Times of Oman - December 30 , 2015

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the opening of the Sultan Qaboos University Cultural Centre, 2010

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Our stress on the useful science emanates from our belief that it is the right springboard for acquiring knowledge, expertise and skills that enable the current and future generations to contribute positively to the service of their homeland and society and meet the needs of development in a guided manner.

WEDNESDAY, December 30, 2015 / 18 Rabi Al Awal 1437 AH timesofoman.com wtimesofoman.com

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HM sends condolences to Saudi King MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), on the death of Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and grant his family patience. -ONA STATE-OF-THE-ART: The building complex has four floors that combines modernity and architectural heritage of Oman. – ONA

Sayyid Taimour to open digital studio complex tomorrow the field of production and television broadcast.

The new compound is a significant and advanced step for radio and television broadcasting in the Sultanate.

Digital studios The new building includes four large digital studios to produce dramas and various programmes.

The areas of the studios range between 200 and 700 square metres. The complex includes a news centre that consists of a main hall for editing, designed according to

the latest global standards with studio for news bulletins broadcast from inside the hall, as well as three other digital studios for news programmes.

The complex also includes three radio studios for news and three studios for broadcast and a theatre.

The brand of the Public Authority for Radio and its TV and radio channels will be launched in the opening ceremony, in addition to changing their logos and the launch of trial broadcast of Oman Cultural Channel. -ONA

GHUBRA ACCIDENT

Call for rigorous training of Mwasalat drivers HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI SHRUTHI NAIR MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

MUSCAT: Residents and road safety experts have called for “stringent training” of bus drivers following a Mwasalat bus collision on Tuesday in which two people were injured.

The newly-introduced Mwasalat bus was in collision with a tourist bus at Ghubra and a passenger and an Omani bus driver were injured, according to a

Royal Oman Police (ROP) spokesperson. The ROP, however, did not indicate who was to blame or how the accident happened.

Even though Oman bus drivers are considered ‘trained’, residents said they would like to see drivers receive thorough training to prevent future accidents.

“Drivers should undergo more rigorous and intensive training and must have a minimum of five years’ driving experience to avoid any such incidents in the future,” a Ghubra resident said.

Others have called for physical, hearing and vision requirements for bus drivers. “[Bus drivers] typically work without direct supervision and are fully responsible for the safety and satisfaction of their passengers. Therefore, they have to be equipped with the required knowledge and skills.

They also must meet physical, hearing and vision requirements,” said Amor bin Nasser Al Matani, Chairman, Oman Road Safety Association.

“We must keep in mind that

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Private sector braces for tough next year

HI-TECH BROADCASTING TECHNOLOGIES

MUSCAT: Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Taimour bin Asa’ad bin Tariq Al Said, will open on Thursday the digital studios complex of the Public Authority for Radio and Television.

The new complex comes with the latest high-quality digital broadcasting technologies.

The building has four floors and combines modernity and architectural heritage of Oman.

The systems, networks and devices in the complex are designed using the latest technologies in

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driving the same route every day requires more attention, as a driver’s mind could easily become distracted,” Al Matani noted, adding that distractions come in many guises, including day-dreaming, fidgeting with the radio, becoming tired, fatigue and using cell phones.

Al Matani suggested drivers follow precise schedules and adjust their driving according to traffic and weather conditions, in order to arrive at each stop at its designated time. >A5

Though 2016 is expected to be a tough year, it will also give firms an opportunity to devise ways to meet the challenges

STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT: 2016 is expected to be a difficult year for private companies but they can turn the challenges into opportunities with proper planning and the government’s support, said members of the business community.

The next year will be difficult for private companies and low oil prices may affect certain aspects of their activities, said a senior official from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

The number of projects may be reduced, but hopefully they will not reach a point where they will be unable to pay the salaries of their employees or terminate their contracts, Redha Juma Mohammed Ali Al Saleh, vice chairman for Administration and Finance Affairs at the OCCI, told the Times of Oman.

Private companies should undertake ‘proper planning’ in order to address these challenges, he said, adding that the government’s support is also necessary.

For example, the Ministry of Manpower should help the companies by allowing them to get

Redha Juma Mohammed Ali Al Saleh, vice chairman for Administration and Finance Affairs at the OCCI.

new work permits if they have to terminate the contracts of some employees, Al Saleh noted.

Good opportunity P Chandrasekr, group general manager, Jawad Sultan Group of Companies, said year 2016 appears to be ‘challenging’ because of a variety of reasons, not only for Oman, but the entire region as governments try to balance their budget. However, he believes that Oman’s ongoing efforts towards economic diversification will benefit the country.

Chandrasekr added that although next year appears likely to be a difficult time for companies, it will also provide a good opportunity for companies to learn how to address the challenges and enhance their capabilities.

The difficulties may appear to be very big at this point in time, but companies will be able to go through the situation by balancing resources and investments and controlling costs, he explained.>A4

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Crackdown on outlets in Ibri

Majlis discusses key issues at meeting

Duqm port set to export minerals

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Port of Duqm plans to start export of minerals for the first time in February next year, said a toplevel official of the port. The port has already set up facilities for ‘early operation’ of its break bulk terminal for exporting 50,000 tonnes of dolomite as the first shipment. >B1

Officials of Ibri Municipality were forced to shut down 42 commercial shops and destroyed more than 3,000 kilograms of stale food in 2015.

According to the municipality’s officials, 698 health violation letters were issued throughout the year. >A2

Shura members reviewed a number of issues, including interpellations addressed to the minister of commerce and industry about the ban on importing more than seven-year old vehicles, and the interpellation addressed to the minister of health on medical malpractices. >A4

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Ahli-Sidab lift His Majesty’s Cup for hockey

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HELPING THE NEEDY

An expatriate who never tires repatriating bodies to India REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Shameer PTK’s phone never stops ringing. While some call to find out how a person’s dead body can be repatriated to India, others want him to assist them in person.

“Day or night, I get calls seeking assistance. People have confidence in me that I can help them out. It is their belief in me that pushes me further to be ready to impart any service. A majority are clueless about the procedures. They need someone who is aware of all the procedures,” Shameer, an Indian expatriate, who has been residing in Oman since 1998, told the Times of Oman.

According to Shameer, who helps repatriate at least two to three bodies every week, repatriat-

ing an expatriate’s body requires a lot of paper work.

“We have to get a death notification from the hospital, a sponsor’s letter, the embassy’s no objection certificate, a death certificate from the civil status department and a release letter from the police station, where the death was reported,” Shameer said.

“After the paper work, the body has to be transferred to the police hospital for embalming and then

SELFLESS SERVICE: Shameer PTK helps repatriate bodies to India

and also assists the needy. -Supplied photo

coffins have to be purchased to send it as cargo on an air plane,” Shameer added.

Since 1998, Shameer has repatriated hundreds of Indian nation-

als’ bodies from Oman. “It would be a rough figure as I don’t keep any records. It’s not something one can keep a record of,” Shameer added.

The cost of repatriating a body

to India is about OMR580. “While, I came to Muscat, I was guided by Ashraf TC, a good samaritan, who was actively involved in body repatriation. He guided me a lot. I learnt the procedures by accompanying him,” Shameer added.

In general, due to one reason or the other, delays always occur while repatriating a body.

“However, I cannot forget having to repatriate nine bodies in a single day in 2012. All nine people died in an accident in Haima. Five belonged to one family and three belonged to another family. And the ninth person belonged to a third family.

“According to Air India’s rules, only two bodies can be carried per day. But our request worked. They agreed to carry nine bodies on that day itself,” Shameer said.

Bereaved families can’t thank him enough, but anyone who tries to offer him money for his services or cover the cost of petrol at the least is firmly turned away.

On the contrary, Shameer ends up spending a good amount of money on repatriating each body.

“I don’t know how much I spend on phone calls and travel while being involved in the repatriation process. Many a times my phone gets disconnected as I exceed the limit.

“What to do? Life is like that. I don’t do these things looking for something in return. I consider it my duty. I don’t even expect a thank you,” Shameer said, in a hurry to end the conversation because he was again getting repeated calls from a new group of people, looking for help to repatriate a body back home.

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This year included an intensive crackdown and surprise checks on grocery markets and commercial shops in different villages in the wilayat of Ibri Khalfan Al Tobi, Director, Ibri Municipality

3 tonnes of food destroyed in Ibri following safety checks Ibri Municipality officials said 698 health violation letters were issued this year, while – Times file picture

541 warnings were issued to different institutions operating in Ibri

Times News Service MUSCAT: Officials of Ibri Municipality were forced to shut down 42 commercial shops and destroyed more than 3,000 kilograms of stale food in 2015.

According to the municipality’s officials, 698 health violation letters were issued throughout the year, while 541 warnings were issued to different institutions operating in the wilayat.

“This year included an intensive crackdown and surprise checks on grocery markets and commercial shops in different villages in the wilayat of Ibri in coordination with the locals,” Khalfan Al Tobi, director of the Ibri Municipality, said.

More than 40 technical violations were recorded in 2015.

However, the violation of health standards is not restricted to Ibri.

Last week, food safety experts and the public had called for stricter rules and heftier fines to be imposed after surprise checks conducted by the Muscat Municipality found that nearly half the restaurants in the Bausher area were not following food safety standards.

“Restaurants compromising on food safety standards and those directly affecting consumers’ health should be heavily fined.

Municipality authorities should intensify the inspections because consumers cannot check what is happening in the kitchens of such restaurants,” Mohammed Al Busaidi, a Bausher Shura member, told the Times of Oman.

Surprise inspections by the Muscat Municipality at 125 restaurants in the course of the last few days in Bausher had found that around 53 restaurants were not meeting food safety standards and were violating rules formulated by the municipality.

According to the NHI principal,

food safety has become a very important issue in Oman, particularly due to the rising number of foreign tourists arriving in the country as they expect certain standards to be in place.

“We at the NHI are at the forefront of food safety training, management, auditing and inspection in Oman. Despite the many challenges, which are still evident, there has been a marked increase in the general standard of food safety in higher class properties, i.e. 4 or 5- star hotels and premium restaurant outlets,” the principal added. “In addition to the pressure from tourists, the local residents’ pressure to raise standards is also increasing. More people travel outside the country now than before and can see higher standards being followed in different parts of the world,” the principal added.

According to a recent report issued by Al Masah Capital Ltd., the region’s leading investment firm, total food service sales in Oman were pegged at $1.1 billion in 2014.

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The event was organised to create awareness about the associations and their work.

Al Bahlani, CEO, AEICD

ALAWI RECEIVES UN SPECIAL ENVOY FOR LIBYA

Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, received on Tuesday Martin Kobler, Special Envoy and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.

The meeting discussed the developments in the Libyan arena and the efforts being exerted by the UN Envoy with the Libyan parties. The meeting was attended by Ahmed bin Ali Al Issa’ei, Acting Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, and a number of officials at the Foreign Ministry. — ONA

FOURTH MEETING: Majlis Al Shura met and reviewed several issues, on Tuesday. — ONA

Majlis Al Shura meets to review many key issues Majlis reviewed the reply of the Tender Board on some of the questions related to the effect of studies prepared by some governmental agencies

MUSCAT: Key issues including the reply of the Tender Board on some of the questions related to the effect of studies prepared by some governmental agencies, were reviewed by Majlis Al Shura.

Majlis Al Shura on Tuesday held its fourth meeting of its first annual session 2015-2016 of its eighth term 2015-2019 under the chair of Khalid bin Hilal

Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura.

The Majlis also reviewed a number of desires, interpellations and parliamentary questions to the government including the inquiry by one of the members about Oman University, the interpellation addressed to the Minister of Commerce and Industry about the ban of importing more than seven-year old vehicles, the interpellation addressed to the Minister of Health on the measures used in addressing medical malpractices, and the interpellation addressed to the Minister of Tourism about Oman Sail Company.

The meeting also reviewed the question addressed to the Minister of Oil and Gas on the actual cost for the production of oil barrel, the question addressed to the Minister of Health about the non availability of Kalydecoivacaftor medicine, the question addressed to the Minster of Commerce and Industry on issuing Mining Law, the question addressed to the Minister of Transport and Communications on the delay in con-

struction of the pedestrian bridges on Al Batinah street, as well as some letters from their excellencies on extending the applications for registration and proving ownership. The Majlis also reviewed the letter submitted by taxi drivers on the proper mechanisms to regularize their profession.

On the external arena, the Office discussed the circular of the Arab Parliament Secretariat General on marking the 70th anniversary for the establishment of the Arab League and the request to activate the work mechanisms for the Arab League. It also reviewed the circular on the 5th session of the joint committee between the Arab League and Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The meeting also reviewed the letter of the Republic of Malta Parliament on forming a parliamentary friendship group with Majlis Al Shura, naming some friendship groups with a number of friendly and sisterly parliaments and namely Majlis Al Shura members in some regional and international parliamentary associations. — ONA

UROLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

Authors of ‘Urological Cancer Management’ book honoured Times News Service MUSCAT: The doctors who have authored the book, “Urological Cancer Management”, were recently honoured by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, at the conferences hall of the Royal Hospital (RH), recently.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Hosni, undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, Dr Qasim Al Salmi, RH’s director-general, along with the medical and administrative staff of the hospital.

Brief explanation This book endeavours to provide the reader with a brief and succinct explanation of common urological malignancies as opposed to comprehensive textbooks, which are readily available and describe all aspects of urology.

SERVING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

the reader with a brief and succinct explanation of common urological malignancies. — Supplied picture

Collection of scientific material for the book in the field of urology was done by doctors specialising in Urology at the Royal Hospital, namely; Dr Salim bin Said Al Busaidy, consultant and head of Urology at the RH, Dr Said bin Abdul-

A1 ‘Don’t blame all on < FROM

low crude prices’

The businessman further said that companies should not blame everything on low oil prices and, instead, should enhance their efficiency and productivity and adopt the right measures at the right time. In addition, Chandrasekr noted that the support of the Ministry of Manpower could help companies overcome certain challenges. Simplifying certain rules, giving more operational freedom to companies and issuing clearances early can help ease out some issues, he added.

Haidar, an Omani economic expert, said the private sector is likely to suffer as a result of the decline in oil prices, which will negatively affect the government’s revenues.

Lower crude prices will affect the entire region and not only Oman, but the key to continuous development is diversifying the economy, he added. Haidar said Oman has gone through more difficult times in the past and companies have found ways to adjust to the changes and survive. He also noted that the Ministry of Manpower can come up with certain measures to support the companies. For example, there should be a kind of ‘exchange’ policy, which would allow a company to easily hire employees that have been released by another company, the economic expert said.

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Six charity associations and NGOs, all serving children with special needs, came together to celebrate the 45th National Day of Oman at the Al Bustan Palace, Ritz Carlton Hotel on Monday night.

The Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability, Association of Welfare of the Handicapped Children, Omani Society for the Hearing Impaired, the Oman Autism Society, the Al Noor Association of the Blind and Dar al Atta’a were the six associations that came together for the National Day celebrations.

The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Kamil Bin Fahad Al Said and around 500 guests attended the event, including many local dignitaries, VIPs and prominent members of the business community, who took part in the Grand Charity Gala Dinner.

According to the organisers, the Gala Dinner was the first of its kind in Oman to raise funds for the charity associations.

— Pictures by Shabin E/Times of Oman

as people are becoming aware about disabilities and they have started bringing their children to us, but there is much more to be done,” Al Bahlani said in her welcome speech.

The main intention of the event was to create awareness about these associations existence and their role in society. They also

lah Al Mamari, senior specialist in Urology, Dr Qais bin Mohammed Al Hoti, senior specialist in Urology, Dr Kurian George, senior consultant in Urology and Dr Santhosh Narayana Kurukkal, senior specialist in Urology.

O I L P R I C E I M PAC T

Six charity associations, NGOs celebrate Oman’s National Day

Diverse art works In cooperation with the Omani society for Fine Arts, a selection of 45 paintings, sculptures and diverse works of art featuring artists of different nationalities were auctioned at the event.

The proceeds from the event and from the auction will be distributed equally among the six participating charities.

Guests were welcomed by Sabah Al Bahlani, chief executive officer of AEICD (Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability), followed by an Oud performance by Yaqoob bin Abdulla Al Harrasi, who was accompanied by Yoosof bin Naser Al Battashi and Naeem bin Shennan Al Bulushi.

“The event was organised to create awareness about the associations and their work. We feel that there is a big change in Oman

COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION: This book endeavours to provide

wanted to continue to provide and develop their services for special needs, in the areas of independence, self-help, creativity and communication skills.

Associations also want to encourage the special needs/disabled children and their families to play an effective and productive role in the near future in soci-

ety and take an active part in the workforce of Oman.

Organisers also urged donors to get involved in the activities of any of the associations.

A variety of stage performances, such as classical dance by Indian Odissi dancers, a performance by music bands were the main attractions of the event.

Tough year ahead Tonia Gray, general manager at Competence HR, said in her opinion, 2016 is definitely going to be a tough year for many businesses in Oman, irrespective of size or sector and many will need to implement changes.

“Some may see a temporary increase in business as some oil companies have taken the approach of extracting as much oil as possible now, but this cannot be sustained. Many companies are already downsizing or releasing higher paid staff and replacing them with those who will accept lower salaries or those with less experience and skills,” she stated.

Gray added, “Even very large

groups have advised that there will be no pay rises, no bonuses, cuts to overtime pay and have reduced other benefits. Recruitment has already declined significantly, with companies not replacing staff who leave and budgets being cut in all areas, such as training, marketing, promotions etc. I do not think this situation will change for the foreseeable future and more people will lose their jobs in the coming months.” Asked how companies should prepare themselves, the expert noted, “When companies face hard times there are only two things they can do—one is to increase the sales of their product or services and the other is to reduce costs (overheads). Given that the marketplace has slowed significantly, the only option for many will be to reduce costs. This is likely to mean reducing staff numbers, cutting pay and benefits (actions that are difficult to do in Oman) and adjusting budget expenditure to meet revenue.”

Commenting on what is expected from the Ministry of Manpower to support private companies in this situation, Gray said, “Personally, I think the Ministry of Manpower needs to be supportive of changes that companies feel they need to make during this time rather than prevent the changes from happening or making change difficult because of lengthy procedures.” “The restructuring of businesses (downsizing) may be the only way that the business can stay operational. Whilst this is awful for those losing their jobs, this may protect the jobs of others and give the company the best opportunity to survive this economic downturn,” she said.

“Being able to reduce benefits without the fear of repercussions is also going to be important.

Unfortunately, the necessary changes will need to impact on both nationals and expatriates and the company is best placed to determine what strategies it needs to implement to stay in business and ride out the difficult months ahead,” Gray added.

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Sultanate looks to Duqm as next ‘most promising’ hub of tourism Duqm is being seen as one of the most attractive regions for upcoming tourism investments and has already witnessed a tourism boom recently due to its unique tourism characteristics and advantages

MUSCAT: Ahead of the new tourism policy being unveiled next month, authorities in the Sultanate are pitching Duqm —a port town located on the Arabian Sea— as the “most promising” tourist destination in the future.

The south-central region, which is located some 550 kilometres from Muscat, is being seen as one I N D I A T R AV E L AWA R D S

of the most attractive regions for upcoming tourism investments and has already witnessed a tourism boom recently due to its unique tourism characteristics and advantages.

“The wilayat includes many unique tourism elements, especially the beautiful beaches from the east, sand dunes characterised by their pristine landscapes, in addition to mountainous highlands with many valleys and bays, which represent an inherently self-sustained environment,” said an official statement quoting Sheikh Mohsen bin Hamad bin Mohsen Al-Maskari, the wali of Duqm.

“These include many scenic villages and valleys, which include prosopis, alder buckthorn, and acacia tortilis, among others,” he said.

Hotels and resorts Duqm already has several hotels, resorts and rest houses that witness round-the-year and good tourist turnouts. There is a direct flight from Muscat to Duqm, which is one of the wilayats of the Al-Wusta Governorate and characterised by its fish and oil wealth.

Several hotels and rest houses were in Duqm established recently, including the four-star Crowne Plaza Hotel and the three-

ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION: Duqm has several hotels and resorts that witness round-the-year tourist turnouts. — Supplied picture

star Al-Madina Hotel owned by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OTDC).

Besides, the MB Group built the four-star Park Inn Hotel, which includes a group of chalets, suites and restaurants, the establishment of several hotels and resorts in the coming years is expected, while there are other projects in the pipeline, such as the “Duqm Façade City.”

Meanwhile, the Director of Tourism Department Al-Wusta Governorate, Azad bin Amer Ta-

man Al-Omari, said Duqm has a distinctive tourist potential and its nature is fraught with factors that constitute a tourist attraction.

“Therefore, the tourism ministry will offer land for investment from time to time,” said Al-Omari.

“The ministry pays attention to the guiding signs of tourist sites in the wilayat and places them conspicuously to facilitate the arrival of tourists to places they would like to visit,” added Al-Omari.

Fakhry Hindiyyah, general manager at the Crowne Plaza Duqm

Hotel, said guests can find everything they need in terms of advanced comfort at the hotel.

“The warm colours and Omani designs add touches of warmth and welcome to the 213 rooms and suites, whose windows and balconies have sea views,” he stated.

“It’s the best destination for conferences and seminars with its five ballrooms of different sizes equipped with state-of-the-art audio/video equipment, in addition to the Al-Wusta Ballroom that can accommodate 300 persons,” added Hindiyyah.

Another hotel, the Park Inn lies in the middle of Duqm city and is close to all tourist sites and attractions that appeal to visitors, whether those who would like to relax on the sunny beach or explore the various tourist destinations nearby. According to hotel officials, tourists of various nationalities visited the hotel this year, which has 73 equipped chalets of various sizes, a number of meeting rooms and exhibition halls and a gymnasium equipped with the latest sports equipment.

As for Al-Madina Hotel, it includes 118 rooms equipped with the latest amenities. It is near Duqm city and is strategically located to offer easy access to the Special Economic Zone in Duqm

(SEZD), the airport and other development projects in Duqm.

Marine areas Ras Madrakah, a coastal village, is one of the marine areas on the Arabian Sea. One of the places frequented by the visitors of the village is the soft sand beach that extends for a long distance and provides a chance to the tourist to enjoy recreation, including surfing and fishing.

Duqm Beach is located 10 kilometres from the centre of the qilayat and is known for the purity of its sand and turquoise waters extending their embrace to the skyline.

Rare Stone Park, discovered in 2009 during an exploratory mission of the ESC Company in collaboration with World Association of Environments, is one of the rare natural rock gardens in the world.

The Park is spread over three kilometres and the site looks like a view from another planet surrounded by desert.

Scientists believe it was likely to have been formed about 46 million years ago through a freshwater aquifer.

With the passage of time, the rock structures came into being with the help of many natural factors, such as weather.

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

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– Supplied picture

Major honour for Oman Air Times News Service MUSCAT: The outstanding products and services of Oman Air have been acknowledged at the North India Travel Awards.

At a glittering ceremony held on December 8 at the Hotel Crowne Plaza, Jaipur, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman was presented with the Best International Airline Award 2015.

The award was presented to Surendra Sharma, district sales manager, Jaipur by Gajendra Singh Khimsar, cabinet minister of Industries, DMIC, NRI, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Rajasthan.

After the ceremony, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gregorowitsch expressed his pride on behalf of the airline: “It is an honour for Oman Air to have been acknowledged as the best International Airline 2015 at the North India Travel Awards.”

Welcome recognition “This is a very welcome recognition of our 22 years of successful operations to India. It also underlines our commitment to India’s air travellers, which is further illustrated by our ongoing work to increase frequencies to all eleven of our Indian destinations.

“On behalf of Oman Air, I would like to thank all those, who voted for Oman Air, the awards’ organisers, the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan. Of course, I would like to thank our customers throughout India for flying with Oman Air. It is always a pleasure to welcome you aboard.”

The awards include 52 categories and are supported by the Government of India’s Ministry of Tourism and a wide range of respected trade bodies, including IATO, PATA, ADTOI, ATOAI and OTOAI. Winners are chosen through a combination of jury decisions and online voting by the travelling public.

Oman Air was launched in 1993 and unveiled its first international destination, Trivandrum, during the same year.

Since then it has expanded operations in India to include services to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow and Mumbai.

Mark Pudwell, Business Development and Training manager, Competence HR, said that drivers of buses are required to undergo stringent training, both theoretical and practical, in order to provide safe journeys for passengers.

“The responsibility for the safety of up to 50 passengers must be taken seriously, and as part of this responsibility, trans-

portation company owners must provide their drivers with the appropriate level and standard of initial and continuous training,” Pudwell said.

“Regular assessments of drivers’ abilities must be undertaken to identify skill gaps. Then there is also a responsibility for other road users to adopt additional safety protocols around large buses, as

they are required to pull over at designated stops on busy highways and are slow to pull back into fast moving traffic.

Safe passage “Car drivers should allow buses to pull out safely, moving over while using mirrors and indicators, giving bus drivers enough room to enter traffic and gain speed. No

amount of training can replace common sense or simple courtesy on the roads,” he said.

Following Tuesday’s accident, traffic was blocked from Qurm to Ghala.

“It is understandable that the road where the accident happened was blocked, but the fact that traffic was jammed on the other side (Ghala to Ruwi) is weird,” one

passenger said. “Initially, I wasn’t sure on which side the accident had taken place. It was later that I realised that cars on my side of the road were slowing down to catch a glimpse of the accident,” he further added.

The Mwasalat bus has been lauded by both citizens and expats for providing more convenient and easier commuting in Oman.

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Art in the Arabian Peninsula has seen a tremendous shift towards the contemporary Paul Doubleday, director, Bait al Zubair

Bait Al Zubair to host Arab art exhibition LOUD ART is a concept that originated in Saudi Arabia, starting in 2012 as an experimental platform, where artists were given a broad theme and freedom to create artwork within it

Times News Service MUSCAT: The latest in young Arab contemporary art from around the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will be unveiled by Bait Al Zubair, in January.

The “LOUD ART OMAN” event will begin on January 20, and will be followed by lectures and workshops on January 21 and 22, featuring artists and innovators from around the GCC. Paul Doubleday, director, Bait Al Zubair, said: “Art in the Arabian Peninsula has seen a tremendous shift towards the contemporary.

EDUCATING THE SOCIETY: The “LOUD ART OMAN” event will start on January 20, and will be followed by lectures and workshops on January 21 and 22. – Supplied photo

These past few years, artists are becoming more aware and creative in their work, provoking thoughts and discussions about modernday events that have a powerful impact on their work.”

LOUD ART is a concept that originated in Saudi Arabia, starting in 2012 as an experimental platform, where artists were given a broad theme and given the freedom to create art work within it.

‘LOUD ART OMAN’ is an initia-

tive aimed at jump starting the art scene in the Sultanate and exposing it to different media and concepts. The main concept revolves around using art as a tool to speak loudly to an audience in an effort to inspire and educate society at large about the importance of art in the public sphere.

“We as Arabs can always discover and realise,” said Farah Asqul, Gallery Sarah’s manager, “and make ‘connections,’ plenty

of social and socio-economic topics within our culture will be explored through differing media, movements, language, even time and space. I want this exhibition to inspire Omani artists to combine their contemporary world and their heritage to build strong concepts that will take their art to the next level.”

Bait Al Zubair and Gallery Sarah have given an ‘open call’ via social media to artists in Oman to submit their art around the 2015 LOUD ART theme, “Reinterpreting Contemporary.”

A number of Omani artists will exhibit within LOUD ART at Bait Al Zubair amongst the GCC’s most innovative upcoming visual artists. The theme “Reinterpreting Contemporary” revisits the chapter of the Arab contemporary art scene and tries to decipher the cultural impact that has recently manifested.

This exhibition will display how the next generation of artists have become more conscious about their art and visualise their profound understanding within their work through Arabian nostalgia, as well as architecture, art, photography, and film.

Bait Al Zubair will present the event by making this cultural distinction and visualizing it for the audience to embrace and consume.

To find out how you can take part in “LOUD ART OMAN” as an artist or a volunteer, please contact Bait Al Zubair at Farah.asqul@ baitalzubair.com or follow it on social media.

M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S TAT I N G

Oman, Cuba sign pact to boost ties MUSCAT: A Memorandum of Understating (MoU) was signed on Tuesday at the Foreign Ministry on the bilateral consultations between the Sultanate’s Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Cuba.

The MoU aims at promoting the friendship, besides enhancing cooperation in various areas and activating them through co-

ordination and consultation on the bilateral and international affairs of common concern.

The MoU was signed from the Omani side by Dr. Mohammed bin Said bin Khalifa Al Busaidi, Head of the North America Department, while it was signed from the Cuban side by Enrique Enriquez Rodriguez, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Sultanate. -ONA

D H O FA R

Cruise ship in Salalah SALALAH: German cruise ship “Hamburg” visited Salalah Port yesterday with 455 passengers on board including 286 tourists from different nationalities.

The ship’s visit to Salalah Port comes as part of its tour programme to several ports around the world. The ship’s passengers

visited major archeological and historic landmarks renowned in the Governorate of Dhofar, in addition to visiting beaches and markets in the Wilayat of Salalah.

The German cruise ship came from Egypt and it is heading to the Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat. -ONA

P R O P O S I N G N E W L AW S

State Council panel to help cut reliance on state aid

NEW REFORMS: The Committee at the State Council on Tuesday held its fourth meeting of the first annual sitting of the sixth term under the chair of Dr. Hamad bin Sulaiman Al Salmi. -ONA

MUSCAT: To reduce the number of social security beneficiaries and minimising reliance on state aid, the Social Committee at the State Council proposed a study by its committee.

The committee at the State Council on Tuesday held its 4th meeting of the first annual sitting of the sixth term under the chair of Dr. Hamad bin Sulaiman Al Salmi, head of the committee.

The meeting also reviewed the topics that it would be discussing

during the current sitting.

The committee will study several subjects to give recommendations on proposing new laws or amending some of the laws and regulations in-force in the Sultanate.

Civil society They also include the need to enhance the role of civil society organisations in reducing this number and help beneficiaries become self-dependent in earning their

living. The proposed subjects also include enhancing public health in light of having multiple health problems that will have negative effect on the efforts of development.

Decisions The Committee approved minutes of its previous meeting and the report on implementing the decisions made at that meeting upon which appropriate decisions were taken. -ONA

PAC I

Deal for supplying trained labour force MUSCAT: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Public Authority for Craft Industries yesterday, with the National Centre for Occupational Standards and Skill Testing (OSTC) at the Ministry of Manpower, for the implementation of the second stage of

the occupational classification and description project.

