The borrowing cost of banks will grow initially, which will cause a rise in lending rates of short-term maturities (like call money and inter-bank rates). If it

is persistent, it will be reflected in lending rates of long-term maturities,” noted the banker. Oman’s budget deficit surged ahead to OMR1,918.5 million in the first half of this year, against a surplus of OMR250 million for the same period in 2014, primarily due to a plunge in oil prices.

According to a Reuters report, central bank data shows lending to the government taking up a growing share of banks’ balance sheets, suggesting it could eventually crowd out lending to the private sector. Conventional banks’ holdings of government bonds

rose 18 per cent from end-2014 to OMR668 million in June, expanding at roughly twice the rate of private sector lending.

Also, government has resumed selling Treasury bills to banks to finance day-to-day state spending; those holdings rose to OMR624 million rials from zero at end2014. In the last couple of years, banks had ample liquidity, resulting in low interest. A couple of Omani banks started offering personal loan for nationals below 4 per cent.

But banks would not be able to continue such a low rate, if money market situation is tightened.

B2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

MARKET Bank Nizwa ‘open to merger, acquisitions’ for consolidation efforts, talks on a possible takeover bid by Al Omaniya Financial Services for United Finance have broken down and will not progress further, the two companies said on Monday.

The move could open the door for Bank Nizwa, which in May backed out of a potential merger with United Finance

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bank Nizwa, the first Islamic bank in Oman, remains open to potential mergers or acquisitions, its chief executive officer said, despite withdrawing from a proposed tie-up with United Finance.

Several financial services companies are in talks about possible merger and acquisitions activity in Oman, encouraged by a financial regulator keen to limit the EXHIBITION

Infra Oman in October MUSCAT: Oman Infrastructure Exhibition ‘Infra Oman’, organised by Al Nimr Expo, will start on October 5, under the auspices of Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Hraibi, chairman of the Tender Board.

The three-day exhibition comes at a time the Sultanate is implementing major projects in different fields.

Infra Oman Exhibition, at which more than 200 local and foreign companies will take part, provides an ideal platform for decision-makers at the public and private organisations in the field of infrastructure, real estate development and consultancy offices.

Many local and international investors are expeted to attend the exhibition and get acquainted with products and services offered by various firms. - ONA

Jamil Al Jaroudi, the CEO of Bank Nizwa. – File photo

number of lenders in a country where around 18 banks serve a population of 4 million, said a Reuters report.

But in an apparent setback

Three-way battle The move could open the door for Bank Nizwa, which in May backed out of a potential merger with United Finance.

National Bank of Oman, the other contender in the three-way battle, in June withdrew its interest in buying United Finance.

No reasons were given at the time for the withdrawals of interest, but Bank Nizwa has hinted that it might still be interested in a tie-up with United Finance. “We remain open to the possibility of a merger or acquisition,” Jamil Al Jaroudi, the CEO of Bank Nizwa, told Reuters, indicating he was speaking generally.

“If we find an opportunity that speeds up the growth in the geographic footprint and product offering of Bank Nizwa we are

willing to consider it.” Bank Nizwa, which started operations in 2013, has a market capitalisation of OMR94.5 million, according to Thomson Reuters data.

In a move that would create Oman’s second-largest bank, Bank Sohar and BankDhofar said last month they had entered into a non-binding agreement on a proposed merger.

The Central Bank of Oman has also approved the merger of Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest) and Oman National Investment Corporation Holding (ONIC). ONIC shares were delisted from the Muscat Securities Market on Thursday and Ominvest was due to start listing new shares as part of a capital increase after the merger, it said on Wednesday.

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

ADVISORY

Examine composite stones before purchase: Ministry Times News Service MUSCAT: Trade and Industry Ministry called on consumers to know more about the composite stones, scrutinise them well to make sure of their quality ahead of purchase.

Nasser bin Ashraf Al Balochi, head of the department of checking valued stones at the Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements said that the composite stones are made of combining together parts of two stones or more (natural or artificial stones). These composite stones are mostly produced by mixing a higher-financial value precious stone with another lower-financial value one.

Al Balochi explained that there are many reasons to manufacture such kind of composite stones, including the enhanced durability of fragile stones such as opal which constitutes the basic component in producing the composite stones.

Despite the fragility of these stones like opal, they are expensive due to their elegant appearance. Usually, a slice of Black Opal

BEWARE: The possibility of finding out precious stones used

in manufacturing composite stones is a difficult issue for the ordinary buyer and needs an expert, an official said. – Supplied photo

is fitted behind an Opal stone to increase its durability, he added.

The possibility of finding out precious stones used in manufacturing composite stones is a difficult issue for the ordinary buyer and needs an expert, he asserted.

Adhesive layer “With the advancement of means of manufacturing such stones, the ordinary consumer faces a problem in scrutinising them.

However, we advise the buyer to check on the stone from the side to make sure that there is no adhesive layer or a difference in the

degree of brightness of the upper part than the lower part,” the ministry official said.

“The process of checking the composite stone is made in a specialist lab that possesses the technical and technological possibilities, and this is the best way to avoid being cheated. The consumer must get an official invoice from the shop to keep his right in the future,” he said.

Al Balochi said that the composite stones is important because they require a special treatment when cleaning and reshaping in the future.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

B3

MARKET GCC CONSTRUCTION

Construction contracts in Gulf region could cross $194 billion Times News Service MUSCAT: Total value of contract awards this year in the Gulf region could reach over $194 billion, according to a report, titled GCC Construction Industry – Trends and Challenges for 2015.

However, it is $2 billion down compared to last year, but lower oil prices will mean building materials and transport costs will fall and that will filter down to contract values.

Construction in the GCC will increase in value despite a slight dip in the overall contract awards this year, according to the man

behind the region’s biggest construction event.

Andy White, the vice president of DMG events ME, the company responsible for The Big 5 International Building & Construction Show in November, said, “A lot has been said about how oil prices might affect construction markets.

But each of the GCC nations has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure, housing, and healthcare.”

“Kuwait has more than trebled its contract awards this year, the Saudi government has made it clear that it will continue to invest, and the UAE has revealed more spectacular projects. The

Nizwa, Sumail attract massive investments Al Dakhiliyah governorate has attracted investments worth OMR27.59m from 2,874 firms in the last 17 months

Times News Service MUSCAT: Al Dakhiliyah governorate of Oman has attracted OMR27.59 million worth investment from 2,874 firms in the last 17 months, according to a press statement.

The number of commercial registrations in A Dakhiliyah Governorate between January and May this year was 992, with a total investment of OMR15.33 million, while the region has attracted OMR12.26 million investment from 1,882 newly-formed firms last year. Most of these investments are within the Nizwa and Sumail industrial estates.

Abdullah bin Saif bin Abdullah Al Chendodi, director of the commerce and industry department of in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate said that 12 industrial businesses have been registered in the last year with investments estimated INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Sezad to organise seminar in Dhofar SALALAH: Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm (Sezad) will organise an awareness seminar on Wednesday at Oman Chambers of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) branch in Dhofar Governorate under the theme ‘Investment Opportunities in Sezad’.

The seminar comes as part of the joint efforts of Sezad and OCCI to promote the investment opportunities in Sultanate. The seminar is the seventh of a series of seminars that started this year in Musandam.

Sezad seeks to communicate with businessmen at the different governorates and encourage them to start their projects in the Sultanate and benefit from various incentives. - ONA

DEVELOPMENT: The number of commercial registrations in Dakhiliyah Governorate between January and May this year was 992, with a total investment of OMR15.33 million. - Supplied photo

at OMR6.87 million, and additional 14 industrial businesses have been registered during the last five months of 2015, with OMR14.46 million investments.

He pointed out that the number of industrial licences in the last year amounted to 92, with investment value of OMR 3.23 million.

Additional 60 industrial licenses have been registered during the period from January 1 to May 30.

Incentives Al Dakhiliyah Governorate provides several incentives to encourage investments in the various industrial and commercial sectors thanks to the legislation that govern and facilitate investment procedures. It also makes great efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the governorate.

The government is working to develop its activities in vari-

ous industrial and commercial fields and services by supporting the young Omani entrepreneurs and helping them build their careers, enhance their skills and talents, and find new opportunities. The development plans and programmes reflect the government’s interest in different sectors. The government provides various means of support to enable such sectors to perform their vital roles in the Oman’s economy.

The role of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is to support the private sector and enables it to contribute to the development of the Omani economy through the creation of an environment that encourages investment in all areas.

Also, the The Invest Easy web portal helped speed the issuance of commercial registrations, which reflects the efforts to facilitate services to investors.

GCC Secretariat General has also announced that the Gulf Rail network is meeting construction deadlines and is on track to meet its 2018 deadline,” White said.

Show in Dubai The show at Dubai World Trade Centre is the biggest and most popular in the Middle East and North African (Mena) region and regularly attracts thousands of participants. Last year the show had more than 80,000 participants from 147 countries Citing a report published by Ventures Onsite for The Big 5 he said: “The Big 5 in Dubai is a main

focus for suppliers to the region from across the world. Major infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have and will continue to drive diversification, but what we’ve also seen is large-scale investment being sustained across Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.”

In preparation for steadily increasing demand for certified equipment, building materials, and expertise, The Big 5 will increase in size again in 2015. This year, the show will fill the brand new hall space at World Trade Centre with a section called The Big 5 Focus. “The Big 5 is the global meeting place for the construction

sector and The Big 5 Focus has been designed to make it even easier to find certified products that are available locally,” said White.

Nathan Waugh, who is DMG events’ portfolio director for the two shows, said: “The global construction equipment market is forecast to reach $241 billion by 2020 and growth in the Middle East is a major part of this figure.

“With 36,000 global visitors attending Middle East Concrete and PMV Live last year, we’re excited by the chance to work with exhibitors in showcasing what promises to be a spectacular range of vehicles, heavy machinery, and concrete.”

P O W E R S U P P LY

Electricity production in the Sultanate logs 13% growth MUSCAT: Total production of electricity and water in Oman recorded a significant increase at the end of June 2015.

The total electricity production increased to more than 15,290 GW, achieving growth of 13.8 per cent, compared to the production recorded in 2014.

The same applies to the water sector in which the production grew to exceed 106.6 million cubic metres with an increase of 10.6 per cent.

The Governorates of North and South Al Sharqiyah recorded the biggest rate in the production level increase compared to the levels recorded in 2014. The increase level in these two governorates reached 167.3 per cent. The total production till June reached 2,433.7 GW per hour, compared to the production recorded during the same period of 2014, which reached 910.3 GW per hour.

The total electricity production in the Governorates of North and South Al Batinah, in addition to the Governorate of Al Dhahirah, reached 7,687.1 GW per hour. It is the highest percentage recorded at

the governorates’ level, logging an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to the figures recorded during the same period of 2014 during which the three mentioned governorates produced 7,448.9 GW per hour.

Dhofar governorate The total electricity production in the Governorate of Dhofar reached 1567.8 GW per hour with an increase of 8.4 per cent compared to the production recorded during the same period of 2014.

The total electricity production in Governorate of Muscat reached 2,720.9 GW per hour, falling at a

rate of 6.5 per cent compared to the production recorded during the same period of 2014, when it had reached 2,910.6 GW per hour.

The net electricity production of the Sultanate till the end of last June 2015 reached 14,812.7 GW per hour; compared to the figures recorded during the same period of 2014; which reached 12,909.4 GW per hour with an increase rate of 14.7 per cent.

This production includes the procurement of Oman Power and Water Procurement Company and the procurement of the Rural Areas Electricity Company.

The statistics indicated that the biggest net production of electricity was recorded in the Governorates of North and South Al Batinah; in addition to the Governorates Al Dhahirah. The net production recorded in these governorates at the end of last June reached 7,379.6 GW per hour, compared to the net production recorded during the same period of 2014, which reached 7,139.1 GW per hour with an increased rate of 3.4 per cent.

B4

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

MARKET

Qais Al Khonji: The voice of entrepreneurship in Oman

Times News Service

board decisions). Going it alone, he felt, would not only challenge him, but allow him to get to know himself inside and out.

Hence, at the ripe young age of 32, he turned his back on a lucrative corporate banking career (and, finally, his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot) and set about forming his own company – being his own boss, as it were.

So worthwhile and life-enhancing did he find it that now he’s lobbying with the government and the private industry in Oman to allow others to tread a similar path.

Today, aged 36, and with two successful companies – Quais United Enterprises Trading and Genesis International – already under his belt, Al Khonji is keen to see an infrastructure in the land of his birth that will not only nurture and educate a school-age entrepreneurial mind, but also provide favourable conditions and more financial help for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

MUSCAT: Some people are born entrepreneurial, others are encouraged to become one. Qais alKhonji is someone who was born with the spirit of an entrepreneur; he is determined to ensure that Omani youngsters and existing SME owners have every opportunity to succeed as their own boss.

By doing so, he hopes to secure the economic future of his country of birth. Even as a youngster, Qais Mohmood Al Khonji knew his destiny was to create his own identity (rather than eventually fall back on the family fortunes at the Al Khonji Group and spend his life making

Spotting opportunities Oman is a country where huge global enterprises in the oil and industry make up at least half of its GDP. And it’s here, where the entrepreneur – whose EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) Lab Services company is first such in Oman that no longer has to outsource the service – reckons that small and medium-sized companies could particularly excel.

In fact, there’s a ready-made market for entrepreneurs right there, he insists. What Al Khonji means is that large companies which are financing the oil and gas

Today, aged 36, and with two successful companies – Quais United Enterprises Trading and Genesis International – already under his belt, Al Khonji is keen to see an infrastructure in the land of his birth

present the jobs market sits at a relatively high unemployment rate of 8% in a country of just 3.2 million individuals.

Qais al-Khonji. — Supplied picture

industry but don’t have the technical know-how, would like entrepreneurs to approach them with ideas. It’s a sector Al Khonji would like the government to concentrate on far more than it currently does when it comes to supporting young entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, what the government has been intensely focusing on in recent years, is their Omanization programme which encourages large corporations and public sector bodies to hire Omanis (at the expense of jobs filled by foreigners). They do this by insisting they meet a particular quota.

In a promising move, however, this has recently been widened so that those same government bodies and huge private firms have been encouraged to give non-essential areas of business to entrepreneurs. Training and mentoring of new start-ups has also been initiated. Meanwhile, Oman Vision 2020 is a strategy aimed at boosting industrialisation and encouraging more private investment in the economy and jobs market. At

Inspiring entrepreneurism But what about education in schools? Al Khonji is particularly vocal on this. Granted that the government is already funding programmes for entrepreneurship aimed at school-age youngsters, it’s however not focused enough, he insists.

He adds: “It’s not really about how much money the government is prepared to put in to educate school pupils; rather it’s what they’re doing to encourage the students to learn. What’s the use of investing, let’s say, 100,000 for instance, and it being spent on programmes which neither inspire nor enthuse their target audience?

“Ideally what we need is a plan with a realistic time-frame and a strategy that we know is going to work. Ultimately, there has to be a vision. Let’s start with a pilot project first and see what we achieve from that. We can then build on the rest.” The main problem with teaching entrepreneurism in schools, he says, is that it’s not an easy subject to teach in a theoretical manner. “It’s not an art or a science,” says Al Khonji (whose background is in business information systems). “Because of this, it has to be taught using case studies and practical examples.

“Assign the pupils – in grades 10 to 12 – projects and tell them what they need to accomplish. In doing so they will learn the essentials for business such as ‘the importance

of cash flow,’ ‘that patience can pay off in the end’ and ‘the necessity of believing in your product or service.” In April this year, the Oman Ministry of Higher Education (OITE) launched its first ever Oman Higher Education Summit. Titled ‘Entrepreneurship and Higher Education,’ the two-day conference was aimed at encouraging young graduates to venture along their own path rather than one already formed by government or private industry. In other words, they were encouraging school leavers to consider working for themselves. Academics were the target audience, along with trainers and policy makers in youth entrepreneurship.

Service sector As the best kind of entrepreneur, Al Khonji is a man who believes in learning from his mistakes. His first company, which imported goods from China to Oman, failed.

This he attributes to the fact he didn’t have a smart enough marketing strategy and the Omani market wasn’t big enough (there were too many global brands to compete with).

He also believes it’s easier for entrepreneurs to kick off in the service sector. The reason, for this, he explains is down to customization, i.e., the ability to make a service your own by adding something to make it distinct.

“That way you have control over your business,” he says.

Official projections show that tourism in Oman is set to expand over the next few years – thanks, in particular, to improved infrastruc-

ture in the country’s transport industry. This includes expansion and development of major ports at Salalah, Duqm and Sohar, as well as improvements at two international airports – Muscat and Salalah. It means Oman is also becoming a key logistics player in the Middle East.

But getting back to the oil and gas industry that we mentioned earlier (as well as manufacturing) – Al Khonji believes these are the sectors in which to provide a service industry. Why? Well, one reason – and it’s a big one – is that the country’s industrial sector, especially petrochemicals, is set to expand rapidly over the coming years and up to the end of the decade.

Although he admires the effort the Omani Government has already put in to encourage entrepreneurship (especially within the past few years), Al Khonji admits he will probably never stop lobbying them. One of his pet projects is to see a separate tender board for SMEs so that they don’t have to compete on same level with large corporate firms, and which will prove far fairer to the smaller businessman/woman. In the meantime, he is already a director of the government-funded Sharakah project. Created vide a Royal decree back in 1998, this is designed to educate and encourage Omani entrepreneurs. And it certainly seems to be keeping to its word. In May this year, for instance, it announced funding for 21 colleges and universities to take part in its entrepreneur programme, and 700 students (or would-be entrepreneurs) benefitted.

MOBILE PHONE BUSINESS

Microsoft cleared of patent infringement in US court NEW YORK: Microsoft avoided a potentially costly setback to its mobile phone business on Friday as the US International Trade Commission (ITC) declined to block the import of its devices in a longstanding patent dispute.

The decision rejected a ruling in April by a US trade judge who found that Microsoft had infringed two InterDigital Inc wireless patents, and recommended an import ban.

The commission’s action is good news for Microsoft, which has been struggling to compete with Apple and Samsung Electronics devices. The Redmond, Washington-based company has captured just three per cent of the smartphone market in the United States and globally, according to recent estimates.

Quarterly loss Microsoft last month posted a record quarterly loss as it took a $7.5 billion charge on its handset business, which it bought from Nokia last year.

InterDigital’s Chief Executive Officer William Merritt said in a statement that the decision was disappointing but would have limited impact “given the decline of the Nokia mobile device business under Microsoft’s control and its limited market position.”

A Microsoft spokesperson said the company was “grateful the Commission stopped InterDigital from trying to block our products.” InterDigital stock was down three per cent after hours on Friday.

The two companies are at odds over how much InterDigital should be able to charge to license

BIG RELIEF: Microsoft last month posted a record quarterly loss as it took a $7.5 billion charge on its handset business, which it bought from Nokia last year. — Bloomberg file picture

its patents, which are considered essential to cellphone technology.

Infringing its technology Wilmington, Delaware-based InterDigital first accused Nokia in 2007 of infringing its technology for optimising a cellphone’s power to connect to a network.

In April, the US trade judge ruled that Microsoft used InterDigital’s patents, considered standard in the industry, but refused to pay for a license to them.

An import ban would have affected any Microsoft phone using 3G cellular technology, including its Lumia smartphones.

After reviewing that ruling, the commission said on Friday that Microsoft did not violate the

patents, but it did not address the issue of fair licensing for essential patents. Earlier this month, Microsoft sued InterDigital in Delaware federal court, claiming InterDigital violated US antitrust law by breaking promises to offer licenses on reasonable terms.

Companies frequently sue both at the ITC, which has the authority to block the import of products that infringe a US patent, and in district court to win monetary damages. — Reuters

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

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

B5

ROUND-UP

Lincoln MKX: Luxury that takes you places

IMPROVING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Majid Al Futtaim staff set to develop next big innovation DUBAI: With the UAE set to become one of the most innovative nations in the world by 2021, Majid Al Futtaim is empowering its own employees to get creative when it comes to improving customer experience and come up with the company’s next big innovation.

Having already created some of the region’s most iconic concepts, Majid Al Futtaim is this week hosting a group of more than 80 employees, from its businesses across the region, to take part in an Innovation Challenge in Dubai, says a press release.

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

The Lincoln MKX stands out for its

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

industry-first customer-focused technology, uncompromised craftsmanship, top safety ratings, best-in-class horsepower and excellent fuel economy

MUSCAT: Making a mark in the luxury automotive segment, Lincoln has exhibited its desire to offer some of the finest products that would become benchmarks of luxury.

The Lincoln MKX stands out for its industry-first customer-focused technology, uncompromised craftsmanship, top safety ratings, best-in-class horsepower and excellent fuel economy. Besides that it’s stylish, with a chrome exterior and plenty of wood, aluminium and leather present inside, says a

press release.

In Oman, Lincoln vehicles are brought you by Arabian Car Marketing Co. The Lincoln MKX is a five-passenger crossover SUV. The MKX is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 engine that generates 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque.

A six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. An experience of the Lincoln MKX will almost certainly reveal its civilised ride quality and hushed interior at highway speeds,

including its secure handling and precise steering, both of which make it easy to manoeuvre.

While inside the Lincoln MKX you will notice how well appointed the cabin is with handsome stitching and real aluminium accents making the MKX a nice place to be in. Of more significance is the MyLincoln Touch interface that comes standard in every MKX. It comprises of two driver-configurable information screens, one elegant central touchscreen and a comprehensive voice control system.

Both rows of seating in the Lincoln MKX offer spacious accommodation. The backseat is notable for being able to seat three adults in reasonable comfort, thanks in part to the standard reclining rear seatbacks. The rear cargo area

MUSICAL EVENING

measures 32.3 cubic feet. Flip down the rear seatbacks, though, and the maximum capacity expands to a solid 68.6 cubic feet.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors (driver side and interior), dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats (with power lumbar support), driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and manually reclining second-row seats.

Electronic features include voice commands (SYNC), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system (includes a configurable instrument cluster and a central 8-inch touchscreen), Navigation & DVD Headrest.

Safety is a key Lincoln MKX feature. Standard safety equipment for the MKX includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and rear parking sensors.

Creativity A wave of creativity is already washing over Dubai and accelerating the Emirate towards the diversification of its economy.

Innovation is at the heart of Dubai’s exciting future, helping it to maintain its competitive advantage in the region and forming a vital part of its growth plan, as recognised by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In the retail sector, a culture of innovation has been present for over 20 years and has helped Dubai to become the second most important retail destination in the world.

Majid Al Futtaim’s history of innovation in customer experience has supported Dubai to become a retail powerhouse, providing an excellent example of the importance of innovation within the UAE’s public and private sectors. The Innovation Challenge is the first of its kind in Dubai and enables Majid Al Futtaim to promote innovation internally and play an active role in the UAE’s vision to cultivate innovation from the ground up.

Ahmed Galal Ismail, chief ex-

ecutive officer at Majid Al Futtaim Ventures said: “The UAE’s innovation strategy is set to support economic prosperity and private sector businesses have an opportunity to make a significant impact in the development of new innovations. At Majid Al Futtaim, innovation in customer experience lies at the heart of what we do and drives our business forward. We foster a workplace that incentivises, empowers, encourages and rewards innovation at all levels.”

Organised in conjunction with VentureScout, a company which specialises in working with large companies to implement internal and external innovation, the Innovation Challenge requires employees to submit ideas, big and small, that can be developed into a new product or service which will improve customer experience across Majid Al Futtaim’s business portfolio.

The challenge will begin with a three-day Hackathon, where employees will present their ideas to a panel of judges. With 1300 written submissions received, the judging panel selected just over 80 entries to take part in the Hackathon. During the first day the top ideas will be selected and teams formed around those ideas.

The finalists are given 48 hours to refine their ideas before they present for three minutes to the judging panel at the end of the third day. A few days after the Hackathon, the best two ideas will then be selected and both teams will attend a five-week innovation lab in London starting in October, where they will further develop their ideas. In November, the teams will present their innovations, with one selected to become Majid Al Futtaim’s next great moment and be awarded AED 250,000.

I N N O VAT I V E C R E AT I O N

Lexus RC F V8: World’s first heartbeat coupe

PSC Youth Talent Wing celebrates Pakistan I-Day MUSCAT: Pakistan Social Club Oman’s Youth Talent Wing organised a colourful musical evening in connection with the 69th Independence day of Pakistan, at Majan Hotel Continental, recently.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan to the Sultanate of Oman, was the chief guest at this largely attended family oriented function. Mian Muhammad Munir, chairman and A. H. Raja, vice chairman, Muhammad Zaeem Akhtar, general secretary, Ch Muhammad Abbas, Finance secretary and other directors of PSC Oman, Muhammad Adnan Shahzad, chairman of PSM BoDs and prominent Omani businessman Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah were also present among the guests, who were warmly welcomed by Waseem Abid, head of PSC Youth Talent Wing and his team, says a press release.

The function began with Qari Sanaullah reciting a few verses from the Holy Quran and Abid

Mughal presenting a Naat.

Usman Majeed sang a national song while Umair Mahmood highlighted the importance of gaining independence.

Documentary Imran Fazal played a documentary about Pakistan, Ammar Akbar introduced PSC’s Talent Youth Wing. Eng. Mohammad Ali Fareedi, Imran Sheikh and Rana Shaukat Ali presented a musical programme and won instant appreciated.

Safdar Hussain and Saqib Usman conducted a quiz programme about Pakistan.

Shields were presented to the performing artists and certificates were given to the Youth Talent Wing team as a token of appreciation.

Raja, who was honoured with the title of role model for PSC’s Youth Talent Wing by its head Waseem Abid, addressed the gathering and asked the com-

munity to encourage Pakistan’s talented youth to develop the soft image of Pakistan abroad.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan, praised the efforts of PSC’s Youth Talent Wing for organising such a beautiful national event and encouraged his countrymen to organise more literary and cultural events in the Sultanate of Oman.

National Anthems of Oman and Pakistan were played before the cake cutting ceremony, which was followed by vote of thanks by Iftikhar Ahmad and a delicious dinner.

The event was sponsored by Ittfaq Travel & Tourism, Syed Fayyaz Group of Companies, Al Liusie Trading Establishment, Hotpot Restaurant, PIA, Meerath Restaurant, Rahat Computer Services, Karwan International, Al Ravi Restaurant , Inspire Travel & Tourism, Pakistan Spicy Village Restaurant , Pakistan Restaurant and Fazli Wadood Company.

MUSCAT: Constantly taking huge strides in its ambitions to develop and introduce the finest in luxury automotive technology Lexus has made a huge impression on in the hearts of its customers the world over.

Lately in Australia, Lexus has developed the world’s first vehicle to display a heartbeat on its exterior in a demonstration of advanced technology and the connection between man and machine, says a press release.

The Japanese luxury marque collaborated with creative agency M&C Saatchi to produce a one-off RC F V8 coupe that integrates a series of technologies to display a person’s heartbeat in the vehicle’s bodywork. The first stage of the system works by transmitting the heartbeat of a connected person from a heart rate monitor to a bespoke electrical system in the RC F. The on-board system captures and processes the data before sending an electric charge through

the RC F’s body panels that are painted in electroluminescent paint developed by US-based specialist Lumilor.

This innovative paint finish glows when the electrical charge runs through it and displays the person’s heartbeat via a real-time animation sequence.

Sean Hanley, Chief Executive, Lexus Australia, said the heartbeat car comes in the wake of other innovative brand activities in 2015 and an ongoing commitment to the development of high performance Lexus F vehicles.

“This latest concept follows other innovative projects we have developed this year including smart outdoor advertising billboards that respond to the car you’re driving and our fantastic new Lexus hoverboard,” Hanley said.

“These activities underline the new, bold way we are behaving across all areas of the Lexus business. The heartbeat car also links to another key part of our brand — high performance vehicles — via

our F brand, and the emotional response a person gets from a machine like the RC F coupe,” Hanley added.

Hanley also emphasised that Lexus’ dedication to luxury would not waver. “No matter the innovative technology we display and bring to market, our commitment to delivering the ultimate luxury customer experience remains the foundation of the Lexus brand,” concluded Hanley.

Encouraged by innovation, the process to create a Lexus vehicle is unique within the automotive industry. Taking inspiration from fields as diverse as the fashion industry, architecture, the arts and medicine, each vehicle is painstakingly crafted to meet Lexus’ exacting standards.

In Oman every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as six years unlimited extended mileage protection and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.

B6

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

ROUND-UP Nissan unveils exciting seasonal offers on its wide crossover range In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative

MUSCAT: Nissan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles introduces brand new seasonal offers on crossover models until October 16. Its exclusive vehicle promotions are enticing and oneof-a-kind promising unlimited benefits to valued patrons.

Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for its customers by introducing unique offers on its prestigious line-up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, says a press release.

What’s on offer?

Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on Nissan’s crossover range of vehicles as their seasonal offers include cash gift up to OMR500, free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options. Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual

requirement from in-house Auto Finance team.

Interactive social media Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of its homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Oman’s Facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

The Nissan crossover range provides customers with a comprehensive product line-up and an opportunity to choose from Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L, X-Trail, Murano and the Juke.

Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L The vehicle comes with 3.5L V6 Engine, 254hp along with 20’’ alloy wheels, remote engine starter, rear view monitor with bird’s eye view and family entertainment system. The Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L is set to define what the next generation SUV should offer: perfect off-road capability (i-Auto 4WD system), dynamic design, class-leading comfort, thoughtful technology, and a rewarding driving experience.

The Pathfinder 3.5L comes with

thoughtful technology throughout the interior, starting with Nissan’s advanced, class-exclusive Around View Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle.

The instrument panel includes Advanced Drive-Assist Display (standard on every model), features a 4.0-inch LCD colour display, and utilises 3D-effect graphics to relay key information right in front of the driver. The instrument panel includes a large multifunction center IT display, available Nissan navigation system, streaming audio via bluetooth and rear view monitor.

Nissan X-Trail With a 2.5L, 4 cylinder engine, 170hp. The Nissan X-trail comes in 5 and 7 seater, 4x4 variants. the vehicle features safety options like dual airbags, ABS + EBD +BA + VDC and Brake LSD. For dynamic control, the vehicle features hill start assist + hill descent control, front fog lamp with chrome finisher (only 4WD), intelligent key with push start button (only 4WD) and Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The X-Trail adopts Nissan’s advanced electronic four-wheel drive system, all

mode 4x4i controlled via a rotary switch on the centre console, it offers a choice between two-wheel drive, auto mode or lock offering permanent four-wheel drive.

Nissan Murano With a 3.5L V6 Engine, 256hp – The Nissan Murano comes with Xtronic CVT with 6 speed manual mode, intelligent key with push start button, cruise control and dual sunroof. The mighty Murano’s entertainment features 6 CD changer with MP3 and iPod connectivity. Further the vehicle comprises 18” alloy wheels, xenon head lamps, rear spoiler, leather seat, ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, TCS, dual airbags, front / rear parking sensor.

The second generation Nissan Murano made in Japan features a whole range of refinements and enhancements designed to keep Nissan’s popular, flagship crossover SUV ahead of the growing number of ordinary entries in the segment.

Nissan Juke Made in Japan, the Nissan Juke’s turbocharged engine delivers serious boost when required, The Nissan Intelligent Key allows drivers to unlock the door with a tap of a button on the door handle.

The Nissan Jukes comes in 1.6L engine and the vehicle’s features LED signature front and rear lights and comes with a sports bike inspired console with 17” alloy wheels, power windows, ABS, EBD and brake assist, dual airbags – the Juke’s safety features are unbeatable.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a cockpit oriented cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour – metallic red or grey – the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

A decade of promise Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for

money to each of its customers.

Nationwide presence Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive importers and distributors of all Nissan vehicles in Oman, has its Nissan showrooms spread across the Sultanate. Their showrooms are strategically located all across the country in Muscat, Sohar, Sur, Salalah, Shinas, Samail, Ibra, Ibri, Nizwa, Buraimi, Barka, Bahla, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Seeb, Mabelah, Sinaw and Bidaya. This goes to show that Nissan Oman has been successfully growing in operations and is consistently spreading its network throughout Oman.

Dependability For every customer purchasing a Nissan vehicle, it is the beginning of a fulfilling experience as Nissan’s top class after sales service makes sure every customer is happy and satisfied. Nissan’s after sales service provider for all Nissan cars in Oman ensures customers get the advantage of factory trained expertise and genuine Nissan replacement parts always.

Customers can expect reliability and assistance, which will help retain Nissan’s performance and resale value for years to come.

H E A LT H C A R E

MAIDEN PERFORMANCE

ISG student performs Arangetram ENT department at Kims Oman offers excellent services

MUSCAT: Amidst the scrambling schedule of academics, it is really asking for a lot from students to pursue their passion for performing arts.

Ananya Ananthan, an academically brilliant student of Grade X in Indian School Ghubra (ISG), has indeed proven that you can always make time to work on your dreams. Ananya performed her maiden solo performance (Arangetram) of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical art form recently at Al Falaj Hotel, Muscat.

She is a student of Guru Premila Ramesh, Director, Orbit Training Centre for Performing Arts (Nrityanjali), for the past nine years, says

a press release.

Premila is a disciple of the famous dancing duo, Padma Bhushan Shri Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan, and continues her training to this day under G. Narendra and K. Mahalakshmi of Avigna Dance Ensemble, Chennai who were the choreographers of Ananya’s dance items as well as the chief guests for the evening. Papri Ghosh, Principal of Indian School Al Ghubra and Prem Maker, Managing Director, Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives and a patron of this art form, were the guests of honour.

Ananya was indeed privileged to have the support of very

gifted group of musicians from India, who complemented her performance extremely well.

Premila conducted the Nattuvangam; vocalist was Debur Srivaths and on the Mridangam was Vedakrishnaram. Violinist for the evening was Padma Shankar and Devarajan was on the flute.

Informative video A very informative introductory video on this classical art form, showcasing the performances of Ananya and her Guru Premila, added much value to the evening’s performance.

Addressing the audience, the chief guests Narendra and Ma-

halakshmi applauded Ananya’s very expressive performance of the complicated pieces choreographed by them. Complimenting Ananya’s parents, Ananthan and Vidya, for having encouraged her Ananya to pursue one of India’s most known cultural art form, they asked members of the audience to provide similar support to their children as well. Ananya’s performance was highly commended by the entire audience.

Orbit Events Management ably managed the event.

The colourful costumes, lights, sound and the stage set up received special mention and commendation from the audience.

MUSCAT: With the keenness to provide the community with the best medical care, the ENT department at Kims Oman Hospital (KOH), a 50-bed hospital equipped with excellence in healthcare delivery, is recognised to deal with the most complex diseases of the ear, nose and throat through special medical care and treatment which has been conducted by a team of specialised doctors and staff who are internationally qualified and exceptionally trained to manage the normal, mild as well as the most complex ENT cases.

The team is led by Dr Srinivas Bapu K. R., Specialist-ENT, MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (Otorhinolaryngology), who is experienced with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment of endoscopic sinus surgeries, tympanoplasty in addition to conducting microear surgeries-mastoidectomy. Dr Bapu is also specialised in Ossiculoplasty, phonosurgeries in addition to conducting microlaryngeal surgeries, says a press release.

“Early diagnosis is of a primary importance in any medical speciality which needs to be supported with competent medical staff and latest equipment. Our ENT department at KIMS Oman Hospital is well equipped with highly qualified practitioners as well as the state-of-the-art equipment,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, chief op-

Dr Srinivas Bapu K. R.

Our ENT department at KIMS Oman Hospital is well equipped with highly qualified practitioners as well as the state-of-the-art equipment Dr Hussam Akoum Chief operating officer of KOH erating officer of KOH. Kims is committed to provide world-class health care services with care, compassion and courtesy to its patients at an affordable price.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

B7

ROUND-UP

Renault Symbol: Perfect family sedan with attractive features handles + chrome The top-of-the-range LE model includes: • 15” NEPTA alloy wheels • Rear parking sensors •MEDIA NAV multimedia system with 7” touchscreen and GPS

Its modern design and attractive equipment package, combined with its low fuel consumption make the new Symbol the perfect sedan for families looking for value for money along with status and style

MUSCAT: The Renault Symbol is a status-enhancing yet affordable family sedan.

Its modern design and attractive equipment package, combined with its low fuel consumption make the new Renault Symbol the perfect sedan for families looking for value for money along with status and style. Competitive advantages such as roominess, boot space, modern equipment and engine displacement ensure it has everything required to make it a hit with customers in the region, says a press release.

‘Smart from every angle’ Symbol is packed with topnotch

technology and innovation. It offers an enjoyable ride, significant power while maintaining low levels of fuel consumption. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and a 1.6L16V engine; placing it among the highest size of engines available on the B Sedan segment. The compact sedan offers as well spacious interior with seating for five adults, a 510 litres bootspace, and the possibility to increase it up to 1,257 litres with the rear benchseat folded.

The new Renault Symbol also offers plenty of safety features. It is equipped with front driver and passenger airbags, driver seatbelt unlock alarm, ISOFIX attachments for child seats, three points rear seatbelts with three rear headrests in addition to a central locking system and a speed sensitive door lock. It also boasts as standard front fog lights, daytime running lights, and most importantly an antilock braking systems.

To top it all, Renault Symbol will be available in various colours to

satisfy all customer preferences and desires. It comes with the new Radio Arkamys 3D Sound CD/ MP3/USB and Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, a cruise control and speed limiter. It is also furnished with an automatic air-conditioning system that was tested to meet the challenges of the region’s harsh climate conditions.

The new Media Nav multimedia system also gives easy access to highly practical features thanks to it 7” touchscreen: GPS, audio streaming music, as well as access to your phonebook and call history thanks to Bluetooth.