The stage includes development of occupational standards curricula and skill testing to achieve the development requirements and to provide the labour market with qualified, specialised cadre. -ONA

IBRA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS GET CERTIFICATES

Ibra College of Technology on Monday organised a function under the auspices of Sheikh Yahya bin Hamoud Al Ma’amari, Governor of North A’Sharqiyah, to mark the graduation of 514 male and female students of which 289 graduated from the College of Engineering, 110 from IT and 115 from Business Studies. The function included speeches by Dr. Azaa bint Hamad Al Maskariyah, Dean of the College and Balqais bint Mohammed Al Rashdiayah, who spoke on behalf of the graduates. At the end of the ceremony, the chief guest handed over certificates of graduation to the students. — ONA

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 30, 2 0 1 5 Olmert, prime minister from 2006 to 2009, has denied any wrongdoing in a major property deal that led to the construction of the hilltop apartment towers, a hulking stone complex widely seen as one of Occupied Jerusalem’s worst eyesores.

REGION

‘Iraqi army needs help from Kurds to retake Mosul city’ Mosul, north of Baghdad, has been designated by the Iraqi government as the next target for Iraq’s armed forces after they retook the western city of Ramadi

BAGHDAD: The Iraqi army will need the Kurds’ help to retake Mosul, the largest city under the control of IS with the planned offensive expected to be very challenging in a region home to rival religious and ethnic groups, an Iraqi minister said.

Mosul, 400km (250 miles) north of Baghdad, has been designated by the government as the next target for Iraq’s armed forces after they retook the western city of Ramadi, the first major success of the US-trained force that initially fled in the face of IS’s advance 18 months ago.

Hard task Retaking the city of Mosul would be hard as the local and regional players in northern Iraq have diverging agendas.

The region is a mosaic of different ethnic and religious groups lying between Turkey, Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan. It would effectively mark the end of the caliphate proclaimed by IS in adjacent areas of Iraq and Syria, Iraq’s Finance Minister Hoshiyar Zebari told Reuters in an interview.

“Mosul needs good planning,

PATROLLING THE CITY OF RAMADI: Members of Iraq’s elite counter-terrorism service use their military vehicles to patrol the city of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Anbar province, about 110 kilometres west of Baghdad, after Iraqi forces recaptured it from the IS militant group, on Tuesday. – AFP

preparations, commitment from all the key players,” Zebari, a Kurd, said on Monday in Baghdad.

“Peshmerga is a major force; you cannot do Mosul without Peshmerga,” he said, referring to the armed forces of Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous northern region close to Mosul.

Kurdish forces have positions east, north and west of Mosul while Iraqi security forces backed by militias have positions in Baiji, south of Mosul. The city had a population of two million before it fell to the militants in June 2014, in the first stage of their sweeping advance through northern and western Iraq. The battle of Mosul would be “very, very challenging”, Zebari said. “It will not be an easy operation, for some time they have been strengthening them-

selves, but it’s doable.” Given the extent of the area that needs to be secured around Mosul during the attack, the army may also need to draw on local forces and possibly the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in support roles, he said.

The PMF, known in Arabic as Hashid Shaabi, is a loosely knit coalition of mostly militias set up to fight IS. The government sidelined the PMF in the Ramadi battle to ensure air support from the US which is reluctant to be seen fighting on the same side as the militias.

Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi said on Monday that IS would be defeated in 2016 with the army planning to move on Mosul. “We are coming to liberate Mosul and it will be the fatal and final blow to IS,” he said in speech praising the

P L A N N I N G AT TA C K S

Executed UAE woman’s husband charged with plotting bombings DUBAI: The husband of an Emirati woman who was executed for killing a US teacher in Abu Dhabi last year has been charged with plotting bombings and other attacks on targets including a US base and a UAE leader, a local newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The English-language newspaper the National said the Federal Supreme Court heard that the Emirati citizen “planned to target buses as they carried tourists along the Corniche and attack an American military base in the country”.

It did not elaborate on what base the charges referred to. “He was accused of planning to assassinate one of the UAE’s leaders and of making explosives without authorisation,” the National said, adding that the defendant had also sought to join IS and gave money to a member of Al Qaeda.

It and at least three other papers said the 34-year-old, identified by his initials as M.A.H., was also accused of plotting to bomb the Yas Marina Formula 1 race track and an IKEA home furnishings store popular with expat workers.

Earlier this year, the Federal Supreme Court convicted his

CCTV IMAGE: A file CCTV image released by Abu Dhabi police on

December 3, 2014 shows a fully veiled woman, right, walking in a shopping mall in Abu Dhabi. – AFP/HO/Emirati Police files

31-year-old wife, Ala’a Al Hashemi, of stabbing to death an American kindergarten teacher at a mall and trying to bomb an AmericanEgyptian doctor in militant-inspired attacks.

Executed The woman was executed in July, reportedly by firing squad.

Hashemi was also found guilty of setting up a social media account to spread militant ideology with the aim of undermining the gov-

ernment, and of giving money to militant organisations for attacks, state news agency WAM said at the time.

WAM reported that a man with the same initials had been charged by the Federal Supreme Court but did not describe the suspect as the executed woman’s husband. In a separate case, another Emirati man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for joining a splinter faction of Al Qaeda, WAM reported on Monday. — Reuters

S Y R I A N C I V I L WA R

Army advances towards Deraa BEIRUT: Syrian troops backed by heavy aerial bombardment pushed towards a strategic town in southern province of Deraa on Tuesday after capturing nearby military base, the army said.

The Syrian army said it retook Brigade 82, one of the largest bases north of the mainly rebel-held town of Sheikh Maskin, whose capture by rebels earlier this year threatened the army’s supply routes to the south.

The army offensive towards Sheikh Maskin is part of the first major assault in southern Syria since Russia launched air strikes on September 30.

The army also said in a news flash on state television it had recaptured the Al Hesh hills, northwest of Sheikh Maskin. The hilltop, which was held by the rebels for about a year, overlooks much of rebel-held western Deraa.

The aerial bombardment supporting Tuesday’s ground offensive appeared to be carried out by Russian jets, a monitoring group said. Russia has until recently focused its bombing on insurgent targets in northwestern Syria and coastal areas to help the Syrian army claw back territory it lost earlier this year. Sheikh Maskin, which is the main goal of the

army’s southern campaign, lies on one of the main supply routes from the capital Damascus to the city of Deraa, close to the border with Jordan.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks violence across Syria, said 17 raids, believed to have been made by Russian planes, hit rebelheld areas in the town. Activists say Russian air strikes, in which missiles and bombs are launched from high altitude, are distinct from Syrian air force strikes which rely more on untreated barrel bombs dropped from helicopters flying at lesser height. — Reuters

army’s “victory” in Ramadi.

“It’s there (Mosul) where Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi declared his caliphate,” Zebari said, referring to the group’s leader. “It is literally their capital.”

The Iraqi Kurdish president, Massoud Barzani, discussed plans for the liberation of Mosul with Lieutenant General Tom Beckett, Britain’s senior defence adviser, in September, according to Kurdish TV Rudaw.

Peshmerga forces, backed by US air strikes, in November dislodged IS from Sinjar, a town west of Mosul that is home to Iraq’s Yazidi minority who suffered at the hands of IS when it overran the area in August 2014.

Barzani said at the time the capture of Sinjar “would have a big impact on liberating Mosul”,

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as the Yazidi town lies on the road to Raqqa, IS’s stronghold on Syrian territory.

Arabs are concerned that the Kurds could use the battle as a mean to expand the territory under their control, said Wathiq Al Hashimi, chairman of the Iraqi Group for Strategic Studies, a think-tank in Baghdad.

The Kurds are concerned that the militias would use their presence to bolster the influence of the central government in Baghdad, he said.

“The Peshmerga’s involvement will be inevitable but could further complicate the battle in Mosul if not enough guarantees have been taken from the regional leadership that they will not use it to expand their territories,” said Hashimi. — Reuters

VERDICT

Former Israeli premier Olmert’s jail term reduced OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s top court slashed former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s prison sentence to 18 months from six years on Tuesday after overturning the main count in his 2014 bribery conviction.

Olmert, 70, will begin serving his term on Febraury 15, according to live reports from the occupied Jerusalem courtroom, making him the first former head of government in Israel to go to prison.

The charges related to his 19922003 term as Occupied Jerusalem’s mayor and real estate deals in the city. The conviction ended speculation that Olmert - a centrist credited with working towards a peace settlement with the Palestinians until the graft scandal forced him to step down - might return to political life. The Kadima party he formerly headed is no longer in parliament.

Olmert, prime minister from 2006 to 2009, has denied any wrongdoing in a major property deal that led to the construction of the hilltop apartment towers, a hulking stone complex widely seen as one of Occupied Jerusalem’s worst eyesores. “A large weight has been lifted from my heart with the Supreme Court deciding to acquit me of the main charge in the affair,” Olmert told reporters after the Supreme Court ruling. “No bribe was ever offered to me and I never accepted one,” said Olmert, who wore an open-neck blue shirt and looked visibly relieved. “But I respect the verdict of the Supreme Court justices.”

Tel Aviv District Court found Olmert guilty in March 2014 of two bribery charges, finding that he accepted 500,000 shekels from developers of the project and 60,000 shekels in a separate real estate deal.

The six-year sentence handed down by the lower court had been put on hold until the culmination of the appeal. — Reuters

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W EDN ESDAY, DECEMB ER 30, 2 0 1 5 One of the main challenges in the state has been of law and order. As long as there is no law and order, there will be investment. Who will come to invest in the state when engineers and doctors are murdered Ram Vilas Paswan, Lok Janshakti Party chief

INDIA

REPORT

BONE CHILLING COLD

Vehicles move slowly on the snow covered Mughal Road after heavy snowfall in Shopian on Tuesday. Bone chilling cold forced people to remain indoors on a foggy Tuesday morning here, as the Met Office said the New Year celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir are likely to miss the fresh snowfall this time. The minimum temperatures throughout the Indian-administered-Kashmir and the cold desert Ladakh region of the state remained several notches below the freezing point on Tuesday, a meteorological department official said. - PTI

Print media recorded 5.8% growth in 2014-15 NEW DELHI: Print media in India recorded a 5.8 per cent growth in 2014-15, with 5,817 new publications getting registered during the year, taking the total number up to 105,443.

The largest number of newspapers and periodicals registered in any Indian language are in Hindi with a figure of 42,493 publications followed by English with 13,661 registered publications.

According to ‘Press in India 2014-15’ report of the Registrar of Newspapers in India (RNI) which was released by Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday, of the total publications, 14,984 are in the newspaper category (which includes bi-tri weeklies) while, 90,459 are periodicals.

It said the state-wise analysis shows that Uttar Pradesh leads with 16,130 publications while Maharashtra (14,394 publications) and Delhi (12,177 publications) are placed second and third. The total “claimed” circulation of publications stood at 51,05,21,445 in 2014-15 as against 45,05,86,212 copies per publishing day in 2013-14.

Circulation-wise, Hindi publications continued to lead with 25,77,61,985 copies per publishing day followed by English with 6,26,62,670 copies and Urdu with 4,12,73,949 copies per publishing day. The largest circulated news-

Congress suspects hand of saboteurs in journal goof up Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam, who is also the editor of ‘Congress Darshan’, has apologised for what he described as an ‘irreparable mistake’

MUMBAI: Left hugely embarrassed by articles in a party mouthpiece that were critical of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sonia Gandhi, Mumbai Congress on Tuesday said their publication and leak to media could be the “handiwork” of “saboteurs” within the city unit.

“Yes, the party leadership has been briefed about the suspicion that the inclusion and leakage of the articles which cast Nehru and Sonia in poor light may have been the handiwork of saboteurs and disgruntled elements within the Mumbai unit,” Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) sources said.

A senior All India Congress Committee leader said the issue is being treated as closed by the party’s central leadership after it was satisfied with the explanation put forth by the Mumbai unit,

FOUNDATION DAY CEREMONY: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Ashok Chavan,

senior leader Sushilkumar Shinde and other leaders take oath during the 131st Foundation Day of Indian National Congress at Tilak Bhavan, Dadar, in Mumbai on Monday. - PTI

the source said. Asked if any internal inquiry has been initiated to determine how such a faux pas happened, the source said, “The editorial content coordinator has been sacked and the matter has ended there.”

Deliberate campaign However, state party spokesman Anant Gadgil said the publication of the article on Nehru appeared to be part of a “deliberate campaign by certain elements” in Indian politics to “propagate” that the relationship between Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had been antagonistic.

“It looks a deliberate campaign by certain elements in Indian pol-

itics to create a picture that there was a dispute between Nehru and Patel,” Gadgil told reporters in Pune.

The publication of the articles ahead of Congress’ 131st Foundation Day caused a major embarrassment for the party as they questioned Nehru’s policy on Kashmir and China and claimed that Sonia Gandhi’s father was a ‘fascist soldier’.

MRCC chief Sanjay Nirupam, who is also the editor of Congress Darshan, had on Monday apologised for what he described as an “irreparable mistake”. Sources close to Nirupam said his rivals leaked the contents of the inhouse magazine to the media to

target him. Nirupam has already sacked the publication’s editorial content coordinator Sudhir Joshi, a freelance journalist.

Congress Darshan was launched during the tenure of Kripashankar Singh as Mumbai party chief from 2007-2011 to sensitise partymen about the party’s policies and rich legacy.

The journal was discontinued four years ago before being revived by Nirupam, a former journalist himself, this year.

“I decided to revive the Hindi edition two months ago. The first issue was brought out in November,” said Nirupam.

“Earlier, we thought of translating the content published in

the Marathi edition but Joshi expressed an interest in contributing independent articles,” Nirupam said, The editorial board of the journal would be revamped, Nirupam said, adding, he would now personally monitor the content.

One of the articles, a tribute to the country’s first home minister Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, had references to the “strained” relations between him and Nehru.

The article cited a letter Patel had purportedly written in 1950 to caution Nehru against China’s policy towards Tibet wherein he had described China as “unfaithful and a future enemy of India”.

“Had Patel been heard (by Nehru) then, the problems of Kashmir, China, Tibet and Nepal wouldn’t have existed now. Patel opposed Nehru’s move of taking the Kashmir issue to the UNO,” the article went on to say.

Referring to the write-up, Gadgil said certain elements in Indian politics had often sought to portray the relations between Nehru and Patel as strained.

Gadgil said attempts had been made in the past too to portray the relations between Nehru and Patel as strained over renovation of the Somnath temple in Gujarat.

“It was Congress stalwart Kakasaheb Gadgil and Patel who had proposed renovation of the temple in response to the public sentiments as it was in a bad shape. But some elements generated a controversy by creating a wrong impression that Nehru was opposed to it,” he said. - PTI

BRIEFING: Union Finance

Minister Arun Jaitley speaks during the release of the 59th Annual Report on Print Media, ‘Press in India’, in New Delhi on Tuesday. - PTI

paper is the Kolkata edition of the Bengali daily Ananda Bazar Patrika with a claimed circulation of 11,78,779.

Hindustan Times Delhi edition is the second largest, as per the report. The largest circulated Hindi Daily is Punjab Kesari (Jalandhar) with a circulation of 742,190. The largest circulated multiedition daily is The Times of India (English, with 33 editions). The second largest circulated multi edition daily is Dainik Bhaskar (Hindi —34 editions).

The largest circulated periodical is The Sunday Times of India (English), Weekly edition, Delhi, as per the report. The largest circulated periodical in Hindi is Sunday Navbharat Times weekly edition, Mumbai. - PTI ‘HONEYTRAPPED’

Sacked IAF officer arrested for spying NEW DELHI: A dismissed Air Force official, who allegedly shared secret information with intelligence operatives backed

by ISI after being “honeytrapped” into an espionage racket, has been arrested from Bhatinda in Punjab

by Delhi Police.

The accused, identified as Ranjith KK, was a Leading aircraft man with the Indian Air Force posted at Bhatinda.

He was dismissed recently and later arrested after a combined operation by Delhi Police’s Crime Branch, Military Intelligence and Air Force Liaisoning Unit (LU), Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said on Tuesday. Ranjith, a native of Malappuram district in Kerala, had joined the Indian Air Force in 2010. He has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act, said police.

“With his arrest, the police have come across a honeytrapping module, backed by intelligence agents from across the border, which creates fictitious accounts (cyber entities) in popular social networking sites, pretending to be women, befriend defence personnel and officials from security forces and allegedly lure them into espionage,” a senior police official said.

In the concerned case, Ranjith was deceived by a cyber entity by the name Damini McNaught, who pretended to be the executive of a UK-based media firm and claimed that she required Air Force-related information for an article in their news magazine from Ranjith in exchange for pecuniary benefits,said the official. - PTI

L AW L E S S N E S S I N S TAT E

‘Jungle Raj’ back in Bihar, says Paswan after spree of murders NEW DELHI: In the wake of a series of killings in Bihar, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday alleged that “Jungle Raj is back” in the state as predicted by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and slammed the Nitish Kumar government, saying there is “no action” as if there is “some connivance”.

“Jungle Raj (lawlessness) is back in Bihar. In the run-up to Assembly polls, we were saying that there will be Jungle Raj-2 in Bihar if Nitish-Lalu combine wins the elections. They (Nitish and Lalu) countered it saying it will be ‘Mangal Raj’ (good rule). Now people have to decide whether it is Jungle Raj or Mangal Raj,” Paswan said.

The remarks by Paswan came on a day when an engineer was found dead with injury marks on his body

in Vaishali district, close on the heels of the murder of two engineers in Darbhanga district earlier.

“There is no action from the state government. It seems there is some connivance,” Paswan said.

The victim, whose body was found in an orchard on Tuesday morning in Vaishali, was identified as 42-year-old Ankit Kumar Jha, a quality engineer of Reliance IT. In another incident, a foodgrain trader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in a locality under Yahiyapur police station in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district.

Taking strong note of these incidents, Paswan raised questions over the state government’s functioning saying investments will not come to the state till law and order is maintained.

“One of the main challenges in the state has been of law and order.

As long as there is no law and order, there will be investment. Who will come to invest in the state when engineers and doctors are murdered,” Paswan said.

Apparently to blunt the good governance plank of Nitish Kumar, the NDA had repeatedly targeted him for aligning with RJD chief Lalu Prasad during the Assembly election campaign saying that if the RJD-JD-(U)-Congress combine came to power, it will be akin to bringing back Jungle Raj for the second time.

The grand alliance of JD-(U), RJD and Congress, however, handed over a crushing defeat to the NDA, securing 178 seats in the 243-member House.

Meanwhile, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, whose party is a coalition partner in the Nitish Kumar government, has said those who had

challenged the law and order during his rule were at it again.

“Those who had challenged law and order during my rule are doing it all over again,” Lalu, facing accusations from the opposition of having brought back ‘Jungle Raj’, told reporters in Patna.

Warning those responsible for the spurt in crime in Bihar of “serious consequences”, he urged the police brass to do everything to make the state crime-free.

“It is our government in Bihar...

I appeal to the police to make Bihar crime-free by taking stringent action against criminals and anti-social elements who are out to bring disrepute to the state government,” he said.

He condemned the killing of engineers and asked the state government and their employers to take care of the kin of the deceased. - PTI

WARNING: Lalu Prasad Yadav warned those responsible for the

spurt in crime in Bihar of serious consequences and urged the police brass to do everything to make the state crime-free. - PTI file photo

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INDIA

DEFIANT

Subramanium panel to probe scam even if struck down by Centre NEW DELHI: Striking a defiant note, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said the Commission of Inquiry ordered by his government will probe alleged irregularities in DDCA even if it is struck down by the Centre.

Kejriwal said the file pertaining to setting up of the commission has been forwarded to the Prime Minister Office by the Home Ministry even as head of the probe panel Gopal Subramanium has written to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, seeking a list of five officers each from IB, CBI and Delhi Police to assist him in the inquiry.

“Is it true that MHA has sent DDCA file to PM to decide whether to declare Enquiry Commission illegal. What will PM do — declare it illegal or allow enquiry?

Though it will have no impact on ongoing enquiry commission,” Kejriwal tweeted.

Delhi’s Lt Governor Najib Jung had questioned the legality of appointment of the probe panel by the Aam Aadmi Party government to probe the affairs in Delhi and District Cricket Association, trig-

Is it true that MHA has sent DDCA file to PM to decide whether to declare Enquiry Commission illegal. What will PM do- declare it illegal or allow enquiry? Though it will have no impact on ongoing enquiry commission Arvind Kejriwal Delhi chief minister

gering a new round of confrontation with Kejriwal dispensation.

Fresh allegation The Delhi chief minister also made a fresh allegation against Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) officials who he did not name, suggesting that they had sought sexual favours in selection of players.

The AAP has been targeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, alleging that wrongdoings took place in the DDCA during his 13-year tenure till 2013 as its head.

On his part Subramanium, a former Solicitor General, also wrote to Kejriwal requesting him to send the names of five “outstanding” investigative officers from the AntiCorruption Branch with their dos-

siers. Subramanium told Kejriwal that he has written to Doval as the Central government “itself called upon the Delhi government” to get an investigation done into alleged irregularities in the DDCA. “Obviously, this means that the Central government would render all possible assistance in this regard,” the top lawyer wrote.

In his letter to Doval, Subrama-

nium said that “some of the disclosures may also pertain to national security”.

“It is important that I must ask you to step in and offer suitably qualified officers who will also be morally endowed to assist the Commission,” he wrote.

From Doval, Subramanium sought shortlisted dossiers of five of the “best officers of the IB, who should be of the level of joint director and below”, five officers from the CBI and five officers of the Delhi Police, with their records.

“I would leave it to your discretion to choose any officers(s) from any of the other state cadres, you believe to be competent,” he added.

Asked what will be his move if the enquiry panel is declared null and void by the Centre, Subramanium said, “Prima facie all the procedures have been followed in institution of the enquiry.”

“But still if something happens or somebody overturns it, I cannot refuse. I am not here to fight or adjudge the defamation of the Constitution. I can proceed on basis of what has been granted to me and

Financial inclusion at core of government’s focus: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi said under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, loans between Rs50,000 and Rs1 million are provided to small entrepreneurs as an initiative to fund the unfunded

NEW DELHI: Underlining that financial inclusion is the government’s core focus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said banks have given loans worth Rs 500 billion to small entrepreneurs under the MUDRA Yojana.

Addressing dalit entrepreneurs here, he said: “80,000 borrowers have benefited from the scheme under which more than Rs500 billion worth of loans have been given primarily to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other backward Class (OBC) and women entrepreneurs who are engaged in small business and provide jobs to about 14 crore persons.”

Speaking at the National Conference of SC/ST Entrepreneurs on B.

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi poses for a group photograph with the dele-

gates during the inauguration of the National Conference of Dalit Entrepreneurs organised by DICCI, in New Delhi on Tuesday. - PTI

R. Ambedkar’s ideas and thoughts on industrialisation and entrepreneurship, Modi said it was quite difficult earlier for SC/ST entrepreneurs to get loans from banks.

Under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), loans between Rs50,000 and Rs1 million are provided to small entrepreneurs as an initiative to fund the unfunded.

“Financial inclusion is at the core of the government’s focus, which is to create job-creators,

not job-seekers,” he said, adding that the strength of a pyramid depends on its base and the people at the base need to be empowered so that they can strengthen the Indian economy.

Modi hailed Babasaheb Ambedkar’s contributions, saying that he was not only the architect of the Indian Constitution, but also an accomplished economist.

“Babasaheb rightly said that industrialisation will give maximum benefit to our Dalit sisters

and brothers,” he said, adding that people participating in the function pay crore of taxes and employ lakhs of youth.

To support businesses of SC/ ST, the government has created Rs20 billion venture capital fund with IFCI as the nodal agency.

It has so far given loan worth Rs 144 crore to 28 businesses belonging to the SC/ST community.

“Our Government is your Government. We are working for your empowerment,” he said.

The prime minister assured the Dalit entrepreneurs that the government is working for their benefit. The successes of members at the gathering on Tuesday could inspire anyone who faces adversity, he said.

He expressed hope that Dalit entrepreneurs would be able to double in next two years what has been achieved in the last 10 years.

“This is possible because this is your government at the Centre,” he said.

Modi recalled one of his Mann Ki Baat programmes, where he had exhorted people to talk not just about their rights, but also about their duties.

He said that this gathering of Dalit entrepreneurs is one which has not just talked about their duties, but has successfully fulfilled them.

The prime minister presented five business excellence awards to dalit entrepreneurs.

Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry founder Milind Kamble said that the body is working for the growth of Dalit entrepreneurs. It is also working with other chambers on affirmative action, he said.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said that last year about 150,000 person belonging to SC/ ST were trained.

He said the ministry has identified about 7,500 persons engaged in manual scavenging and they have been given a grant of Rs 40,000 to look for small business opportunities. - PTI

ensure that a transparent enquiry is held,” he said. Subramanium said he wants to pick someone “who is competent enough”. This is part of any enquiry procedure that one needs to have logistical infrastructure in place at the beginning of the probe, he added.

“The reason to seek his (Doval’s) help is also his ability to judge if there is any issue relating to the security which I am very particular about in the matter as anything may come up during the investigation,” he added.

On Monday, the former Solicitor General had strongly pitched for live telecast of the proceedings to make it transparent. The Delhi Cabinet had on December 21 approved setting up of the one-member Commission of Inquiry under Subramanium to probe alleged irregularities in DDCA. - PTI

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PUNE

Woman raped on Infosys campus, two arrested PUNE/ NEW DELHI: A woman working as a canteen cashier at the sprawling Infosys campus in Hinjewadi area here was allegedly raped by two men, police said on Tuesday. The two accused have been arrested, they said.

According to a complaint registered by the victim with police, the two accused — Paritosh Baag and Prakash Mahadik — entered the washroom when the woman was inside it on December 27, they said.

One of the men allegedly raped her while the other clicked pictures on his mobile phone and threatened her, Hinjewadi police said. The two accused have been arrested and booked under IPC section 376 (rape), they said. Police have recovered the mobile phone used by the accused, according to assistant police inspector C. M. Suryavanshi. Further investigation into the case was on, police added.

Meanwhile, the parents of the December 16 gang-rape victim, who on December 29, 2012 died at a hospital in a Singapore hospital where she had been airlifted for specialised treatment, said on Tuesday rape cases must be fasttracked, and rapists be executed for the rarest of rare crimes.

At a gathering at Rajghat here on their daughter’s third death anniversary, the parents also demanded that punishment be meted out to rapists at the earliest. The death sentence of four of the six rapists has been stayed by the Supreme Court, following an appeal challenging the high court order upholding their conviction and death sentence. - Agencies

WEST BENGAL

Mamata shows signs of weakening ahead of assembly polls KOLKATA: With the West Bengal assembly elections a few months away, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee is showing signs of weakening — which may ultimately tell upon her grand concept of a federal front at the national level.

Several factors, the most important of them being the CBI’s suddenly speeded up investigation into the Saradha chit fund case, have led to an uncomfortable situation where names of either some TMC functionaries or some other personalities known to be close to the party are now coming to the fore.

It must however be admitted that investigations are going on under orders from the Supreme Court and it is not the time for making any comment on the case.

But the CBI’s recent cross-examination of Shankudev Panda, one of the general secretaries of the TMC, did result in knee-jerk reactions from the party.

Within a very short time after Shankudev’s deposition, he was removed from all the positions he held in the party and the rank and file has been asked not to maintain any contact with him.

The media in Kolkata is speculating that Shankudev has taken

names of some big wigs in his deposition to the CBI. The TMC has however advanced this argument: Shankudev has been removed to facilitate investigations.

Then why didn’t the party remove Madan Mitra, a TMC bigwig, from the position of a minister when he was sent to jail? No answer is forthcoming.

It is, however, reliably learnt that except for Kunal Ghosh, a jailed MP, no other person has taken Mamata’s name as a beneficiary of the Saradha scam.

But the alleged involvement of some of her partymen have certainly weakened Mamata’s so long unquestioned hold over her party.

Recently she took the initiative to patch up with Mukul Roy, an estranged general secretary, who still enjoys some amount of influence in the party.

From Mamata’s side, there was no urgent need for this. Both the BJP and the Congress had publicly expressed their reservations about admitting Roy into their fold.

Then there is the case of Subhendu Adhikary, the party MP who had organised the opposition to the CPI-M led administration in Nandigram.

Adhikari was known to be extremely peeved as Mamata had taken away the responsibility of TMC’s youth wing from him and handed it over to her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.

Banerjee was so unnerved about Adhikary that she has recently been forced to declare that the latter would become a minister in the event of a Trinamool victory in the coming election.

Sources point out that Mamata has become a bit shaky although she is confident of victory in the coming poll.

Murmur of disapproval But there is a murmur of disapproval within some influential MPs of the Trinamool Congress about Mamata’s overdrive for forming a federal front at the national level.

Interestingly Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is being uniformly favoured by almost all sections of the TMC as an ally at the national level, while the least acceptance remains for Lalu Prasad and Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Some TMC bigwigs are still not prepared to forget Mualayam Singh Yadav’s somersault at the time of the last presidential election.

It is also being generally felt in the TMC that Mamata is still not mature enough for making political moves at the national level.

In her own estimation Mamata is prepared to write off the BJP’s prospects in the next election, an appraisal many of her party members are now not prepared to share.

In the 2014 parliamentary election, the BJP had got nearly 17 percent votes and though its fortunes mostly plummeted in subsequent local body elections.

Yet, two factors might infuse fresh vigour into it: selection of a hard core organisational man named Dilip Ghosh as the state party president and making Rupa Ganguly of Draupadi fame incharge the state BJP’s women’s wing. Already, the BJP has started various agitational programmes.

The Congress, with its shrinking electoral base, may not pose any problems for the TMC. But the proceedings of the CPIM plenum will be of interest to Mamata. Party sources aver that her recent decision to meet Sonia Gandhi at Delhi was primarily meant to forestall any possibility of the Congress and the Left bloc coming close to each other. - Amitava Mukherjee/ IANS

CONCERNED: Sources point out that West Bengal Chief Minister

Mamata Banerjee has become a bit shaky although she is confident of victory in the coming polls. - PTI file photo

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W EDN ESDAY, DECEMB ER 30, 2 0 1 5

PAKISTAN P E S H AWA R

PAKISTANI NAVY SHIP DOCKS IN SHANGHAI

Imran’s new cancer hospital inaugurated

A Pakistani navy soldier stands on depot ship NASR, during a visit to a port in Shanghai, on Monday. According to local media, this is the seventh time the Pakistani navy paid a visit to Shanghai. — Reuters/China Daily

PESHAWAR: A cancer patient on Tuesday inaugurated the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Peshawar.