This new car in the Renault lineup has been specially designed to meet the needs of customers who want an elegant, spacious, lowmaintenance family car. Modern equipment specification and engine range ensure it has all the ingredients to make it a hit with customers in the region.

Main assets Engine: The 1.6L 16V engine is

among the highest size of engines available on the B Sedan category.

Bootspace: The bootspace has a capacity of 510 Litres, therefore placing the new Renault Symbol as the best-in-class choice for luggage transport in its category.

In addition, the capacity can be increased to 1,257 Litres with the rear benchseat folded.

Technology: The new Radio Arkamys 3D Sound CD / MP3 / USB is available with factory fitted Bluetooth and steering wheel control as standard from the first PE equipment level.

The new Media Nav multimedia system offering 7” touchscreen, GPS and audio streaming music comes along with the top of the range LE grade.

Standard features for the first PE level include: • Front driver and passenger airbags • ISOFIX attachments for child seats • Front fog lights and daytime running lights

• 3D Sound by Arkamys CD/ MP3/USB and Bluetooth + steering wheel control • 3-point rear seatbelts + 3 rear headrests • Keyless entry system + speed sensitive door locking • Air-conditioning • Front electric windows • Beige upholstery • 1/3 – 2/3 folding benchseat • Chrome interior door handles • Exterior body coloured bumpers & door handles • Height adjustable steering wheel Additional equipment on the SE mid-range model: • Trip computer • Automatic air-conditioning • Front electric windows with driver one-touch control • Rear electric windows • Electric door mirrors • Cruise control and speed limiter • Leather steering wheel • Height adjustable driver’s seat • Exterior body coloured door

A world class brand The Renault principle of safety is outlined in four basic points: Prevent, correct, protect and educate. Renault provides equipment that performs auxiliary tasks automatically to promote the responsibility of drivers by warning them when they are not in a position to control their vehicle or when they put themselves in a position of potential danger. For example, the visual and audible seatbelt reminders and tyre pressure monitoring. The inherent handling and braking qualities of a vehicle are fundamental factors of its overall dynamic, active safety and accident avoidance performance. Moreover, Renault is also known to have the maximum number of Euro-NCAP Five Star rated models globally.

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

CYBERCRIME

Bank Sohar sponsors international e-Commerce Conference MUSCAT: Bank Sohar recently sponsored the third e-Commerce Conference, which focused on areas related to cybercrime.

The event was conducted at the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah and was organised by the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with the Middle East Centre for Social Studies and Consultancies. The conference brought due attention to the field of combating IT crimes and its importance in a world where there is a growing reliance on the Internet, says a press release.

The conference, which took place recently, was held under the auspices of Issa bin Hamad Al Azri, undersecretary at the Ministry of Justice, and was attended by a number of officials from both;

government and private sector.

Attending the event on behalf of Bank Sohar was Amur Said Al Amri, senior chief manager of the Salalah branch.

Commenting on the bank’s sponsorship of the conference, Rashad Ali Al Musafir, Acting CEO of Bank Sohar said: “With readily available Internet access,

together with the increased usage of smart devices, our reliance on online platforms and services in recent years has increased exponentially. Such platforms may also be a source of concern and risk as they are prone to cyberattacks; as a matter of fact, nearly 500,000 cyberattacks were carried out in 2014 alone according to a

2015 research paper by the RSA Anti Fraud Command Center, a substantial increase of 11 per cent year-on-year. Whilst technology is constantly evolving and improving to combat such attacks, conferences such as this are vital towards raising awareness. As a bank that takes the threat of cybercrime very seriously, we are glad to have

BRIEFING

Majan Electricity welcomes Summer Centre delegation MUSCAT: A delegation of Al Jaman Summer Centre (Wilayat of Saham) visited the green building of Majan Electricity Co. recently.

During their visit, they saw the building facilities and were briefed about power saving technologies used in the building, says a press release.

Cooperation This visit reflects the cooperaM Y H A S S A D D R AW

ahlibank picks daily winners MUSCAT: ahlibank announced the names of the MyHassad daily prize draw winners.

Wisam Mohammed Saleem Abdul Khaliq from Avenues Mall branch, Salim Said Al Bakhet Fadhil from Salalah branch, Said Nasser Saif Al Yahmadi from Barka branch, Badar Khalfan Humaid Al Siyabi from Al Khuwair branch and Abeer Abdulwahab Abdulla Al Siyabi from Barka branch were the lucky winners of OMR1,000 each for the week.

MyHassad savings account continues to successfully satisfy the existing customers and attract new ones.

MyHassad Saving Scheme was introduced in July 2008 as an extension of the Bank’s tradition of product innovation. Opening MyHassad Saving account is simple and easy. Customers need

only to open their MyHassad account with OMR100 for their chance to win OMR1,000 in the next working day’s draw hence their chance to “open today and win tomorrow” continues. Further enhancements in March 2009 allows customers to participate in the OMR10,000 monthly draw, by maintaining a minimum OMR250 during the month.

Effective from June 2010 customers can also transfer their salaries to MyHassad saving account and will be eligible to enter in the daily, monthly draw as per the balance maintained. This highlights the commitment of the bank to its long-term MyHassad account holders.

As one of the leading banks in the Sultanate, ahlibank pledges to provide innovative, efficient and secure products and services.

tion between Majan Electricity Company and the students of Al Jaman Summer Centre through organising power saving lectures and visits to the company green building in order to enhance their knowledge about energy saving and the new technologies used for energy saving in the green buildings.

Gifts were distributed to the students at the end of the visit.

sponsored such a ground-breaking conference and look forward to supporting and encouraging more in the future.”

Focused on cybercrime, the conference provided a detailed overview of the nature and characteristics of cybercrime. It even touched upon ways in which to detect them and protect ones IT infrastructure

and e-transactions on them. Furthermore, the conference went on to discuss strategies that could be used to raise awareness on the risks of cybercrimes. The event concluded with an honouring ceremony where Bank Sohar was honoured by the Middle East Centre for Consulting & Social Studies for being sponsors of the event.

In addition to being an ardent supporter of raising awareness on financial crime and its prevention, Bank Sohar also maintains the highest level of security for customers using its online services and facilities, in line with global standards. These include the very best in security systems to ensure data privacy and security such as Verisign Digital Certificates, 128 bit Encryption, Virtual Keypad, Two levels of passwords, etc.

B8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

ROUND-UP

Love us on Facebook

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Top builders booked for Home Fair India Home Fair will be held on September 4 and 5 at Al Falaj Hotel

MUSCAT: The focus of this year’s India Home Fair, which is supported by India’s largest home loan bank HDFC, is the presence of reputed builders from Tier III cities from India. The annual two-day exhibition, showcasing projects from leading developers from India, will be held at Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat from September 4, says a press release.

To help Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the Sultanate to own their dream properties, all the major builders from India have been selected. Furthermore, the added attraction of this year’s India Home Fair is the presence of builders and developers from Tier III cities such as Nagpur, Lucknow Calicut and Panaji.

“These builders are catering to

customers who prefer the local style. For the benefit of customers who go for design and class, these builders have a large number of projects which are already completed or are nearing completion.

Moreover, all the major builders, who have a presence in all the states in India, are also taking part in the exhibition. On its part, HDFC will make available a hassle-free loan

facility at the exhibition venue. We have only chosen those builders who have proved their mettle in the market,” said Abhimanyu Kukreja, Oman Country head of HDFC. The organisers are planning to open a help desk at the exhibition venue for the benefit of customers from the interiors of Oman.

“Often, NRIs living in the interiors do not benefit from real estate

exhibitions held in Muscat. We have arranged special programmes for NRIs staying in places like Sohar, Nizwa, Ibri, Ibra and others.

Our aim is to help the visitors from interiors to select right properties within their reach,” said Lijihas Hussain, director of Molecules International, which is organising the property exhibition along with World National Exhibitions.

BOUTIQUE

Piaget’s flagship store 7 Paix continues to inspire DUBAI: More than just a boutique, the 7 Paix offers a unique and contemporary rendezvous place of elegance and warmth that all are invited to experience in their own way. Since 1874, the Maison has cultivated a passion for sharing the Piaget spirit nourished by the symbiosis between the Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie crafts that are the fundamental part of the company, says a press release.

“To transform dreams into reality in order to offer creations that are perfectly in osmosis with their time is part of Piaget’s DNA. Today, that is the raison d’être for 7 Paix. This is not about having the umpteenth flagship store, but about an extraordinary place in tune with a passionate, exciting Maison,” said Philippe LéopoldMetzger, CEO, Piaget.

It is here, at 7, Rue de la Paix, that Haute Couture was born,

under the scissors of CharlesFrédéric Worth. Opened in 1858, his luxurious salons became the epicentre of fashion where international jetsetters gathered.

The story continues today with Piaget. Spread over 510m2 and created by architect Christine Querlioz from Atelier Sasha, this third millennium sanctuary offers its guests a succession of wonders through rooms designed like those of a stately home.

C O R P O R AT E S U P P O R T

Nissan’s UEFA Champions League partnership goes global DUBAI: Following a successful first year as the official automotive sponsor for the UEFA Champions League, Nissan’s partnership has been extended into all global territories for the next three seasons up to 2017-18.

The announcement of the deal came ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw held recently and will see Nissan activations - such as TV broadcast sponsorships around live UEFA Champions League matches - taking place across a further 40+ countries including Brazil, China, Japan and the USA from this season, says a press release.

Once again, fans will be at the heart of Nissan’s partnership as it looks to engineer unexpected moments of fan excitement to enhance their experience of Europe’s most prestigious football competition. Starting this season, Nissan will also have the exclusive rights to offer fans the opportunity to be a Centre Circle Carrier, offering over 1,300 children across European territories the chance to get even closer to the action and their footballing heroes.

This money can’t buy experience will see them become part of the opening ceremony, carrying the iconic UEFA Champions League emblem on to centre of the pitch ahead of each match in front of a worldwide TV audience of millions.

Roel de Vries - Corporate vice president, head of Marketing and Brand Strategy for Nissan said: “Our aim from the start of the partnership was to give fans an engaging and exciting experience of the UEFA Champions League. We constantly strive to innovate across our whole business and with the partnership now being truly global; we can offer even more people the opportunity to get involved with our brand throughout the season. Whether through our ambassadors, the activations and competitions that we will host or the exclusive chance to join the players on the pitch at every match with our Centre Circle Carrier activity, we’ll give people more access to one of the world’s greatest sporting competitions.”

In addition to the Centre Circle Carrier activation, people across the globe will also be able to have their say on some of the greatest moments from this season’s UEFA Champions League through Goal of the Week.

The competition enables fans to vote on their favourite goals from every match week for the chance to win a range of prizes from official match balls, tickets and even an opportunity to go to the final in Milan on May 28, 2016.

In conjunction with the Champions League Group Stage draw that was held on Thursday, Nissan will be offering two passes to a lucky fan to watch their favourite team in every Champions League fixture this season.

C

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM S U N DAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

SECTION

SPOR YOUR GAME

S

BOLT STRIKES AGAIN AS FARAH AND EATON SHINE Usain Bolt’s third sprint gold and Mo Farah’s unique “triple double” shared the spotlight with Ashton Eaton on Saturday as the American thrilled the World Athletic Championships with a record-breaking decathlon win. >C3

Oman outlast Saudi Arabia to emerge GCC U-17 champions In the shootout, it was four-time winners Saudi Arabia who blinked first as Oman went on to seal the match with 5-3 scorline and with that their second GCC under-17 crown

DESERVING WINNERS: Oman team celebrate with their trophy after defeating Saudi Arabia 5-3 via penalties in the final of the GCC Under-17 Football Championship in Doha on Saturday. – Karim Jaffar

MUSCAT: The Sultanate junior squad overcame formidable Saudi Arabia via penalties to emerge the winners at the GCC Under-17 Football Championship in the Qatar on Saturday.

In the final played at the Aspire Academy in the Qatari capital of

Doha, both teams played with caution, rather than allout agression and failed to open their account during the regulation time.

In the ensuing shootout, however, it was four-time winners Saudi Arabia who blinked first as Oman went on to seal the match with

5-3 scorline and with that second their title.

The Sultanate had won their first crown way back in 2001 and they came close winning the second one in 2013 but fumbled in the final when they were beaten by the UAE in a penalty shootout.

On Saturday, however, they kept their cool to in the shootout against the Saudis.

Yacoub Al Sabahi-coached Omanis kept their and once the Mohammed Al Khamisi converted the first penalty they grow in confidence. When Abdulaziz walked

BEST GOALIE: Oman custodian Yousuf Al Sheedi receives the best goalkeeper award. – OFA

into to take Suadi Arabia’s first spot kick, Omani goalkeeper Yousuf Al Sheedi stayed alert and that proved crucial for Oman.

Mohammed Al Qaidi, Yousuf Al Malki, Sanad Al Araimi and Samar Al Zaibi all scored with their attempts as the Sultanate

squad went on to win the match and the trophy.

Yousuf Al Sheedi, who had an outstanding tournament under Omani bar, was later rewarded with the best goalkeeper award and it was came as an icing on the cake for the jubilant Omanis.

VOLLEYBALL

Bahrain bag title, Oman miss out on medal despite win over UAE MUSCAT: Bahrain overcame a stiff resistance from Kuwait to clinch the title with an all-win record while Oman narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the curtains came down on the GCC Under-18 Volleyball Championships on Saturday.

In the final round matches of the round robin league played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (SQSC), Bahrain thwarted a late challenge from Kuwait for a 25-21, 25-19, 17-25, 25-15 victory to take the crown. Bahrain had defeated all other competitors, including the hosts to lay their hands on the coveted trophy.

Meanwhile, Oman were unlucky not to bag medal despite

finishing with nine points, same as Kuwait and Qatar. In their final match, Oman defeated the UAE in straight sets 25-20, 25-16, 25-21 while Qatar accounted for Saudi Arabia 25-16, 25-23, 25-22.

However, Kuwait and Qatar finished with better set difference of four against Oman’s three.

Kuwait were eventually awarded the silver thanks to their victory over Qatar in their earlier match.

The latter had to settle for bronze.

Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, presided over the final day’s proceedings and handed over the trophies in the presence of GCC Volleyball Organising Committee and Oman Volleyball Association officials.

CHAMPS: Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, presents the winners trophy to Bahrain after they clinched the GCC Under-18 Volleyball Championship title with a victory over Kuwait at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Saturday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

C2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

SPORTS

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

Pujara’s comeback ton keeps India in control

MOTORSPORT

India, who resumed at 50 for two after a rain-curtailed opening day, moved to 292 for eight by stumps on the second day with Pujara

ON POLE: Honda rider Marc Marquez of Spain waves after the qualifying session for the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Race Circuit on Saturday. – Reuters

holding fort on a watchful 135 not out

COLOMBO: Cheteshwar Pujara marked his recall with an unbeaten century after Sri Lanka’s Dhammika Prasad ripped through India’s batting in the decisive third and final Test in Colombo on Saturday.

The tourists, who resumed at 50 for two after a rain-curtailed opening day, moved to 292 for eight by stumps on the second day at the Sinhalese Sports Club with Pujara holding fort on a watchful 135 not out. Pujara, who had been dropped for India’s last four Tests across Australia, Bangladesh and the ongoing series, may not have played this match too if both regular openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan had been fit.

The 27-year-old grabbed the chance to notch up his seventh Test century that has so far included 13 boundaries. Fast bowler Prasad bowled superbly to take four wickets in the innings, including two off successive balls on either side of the lunch break that reduced India to 119 for five.

Number nine batsman Amit Mishra came to India’s rescue with a defiant 59 during an eighth-wicket stand of 104 with Pujara which boosted the total.

“Tough wicket” “This is definitely one of the toughest wickets I have played on,” said Pujara. “It’s a challenge to bat on it because you have to keep defending to survive and wait for the loose ball.

“I tried to keep things simple and play my natural game. It was

Marquez claims pole for British MotoGP KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE: India’s Cheteshwar Pujara hits a boundary during the second day of their third and final Test match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday. – Reuters

SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings: L. Rahul b Prasad C. Pujara not out A. Rahane lbw Pradeep V. Kohli c Perera b Mathews R. Sharma c Tharanga b Prasad S. Binny lbw Prasad N. Ojha c Tharanga b Kaushal R. Ashwin c Perera b Prasad

2 135 8 18 26 0 21 5

important to play the ball from close to the body because a few guys got out playing it away from the body.”

Pujara said encouraging words from Indian batting great Rahul Dravid motivated him when he was out of the playing XI. “Rahul told me there was nothing wrong with my technique and that I was batting well,” said Pujara. “He told me to stay calm and a big one could some soon.”

Just 15 overs had been bowled in the 75 minutes of play possible due to rain on the opening day after India had been sent in to bat on a greenish pitch under overcast

A. Mishra st Perera b Herath 59 I. Sharma not out 2 Extras (lb-2, w-3, nb-6, pen-5) 16 Total (8 wkts, 95.3 overs) 292 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-14, 3-64, 4-119, 5-119, 6-173, 7-180, 8-284.

Bowling: Prasad 23.3-4-83-4 (nb-3), Pradeep 22-6-52-1 (w-3), Mathews 13-6-24-1, Herath 25-3-81-1, Kaushal 12-2-45-1 (nb-3).

conditions. When play resumed under bright skies on the second day, the tourists were restricted to 22 runs in the first 15 overs by some accurate bowling by the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli survived a torrid opening over from Prasad in which he was lucky to escape a loud shout for leg-before off the second ball and was beaten by the final ball of the over.

Kohli added four runs to his overnight score of 14 when Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, who replaced Prasad at the bowling crease, had his counterpart caught behind by Kusal Perera.

“Enjoyed bowling” Pujara added 55 for the fourth wicket with Rohit Sharma (26) and 54 for the sixth with debutant wicket-keeper Naman Ojha (21).

Prasad had Rohit Sharma caught in the slips off what became the final delivery of the morning session and then trapped Stuart Binny legbefore with the first ball on resumption. Prasad said it was a delight to be able to bowl on a helpful surface.

“I am enjoying bowling on it, but you have to make sure you don’t get carried away,” he said.

Prasad conceded Sri Lanka had let the advantage slip, but hoped India’s innings will end early on Sunday. “We had them seven down for 180, but then came the century stand between Pujara and Mishra,” he said. “That put us back a little, but I think we can get back into a good position if we take the remaining wickets early.”

The series is locked at 1-1 after Sri Lanka won the opening Test in Galle by 63 runs and India drew level with a 278-run win in the second match at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Monday. - AFP

LONDON: Defending world champion Marc Marquez rode his Honda to pole position for Sunday’s British MotoGP at Silverstone on Saturday as he continues his quest to catch championship leaders Jorge Lorenzo of Spain and Italian Valentino Rossi.

The 22-year-old Marquez, who also won the 2013 world title, picks up the 28th pole position of his career with a track record time while Lorenzo on a Yamaha will start from second spot on the grid with fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, on the second Honda, completing the front row.

Marquez smashed his record lap time from 2013 as he blazed around the legendary circuit in 2min 0.234sec under clear skies that made for perfect racing on

softer option tyres. Rossi was fourth fastest and leads the second row alongside Spain’s Pol Espargaro on a Yamaha-Tech3 and British teammate Bradley Smith.