Faakhir Afridi inaugurated the hospital with Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan and others in attendance.

Addressing the ceremony, Imran Khan said the establishment of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was one of his biggest dreams. ”This hospital will not only provide state-of-the-art facilities to the residents of K-P but also to the people of remote areas of the country,” the PTI chairman said.

“Nothing is impossible to achieve if one works with dedication and a goal in mind,” he added.

Collection of funds Imran Khan further recalled the difficulties he faced while collecting funds when he initially decided to build the hospital. ”I approached government officials for a cancer hospital that I wished to establish for the free treatment of the poor and while

23 killed in Mardan attack claimed by Taliban faction A suicide bomber riding an explosivesladen motorcycle hit a National Database and Registration Authority office in Mardan where a large number of people were standing in queues, police officials said

PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber attacked a government office in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing at least 23 people and wounding more than 70, officials said. A Pakistani Taliban faction claimed responsibility for the attack on a branch of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), which issues government ID cards, in the city of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. “A suicide bomber riding an explosives-laden motorcycle hit the Nadra office in Mardan where a large number of people were standing in queues,” police officer Naeem Khan told Reuters.

SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK: Pakistani paramedics transport a bomb blast victim to a hospital in Peshawar on Tuesday. — AFP

Seventy-five wounded At least 23 people were killed and about 75 were wounded, more than 25 of them critically, said Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesman for Rescue 1122 emergency responders. A Nadra employee, Mohammad Tariq, was inside when he

heard the huge blast outside the office premises.

“We are still inside the office, and the police and rescue workers are busy in their work,” he said.

Jamaatur Ahrar, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility as its spokesman

Ehsanullah Ehsan said, “God willing, we will target all Pakistani organisations that are either directly or indirectly a part of this war.

The Pakistani Taliban once controlled swathes of remote territory in the northwest, but a se-

ries of military offensives that began in 2009 has pushed them back into a few pockets.

There have been fewer militant attacks in towns and cities over the past year or so, compared with several years ago, but the Taliban remain a potent threat. — Reuters

Faakhir Afridi, a cancer patient, inaugurated the hospital with Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf chairperson Imran Khan and others in attendance

some refused to help, others said permission for free treatment would not be given,” he said.

Last week, Ajmal Khan, the facility’s fundraising manager told The Express Tribune Rs3.2 billion has been spent on the construction of the eight-storey building.

He added the chemotherapy faculty was set up in the first phase to treat patients in the initial stages of cancer. — Express Tribune A L L E G AT I O N

PPP trying to cover up its corruption: PTI leader LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf (PTI) provincial organiser Chaudhry Sarwar said on Monday the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was trying to cover its corruption by opposing operations against the menace.

“The PTI will not let the PPP succeed in its efforts,” Sarwar said at a meeting with members of PTI Women’s Wing and Insaf Wing at the Chairman’s Secretariat.

The PTI leader stressed the need for continuing the operation against terrorism and corruption.

He accused PPP leaders of trying to foil efforts aimed at ending corruption.

“The PPP’s opposition to operations under the National Action Plan was a ploy to hide its corruption.”

Sarwar said the entire nation supported security institutions in the implementation of the National Action Plan against terrorism.

He said corruption was no less dangerous than terrorism.

“The only difference between corruption and terrorism is the name we choose to assign them.

Both are equally dangerous. Those involved in such activities are enemies of the country,” he said.

Sarwar said the nation was proud of the sacrifices rendered

by Pakistan Army and the Rangers. He praised Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif as a hero in the country’s war against terrorism. He said that incidents of terrorism had significantly declined in the wake of Operation Zarb-i-Azb. — Express Tribune

CONTROVERSY

Petitioner seeks free hand for Rangers in Karachi operation LAHORE: A petition was filed before the Supreme Court at its Lahore Registry on Monday for giving a free hand to Rangers to continue their operation in Karachi.

Watan Party president Basim Shaukat Khan has moved the petition. The petitioner has named the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Law and the Sindh police inspector general as respondents.

Through his counsel, Barrister Zafarullah, the petitioner submitted that there were serious differences between the central and Sindh governments over the issue of powers exercised by Pakistan Rangers.

“The earlier agreement between the federal government and the Sindh government over granting powers to Rangers under Section 5 of the Anti Terrorism Act 1997 for one year has expired,” he said.

He said there had been considerable improvement in the law and order situation in Kara-

chi due to the ongoing security operation.

“Target killings, extortion and terrorism have decreased. The country cannot afford such activities in the economic hub of the country. Corruption has also been eliminated from various government departments,” he said.

He said the operation had created fear among corrupt politicians who were trying to impose restrictions on powers exercised

by Rangers.

“Now, a dispute has arisen between the federal and the Sindh governments over the exercise of unrestricted powers by Rangers. The provincial government wants to withdraw these powers,” he said.

He said that several articles of the Constitution, including Article 147 and 148, were being interpreted in different ways by people in order to try to resolve the issue.

“It is the duty of the Federation to protect the provinces against external aggression and internal

disturbances and to ensure that the government of every province is carried out on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

According to Article 148, it is the duty of the province, through its executive authorities, to control the law and order situation and ensure implementation of fundamental rights of citizens. It seems that in this case the provincial authorities have not fulfilled their duty,” he said.

Zafarullah said that it had taken over a year to bring the situation in Karachi under control. “It also cost many police and rangers personnel their lives,” he said.

He said that Sindh government was trying to create hindrances in the way of the operation against corrupt politicians.

“Unless, the administration is depoliticised and political parties that have armed wings are taken to task, there will be no rule of law or good governance,” he said. — Express Tribune

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Filipino dealers and traders cheer during the last day of trading inside the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in Makati city, metro Manila, on Tuesday. - Reuters

100 injured as Nepal town on the boil again KATHMANDU: Around 100 people were on Tuesday injured in Nepal’s historical Janakpur town as agitating Madhesis clashed with security personnel, less than two weeks after the country’s first woman President escaped unhurt in a similar showdown over the controversial new Constitution.

Tensions were running high throughout the day as the clashes broke out in the southern town of Janakpur, over 225km from here and home to the famous Ram Janaki temple.

Around 45 security personnel and 55 cadres of Madhesi Morcha were injured in the stand-off, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Madhesis, largely of Indianorigin, are agitating over the new Constitution demanding more representation. They are also protesting division of their ancestral homeland under the sev-

Parliamentary and district council polls next year: Ghani tions Commission to announce. If they go ahead as planned, the elections are likely to be held against a backdrop of sharply worsening security, with the Taliban set to build on its campaign this year which included the brief capture of the northern city of Kunduz.

Both Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory after last year’s presidential vote was marred by accusations of fraud.

Parliament’s five-year term was set to expire on June 22 this year, but elections due in April were postponed because of security fears and disagreement on how to ensure a fair vote after a bitterly

PROMISE: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement

disputed presidential

that Parliamentary and district council elections will be held between summer and autumn of the next year. - PTI file photo

election last year

KABUL: Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani pledged on Tuesday to hold promised parliamentary and district council elections next year, as he sought to calm growing

political turmoil that has hindered his government’s fight against the Taliban insurgency.

Parliament’s five-year term was set to expire on June 22 this year, but elections due in April were postponed because of security fears and disagreement on how to

ensure a fair vote after a disputed presidential election last year.

“Parliamentary and district council elections will be held between summer and autumn of the next year,” said Ghani in a statement, adding that the exact dates would be for the Independent Elec-

US-brokered deal It took months for them to agree to a US-brokered deal to form a unity government under Ghani.

Ghani issued a decree in June this year, extending parliament’s mandate until a vote could be held.

The decision met with harsh criticism from many Afghans, who questioned whether the extension was legal.

Ghani and Abdullah agreed on a electoral reform as a condition for future elections but little progress has been made since rivals in unity government have long disagreed over who should lead the reform commission.

A new opposition council, set up earlier this month, has been push-

ing the government to hold the elections as well as a “Loya Jirga” council meeting of representatives from across the country to decide changes to the constitution.

Violence has been at its worst across Afghanistan, with more deaths on both sides of the conflict, as the Taliban has stepped up attacks on government forces since the departure of most foreign combat troops last year.

The militants’ brief capture of Kunduz in September underlined the growing military capability they have developed since their hardline rule was overthrown

by US-led coalition forces in late 2001.

Ghani is hoping to revive peace talks with the Taliban in a bid to end 14 years war but with the Taliban showing little sign of seeking a return to the negotiating table, many in Afghanistan fear violence and conflict will increase next year. - Reuters

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en-province structure and have led an ongoing blockade of key border trade points with India.

Supporters of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha — an alliance of Madhes-centric parties that has been protesting the new constitution seeking broader rights — hurled stones at Janaki Police Station.

In retaliation, security personnel wielded baton and lobbed tear- gas shells, the report said.

The protesters hurled 21 Molotov cocktail (petrol bomb) at police, it quoted Chief District Officer Kali Prasad Adhikari as saying. Security personnel also fired 21 rounds of teargas shells, Adhikari added. Protests have erupted in various places of Rajbiraj and Janakpur over police action against Mahato, with Madhesi groups demanding action against the security personnel involved in the incident. - PTI POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

European chamber still has concerns on new China anti-terror law BEIJING: The European Chamber of Commerce in China still has concerns about China’s new counter-terrorism law despite some of the more contentious cyber elements of it being dropped, the chamber said in a statement released late on Monday.

The controversial law, passed on Sunday by China’s largely rubber-stamp parliament, requires technology firms to help decrypt information, but not install security “backdoors” as initially planned.

A provision in an initial draft that would require companies to keep servers and user data within China was also removed from the final law.

“The European Chamber recognises the positive developments in terms of removing the language that required the submission of encryption codes and server/data localisation from the final version,” it said in a statement.

Much will depend on the implementation, it said. -Reuters

H U M A N I TA R I A N P R O J E C T

Japanese architect builds quake-proof homes from rubble in Nepal TOKYO: After twin earthquakes in April and May claimed 9,000 lives and left vast swathes of Nepal in ruins, survivors worried if they reused the brick rubble, they would end up with the same vulnerable, seismically unsound structures.

Renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban — who helped bring global attention to humanitarian architecture and continues to influence fellow architects and disasterrelief workers - devised a solution.

“Each disaster is different, so I have to go there to find out the particular problems to solve,” said 58-year-old Ban, who built paper emergency shelters in Haiti after the 2010 quake and the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan two years ago. The prototype for his latest humanitarian housing project in Nepal consists of standard timber door frames joined together and reinforced with plywood.

The frames are filled in with brick rubble, and the roof is covered with a plastic sheet and thatched for insulation.

The resulting structure is strong enough to meet Japan’s stringent earthquake standards, he said in an interview at his office in Tokyo.

“I’m hoping people will copy my design. If we make 20, some other NGO might make more.

I’m encouraging people to copy my ideas. No copyrights,” Ban said, noting he always tries to enlist the help of his houses’ future inhabitants.“If they’re involved in the construction, if the structure needs maintenance, they will know how to do it themselves.”

Creative aid Ban, who in 2014 won the Pritzker Prize, architecture’s top award, has also built shelters for Rwandan

STRINGENT STANDARDS: Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, centre, shows a prototype of the Nepal

House Project in Kathmandu, on October 19, 2015. - Reuters

refugees in 1994, Sri Lankan survivors of the 2004 tsunami, and victims of major disasters in Japan.

Fellow Pritzker prize winners Thom Mayne and Frank Gehry teamed up with Ban to work with actor Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation, a non-profit group set up in 2007 to help rebuild New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward after Hurricane Katrina. Ban’s work has pushed aid agencies to take on challenges differently, said Brett Moore, a shelter, infrastructure and reconstruction advisor for World Vision International.

“Ban’s approach to humanitarian work prompts the entire humanitarian community to think outside the box, to reject generic and inappropriate responses to vastly different contexts, and to

approach the work with individuality and creativity,” Moore said.

His emphasis on reusing materials also fits with a broader trend, as aid agencies try to rebuild sustainably after disasters.

“There’s a lot more concern now than there has been in past decades on reuse and recycling.

That is something for us as humanitarian agencies to look into,” said Sandra D’Urzo, who works on shelters and settlements for the International Federation of the Red Cross in Geneva.

While Ban said he enjoys working on grand projects commissioned by privileged people, he also wants to help people who have lost their homes, and is encouraged that many architects have followed in his footsteps.

After the massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami ravaged the Japan’s Tohoku region, Ban noticed an increase in architects on the ground compared to the aftermath of the Kobe quake.

“When I was working in Kobe in 1995, there were no architects in the disaster area, but in Tohoku after the earthquake, there were so many,” he said.

“I’m very happy that now, even young architects and students are interested in what I’m doing, which was not the case 20 years ago.”

Adapting to local conditions After the quakes hit Nepal, Ban said Nepali students in Tokyo and his friends around the world hastened to raise funds for his project.

“It moved rapidly at first, but not

PROTOTYPE HOUSE: Construction workers give the final touches to a prototype house of the Nepal House Project designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban in Kathmandu. - Reuters

as rapidly as I wished because of the local situation,” Ban said, referring to Nepal’s fuel shortage.

Ethnic Madhesi groups, protesting that Nepal’s constitution adopted in September marginalises them, have been blocking trucks from India.

The blockade has led to acute shortages of fuel and medicine.

Ban is used to adapting to harsh local conditions when building for disaster victims, and in this case he had to tweak his original prototype.

Instead of constructing the roof frame with his signature cardboard tubes - as he used after the quake in Christchurch, New Zealand, for a cardboard cathedral the fuel shortages led Ban to make trusses from timber, until factories

are up and running and cardboard can be procured again.

His initial goal to build 30 homes in Phatakshila in the Sindhupalchok district in central Nepal in the coming months is moving forward. Whenever possible, he uses locally available materials, and prefers renewable resources such as timber and paper to concrete and steel.

“The strength of the building itself has nothing to do with the strength of the material. Even a concrete building can be destroyed by an earthquake very easily, but a building made of paper sometimes cannot be destroyed by the earthquake,” Shigeru said, sitting in a chair of his own design made of cardboard rods as solid as wooden dowels. - Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM India, Pakistan must live like good neighbours This refers the news story BJP says PM’s Lahore visit a transformative moment, (December 27). I endorse the view that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan will certainly fetch positive results in normalising the relations between these neighbouring countries. Though like Nixon’s visit to China during his tenure as the US president, this unscheduled personal visit of Narendra Modi has also prompted adverse comments from other political party leaders in India. Modi’s this visit to Pakistan, to greet his counterpart, Nawaz Scan this QR code Sharif, on his birthday and to bless his to send letters to the granddaughter on the day of her marriage, Readers’ Forum, was a well planned and mature diplomatic containing not more than 200 words with move. However, going by the historical full name, address facts, the leaders of other political parand telephone ties in India are not much convinced and number, may be sent they believe that this personal diplomacy by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, move by Modi will be a non-starter as his P.C. 112, Ruwi). counterpart in Pakistan is not the ultimate decision maker in his country. Let’s hope that the newly announced “bilateral comprehensive dialogue” moves into the right direction to bring peace and normalcy across the border. We must learn to live in harmony like good neighbours without wasting any more time, which will continue to hurt the region.

— Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Be careful that victories do not carry the seed of future defeats.

RALPH W. SOCKMAN

Hold that applause for Modi’s visit to Pakistan

MUHAMMAD HAMID ZAMAN

The very nature of academia demands inquiry, curiosity and analysis and by imposing arbitrary, contradictory and stifling barriers, we are not building a nation, we are only burying our heads in the sand.

The only criteria of excellence should be the quality of scholarship and analysis bit.ly/pakistanacademia

arendra Modi’s impromptu stopover in Pakistan on Christmas day seems a startling self-contradiction. Modi, like his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, has drawn much of his popular appeal and ideological energy from an explicitly anti-Pakistan attitude.

As the main opposition party during the previous decade, the BJP effectively prevented the previous Indian government from normalising relations with Pakistan. In 2013, after the Pakistani military beheaded an Indian soldier, Sushma Swaraj, a senior BJP leader and now Modi’s foreign minister, said that India should avenge him by securing 10 Pakistani heads.

In recent months, the president of the BJP declared that a victory for Modi’s political opposition is a victory for Pakistan, and Modi’s allies have routinely urged the critics of rising bigotry in India to move to Pakistan. For most of this year, Modi’s government rudely spurned substantive talks with Pakistan.

Suddenly, however, Modi is assuming the mantle of a statesman, reaching out to the enemy. Like Richard Nixon, who defied his own long record of hard-line anti-Communism by meeting Mao Zedong, Modi seems to want to open the door that he helped shut.

Certainly, Modi, with his jaunt to Lahore, has at last achieved more uniformly upbeat headlines for himself in the international media. Many people are eager to believe that an old and destructive antagonism is about to be defused.

But believing that Modi’s Christmas mission will produce a great and enduring bonanza, including his own change of heart, may be a bit like believing in Santa Claus.

Modi’s histrionic visit to Nepal last year was likewise hailed by international relations experts as inaugurating a new chapter in India’s relations with its neighbours.

However, in recent months, an unofficial Indian embargo — an attempt to force Nepal to change its constitution — has brought the Nepalese economy to its knees, sparking widespread hatred of Modi and India in Nepal.

The key to Modi’s chameleon-like behaviour lies in the realization that he is, as his own senior colleague, L.K. Advani, pointed out, a “‘brilliant and efficient events manager.”

Modi rose fast in the staid world of Indian politics partly because he was the first to recognize the imperative of inserting himself into 24-hour news cycles, of manipulating social media and hosting massive spectacles to the impress the rich, the powerful and the influential.

His year-and-a-half in India’s highest office has been chiefly distinguished by a series of photoops with world leaders and stirring oratory in stadiums packed with tens of thousands of ecstatic non-resident Indians in the UK, the US and Australia.

Grand proclamations and promises — from International Day for Yoga to Digital India — reveal little of substance on close examination.

If Modi is now extending his permanent public relations campaign to Pakistan, it is because he is now a politician with rapidly diminishing capital.

He is very far from fulfilling his most potent electoral promise, of creating jobs for the millions of young Indians entering the work force every year.

He suffered humiliating defeats in state elections in Delhi and Bihar. His apparent indifference to hate speech by his party colleagues, and his silence over the lynching of Muslims, has provoked unprecedented protests from the Indian intelligentsia has invited international scrutiny.

As so often in his career, Modi is trying to change adverse headlines and announce a rousing new narrative. But even if you believe that he is sincerely determined this time to improve relations between India and Pakistan, it is prudent to understand how they could remain hostage to hardliners on both sides.

You can only hope that the India-Pakistan relationship will be retrieved one day from the clutches of fanatics. But its recent history of abruptly raised and shattered hopes doesn’t inspire much optimism in the short term.

As always, there is a chance that elements in Pakistan determined to thwart detente with India will launch a terrorist attack – just as Modi struggles to rebuild his political capital in important state elections.

His economic promises unfulfilled, Modi is unlikely to stray far from his familiar and ideologically congenial position; he may even raise the rhetorical ante in case the neighbour strikes again. Those who hail Modi’s uplifting new narrative will do better to prepare themselves for its depressing sequel. - Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2000 LNG processing trains ready for start-up MUSCAT: Oman LNG has announced that the first two processing trains at its plant at Qalhat are ready for start-up. It is also preparing to produce its first liquefied natural gas. This marks the arrival of Oman on the world stage among a handful of countries producing LNG for the global market. A statement from Oman LNG says, “All the service and utility systems of the plant, such as power generation, water desalination, seawater cooking equipment, control room and offices, are now running and the first process train, which will cool the gas until it becomes a liquid has been mechanically completed.”

PICTOGRAPH

NUMBER OF PHARMACISTS IN OMAN 2010

2011

2012

1,686 1,251

2013

1,819

2014

2,000

1,358

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words.

Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

1910: John B. Moisant and Arch Hoxsey, two of America’s foremost aviators, die in separate plane crashes.

1941: General MacArthur reports that US lines in Manila have been pushed back by the Japanese.

1942: After five months of battle, Emperor Hirohito allows the Japanese commanders at Guadalcanal to retreat.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

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WORLD German states to spend $18.7b to deal with migrants crisis in 2016 Germany is the favoured destination for many of the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa, partly due to the generous benefits that it offers

BERLIN/NEW YORK: Germany’s federal states are planning to spend around $18.7 billion (17 billion euros) on dealing with the refugee crisis in 2016, newspaper Die Welt said on Tuesday, citing a survey it conducted among their finance ministries.

The sum, bigger than the 15.3 billion euros that the central government planned to allocate to its education and research ministry in 2015, is a measure of the strain that the influx is causing across the country as a whole.

Germany is the favoured destination for many of the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa, partly due to the generous benefits that it offers.

The German states have repeatedly complained that they are struggling to cope, and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door policy has caused tensions within her conservative camp.

Die Welt said that excluding the small city state of Bremen, which did not provide any details, current plans suggested the states’ combined expenditure would be 16.5 billion euros.

The paper said actual costs would probably be even higher because the regional finance ministries had based their budgets on an estimate from the federal government that 800,000 refugees would come to Germany in 2015.

In fact, 965,000 asylum seekers had already arrived by the end of November.

Meanwhile, according to the United Nations, the year 2015 saw a record number of people fleeing their homes, with more than 60 million people uprooted by wars, conflict and persecution in countries ranging from Syria to South Sudan and Afghanistan.

Worldwide Worldwide that means one person in every 122 has been forced to flee their home, displaced within their own country of forced to move to another country.

Here are some of their stories and their hopes for 2016.

LONG WAIT: Asylum-seekers, top and below, queue outside the State Office of Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo) registration centre in

Berlin on Tuesday. The German states have repeatedly complained that they are struggling to cope, and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s opendoor policy has caused tensions within her conservative camp. – AFP

Sandy Khabbazeh, 26, a Syrian now living in Oakland, New Jersey, United States: “I am from Aleppo City. Our house is on the line between IS and the Syrian government. If the Syrian army wants to attack IS, they put tanks near our house. When IS wants to attack the Syrian government, they come to our neighbourhood. My family is stuck there. It’s like a nightmare, but it’s true.

One time IS went next door and put snipers there. When I was going to school, a sniper shot at me three times. I was lucky he missed me. My mom came a couple of times to America and she loved America so she named me Sandy.

It is an American name because she wanted me to come back here.

And here I am. Her dream came true. I came here as a student. I came because I’m an ambitious woman. I want opportunity to build my future. My dream was to work with NASA. But I’m struggling financially because education here is so, so expensive.

I’m a civil engineer, and I’m working a job for people who graduated from high school. With that money, I trained to become a concrete inspector certificate.

One day I went to a church. The pastor and I we started talking, and he told me: “I will help you.” Until now, the church keeps sponsoring me and they offered me a place to stay. My hope is in 2016 to be reunited with my family here in America and to be a good American. I love America.”

Mustafa Asefi, 28, an Afghan living in Vancouver, Canada: “I’m from Afghanistan, from Kabul, and I was working for an international company. In 2014 in December, I got a warning letter from the Tali-

ban. They warn people who are working with international companies. They assume these people are their enemy, are helping the enemy of the Taliban, or the foreigners. These are normal strategies that the Taliban and other militias use in Afghanistan. They just send you a letter which is called ‘shabnama’; it’s like a warning letter. And along with that they call you and send you text messages.

They continue these threats and you have to obey them. Otherwise they will take action.

Because I was working for an international company, I was lucky enough that we got a US visa and

STRANDED

Deal reached to allow Cuban migrants out of Costa Rica GUATEMALA CITY: Central American countries have agreed to a pilot programme to start allowing thousands of Cuban migrants stranded in Costa Rica to continue onward to the United States from next month, governments in the region said on Monday.

The deal, reached between officials meeting in Guatemala City, will provide flights for an undisclosed number of Cubans to El Salvador, where they will then be ferried toward Mexico by bus, Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The programme is due to begin during the first week in January, the governments of Guatemala and Mexico said. Approximately 250 Cuban migrants will be flown to El Salvador initially, said Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Morales.

Costa Rica’s government, which stopped issuing transit visas to Cubans earlier this month, said providing shelter for the migrants has badly stretched local resources. “The solution emerging is an absolute exception and

An undisclosed number of Cubans will be provided filghts to El Salvador, where they will then be ferried toward Mexico by bus

only for those people who entered national territory legally,” Costa Rica’s foreign minister, Manuel Gonzalez, said. It was not immediately clear how the migrants’ travel will be paid for, but diplomats are expected to work out logistical details in upcoming meetings, the Mexican government said.

Mexico said the pilot programme will be subject to revision. Since mid-November, the

number of Cuban migrants stuck in limbo inside Costa Rica’s northern border with Nicaragua has grown steadily. An estimated 8,000 Cubans are now stuck there. The flow of migrants from the Communist-ruled island has surged as the process of a detente between Washington and Havana, announced last December, stirs fears that preferential US asylum rights for Cubans may soon end.

Migrants became stranded in Costa Rica after Nicaragua, which is a close ally of Cuba, shut its borders in November, saying that Costa Rica had sparked a “humanitarian crisis” after Costa Rica issued transit visas to more than 1,000 Cubans.

On Sunday, Pope Francis urged the region to resolve the “humanitarian drama” in Costa Rica quickly. Officials from Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Costa Rica and the International Organization for Migration took part in the talks, Guatemala said. — Reuters

from the United States, we eventually came to Canada. We applied for protection. When they accepted me as a refugee, it was like someone issued me a new birth certificate.

For me, it was a very tough year because I never expected I would have to flee everything, leave everything behind. I was working as a professional engineer, and I wanted to work with my country, with my people. But my life was in danger and I had no choice.

My hope is to start my normal life as it was in my home country. I want to have a job, I want to work, as I was working in my home country, because now this is my country

and this is my people.”

Hassane Chetim, 36, a Nigerien living in Bosso, Niger: “The first day Boko Haram entered my village, Gogone, was October 1, 2014, and now for a second time on November 25, 2015. That’s what caused all villagers in my town to flee. Last year I moved here to settle in the town of Bosso. I have a family of six boys and six women, and everyone works. Everyone contributes their stone to the building.

It forced us to leave the land on which our ancestors have lived for many years. We never thought that some of our villages that

have existed for more than a hundred years would be deserted in an instant.

We grew peppers and so we had something with which to survive. I’m a teacher, but since 2012 I haven’t taught. People are afraid that Boko Haram will catch their children at school, so they don’t send them.

During the last attack there were 19 dead and nine people were wounded. One of my nieces has died, and a nephew of mine was wounded. There is a constant fear that doesn’t let our conscience rest. I hope that this war ends and that the people return home and retrieve their freedom to work the fields and fish in the lake. If I live, I thought about writing a novel about the fact that we are the youth of the crisis. Because it is youth that is being lost. It hurts me.”

Luoy Liay, 29, living in Juba, South Sudan: “It was on December 15, 2013 that my displacement started. It happened after the presidential guard clashed among themselves, which later led to massive killing - ethnic killing of civilians who are part of the Nuer tribe. Political differences in the leading party, too, was at play. We ran, we ran for our lives.

I was a college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in development studies.

Conditions are totally unacceptable in the protected site in which I live. A lot of violence, stress, and too much thinking about losing hope for the future. We worry about goods, education, health care, basic things.

The conditions are not normal here. In here, you sleep in open shelter, regardless of your sex.

Many people lose hope for their future. That pushes some to commit crimes. It is so difficult for someone who was studying to stop for three years.

2016 may be different in some ways, but the truth is the trauma remains. It will be hard to recover smoothly without getting better education and health care systems.”

Ragheda, 30, a Syrian living in Mafraq, Jordan: “My life in Syria was good. Not very rich, but easy.

My husband was in construction but was injured and cannot move. I am the head of my household.

Why did I have to leave in 2012?

It was, simply, the war. Air strikes next to the house. My daughter suffers from post-traumatic stress.

She frequently has night terrors.

She is 10 years old.

I live in a very good neighbourhood in Mafraq (northern Jordan) where my Jordanian neighbours are very kind. But I would like to be in a place where I don’t need anyone to help me. I receive cash assistance from UNHCR, but it is barely enough to cover the rent. The services in Jordan aren’t enough to cover all my needs. I am currently four months behind in rent. I hope that in 2016 I can catch up on my payments and be able to pay rent on time. I would also like to find psychological help for my daughter.”

— Reuters/Thomson Reuters Foundation

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GLOBAL EYE

CHINA: Overpass lighted in blue is seen during a hazy day in Jinan, China, on Monday. — Reuters/Stringer

UNITED STATES: Maria Rosario Corrales, right, hugs her mother, Juana Hernandez, who is 101 years

old and originally from Honduras, after she had been sworn in as a naturalised US citizen, at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office on Tuesday in Miami, Florida. Juana Hernandez was part of the citizenship ceremony that included 140 others and is the last swearing in service of the year for the Miami office. —Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP

JAPAN: Some 220 singers of a local chorus group perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No.9

‘Choral’ during the annual concert to attract year-end shoppers at Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo on Tuesday. Several hundred people gathered for the event as Japan prepares for the New Year’s break, one of the biggest holidays of the calendar in the country. — AFP

GERMANY: A plane is seen during sunset on Tuesday over Frankfurt am Main, Germany. — AFP/DPA/Frank Rumpenhorst

POLAND: A man runs in the Old Town in Warsaw, Poland, on

Tuesday. — Reuters

SWITZERLAND: The top of a skyscraper peeps through the fog in the early morning in Bern, Switzerland, on Tuesday. — Reuters

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WORLD UK insurers face $2b flood claims SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

VIDEO

Accountants estimate that insurers are

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

currently facing a bill of up to $2.22 billion after towns, cities and countryside were

southern England and Wales, cost insurers a total of 3 billion pounds according to the Association of British Insurers.

deluged in recent days in the worst floods in Britain since 2007

LONDON: Insurers are facing some of the costliest British floods on record as large parts of northern England, already inundated, brace for more heavy rain.

Accountants estimate that insurers are currently facing a bill of up to $2.22 billion after towns, cities and countryside were deluged in recent days in the worst floods in Britain since 2007.

However the damage looks set to rise with a storm forecast for Tuesday evening and Wednesday.

“With more storms on the way it could get towards as large as any-

thing that we’ve had in recent history, certainly in terms of insured loss,” said Simon Waller, managing director at JBA Risk Management, which assesses flood risk for companies and governments globally.

Around 6,700 properties have been damaged so far according to the Environment Agency, with accountancy firm KPMG estimating the total economic impact of the floods will be more than 5 billion pounds.

Typical flood insurance claims tend to be around 30,000 pounds though can often run as high as

S C E N E O F D E A D LY AT TA C K S

Iraq, Syria, France worst places for reporters in 2015 PARIS: The extremist attack on satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo made France the third deadliest country for journalists in 2015, just behind Syria and Iraq, media freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Tuesday.