Lorenzo and Rossi top the world standings on 211 points with Marquez on 159 heading into the 12th of 18 races that comprise the 2015 season.

In Moto2 qualifying, British rider Sam Lowes also set a lap record as he raced his Speed Up to pole position in the second category.

Lowes, 24, the Supersport world champion in 2013 was third fastest in qualifying for the third time this season as he outraced Spaniard Alex Rins and Frenchman Johann Zarco, both on Kalex bikes. - AFP

FOOTBALL

Brighton rope in Manu AMSTERDAM: Dutch winger Elvis Manu has joined English Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion from Feyenoord, the clubs said on Saturday.

The 22-year-old winger, who still had two years to run on his contract with the Rotterdambased team, has signed a three-

year deal with Brighton who lie second in England’s second tier after four matches of the season.

“We are really pleased to have brought in another offensive option, and what Elvis will bring us is a different type of striker,” Brighton manager Chris Hughton told the club website. - Reuters

BOARD MEETING

OSA approves decision to send 12 Omani swimmers in GCC Aquatic Games in Doha

MUSCAT: The Oman Swimming Association (OSA) board members held their fourth regular meeting for the year under the chairmanship of association chief Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kishry.

The board reviewed the agenda and approved the minutes of the

last meeting and reviewed the follow up report on the decisions of the earlier meeting. The meeting has also reviewed and approved the minutes of the meeting of the executive office of OSA. The meeting has also approved Oman’s participation in the 25th

GCC Aquatic Games to be held in Doha from September 1 to 4 with the participation of 12 swimmers in the various categories.

The board has also approved the recommendation of the National Teams Committee on providing the final prospect by the technical

body of the national swimming teams for the participation in the GCC Games scheduled to be held in Damam, Saudi Arabia from October 19 to 25. Meanwhile, the OSA organised a ceremony on Thursday to honour the Omani swimmers who excelled during the year.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

C3

SPORTS

BATON BUNGLE: Mike Rodgers, bottom left, of the US receives the baton from his teammate Tyson Gay outside the exchange area as Usain Bolt, second right, of Jamaica races away after receiving the baton

from his teammate Nickel Ashmeade during the men’s 4x100 metres relay final at the World Athletic Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing on Saturday. – Reuters

Lightning Bolt strikes again as Farah completes ‘triple double’ “Where do you find that inner strength? I don’t know, but you’ve got to dig deep.”

This time Bolt shot down not only Gatlin but the cavalry too, anchoring Jamaica to a fourth successive 4x100 metres world relay title as the US sprinters imploded

NEW RECORD: Ashton Eaton of the US poses for photographs next to the result board after winning the men’s decathlon at the World Athletic Championships in Beijing on Saturday . – Reuters

in Beijing

BEIJING: Usain Bolt’s third sprint gold and Mo Farah’s unique “triple double” shared the spotlight with Ashton Eaton on Saturday as the American thrilled the World Athletic Championships with a record-breaking decathlon win.

This time Bolt shot down not only Justin Gatlin but the cavalry too, anchoring rampant Jamaica to a fourth successive 4x100 metres world relay title as the US sprinters imploded in Beijing.

Meanwhile, Farah became the first man to win back-to-back world distance doubles and Eaton broke his own decathlon world record on a pulsating penultimate evening at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

Any faint hopes the Americans had of ambushing Bolt’s latest treble attempt went up in smoke when Tyson Gay’s final handover to Mike Rodgers was deemed illegal and they were dramatically disqualified to give hosts China a sensational silver. But even the anticipation of more Bolt fireworks

took a back seat as iron man Eaton retained his world title in style after wringing every last drop of energy from his shattered body.

“It’s an awesome result,” said Eaton. “How many more points can I get? I don’t know, but you can bet your ass I’m going to try to get more!”

Not to be outdone, Jamaica’s women retained their world crown in the 4x100m, with Britain’s Farah winning the 5,000m to make it three distance doubles in a row, including the London Olympics.

Bolt put on a typically electric display at the Bird’s Nest, where he shot to fame at the 2008 Olympics, leaving Rodgers for dead on the last leg as Jamaica won in 37.36 seconds.

‘Geez, I’m getting old’ After completing yet another individual sprint double in the 100 and 200m earlier this week, Bolt roared home after team-mates Nesta Carter, Asafa Powell and Nickel Ashmeade safely negotiated the first three legs.

The USA weren’t so lucky and they were disqualified after Tyson Gay’s bungled handover to Rodg-

ers strayed outside the batonpassing area, promoting a disbelieving China to second.

“I saw the mess at 300m and was glad we were not in it,” said Bolt after claiming an astonishing 11th world title. “It’s called pressure.

They won the world relays (earlier this year) and the pressure was on them. I told you I would come back here and win.”

The Jamaicans have now won all world and Olympic sprint titles since 2008.

Eaton produced a lung-busting last lap in the 1,500m to set a new world record — the first of the championships — by improving his previous mark to 9,045 points, and then collapsed to the track with his face contorted in agony as the crowd rose to acclaim him.

“I had five-and-a-half hours sleep last night,” said Eaton after running the 1,500m in four minutes, 17.52 seconds to ensure the world record. “In the hurdles it was hard to get over (hurdles) nine and 10 and I thought ‘Geez, I’m getting old’. In the 1,500m I was having doubts I could run that fast.

‘Incredible’ double Elsewhere the irrepressible Farah broke Kenyan Caleb Ndiku’s brave resistance with an electrifying burst in the home straight to win in 13 minutes, 50.38 seconds.

It was an astonishing seventh successive victory in the 5,000 or 10,000m at a world championships or Olympics for the Briton, who indulged in some celebratory shadow boxing with the silver medallist as the two rivals congratulated each other.

“It takes a lot of energy to win that way,” said Farah, who reeled in Ndiku over the last lap before his devastating late kick. “I never panicked. You have to believe in yourself and it felt amazing, incredible, to do the double.”

Double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who had already won the individual gold, anchored Jamaica to victory in the women’s 4x100 metres in a championship best 41.07. The Americans took silver in 41.68 and Trinidad and Tobago the bronze in 42.03.

There was an upset when Marina Arzamasova of Belarus beat defending champion Eunice Sum to win the women’s 800m in a nail-biting finish, clocking 1:58.03 to pip Canadian Melissa Bishop and Sum at the line. Poland’s Piotr Malachowski broke his major title duck by winning the men’s discus gold with a throw of 67.40m, while Russian world indoor champion Maria Kuchina won the women’s high jump after clearing 2.01m.

In the morning, Matej Toth captured Slovakia’s first ever world championships gold with a crushing victory in the men’s 50 kilometres walk. - AFP

TWO GREATS: Usain Bolt, left, of Jamaica hugs 5000m gold winner Mo Farah of Britain after the presentation ceremony at the World Athletic Championships in Beijing on Saturday. – Reuters

C4

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

SPORTS Shangri-La set to tee off at NBO Golf Classic Grand Final for third year The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final marks the climax to the European Challenge Tour season where the top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings will compete

DEAL DONE: National Bank of Oman CEO Ahmed Al Musalmi, left, with Mark Kirk, General Manager of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa at Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat. – Supplied photo

I S C TA B L E T E N N I S

MUSCAT: For the third year in succession, the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, which will be held at the Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat, will partner with ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa (“Shangri-La”).

As part of the sponsorship agree-

ment, Shangri-La will provide catering for the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in the VIP pavilion, which overlooks the Arabian Sea and the course’s 18th hole, across the four day tournament, between November 4 and 7.

Dignitaries and distinguished guests invited to Almouj Golf at The Wave will be able to experience high-quality Challenge Tour golf action while dinning.

The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final marks the climax to the European Challenge Tour season where the top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings will compete for not only the prestigious tournament title, and a prize fund of €375,000, but also one of the coveted spots on next season’s European Tour on offer for the top 15 ranked players following the conclusion of play.

Ahmed Al Musalmi, CEO of the National Bank of Oman, commented: “We are delighted to welcome back Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa as a Supporting Sponsor of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final for the third year. Last

year’s tournament was hugely rewarding for everyone involved and is already an established week on Oman’s sporting calendar.

“We anticipate that this year’s tournament will be even bigger than the inaugural edition and will help to cement Oman’s place on the world map of international sports.”

Mark Kirk, General Manager, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa said: “It is with great pleasure Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is returning to support the tournament for its third consecutive year. We strongly support the goal for developing Oman as a sporting destination, particularly a golfing destination, and there are already a number of courses catering for all abilities which encourage tourists to experience all that the Sultanate has to offer.

“We delight in the knowledge that by partnering with the European Challenge Tour at Almouj Golf we will, once again, be showing our support to promoting the sport to international audiences and look forward to an exciting tournament ahead.”

G T E AT I N I T I AT I V E

Sai Saran, Pranav, ISC Kachchi Wing to organise Box Subramanian and Cricket tourney on September 4 Yash advance MUSCAT: P. Sai Saran, Pranav Vinod, R. Subramanian and Yash Tanna have advanced to the last four stage of the men’s A singles at the Annual Table Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club Muscat and cosponsored by Muscat Insurance Services (MIS) and Oman United Insurance Company (OUIC).

Sai Saran, the top seed defeated Sagayaraj S 11-6, 11-7, 11-4 while second seed Pranav Vinod outlasted Percy Pereira in the longest game of the tournament.

Longest game After winning the first two games, Pranav found the going tough as veteran Percy Pereira made Pranav work hard for every point before going down fighting in the longest game of the tournament.

Pranav advanced to the semifinal after outlasting Percy with a 11-4, 11-7, 21-19.

In another quarterfinal action of the same event, R. Subramanian rallied from a game down to

upset third seed Simon Joseph 10-12, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 and fourth seed Yash Tanna advanced to the last four with a 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9 victory over Anoop Bheda who had earlier coasted to a 119, 11-6, 11-1 victory over Sanjeev Vyas and Percy Pereira overcame Waheed Sattikar 11-5, 11-5 9-11, 11-3 while Sagayaraj S. defeated Subramanian N with a convincing 11-3, 11-0, 11-5 margin.

The father-son team of Waheed and Armaan Sattikar advanced to the final of the family doubles after two backto-back victories.

Waheed and Armaan first defeated the team of Kavineeshwar and Priya 11-7, 11-4, 11-6 and followed it up with a fine 11-5, 11-5, 11-6 triumph over Anoop and Tanu Bheda.

In other matches of the family doubles, Anoop and Tanu Bheda beat Kavineeshwar and Priya 118, 11-3, 11-5 and R. Subramanian and Lakshmi defeated Joseph Johnny and Neil 11-6, 11-4, 11-5.

MUSCAT: Indian Social Club (ISC) Kachchi Wing will organise a ‘7-A-Side Box Cricket Tournament – Challenge Your Basics’ at the Muscat Club in Al Wadi Al Kabir on September 4.

According to the organisers, the aim of the event is ‘to focus and improve the basic cricketing skills and techniques for the improvement of performance level in this dynamically growing sport’.

“The tournament would be of great benefit to all the participating teams and players as the event will be organised before the start of the Oman Cricket League 201516 season,” the organisers said.

On the sidelines of the tournament, the organisers will also host a workshop on basics of cricket and how to make most of it.

The workshop, a 30-minute affair, will be held after the second semifinal. And it will be conducted

by Oman national team players, a former Oman captain, a member each from Oman Cricket Disciplinary Committee and Umpiring Committee.

“This workshop will hopefully provide an all-round informa-

tion about different aspects and departments of cricket,” the organisers said.

“There will also a special surprise for all the budding cricketers from one of our support sponsors.

This special surprise gift would certainly help the youngsters to enhance their cricketing skills.

We request all the youngsters to kindly spend a couple of hours (6 pm to 8 pm) to make the most of this opportunity.”

The main Box Cricket tournament will have 12 teams, who will be divided into four groups.

The first phase would be played in the league format, after which the group toppers will qualify for the semifinals.

The entries will be accepted on first come first serve basis. For further details contact Pranav Mehta (9247 0544).

Kachchhi Wing’s convener Hemlata Jesrani, meanwhile, said: “ISC Kachchhi Wing always promotes new talents. We organise a variety of events with the valuable support of our sponsors, members and committee members”.

Kachchi Wing President Suren-

dra Bhai Joshi added: “Cricket is a very simple game when we do the small, correct things together as a team. These small correct things are the basics. We wish to help all growing and budding children, in all aspects of life, so that they are ready for those big opportunities.”

Srinivasan, Head of Umpiring Committee at Oman Cricket, said: “This is a great initiative and I am sure this will bring in more cricket enthusiasts to understand and ponder over the fundamentals and basics of the game. I am extremely thankful to the organisers, especially Pranav Mehta and Mrs. Jesrani for considering me to be a part of what will be a very novel and unique evening.”

Former Oman captain Hemal Mehta, who is now a member of the Disciplinary Committee, said: “I am happy and feel honoured to be part of this wonderful idea of sharing values, basics of cricket and discipline among cricketers.

I am thankful to Kachchhi Wing for considering me for this event.

With Oman team qualifying for the World T20 championship, it’s the right time to create more

awareness and generate interest among kids and adults alike.”

Oman national team star Ajay Lalcheta said: “This is an innovative idea of different type of cricket game. Since the basic knowledge is very important, this will be ideal way to teach the new comers.”

His teammate Zeeshan Siddique said: “Youngsters often see the highlights of great centuries on TV. But they are never shown the basics which helped the batsman to get started initially. Strike rotation, picking gaps and quick singles are some of the main ways to release pressure.”

Amir Kaleem, another member of the national team, said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to share and contribute towards the development of young and talented cricketers. To improve ones game, one has to work hard at the nets, with full focus on your basic batting and bowling techniques.

“The gaps during sessions could always be used to fielding upgrades.

But all of this enhances only with personal fitness being at the peak, on which one has to personally work hard.”

HOCKEY

‘It’s my moral responsibility to remember great Dhyan Chand’ MUSCAT: Even as the whole of India celebrated National Sports Day on Saturday marking the birth anniversary of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand, right here in Oman there is one person who has been associated with the legendary Indian hockey player.

SAS Naqvi, the former Oman national hockey team coach and technical adviser of the Oman Olympic Committee, tries to recall his association with the hockey legend. Here is a brief text of his reminiscences “August 29 is celebrated by India as the National Sports Day. I have great reminiscences of Dada Dhyan Chand from the playing days which had commenced in 1949.

That was the start of the golden era of Indian hockey.

“I am proud to mention that iI

was introduced to Dada Dhyan Chand in 1953 at Delhi during a hockey tournament which named after the great man himself ‘Dhyan Chand Hockey Tournament at the National Stadium.

“It was the final match between the Western Railways Bombay vs Kirkee United from Poona, if I remember correctly the Western Railways team won by 3-1 margin.

“After keenly watching the match, Dada Dhyan Chand complemented the winning team and then mentioned about my performance.

“He said ‘a new talent has been discovered who is a short build young S.A.S. Naqvi at the out-sideright position’.

“Thus a new foundation of friendship was established which carried on till 1979.

“He had an outstanding quality to sport the new talents and encourage them. I was most lucky to be spotted by him in a major tournament and the media had given big coverage.

“It was a regular affair that Dada Dhyan Chand used coach of the Services XI at various tournaments, which provided several opportunities to meet him and learn from the fine points of the game. Being a military man he was too disciplined in the matter of individual training.

“He was most respected personality and a very popular figure in all circles and had great following not only in hockey circles but also among the common people.

“His greatness was that he remained humble in spite of his status.

“I feel privileged to mention that

Dada Dhyan Chand had laid the foundation for my coaching career.

In 1976 Dada had approached the Railways Sports Control Board to depute me for the NIS Patiala training and that time he was the chief coach of NIS. “I was nominated in 1976 for the MIS Patiala training by Railays Sports Control Board and from then on it has been a magnificent road for success for me — I went on to be nominated as the coach of Indain Women’s World Cup team that went to Madrid 1978 and preOlympics in Moscow (1970).

“I feel it is my moral responsibility to remember him and pay my sincere tribute to the greatest hockey player on August 29. I have many other reminiscences with Dada but I will never forget that he used to call “Maulana”.

REMEMBERING THE LEGEND: A file photo of SAS Naqvi, right, with Major Dhyan Chand, second right, Kishanlal, left, and Ahsan Jafri.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Love us on Facebook

C5

SPORTS LONG GAP

Indian eves hockey team qualifies for Olympic Games after 36 years

HONING THE SKILLS: A member of Omani squad taking part in the 2015 Optimist World Championships in Dziwnow, Poland. – Supplied photo

Oman’s Optimist sailors compete with world’s best With 275 competitors from 85 countries, the two-week challenge offer competitors the opportunity to hone their skills on and off the water with competitive racing, social events and technical workshops

MUSCAT: Oman’s top five Optimist sailors have been pitting against the best young sailors in the world at the 2015 Optimist World Championships in Dziwnow, Poland, which started last Wednesday and is scheduled until September 4. With 275 competitors from 85 countries, the twoweek challenge offer competitors the opportunity to hone their skills on and off the water with competitive racing, social events and technical workshops.

Oman’s National Optimist Squad, all members of Oman Sail’s National Youth Programme-spon-

sored Omantel and Oman Shipping Company, was selected after a series of trials and training camps.

The team comprises Zakhariya Al Wahabi, two times national Optimist champion and Marwan Al Jabri. Samiha Al Riyami, currently the only girl in the Omani squad and the youngest ever athlete to represent the Sultanate at the Asian Games in South Korea last year, will compete against 54 other girls after 38 of the 58 competing countries fielded female talents.

Jihad Al Hasani, just 11 years old and the smallest athlete of the 290 sailors attending the event

and Al Motasem Al Farsi are also looking to measure progress alongside some of the most talented emerging sailors in the world.

“This is a benchmark event for us which will give us the chance to see where we stand compared to the rest of the world,” commented Marina Psichogiou, Oman Sail’s Youth Programme Manager who is attending with AbdulAziz Al Shidi, Oman’s Optimist National Coach.

“We have been here for a week now and we are happy with how the team is settling in. The training has gone well — conditions were similar to the ones we had at our training camp in Greece in June. Quite windy, with big waves but it is colder here.”

Racing started on Friday and was followed by two more days of Championship fleet races.

Performance in prospective With such a big international contingent, the prospect of winning medals is small for the talented Omani youngsters but with a qualifying series of 12 races, with each individual racing in every

race, it is an opportunity to put performances and programmes into perspective, explained Psichogiou.

“This is the first Optimist World Championships for Oman and we look like a professional team and have been complimented on how well organised we are and what a great development programme Oman Sail is running.

“We are certainly different to the other teams with a different approach but we have never been here before so it is very hard to say where we will end up. We will not be last.”

The Team Racing Championships will be from August 30 to 31 followed by another series of Championship fleet races. The finals will be held on September 4h and will be followed by a closing and prize-giving ceremony.

Oman’s results (as of August 28): Al Moatasem Hamood Hamdan Al-Farsi 105; Samiha Nayel Abdullah Al Riyami 137; Jihad Salim Darwish Al Hasani 169; Marwan Khalifa Khamis Mubarak Al Jabri 193 and Zakariya Sulaiman Ali Al Wahabi 193.

FOOTBALL

OFA to organise Therapist Course for medical staff of OPL clubs MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) Technical Division and Medical Department will be organising the OPL Club Therapist Course at Eastin Hotel from August 31 and September 1 as part of the ongoing OFA/OPL Club Education programme.

The medical staff at the OPL Clubs will spend two days with OFA lecturers, Harry Brooke, Head of Sports Medicine and Science, and Ahmed al Shukali, Senior Physiotherapist. The course modules are the footballers body, anatomy, physiology, immediate Injury management, working with children and emergency medical situations in football.

The OFA have been investing considerably in improving the medical operations of football across Oman, and work with their Medical Partner Badr al Samaa to provide medical cover across many games now in the OPL. Harry Brooke who has been leading much of the progress is confi-

this is another good step as we encourage clubs to educate their own staff and their own clubs Harry Brooke Head of Sports Medicine and Science at OFA

dent this is another positive step.

“You can never be satisfied with the work that you have done, there is always more we want to achieve.

But this is another good step as we encourage clubs to educate their own staff and their own clubs.

“My thanks must go to the OFA Executive, Chairman and CEO of OFA and OPL who have been very

supportive in this area, and to Jim Selby (OFA Technical Director) and all the Technical team at the OFA, as well as Badr al Samaa for their continued support and professionalism.”

The course is a further step in the continuing efforts of the OFA, as they work to support the clubs of the OPL to help them support

their players. The next step will see the OFA take the same course to the other league clubs and then take the OFA Community First Aid to the wider communities with the support of the clubs.

In 2016, the OFA Medical Department will run the Club Therapist 2 course which will build on the foundations of this first week.

NEW DELHI: Indian women’s hockey team will return to the Olympics after a long gap of 36 years as it qualified on Saturday for next year’s Rio Games, courtesy England making it to the final of the ongoing EuroHockey Championships in London.

England’s semifinal victory over Spain, coming after the Netherlands’ win over Germany in the other semifinal in the European Championships freed one quota place as both the finalists have already qualified for the Olympic Games.

India took the quota place on the basis of its fifth-place finish in the women’s Hockey World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium last month.

International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that Indian women’s team has qualified for the Rio Games.

“India qualified after England defeated Spain in the semifinals of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London, which ensured that the only teams — The Neth-

erlands and England (as Great Britain) — who can now win the event have already qualified for Rio through the Hockey World League SemiFinals,” the FIH said in a statement.

“The winner of the EuroHockey Championships will qualify for the 2016 Olympics as European continental champions, opening up a further qualification spot which India secure as the team who ranked highest at the Hockey World League SemiFinals not already qualified,” it said.

Indian women’s team now join nine other teams, who have already qualified for 2016 Rio Games — Korea as Asian Games champions, Argentina as Pan Am Games champions and Great Britain, China, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the USA through the Hockey World League Semifinals. Indian women’s hockey team last featured in an Olympics in the 1980 Moscow Games, where they finished at a respectable fourth position. - PTI

FOOTBALL

Villarreal to ready sign Suarez from Barcelona MADRID: Villarreal have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign midfielder Denis Suarez on a fouryear deal, with Barca retaining the option to buy the 21-year-old back, the La Liga clubs said on Saturday.

Suarez, who came through Celta Vigo’s academy before spending two years at English Premier League side Manchester City, had been on loan at Sevilla as part of the agreement that brought Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic to Barca.

“Suarez was originally due to stay in Andalusia for two years, through to the summer of 2016, but is now headed for (Villarreal), with Barca maintaining the option to repurchase the player at the end of the season,” Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es).

“The Catalan club also has a second option to repurchase him at

the end of the 2016-17 season and a right to first refusal should it not exercise (the second purchase option),” they added.

Suarez was given the chance to show off his attacking flair at Sevilla and became a firm favourite with the home fans. His dribbling and passing skills made him key part of the side as they swept to a second consecutive Europa League title and qualified for the Champions League.

A jewel in Celta’s youth ranks, he was chased by a number of top European clubs before he joined City in 2011 aged 17. But City’s spending on expensive talent from outside the club meant opportunities for young players were scant and after a couple of seasons in which he made only a handful of first-team appearances he signed for Barca. - Reuters

C6

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

SPORTS

Tweet all about it

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH TWITTER PAGE

Palace stun Chelsea as slick Man City set club record

Advocaat stands firm at Sunderland LONDON: Dick Advocaat intends to stay at Sunderland until the end of the season despite being this season’s betting favourite to be the first Premier League coach to be sent packing.

The veteran Dutchman was a surprise choice to replace Gus Poyet as Sunderland boss in March on a short-term deal with the club facing relegation.

He managed to keep them up and then signed a one-year contract to lead the northeast club during the 2015-16 campaign.

But the early stages of the new season have been tough with Sunderland managing just one point from their first three games.

It was the latest setback for Mourinho’s side, winners only once in their first four matches and already languishing eight points behind leaders Manchester City, who extended the last 100 percent record in the top tier with a 2-0 win against Watford MATCH-WINNER: Crystal Palace’s Joel Ward, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal against Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. – Reuters

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho suffered only his second Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge as Crystal Palace clinched a shock 2-1 win over the spluttering champions on Saturday.

Mourinho was taking charge of his 100th home fixture in England’s top-flight, but Palace ensured that milestone won’t be remembered with any fondness by the Portuguese coach as they inflicted his first league loss on home soil since Sunderland’s victory in April 2014.

It was the latest setback for Mourinho’s side, winners only once in their first four matches and already languishing eight points behind leaders Manchester City, who extended the last 100 percent record in the top tier with a 2-0 win against Watford at Eastlands.

Just seconds after clearing a Gary Cahill header off the line, Mali forward Bakary Sako struck at the other end, sweeping high into the net from Yannick Bolasie’s cross to give Palace a 65th minute lead.

FOOTBALL

Colombia’s Radamel Falcao looked to have rescued a point for Chelsea when the on-loan Monaco striker headed in a Pedro Rodriguez cross for his first goal for the Blues in the 79th minute.

However, parity was short-lived as defender Joel Ward headed home from Sako’s cross in the 81st minute to give second placed Palace their first win at the Bridge since 1982.

Raheem Sterling’s first goal for City since his £49 million ($75.4 million) pre-season switch from Liverpool broke Watford’s stubborn resistance in the 47th minute as the England winger stabbed in Bacary Sagna’s cross.

Fernandinho bagged City’s second goal in the 56th minute, the Brazilian lashing home after a onetwo with David Silva to seal a club record 10th successive league win dating back to last season.

Liverpool were beaten for the first time this season as West Ham’s 3-0 victory gave the east

Londoners their first league triumph at Anfield since 1963.

After 42 fruitless visits to Anfield, the Hammers, who have already won at Arsenal this term, took the lead in the third minute.

Martin Skrtel’s poor headed clearance fell at the feet of Aaron Cresswell and his low cross was prodded in by Manuel Lanzini, a 22-year-old Argentine midfielder on loan from Al Jazira.

Slaven Bilic’s team doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Mark Noble side-footed home after Reds defender Dejan Lovren carelessly allowed Lanzini to seize possession. A dismal day for Liverpool was completed when Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho was sent off for his second booking in the 56th minute.

Referee Kevin Friend also sent off Noble in the closing stages for a lunging tackle, but there was still time for Diafra Sakho to complete Liverpool’s embarrassment with a third goal in stoppage-time.

Indiscretion Arsenal clinched their second league win of the season as Fabricio Coloccini’s own goal gifted the Gunners a scrappy 1-0 success at 10-man Newcastle.

Although they were below their best again, Arsene Wenger’s team got back on track at St James’ Park with the help of hot-headed Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic’s latest indiscretion.

The turning point came in the 16th minute when referee Andre Marriner sent off Mitrovic after the Serbia international needlessly stamped on Francis Coquelin’s ankle as he stretched in a failed attempt to reach a loose ball.

Wenger’s team eventually took advantage of their numerical superiority in the 52nd minute when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s low drive beat goalkeeper Tim Krul via a deflection off Coloccini.

Leicester left it late to rescue a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth thanks to Jamie Vardy’s 86th minute penalty

after the hosts went in front through striker Callum Wilson’s 24th minute acrobatic overhead kick.

Sunderland remain without a league win despite a battling 2-2 at Aston Villa.

Yann M’Vila put Sunderland ahead in the eighth minute but Scott Sinclair equalised from the penalty spot three minutes later.

Sinclair struck again in the 41st minute, yet Sunderland drew level through Jeremain Lens in the 52nd minute.

West Bromwich Albion won 1-0 against nine-man Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke forward Ibrahim Afellay was sent off for slapping Albion midfielder Craig Gardner before Charlie Adam was dismissed after catching Craig Dawson.

Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon headed Albion in front in first half stoppage-time with his first goal since his £12 million club record move from Zenit St Petersburg. - AFP

“Crazy” spending On top of that, Advocaat has been vocal in his criticism of the club’s recent transfer activity saying he is suffering because of “crazy” spending on “lower than average” players in the past.

The former Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven, Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg coach, however, insists he will ride out the storm.

“I never said that I will quit this club. I hope I can stay until the end of the season,” Advocaat told a press conference ahead of the Black Cats’ league encounter at Aston Villa on Saturday, as quoted by several national newspapers.

“Honestly. This is a great club, I really mean that. I have been at many great clubs but this is a really special one.”

Slow start Advocaat on Friday signed Sweden international midfielder Ola Toivonen on a season-long loan from French side Rennes, and is adamant Sunderland can bounce back from their slow start to the season.

“I have had a good talk with the president and also the players this week. The team will be there for me,” he added.

“We did it last year (avoid relegation) and we will do the same again. That is the feeling I have now — and we know how to do it with the players.” - AFP

POLLUTION

Rio 2016 organisers ‘extremely concerned’ over sick sailor BERLIN: Organisers of the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics said on Saturday they were “extremely concerned” after German sailor Erik Heil fell ill following his third place at the test event there.

Heil, who is being treated in a Berlin hospital for several infections, said he was convinced they were caused by the polluted waters, piling more pressure on organisers to secure the safety of the athletes at next year’s Olympic sailing, swimming and triathlon events.

“We were extremely concerned when we learned of the hospital admission of athlete Erik Heil,”

organisers said in a statement sent to Reuters. “We immediately contacted the German Sailing Association (DSV) for information.

“Rio 2016 is in contact with the DSV and reiterates that it is our priority to assure the health and well-being of all athletes.”

Heil’s case has been taken up by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), which said it was escalating the matter to Rio organisers and the international sailing federation (ISAF).

The Brazilian city will be the first South American host of the summer Games and is struggling

Heil, who is being treated in a Berlin hospital for several infections, said he was convinced they were caused by the polluted waters

to clean up the waters in which athletes will compete.

“We are also following, together with the ISAF, the work developed by the (Rio) State Government so that measures... to improve the

quality of the water in Guanabara Bay are completed on time, assuring good conditions for the competition lanes during the Rio 2016 Games,” Games organisers said.

Heil, who won third place along

with Thomas Ploessel in the 49er class last week, was told by the Berlin hospital treating him that he had been infected by multi-resistant germs.

Superbacterium Biologists last year said rivers leading into the bay contained a superbacterium resistant to antibiotics that cure urinary, gastrointestinal and pulmonary infections.

When Rio bid to host the Games, the city said it would cut the amount of raw sewage flowing into the bay by 80 percent.

However, it has since admit-

ted that it is unlikely to meet that target, saying earlier this year that the amount of sewage treated before reaching the bay had risen from 17 to 49 percent. Pressure has mounted on Games organisers with Buzios, a beach resort and popular watersports destination a few hours from Rio, campaigning to replace Guanabara Bay for next year’s Olympic sailing.

It has organised a media visit this weekend to show it has the infrastructure and water quality necessary to host the event despite assurances from organisers that the events would not be moved. - Reuters

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

Health WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

THE INCIDENCE OF HEART DISEASE

AMONG YOUNG PATIENTS

(THOSE BELOW 40)

AN EARLY ENCOUNTER WITH HEART DISEASE

BY HUBERT VAZ IN OMAN HAS BEEN INCREASING STEADILY

OVER THE PAST DECADE.

JUNK FOOD,

LACK OF ACTIVITY,

SMOKING,

AND STRESS ARE THE

MAIN CAUSES.

For emergency or preventive cardiac care, contact: Al Hayat Hospital: +968 2200 4000 Badr Al Samaa Hospital: +968 2479 9760

C8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

LIFESTYLE

F

orty-two-year-old David D’Souza (name changed), an expatriate working for a popular retail chain in Muscat, broke out in a cold sweat as he experienced excruciating chest pain one morning in his office at Darsait. After being rushed to a nearby hospital by his colleagues, an exam revealed blockages in his arteries for which he underwent angioplasty to save his life.

Thankfully, David survived and was determined to reverse his heart condition, making immediate amendments to his food habits and taking up regular exercise to protect his heart.

There are many young individuals, both Omani and expatriate, who, like David, end up in cardiology departments of different hospitals in Oman each day. The fact is, the incidence of heart disease among those in their thirties and forties has significantly escalated all over the world chiefly due to lifestyle choices.

According to veteran cardiologist in Oman, Dr K.P. Raman, founder and head of the Al Hayat Hospital, at Al Ghubra, “heart disease occurs due to hereditary factors as well as environmental factors, but the incidence of heart disease among the younger generation currently is due to the faulty lifestyle they follow. Bad eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle and addictions like smoking are the main causes of heart disease and it is in the hands of every young person to take steps to avoid these in order to protect his or her heart.”

He further explained that “a faulty lifestyle which is marked with little or no exercise or physical activity, consumption of harmful junk food, and addictions, gives rise to disorders like obesity and diabetes which are associated with high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which are contributory factors for developing heart disease. And, if there is a history of heart disease in the family, the risks get compounded. The solution, therefore, is quite obvious to young individuals who’d like to stay clear of heart disease.”

Senior cardiologist at the Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi, Dr Benny Panakkal expressed grave concern over the issue saying “heart disease among young patients in Oman has become a very serious issue. Every day, we see patients in their 30s or 40s, and the youngest person treated by me after a heart attack was just 24 years old.”

He further said, “During my 13 years in Oman, I have seen the number of young patients with heart disease (expatriates) significantly rising, the common causes being smoking and stress. The incidence of heart disease among Omanis has also been quite high, obesity and diabetes being the common causes. Therefore, consuming rich food, lack of activity, smoking, and stress cause a range of lifestyle diseases (obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) leading to heart disease at an early age. Those who can overcome these have little risk, unless they have a genetic abnormality of the heart.”

FIGHT THE FOUR FACTORS THAT CAUSE HEART DISEASE Junk Food/Processed Food Dr Raman expressed concern that, in Oman, people are fond of the easily available and the so-called “cheap and tasty”, fast food rather than fresh vegetables and other foods. Often packages are also marked with the phrase ‘No Cholesterol’, however, the fact is that these foods contain trans-fats which are very harmful to the heart. Trans-fats are produced from vegetable oils which are hydrogenated by manufacturers to increase its shelf life. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are the key source of trans-fats which can give rise to heart disease. Also the repeated use of the same oil for frying in fast-food outlets renders it utterly harmful. Obviously, if you avoid fast-food and processed foods and consume more fresh foods, you decrease your chances of developing heart disease.

Physical Inactivity Physical inactivity is also considered a major risk factor for heart disease since it can also cause high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. In Oman, people are used to using their cars to go everywhere, instead of walking, even for short distances. Also, spending long hours watching television or using play-stations instead of indulging in sports and other physical activity is a contributory factor for heart disease.

Physical activity: Controls body weight, and reduces the risk of adult obesity.

This further reduces the risk of heart disease/diabetes. Strengthens and develops bones and curbs the risk for osteoporosis in adulthood. Makes an individual more confident and sharpens mental abilities. Leads to improved cardiovascular health as it reduces stress levels and increases the amount of good cholesterol in the blood.

Smoking Cigarette and tobacco smoking increase the risk of heart disease and peripheral vascular disease (disease in the vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs). Nicotine in cigarette smoke narrows the blood vessels and reduces the flow of blood, thereby putting an added strain on the heart. Besides nicotine, other chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide present in cigarette smoke are also harmful to the heart.

Dr Benny points out that smoking causes a condition called Atherosclerosis which refers to damage to the inner lining of the arteries, besides leading to development of blood clots and constriction of arteries, which are the three major causes of heart attack. By stopping smoking one can reduce the risk of developing a heart attack by 50 per cent, he said.

Stress Youngsters in Oman reel under stress for various reasons including emotional disturbances, lack of sleep, work pressures and job insecurity, separation from family members (expatriates as well as locals who have homes in the interior), the extreme climate, financial dilemmas, and many other domestic/professional problems. All this gives rise to hypertension and lays stress on the normal functioning of the heart. For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure goes up and some even tend to overeat (inviting obesity) or indulge in smoking (another contributory factor). Also chronic stress exposes the body to unhealthy elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

The ‘Stressors’ (triggers for stress) could be in the form of minor problems at home/workplace, major changes in lifestyle or a combination of both. The key to managing stress, therefore, is the ability to identify stressors and devise ways to release the tension caused by them.

• The most common stressors that affect most people include: • Death of / separation from a loved one • Conflicts in personal relationships • Work pressures/unemployment • Relocation/domestic dilemmas • Financial insecurity/concerns

For emergency or preventive cardiac care, contact: Al Hayat Hospital: +968 22004000 Badr Al Samaa Hospital: +968 24799760

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

C9

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Photos: Shutterstock

Try

Women in maledominated offices undergo high stress

W hy Here are a few simple, time-tested foods, techniques, and remedies to try, and a bit about why. Have you tried any of these tricks? How did you like them? Do you have a favourite remedy of your own? Tell us about it at lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Eat Sardines to Prevent Heart Disease Sardines, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, are said to be helpful in preventing heart diseases, besides strengthening bones and building the immune system. The omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines (Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid) break down bad LDL cholesterol in the body, besides breaking down arterial plaque which blocks arteries and increases blood pressure. By clearing the plaque, these fatty acids also help in controlling blood pressure.

Photos: Shutterstock

Eat Lettuce, Sleep Well Apart from being a great ingredient in your salad bowl, especially for those on a weight loss programme, one of the traditional uses of lettuce in Unani medicine was its use as a sleep inducer. Research shows that lettuce has a depressant chemical which has sedative effects. This particular chemical acts by blocking the excitatory signal processes of muscular and neural tissues and so it was often used as a home remedy for controlling anxiety.

Photos: Shutterstock

DECODING DOCTOR

Hubert Vaz chats with Dr Hussein Al Saadi, Public Health Specialist, Al Hayat International Hospital

Back stretch Studies show that 80 per cent of people around the world experience back pain at some point in life. Many back pain patients find it most painful first thing in the morning. Try a simple stretching back exercise that can increase mobility and decrease discomfort. While lying on one’s back, pull both knees to the chest while simultaneously flexing the head forward until a comfortable stretch is felt in a balled-up position.