Sixty-seven journalists were killed globally this year, either targeted because of their work or dying while reporting, P aris-based RSF said in its annual report.

Some 27 citizen (amateur) journalists and seven media workers were also killed.

“The majority aren’t journalists in the wrong place at the wrong time during a bombing raid, they’re journalists who are murdered to stop them from doing their jobs,” RSF Secretary General Christophe Deloire said.

“Today if you’re a journalist, even if your audience is just readers in your country... you’re exposing yourself to nutcases on the other side of the world, groups of religious extremists, that could put you on a blacklist, and then other people take action and come and kill you.”

Eight journalists died in Paris on January 7 when extremist gunmen attacked Charlie Hebdo’s offices, the first such assault in a Western country.

It meant that this year twothirds of the reporters who died while working were killed in a country at peace, RSF said - the exact opposite of 2014.

The majority aren’t journalists in the wrong place at the wrong time during a bombing raid, they’re journalists who are murdered to stop them from doing their jobs,” Reporters Without Borders Secretary General Christophe Deloire said Eleven journalists were killed in Iraq and 10 in Syria this year, the two most lethal countries for journalists.

The fourth most deadly country was Yemen, followed by South Sudan, India, Mexico, the Philippines and Honduras.

The 2015 death toll is one more than in 2014 and slightly below the average of the past 10 years.

Separately, RSF also compiled for the first time the number of journalists who died for unclear reasons - 43 in 2015. — Reuters

LATIN AMERICA FLOODS A family stands in front of makeshift shelter for victims of the floods in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Tuesday. — Reuters

SCAN FOR VIDEO

HIT HARD: A resident cleans up after flood waters on Huntington Road in York, Britain, on Tuesday. — Reuters

130,000 pounds, JBA said.

But the outlook for more rain, along with difficulties accessing some of the affected areas, mean most insurers say they cannot yet provide detailed estimates on the scale of the claims they are facing.

Aviva, RSA, AXA and Direct Line, among the insurers facing payouts, said it was still too early to give an idea of the cost given the

current weather forecasts.

“The threat of severe flooding this month, particularly in the North and North West, has been continual and shows no signs of abating in the short term,” said Amanda Blanc, chief executive of AXA & Ireland General Insurance in a statement.

Floods and storms in 2007, which hit north-east, central and

Severe flood warnings There are nine severe flood warnings in place in northern England, meaning there is a danger to life, while there are lesser warnings in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales due to the forecasts of further rain.

The scale of damage along with the increasing frequency of floods, is casting doubt on the capacity of a government-backed insurance plan to protect against future catastrophes. Flood Re, a government and industry sponsored insurance vehicle which helps ensure flood cover for high-risk properties, is due to launch in April.

But with water now hitting

homes and businesses which were either not insured or previously considered less risky by insurers, there is a question about how many of the current floods’ victims would have been covered under the scheme.

“I think there will be a lot of political pressure following the floods because there are a number of properties, particularly small businesses that are excluded from Flood Re, who probably are suffering very badly,” said JBA’s Waller.

Prime Minister David Cameron defended the government’s record on flood defences during a visit to York on Monday, where large parts of the historic city are under water.

Cameron said it had committed to spend 2.3 billion pounds ($3.4 billion) over the next six years, and he would consider doing more.

But the Environment Agency, which is responsible for handling the response to floods, has said Britain needs a “complete rethink” of its defences as the country moves from “known extremes to unknown extremes” in weather patterns. — Reuters

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WORLD

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Drowned Syrian toddler’s uncle reaches Canada

HAPPY REUNION: Tima Kurdi, middle, holds up her nephew Sherwan Kurdi as she welcomes her

brother Mohammed Kurdi, right, and his family at Vancouver International airport in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Monday. – Reuters

The family came to prominence after a photograph of the tiny body of Alan Kurdi appeared in newspapers around the world

VANCOUVER: The uncle of a drowned Syrian toddler whose body pictured on a Turkish beach three months ago prompted worldwide sympathy for the plight of the region’s refugees, arrived in Vancouver, Canada with his family on Monday.

CBC Television broadcast the arrival of Mohammad Kurdi, his wife and five children in Vancouver, where they had an emotional reunion with his sister Tima Kurdi. She lives in British Columbia and sponsored the family’s relocation to Canada. The family chanted: “Thank you Canada” shortly after being reunited.

“I am happy, very happy,” Mohammad Kurdi told reporters at the city’s main airport.

The family came to prominence in September after a photograph of the tiny body of Alan Kurdi, face down in the surf of a Turkish beach, appeared in newspapers around the world. Alan was originally reported to be 3 years old, but some subsequent reports said he was 2. The image brought international attention to the refugee crisis and sparked outrage at the perceived inaction of developed nations to deal with the issue.

The child’s brother and mother were among those who died when

two boats capsized as they tried to cross the waters from Turkey to the Greek island of Kos. The children’s father, Abdullah, who is Mohammad Kurdi’s brother, survived. Tima Kurdi said at the time she had tried to sponsor Mohammad to come to Canada but was not successful. She had hoped to sponsor Alan and his family next.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative government came under fire after it emerged the family had wanted to emigrate to Canada.

The Conservatives lost the October election to Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party, which pledged to swiftly bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees. Tima Kurdi told reporters she was thankful to Trudeau “for opening the door” and showing other countries how do deal with the refugee crisis.

Earlier this month, Trudeau was in Toronto to greet the first planeload of Syrian refugees sponsored by the Canadian government. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

MARKE Muscat 5,429.36 - 5.39 - 0.10%

Dubai 3,134.82 + 15.42 + 0.49%

Abu Dhabi 4,292.16 + 43.98 + 1.03%

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Kuwait 5,583.81 - 44.60 - 0.79%

Saudi Arabia

6,930.60 - 61.59 - 0.88%

Qatar 10,398.33 - 0.38 - 0.00%

Bahrain 1,202.43 - 1.97 - 0.16%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.34 Pound ........................................... 1.67 Indian Rs .............................. 171.35 Pak Rs .................................... 267.81 Bangla Taka......................200.48

Indian Rs ...................................172.25 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.80 Sri Lanka Rs ........................... 370.75 Bangla Taka........................... 203.50 Phil Peso ................................... 122.00

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ....... 13.75

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........ $32.43 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$32.18 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........ $33.70 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ..........$31.01 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $36.97 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) .........$36.13

* Rates are as of Dec. 29 Source: Bank Muscat

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Oman Rail Company and Port of Duqm Company (PDC) to build the project. Additionally, Oman Rail and PDC will develop a rail industry support cluster on Port of Duqm Industrial land.

of its break bulk terminal to export 50,000 tonnes of dolomite as the first shipment

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Port of Duqm plans to start export of minerals for the first time in February next year, said a top-level official of the port.

The port has already set up facilities for ‘early operation’ of its break bulk terminal for exporting 50,000 tonnes of dolomite as the first shipment from the port. “One shipment is ready to be exported, which is expected in February next year,” Reggy Vermeulan,

chief executive officer of Port of Duqm, told Times of Oman.

Vermeulan said the terminal has a capacity to handle 5 million tonnes in the first phase, which can be scaled up substantially in the future. “We have identified a huge potential of minerals in Oman, which will be definitely a source of income for the country,” he noted. This will help the diversification strategy of the government to reduce heavy dependence on oil revenue.

Vermeulan said Port of Duqm is

BUDGET

MEETING: Authorities announced increases to the prices of fuel,

electricity and water as part of a plan to restructure subsidies within five years. – AFP

Oil price fallout prompts Saudi to cut fuel subsidy RIYADH: Confronting a drop in oil prices and mounting regional turmoil, Saudi Arabia reduced energy subsidies and allocated the biggest part of government spending in next year’s budget to defence and security.

Authorities announced increases to the prices of fuel, electricity and water as part of a plan to restructure subsidies within five years.

The government intends to cut spending next year and gradually privatise some state-owned entities and introduce value-addedtaxation (VAT) as well as a levy on tobacco.

The biggest shake-up of Saudi economic policy in recent history coincides with growing regional unrest, including a war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is battling pro-Iranian Shiite rebels. In attempting to reduce its reliance on oil, the kingdom is seeking to put an end to the population’s dependence on government handouts, a move that political analysts had considered risky after the 2011 revolts that swept parts of the Middle East.

Swift changes “This is the beginning of the end of the era of free money,” said Ghanem Nuseibeh, founder of London-based consulting firm Cornerstone Global Associates.

“Saudi society will have to get used to a new way of working with the government. This is a wake-up call for both Saudi society and the government that things are changing.”

This is the first budget under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman of Saudi Arabia, who ascended to the

throne in January, and for an economic council dominated by his increasingly powerful son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In its first months in power, the new administration brought swift change to the traditionally slow-moving kingdom, overhauling the cabinet, merging ministries and realigning the royal succession.

The collapse in oil prices has slashed government revenue, forcing officials to draw on reserves and issue bonds for the first time in nearly a decade. The government recorded a budget deficit of 367 billion Saudi riyals ($98 billion) in 2015. That’s about 16 per cent of gross domestic product, according to the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, but below the 20 percent forecast by the International Monetary Fund.

Foreign reserves For 2016, the government expects the deficit to narrow to 326 billion riyals. Spending, which reached 975 billion riyals this year, is projected to drop to 840 billion riyals. Revenue is forecast to decline to 513.8 billion riyals from 608 billion riyals.

Oil made up 73 perc ent of this year’s revenue, according to the Finance Ministry. Non-oil income rose 29 percent to 163.5 billion riyals.

Brent crude prices have plunged more than 35 percent over the past year, straining the public finances of producers from Venezuela to Iraq.

The foreign reserve assets of the Saudi central bank dropped more than $95 billion in the first 11 months of this year to $627.7 billion. - Bloomberg News

Reggy Vermeulen. – Times file picture

now working with Oman Railway to substantially enhance mineral exports by transporting products from far off places and storing it near the port. In fact, a freight corridor is to be developed to connect the Port of Duqm to large regional markets, in a bid to increase the volumes of mineral, container and project cargo shipments.

Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 129.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............122.25 * Rates as of Dec. 29

* Rates as of Dec. 29 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Duqm port set to export minerals from February Port has set up facilities for ‘early operation’

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.30

Variety of minerals “We will build a conveyor belt system and pre-staging areas to dramatically increase the capacity.”

Although the initial plan is to build capacity for five million tonnes, it can be quickly enhanced to 20 million to 30 million tonnes.”

The Port of Duqm chief said that Oman has a variety of minerals and some of them can be considered as finished products, which can be directly exported without processing.

The mining companies, which have concession areas in Oman, will use the port’s break bulk ter-

minal for exporting their minerals, including limestone, to several countries, especially to India.

The 300-metre dedicated break bulk terminal is the last part of a 2.2-kilometre-long commercial quay, which is equipped to export minerals. The commercial quay is divided into three main areas 300 metres of cargo terminal, 1.6km of container terminal and 300 metres for a break bulk terminal.

The potential of mining is huge in Central Oman and the region has rich deposits of limestone, gypsum, and silica sand. Limestone is abundant around Duqm port and an extensive geological mapping has identified two main areas with nearly timeless quantities of high quality limestone.

Gypsum is also present at many places in Oman, from north to south. The thickness of gypsum layers is limited, with a maximum of two meters.

Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

ONIC SAOC

Ominvest establishes subsidiary Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman International Development and Investment Compan’s (Ominvest) board has approved creating a new subsidiary ‘ONIC SAOC’ with an authorised capital of OMR50 million and a paid-up capital of OMR20 million.

Ominvest’s post-merge decision is part of organising its business structure in line with the new business model and strategy which focuses on building its investment portfolio across strategic and nonstrategic financial investments.

The wholly-owned shareholding structure of ONIC SAOC comprises Ominvest 98 per cent, Oman Investment Services 1 per cent and Salalah Resorts 1 per cent.

To enable it to have a greater focus in managing its financial investments, Ominvest’s non-strategic financial investments (public and private) will be transferred to its new subsidiary ONIC.

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MARKET World’s billionaires lose $19b in 2015 Falling commodity prices and signs of China slowdown spooked investors around the world leading to the first annual decline for the Carlos Slim was the biggest decliner on the index. – Bloomberg News

daily wealth index

LONDON: The richest people on earth became a bit poorer this year.

The world’s 400 wealthiest individuals shed $19 billion in 2015, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Falling commodities prices and signs of a slowergrowing China spooked investors around the world leading to the first annual decline for the daily wealth index since its 2012 debut.

“After three great years, 2015 stock markets worry-wiggled sideways,” said Ken Fisher, the founder of Fisher Investments that manages more than $65 billion. “Fears over an oil glut, soft consumer spending and China breaking like a plate and taking commodities with

it saw investors take fright.”

Mexican telecommunications mogul Carlos Slim was the biggest decliner on the index at the close of trading in New York on December 28, as his America Movil dropped 25 per cent in 2015.

Gates and Buffett The world’s richest person in May 2013, Slim fell to No. 5 this year after losing almost $20 billion as regulators ratcheted up efforts to break apart the business that controls the majority of Mexico’s landlines and mobile phones.

United States investor Warren Buffett, the world’s third-richest person, lost $11.3 billion as Berk-

shire Hathaway had its first negative annual return since 2011. Microsoft co- founder Bill Gates, the world’s richest person since May 2013, fell by $3 billion during the year.

Gates’ losses and the continued rise of Inditex, the world’s largest fashion retailer, lifted Spain’s Amancio Ortega within about $10 billion of the top slot.

Ortega, Europe’s richest person since June 2012, leapfrogged Slim and Buffett as he rose $12.1 billion to $73.2 billion.

His 20 per cent rise was still $19 billion short of the increase for the year’s top-gainer, Amazon. com founder Jeff Bezos. The New Mexico-born billionaire more

than doubled his fortune to $59 billion as investors cheered profits at the world’s largest online retailer. Bezos added $31 billion in 2015, undoing the $7.4 billion decline he had in 2014 and propelling him up 16 positions to No. 4 on the index.

The shifts at the top came as global stock markets swung from early-year increases to sharp declines in the later months, with the MSCI ACWI Index falling 3.8 per cent by December 28.

The world’s 400 richest people control a combined $3.9 trillion, according to the index, more than the GDP of every country on Earth except for the US, China and Japan. - Bloomberg News BULLION TRADE

Gold climbs as investors weigh outlook for US rates SINGAPORE: Gold climbed as investors weighed the outlook for 2016, including the pace at which the US Federal Reserve may raise interest rates.

Bullion for immediate delivery rose as much as 0.5 per cent to $1,074.39 an ounce and traded at $1,074.05 in Singapore, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. The metal is down 9.3 per cent this year against a gain in the United States currency of 8.5 per cent.

Gold is heading for a third annual decline as expectations for tighter monetary policy in the US curb demand for the metal, which doesn’t pay interest.

While the Fed increased rates this month for the first time in almost a decade as the economy strengthened, Chair Janet Yellen has maintained that the pace of future moves will be gradual.

“At the moment, the Fed is projecting four hikes, while the market is pricing in two,” Bernard Aw, a strategist at IG Asia, said by e-mail. “The difference of two hikes is a big gap, and at some point it will narrow. How it will converge would be the focus for market sentiments, and by extension for gold.”

While HSBC predicts just two rate increases next year, Goldman Sachs is among banks that see four hikes. Marc Faber, the publisher of the Gloom, Boom & Doom Report, said the US is at the start of an economic recession and US stocks will fall in 2016, clashing with Yellen’s view that things are improving.

“One of the key variables for markets next year will be the extent of what happens to the US dollar and whether it strengthens or not, that’s going to be very much about the outlook for how quick the Fed moves,” Ric Spooner, chief analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney, said on Tuesday. - Bloomberg News L O A N FA C I L I T Y

Toshiba seeks second credit line of $2.5b TOKYO: Toshiba is seeking its second credit line from banks in three months, aiming to gain access to an additional ¥300 billion ($2.5 billion) as it faces mounting costs from an accounting scandal that has led to layoffs and asset sales.

The company plans to apply for funds by the end of January, said spokeswoman Yuu Takase. Combined with the ¥400 billion credit line Toshiba received in September, that would bring Toshiba’s total loan facility to more than ¥1 trillion, Takase said.

Toshiba, which last week forecast a record ¥550 billion annual loss, needs money to pay for thousands of job cuts and the overhaul of the businesses that make televisions and personal computers. President Masashi Muromachi, who took over this year to clean up after an accounting scandal that has wiped about $8 billion in market value, has said there will be no public fundraising for two years.

Moody’s cut its credit rating on the company two levels to junk earlier this month. The spread on Toshiba’s bonds due in 2020 jumped. - Bloomberg News

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 30, 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET ECONOMY

Indramani Pandey, Indian ambassador to Oman. – Supplied picture

Prysmian raising stake in Oman Cables to boost sales Prysmian Group,

Reforms in India bearing fruits, says ambassador

which already owned

Times News Service

a total consideration

MUSCAT: Indian government’s economic reforms and initiatives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) have yielded favourable results, said the Indian ambassador to Oman.

FDI inflows to India have increased compared to last year, Indramani Pandey said at a seminar organised by the Muscat Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), at the Indian embassy auditorium.

“India continues to be a favourable global destination of FDI for its unique strengths, vast market and immense potential. India is definitely a bright spot on the world economic landscape,” he noted.

According to him, the Indian embassy is planning to hold a special ‘Invest in India’ conclave on January 20, showcasing the country’s growth story and available investment opportunities for the benefit of investors.

of $110 million

Foreign investment Pratap Giri Subramanian made a technical presentation on ‘Foreign Investment Routes in India- Policy and Regulatory Framework’ covering FDI, FPI and FVCI policies and regulatory framework as well as the strategic perspectives that differentiate these alternatives.

Chapter chairman N. Sreedhar emphasised that ICAI Muscat Chapter will collaborate with the Indian embassy to hold more such programmes in the future to promote India as an investment destination.

Vice chairman Mubeen Khan described India as the land of innovation and lauded the Indian brain power which is currently driving and leading technological breakthroughs of global giants as knowledge capital of the world.

a 34.78% stake in Oman Cables, purchased 16% additional stake for

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman Cables Industry’s (OCI) portfolio and visibility is expected to grow inside the Sultanate as well as overseas with Prysmian Group’s acquisition of a majority stake in the company, said the chief strategy officer at Prysmian.

Fabio Romeo, who is also the chairman of OCI, made the comments during a press conference hosted by the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) on Tuesday. It was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, executive president of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and a number of other officials.

Prysmian Group, world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, has reached an agreement to increase its stake in OCI to 51 per cent, thus gaining majority shareholding.

According to the terms of the agreement, the group, which already owned a 34.78 per cent stake in the company, purchased an additional share of 16 per cent, for a total consideration of around €100 million ($110 million).

Wholly-owned subsidiary Prior to becoming the majority shareholder in OCI, Prysmian Group had an existing, longstanding investment in this company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Draka Holding.

During the press briefing, Hussain bin Salman bin Ghulam Al Lawati, a founder of OCI, ex-

OIL MARKET

Iran’s production dims hopes of oil recovery in 2016 NEW YORK: Investors are losing faith in an oil-price recovery next year as Iran prepares to add more crude to a global glut. That’s good news for American drivers who have enjoyed the lowest gasoline prices in six years.

Hedge funds reduced bets on rising prices to a three-month low and kept bearish wagers near a record high in the week ended December 22, data from the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission show.

Oil fell to the lowest level in more than six years on December 21 amid speculation suppliers from the Middle East to the US will exacerbate a glut as they fight for market share. Iran, which expects sanctions over its nuclear programme to be lifted by the first week of January, has secured customers for its planned supply expansion, an Iranian oil official said this month. US pump prices have followed crude lower, giving consumers extra money to spend during the holidays.

“There’s every reason to be bearish,” said Tom Finlon, Jupiter, Florida-based director of Energy Analytics. “As we approach the end of December, there’s more attention being paid to the expected return of Iranian barrels adding to the glut in supply.”

WTI fell 3.2 per cent to $36.14 a barrel in the report week on the New York Mercantile Exchange and traded at $36.85 a barrel in Singapore on Tuesday.

The average price of regular US gasoline slipped to 1.998 a gallon on December 20, the first time below $2 since 2009, according to Heathrow, Florida-based AAA.

Iranian priority Iran’s priority is to boost shipments to pre-sanction levels, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said, according to the state-backed Irna news agency.

The nation sees the potential for further oil-price declines as it plans to boost supply amid a lack of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) cooperation, said Rokneddin Javadi, head of National Iranian Oil Company, according to the Shana news agency.

The Iranian government plans to add 500,000 barrels a day of exports within a week of the removal of sanctions and 1 million within six month, said Javadi, who is also the country’s deputy oil minister.

“There are fundamental elements that will put downward pressure on the market during the new year,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital, a New York-based hedge fund that focuses on energy. “The supply and demand outlook is negative.”

Speculators’ long positions in WTI fell by 3,198 contracts to 259,181 futures and options, CFTC data show. Shorts rose 3.4 per cent to 172,258. - Bloomberg News

CONFERENCE: Fabio Romeo, chief strategy officer at Prysmian and chairman of Oman Cables Indus-

try, left; and Hussain bin Salman bin Ghulam Al Lawati, founder of Oman Cables Industry, address a meeting at the Muscat Securities Market on Tuesday. - SHABIN E./Times of Oman

Family-owned businesses encouraged to offer shares to public, says CMA chief ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Efforts are being made to encourage familyowned businesses in Oman to go public as this would help ensure their sustainability, said a senior official at the Capital Market Authority (CMA).

Family businesses are important, not only in Oman, but in the whole region and play a significant role in the economy, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, executive president of CMA, told report-

pressed hope that the acquisition would benefit the company and the country in general.

Reasons Romeo said that Prysmian Group had decided to raise stake in OCI for a number of reasons.

Oman is a country which is interesting for foreign investors as it

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi. – File picture

ers on Tuesday.

“So it will be in everybody’s interest to make these companies sustainable,” Al

provides a reliable and stable platform for business development, he said, adding that this area in general has a foreign-friendly investment environment.

Also, Oman has a tradition of developing the local workforce, which is important for Prysmian Group as well, the official noted.

Romeo also cited the good per-

Salmi said after an event at the Muscat Securities Market (MSM). They are employing people and providing services and products which add the economy, the official said.

“For these reasons, I think it is very important for the family businesses to be sustainable and the way to keep them sustainable is to bring them to the market. So we need to put this idea into the minds of the people who are having the control of these family (businesses). We are doing our best efforts,” said Al Salmi.

formance of OCI as ones of the reasons behind the decision and said that the group wants to focus more on becoming an ‘industrial investor’ rather than just a mere ‘financial investor’.

Leading player With a turnover of OMR303.1 million in 2014, more than 800 em-

ployees in two plants, OCI is a leading cable manufacturer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The chief strategy officer at Prysmian said that OCI is currently the third largest player in this area and, with the new development, has the potential to quickly become the second largest. Romeo added that OCI is well-placed at the centre of the GCC region and has access to other important markets such as India and Africa.

In addition, he said that the acquisition will help OCI be recognised even more than it is now as a world-class local producer and will allow it to be exposed to world-class standards of design, production and manufacturing among other things. It will also allow OCI to have a faster, easier access to the latest technologies in the world, he stated.

Economic benefits Commenting on the benefits of the decision for the country, Romeo said that it will enhance OCI’s visibility inside and outside the country and will thus help increase its contribution to job creation and national economy.

It will also help attract more technical trainers, international experience and best business practices to the country, the official noted, highlighting the importance of cables in various sectors such as energy and data transmission.

New products According to him, the acquisition will also help OCI introduce new products and expand in areas such as oil and gas, railway, transportation and telecom and increase its customer base. However, the chief strategy officer at Prysmian explained that OCI would remain an Omani company.

With more than 130 years of experience, some 19,000 employees across 50 countries and 89 plants, Prysmian Group is strongly positioned in high-tech markets and offers the widest possible range of products, services, technologies and know-how.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

B4

W EDN ESDAY, DECEMB ER 30, 2 0 1 5

MARKET MSM index loses again

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,444.44 .............. 5,429.28 ................... 5,429.36 ................... 5,434.74.................. -5.38 .................. -0.10 Financial Index .....................................6,525.79 .............. 6,503.52 ................... 6,503.52 ....................6,497.81.....................5.71 ...................0.09 Industrial Index ....................................6,810.08 ...............6,792.49 ................... 6,792.49 ...................6,806.14................ -13.65 .................. -0.20 Services Index ...................................... 3,074.22 .............. 3,064.52 ................... 3,064.70 ...................3,074.82................ -10.12 .................. -0.33 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................862.32 ..................860.06 ...................... 860.56 ......................862.32...................-1.76 .................. -0.20 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 9,604,840 ................... 3,086,534 .....................549 ................15,801,861,491 ................ 10 ......................12 .................... 18 .........................40

Oman Agriculture Development, up by 17.24 per cent, was the top gainer, and Jazeera Steel

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29

Product, which fell 2.86 per cent, lost the most ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) edged down on lack of buying support.

MSM 30 Index ended lower at 5,429.36 points, down by 0.10 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index ended flat at 862.32 points, marginally down by 0.05 per cent.

Voltamp Energy was the most active in terms of volume, while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. Oman Agriculture Development, up by 17.24 per cent, was the top gainer while Jazeera Steel Product was the top loser, down by 2.86 per cent.

As many as 549 trades were executed on Tuesday, generating turnover of OMR3.08 million with 9.60 million shares changing hands. Out of 40 traded securities, six advanced, 14 declined and 18 remained unchanged.

Omani Investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR1.048 million worth of shares, while foreign investors were net sellers at OMR1.036 million followed by GCC and Arab investors who sold shares amounting to OMR13,000.

Financial Index closed at 6,503.52 points, up by 0.09 per cent. United Finance, Alizz Islamic Bank, BankDhofar, Ahli Bank and Ominvest increased by 4.35 per cent, 1.49 per cent, 0.93 per cent, 0.51 per cent and 0.92 per cent, respectively. Al Batinah Investment, Oman & Emirates, Al Sharqiya Investment and Oman United Insurance declined by 2.44 per cent, 2.17 per cent, 2.11 per cent and 0.91 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index ended at 6,792.49 points, down by 0.20 per cent. Oman Agriculture Development and Gulf International Chemicals increased by 17.24 per cent and 3.60 per cent, respectively.

Al Jazeera Steel Product, Al Maha Ceramics and Al Anwar Ceramics declined by 2.86 per cent, 1 per cent and 0.65 per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed at 3,064.70 points, down by 0.33 per

cent. Sharqiya Desalination and Oman Investment & Finance Co increased by 4.19 per cent and 1.69 per cent, respectively.

Al Maha Petroleum, Oreedoo Oman and Phoenix Power increased declined by 2.06 per cent, 1.10 per cent and 0.32 per cent, respectively.

Saudi stocks fall Saudi Arabian stocks declined after the kingdom announced one of its biggest shakeups in economic policy. Forward contracts for the riyal rose to the highest level since 1999 on speculation the country may allow its currency to weaken.

The Tadawul All Share Index sank 1.7 per cent in Riyadh. A gauge of petrochemical companies slid to the lowest level since July 2009. The kingdom reduced energy subsidies and intends to cut spending in 2016 to 840 billion riyals ($224 billion) from 975 billion riyals this year. Saudi forward contracts, which are used to bet whether Saudi Arabia will allow its dollar-pegged currency to weaken in the next 12 months, jumped 280 points to 755 points.

“The new reality is sinking in,” said Nabil Farhat, an Abu Dhabibased partner at Al Fajr Securities. Petrochemical companies are among the first to feel the pressure because a “cut in fuel subsidies will drive up the costs,” he said.