It really brings in good relief.

Most women working in male-dominating occupations are prone to high levels of stress that can trigger poor health in them, a study has found. Negative workplace social climates encountered by women in maledominated occupations may be linked to later negative health outcomes for these women, the researchers from Indiana University noticed.

“We find that women are more likely to experience exposure to high levels of interpersonal, workplace stressors,” said Bianca Manago, doctoral student in sociology.

Chronic exposure to social stressors is known to cause vulnerability to disease and mortality through dysregulation of the human body’s stress response.

New device detects urinary tract infections in an hour A team of researchers in Germany and Ireland has developed a new device that dramatically cuts the time to detect bacterial species that cause urinary tract infections — a major cause of sepsis.

“In our pilot study, we were able to identify Escherichia coli (more commonly known as E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis — two species known to cause urinary tract infections — within 70 minutes, directly from patients‘ urine samples,” explained UlrichChristian Schroder from Leibniz Institute of Technology in Germany.

The speedy diagnosis marks a tremendous reduction in the wait time compared to the lengthy lag — often 24 hours or more — associated with methods routinely used to identify bacteria and diagnose urinary tract infections today. The lab-on-adisc platform uses Raman microscopy, a modern optical detection method.

This medical diagnostics device is designed to harness centrifugal force to capture the tiny bacteria directly from patients’ samples of bodily fluids...in this case, urine, the study said. -IANS

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep.

The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Dr Hussein Al Saadi, Public Health Specialist, Al Hayat International Hospital, provides some key insights: Why does OSA happen?

OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much

to allow normal breathing. When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in and breathing may be inadequate for 10 to 20 seconds.

This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood.

How do I know if I have OSA? If you have experienced symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, witnessed apneas, abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath or a dry mouth/sore throat/chest pain, morning headache, difficulty concentrating during the day, mood changes such as depression/irritability, difficulty staying asleep (insomnia), high blood

pressure, besides job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.

What are the chances that I will have OSA? If you are overweight, have a large neck (neck circumference more than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women), hypertension, have a narrowed airway, chronic nasal congestion, suffer from diabetes, are male (2:1), have darker skin, are below age 35, have a family history of sleep apnea, are a smoker, consume alcohol.

What is the treatment of OSA? There are various treatment options, like: • Positive airway pressure: The most com-

mon type is called continuous positive airway pressure CPAP, a machine delivers air pressure through a piece that fits into the nose or is placed over the nose and mouth while you sleep to reduce the number of respiratory events as you sleep.

• Mouthpiece (oral device): An alternative therapy for some people with mild or moderate OSA. • Medications/Surgery: Surgery is usually considered only if medication/other therapies haven’t been effective.

• Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS): It involves use of an implantable device which senses when a person stops breathing during sleep and stimulates muscles in the airway to keep it open.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

C10

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SHATTI

@SOHAR

Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah 9:20PM

@RUWI

SHATTI Hitman – Agent 47 (Action, Crime)(PG12) Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto 3:15, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Action)(12+) Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 5:00, 11:55 pm Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 5:15 pm Evolution Man (Animation)(3D) PG Voice Overs : Jamel Debbouze, Mélissa Theuriau, Arié Elmaleh 1:00, 3:00 pm Southpaw (Action, Drama)(15+) Cast : Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence 1:00, 9:15, 11:45 pm No Escape (Action, Thriller)(12+) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 1:30, 7:15 pm Phantom (Action, Drama)(HINDI) PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL Hitman: Agent 47 2D (Action, Crime) (PG12) Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto 5:00, 9:45 & 11:45PM Gold Class : 4:30, 9:15 & 11:15PM Southpaw 2D (Action, Drama) (15+) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence 12:30 & 9:30PM No Escape 2D (Action, Thriller) (12+) Cast : Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 10:00AM & 11:55PM Evolution Man 3D (Animation) (PG) 10:45AM & 3:15PM Phantom 2D (Action, Drama, Thriller) (PG)

12:30 & 9:30 PM Southpaw(Action)(12+) Cast : Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams

3:15, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm Hitman – Agent 47 (Action, Crime) (PG12) Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto

Cast : Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 7:00PM Gold Class: 1:45 & 6:30PM We Are Your Friends 2D (Drama, Music) Cast: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily Ratajkowski 5:15PM (TBC) The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 2D (Action ) (12+) Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 2:45 & 7:15PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D 12:45PM

9:15 PM Loham - 2D (M) (PG) (Action) Cast : Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique

Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 3:20, 11:55 PM Evolution Man – 3D (PG) Animation 11:45 AM & 01:30, 05:15 PM Loham – 2D (TBC) Action Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 4:15, 9:30 PM Thani Oruvan – 2D (PG12) Action, Romance Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara, Ganesh Venkatraman, 6:40 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – 2D (12+) Action Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 12:45, 7:15, 11:55 PM

AZAIBA RUWI SCREEN 1 Phantom (Action) – PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM SCREEN 2 Hitman Agent 47 (Action/Crimer) – PG12 Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah 3.45, 9.45 PM Brothers (Drama/ Sports) – 12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 6.45 PM SCREEN 3

Phantom - 2D (PG) Action, Drama, Thriller Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:30 PM Hitman: Agent 47 – 2D (PG12) Action, Crime, Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto 12:15, 3:00, 7:15, 9:15, 11:15 PM Southpaw – 2D (15+) Action, Drama, Sport Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence 11:45 AM, 2:00, 5:00, 9:30 PM No Escape – 2D (12+) Action, Thriller

3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Phantom (Action) – PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif

Karachi To Lahore - Urdu(Comedy) – PG Cast: Shehzad Sheikh, Ayesha Omer 3.45, 9.45 PM Baahubali: The Beginning (Action) – 12+ Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka 6.45 PM

8:30, 11:15 PM Loham - 2D (M) (TBC) Action Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 9:15 PM Thani Oruvan - 2D (T) (TBC) Action Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara 6:55 PM

SOHAR Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action; 4:30 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - 2D (12+) Action 2:15, 11:45 PM Hitman Agent 47 - 2D (PG12) Action, Crime Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary 3:15, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 PM Southpaw - 2D (15+) Action, Drama, Sport Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams 5:15, 7:00, 11:55 PM No Escape - 2D (12+) Action, Thriller Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 2:30, 6:30, 9:50 PM Evolution Man - 3D (PG) Animation 3:00, 4:45 PM Habib Al Arad - 2D (Arb) (TBC) Drama Cast: Faisal Al Omeri & Abdullah Al Torkoman 4:30 PM Phantom - 2D (H) (PG) Action, Drama, Thriller Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang

BURAIMI The Man from U.N.C.L.E – 2D (Action) 7:10PM (12+) Hitman Agent 47 – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah 2:00, 3:35, 5:20, 9:45, 11:45PM Stung – 2D (Comedy/Horror/Romance) (15+) Cast: Clifton Collins, Florentine, Matt O’Leary 2:00, 7:20PM Evolution Man– 3D (Animation) (PG12) Cast: Jamel Debbouze, Melissa Theuriau, Patrice Thibaud 3:45, 5:15PM No Escape – 2D (Action / Thriller) (12+) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 5:30, 11:45PM Phantom – 2D (Action / Thriller) (PG) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif 2:30, 7:05, 9:00, 11:30PM Loham – 2D (Thriller) (PG)

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

ANGEL JEYARAJ IMMANUEL August 30, 2007

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

70-75%

ZIYAN SARFARAZ PATEL August 30, 2006 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@ timesofoman.com

LISTINGS

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Loham (Mal) ( ACT ) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea & Renji panikkar 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema Main; 6-30 pm at Cinema-2 Thani Oruvan (Tamil) (Act\Drama ) Cast: Jayam Ravi,Nayanthara & Arvind Swami 6-30 pm at Cinema Main; 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema-2 Kick 2 ( Telugu ) ( Rom/Act) Cast: Ravi Teja & Rakul Preet Singh 3-45 & 6-45 pm at Cinema- 3; Brothers (Hindi) 9-45 pm at Cinema- 3 Madura Naranga (Mal) ( Rom/com ) Cast: Kunchako Boban, Biju Menon & 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema - 4 NEXT CHANGE: Double Barrel (Mal) Programmes are subject to change

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

STAR CINEMA

Minimum

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

SALALAH Hitman Agent 47 (2D) (PG12) (Action) 10:45AM, 12:00, 7:00, 10:00, 11:45PM Southpaw (2D) (15+) (Action/Drama/Sport) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, 2:00, 7:45, 9:40PM No Escape (2D) (12+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 10:00AM, 3:30, 11:55PM Evolution Man (2015) (Original French Movie) (3D) (PG) (Animation) 10:15AM, 1:45PM Phantom (2D) (PG) (Hindi) (Action/Drama) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 4:15, 8:50, 11:35PM Loham (2D) (TBC) (Malayalam) (Action) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 7:15PM Thani Oruvan (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara, Ganesh Venkatraman 2:15PM We Are Your Friends (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily 12:30PM Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 5:25PM (PG12) (Action) The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander 11:50AM, 5:05PM

SHAYAN KHAN August 30, 2007

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

36 29

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 5.45 pm CP No: 1953 (PG12) Brothers (Hindi )( Thriller ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth Malhotra 1.30 p.m CP No: 2110 (12+) MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (Action /Adventure) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavil, Armmie Hammer 2.00 p.m. & 8.15 p.m CP NO: 2121 (12+) No Escape ( Action/ Thriller ) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 4.15, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2128 ( 12+ ) Stung ( Comedy/Romance/Horror ) Cast: Clifton Collins Jr., Jessica Cook, Tony de Maeyer 4.00, 6.15, 10.15 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2129 ( 15+ )

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

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

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SUR Hitman Agent 47 (Action | Crime) (PG12) 09:15, 11:30 PM No Escape (Action | Thriller) (12+) CP# Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 7:15 PM Phantom (Hindi) (Action | Drama) (PG) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 6:30, 09:00 PM Evolution Man (3D) (Animation) (PG) CP# 04:45 PM Loham (Mal) (Action) (TBC) CP# Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 11:15 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E (Action) (12+) 04:45 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

Destination

12.13pm 3.40pm 6.33pm 7.45pm 4.30am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

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 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE

Chiropractic Care

FA M I LY A D V I C E

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

By Hubert Vaz

ASK DR. GERRY STAY AWAY FROM DISTRACTIONS Dear Dr. Gerry, I have always been among the top 3 rank holders of my class and I always used to get good grades but from last year onwards something has gone wrong with me and now I am addicted to songs and movies. My board exam results were not very good. My parents and teachers were shocked and as a result my parents have taken away my phone and they don’t let me watch TV either. They also keep an eye on me. What should I do to get back to my real self and concentrate on my studies?

Akshay THE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC within Al Harub Medical Centre provides an alternative form of complementary health care with long term results that does not require the use of any pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. Individuals of all ages including pregnant women, children, adults and the elderly can benefit from chiropractic care which improves the function of joints and the nervous system while relieving pain and muscle spasms.

Chiropractic involves diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions affecting the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Chiropractors work on all joints and muscles of the body but concentrate primarily on the spine. Chiropractic care involves a wide range of manipulative, mobilisation and soft tissues and techniques, designed to relieve tightness, pain, numbness, tingling pins and needles and muscle spasms.

Effective for Aches The effectiveness of chiropractic care has been demonstrated for decades and is supported by a wide variety of re-

search and medical organisations. It is employed to treat back/neck pain, sports injury, muscle strains, headaches, Achilles tendon, sciatica, frozen shoulders, whiplash, golfers elbow, arthritis, tennis elbow and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

The treatment begins with a physical examination during which many questions will be asked, some of which might appear irrelevant but are necessary.

The physical exam assesses your vital signs, muscles, joints and nerves. X-rays may be required.

You may not receive treatment during the first visit.

The first treatment lasts about 30 minutes and consists of a report of findings and therapeutic options will be discussed to establish the best course of care. This is followed by a mini examination of the complaint before treatment is administered.

The session concludes with advice and home tuition on managing pain and mobility.

Tissue Manipulation Most treatments involve manipula-

Chiropractic involves diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions affecting the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Chiropractors work on all joints and muscles of the body but concentrate primarily on the spine...

tion and soft tissue therapy. Manipulations are simple, safe and gentle.

A fast but gentle thrust is directed through the chiropractor’s hands to a specific joint that is dysfunctional. On occasion a cracking sound of no real significance may be heard. Treatment often results in a relief of symptoms and a feeling of well-being. However, it is not uncommon to experience temporary discomfort initially.

Therapeutic Options Additional therapeutic options that may be used include mobilisations, soft tissue techniques, heat, ice, ultrasound, interferential (electrotherapy), activator therapy, ergonomic training and exercises. Each individual will respond differently to treatment, but a significant improvement in symptoms should be experienced within 6-8 sessions.

Contact: (For more details: Al Harub Medical Centre, Al Kharijiya Road, Al Sarooj. Tel: +968-24600750; email: info@alharubmedical.com)

H E A LT H

‘Stay awake’ pill may boost brain function: Study A drug that is used to help people with sleep disorders stay awake can boost cognitive functions in healthy people, a new study says.

Researchers reviewed 24 studies on the drug modafinil, carried out between 1990 and 2015, and found that it appeared to improve cognitive function, RT.com reported.

Some of the studies also showed gains in flexible thinking, increasing ability to combine information or cope with novelty. The drug didn’t seem to influence creativity either way.

However, researchers found that improvement wasn’t seen every time, on every test, or for every person. They also found that the studies failed to show any enhancement in the areas of attention, learning and memory.

“What emerged was that the longer and the more complex the task ... the more consistently modafinil showed cognitive benefits,” said study co-author AnnaKatharine Brem from Oxford University was reported as saying.

The drugs work by increasing the brain’s level of dopamine and norepinephrine to boost concentration and alertness. -IANS

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

Dear Akshay, What are you going to do? I know it may seem harsh that your parents have taken away your phone and don’t let you watch TV. You could get angry and resentful to them but would it solve your problem. So where do we go from here?

My advice would be to simplify your life. Remove all the unwanted distraction and concentrate on the one real challenge you have —your studies. Even the finest minds cannot achieve anything if they are constantly distracted. Our minds feel bored when we give up these stimulations but that’s where we need to fight. We need to face the failure of the past and overcome it. It’s not only about marks and studies but it’s also about facing life. We will all fail sometime in our life but learning to fight and overcome it is what gives us strength. Anybody can face success but to learn how to face failure — that is the true measure of personality. Take up the challenge, you were and still are a good student ... get back into the fight.

All the best, Dr G

Dr Gerry D’Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and children’s psychiatry. He has practiced as a specialised psychiatrist at Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years.

Dr D’Costa offers his advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman. Send your mental health questions to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C1 2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

LIFESTYLE FITNESS MOVE OF THE WEEK

SWIMMING

During a 30 minute swim you’ll burn

90-220kcal at a recreational pace During a 30 minute swim you’ll burn

It is a great exercise for staying fit and shedding pounds without any wear or tear on the joints.

Though the number of calories burned in a swimming session vary by weight — a 130-pound person burns 590 calories per hour with a fast freestyle stroke, while a 155-pound person will burn 704 calories — the below guide will show you the minimum number of calories you will burn while working on your strokes.

Calories burned by stroke with moderate effort

150-370kcal at a moderate pace

540 calories/hr BACKSTROKE

Calories burned by stroke with moderate effort

Calories burned by stroke with moderate effort

590 calories/hr

585 calories/hr

FREESTYLE

BREAST STROKE

During a 30 minute swim you’ll burn

Calories burned by stroke with moderate effort

220-550kcal with vigorous effort

784 calories/hr BUTTERFLY

CHILD CONCERNS

Children with ADHD may Have Bad Memory Even in Adulthood ADOLESCENTS diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may perform poorly in memory tests compared to their peers even in adulthood, suggests new research.

ADHD is a disorder characterised by short attention span, restlessness and impulsivity, and is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.

“Memory problems can certainly hold people back in terms of success in education and the workplace,” said lead researcher Graham Murray from the University of Cambridge.

Estimates suggest that more than three in every 100 boys and just under one in every 100 girls has ADHD. Less is known about the extent to which the disorder persists into adulthood, with estimates suggesting that between 10-50 percent of children still have ADHD in adulthood.

The researchers followed 49 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD at age 16, to examine their brain structure and memory function in young adulthood, aged between 20-24 years, compared to a control group of 34 young adults.

The results showed that the group diagnosed in adolescence still had problems in terms of reduced brain volume and poor-

er memory function, irrespective of whether or not they still met diagnostic checklist criteria for ADHD. Brain scan showed that the adolescents with ADHD had reduced grey matter in a region deep within the brain known as the caudate nucleus, a key brain region that integrates information across different parts of the brain, and supports important cognitive functions, including memory.

In a memory test, one third of the adolescents with ADHD failed compared to less than one

in twenty of the control group (an accuracy of less than 75 per cent was classed as fail).

Even among the adolescent ADHD sample who passed the memory test, the scores were on average six percentage points less than controls. There were no differences in brain structure or memory test scores between those young adults previously diagnosed with ADHD who still met the diagnostic criteria and those who no longer met them.

The study was published in the journal European Child Adolescent Psychiatry.-IANS

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

D2

S U N D AY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

We have small building for rent in Bowshar commercial building can be used as staff accommodation or store. # 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2BHK in Ghubra 18th November Street near sea 2 rooms sitting, hall, Kitchen & 3 bathrooms.

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 We have flats, offices, shops, warehouse, basement for rent in Ghubra, Al Khuwair, Ghala, Azaiba, Maibela.

Contact : 93329476 / 99208033 We have offices for rent in Ghala brand new building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 Brand new 1, 2 BHK flats in Al Ghubra & Ruwi. Contact: 97616158 Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 120/-.

Contact: 97799175 1BHK Al Falaj. Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-. Contact: 97799175 Barka store 100 m2 available.

Contact: 93393967 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse etc.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 3 BHK flat in Azaiba. Contact 99792181

Shop/ comm./ Resi building 1&2 bed flat available in Wadi Kabir (near Lulu) one bedroom flats 200/- Wadi Kabir & Misfa land for rent 1000 SQM Al Khuwair 6 bedroom villa 900/- . Contact: 99451168 3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026 250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339

We have 2BHK fully furnished in Bareeq Al Shatti Qurum near Opera House. Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 3, 4, 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ghobra.

Contact 99792181 2BHK villa for rent RO: 250/month, near Galfar Training Institute and beach in North Al Hail.