Oil prices hovering near their lowest levels since 2004 and a decision to plunge into a war in neighboring Yemen are straining the kingdom’s finances. That’s forced Saudi Arabia to tap its foreign reserves, which dropped for a tenth straight month in November to about $630 billion, a threeyear low, and to sell bonds for the first time since 2007 in to help plug a budget gap. Saudi Arabia had its sovereign rating cut in October. - United Securities/Bloomberg News

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

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 212,390 ........... 25,457......................11 ............0.118 ........... 0.120 ...........0.118 ........... 0.120 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.005.............4.348 ................0.120.............. 0.116................... 0.118 ................... 37,291,793 .........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ..................................2,000 ...............9,700........................2 ........... 4.850 ...........4.850 ...........4.850........... 4.850 .............4.655 ............0.195 ............. 4.189 ................4.850..............4.700...................4.940 ..................47,434,048.........1.000 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............18,000 ...............4,666........................6 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.258........... 0.259 .............0.250 ........... 0.009............. 3.600 ................0.259..............0.258...................0.259....................5,439,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 1,704,917.......306,975..................... 72 ............0.181 ........... 0.184 ...........0.177 ........... 0.180 ............. 0.177............ 0.003............. 1.695 ................0.182 ..............0.182...................0.183...................36,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 166,500 ............36,198........................9 ............0.215 ...........0.220 ...........0.215 ............0.217 ............. 0.215............ 0.002.............0.930 ................0.215 ..............0.210...................0.215................. 335,206,094 .......0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 375,736.......... 165,364......................13 ........... 0.440...........0.442 ...........0.440 .......... 0.440 .............0.436 ........... 0.004............. 0.917 ................0.440..............0.440...................0.460 .................243,259,122........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 460,000...........90,000......................18 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.195 ............0.196 ............. 0.195.............0.001 ............. 0.513 ................0.195 ..............0.194...................0.195 ..................279,307,084........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,663,850... 1,250,755................... 125 ........... 0.466 ........... 0.474 ...........0.466........... 0.470 .............0.468 ........... 0.002............. 0.427 ................0.468..............0.466...................0.468.................1,077,156,621.......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................2,000 ..................264........................1 ............0.132 ........... 0.132 ...........0.132 ........... 0.134 .............0.134............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.132 ..............0.132...................0.137 ................... 12,735,360 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................... 1,000 ..................302........................1 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.302........... 0.314 .............0.314............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.302..............0.302...................0.314...................15,700,000 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT .......................................................... 1,000 ...............1,040........................1 ............1.040 ........... 1.040 ...........1.040........... 1.040 .............1.040 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.040.............. 1.010...................1.040................. 208,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ........................................................ 3,666 .................. 378........................2 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.103........... 0.103 .............0.103............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.103 .............. 0.101...................0.103..................206,032,217........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 864,174 ......... 142,723..................... 64 ............0.165 ........... 0.167 ...........0.165 ............0.165 ............. 0.165............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.166 ..............0.166...................0.167...................24,762,375 .........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER ................................................................ 500 ...............1,450........................1 ........... 2.900...........2.900 ...........2.900 .......... 2.740 .............2.740 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.900 .............2.700...................2.800 ...................2,192,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .................................... 46,304 .............. 2,500........................5 ........... 0.054 ...........0.054 ...........0.054........... 0.054 .............0.054 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.054..............0.053...................0.054 ...................11,186,175..........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING .................................. 50,000 ..........100,000........................6 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.000 ............ 0.000...................2.100................. 190,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. ...................... 3,245 .................. 237........................1 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.073........... 0.073 .............0.073 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.073..............0.073...................0.074................... 21,168,587 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ............................................................. 21 ....................... 9........................1 ............0.414 ........... 0.414 ...........0.414 ........... 0.414 ............. 0.414............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.414 ..............0.414...................0.430 ..................25,047,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................ 5,960 ...............2,098........................4 ........... 0.352 ...........0.352 ...........0.352........... 0.352 .............0.352 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.352..............0.352...................0.380 .................. 77,795,520 .........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................. 9,606 .............23,535........................4 ........... 2.450 ...........2.450 ...........2.450........... 2.450 .............2.450 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.450..............2.450...................2.500 .................233,870,128........1.000 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 100,000 ............19,100........................1 ............0.191 ........... 0.191............0.191 ............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.197.................. 136,451,611 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 259,553 .........405,752..................... 46 ............1.550 ........... 1.565 ...........1.550 ............1.565 ............. 1.570............-0.005 ........... -0.318................1.565 ..............1.560...................1.565 ................ 1,173,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................ 42,500 ............ 12,920........................6 ........... 0.304...........0.304 ...........0.304 .......... 0.304 .............0.306 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.654 ...............0.304..............0.296...................0.304 ..................90,048,959.........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ...................................50,100 .............13,277........................3 ........... 0.265 ...........0.265 ...........0.265........... 0.265 .............0.267 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.749 ...............0.265............. 0.260...................0.265..................355,288,216........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 241,292 ........... 52,553......................12 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.216........... 0.218 .............0.220 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.909 ...............0.216 ..............0.216...................0.218...................21,800,000.........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................15,000 ...............5,930........................5 ........... 0.394 ...........0.396 ...........0.394........... 0.396 .............0.400 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.000 ...............0.396..............0.396...................0.400 ..................20,790,000.........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 282,557 ........ 202,002......................18 ............0.716 ........... 0.724 ...........0.712 ............0.716 .............0.724 ...........-0.008 ............-1.105................0.712 .............. 0.712................... 0.716 ..................466,076,069 .......0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......10,000 .............19,000........................1 ........... 1.900 ........... 1.900 ...........1.900........... 1.900 .............1.940 ...........-0.040 ........... -2.062 ...............1.900.............. 1.750...................1.900..................131,100,000 ........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 115,142 .............10,724......................15 ........... 0.093 ........... 0.095 ...........0.093........... 0.093 .............0.095 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.105 ...............0.095..............0.093...................0.095....................8,370,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............21,500 ............... 1,935........................3 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.092 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.174................0.090..............0.089...................0.090 ..................10,968,750 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 102,700 ..............8,216........................5 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.080........... 0.080 .............0.082 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.439 ...............0.080..............0.080...................0.084 ...................2,400,000..........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 508,611 .............69,184..................... 25 ............0.139 ........... 0.139 ...........0.135 ............0.136 .............0.140 ...........-0.004 ........... -2.857 ...............0.136 .............. 0.136...................0.139................... 16,986,123 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 8,339,824......2,984,242 ...............487 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......32........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001541 ............OMAN AGRICULTURE DEV. ...................................... 1,429 ...............2,429........................3 ............1.700 ........... 1.700 ...........1.700 ............1.700 ............. 1.450............ 0.250............ 17.241 ...............1.700 .............. 1.700...................0.000 ...................1,870,000 ..........1.000 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK..................................................8,000 ..................544........................3 ........... 0.067 ...........0.068 ...........0.067........... 0.068 .............0.067 ............0.001 ............. 1.493 ................0.068..............0.066...................0.068...................68,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001152 ............OMAN NATIONAL ENGINE. INVT. ............................385 .....................89........................1 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.230........... 0.255 .............0.255 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.230...................0.239...................22,950,000 ........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ................................................... 1,000 ..................420........................1 ........... 0.420 ...........0.420 ...........0.420........... 0.420 .............0.420 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.420..............0.420...................0.430 ..................66,150,000 .........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING................................... 30,000 ...............2,160........................5 ........... 0.072 ...........0.072 ...........0.072........... 0.072 .............0.072 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.072..............0.070...................0.072.................... 5,414,976 ..........0.100 OM0000003265 ...........NATIONAL DETERGENT ........................................... 1,000 ..................680........................3 ........... 0.680 ...........0.680 ...........0.680........... 0.700 .............0.700 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.680..............0.680...................0.000 .................. 11,908,750 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,096,633 ......... 77,861..................... 29 ............0.071 ........... 0.071 ...........0.071 ............0.071 ............. 0.071............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.071 .............. 0.071...................0.072................. 106,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 126,569 ............18,109......................17 ............0.143 ........... 0.144 ...........0.143 ........... 0.143 .............0.144 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.694 ...............0.144..............0.143...................0.144..................209,152,009........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,265,016 ......102,292..................... 62 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN MARKETS

C O N TA I N E R P O R T

Indian stocks rise; rupee falls MUMBAI: In a volatile trade, the S&P BSE benchmark Sensex advanced further by 45 points to close at 26,079.48 and Nifty also inched up further by 3.80 points to finish at 7,928.95 on short-covering ahead of the expiry of futures and options December contract on coming Thursday.

Shares of telecom, consumer discretionary goods and auto firmed up on good buying while realty, capital goods, metal and

FMCG declined on selling pressure. The BSE Sensex resumed higher at 26,075.68 and moved in a range of 25,994.45 and 26,133.78 before ending at 26,079.48 , showing a gain of 45.35 points or 0.17 per cent. The Sensex has gained by 240.77 points or 0.93 per cent in two days.

The 50-share Nifty moved up 3.80 points or 0.05 per cent to 7,928.95 after moving in a range of 7,942.15 and 7,902.75.

Rupee nosedives Snapping its eight-day long winning streak against the American currency, the Indian rupee dropped by 21 paise to 66.40 on month-end dollar demand from importers and some banks.

The rupee resumed at 66.25 per dollar as against the Monday's closing level of 66.19 on Tuesday and dropped further to 66.42 per dollar before finishing at 66.40, showing a loss of 21 paise. - PTI

Iraq plans to sell shares in $1.3 billion Grand Faw port IRBIL: Iraq aims to sell shares to the public in the $1.3 billion Grand Faw container port first proposed in 2011 before falling oil prices crimped the government’s ability to support the project on its own.

The local government in Basra in southern Iraq where the port is planned will seek permission in the next few days from the central government to set up a holding company to sell the shares, Sabah Al Bazooni, head of the Basra provincial council, said. Iraq has banned the holding company structure since the days of the late toppled leader Saddam Hussein.

Iraq originally proposed Grand Faw in 2011 for $17 billion, all covered by the government and including an oil export platform.

Since then, Brent crude prices have dropped more than 70 per cent, leaving the government with a budget deficit estimated at 24 trillion dinars ($20 billion) for next year. The oil export platform has been dropped.

Iraq originally proposed Grand Faw in 2011 for $17b, all covered by the government and including an oil export platform. Since then, Brent crude prices have dropped 70% , leaving Iraq with a budget deficit

Plans for the port have led to tensions with neighboring Kuwait, which is building the Mubarak Al Kabeer container port project also on the Gulf. Tensions persist since Iraq under Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.

Kuwait port Iraq had expressed concern that the Kuwaiti port may hamper maritime access to Grand Faw. Plans for the ports aim to become a gateway for Gulf products going to Turkey and Europe.

The Basra provincial council wants to list the holding company on the Iraq Stock Exchange, with the public shares representing a 25 per cent stake, Al Bazooni said.

The local government would own 26 percent and foreign investors 49 per cent, he said.

The council is in talks with United States and Chinese companies to invest in the projects, Al Bazooni said.

He declined to identify them.

The port would have 25 to 30 platforms for containers. - Bloomberg News

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 30, 2 0 1 5

FEATURE

G Yahoo g l e Y

ahoo chief executive officer Marissa Mayer presides over a company in decline. To her credit, she has managed to get two tech giants to compete for her company’s affections.

Mayer has recently announced an arrangement under which her former employer, Google, will serve up the links and ads for up to half of the searches people type into Yahoo websites. The Google deal - assuming it checks off a long list of “ifs” - is a hedge against Yahoo’s existing arrangement with Microsoft’s Bing, which has been handling most Web searches and ads for Yahoo since 2010.

Mayer reworked the Microsoft contract earlier this year to give her the flexibility to work with Google, which generates fatter revenue than Microsoft does from each search.

For Mayer, the search partnerships give her a longer leash to fix what is broken at Yahoo. The deal with Microsoft generated about 38 per cent of Yahoo’s revenue in the first half of 2015. Jefferies es-

timates adding Google into the picture could add $5 to $10 a share to Yahoo’s value.

The more nickels and dimes Mayer can squeeze out of Google and Microsoft, the more time and money she has to tinker with a business that is like the once reliable family Subaru that has started to break down regularly.

Yahoo’s revenue, excluding what it pays to companies that funnel Web visitors to Yahoo, has dropped or been flat in eight out of the last 10 quarters, according to Bloomberg data. Mayer’s much touted “Mavens” – her favourite acronym for company growth projects in mobile, digital video, native advertisements and social media - now generate about 35 per cent of the company’s revenue but don’t contribute much to Yahoo’s bottom line because the company has to split sales with partners such as Mozilla.

Mayer said that she was going to throw some unpromising projects overboard to appease investors unhappy with the company’s perfor-

mance. (One problem, Mayer was wishy-washy when asked on what exactly she meant by narrowing Yahoo’s focus.)

The money from Microsoft and now Google funnels cash to Mayer’s newer initiatives, including a homegrown Yahoo technology called Gemini to sell mobile and Web advertisements.

That is contingent on Google actually getting into the mix with Yahoo. Even in the bare-bones disclosures released so far about the Yahoo-Google arrangement, it is clear this deal has more outs than an extra innings baseball game.

The companies agreed that Google won’t serve up US search results for Yahoo until the Justice Department gets to have a long look around. Either Yahoo or Google can walk away from the deal if one side grows worried about lawsuits or regulatory pokes in the eye over the search arrangement.

These two companies are no strangers to such worries. In 2008, Yahoo and Google backed off a deal that essentially would have out-

sourced Yahoo’s Web search functions to Google because of concerns that it would make Google too powerful.

Business circumstances have changed since then, of course. Alphabet back then was still just a string of letters, not Google’s parent company. If anything, the regulatory scrutiny on Google has grown far, far more intense since then.

One thing that has not changed much since the last go-around with the Justice Department is Yahoo’s central business conundrum: One billion people surf to Yahoo websites and apps every month, but it’s harder and harder for the company to make profitable revenue from all those people checking their Yahoo email or looking up stocks on Yahoo Finance.

Company investors are understandably tired of promises that a Yahoo turnaround needs just a wee bit more time. If Mayer can’t generate new revenue on her own, at least she can convince rival tech companies to help her prop up growth. – SHIRA OVIDE/Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP Lexus LS F Sport: Perfect blend of luxury and power In the Lexus LS F Sport, the exhilaration comes from features that create the look and, more importantly, the driving ‘feel’ of the car — of sports and luxury combined

MUSCAT: The perfect blend of luxury and power, the Lexus LS has carved its place of prominence among its enthusiasts.

With the LS F Sport, Lexus took a bold step to introduce to the market, its own version of sports and luxury combined to offer some of the most amazing moments on the

road, says a press release.

In the Lexus LS F Sport, the exhilaration comes from features that create the look and, more important, driving ‘feel’ of the car.

The LS F Sport’s direct-injected 4.6-litre, 382-Hp V-8 engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission on a stiffer platform to deliver a pleasant blend of smooth acceleration and control.

A Torsion limited-slip rear differential, Brembo six-piston calliper brakes and 19-inch forged wheels made the F SPORT feel extraordinary. The new Drive Mode Select offers three drive settings (Eco,

Normal, Sport and Sport+).

The available air suspension automatically adjusts the damping force for optimal comfort and performance. Revised steering improves accuracy and turn-in response. The braking system has been adjusted for more immediate power and better pedal feel.

The rear wheel drive system uses a central Torsion differential for better grip and cornering stability.

In the LS F Sport the dashboard houses an LCD display screen, with access to system controls such as Remote Touch Interface located below. The instrument

cluster uses high-visibility, large diameter Optitron dials; a 5.8-inch information screen and a GPScorrected analog clock. A touch of Lexus exclusivity is apparent with the available Shimamoku wood trim finish, created by the finest traditional Japanese craftsmen.

Redesigned front seats minimise pressure peaks, increase support and have improved cooling systems. The F Sport has special, wide-bolstered seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and aluminium trim. The interiors also feature power rear seats with and a rear seat entertainment system featuring a blue-ray DVD player, an SD card slot and a retractable, ceiling mounted, 12.3” EMV Hi Resolution Screen.

Safety is given high importance in the LS F Sport. A precrash safety system with collision avoidance assist helps avoid or mitigate collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds and avoid accidents by automatically bringing the LS to a full stop.

Lane-keep assist, blind spot

monitor are there to protect easily distracted drivers. An automatic high beam system detects light sources in front of the vehicle and dims the high beam headlights appropriately.

A standard Lexus audio system is a Mark Levinson with a nine channel amplifier, 19 speakers, DVD player changer, MP3 sound enhancement, HD Radio with and enhanced Bluetooth capability.

The optional Mark Levinson Reference Surround System provides a 5.1 home theatre surround with 7.1 architecture.

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 6 years unlimited extended mileage protection and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.

ECONOMIC TIES

Trifoil Expo inks MoU with Expo Trade MUSCAT: In a bid to strengthen strong economic ties and trade exchange between Oman and Iran, Trifoil Expo and Expo Trade recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The strategic collaboration comes under the framework of promoting Iran’s innovative multi-sector industry through a number of annual exhibitions, says a press release.

Iranian companies from various industries such as building materials, heavy equipment, petrochemicals, medical, engineering, agriculture, home appliances and furniture will be expected to explore largescale investments and trade opportunities through forging partnerships with local businesses.

As one of the leading event organisers in Oman, Trifoil Expo has always been keen on fostering and promoting bi-lateral ties between countries in the region and the world. Trifoil’s Expo portfolio in organising business, trade and SME conferences and exhibitions which host players from a wide array of sectors, has established it as a key player able to provide the right climate to further cement economic ties between countries.

I N N O VAT I V E T E C H N O L O G Y

Oman UAE Exchange partners with SBT for FLASHremit MUSCAT: Indian expatriates residing in Oman can now transfer money directly to their beneficiary having account in State Bank of Travancore across borders in India through FLASHremit, a real time account credit facility.

This service is being introduced in Oman by Oman UAE Exchange in association with State Bank of Travancore (SBT), one of India’s trusted public sector banks.

An agreement, to this effect, was signed by both the entities in the presence of a host of officials from

both parties at Hotel Haffa House, Muscat. Another advantage of this service is that the moment the account is credited, both the sender and the beneficiary receives SMS notification, says a press release.

Commenting on the partnership, Boban M. P., CEO, Oman UAE Exchange said, “We have always explored possibilities of introducing innovative technology to transfer money to India at lightning speed.

We are glad to partner with State Bank of Travancore for FLASHremit which is famed not just for

its lightning speed but also, for its safety. We are confident that this innovative product will bring more value to our customers while remitting to India and further strengthen our relationship with them.”

Speaking on the strategic tie-up, Jeevan Das Narayan, managing director, State Bank of Travancore said, “We are pleased to partner with Oman UAE Exchange in implementing this advanced technology to transfer money from Oman to India at real time. This is the age of digital banking and this strate-

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

LU X U RY WAT C H E S

S P E C TA C U L A R E V E N T S

New Piaget Altiplano timepieces DDC extends its now available at Khimji’s Watches support to Elderly MUSCAT: Khimji’s Watches, the home of luxury in Oman, is now showcasing the new Piaget Altiplano timepieces — Piaget Altiplano watch 38mm with Platinum case, Piaget Altiplano ultra-thin flyback Chronograph in pink gold and Piaget Altiplano ultra-thin flyback Chronograph in white gold set with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds, says a press release.

The very embodiment of the simple lines and elegance so key to the Altiplano collection, the Piaget Altiplano 38 mm-diameter platinum watch is distinguished by a sublime slate-grey dial with handcrafted guilloché decoration.

With its surface divided up by elegant dauphine-type hands and slender single and double hourmarkers, the dial allows perfect reading of the hours and minutes.

Housed in an ultra-thin case that is water-resistant at 30 metres, the 430P calibre hand-wound mechanical movement of this timepiece is only 2.1mm thick, making it one of the thinnest in its category. Offered in a limited edition of 488 timepieces, this exclusive luxury watch is completed in total harmony by a grey alligator strap secured by a platinum pin buckle.

The new Piaget Altiplano chronograph is the first model in the emblematic Piaget collection equipped with a major complication. It has established a new dou-

ble record in the field of ultra-thin watchmaking, with its 4.65mm movement and its case with a thickness of 8.24mm. Housed in an ultra-thin pink gold case or white gold gem-set case with a 41mm diameter, this is the thinnest hand-wound chronograph flyback watch in the world and the embodiment of contemporary elegance and simplicity.

Its 883P movement offers hours, minutes and small seconds displays, a chronograph function with a 30-minute counter and a 24-hour dual time zone display.

Its satin-brushed ‘sunburst’-motif dial marked out by baton-shaped hands and slender hour-markers displays an uncluttered surface for maximum legibility. Ensuring

perfect comfort for its wearer, the taut lines of this luxury Piaget Altiplano Chronograph watch continue into its alligator strap fitted with a pin buckle.

To view these exclusive timepieces, visit the Khimji’s Watches showroom located at Way No. 3036, Building No. 2825, Al Ufouq Building, Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat. Khimji’s Watches is one of Muscat’s leading franchisees for luxury watches, jewellery, accessories, and writing instruments.

Set up in 1973, Khimji’s Watches offers a range of global designs from the world’s best brands such as Rolex, Cartier, Chopard, Piaget, Mikimoto, Girard Perregaux, Tudor, Oris, Frederique Constant, Bell&Ross, Caran d’Ache and Kieninger.

gic tie up will offer unparalleled services to our customers residing in Oman by enabling them the convenience to send money instantly to their beneficiaries in India.”

FLASHremit echoes the values of Oman UAE Exchange. Committed to being a responsible and vibrant organisation championing innovation in the global remittance industry, Oman UAE Exchange is driven by its unique technological capabilities to deliver reliable, fast-paced products and solutions to its customers.

Friends association

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Oman Hotels

MUSCAT: Duqm Development Company (DDC) handed over a cheque to support the activities of Omani Association for Elderly Friends (OAEF) in a continuation of its CSR initiatives.

The cheque was handed over

by Sheikh Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hosni, the CEO of DDC to Nasir bin Ahmed Al Malki, Board member of OAEF, says a press release.

Commenting on the provided support, Al Hosni said “Supporting the specialised associations is one of the initiatives of the company’s CSR programme. Omani Association for Elderly Friends is unique by targeting an important segment of the society and employs remarkable efforts towards looking after the elderly people by easing out their daily routine, simplifying the process of having the medical services and conducting various awareness and entertainment activities for them.”

Nasir Al Malki, thanked DDC for the support and said, “The provided support encourage the association to continue its mission towards the elderly people and it motivates us to achieve OAEF objectives to support the elderly people to obtain the social and health services that they need by coordinating with

MUSCAT: Oman Hotels and Tourism Co., the largest group of hotels in Oman, has announced special rates coupled with spectacular events to celebrate New Year’s Eve at all the group hotels in the Sultanate of Oman.

The hotels are offering more than ever at this New Year’s Eve with live music, gala dinner, beauty contest, raffle draws, games with accommodation at Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi Hotel, Sur Plaza Hotel and Al Wadi HotelSohar, says a press release.

The guests who are looking for something really unique and special will not be disappointed with their extravagant fusion buffets including live cooking stations been laid out for the revellers especially for this occasion. The feast on authentic cuisines from India, China, Arabia, Sri Lanka and irresistible international flavours to indulge you, whilst enjoying the sounds of live band or DJ to usher the New Year 2016.

Entertaining you throughout the spectacular evening will be a four piece band at Al Falaj Hotel pool side and DJs at all other properties will build up the tempo to take you into the New Year 2016.

the governmental entities concerned, increase their awareness of their rights in social development, simplify their daily interactions and approach with the public transportation, encourage the governmental departments to ease the process for the elderly people and spread the culture of ‘Elderly First’ in the community. In addition, OAEF organises various awareness and entertainment events for the elderly people and maintains the cooperation relationships with other associations to share the knowledge and experiences.”

DDC had various CSR initiatives which included providing scholarships to the youths of Duqm in particular and Al Wusta Governorate in general, in addition, DDC and Nizwa University are cordially providing a training programme to the youths of Al Wusta Governorate in addition to the support provided to the specialised associations.

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ROUND-UP

Zubair SEC organises its ‘Tajribati’ session The recent ‘Tajribati’ session on ‘Opportunities for SMEs in the Tourism Sector’ at Bait Al Zubair was attended by new entrepreneurs, experts, professionals and specialists in the field MUSCAT: Small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) must tap the vast opportunities available in the tourism sector in Oman, suggested experts who participated in the ‘Tajribati’ session organised by Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC), the social responsibility initiative of Zubair Corporation.

The recent ‘Tajribati’ session on ‘Opportunities for SMEs in the Tourism Sector’ held at Bait Al Zubair was attended by new entrepreneurs, experts, professionals and specialists in the field, says a press release.

Zubair SEC’s monthly sessions ‘Tajribati’ aims to support entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses by providing them a platform to have dialogues and discussions with specialists on topics

concerning the field they are doing business in.

During the discussion experts from the tourism industry suggested that understanding the needs of the tourists and continuous innovation is what is going to help the SMEs in establishing themselves in the Oman’s burgeoning tourism industry. While some specialists suggested that government and new entrepreneurs need to work together, others suggested that opportunities must be provided for SMEs to develop skills.

They also called the need to design and implement effective education and training programmes such as the one’s organised by Zubair SEC for new entrepreneurs.

Adel Al Hubaishi, senior business adviser at Zubair SEC said, “The ‘Tajribati’ session on ‘Opportunities for SMEs in the Tourism Sector’ aimed at guiding new entrepreneurs to tap niche areas.”

Al Hubaishi said that the changing dynamics of the tourism industry and the constant support by the government and initiatives such as the Zubair SEC has opened up a plethora of opportunities for the SMEs. He said, “Through the ‘Tajribati’ session we wanted to show new entrepreneurs the way forward. Specialists who spoke at

the discussion asked them to take advantage of every opportunity to survive and grow in this highly competitive industry.”

Thanking the Zubair SEC for organising the session, Adel Al Abri, founder of Uniboats Oman said, “It felt great to see many participating and discussing the opportunities in the tourism sector. We came together to discuss the future of tourism sector in Oman and there was a lot to learn for new entrepreneurs like me from this session.”

Enlightening session Al Abri said the session was enlightening since it discussed the challenges faced by the SMEs working in the tourism sector.

“While experts suggested how to overcome the challenges, we also heard the experiences of new entrepreneurs and how they overcame challenges they faced while working in the tourism industry.

They came out with unique solutions,” Al Abri said.

Al Abri who is now establishing himself as an entrepreneur advised new comers to be optimistic.

“Those who want to do business in the tourism sector need to be very passionate and responsible.

There are plenty of opportunities in the tourism sector but entre-

preneurs need to work very hard to find success,” said Al Abri.

Al Abri also urged new entrepreneurs to associate themselves with the Zubair SEC. He said, “Zubair SEC provide great training and mentor programmes for new entrepreneurs that will prepare them in their journey as businessmen.”

Amer Al Rawahi, owner of Arabs Adventurers Company who participated in the ‘Tajribati’ session spoke of his success story.

“I started work as a driver in big tourism companies. After that I took on the job of a guide but was keen on doing something more.

So in 2011, I decided I must offer something new for the tourists who visit Oman and started my company. Though the initial year was tough I didn’t lose hope.

In 2013, my company got a lot of booking and lot of people were interested in my programme. Every year, I make new itinerary for tourists which makes my company unique,” Al Rawahi said.

To strengthen his business practices in the tourism sector Zubair SEC had recently sent Al Rawahi to Spain to expose him to international experience.

Al Rawahi interacted with representatives of tourism companies in Spanish cities and signed agreements with them to promote tourism in Oman.

“I extend my gratitude to Zubair SEC for its continuous support.

They have been providing a range of much needed services and training for all entrepreneurs, small businesses owners and members of the centre. I aspire to make Arabs Adventurers Company among the leading tourism companies in the Sultanate and present Oman as a global tourism destination,” added Al Rawahi.

RECRUIT QUOTES When I meet successful people I ask about 100 questions to find out who they attribute their success to. It is usually the same: persistence, hard work and hiring good people.

— Kiana Tom A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.

— Mildred Struven Talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.

— Patrick Suskind The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

— Jimmy Johnson

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

E X C LU S I V E PAC K AG E

BMW M Performance Parts boost sportiness MUSCAT: Continuing to heighten its customers’ overall brand experience, Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the official importer of BMW Group vehicles in Oman, has launched exclusive performance packages for BMW X5M and BMW X6 M, with special BMW M Performance Parts designed to add individualisation to the cars’ exterior and interior design, says a press release.

Among the features included in the range to accentuate the sporty appearance of the BMW X5 M and X6 M are exclusive radiator and side grille ornamental trim with black slats, black frame and M logo imparting the distinctive BMW M Performance look.

The standard chrome grilles can be effortlessly swapped for the corresponding BMW M Performance Parts.

Customers can also specify their car with high-quality, handmade carbon exterior mirror caps which add a sporty accent to the exterior of both the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Motor sport stripes in the three signature M colours provide a direct and conspicuous link to the brand’s racing heritage and signal the cars’ sporting character from a distance.

The BMW X6 M can also be or-

dered with rear fins in high-gloss black, which not only lend a particularly dynamic and elegant appearance to the vehicle, but also contribute to further improved aerodynamics.

With the M TwinPower Turbo engine, the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M have the most powerful engine ever developed by BMW for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Boasting innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology with a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, VALVETRONIC and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, the 4.4-litre V8 produces maximum output of 423 kW/575 hp. From 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds through the standard eight speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155mph).

At the same time, the fuel consumption and CO2 levels of both models has been reduced by 20 per cent.

Cutting a low-slung figure on the road, mixed tyres showcase the BMW X5M and X6M’s sporty track width, while an interior combining sporty features, exclusive materials and flawless workmanship complement their dynamic exterior presence perfectly.

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ROUND-UP

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Bahwan Building Materials opens its renovated showroom in Sohar

BBM showroom underwent an extensive renovation with new décor and interiors to showcase popular Spanish, UAE, Chinese and Indian brands of tiles, sanitary ware, faucets, accessories, kitchen sinks and vanity cabinets

MUSCAT: Bahwan Building Materials (BBM), one of the flagship companies under the Suhail Bahwan Group, opened its fully renovated showroom in Sohar with a whole range of new products.

Amal Suhail Bahwan, managing director and Board Member of the Suhail Bahwan Group, inaugurated the showroom in the presence of VIPs, customers and trade partners from Sohar and Muscat,

G R A D UAT I O N C E R E M O N Y

says a press release.

Conveniently located at Gail Leshbul, Al Bahjah Street on the Sohar-Dubai main road, the Bahwan Building Materials showroom underwent an extensive renovation with new décor and interiors to showcase popular Spanish, UAE, Chinese and Indian brands of tiles, sanitary ware, faucets, accessories, kitchen sinks and vanity cabinets. Bahwan Building

Materials has been serving the customers of Sohar region for the past three decades and has a loyal customer profile.

Spread across a sprawling area of 387 sqm, the showroom has on display a vast array of tiles and sanitaryware by RAK Ceramics and bathroom and kitchen fittings

by RAK Kludi.

In addition, the new showroom displays an extensive range of ce-

ramic and porcelain tiles of Vives Ceramica, Spain, vanity cabinets

by Royo Group, Spain, sanitaryware from Ideal Standard and other Indian and Chinese tiles of leading global brands for commercial, domestic, industrial and infrastructural requirements.

Experienced customer service representatives will offer customised solutions to corporates and individuals.

ROADSHOW

Omasco Watches showcases Freelance Piper at Grand Mall

KTI felicitates students of management programme MUSCAT: Khimji Training Institute (KTI) recently facilitated students of its ExPGDBM programme held in collaboration with the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune, India.

During a graduation ceremony, 49 students were awarded certificates for completing 18 months of hard work and rigorous training.

The guest of honour for the event was Dr Raman Ramakrishnan, director SIBM, Pune, who facilitated the graduating group.

Key note speaker for the event was Vivek Pande, CEO Lifestyle Group, Khimji Ramdas who congratulated the students on their achievement and successful completion of the programme.

“In today’s competitive corporate world, skills upgrade midcareer is vital to staying competent. Which is why, we at the KR Group work diligently with reputed international management institutions and implement career development programmes. Such programmes go a long way in de-

veloping trust and a broader perspective,” Vivek said in a stirring speech during the event.

In his address, Dr Raman Ramakrishnan, said, “We are pleased to be once again working with KTI and to collaborate with them on training initiatives. Our experience with recurring batches of the programme has been that students are driven and disciplined.”

Nadeem Ahmed, general man-

ager, Khimji Training Institute further added, “At KTI we are committed towards honing skill sets in business and communication for better careers in Oman’s industry.

Our candidates go through extensive training apart from being given opportunities to work with various corporates, ministries and entrepreneurs.” This is the sixth batch of students to graduate from KTI’s SIBM programme.

MUSCAT: In tribute to its founder’s deep passion for aviation, Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil has partnered with legendary aviation manufacturer Piper Aircraft Inc. to present its first-ever pilot watch: the Freelancer Piper.

Omasco Watches division has arranged the exclusive launch road show for Freelance Piper watch at Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) in association with Muscat Watch Centre showroom. Customers can experience and book their exclusive Freelancer Piper watch at Raymond Weil Boutique at Sabco Centre and at Muscat Watch Center showrooms, says a press release.