Contact 99745628 / 99314242 2000 Sqr mtrs Store in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99792181

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

2 BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi 1BHK , Ghubra near Al Maha hotel.

Contact: 99269751

2 BHK Ghubra R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

Villa for rent, 4 spacious bath attached bed room, private swimming pool, gymnasium (common) electrical equipment with free maintenance secured command at Madinat Al Illam. Contact: 98027975

1,2,3 BHK flats. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 We have 3BHK fully furnished villa in Ghubra 18th November near Automatic Restaurant. Contact: 93782735/ 99208033

Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422 250 Sqr mtrs showroom in CBD. Contact 99792181 Spacious 2BHK Flat with Split A/c’s behind Sultan Center, Azaiba – RO.425/- p.m. Contact: 99824803 / 99849325 3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839. Contact: 99253125 5000 & 10000 Sqr mtrs in open Land in Wadi Kabir. # 99792181 Deluxe 1, 2, 3 bedroom flats in Wadi Kabir, Ruwi, Al Khuwair area.

Contact: 24707340 / 95282986 /99472457

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126 2BHK with split A/C in MSQ Opp. Al Fair. Contact : 96708000 1 BHK with split A/C in Darsait, opp. Muscat Municipality.

Contact : 96708000 3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557 2BHK at Al Khodh 2 rooms, 1hall, 2 bathrooms & kitchen.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 3 bedrooms, 1 hall at Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 House for rent in Sidab 8 rooms, 6 toilets RO 550/-. Contact: 96606679 / 99856551 2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 92888063 Darsait next to ISM, 2 bedroom brand new building R.O 300/-.

Contact: 93393967 4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact:24566217 / 24564686 2BHK near Indian School Darsait RO 275/-. Contact: 95094028 Commercial / residential 2 BHK flat and 1BHK at Honda road residential 2BHK flat at opposite to Al Nadha hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

2 BHK close to Indian School Kindergarten Wadikabir RO 320.

Contact: 99476728 / 98484415 Spacious 1 BHK flat opp. Muscat Municipality Darsait with 2 bathrooms available for rent OMR 250 per month direct from owner from Sept1st onwards. Contact 97785037 For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454 Apartments for Rent in Nizwa behind Nizwa Hospital. 99530985 92513668 Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686 3 Bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand new available, behind Kims Hospital.

Contact 95225662

S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

Office space for rent opposite of Muscat Carrefour RO 6 per sq mt.

Contact 97700100 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624

PDO approved 25 MT Crane, forklift with boom & bucket 8001G portable, brackish & sewage tankers & 6 wheel Prime movers are available for monthly & daily rent (LCC contractor to PDO).

Contact: 98081969 / 98081699 2BHK close to Indian School kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/- & 1BHK R.O 250/-. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415 2BHK Pent house R.O 325/- & 1BHK R.O 225/- close to Indian Nursery, Darsait. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415 1bedroom attached toilet, kitchen, family in Al Khuwair RO 140.

Contact: 95154331 1BHK in Darsait, RO 220.

Contact: 99342661 2BHK in Ghubra South 330 R.O with A/C. Contact: 99342661 2 BHK pent-house having very spacious balcony with sea & city view RO 325 and 1BHK RO 240, adjacent to Indian Nursery Darsait.

Contact : 99476728 / 98484415 Flats in Al Khuwair 33 & Wadi Al Kabir. Contact: 92800007 Pent house for rent 1 sitting, 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen RO 225/-, location Al Khuwair, near DHL Courier. Contact 95620900 / 92976722 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 Flat in Al Khuwair 3 rooms + Majlis ground floor. Contact: 99242119 Shop/ office, near Khimji H.O. Muttrah. Contact 99233116 2 BHK near Khimji H.O. Muttrah.

Contact 99233116

FOR SALE Expat leaving bedroom set, fridge, table, sofa etc. Contact: 93393967

Room with toilet in Bowshar.

Contact: 96961306

2,560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563 Room for rent. Contact Farahat 98020768, Hilal: 96541263

Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

House in Muscat, near Muscat temple. Contact : 97711551 Flat for rent penthouse Al Amerat Al Mahaj. Contact: 92738298

FOR RENT

2BK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact 97007934 / 92629232

Flats shops & stores for rent at Al Amerat. Contact: 96278724

Brand new bldg in Walja 1 BHK, 2 BHK & shops. Contact 98218279

4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158

2 rooms, 2 toilets, kitchen in Al Ansab. Contact 94229023

I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos, at Wattayya R/A near the mosquefor Families. Contact 96457757 9 am to 7 Pm.

Brand new flat 2 bedrooms with 1 Majlis, 3 bathrooms, kitchen in South Ghubra behind Oman oil RO 350/-.

Contact 95367767 Basement available in MBD, Ruwi.

Contact 99713489 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near Indian Primary School 2 B & 1K. Contact 92222922 A flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 2 rooms and sitting room and all the necessary things. Contact: 92277419 Flat 2bedrooms+majlis in Ghubra.

Contact:99242119 4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis mart. Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835 / 99428143 2BHK & 1BHK flats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. #: 95555162 / 95755953 1 & two bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact 97677170 3 bedrooms villa excellent area at Mobilah. Contact 99879872 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953 3 BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balcony, nr. Al Hassan W/Kabir RO 330/-.

Contact :99384640 Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th.

Contact: 97147240 Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports.

Interested candidates please Contact 00968-92225523

1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines

Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

SELL/BUY Looking for purchase of a residential building with minimum 25 unoccupied flats in Ghala, Bousher, Azaiba, Ghubrah.

Contact: 99261522 Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 /96642500

We have complete office furniture for sale very nice & affordable price .

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 An Amazing excellent land for sale in Barka at Al Muraysi attached to road open from 3 sides and surrounded by houses and commercial shops and others. Ready for construction to build twin villa for good investment from owner land size 677. Contact: 91010668 Restaurant For Sale: Excellent Location at Al Rustaq on Main Highway.

Next to Qaboos Mosque and High Court Complex. Contact # 99227861.

Pest control and cleaning building company for sale with all permit and office. Contact : 96996938 JCB boom loader 540/170, 17 MTR 2008 model excellent condition.

Contact: 97677133 Fully equipped Beauty Parlor for sale in Amerat behind Sultan Center.

Contact : 98600130 / 24881211

Forklift sale. Contact: 99763831 Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

D4

S U N D AY, AU G U S T 3 0, 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

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE ADMIN

35 yrs male, MBA Finance with 5 years GCC Accounts & Admin experience. VDL.NOC available, looking for suitable placement.

Contact:96763275

A well established organization in Muscat is looking for an experienced lady Administrative Assistant.

Candidate with around 6 years of experience and excellent command of English language is requested to send CV to: recruitmentmuscat@yahoo.com

Indian male having 5 years of experience in Oman as accountant cum office administrator with Omani driving license looking for a new placement. Contact: 94173818, email: nibinkjames@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT Urgently required Accountant Gulf experience to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact : 99658756 Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

BEAUTY Required Beautician for a beauty salon in Muscat (visa available).

Contact: 97605308 Required experienced Hairdressers / full beauticians with exp in Ghubrah. Contact:97964519 / 94241385

DRAFTSMAN K.Design LLC requires “2d & 3d Draftsman” with minimum 3 yrs experience. Send CV to k.designoman@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER Required a House Maid preferably Muslim for a very reputed Omani Family in Muscat. Should be able to speak in Hindi / Arabic.

Contact 95216563 Indian family required full time Indian Housemaid, visa available.

Contact : 93228657 Wanted housekeeper at a Nursery – Muscat – Amerat, skill and commitment and behavior. Fax: 24700677 Tel: 99085844 /99010504 Email: school.oman@yahoo.com Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200

ENGINEER Urgently required Network & Security Engineer with minimum experience of 5 years, valid driving license & NOC, the candidate should have experience in the following data & voice cabling design structure, network project management, Data Center cabling installation, CCTV & Security Systems installation, operation, and maintenance.

Email: hussainmrj@gmail.com

Experienced Expat Driver with valid Oman driving license required immediately for an Omani family in MSQ. Contact 24607772 / 99054998 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

EDUCATION Urgently required experienced Teachers for Mathematics and Science (physics) for a reputed bilingual School in Al Ansab. Send CV to Email – aleithar@hotmail.com or Contact - 24585343 A well known private school is in need of Physics, English, Mathematics, Science and Kindergarten Teachers. Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

Accountant 36 yrs Indian male 10 yrs UAE experience in Accounts, Insurance currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 96334958 / 95217432 Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter), M.Com 8 years experience in Accounting, Auditing with NOC& valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737

MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om Automatic block factory requires qualified Engineer (Electromechanical) degree & diploma to operate new stationary block factory. Contact 97092070, email : alomranmcpllc@yahoo.com

Accountant with more than 6 years experience in SAOG company looking for middle management position.

Strong English/Arabic correspondence. Valid DL. NOC available.

Contact 91116924

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Required Foreman (MEP) with 4 to 5 Years experience, for maintenance of Building, Having valid Omani Driving License.

Contact 94422083 email : moolankara@yahoo.com

Medical CARE Centre, Multi Specialty Clinic, Seeb, requires General Practioner, Medical Lab Technician & Pharmacist. Send CV at Email : sarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856

Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154

Urgently required for leading company: Civil Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Planning Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Surveyor : 8 yrs experience, Draftsman & AutoCAD : 5 yrs experience. Fax: 24478522, email : gh1.careers@gmail.com

Urgently Required Experienced GP Doctor, Gynecologist, Female Nurses with MOH license & NOC for a reputed specialized center based in Muscat. Please forward your CV to alqaimtrd@gmail.com

DRIVER

Driver required for a Company, 2 yrs experience. Visa available. Contact 24479922

Accountant 4 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 96182302 Email: rishad.sainudheen@gmail.com

Leading construction company requires two Civil Engineer with minimum 5 years site experience in gulf. require gulf license and NOC. Send your CV to degree.engineer2015@gmail.com

INTERIOR DECORATING

Experienced Driver with car or without car. Visa available.

GSM 942 888 63 / 9905 3844

Fresher looking for a career opportunity B.Com good physique, quick learner English speaking.

Contact: 93368464

Interior design & fit-out company based on Muscat Grand Mall looking for : (part/Fulltime) Project manager , Site Engineer , Site Supervisor CVs to be sent to : alzahi.oman@gmail.com

IT Leading IT Company in search of computer professionals with hands on experience in PC & laptop repair.

Send CV to vacancyready@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required for a Medical Centre GP doctor, Gynecologist, Male Nurse, female Nurses, Assistant Pharmacist with MOH license, salary negotiable. Send your CV: moc.hrd2015@gmail.com, Contact 92681842 Vacancy for lady Doctor on morning shift for clinic at Ghala with Without MOH. Contact: 97746296 Dental Surgeon, Orthodontist, Staff Nurses (female) with or without MOH license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary & commission. Contact 99006915, Email : alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com

Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician.

Contact 99310590.

Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license.

Having oman market experience.

Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission. Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

SALES / MARKETING Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co IT – pre sales & marketing in Oman Governmental organizations. Send CV to masoud@iranrayaneh.com Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com

Accomplished Sales Executives/ Telemarketing Executives for leading Digital Media Enterprise. jobs@interacoman.com Furniture field experienced Salesman with license.

Contact - 99345159, 91398378 , E-Mail - agsan2005@gmail.com A reputed printing & advertising firm in muscat urgently requires male / female sales executives Contact : 99619552 , email : hocsigns@gmail.com Required urgently Energetic Marketing executive for acquiring new customers. Should possess a Valid Omani DL. Contact 96545020.

Required Marketing Executive.

Contact 24816774 / 99020458

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Waterproofing technicians required. Contact 92888337 Rig Operator/Technician/Driver/ Security Positions in Musandam.

Must have Oil field experience Good Communication Skills. Please email your resume in Arabic and English to HR@petroteloman.com

Indian CA with 15 yrs exp. working as Head of Finance for US MNC. NOC Available - 94047434 Filipino, 29 years, Male, BS Commerce major in Financial Accounting, 5years experience: Accounts PAYABLE/RECEIVABLE/PAYROLL, Excellent Communication/MS Office/Accounting Software skills.

Contact: 95057206/ patrick110486@yahoo.com Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505 25 years male BBA (Hons) CFAC ACCA having 3 years experience as top management operations, Accounts seeking suitable placement. Contact : 92829595 Email: saqib4u1@hotmail.com Young, energetic 24 yrs, ACCA finalist, Advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit. Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com M.Com female good knowledge in computer and tally 4 years experience in accounts and Administration seeks suitable placement on visit visa. Contact: 96992431 / 99450130 Accountant Indian male B.Com 7 years experience (Accounting) finance costing, auditing with NOC & valid driving license seeking placement. Contact: 96722257 Email: mudassir.pal@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian CA 10yrs of Oman experience in treasury, financial reporting, consolidation, ERP implementation in Trading, construction, Oil & Gas sectors. NOC available.

Email: caramdas.s5@gmail.com GSM: 91310237

FMCG professional with 18 yrs Gulf experience in commercial / operations looking for opening.

Contact 92787747 / 92168401

Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98222753 Email - shemeejup@gmail.com

SITUATION SIT. WANTED WANTED

Indian Female Chartered Accountant [ACCA] looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99342077 Indian male, 10 yrs experience, 6 yrs in Oman, with Oman driving license, having NOC, seeking suitable job. Contact 96012973 Accountant, Indian male, B.Com, PGDSE with 12 yrs of experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 92750853, email : vinoykjospeh@gmail.com 12 yrs of Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 99513082 10+ yrs UAE experienced Fin. Controller looking for a job change.

Contact 98006226 Email: devan801@gmail.com C.A article ship completed Indian female presently on visit visa looks for opening in Sur, finance/ Audit / Accounts. Contact: 93915733 ACCA and MBA (finance) from UK, 3.5 years experience in operation, holding D/L (Oman) looking for suitable position ready to join immediately. Contact : 95575614, Email: ahammadmds@gmail.com Indian male B.Com looking for Accounts, indoor sales, Office Assistant, Store keeper, Contact - 98295101 Indian Male MBA with Experience in Accounts, Admin, Sales, Contact – 91520930 Indian male MBA Graduate 24 yrs, 1 yr. experienced Accountant seeking suitable job. Contact: 94083260jithinnambiar777@gmail.com Female (Filipina) Accountant, Audit, Finance, Bookkeeper, 15 yrs experience, on tourist visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96944976, email: precyr_tupasi@yahoo.com Indian male MBA Finance / HR 1 yr experience in Indian currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93416031 Email: ashin.shams@gmail.com Certified Public Accountant, Filipino Male 26 years, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 yrs. of experience now on visit visa, Looking for suitable opening.

Contact: +968 91409308 Email: kennethalcedo07@gmail.com Accounts finance Indian male 35 yrs B.Com, M.B.A tally exp 9.7 yrs exp 1.5 yr Oman family visa N.O.C available. Contact : 93257426.

Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com Accountant with more than 30 years experience in both financial and cost accounting seek part time assignment in Muscat or Sohar.

Contact 98598099 Part time accountant services available. Contact:93438100 7 yrs experience as Store keeper in Pakistan, 2 yrs experience as Accounts Assistant, B.Com from Karachi University, MS Office, operating system 98,2000, XP professional Windows 7, Internet.

Contact 91235746 Chief Financial Officer 16 yrs of Management exp with MNCs in Pakistan, expert in financial reporting sap/ oracle implementing & optimization, Treasury, taxation, team work and change Management. #91936637 Email : rizwanfarooq.pk@gmail.com

S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Finance Manager, 22 yrs Oman experience. NOC available. Contact 91302906 / 91335205

Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com

Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization.

Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian, 16 yrs Oman experience in Admin / Office management and have D/L. Also have accounting knowledge. Contact: 99573353 Purchase, Admin Indian male 15 yrs Gulf experience. Contact: 95435370 32 years male, 11 years experience in indoor sales graphic designing, administration events looking for job. Contact: 98392508 Indian male 27Yrs, Having total 6 yrs of experience in HR/ Admin looking for suitable position.

Contact 91507099.

Indian male MCA, MSCE 2012 certified and Microsoft Exchange server administration with experience as System Administrator (windows) looking for a job currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 92745708 Email: nabeelmmkty@gmail.com Purchase, Admin, Indian male, 15 yrs Gulf experience. #95435370 Indian female MBA, 3 Year Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. #98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com Female 25, MSc (Wood Science & tech) MBA HRM, fresher well versed in English, Hindi and Malayalam, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries. #98401389 Email: thajnakp@gmail.com An Indian lady, MBA in HR & marketing with 4 yrs experience in teaching, seeking suitable placement. Contact 91108766 / 97447825 Chartered CIPD HR Professional having 5 years of experience in Oman seeking suitable job.

Call +971552071501.

Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in finance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. # 92955453 / 91213269 Oman/Qatar experienced Indian lady available for immediate placement HR / Admin/ front office/ reception/ document controller/ insurance coordinator. # 0097470057238 shinuemil@gmail.com

DRIVER Driver looking for job, 20 years experience. Contact: 94795033 Light driving with 6 years experience in Oman. Contact: 94001751 Driving job. Contact: 99109458 Light duty driver seeks placement.

Contact: 95032692 Light vehicle Driver 5 years of experience, with Oman driving license looking for a job. Contact: 97319805 / 92171166 Light Duty Driver with 2 yrs exp. in Oman. Contact 96420742 Looking for driving job driving experience more than 3 years.

Contact: 97459022 Indian driver, 30 years, 8 years in Oman exp GCC, D/L with NOC. Contact: 93100297 / 92547440 Driver with car able to do documentation work & documents delivery.

Contact : 95365938 Looking for driver job English, Arabic, and Hindi Lang, 8 years Muscat experience. Contact: 98802079

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

DRIVER Indian light duty driver.

Contact: 94269229 Looking for a job as light driver 3 years experience in Oman, languages Arabic, Hindi, and English.

Contact 97311715 Driver light. Contact: 94182497

Civil Engineer Pakistani 12 +2 years Oman experience D/L seeks placement. Contact: 94392616

Civil Engineer (B. Tech) Indian female, 2 yrs exp (1 yr in Oman) seeks suitable position. Contact: 93911895

B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering.

Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com

Instrumentation Engineer, nearly 4 yrs experience in oil & gas industry, seeks job in Oman.

Contact 90198210, Email : terinsam@gmail.com

Indian job in procurement & contract, have “13” years purchase & contract experience in infrastructure & energy sector. NOC is available.

Contact-91237036

Light duty driver with 3 months experience requires suitable placement. Contact: 96409814 / 97384115

25 years experience in Civil Engineering looking for job at consultancy from for suitable position.

Contact : 97803710

Driver available with car.

Contact 96771598

Civil Engineer 7 years experience in Oman also have vehicle driving license. Contact: 92480604

Light Driver. Contact 95779594, Ruwi Sri Lankan driver. Contact: 97387112 Indian male, looking for Heavy Driver job, holding Kuwait driving license. Contact 98136170 H.T. V Driver, Pakistani experience, 6 yrs, seeks work in company only.

Contact 93985087 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744

DESIGNER Indian male, 24 years Graphic designer one year experience, B. Sc Multimedia Animation on visit visa in Oman, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 93681417

DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad Dman , Diploma in civil, exp, knows 2d, 3d, revit PH:98195161

DOMESTIC HELPER House maid looking for job.

Contact: 99879576 House maid cum cook Keralite .