Hussain Al Lawati, managing director, Omasco said: Omasco has always partnered with world class brands; we continue living the customer experience in providing the market with value, choice and engagement with the products we bring to the Omani market. We believe that the market in Oman continues to grow and customers demand more choice. With the exclusive launch of the limited edition Raymond Weil Piper watch, we are proud to introduce yet another great premium choice to our elite customers in Oman.”

Made of titanium and stainless steel, this 45mm Freelancer features a mechanical self-winding chronograph movement with date and GMT functions, making it easy for all experienced pilots to read. The shiny blue minute and hour hands resemble the aircraft’s rotor blades while the GMT hand, with its red pointer, references a compass. The small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock is inspired by the attitude indicator and the openwork black leather strap completes the aviator look of the timepiece.

With its tachometric bezel, 100-meter water resistance and 46-hour power reserve, flying enthusiasts can set off to conquer the skies and discover new horizons above the clouds.

The Freelancer Piper chronograph is limited to only 1,500 pieces worldwide; each Freelancer Piper watch will be offered in a special box, which will include a model of a Raymond Weil-branded Piper aircraft.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with best-in-class manufacturer, Piper Aircraft Inc. on our first-ever pilot watch. Raymond Weil was not only a visionary and daring entrepreneur but also a passionate pilot and the proud owner of a Piper plane,” says Elie Bernheim, CEO of Raymond Weil. “The Freelancer Piper is a fitting homage to my grandfather and the invaluable heritage he left us. I am sure he would be immensely proud of this new introduction.”

C U S T O M E R I N T E R FA C E S C R E E N S

Shell Oman launches CIS MUSCAT: Shell Oman has pioneered the launch of the first Customer Interface Screens (CIS) on the forecourt at three Shell Oman Service stations.

These screens in Oman are an industry first in the Gulf Cooperation countries and will be introduced at more Shell service stations in the coming months, says a press release.

Customers driving up to the fuel pumps at Shell North Azaiba, Mina Al Fahal and Mawaleh South can now see Shell and third party content on bright HD screens visible from their vehicles while they are refuelling. These screens will not only display transaction details - the type, quantity and value of fuel dispensed right in front of

them, but also provide information in looped sequences that include safety messages, services available at the station as well as third party marketing content.

Mohammed bin Mahmood Al Balushi, Country manager – Retail remarked, “We are happy to launch this differentiator to make visits to Shell stations more exciting. While the CIS screens will

add to our existing customer experience, we will continue investing in our customer service programmes also. The human connect that our forecourt staff provides is vital to make the customers feel really welcomed.”

The system integrator and media partner of this ground breaking project, Eyecomms, an award winning Omani company, is convinced the CIS will be one of the most effective platforms for third party marketing.

Raif bin Mohammed Al Harthy, director of Business Development at Eyecomms explained, “The CIS will facilitate advertisers to reach out to their clientele 24/7. This will significantly multiply their outreach to potential customers.”

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Ahli-Sidab lift HM’s Cup for hockey

CHAMPIONS: Ahli-Sidab Club players celebrate after emerging His Majesty’s Cup hockey champions at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Tuesday. – JUN ESTRADA / Times of Oman

In a closely-contested

OHA to part ways with coach Kurtz

final played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, all AhliSidab needed was an expertly taken short corner by Deepak Timmanna and an opportunistic goal

by Ashraf Nasri to seal their third crown under Indian coach K.K. Poonacha

A SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Ahli-Sidab scored a goal in each half to edge arch-rivals Seeb 2-1 to lift His Majesty’s Cup Hockey Championship title for the tenth time on Tuesday.

In a closely-contested final played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, all Ahli-Sidab needed was an expertly taken short corner

by Deepak Timmanna and an opportunistic goal by Ashraf Nasri to seal their third crown under Indian coach K.K. Poonacha.

Captain Mohammed Al Hassani converted a penalty stroke three minutes from the final hooter to reduce the margin for Seeb. But it was too little and came too late for Egyptian Usama Hasnen-coached Seeb, who were tactically outplayed by Poonacha’s boys.

A visibly delighted Poonacha credited his wards for sticking to the plan and playing ‘outstanding’ game.

“Obviously I am delighted. AhliSidab are winning this prestigious trophy for the third time under my coaching,” he said.

“But I should give credit the boys. They stuck to the task and played outstanding hockey today,” the Indian coach added.

His counterpart Usama Hasnen, while congratulating Ahli-Sidab for winning the title, said: “Our players gave their best. It was a good match. Unfortunately everything did not go our away.”

The Egyptian who had some issues with the umpires Haider Rasool of Pakistan and Spaniard Luis Martinez, said: “They made some decisions which I believe were wrong. But I am not complaining.

A SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Following Oman team’s dismal performance in the Junior Asia Cup and with no international participation in store in the near future for neither the senior national team nor the juniors, the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) has decided to part ways with German coach Oliver Kurtz.

A decision to this effect was taken by the board members of the Sultanate’s hockey governing body during a meeting held here on Sunday.

OHA General Secretary Mohammed Redha Taqi Al Lawati, speaking to Times Sport, said: “The (OHA) board members have decided to part ways with coach Oliver Kurtz.”

The OHA official, however, refused to attribute the decision to the team’s performance in the recent Junior Asia Cup. “We have no major participations in the coming months.

That’s the major reason,” the OHA official said.

Ahli-Sidab won the match. My congratulations to them.”

Seeb’s coach also praised AhliSidab’s Poonacha. “Their coach had a good strategy and it worked for them today.”

Poonacha was only pleased to reveal his strategy after the match.

“We played with two different strategies. In the first half, we went for all out attack. And in the second, we focussed more on defence.”

“I am glad the players gave their best in both sessions and pulled it off,” he added.

However, it was their rivals Seeb who tried to control the proceedings at the start with their incisive passes and speedy runs.

Their dominance, though it lasted just for a few minutes, put AhliSidab under pressure. At least on two occasions, Sulaiman Baqeet threatened Ahli-Sidab with his measured passes but with no support coming from his teammates, the rival custodian Gassan Al Hassani and defenders Aiman Khalid and Shabib Al Shibli managed to thwart the danger.

Ahli-Sidab slowly came into their own and with speedy and creative Afwan Yousuf playing the key role, Poonacha’s boys went on to dominate.

Just after the quarter hour, AhliSidab earned two penalty corners,

Oman’s German coach Oliver Kurtz

It may be mentioned that Oman juniors finished in the eighth and last place in the Junior Asia Cup tournament organised in Malaysia in November this year.

Speaking about the other decisions taken during the meeting, the OHA official said: “We have discussed a lot of topics pertaining to the development of hockey in Oman as well as our future plans.”

“We also touched up on the topics to be discussed with the AHF CEO Tayyib Ikram

the second of which would have fetched them their first goal if not for Ashraf Nasri’s failure to latch onto a rebound after Afwan came up with a good drag flick.

Somanna’s super saves At the other end, Seeb too earned a couple of short corners in the 20th minute. And off the second they almost went ahead but were denied by a super save by Ahli-Sidab’s another Indian recruit Pradhan Somanna.

However, Timmanna settled Ahli-Sidab’s nerves converting their second penalty corner, with a superb drag flick that beat Seeb custodian Said Al Hassani all ends up.

After resumption, Ahli-Sidab continued with their attacking game while Seeb were shaken by an injury to defender Qasim Rabee’a, who fell akwardly to the ground and had to be stretched off.

Neverthless Seeb tried to fight back and managed to threaten their rivals with their counter attacks. But Ahli-Sidab’s defenders stood upto the challenge with fine saves, worth mentioning being a couple of diving saves by Hussain Al Qasmi.

Fourteen minutes into the second session, Ahli-Sidab doubled their lead with a superb cross by

during our meeting with him,” he added.

As part of AHF vision, Tayyib Ikram, who is also the FIH Regional Development Officer, is making an effort to bring together the national associations of GCC countries to develop hockey in the Gulf region.

The visiting AHF official is also expected to finalise Oman’s plans and preparations to host the Under-18 AHF Cup, which is scheduled to take place in October next year.

Hussain Qasim and with a little bit of luck. Against the run of play, Hussain stole the ball from a rival midfielder in his own half, and seeing an unmarked Ashraf speeding towards the danger, unleashed a powerful shot. The latter fumbled on top of the ‘dee’ but just about able to touch the ball which went through the legs of unrushing goalkeeper Said Al Hassani.

Despite conceding two goals, Seeb refused to five up and pressed on the accelerator, earning a their third penalty corner ten minutes from the end. However, Somanna once again denied them with a similar high clearance.

But Seeb were not to be denied when they earned a penalty stroke with three minutes left on the clock.

It was captain Mahmood Al Hassani who stepped foward and put the ball coolly behind rival keeper.

Poonacha admitted the team had to survive tense moments after conceding that goal.

“That goal reduced the margin.

They (Seeb) could have fought back but our boys survived those tense moments. All credit to them,” he said.

The Indian coach also revealed his willingness return next year.

“Of couse, I would like to come and coach Ahli-Sidab next year as well,” he said.

Cash prizes Chief guest Ahmed Al Mehrezi, Minister of Tourism, presented the medals and trophies during an impressive prize-giving ceremony in the presence of Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi, Oman Hockey Association chief Sheikh Mahfoudh Ali Juma Al Juma. Visiting Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) CEO ‘Dato’ Tayyib Ikram was also present on the occasion.

While Ahli-Sidab were presented with coveted trophy, they were also handed a cheque of OMR 40,000. Seeb took home OMR 25,000 and Al Nasr, who defeated Salalah for the third place, were riched by OMR 15,000.

Seeb’s Mahmood Al Hassani emerged the best player of the championship while Ghassan Al Hassani was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Al Nasr’s Dutch recruit Joost Rijusen won the top scorer’s award for his eight-goal effort.

Joost, whom Al Nasr roped in along with his teammate and defender Pieter Sutorius from the Netheralands hockey team Pinoke for His Majesty’s Cup Championship, was delighted with the experience of playing in Oman.

“They (Al Nasr) asked us whether we can play for them and we readily agreed. Playing here is a different and good experience for us. We really enjoyed playing here,” he said.

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SPORTS SIX MORE WICKETS NEEDED

Patience will be the key for England: Finn DURBAN: England must be patient on the last day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead as they seek six more wickets for victory, fast bowler Steven Finn said.

Finn took three wickets to help reduce the hosts to 136 for four on the fourth day on Tuesday.

“If we come out either expecting to get wickets or trying too hard to get wickets, that will stand against us. If we are patient and let South Africa come to us, then we have a very good chance,” Finn told reporters.

Daunting task South Africa require a daunting 280 runs still to win with their hopes hinging on a talismanic performance from leading batsman AB de Villiers, who will resume on 37 not out.

“He (De Villiers) averages over 50 runs in Test cricket so he is a very important player for them, he’s one of the best in the world, but as long we get wickets, we don’t care which six we get,” Steve Finn said.

“We are in a fantastic position to try and press for that victory tomorrow and I think the rewards

we got today from a batting and bowling perspective were born through patience and hard work,” he added.

“We came out before tea and chased it a little bit and everyone, apart from Stuart Broad, was probably guilty of trying to make something happen, especially with the new ball, but I think we reset really well at tea, came out afterwards and stopped South Africa really going anywhere.”

The performance of the 26-yearold fast bowler justified the decision to add him to the tour party after impressing for England Lions in two comeback appearances against Pakistan A in Dubai.

He was forced to pull out of England’s Test series against Pakistan in October after suffering a bonestress injury in his left foot.

“It wasn’t ideal to go home from Dubai with that stress fracture but it gave me a chance to rest the rest of my body and even when I was injured I was confident I’d be fit enough to play in this test match,” Finn said.

“There has been no pain or anything so I’m just trying to enjoy it and savour these great occasions.” - Reuters

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Finn strikes thrice as England smell victory England snared openers Dean Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl as well outof-form captain Hashim Amla to give themselves a strong chance of winning the opening match of the four-Test series against the world’s top-ranked side JUBILANT: England celebrate the wicket of South Africa’s Faf du Plessis (not in picture) during the

first cricket Test match in Durban. – Reuters

DURBAN: England’s Steven Finn took three wickets as South Africa, chasing an unlikely 416 for victory, struggled to 136 for four on the fourth day of the first Test on Tuesday and were staring at the prospect of likely defeat.

England snared openers Dean Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl as well out-of-form captain Hashim Amla to give themselves a strong chance of winning the opening match of the four-Test series against the world’s top-ranked side.

They added a key wicket in the penultimate over to boost their hopes greatly when a rising delivery from Finn forced Faf du Plessis to edge a catch to Alastair Cook at slip after a stonewalling innings of nine off 66 balls.

“We tried to apply pressure in the last session and I charged in as hard as I could. You have to hammer away on a good length and the odd one will jump up,” Finn told reporters.

Missed chance England might have also had the prize wicket of AB de Villiers but wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow missed a chance to stump him off a viciously turning ball from Moeen Ali. De Villiers was 37 not out at the close with nightwatchman Dale Steyn on nought.

South Africa must bat through three sessions and 90 overs on Wednesday to save the test. They still require 280 runs to win.

“We are going to try our best to protect our wickets and stay in as long as we can,” South Africa offspinner Dane Piedt said.

Ben Stokes bowled Van Zyl for 33 after South Africa had made a positive start in a fluent opening stand of 53.

Amla (12) went cheaply again when he was caught by Bairstow flashing at a short ball from Finn.

Elgar, who made an unbeaten century in the first innings, was caught in the slips edging a full delivery from Finn for 40.

England were bowled out just

Steyn doubtful for second Test CAPE TOWN: South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn’s availability for the second Test against England is in doubt because of a shoulder injury.

The right-arm pacer could not bowl on day four of the first Test against England because of a spasm in his right shoulder. He had scans on Tuesday but they revealed no muscle tear. He will have to undergo a few more tests before the second Test from January 2. The world No.1 paceman missed majority of South Africa’s tour to India due to a groin injury. On Tuesday Steyn seemed to be in a lot of discomfort.

He returned later and tried to bowl, but could not do it. - IANS

after lunch for 326 in their second innings, Bairstow top-scoring with a quickfire 79 off 76 balls in a display of perfect timing on a slow surface before he holed out in the deep to end the innings.

Bairstow was forced to take risks as he ran out of partners and Piedt claimed his first five-wicket haul. England, resuming on 172 for three, lost four wickets before lunch and the last three inside the first hour of the afternoon session.

Joe Root, unbeaten on 60 overnight, added 13 to his score before guiding a Kyle Abbott delivery to Van Zyl at first slip while James Taylor made 42 before being stumped.

South Africa had to do without the world’s best bowler Steyn in their attack after his shoulder spasm failed to clear up overnight. - Reuters

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings: 303 (N. Compton 85, J. Taylor 70; D. Steyn 4-70, M. Morkel 4-76) South Africa 1st innings: 214 (D. Elgar 118no; S. Broad 4-25, M. Ali 4-69) England 2nd innings (overnight: 172-3): A. Cook lbw b Piedt 7 A. Hales c Abbott b Piedt 26 N. Compton c de Villiers b M. Morkel 49 J. Root c van Zyl b Abbott 73 Taylor st de Villiers b Piedt 42 B. Stokes c Elgar b Piedt 5 J. Bairstow c Duminy b van Zyl 79 M. Ali lbw b Piedt 16 C. Woakes c Duminy b van Zyl 23 S. Broad c de Villiers b van Zyl 0 S. Finn not out 0 Extras (b-3, lb-3) 6 Total (all out, 102.1 overs) 326 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-48, 3-119, 4-192, 5-197, 6-224, 7-272, 8-315, 9-315, 10-326 Bowling: D. Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, M. Morkel

20.3-5-38-1, K. Abbott 21.4-3-62-1, D. Piedt 36-4-153-5, D. Elgar 9-0-32-0, S. van Zyl 10.1-3-20-3, J. Duminy 1-0-5-0 South Africa 2nd innings (Target: 416 runs): D. Elgar c Root b Finn 40 S. van Zyl b Stokes 33 H. Amla c Bairstow b Finn 12 AB. de Villiers not out 37 F. du Plessis c Cook b Finn 9 D. Steyn not out 0 Extras (b-2, lb-3) 5 Total (for 4 wickets, 47 overs) 136 Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-85, 3-88, 4-136 To bat: T. Bavuma, K. Abbott, M. Morkel, D. Piedt, J. Duminy Bowling: S. Broad 11-4-25-0, C. Woakes 6-2-17-0, S. Finn 8-3-27-3, B. Stokes 7-1-261, M. Ali 15-3-36-0 Umpires: Aleem Dar and Rod Tucker TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle

NO MORE

Former Newcastle keeper Srnicek dies aged 47 PRAGUE: Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek died on Tuesday at the age of 47, nine days after suffering a cardiac arrest in the Czech Republic.

Srnicek collapsed while jogging during a Christmas visit to his hometown Bohumin in eastern Czech Republic. He was taken to a hospital in nearby Ostrava and placed in an induced coma.

“It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the passing of former Newcastle United player Pavel Srnicek,” his agent Steve Wraith said in a statement.

Srnicek, who also had spells at Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Portsmouth, made 150 appearances for Newcastle between 1991 and 1998, helping them win promotion to the top flight during the 1992-93 season.

The former international played 49 games for the Czech national team and was a member of the squad at the 1996 European Championship when they lost to Germany in the final

He was a favourite of the Newcastle fans who called him “Pav” and travelled to north-east England this month to promote his autobiography.

Newcastle fans sang “Pavel is a Geordie” at halftime during the team’s Boxing Day Premier League match against Everton.

The club extended condolences to Srnicek’s family.

Srnicek had worked as goalkeeping coach for Czech team Sparta Prague since 2011.

“Pavel, you were a great coach, mate and friend. We will not forget!” Sparta said on their website. - Reuters

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Holder demands Windies players to find belief MELBOURNE: Deflated West Indies captain Jason Holder has demanded his players find the belief to win after their improved performance in Melbourne still ended in a draining 177-run loss in the second Test and a 2-0 defeat in the series.

The Caribbeans were trounced within three days in Hobart but showed more pluck at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to push the match into the final overs of day four.

“It hurts,” the young captain told reporters after scoring a valiant 68 in the second innings to slow Australia’s charge. “It’s not a nice feeling.

“I’m proud of the guys to show some fight in this game but I’m still disappointed we didn’t put up a better fight.”

“Not only to get to five, the goal is obviously to win,” he added of next week’s dead rubber test in Sydney.

“It’s a situation where we just need to believe.

“We probably showed a lot more belief when we went into bat. You could see guys really trying to apply themselves.

“We showed application and signs that we can compete, we just need that belief.”

All of the top seven West Indies batsmen made starts in the second innings but only wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and the captain surpassed 50.

Praises Bravo Holder praised Darren Bravo for leading the batting amid the struggles of the much-maligned Marlon Samuels, who has managed scores of 3, 9, 0 and 19 from the series.

The skipper was also buoyed by the positive debut of paceman Carlos Brathwaite, who scored a 59 in the first innings and showed good control if not pace with his bowling.

The match was lost by West Indies’ bowlers, however, who could take only three wickets in each innings and were expensive for the most part.

“Obviously our bowlers still need to be a lot more disciplined,” he said.

“We need to find ways to control the game a lot more,” the skipper added.

“Although the pitches have been very good for batting, we still have to find ways to contain,” he said.

“That’s one area we really need to tighten up on.” - Reuters

Australia seal series with 117-run win over Windies

VITAL STRIKE: Australia’s Mitch Marsh, second from left, celebrates with teammates after dismissing West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels on the fourth day of their second Test match in Melbourne on Tuesday. – AFP

SCOREBOARD

Chasing an imposing 460-run target for victory, the West Indies batsmen battled hard in sublime conditions but were bowled out for 282 in the penultimate over of the day

MELBOURNE: Australia’s bowlers had to work hard for their wickets but completed an emphatic 177-run victory before the close of day four of the second Test against West Indies on Tuesday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and captain Jason Holder built a brave 100-run stand after tea

CRICKET

Smith seeks explanation after DRS malfunction MELBOURNE: Australia captain Steve Smith will seek an explanation from match referee Chris Broad over a Decision Review System malfunction during his team’s march to victory over West Indies in the second Test on Tuesday.

Australia won by 177 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, sealing the series 2-0 with a game in hand, but a failure of the ball-tracking technology shone the spotlight on the often divisive DRS. With West Indies on 210 for five and battling to keep the match alive, paceman Peter Siddle cannoned a delivery into captain Jason Holder’s pads and Smith demanded a review after umpire Marais Erasmus waved away the appeal. The third umpire went through the usual protocols of checking for a no-ball and a nick on the bat, but there was an awkward pause as the ‘Hawk-Eye’ ball-tracking failed to display on the scoreboard.

Moments passed before the malfunction sunk in and a resigned Erasmus shrugged that the DRS had failed. Australia were allowed to keep the review and play went on, but a few overs later the technology was back online. Its projection of the delivery, beamed on the scoreboard and TV screens, endorsed Erasmus’s not out decision.

“We’ve made a few enquiries and we’re going to talk to the match referee later on,” Smith told reporters. “But it’s not ideal if it’s shut down and not working.”

West Indies skipper Holder said he found the incident “quite surprising”. “I think the quality of Test-playing nations like Australia is pretty much up there with all of the technology,” he added. “It was just unfortunate (it happened) at that stage.”

Smith was otherwise satisfied with the day and how his bowlers grinded out the win on an unresponsive pitch. He felt they had made hard work of it, however, having let three wickets go begging due to no-balls from stepping over the crease.

Paceman James Pattinson reprieved Carlos Brathwaite twice on day three and the debutant paceman went on to score 59. Josh Hazlewood also overstepped on day four, letting Darren Bravo off the hook on 12. “We made it difficult for ourselves, overstepping, we had to take 23 wickets, not 20,” Smith said.

The captain suggested bowling changes were afoot for the third Test, with paceman Peter Siddle nursing a sore foot and the possibility of a second slow bowler coming into play on the traditionally spin-friendly Sydney Cricket Ground pitch.

“Obviously we go to Sri Lanka later on in the year (2016) where there is a good chance we’ll see two spinners playing, or in the touring party,” he said.

“It’d be good to see a second spinner play and see what he has got to offer.” - Reuters

Australia 1st innings: 551 for 3 decl (U. Khawaja 144, S. Smith 134no, J. Burns 128, A. Voges 106 n.o.)

West Indies 1st innings: 271 (D. Bravo 81, C. Brathwaite 59; N. Lyon 4-66, J. Pattinson 4-72) Australia 2nd innings J. Burns c K. Brathwaite b Holder 5 D. Warner c Holder b C. Brathwaite 17 U. Khawaja c Ramdin b Holder 56 S. Smith (not out) 70 M. Marsh (not out) 18 Extras (lb-6, nb-5, w-2) 13 Total (3 wkts decl, 32 overs) 179 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-46, 3-123.

to slow Australia’s march at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but all-rounder Mitchell Marsh broke the partnership with some fiery pace bowling and took four for 61 to complete the triumph.

Chasing an imposing 460-run target for victory, the West Indies batsmen battled hard in sublime conditions but were bowled out for 282 in the penultimate over of the day.

Having beaten New Zealand 2-0 at the start of the home summer, Australia captain Steve Smith celebrated his second series win in charge following the retirement

Did not bat: A. Voges, P. Nevill, J. Pattinson, P. Siddle, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling: J. Taylor 3-0-25-0; J. Holder 11-149-2 (nb-1); C. Brathwaite 6-1-30-1 (w-1); K. Roach 4- 0-22-0 (w-1); J. Warrican 8-0-47-0.

West Indies 2nd innings K. Brathwaite c Smith b Lyon R. Chandrika lbw Pattinson Da. Bravo c Nevill b Siddle M. Samuels c Nevill b M. Marsh J. Blackwood lbw Lyon D. Ramdin c Nevill b M. Marsh J. Holder c Hazlewood b M. Marsh C. Brathwaite b Lyon

31 37 21 19 20 59 68 2

of Michael Clarke. He was disappointed, however, that his bowlers let three wickets go begging by overstepping the crease, adding needless burden to the task of securing victory on an unresponsive pitch.

“We probably let ourselves down a little bit, obviously with the no-balls,” he said. “I don’t think we dropped our level, it was a tough wicket to take wickets on. You really had to grind it out and work extremely hard. We got the job done.”

West Indies captain Jason Holder, who top-scored for his side with a defiant 68, said the loss “hurt” but

K. Roach c Warner b Pattinson 11 J. Taylor c Pattinson b M. Marsh 0 J. Warrican (not out) 4 Extras (lb-7, nb-2, w-1) 10 Total (all out, 88.3 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-83, 3-91, 4-118, 5-150, 6-250, 7-253, 8-274, 9-278.

Bowling: J. Hazlewood 20-6-40-0 (nb-1, w-1); J. Pattinson 17-4-49-2; N. Lyon 23-7-853; P. Siddle 9-2-35-1; M. Marsh 17.3-2-61-4 (nb-1); S. Smith 2-1-5-0.

Umpires: Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney.

TV umpire: Ian Gould.

Match referee: Chris Broad.

he was comforted by his team’s improvement from Hobart, where they were thrashed by an innings and 212 runs and roundly condemned for a perceived lack of effort.

All the West Indies’ top seven batsmen made starts in the second innings but only Holder and Ramdin made it past 50. More concerning, their bowlers could take only six wickets in the match and allowed Smith’s men to pile on 551 runs in the first innings.

“We probably showed a lot more belief when we went into bat,” Holder told reporters.

“Obviously our bowlers still need to be a lot more disciplined.”

Smith declared Australia’s second innings closed at 179 for three before the start of play on day four but it was slow going, with only opener Kraigg Brathwaite falling for 31 in the first session.

By tea, three more wickets had tumbled and victory was in sight for the Australians.

Spinner Nathan Lyon, named man-of-the-match after taking seven wickets, dismissed West Indies’ last specialist batsman in Jermaine Blackwood for 20 shortly after the break and Marsh had Ramdin caught behind for 59.

Lyon returned to bowl Carlos Brathwaite for two, knocking off a single bail, leaving the last three batsmen to deal with the new ball.

Although Holder soaked up another half-hour with fellow paceman Kemar Roach, he spooned a catch off Marsh straight to mid-on in the day’s 87th over and it ended quickly from there.

After dismissing Roach, paceman James Pattinson ran in from long leg to complete a fine catch after Jerome Taylor slogged Marsh high into the sky, and the Australians celebrated finishing their work a day early. - Reuters

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SPORTS OGC gearing up to host Oman Amateur Open in January The seventh edition of the prestigious tournament is scheduled to be held on January 22 and 23 at Almouj Golf

MUSCAT: The Oman Golf Committee (OGC) is gearing up to organise 2016 Oman Amateur Open with the support of A’Saffa Foods, Al Turki and Sohar Aluminium.

The seventh edition of the prestigious tournament is scheduled to be held on January 22 and 23 at Almouj Golf.

Mundhir Al Barwani, the Chairman of the OGC, said: “Every year, we have seen the competition is getting better. Last year, we saw a record number of participants.

This year, we have limited the number of entries to 120.”

“We have been getting queries from all over the GCC region. We are expecting some stiff competition this time. The growing popularity of the tournament indicates that golf is gaining popularity in Oman,” he added.

The tournament, a flagship event of the OGC, was the first ever golfing event that was created in Oman.

After the inaugural edition of the Oman Amateur Open was a tremendous success in 2010, the competition has quickly grown in popularity. It’s now a premier event in Oman’s golfing calendar.

POPULAR EVENT: A file photo of winners in various categories posing for a group photo after the 2015 tournament. – Supplied photo

The registration process has already started for the seventh edition of the tournament and will continue till January 13.

Oman Golf Committee is inviting golfers from Oman as well as from the GCC region to participate in one of the most prestigious tournaments of the region. The 120-player tournament will have a maximum of 90 men, 20 ladies and 10 juniors.

The competition will be played in a 36-hole strokeplay format.

Regarding the rules, the organisers have set certain guidelines. For example,the limited handicap allowance is USGA 24 for men, USGA 30 for ladies and USGA 28 for juniors. Priority will be given to the player with the lowest handicap.

Valid 2016 OGC handicap is a must for players who are residents

in Oman. Proof of a handicap certificate from a recognised golfing association or entity may be required for players who are nonresidents in Oman. Last year, Bahraini golfer NasserYacoub went on to win the coveted men’s gross championship with a score of 147.

Oman’s Rashad Al Harthy carded an impressive score of 168 to take home the junior gross title, and

Susan McInnes produced a score of 180 for claiming the ladies’ title.

The men’s title at the last tournament was won by Jeff Campbell with a score of 147. A member of Ghala Golf Club, he had gone into the competition as its defending champion. The Ladies’ Gross Championship was won by Ghala Golf Club member Jacky Franssen with a two-day score of 175.

FOOTBALL

OFA presents FIFA badges to 17 Omani referees

FOOTBALL

‘Arsenal need to build momentum’ LONDON: There will be a few ‘hiccups’ as Arsenal bid to lift the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 but the squad is strong enough to pull through any situation, midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has said.

The Gunners were quick to respond to Saturday’s embarrassing 4-0 league loss to Southampton by easily dispatching relegation-threatened Bournemouth on Monday, thanks to goals from Gabriel and in-form Mesut Ozil.

The win meant Arsene Wenger’s men moved to the top of the table, a point ahead of Leicester City.

“We’re in a strong position now, it’s where we would like to be,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told the club’s website.

“There have been some hiccups along the way and I’m sure there will be a few more but we need to build on this half of the season and go into the New Year positively and in the right manner.

“You need to build momentum. It’s all about getting the right results and as many results as possible from here.

“From day to day, we need to turn it around if we have a bad result. We need to turn that around and we got the right result.”

“We know we’re capable of winning games. The boss said to us that the team that lost at Southampton is no different to the one that beat Manchester City at home.”

With Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck all ruled out with injury, OxladeChamberlain hoped for a quick recovery for his teammates.

“We’ll hopefully get some injured players back soon and that will boost us again, but the boys have been really good so far,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

“We need to keep that going and today was a good step and a good way to end the year.” - Reuters FOOTBALL

Messi returns to training for Barcelona

MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) presented 17 Omani referees with FIFA badges during ceremony oragised at the OFA Headquarters.

OFA board member and head of the Referees Committee Humaid Al Jabri presented the badges in the presence of Omar Bishtawi, chief of the Referees Department at OFA.

Later, Omar Bishtawi conducted a workshop for the referees.

“The workshop reflected on the referees performance over the course of the Omantel Professional League (OPL) and looked back at key decisions that the referees took over the course of the season,” a OFA statement added.

In his remarks, Humaid Al Jabri thanked ‘all the referees for their

participation and contribution to football and wished them the best in their future endeavors’.

Grassroots team Meanwhile, the Technical Department of the OFA, after extensive scouting has finalised a list of 30 children who will form part of the Sultanate’s grassroots national football team.

“The team has been selected after a lot of in-depth scouting that has taken place with coaches from the technical department,” a statement from the OFA said.

“The final team was selected by German football expert Torsten Spittler, who is working with the OFA as a Talent Development and Performance Expert,” the OFA statement added.

Spittler was assisted by national team coaches Nabeel Mubarak and Khalid Al Alawi, as well as national team administrator Nabeel Al Balushi.

The players were selected based on their natural talent and technical ability. They are scheduled to participate in the 8th Gulf Festival in Qatar and Asian Grassroots Festival in Saudi Arabia.

BARCELONA: Football star Lionel Messi returned to Barcelona’s group training along with his teammates in preparation for Wednesday’s clash against Real Betis in La Liga.

Messi took Sunday off to visit Dubai where he received the Best Player of the Year award at the Globe Soccer event, reports Efe. Barcelona’s game against Betis will mark Messi’s 500th game with the ‘Blaugrana’.

Barca are currently on top in La Liga with 35 points. - IANS

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Former Pakistan players Yousuf, Raja exchange coarse words on Amir issue Pakistan rejects Azhar Ali’s resignation over Amir return

The offensive exchange of words took place over the issue of Mohammed Amir with Mohammed Yousuf claiming Ramiz Raja didn’t know cricket Mohammed Yousuf

Ramiz Raja

and is good only to be a teacher

KARACHI: The debate over whether tainted left-arm pacer Mohammed Amir should be allowed to play for Pakistan again has created a big divide in Pakistan cricket with former cricketers Mohammed Yousuf and Ramiz Raja engaging in a war of words on the issue during a TV show.

The two waded into each other and used some very personal, coarse and unrefined language against each on national television during a show on Geo Super channel.

The offensive exchange of words took place over the issue of

Amir with Yousuf claiming Ramiz didn’t know cricket, was a ‘Sifarashi’ player and good only to be a teacher. Yousuf went one step further when he made some personal remarks against the former Test captain turned commentator who lost his cool on air.

It drew a sharp response from Ramiz who termed Yousuf, who sports a beard, as a fake Mullah who tells lies and who caused havoc in Pakistan cricket.

The clips of the exchange soon became the talk of the social media with many former players, fans and critics expressing disappointment over the language used by both former stalwarts.

Pakistan’s former Test captain

SUPPORT FROM LEGEND

Rashid Latif said what happened should never have happened and was most unfortunate.

“I have played with both these players. They are looked upon with respect by the fans. It does not pass on the right message to anyone,” Latif said. Ramiz has been clear about his views on allowing Amir back into the national team.

“My views are clear to everyone but this is a decision that the Pakistan cricket board has to take and only time will tell whether they took the right decision or not,” Ramiz said.

“I thought the PCB could have handled the Amir matter in a better manner,” he said.

Two of Pakistan’s senior players

Mohammed Hafeez and national one-day captain Azhar Ali both refused to train with Amir in the national training camp in Lahore but later agreed to return on the intervention of the PCB chief Shaharyar Khan.

Ramiz said he was happy that the matter was resolved and Hafeez and Azhar returned to the camp. “But the Amir issue has reached a very delicate stage now.”

Responding to remarks from Yousuf that Amir was the world’s best bowler and that someone had instigated Azhar Ali, Ramiz said neither was Amir the world’s best bowler nor did anyone instigate Azhar. “I thought they took a brave stand,” he added. - PTI

KARACHI: Pakistan has rejected one-day captain Azhar Ali’s offer to resign over tainted team mate Mohammad Amir’s presence at a Lahore training camp, the country’s cricket board said on Tuesday.

Amir’s return to the selection mix after serving a fiveyear ban for spot-fixing in the 2010 Lord’s test has polarised Pakistan cricket with several of his team mates resenting his reintegration.

Azhar, along with former captain Mohammed Hafeez, initially refused to join the camp ahead of next month’s limited-over matches in New Zealand but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the ODI skipper would stay on.

“Azhar Ali met the chairman PCB (Shaharyar Khan).

He tendered his resignation,” PCB said in a statement.

“The chairman didn’t accept his resignation, Azhar Ali agreed and he will continue as captain,” it added. Amir, fel-

Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali at PCB headquarters.

low fast bowler Mohammed Asif and former test captain Salman Butt served jail sentences in Britain after being found guilty in 2011 of various offences of corrupt behaviour.

Former captain Imran Khan has backed Amir’s return to international cricket but test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq feared the bowler’s comeback would prove a big distraction for the team.

According to local media reports, former captain Shoaib Malik has been assigned to guide Amir on his comeback. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Blatter says fighting for his honour: report ZURICH: Banned FIFA president Sepp Blatter feels “abandoned” by the global soccer body and will now focus on clearing his name, the 79-year-old Swiss told German magazine Bunte.

FIFA’s watchdog last week banned Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini for eight years for ethics violations. Both men immediately denied any wrongdoing and said they would appeal to the Swissbased Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“I now no longer fight for FIFA,” Blatter, who led soccer’s governing body for 17 years, said according to a preview of an interview with Bunte. “They abandoned me.

BIG SUPPORT: Pakistani cricketers Mohammed Amir, right, and

FIFA abandoned me. I am now only fighting for myself and my honour, said Blatter in an interview to Bunte I am now only fighting for myself and my honour.”

Blatter had come out swinging against the ban, holding a news conference to tell reporters that he was sorry only that the president of FIFA was being treated as a “punching ball”, adding: “I will fight for me and I will fight for FIFA.” He told Bunte that he was re-energised by the “false claims” against him. “After Christmas I will start to

fight back,” Blatter said. The inquiry by FIFA’s ethics committee began after the Swiss attorney general’s office opened criminal proceedings against Blatter over a 2 million Swiss franc ($2.03 million) payment to Platini in 2011.

Switzerland’s prosecutor is also investigating FIFA’s award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals to Russia and to Qatar, a small, wealthy desert country with no

real soccer tradition. The ethics committee said it had not found evidence that the payment, made at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, constituted a bribe, which meant the men were spared potential lifetime bans.

In the United States, prosecutors have indicted 27 current or former soccer officials over allegations that they ran bribery schemes connected to the sale of television rights for soccer competitions.. These include eight former FIFA Executive Committee members and the current heads of both the North and South American federations. - Reuters

C O R P O R AT E S U P P O R T

Shahid Afridi snapped during a practice session in Lahore. – AFP

Amir deserves second chance, says Imran KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketer turned politician Imran Khan has joined those supporting the return of tainted left arm pacer Mohammed Amir to the national squad. Amir is in line to get his first chance to play for Pakistan since 2010 when the national selectors announce the ODI and T20 squads for the tour to New Zealand later this week.

Having served a five-year ban and also a jail term for spot-fixing, Amir is presently training with the other national team players in the camp in Lahore.

Imran said on the Ary news channel that he felt Aamir deserved some compassion.

“He was 18 when this spot fixing scandal took place. The good thing is that he admitted his guilt, cooperated with the ICC, served his punishment and has also undergone rehabilitation. I think he deserves a second chance,” Imran said. “Any 19-year old boy can make a mistake and Amir did that.

What I see is that he has reformed

and is repentant for what he did,” Imran said. The former captain said that he also supported giving another chance to Amir as there were criminals running scot free in the country.

“They are criminals involved in running this country. It makes no sense to me than that someone who has been punished for his crime should not be given another chance at redemption,” he said.

Imran called on former players, the authorities and fans to support Amir in his comeback. “He should be supported. He is a talent for Pakistan and if he has served his punishment than he should return to international cricket. He will boost the team resources.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board said that former captain and senior player Shoaib Malik had been asked to watch over Amir and guide him in his comeback trail.

Malik is leading the Karachi team in the Pakistan Super League and wasted no time in picking the left arm pacer in his franchise. - PTI

Bank Muscat supports bowling tournament at SQU MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in step with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and partnership to promote Oman as a sporting nation, extended lead support to a bowling tournament organised by Sultan Qaboos University. Bank Muscat Shababi, the first youth banking service in Oman, utilised the opportunity to reaffirm support for the country’s youth.

Engaging the youth beyond banking, Bank Muscat Shababi offers varied opportunities like sports, games, arts and entertainment to support their lifestyle activities. Shababi represents the country’s youth who are the future of Oman. Notably, Shababi encourages the youth from an early age to develop a savings habit, thereby making a positive contribution to the socio-economic development of Oman.

Targeted at Omani youth in the age group of 18 to 25, Shababi fulfills the long-felt need of specialised banking services for this segment. In 2015, youth opening a Shababi account with just RO 10 were eligible for a chance to win RO 300 every month. In all, there

were 45 winners every month in the youth category of al Mazyona savings scheme.

Bank Muscat maintains a longstanding partnership with SQU, reflected at various levels. Bank Muscat is the first and only bank to offer banking services on SQU campus. As the nation’s leading banking partner, Bank Muscat

attaches great importance to national initiatives, especially higher education aimed at sustaining the country’s progress and development. The association with SQU stems from Bank Muscat’s commitment to the future generations Bank Muscat is committed to its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision for the economy, community and envi-

ronment and is proud to have led the way in contributing to sustainable development in Oman with various initiatives. As the nation’s leading financial institution, Bank Muscat aims to provide the momentum for youth to excel in all arenas and thereby contribute to the development and progress of Oman.

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‘There is nothing wrong in India playing a series against Pakistan’ Syed Kirmani, former India wicketkeeper,

According to me, there is nothing is wrong playing against Pakistan, but looking into the political scenario, the ICC and BCCI wouldn’t like to go against the government as well. They are autonomous bodies but we have got to respect what the government says

has said that there is nothing wrong in playing a bilateral series against Pakistan but the Board of Control for Cricket in India must respect government’s decision

BANGALORE: There is nothing wrong in playing cricket with Pakistan, feels former India wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani but he concedes that the BCCI cannot bypass the government and has to respect whatever it decides depending on the political scenario between the two countries.

India and Pakistan were supposed to play a bilateral series this month but the planned rubber did not go ahead after the Indian government withheld permission for it. Kirmani said despite being an autonomous body, the BCCI should respect the government’s stand.

“According to me, there is nothing is wrong playing against Pakistan, but looking into the political scenario, the ICC and BCCI wouldn’t like to go against the government as well.

“They are autonomous bodies but we have got to respect what the government says,” he told PTI in an exclusive interview.

BCCI is awaiting the Indian government’s permission for playing against the arch-rivals. The BCCI and the PCB had signed an MoU

Syed Kirmani

Former India cricketer

last year under which the two countries agreed to play a total of six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023. India has not played a full bilateral Test series with Pakistan since the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008.

Nevertheless, Kirmani said he is looking forward to improved political relationship between India and Pakistan.

“I am looking forward, that the relationships at the political front eases off between the two neighbours. I don’t understand why there must be conflict be-

tween the two neighbours? ‘love thy neighbours’, so why do you want to fight against one another?

What for? What do you want?,” he questioned.

If the series comes through, Kirmani said it would be sold-out affair because India-Pakistan clashes are always enjoyed by the fans.

“We always enjoy playing against Pakistan, and if the series comes through, nothing like it. It builds more interest in spectators and lovers of the game,” said Kirmani, who has been nominated for this year’s Col C K Nayudu Life-

time Achievement Award.

“Leaving aside politics, there is a great camaraderie among the players. We enquire about our families and business and other things. We also wish each other, that is how sportsmen are — there is nothing between players. We have a great relationship,” he said.

On to other issues, Kirmani gave his thumbs up for Day-Night Test matches by saying that it makes good business sense.

“When you can play day-night one-day internationals, why not day-night Test matches? See how

it goes about. People will have more time to watch the matches after they close their businesses and offices, so it makes a good business sense as well,” he said.

On the Nagpur pitch controversy where match referee Jeff Crowe, in his report submitted to the ICC, had rated the surface as poor, Kirmani said he wouldn’t accept the Kiwi’s conclusions because nobody cribs about Australian or English pitches.

“What Jeff Crowe has said I will not accept that because what happened in England? Australia were

bundled out for 60 runs. What would you say for that? On what conditions and what pitches in England? Stuart Broad took eight wickets for 15 runs, I think it is a marvellous performance. Why not talk about it. Why talk about poor tracks ... These things happen. It is part and parcel of the game,” he said.

Crowe’s report had rated Nagpur pitch as poor in reply to the ICC. The Nagpur Test between India and South Africa had finished inside three days with the highest score being a first innings 40 made by opener Murali Vijay. - PTI

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

Leisure WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peak During the deep winter season,

camping amidst a dusting of snow in

the Jebel Shams mountains provides a different kind of adventure, combining spectacular views, unforgettable trekking, and an entirely different view of the villages in the northeastern Oman.

Story Saleh Al Shaibany

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T

negotiate the roads and treat your climb with utmost respect. But it is all worth it once you are up there.

Qarn Al Ghamaydah is the very top you could get to and the view from up there is sublime. You could pitch your tent here and spend hours looking down at the villages below. You can also see the famous terraced farms, watch farmers at work and animals peacefully grazing. In the night, you could light up a roaring camp fire that you would use to barbecue your meat.

You would also need the fire to warm you up since in December and January, the temperature up there can drop to a single digit.

But in the summer the mercury registers a much more comfortable level of between 18 during the night and about 25 in the afternoon.

A weekend of camping should be enough to allow you to explore the water spouting gorges, the curious mountain goats, the hot springs and trekking. You would not want to go back home without visiting Oman’s Grand Canyon in the village of Wadi An Nakhoor located at the heart of Jebel Shams. You can walk around it for 7km or just sit on the edge to look down at near darkness but one false step could see you plummeting hundreds of metres below.

Though it is cold in December, part of the delight of being up there is the flakes of snow falling down on you on rare occasions during peak winter days. If you are lucky, you could witness fluffy drops cover the hills around you with a white blanket.

Though it is cold in December, part of the delight of being up there is the flakes of snow falling down on you on rare occasions during peak winter days. If you are lucky, you could witness fluffy drops form small puddles on the ground and cover the hills around you with a white blanket. If you

like trekking, then you would need to walk to villages such as Wadi Al Sahtan. Villagers are friendly as they conduct their daily activities including milking cows, fruit picking, carpet weaving, pottery or just working on the farms. The mode of transportation in the villages is donkey riding. Cars cannot go through narrow streets of mudbrick houses. Life is basic up there but it is the way the villagers like to maintain and lead their lives. Half of them, by the admission of one village elder, go down to big towns like Al Hamra or Adam just a few times a year.

You should not miss the marketplaces of the villages. Every one of them has its own souq with unique features. You can enjoy watching animal auctioning, look at villagers bartering vegetables in weaved bags, buy fruits or just sit at a roadside cafe drinking Omani coffee and absorb the atmosphere. The nights in the Jebel Shams are peaceful. You can take a well earned rest and sit next to the camp fire under the star-studded sky. By the time you head back home, you would know that you had a sample of a unique adventure different from any weekend retreat you had in the past.

Photography : MMG Photographers

he drive to Jebel Shams, Oman’s tallest mountain that peaks at 3,000 metres, is 220km from Muscat towards the Al Dakhiliyah Region. It is located just less than 10km from the town of Al Hamra.

You can catch a sight of the mountain once you enter Nizwa, about 80km away. As you get closer, the Jebel Shams towers everything below it. One gets the natural urge to stop and take photos. The whiteness of the peaks against the backdrop of the blue sky during peak winter days is something to behold when you are that close.

The climb through the meandering cliff roads to the top is not for the faint hearted. You would need a 4-wheel drive and good brakes in the winding tracks. Make sure you top up your fuel tank in Al Hamra because there are no petrol stations up there.

The drive to the highest plateau takes about 20 to 30 minutes. But it is precarious at times with narrow roads snaking around to all directions. Though on one side your vehicle will be protected by the side of a cliff, the other is a sheer drop to certain death if you drive too fast. You would need to

T R AV E L T I P S

Travel smart with your smartphone Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with your entire extended family, there’s one thing you likely won’t forget to bring on your trip: your smartphone or tablet. To get the most out of your smartphone and tablet without the headaches of low batteries and data charges, consider these expert travel tech tips: Download music and movies

Stream smart

Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible

Ready devices for travel abroad

Stay charged

Taking a long plane trip or heading out on an epic road trip? Travelling to another country? Download playlists and movies before you leave so your content is ready to go when you’re not able to be connected to a network.

You’ll enjoy immediate access to what you want even in airplane mode or without network coverage.

Streaming video and music can use a ton of data so be careful what you choose to watch. T-Mobile recently launched “Binge On” which lets customers enjoy video streaming from top select partners like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, ESPN and more without using their high-speed data bucket.

Learn more atT-Mobile.com.

One simple proactive step can dramatically decrease your data usage: connect to Wi-Fi. While not always possible, Wi-Fi is widely available at airports, train stations, restaurants and many other public places.

If you’re dealing with a delay, connect to the local Wi-Fi network and you can check e-mail, surf the web or shop online until your heart’s content.

It’s important to know your plan and ready your devices for travelling to other countries. Call your carrier to make sure you’re covered and avoid outrageous international roaming fees.

Nothing is worse than running out of battery while travelling. If you’re road tripping, remember to pack a car charger. If you plan to be away from a charging port, an extra battery or portable charger can be a life saver.

Only have a few minutes to charge before takeoff?

Charge devices faster by switching to “airplane mode” before plugging in.

-Courtesy of Brandpoint

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LIFESTYLE

THE HOBBYIST Suleiman Al Alawi Triathlon athlete

WAY OF LIFE Triathlon is a competition that combines three sports, so when you are training, you never get sick and tired of doing the same old thing

Why do you love triathlon?

I love triathlon because it’s a way of life not just a sport, I have been doing it since 1998, but I still enjoy it like the first day. Triathlon is three sports combined, so you never get sick and tired of doing the same old thing.

You go for a swim and meet the swimmers (and other triathletes) and it is the same with the run and bike.

So many places to go and so many people to get to know and train with, you travel for races all over the world to join others who love the same hobby. Race, see the countries, have a great time and come back, and train and off again...I just love it.

How did you get into it?

I was a runner at Muscat Road Runners when some other people were doing triathlon. I joined them and I got all the help and support from them; and never turned back till now. Of course I started very slow and gradually increased the distance and the speed.

How can I get into it?

Very easy, (but careful, once you get the bug, it’s hard to leave), start small, easy, with short swims, short bike rides and short runs. They don’t have to be after each other at the beginning, one or two sessions a day to start with, and then increase the volume slowly. Never too much or too soon, never surrender. You have to train the body to do the work, and some days you don’t perform, wake up the next morning and train. No short cuts to getting fit.

Contact info/resources for getting coaching in triathlon in Oman Join sports groups. Swimmers meet every Friday at 8am behind Grand Hyatt Muscat, Muscat Road Runners train regularly (check their facebook), and the cyclists ride from Costa Coffee at Qurum beach next to Intercontinental Muscat every Friday and Saturday at 6.00am.

Y O U R FAV O U R I T E B O O K

Eleven Minutes

By Paulo Coelho ELEVEN Minutes is a book that touches our soul and leaves us with a new found spirituality. The book embarks on the journey of Maria - a beautiful young girl who is convinced a little too early in life that true love is a myth. Her ambitions take her away from her quaint little village in Brazil and throw her into the vicious pretentious European city life of Switzerland. Her hopes are crushed and she has to make a choice between going back to the life she willingly left behind and selling her body for survival.

The book flows quickly as The Alchemist. It speaks about some philosophies, with the main theme

being the search for the meaning of life. Not surprising that Paulo Coelho’s books tie you down like a soap-opera, and leave you with a certain imprint of profoundness.

Through the interaction between Ralf and Maria, we are made part of the furious, furtive passion of these young lovers. We are taken on a spiritual journey on the route of love and through the realisation of our central characters; Coelho elaborates his ideas of sacred love. He challenges us to question everything that we know about love and life and makes us see something from an alternate perspective.

All I would say is read this book if you haven’t read it yet and discover the sacred love that is born and bred in the most ignoble place on the face of earth. Coelho through Maria conveys the message that no matter what you are and what circumstances you are into, dream your way through hard times without letting your hopes and endeavours die.

“Dreams do come true … live your dreams and endeavour to realise them.”

On this note, I would ask you: do you prefer a life mapped with reason to guide each and every step of your journey or would you

rather take a leap of faith into the unknown with nothing but a dash of hope to take you there? If you are one of those who would choose the latter, Eleven Minutes is just the book for you.

-Reviewed by Mohammed Shafeeqe ARE YOU A PROLIFIC READER? Which is your favourite book? Pick one and send in your thoughts on it.

Contact shafeeq@timesofoman.com

Photos Shabin E

What’s your pro-tip?

If you want the best from your body, you have to treat it good. So eat healthy foods, sleep well, and rest well. Training hard and not eating well (quality not quantity), and not getting enough rest and sleep will lead to burn-down, injuries and poor performance.

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SUR The Peanuts Movie ( Animation) ( U ) Cast: Voice:- Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 3:30, 6:20 PM Morning Star ( Action ) ( 12+ ) Cast: Adrian Bouchet, Mike Mitchell 7:40, 11:40 PM Point Break (3D) ( Action) (12+ ) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey 9:25 PM Star Wars : The Force Awakens (3D) (Action | Fantasy) (PG12) 5:15 PM Diwale (Action | Romance ) (PG12) 3:30, 11:00 PM Bajirao Mastani (Action) ( PG12) Cast : Ranbir Singh, Dipika Padkone 8:05 PM

@SHATTI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Star Wars: The Force Awakens (3D) (Action | Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher 6:00, 11:30 PM Point Break (2D) (Action | Crime (12+) Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 6:45 PM Point Break (3D) (Action | Crime (12+) Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 2:30, 9:15, 11:45 PM Dilwale (Action | Crime) (PG12) Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 4:30, 8:30 PM Morning Star (Action | Adventure) (12+) Cast: Adrian Bouchet, Mike Mitchell 5:00, 9:45, 11:30 PM Room (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay 2:15, 7:30 PM The Peanuts Movie (2D) (Animation | Adventure | Comedy) (PG) Cast: Voice (Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 2:30, 4:15 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Point Break -3D (Action | Crime | Sport) 12+ Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 9:15PM & 11:45PM Gold Class - 3:15PM & 11:00PM Belle and Sebastian 2 - (Adventure) PG Cast : Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo 3:15PM The Peanuts Movie - (Animation) PG Voice Overs: Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez, Hadley Belle Miller 11:30AM, 1:30 & 7:15PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens -3D (Action | Adventure | Fantasy ) PG12 Cast : Oscar Isaac, Harrison Ford 12:30PM, 6:15 & 11:30PM

Point Break -3D (Action | Crime | Sport) 12+ Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 9:15PM & 11:45PM Gold Class - 3:15PM & 11:00PM

Room (Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers 4:30, 7:15 pm

Gold Class - 8:30PM Dilwale (Action | Romantic | Comedy) PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 3:15 & 8:45PM Gold Class: 5:30PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U Voice Overs: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand 5:15PM PANORAMA MALL Star Wars (Action, Adventure)(3D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 6:45, 9:15, 11:45 pm Star Wars (Action)(VIP LOUNGE)(PG12) 5:15 pm Point Break (Action, Crime)(MX4D)(12+) Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winstone 2:45, 6:00, 8:45, 11:00 PM Point Break (Action, Crime)(3D)(12+) 3:15, 9:30, 11:45 pm Point Break (Action, Crime)(3D)(VIP Lounge) (12+) 3:00, 11:00 pm Dilwale (Action, Romance)(2D)(PG12)

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

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

Pasanga 2 ( Tamil) ( Drama) Cast:Surya & Amala Paul 3-30 and 9-30 pm Cinema Main Dilwale (Hindi) (Act\Com) Cast : Shah Rukh Khan , Kajol & Varun Dhawan 3-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) (Rom\ Act \ Drama ) Cast : Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 6-45 pm Cinema-3 Amar Akbar Anthony ( Mal) ( Act\ Drama) Cast : Prithviraj & Jaya Surya 6-45 & 9-45pm Cinema -4 Thanga Magan (Tamil) (Act) Cast: Dhanush, Samantha Ruth & Amy Jackson 6-30 pm Cinema Main; 9-30 Pm Cinema-2 Rangi Taraga ( Kannda) (Act) Cast: Nirup Bhandari & Radhika Chetan 3-30 & 6:30 pm Cinema -2 Soukhyam (Telugul) (Act) Cast : Gopichand & Regina Cassandra 3-45 pm Cinema -4 Next Change: Su Su Sudi Vathmeekam (Mal) Nenu Sailaja (Telugu) Programmes are subject to change

ABHISHEK CHANDER December 30, 2000

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-75% Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 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 lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

06:00 06:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

07:00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

26 23 Minimum

STAR CINEMA

0

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

Point Break (Action / Crime) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winstone 2:00, 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 3051 (12+) Morning Star (Action / Adventure / Fantasy) Cast: Adrian Bouchet, Mike Mitchell 4.00 & 11.55 p.m CP No: 3052 (12+) Dilwale (Action / Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 1.00, 6.00 & 9.00 p.m CP No: 3047 (PG12) Belle & Sebastian 2 (Adventure / Family) Cast: Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo, Thierry Neuvic 4.00 & 8.00 p.m CP No: 3053 (PG)

WITH LOVE

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

BURAIMI Star Wars: The Force Awakens– 2D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12)

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

SALALAH Point Break (3D) (12+) (Action/Crime/Sport) Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 1:15, 2:10, 9:25, 11:45PM Point Break (2D) (12+) (Action/Crime/Sport) 11:30AM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (3D) (PG12) (Action| |Fantasy) Cast: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 10:45 AM, 11:55 PM Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2D) (PG) (Action|Adventure) 5:55PM Dilwale (2D) (PG12) (Action | Romantic) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 3:35, 6:35, 8:45, 11:30PM Bajirao Mastani (2D) (PG12) (Drama) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 8:30PM Belle and Sebastian 2 (2D) (PG) (Family) Cast: Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo 12:20, 3:55PM The Peanuts Movie (2D) (PG) (Animation) 10:30, 2:00PM Room (2D) (PG12) (Drama) Cast: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers 4:25PM Thanga Magan (2D) (PG) (Tamil)( Comedy/ Drama/Romance) Cast: Dhanush, Amy Jackson 6:25PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

RUWI Screen 1 Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast – Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM Screen 3 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Family/Dra) – PG Cast : Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil NitinMukesh 3.45 PM Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast – Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 6.45, 9.45 PM

BAHJA CINEMA

Cast: Daisy Ridley, Oscar Issac, Harrison Ford 3:00, 6:00PM Point Break – 3D (Action, Crime, Spot) (12+) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey 3:00, 7:15, 9:30, 11:30PM Morning Star – 3D (Action, Adventure) (12+) Cast: Adrian Bouchet, Mike Mitchell 5:25, 9:45, 11:30PM Heidi – 2D (Family, Comedy, Drama) (PG) Cast: Bruno Ganz, Katharina Schüttler 5:15PM Dilwale – 2D (Action, Romantic, Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 3:15, 6:00, 11:30PM Bajirao Mastani– 2D (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 8:30PM

SOHAR Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 3D (PG12) Action | Adventure | Fantasy Cast : Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill 2:30, 11:30 PM Dilwale - 2D (PG12) Action | Comedy Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 2:45, 8:30, 10:45 PM Bajirao Mastani - 2D (PG12) Drama Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 5:30, 8:45 PM Point Break - 3D (12+) Action | Crime | Sport Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 3:15, 9:10, 11:30 PM The Peanuts Movie - 2D (PG) Animation Cast : Voice (Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 3:00, 5:00 PM Room - 2D (PG12) Drama Cast : Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay 4:50, 6:50 PM Morning Star - 2D (12+) Action | Adventure Cast : Adrian Bouchet, Mike Mitchel 7:00, 11:45 PM Heidi - 2D (PG) Family | Comedy |Drama Cast : Bruno Ganz, Katharina Schüttler 5:30 PM Al Laila Al Kabeera - 2D (Arabic) (15+) Drama 7:45 PM

Thanga Magan – 2D (PG12) Comedy/Drama Cast – Dhanush, Amy Jackson, Samantha.

7:00, 9:25 PM Santa Claws – 2D (PG) Animation/ Family Cast – Ezra James Colbert, Nicola Lambo 2:30 PM Star Wars – 3D (PG12) Action | Adventure Cast – Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 4:30, 9:15 PM

AZAIBA Point Break – 3D (12+) Action | Sport Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 2:15, 4:15, 11:45 PM Dilwale – 2D (PG12) Action,Romantic Cast – Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhavan 2:00, 5:00, 6:30, 8:00, 11:00, 11:45 PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) Drama, History Cast – Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Morning Star (Action | Adventure) (12+) Cast: Adrian Bouchet, Mike Mitchell 5:00, 9:45, 11:30 PM

Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 2:30, 8:30, 11:30 pm Dilwale (Action, Romance)(2D)(PG12)-VIP LOUNGE 7:45 pm Bajirao Mastani (Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 5:30 pm The Peanuts Movie (Animation)(2D)(PG) Voice Overs : Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez, Hadley Belle Miller 2:45, 5:30 pm Room (Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers 4:30, 7:15 pm

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.14pm 3.15pm 5.35pm 6.50pm 5.28am

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 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E MB E R 30, 2 0 1 5

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LIFESTYLE Wahiba Wonder

the beauty of an Have you been able to capture in Oman? Send tion tina des th off-the-beaten-pa geo-locator to: your pictures with a caption & shafeeqe@timesofoman.com

IN THE NEWS

BRIEFS

Dubai’s Dnata Successfully Manages its Busiest Day of Air Travel Traffic in 2015 As Dubai recorded its highest air travel traffic of the year on December 18, dnata simultaneously delivered a seamless experience for over 256,000 passengers who arrived into and departed from Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) airports for the year-end holiday season. This represents a 4% increase in passenger traffic over the previous year.

The busiest day at Dubai’s airports was also the single busiest day for dnata in 2015 as it handled over 296,000 pieces of luggage and serviced over 570 flights.

To ensure that every aspect of the passenger experience was taken care of, more than 9,000 dnata staff were mobilised at both Dubai airports with 6,400 vehicles deployed on the airside, including baggage conveyor belts, passenger steps, pushback trucks, and baggage cars.