Contact: 94297839 Philippina Maid is looking for Domestic job or Baby seater with experience on Nursing age and all work in the house. Call : 96369299

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com Indian male, 23 years Electrical & Electronics Engineer having 1 year experience in Google company need suitable placement.

Contact: 91118694, Email: sharath2909@gmail.com Indian mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & BD including GCC, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com Indian male 27 yrs BE mechanical & W/diploma in automobiles 2 yrs teaching experience in designing (AutoCAD) seeking suitable position.

Contact: 94183625 Indian male 29 yrs old B.E electronic & Communication Engg (5 yrs experience in Oman) with valid D/L. Contact : 96652145 Electrical Engineer, B.Sc. degree/B. Tech, 4 years experience. Looking for suitable placement. Available in visit visa. Contact: 94739355, Email: mahin.eee@gmail.com MSC Electronics Female, 24 years, 1 year experience in MR Scan Testing on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 91111675 28 years male diploma in Civil Engineer 6 years experience in Oman valid Omani driving license seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98666735 /90289111 Email: engrjahedbd@yahoo.com

Young BA looking for a job as Secretary / document controller, typewriting 40 W.PM shorthand also available. NOC from the present co. available. Contact: 93085851 Net working & Hardware Engineer on visit looking for immediate placement. Contact: 95634573 Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650 Electrical Engr, female, B Tech (Elec), experienced in all LV/ HV systems, currently working, NOC available for local transfer. phone-92109335 Jordanian Mechanical Engineer, Expertise in Manufacturing, Design, Steel Work, AutoCad, SolidWork 3D. Nesting/ Plasma Cutting, Sales. Speaking English & Russian.

GSM#90198575/99201710 Indian fresher BE Mechanical engineer having work in project of design and development of biodiesel plant seeks immediate placement. At present on visit visa.

Mo- 96636035 email - ashishthanki14@gmail.com

Indian male 31yrs BE. Mech. 8 yrs exp Sales & marketing. Valid D/L NOC available. Contact : 97116858 Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin ,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885 Indian male, B.Tech, Mechanical Engineer having 2 yrs experience seeking suitable job. Contact 94768977, syedomer363@gmail.com Indian Male, 24, UK Graduate - MSc (Eng.) Environmental Engineering and Project Management with B.Eng. Biotechnology. Holding Valid Omani Driving License, looking for suitable placement. Contact +968 99452305 Civil Engineer Pakistani 12+ 2 yrs Oman exp. Oman D/L seeks placement. Contact: 94392616 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, 23 yrs, male, having knowledge in HVAC seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95434381, Email : shuhaibusman313@gmail.com Sudanese Electrical Engineer.

Email : mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail. com, contact 97452159 Bangladeshi male, BSC Engg in Civil, total 3 years experience, 2 years in Oman, looking for job.

Contact: 00968 94038642 ; email: shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com

Civil Engineer Indian male 10 yrs exp having Omani D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94194399 (shiblyrock@gmail.com)

EDUCATION M.A, B.Ed Indian female 27 yrs, looking suitable teaching profession having 2 years experience.

Contact: 95838183 Email: manslyas916@gmail.com

Diploma holder in Aviation Hospitality & travel management, Indian male seeking for suitable position, presently in Oman. Contact 97309707

PROJECTS

4 Years experienced (Money exchange services & Hospitality services in Oman & India) - Indian male 27 years, graduate in Hospitality science, fluent in English, Hindi & Arabic seeks suitable placement.

Contact 91383167

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED

NETWORK/NETWORK SECURITY ENGG. Graduate in B.Tech CS. Have 5.3 years of experience in Network and Security devices. Certified on CCNA, CCNP, MCITP and CCIE Sec. Written passed. NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact +974-55297089, e-mail: rejad.hashim@gmail.com Looking for a job as IT Administrator having 3 yrs exp in Oman.

Contact : 95850691 Indian female, B.Tech, IT (now in Muscat on visit visa) with total 2 yrs experience (1.3 yrs in TCS, India) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 93949541 / 93738083, email : joantoms91@gmail.com B.E (Computer) degree Engineer, complete schooling in Muscat, male, Indian with 1 yr experience needs job in software / networking / Java/ Web design or Marketing.

Contact 97136248 / 99313821 Sudanese female IT Tech. Support, Demographic, English fluent exp.

11.6 yrs. Contact: 96659392

SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com

Project Program & Service Management Indian male looking for suitable placement having 15 years of experience. Contact : 9686678027 Email: dileepmnair@yahoo.com

Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com

Supervisor fabrication. 30 years experienced in oil and gas industry with thorough knowledge of PDO procedures. contact 99365694, 92362946, 99208102 email: tapasroy21@yahoo . com

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in HV AC and plumbing - nikhilchandpm@gmail. com ; GSM: 97654489 Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. # 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 B.E in Mechanical Engineering with 2 years experience seeking for suitable job. Contact 919946739156 Email: ram332096@gmail.com B.Tech Electrical & electronics with 1 year experience seeking for suitable job. Contact: +91 949788348 Email: rakesh1.mohan@gmail.com Pakistani B.E (Chemical) Engineer having more than 02 years experience in process Industry seeks immediate placement in any industry at present on visit visa. Contact: 94350586 / 97637840 BE Mechanical Engineer, 22 yrs, Indian male on permanent visa & valid driving license looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact 91652927 / 99680181, Email : fawaris.09@gmail.com

Indian male, B.Tech, B.Tech (Electronics) MBA (Marketing) having 1 yr experience as Deputy Manager Sales in Fortune 100 MNC currently on visit visa seeks suitable job.

Contact 96967234, Email: lijotitus111@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF yres) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Procurement Manager 25+ yrs experience Indian with NOC+ D/L seeks placement. Contact: 97073942

Supervisor / Forman interior / electrical with Oman driving license.

Contact: 98767559

MEDICAL Male NURSE, FILIPINO, with MOH LICENSE and NOC. Contact: 94756418 email: rojiebrian.moral@yahoo.com M.Sc Microbiologist, Indian female, 3 yrs experience seeking suitable placement in Medical Lab food or water. Contact 92302719 Male Nurse, B.Sc Nursing, experienced, passed prometric exam PH : 93837973 Veterinary Doctor with 10 yrs experience, looking for job.

Contact 92533579

Indian male, 30 yrs, Diploma in Civil Engineer, 5 yrs exp. at building construction & consulting company with Oman driving license. NOC available seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95989500, cv.shihabedappal@gmail.com

BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact 92955453 /91213269

Mechanical Engineer, 2 yrs experience in Automobile services.

Contact 98182081

WELDER, TIG, ARC, 6G experienced in GCC PH :95068064

Indian Mechanical Engineer (QA/ QC) Engineer with 5 yrs of experience in oil & gas, mining & manufacturing sector, keyskills – NDT, Welding Inspection, Quality control, inspection etc. Contact 91176122, Email : khajanaseer07@yahoo.co.in

Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also.

Contact 95245057

IT

A male Civil Engineer with 10 years experience (03 years in Oman) in building projects execution, billing, contractual correspondence & tendering of projects is available.

The interested person can Contact: 968 91320917

Indian Mechanical Engineer with PG diploma in Quality & Management, 3 yrs experience seeks placement. Contact: 99493890 mail: subashpalamittam@hotmail.com

Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com Rent a car Incharge 39 yrs, Indian 15 yrs experience in UAE with UAE D/L seeks placement in any suitable post. Contact 99431708

Pakistani male, Diploma in civil, total 6 years experience , 4 years in Oman, with valid D/L, looking for job.

Contact: +968 98568934; Emai: eng.arfan54@yahoo.com

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

Indian looking for Supervisor, Safety officer, Camp boss or Sales Executive. Contact 94003617

HOSPITALITY

(BS Electronics) Electronics Engineer searching for job experience with Huawie & HNL as Intern in site maintenance. Contact: 91803545

Indian male 24 years B.Tech computer science & Engg fresher, having valid Oman D/L fluent in English & Hindi, smart & dedicated to work seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97327551 / 99330159

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

Upholsery / Sofa makers GCC well experienced, knows Hindi and Arabic ph :99506977 36 yrs, Indian, male, X Ray, Welder looking for job, 8 yrs experience in TIG & ARC Welding, presently on visit visa. # 91360190 / 91843992

Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107

SALES / MARKETING Senior Sales Engineer 4 years experience in Oman with D/L, Sales electrical products PDO OXY supply liaison with MEP contractors and consultants NOC available.

Contact: 0091 9895799737 Email: thomasjmuscat@gmail.com Contact : 99447853 Indian male 8 yrs experienced construction purchase seeks suitable placement with NOC. Contact 95621614 A male with 04 years experience & mobiles marketing in Oman & U.A.E available with own car (Camry 2012 model). Interested person can Contact : 968 98512523 PGDM in Marketing & finance and specialization in SCM in Belgium University, 14 months experience in cooperative relations looking for suitable job. Contact: 92050773 MBA (Marketing and HR) Indian male looking for a suitable job 2 years experience in Oman with a valid GCC driving license Contact : 97353936 Email: shimithpg@gmail.com US, MBA, looking for job in Sales and Hospitality, 2 years experience in Oman with driving license and NOC Currently on notice period.

Contact: 95585345 Email: jobyisaac@gmail.com Indian male with five years experience of call centre in customer service and sales looking for suitable position. Contact: 90198176 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com Post graduate 6+ yrs of experience in credit controller marketing looking for suitable job, valid Oman driving license, own car. NOC available.

Contact 95327018 Indian male, MBA, Marketing having 5 yrs experience in Sales/ Marketing in Oman seeks suitable placement. D/L & NOC available.

Contact 93815477 Sales man, experienced , knows arabic , hindi ph : 99506977 Indian male Graduate with 2 yrs exp in sales advertising, presently on visiting visa looking for suitable opening. Contact: 95462921 Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92055093 MBA, HR & Marketing, Indian, male, 25 yrs, fresher, on visit visa seeks placement. Contact 94736649 / 98207564, Email : dvengels8191@gmail.com

D6

S U N D AY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED TOURS & TRAVELS Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767 11 yrs experience in travel field B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales reservation ticketing driving license & NOC available. Contact 92954613

MISCELLANEOUS Land Surveyor experience 6 years in landscape , construction and roads for contact : 0096895244840, 0096899703488, e-mail: eng.amr_salama@yahoo.com Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering.Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/ 97357143 ACCA Affiliate, Oxford Brookes Bsc, 2.5 years experience in audit, finance in Big 6 and oil industry, NOC release available. a.saran891@gmail. com, 95140445

SITUATION WANTED Male, 32 years M.A. English M.SC psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experiences in teaching present company is ready to issue release letter. Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:95983711.Join.mtmali@gmail.com

Housemaid looking for job.

Cont : 95587492

Indian male 24 years,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 2 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com

B.com .5 yrs exp. of oman Looking for an Accounts job work, preferred to do from home. Well versed with TALLY Accounting software.

Contact 95482970

Filipino (Male), 33 yrs/old, 9 yrs. experience in marine transportation (seaman/deck crew), & 3 yrs. in sales (electronic devices) currently on visit visa & looking for a suitable employment. GSM: 94750459

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

Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95253640 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com

Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com

29 years femaile (MBA-Finance) with 4 + years experience (India & Oman) in administration & teaching seeking suitable placement in an established organization. # 96371655.

Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 91718976 , email : mdnaveed71@gmail.com Male, 32 years M.A. English M.Sc Psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experience in teaching present company is ready to issue release letter. Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:- 95983711, join.mtmali@gmail.com ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Iranian male, Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available, seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Indian-22 years Male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech, has done internships, born and brought up in Oman, with Omani Driving License, seeking suitable jobs. Contact 92791637.

E-mail: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 91718976

Senior Accountant Indian male Graduate CA Articleship completed 18 years of experience currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement contact.97498809,93391910 Email.hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male, 30 yrs, B.Com with Tally, 8 yrs experience with Oman driving license experience in Accounts & sales seeks suitable placement. Contact 96470171 Electrical Maintenance Engineer, 29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact - 98440637. Mail ID : venkatbadri23@gmail.com Indian male 22 years, Looking for suitable placement in Hardware and Networking field, 1 year exp. in india an have done training in al ameen computers. With good communication skill, Qualification is Diploma in Electronics and Communication.

Contact : - 95632209,95068075, Email- fairozhuded13@gmail.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science, diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience , dba oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba, network, Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic.

Email:chastity643@gmail.com, Mob:91415886

Indian male 23 years, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482 Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Male, 32, having 7 years experience in New Car sales and rental. Currently working for one of the most reputed Brand in India is seeking a suitable change.

Contact +91 9045232273 Looking for managerial post (full time ) ,More than Ten years of experience in Team Development ,Training ,Planing, Administration, Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics.

Contact 91076608 /+919048648108 NOC available Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 7 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. Having a valid D/L. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian Male having experience in UAE, India, Oman total 5 years (including MNC), looking for similar or same openings.NOC available. mobile: 92700670, email:catanalur131@gmail.com Accounts Head/Manager looking for job with Gulf Experience (NOC available). Contact : 94164650. email: msaleem.kr@gmail.com

Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available. #9719 4864

Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 7 years of gulf experience in fasteners and building material. Having a valid driving license. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com

Having 9+ years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com

Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. # 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864 Indian male MBA finance and marketing. Having 2 year experienced in accounting, looking for suitable job opportunities. Available on visit can join immediately. Cont: 94676974 Email: anfalruk@gmail.com SALES MANAGER (MECHANICAL ENGINEER)-Over 5 yrs in Oman, with experience in Industrial Products & Services with Noc & driving license looking for the challenging opportunities. Notice period Ends on 27th August -2015 . GSM - 95291830 ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 5 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. with good communication skills.

Contact: 00968 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa. Seeking suitable placement. Contact no. 98045482 21 years, B. Com, graduate male ‘fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam with Driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact: 96799287 Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 97121525 24 years, ACCA affiliate, 2.5 years of experience in audit, finance in Big6 and oil industry, looking for suitable placement, NOC release available. Contact 95140445, Email: a.saran891@gmail.com Male available for a part time accounting & admin job, Contact:99196621.

INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic).Having 2 years experience as Electrical Site Engineer in Constructions. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications.

Seeking for suitable placement in constructions or in any related industries. Contact no: 98045482/ mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male, 29 yrs, B.Tech Electronics & Communication Eng. + diploma in SAP, 7 years professional experience, looking for a job in Oman / other GCC countries.

Contact: 0091 973 928 5790, Email: rahul.rn198@gmail.com Indian male MBA finance and marketing having 2 year experienced in accounting. Having good knowledge in Tally ERP and advanced excel.

Looking for suitable job opportunities. Available on visit visa can join immediately.

Contact:94676974, Email : anfalruk@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer : Indian , male 23 years, 2 years experience, on visit visa . Seeking suitable placement.

Contact : +968 91409712 , Email : nibin.nani@gmail.com Babar Ali Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, No need of Visa, already working in of the Omani Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Advertising/media executive with 15 years gulf experience with oman driving license. Seeks good opening.

Contact 93031168 Indian Male, 37 Years , B Tech Graduate Electrical. Having 12 Years Experience of DCRP Works / Jobs in Oman with Driving License, Looking for an suitable opening, NOC Available. Contact – 92122338, Email saiviharvasanth@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439 Indian Female Lawyer having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman seeks placement in Legal/HR/ Admin etc. NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com

MATRIMONIAL Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590 A respectable Sunni Muslim family from Hyderabad, India invites proposal for their daughter, 26 years, MSc, very fair. Contact 93671857 Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED Indian coca requirement with experience. Contact: 99209264

FOR EXPATS From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

GOOD NEWS Ayuredic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Working partners required for Farm Based Trading. Contact: 94151791 Seeking financial investor / partner for short term Governmental construction project of 1.5 million Riyal Omani. Contact : 99881303

WEBSITE

CLASSES

New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938 General Investors. Gsm-99674870

ACC. AVAILABLE Single room with AC, balcony and separate toilet for working women or non cooking bachelor near Rex Road, Ruwi. Contact: 92183404 Fully furnished sharing Executive bachelor at Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99325387 Family sharing accommodation available in Al Khodh. Contact : 98292798 Separate room with A/c, Small Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390 Semi furnished rooms in AL Khuwair with car parking.

Contact : 92888337 Furnished room for IND EXE bachelor near Al Khuwair R/A. Contact : 99659513

Admission started in a private school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and grade 1 to 4 please register soonest.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

Sharing accommodation for Filipina on Seeb for couple / working ladies.

Contact: 92959251 Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor, behind Al Meera Hypermarket, Azaiba, RO 150/-. Contact 99455735 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only.

Contact 99251975 Single rooms with attached bath available at Ruwi.

Contact 98049288 / 8091089

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

COMPUTER

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

1 bedroom, hall, kitchen & toilet available for family near ISD Darsait (Indians only) with wi-fi facility.

RO 150/- per month + Electricity & Water. Contact 93661570

Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621

Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wifi free, advance deposit.

Contact 91852710

An NRI wants to sell his properties, in Ernakulam (6 cent villa near Amrita hospital), Trivandrum (plot near Kowdiar Palace), Trivandrum (plot near Kumarapuram Jn.) and Pandalam (opposite Ayyappa temple by the side of MC road).

Please call: 94052733 or 94070407

Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206

Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya).

Contact 96761960 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

DRIVING

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397/99493500

Room for rent with sharing bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair, behind Golden Spoon Restaurant.

Contact 92994415

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

NRI

LOST Muhammad Jahangir has lost Pakistan passport No AS 8105131. Finder please handover to ROP. Abdul Rasheed has lost Indian passport no K7026187. Finder please handover to ROP.

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company.

Contact: Saleh : 96723485 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 All maintenance & repairs.

Contact Rizwan: 99429071, RMPM Trading.

A/C Technician, all refrigerator items, installation.

Contact: 92279370 Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents & Termites. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units.

Contact: 98667326

Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813

TRANSPORTATION Driver with car. Contact: 94004667 Pick & drop anytime in Al Ghubra.

Contact: 97681599 Transport available in Ghala, Ruwi , Ghubra, Al Khuwair & Azaiba.

Contact: 91495819

General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. #94134784 / 98598280

Transportation. Contact 99664703

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Transport. Contact: 95190627

Transportation available.

Contact 95570429

Transportation. Contact: 96538078 General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013 A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. # 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time. #97014786

D8

S U N D AY, AU G U S T 3 0, 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 Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

Car for rent. Contact: 92516090 Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

FOR HIRE

Diplomat used car for sale Toyota Corolla 2010 model, mileage 19,950/, price R.O 3500 /- (negotiable).

Contact: Mohamed Azgar 95751844 / 95863739 Nissan Xterra 2010 Expat owned 90,000 k, clean car.

Contact: 93393967

HONDA CR-V 2008, purchased 2009, 4WD, Full option, No.1 model, Cruise control, leather seats, Sun roof, 1,23,000KMS, OMR 5000/-, expat leaving, for sale at SOHAR, Contact Samuel 99108311 Mazda 3,1.6, 2008 Automatic, accident free, single owner.

Contact: 92030516

Sportage, 2013. Contact 99336093 Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

Land Cruiser 2012.

Contact 99336093