“It took an incredible amount of coordination and teamwork to successfully handle the volume of passengers and air traffic in Dubai’s airports on this exceptionally busy day. On average, a flight was taking off or landing every minute. Round-the-clock, our ground handling crews delivered a smooth turnaround service and a strong, safe on-time performance,” said Nick Moore, dnata’s Senior Vice President, Airline Services. dnata handles all flights and baggage at Dubai International (DXB)

Switzerland recorded warmest December SWITZERLAND marked its warmest December since the country that founded winter tourism began keeping records 150 years ago. Clear skies and dry ground have seen the Alpine nation end the year 3.4 degrees Celsius above the long-term historical average for December, a climatologist for the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss) has said. “There’s no doubt about it,” Stephan Bader said. “It’s the warmest December in our recorded measurements dating back to 1864 - clearly.

And it’s especially pronounced at higher altitudes.” The dry warmth and slopes bereft of snow have hurt resort owners and ski lift operators, who are already contending with Switzerland’s strong currency discouraging foreign visitors. MeteoSwiss earlier this month said it expected 2015 to break the annual record for the third time in just a handful of years. Globally, this year will be the warmest on record and 2016 could be even warmer due to the El Niño weather pattern, the World Meteorological Organisation said last month. It warned that inaction on climate change could see global average temperatures rise by 6 degrees Celsius or more.

Atlanta airport celebrates 100 millionth passenger

and Dubai World Central (DWC), as well as all passengers transiting though DWC and those accessing Terminals 1 and 2 at DXB. The global air services company serves passengers from more than 125 airlines, departing or arriving Dubai, or in transit en route to their final destination. In DXB alone, 136,000 passengers flew out to other des-

tinations on December 18. This figure represents an average of 95 travellers departing the airport every minute during the 24 hours.

“With DXB ranked the world’s busiest in terms of international passenger traffic, dnata is firmly committed to continuously enhancing our operations and working with all stakeholders at the air-

port to ensure the highest service and safety standards customers have come to enjoy,” added Moore.

Outside of Dubai, dnata has ground handling operations in 54 other airports around the world, serving more than 250 airlines, and is the world’s largest ground handler of the Airbus A380 aircraft. - lifestyle@timesofoman.com

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which serves more passengers than any other airport in the world, has reached 100 million passengers since Jan. 1, marking a milestone no other airport has ever reached, officials said. When anointed passenger Larry Kendrick flew in from Gulfport, Mississippi, on Sunday - one of the busiest travel days of the year - he was greeted with several prizes: two round-trip tickets to anywhere, $500, and a Nissan Altima, presumably to go to places the planes will not fly. “I’m happy I could be part of it,” said the 35-yearold Kendrick in a statement released by the airport on Monday.

Kendrick took his winning trip aboard Delta Airlines Flight 1256. Hartsfield-Jackson is Delta’s hub. Kendrick was identified through a series of accounting estimates and algorithms, airport officials said. Airport officials and city leaders when he landed, said it was the first time an airport had recorded 100 million passengers in a single year. —Reuters

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W EDN ESDAY, DECEMB ER 30, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE SEVEN GREAT DESTINATIONS FOR

ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLERS MOUNT KINABALU, MALAYSIA

The centrepiece of Malaysia’s Kinabalu National Park, is one of the largest mountains in the world. April—when flowers are in full bloom and the winds and rains are moderate — is the best month for climbers to attempt the summit. Paths of rails and cables facilitate the climb to the 14,000-foot peak, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, CARIBBEAN

GRAND CANYON, US

FOX GLACIER, NEW ZEALAND

MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

KENAI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, ALASKA Spanning nearly two million acres, Alaska’s Kenai National Wildlife Refuge draws more than

BARBADOS Everyone knows Barbados is great for kicking back and relaxing, but for a more adventurous

half-a-million visitors per year. Fishing enthusiasts will revel in the rivers teeming with red salmon and rainbow trout. Roads woven throughout the refuge allow visitors to view more than 200 species of wildlife in their natural habitat. The most commonly spotted animals are moose and bald eagles, though Dall sheep, wolves, lynx and black and brown bears make frequent appearances.

excursion in the Lesser Antilles, try slipping into the crystal clear waters and joining the marine life for a swim. Look out for hawksbill and leatherback turtles, the most prevalent sea turtle species here and friendly to take a dip with. To get set up, just find a local adventure shop — nearly all of them offer a catamaran daytrip that includes a snorkel mask and fins, as well as lunch and fresh water.

Powerful and near-constant trade winds make the coasts of Antigua and Barbuda ideal for sailing excursions year round. Known as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, Antigua plays host to Sailing Week in April or May each year. It’s one of the world’s top regattas, attracting some 200 competitive yachts. But you don’t have to be a pro to participate. Numerous local shops offer lessons, guided excursions and fleet rentals for those who want to test their sea legs.

Eight miles in length, the spectacular Fox Glacier descends more than 8,000 feet from New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Named for a 19th-century prime minister, Sir William Fox, the glacier sits just 1,000 feet above sea level on the western coast of South Island. There are a plethora of ways to explore the glacier’s icy caverns and mind-bending tunnels, including helihiking and ice climbing. Thrill seekers can also take a helicopter tour for stunning aerial views of Lake Matheson and the imposing peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

At an average depth of 4,000 feet, the Grand Canyon and its namesake national park are teeming with ways to get adventurous. Among the most popular activities are rock climbing, extreme running and rafting or kayaking the Colorado River, which runs for 277 miles along the canyon floor. Take a helicopter ride around the rim for a bird’s-eye-view and make sure to scope out a place to pitch a tent and join the thousands of campers who stay overnight at this world-famous natural attraction every year.

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most-visited tourist stops. Located in South Island, this fjord is believed to have been discovered some 1,000 years ago by the Maori people. Fiordland National Park, established in the 1950s, covers nearly three millions acres and encompasses the sound. Go for a day hike, kayak through the sound or board a narrated scenic cruise to learn about the flora, fauna, history and geology of the surrounding landscape. Beneath Pembroke Glacier in Harrison Cove, the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory offers a cool way to view one of the world’s most vibrant underwater ecosystems.

D

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SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D8

D2

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

1BHK, R.O 170/- & 2BHK R.O 220/near Medical Darsait.

Contact: 95076261 Wadi Kabir, one bedroom flat.

Contact: 99313274 2 BHK flat with air conditions at Ruwi MBD area, near Al Adil supermarket.

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Flat /Office for rent in CBD Contact: 92820734

1,2 BHK Darsait R.O 300/-, 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

Shop for rent 150Sqtr available Gf + Mez office + showroom + store location: Honda road Ruwi.

Contact: 91219880 / 99345044

Office space for rent at MBD area near Atlas Hospital.

Contact : 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com

Luxurious, 2 BHK flat with 3 toilets, store, equipped kitchen, split ACS , Gym, party hall& 24 hours security at Mumtaz area Ruwi rent RO 375/-. Contact: 92622506

Flat Al Mabelah 2 bedrooms semi furnished near NESTO visiting family also welcome 250/- E & W. Contact: 93533108 / 97653523

Residential Commercial building consists of 30 Flats in Al Khoud 6 the following details: 20 flats with 2 rooms and a hall, bathroom and kitchen. 10 flats with room and hall and 2 toilet. Shop 500 square meters. for total 30 Flats rent 7,000 RO per month and rent the exhibition 10 RO per m2 Contact 99314314

Flat villa type for rent - in al khuwair 33/, 4 Bed Rooms .4 bath Rooms, 1 Family Hall, 1 Dining Room, 1 Living Room, 1 Kitchen, Store. Contact 99315515

500 sqm Basement Godown/warehouse For Rent in Mabela industrial area. CALL: 99366008 / 99236455

Room for rent near AL Daser Rex road Ruwi. Contact: 92099367 / 99797645

2BHK Ghubra R.O 300/- , 325/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

Office / shop NR Oman house & Khimji H.O. Contact: 99233116

Flat new Al Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 99733992

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Small hall with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a kitchen for 220 R.O per month. Contact: 99425958

3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

One / two B/R RES / comm. flat near Oman Medical College directly from owner. Contact: 92158031

2BHK commercial RO 375/-, 350/Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 2BHK Al Khuwair R.O 375/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

Villa sharing Ghala semi furnished 1 bedroom attached, hall Kitchen sharing 100 +E& W, visiting family also welcome.

Contact: 98518595 FLATS FOR RENT Well maintained 2/3 BHK Flats at Wadi Kabir, Near Indian School.

Contact: 99021969 / 24793982 Room available Walja. Contact: 96246625 / 99886469 2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact – 95865686

Show room / shop for rent area 155 sqm at 600/-R.O shops at 160/- R.O. Contact: 97714433 / 92822437 Flat 3 bed room, 1drawing room, 2 toilets / kitchen & balcony Hilat sad /off. Al Nahda Hospital near Abu Zaki Bldg. rent R.O 300/-.

Contact: 99489548 Two apartments for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer near the Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 99425958 Shop for rent behind building behind whole center Al Amerat good for offices or stores only space 11x4 meters R.O 250/- PER month.

Contact : 92877449 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Mabela and Al Khoud shop at Al Khoud. Contact: 24834644 / GSM : 93994401 /02/03/3lines 3bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and a kitchen for 250/- R.O per month.

Contact: 99425958

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT E t &ůĂƚƐ Θ ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵƐ ĨŽƌ ZĞŶƚ 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at DƵƩ ƌĂŚ͕ ŶĞĂƌ KŵĂŶ Ň ŽƵƌ ŵŝůůƐ͕ ϭϬ ŵŝŶ͘ ĨƌŽŵ ĐŽƌŶŝĐŚĞ͘ ĞƋƵŝƉƉĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƉůŝƚͬ ĐĂƐƐĞƩ Ğ ƵŶŝƚ Ɛ͕ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ĨƌĞĞͲ ƚŽͲĂŝƌ ĚŝƐŚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟ ŽŶ͕ ds ŵŽŶŝƚŽƌĞĚ͕ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͘ ZĞŶƚ ZK͘ϮϱϬͬϯϱϬͬϰϱϬ ;EĞŐŽƟ ĂďůĞͿ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘

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FOR RENT

FLATS FOR RENT In a Luxury Building in Al Seeb Market Near Police station Call: 99888007 - 99473500 For rent 1bed room flat, near Indian school (ISD) at Darsait.

Contact: 94776771/ 99669216 New villa at south Mawalah 5 bedroom, family hall, Majlis, 5 twl for RO.650/- Contact - 99332367 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North. Contact - 96420432 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking.

Rent RO.250/350 per month.

Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289 Flats in Darsait.

Contact 94051789-97201688

2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait

VEHICLES FOR SALE

CONTACT :

PDO/Non PDO LOCATION – Near MOD GATE NO- 12, Muscat

93202733 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact - 9405178997201688

600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610

ACC. AVAILABLE

FOR RENT 3BHK along with furnitures in Ruwi. Contact: 99738104

Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789-97201688

Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Acc at Wadi Kabir couple or Executive bachelor.

Contact: 91165580

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175

99310448/99612010/95208455

Villa, 2 flats at Al Khuwair (17/2) Contact: 99444786

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789-97201688

Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Dozer Kom 355A -3 Dozer Kom 155A- 3 Grader Champion 780 Excavator PC 400 with breaker Man green water tanker 5000 IG All are in good condition

Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi.

Contact - 24833972/ 24833974/99367448

1 Bedroom with bathroom for female in Al Hail including electricity & water. Contact - 92817777

Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact - 9405178997201688

FOR SALE

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 9405178997201688

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 Accommodation available one big bedroom, bath room, kitchen rent R.O 150/- opposite Al Nahdha Hospital rear Ruwi.

Contact: 97943523 1 Bedroom with attached Bath, fully furnished, separate entrance at Mabela for ladies only.

Contact: 99634841

-

12 No 8No 7 No 1 No 1No

Contact person -Mr. Arun Kurian - +96899225341, Mr. Jino Kosy- +96899428582

Open showroom AL Ghobrah 18 November 175SQM & office space Al Qurum next to Al Araimi Complex.

Contact: 94300909

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789-97201688

Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

MITSHUBISHI L200 – PICKUP MITSHUBISHI 3T CANTER MITSHUBISHI Lancer 1.3 L MITSHUBISHI ROSA MINIBUS MITSHUBISHI Pajero

ACC. AVAILABLE

MV SALE

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3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail.

Contact 92817777

Excellent condition single owner 2007 Hyundai Accent OMR 1500 serious buyers.

Contact: 99310767

New house for rent near Indian School Mabella, 2 Bedrooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms.

Contact: 99112880

2008 Model Hyundai Tucson 90,000 KM expatriate driven in very good condition & Accident free for Sale for OMR 4,000/- , Serious buyers contact Mobile : 95137538

Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200. # -99466773

Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD 3800 CC maintained by Mitsubishi workshop very good 2008 model registration 2009, 138,000 KMS white color.

Contact: 99513510

BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

Big room bath attach kitchen near Riyam Park O.R 90/-.

Contact: 95094028 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor Opp. O.C Center Ruwi.

Contact: 92273779 Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact : 99495131 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. # 93687466 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261 Furnished room for indian executive -alkhuwair33. 95234062 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598

Toyota Prado 2008, 4 cylinder single used perfect condition RO 5800/-. Contact: 95885852

MV SALE

Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205

Nissan Tiida H/B 1.8 CC No.1, 2014, Km 5300, warranty & full insurance R.O 5400/-.Contact: 99666059

FOR SALE

Mazda 2.5 CC No 2, 2014 model, KM 35000, Warranty still, R.O 6900/-. Contact: 97984466

Mangalorean restaurant at Wadi Kabir & shop at Ruwi for sale.

Contact: 98428507 / 93655003

Hyundai Tucson No.1 2013, KM , 1,27,000, R.O 5800/-.

Contact: 97984466

Running restaurant with seven clearance for sale Awabi Muscat.

Contact: 95497007

Hyundai Velostar new model 2015, KM 3000, 5 years warranty, full insurance R.O 6800/-.

Contact: 97984466

Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688

Santafe No.1 2015, new model, KM 5800, warranty still.

Contact: 99666059 Expat used Ford Escape 2012, 102000 kms insurance Oman / UAE Mulkiya 10-2016. OMR 4850/-. Contact - 93264005

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact -9505680897201688 3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445

FOR SALE Used home furniture and household appliances in good condition for sale. (Else 3bhk can be taken for rent along with furnitures.)

Contact: 99738104 Marble factory for sale location Misfa. Contact: 98586828 Expat leaving, household items & computers for sale.

Contact 94412557 Used portacabin, good condition for sale in misfah. Contact : 96578789 Printing press for sale Mobelah.

Contact: 93478181 A well running coffee shop for sale, at Wadikabir, near KFC. Contact 92772825 A well working restaurant for sale at Al Khuwair, behind hotel Radisson Blue. Contact - 98494366 Exercise cycle for sale.

Contact – 92847957 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact - 9505680897201688 Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411

NRI Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price. Contact – 0091 8686631669 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune 95272138, (+918390982975)

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W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Al Raffah Oman seeks Doctors and Paramedic Staff with relevant experience in the following areas.

Excellent remuneration and growth opportunities for selected candidates.

1. OBG 4. GPs

2. Pediatrics 5. Dermatology

3. Orthopedics 4. Pharmacist (Omani)

Those interested please send your CV to Thulasi

<thulasi.u@asteroman.com> or call 98294218 for enquiries

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE A leading shipping & logistics firm wishes to recruit persons for the following posts Accountant with knowledge in tally & working experience & Sales Executive with GCC license & good experience in shipping industry. Fax: 24700973 Email: accounts1@seagulloman.com We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

BEAUTY Required experience Beautition Contact 99619409

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ŵĂŝů ͗ ŝŶĨŽũŽďϭϲΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϬϬϵϲϴͲϵϴϵϵϵϰϴϳ

MEDICAL Wanted Staff Nurses (female) with or without license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary and accommodation.

Contact: 99006915 Email: alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED

URGENTLY REQUIRED An Excellent Grade Construction Firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for the following position INTERIOR & FITOUT DESIGN DRAFTSMAN Capable to develop details of concept design of id projects, preparation of joinery/ detail drawing. with minimum Of 3 to 5 years GCC Experience with valid Omani Driving License - 1 Nos & Fitout Estimator capable to handle joinery estimation, fitout tender etc, with minimum 3 to 5 years GCC Experience with valid Oman Driving License - 1 Nos Interested Candidates May forward their CV, To

Email - cvomanhr@gmail.com Fax : 2449 5965 SALES / MARKETING Required Sales & Marketing person with driving license for IT / Telecom / Security system company with minimum 2 years experience in Oman. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com

We are looking for a student counselor male/female who has good knowledge of colleges and universities abroad and can speak Arabic/ English/Hindi .Email your CV at mozahamed786@gmail.com

Salesman require for building material with driving license & 10 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043. (Mustafa Hardware Store)

Wanted Sales Executive for IVMS, experienced minimum 1 year in the same field. Interested Candidate can email the details to: sameeh@cyclonellc.net

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

DRIVER

Indian male B.com, 47 years old, 25 years, GCC experience in Finance, HR & Admin with valid Omani driving license looking for a suitable placement (NOC available) Contact: 93238378

Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869

Indian male 10 years experienced Accountant looking for job, Knows up to finalization costing etc, Oman driving license available.

Contact: 91319600

Pakistani driver, with 3 yrs, exp looking for job.

Contact: 96342684 5 years experience in Oman D/L (driver) seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95274160

Accountant B.Com 8 yrs exp in UAE, having Dubai D/L looking for a good job. Contact: +968 93546483 & 971567745263

Light driver 6 years exp education CO level language English, Arabic, Hindi looking for office driver. Contact: 99640986

Accountant, Indian male, 16 years experience (10 years in Oman with driving license & NOC) Tally, ERP.9 & focus expert up to finalization.

Contact: 99622639 Email: venugopal39@yahoo.com

15 years experienced heavy duty driver experienced all over in Oman English, Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam speaking.

Contact 90388687

Chief Accountant looking for full / part time job.

Contact : 95598477/98803439 Accountant looking part time job.

Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com Accountant Indian female, 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs experience in accounting, purchase vouchers, bank reconciliation.

Contact: 95690207 Email: pereira.rita08@gmail.com

Light driver need job 4 years experience, English , Arabic, Urdu.

Contact : 94208089 Looking for light driving job 3 years exp. Contact: 92819475 Looking for light driving job, 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977 Looking for job driver with car.

Contact: 99154473 Light driver with car.

Contact: 96379697

CATERING MISCELLANEOUS Shawarma /Griller helper wanted.

Contact 95529970

DRIVER Looking for an Indian experienced house Driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may call: 96203333 Required driver with car in Sohar.

Contact: 24460287 / 96905535

EDUCATION Urgently looking for experienced part time Maths & Science Teacher for Class 10th student.

Contact 96027403 Teacher, maths and science, computer required for Omani private school. Contact: 95141554/958225772

ENGINEER Projects Manger Engineer wanted to manage a construction company, experience required. Contact 99441122, sr@touchcdc.com Required Software Engineer with minimum 2 years experience in vb.net/C# & SQL. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com Required App Developer with minimum 2 years experience in android & IOS. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com Looking for a Quantity Surveyor for a construction company in Oman. Contact : 94069402 Wanted Market Research Expert with experience in Feasibility Studies. Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

MEDICAL Staff Nurse required for a reputed dental centre in Muscat. Send the CV to omandentalnurse@gmail.com

A fast food restaurant in Muscat required experience. Motor Cycle Drivers with license. Contact; 96447979. Forward CV: fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com

Filipino,29,Male,5years experience Payroll/Payable/Receivables/Document Control.Excellent Communication/AccountingSoftwareSAP /MSOffice skills.

Contact: patrick110486@yahoo. com/95057206

Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M.Com Finance-Indian employed in Oman with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com

Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700

B.Com, doing M.Com, Diploma in IATA, Tally PGDCA 2 years experience as Accountant seeking for placement currently in Oman NOC available. Contact: 99055820 Email Id: rohithpanamukkath@gmail.com

Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs.

Al Khoudh. Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905

MANAGER Urgently Required: Project Manager with an experience 15 years in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Project Coordinator with an experience 10 years in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

SKILLED A construction company in Muscat urgently requires sub contractors for: plastering, tiling, and painting. Interest parties Contact: 99344279 Email: biju@alzarraq.com Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh. Contact: 96203333

SALES / MARKETING

Need one Nurse for private clinic scientific clinic Salalah.

Contact: 99082092

Business coordinator with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95327813

Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits. Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Number of Salesman two (any nationality) with at least 4 years of experience in FMCG or house ware accountant (preferably Pilipino) with 2 to 4 years of experience.

Contact: 92802204 Email us your CVs on to: info@alliusie.com

Canary clinic (GP) MBBS Doctor with 3 years experience MOH license, male or female. Good offer salary. Contact 94395199 Email: canarymoh@gmail.com Dreams Clinic - Muscat-Al Khoudh Urgently required Medical Laboratory Technician Salary + Accommodation Minimum 3 Years Experience IN Sultanate of Oman Doctors + Nurses Salary +Accommodation Minimum 5 years experience in sultanate of oman Contact : towershr70@gmail.com

We are looking for a Visa Consultant/sales consultant male for our office. Freshers can also apply.

Arabic and English speaking male.

Email CV at mozahamed786@gmail.com Kitchen cabinet manufacturing company is looking sales person, most have Oman D/L and must know any kitchen designed software and two years experience.

Contact: 93326636

Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah/ Muscat. More than 20 yrs experience in Accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts). 8 yrs working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah.

Contact 91325029 Accountant senior looking suitable job please call 91422074 MBA (finance) one year experience in Oman, have Oman license looking for a good job.

Contact: 94103975 Indian male, B.Com, 10 yrs Accounts exp in Tally & focus knowledge of Admin, HR, Purchase having NOC & D/L, looking for suitable job. Contact 93086105 Indian male , B. Com, (CA), 30 years, 10 years experience in GCC in Stores / Warehouse and Administration Management, seeks suitable placement. Currently on visit visa. Contact : 94818449; Email: laveen.tilak@gmail.com Chartered Accountant - Indian, 9 yrs + Exp (7 yr in Oman & UAE ) in Finance , Accounts & Auditing , seeking suitable position in Muscat/Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available, Contact 98707434 / Email: casmart007@gmail.com ASSISTANT MANAGER FinanceM Com Finance, 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts Department. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L, NOC available.

Cont: 98278801, Email: mansoormk10@gmail.com M.Com CMA with 15 years experience in Oman for finance / audit/ accountants /banking looking for suitable manager position.

Contact: 95694737 Email: gsmaiti@rediffmail.com Indian male 22 BBM graduate with tally certified 5 month experience as accounts officer 2 looking for suitable job immediately now on visit visa.

Contact: 98949120 Email: mohammednazal93@gmail.com Male 24 MBA fresher in marketing and finance seeking immediate placement. Contact: 96112920 Chief / Senior Accountant having 12 years of Oman experience in reputed firms. Looking for suitable placement. Contact – 99513082

Indian male good experienced in accountant ERP Tally 9 and admin in Indian &Oman currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94834687 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact – 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Indian male B.com accountant job 6 years experience in Oman looking suitable placement.

Contact: 95741442 navaskamaru944@gmail.com Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Young 24, ACCA affiliate, advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit with valid driving license.

Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com B-Com Graduate male 28 yrs seeks suitable job in the field of administration, clerical or accounting related to construction, automobile, hospital admin ,money exchange or project management.

Contact :97892255 Accountant Indian lady B.Com, M.Com (incomplete) with tally and MS office skills, with 8 years experience in Oman in accounts, up to finalization seeks suitable position. Contact: 92712559 Junior Accountant available.

Contact: 99854384 Email: syedimtiaz1234@gmail.com Indian male Accountant / Auditor ACCA finalist having 5 years experience in accounting up to finalization & audit experience currently on visit visa. Contact: 91350688 or 99078853 Indian male 24 yrs, B.Com graduation ongoing MBA, 2 years experience in Oman presently working in Muscat Municipality from (Ministry) looking for a suitable job in Accounts. Contact: 94627418 Part time Accountant services, yearly finalization works, monthly report, profit& loss report, consulting and audit works.

Contact: 96247295 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com 28/ male MBA – finance /B.com – accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

ARCHITECT Architect looking for freelance work in (design plans and 3dmax).

Contact: 96041201

ADMIN 14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95824598

Looking for driving job.

Contact: 98219182 Exp driver (Keralite).

Contact: 93412587 Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light driver 14 yrs of exp, need job & visa. Contact - 98236656 Indian light driver.

Contact: 92279370 Driver with experience of 10 years in Oman seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92191698

Indian Female MBA, 3 Year experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN

Indian male ,age 24, MBA –UK, 2 years exp in administration, fluent in English. Searching for a suitable position. Contact: 00968 -90369501 email: rahimep@gmail.com

Multimedia and graphic designer Filipino male 25 , looking for job in Muscat 3 years experience in 6 graphic and 3D design on visit visa immediately available.

Contact: 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@gmail.com

HR & HSE (Nebosh & IOSH) experience 6 years in Oman with NOC & D/L. Contact: 00 971502550480 Indian female 20, 2 yrs experience in Oman in finance & office admin & sales & marketing seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94440115 Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052 Indian having more 15 years of experience (7 years in UAE) in construction as site administrates for / document controller / HR assistant / store assistant presently on visit seek suitable placement.

Contact: 92196001/98598099 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position.

Contact - 99897280 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications.

Contact 98252030 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position.

Contact: 90196235

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DRIVER Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver with car available.

Contact: 93015630 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

Interior designer 4+ exp, turnkey projects & freelancing for flats, office & corporate.

Contact – 93140552/ ajayjangir.id22@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357

EDUCATION Secondary Computer teacher, 5 years experience in Kuwait, IELTS 6, looking for job at bilingual or English School.

Contact: 96555397722 (viber, whatsapp, skype, imo) Email: samehj.adib@gmail.com Computer Teacher M.SC Indian male 10 years teaching exp in Maldives as O level computer teacher presently located at Berha on family visa. Contact: 94867456 / 95262691

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591 Civil maintenance painting, tile works decor works, plumbing, electric, shop furnishing carpentary works and all other maintenance.

Contact 97897831, 92112094 (Indian, Keralite) Electrical Engineer Indian male having 5 yrs of exp in designing, execution & planning in electrical field. Having valid GGC driving license. Looking for a suitable job.

Contact – 98052942 / azamjeelani@gmail.com Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 0, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED STOREKEEPER / MATERIAL CONTROLLER

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B.Tech C.Eng. AMIEI, Electrical Engineer with 5years experience in the field of electrical power system (transmission & distribution) area expertise in design Ele-SLD, preparing BOQ, LS & estimation transformers switchgear selection installation testing & commissioning in all sectors.

Contact: 94638744, EMAIL : ceng.shaz@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with experience in welding inspector, QA/QC, CSWIP3.1, ISO 9001:2008 lead auditor certified on visit looking for placement.

Contact: 98919114 Auto Electrician having experience 15 years Looking for suitable placement. Contact 94142502 B, Sc Engineer looking job with visa. Contact: 96136615 Mechanical Engineer (B. Tech) knowledge in HVAC & fire fighting.

Currently in Oman on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 90154793 Email: sangu.vazhoor@gmail.com Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic , 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies.

M Arshad 91685048 Mechanical Engineer, 28 years, male with 4 years experience in Oman looking for suitable placement with driving license. NOC available. Contact: 968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@coledonian.ac.uk Instrument Technician (diploma), Indian male, 24 yrs, 3 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com Software Engineer with FLMI level 1 certification having 7 years experience as system analyst for application development & maintenance projects in field of mainframe & UNIX systems worked in India & France on visit.

Contact: 92489160 / 92873243 B.E (CSE) Indian male 2 years of experience in IT & Networking presently in visit visa seeks for immediate placement.

Contact: 93832694 Email: baijupp006@gmail.com Civil structural Engineer 6 years experience Oman license.

Contact: 96380693 Electrical Engineer Indian male BE (Electrical & Electronics) having 3 years of experience, seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91917369 Bcs Civil Engineer, 3 years experience, NOC available looking for suitable replacement.

GSM-97409350.

Mail- kamrul07cuet@gmail.com Network Engineer BA: CS with experience CCNA, MCSA. Contact: 92346191 23 yrs, Indian male looking for good job electrician & good Indian family driver, have Indian license & office boy ready for NOC, visa transfer, ready to join.

Contact: 92108447/ 96507858 Indian male 25 years Mechanical Engineering 3 years diploma 3 years experience Chevrolet India as technician. Contact: 96974518 Indian male (B.Tech EEE) 31 yrs having managerial skills AutoCAD quality control electrical fault debugging 6 yrs experience in electric field & good communication skills. Contact: 90181566 Email: jittoandrewsnesto@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer with 5 years experienced AutoCAD primavera & GIS Arabic & English language looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 91340584 Indian male 23 years BE degree in electronics & telecommunication, diploma in industrial control & automation, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 95726383 Email: christosvaidyans@gmail.com 29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. Contact: 96652145 Electrical engineer Indian male 30 years , having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in Indian ( MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1Year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97416564, Email: jovinmathias@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years in Oman as QS. Seeking part time job as QS. Contact - 91507508 Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Indian male Mechanical Engineer with 6 yrs experience in MEP field seeking a job have GCC license.

Contact: 98086267 Email: khaleel1586@gmail.com Dynamic Indian chemical Engineer (NITW) with 1years experience in business development & valid Oman D/L. Seeks suitable opportunity. Contact: +96896141612 Email: anjana.uanda@outlook.com Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, 36 years, Male, Indian, having 16 years of experience in machine maintenance & machine breakdown, worked with reputed companies in India, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact - 99011507 E-mail: rsdengroman@gmail.com Indian Male, 28 Yrs, M.Tech having 5+ years experience (3 Year Industry+2 years Lecturer), Now on visit visa, looking for suitable position, please contact: 99249131 Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com Indian, looking for work building maintenance electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99365092 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Electrical Project Engineer 5 years experience in primacy substation cables and OHL valid driving license. NOC available.

Contact: 91204243 Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design engineer rev IT M.E.P AutoCAD. Contact: 91050913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Civil Engineer, Indian, 2 years experience looking for a suitable job. Contact: 97309549

13 years experience in Gulf having valid Oman driving license, NOC available, age 42 yrs.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Mechanical Engineer ( B.E) passed out in 2014 first class , who has done certificate course in AutoCAD 2D , seeks employment in core mechanical field.

Contact: 93850221/97400106 M.Tech (Civil Engg) graduate , Indian male , 19 years experience in construction field , 8 years gulf experience , 4 yrs in Dubai and 4 yrs in Oman , handled luxurious hotels and waterfront properties is looking for project manager job.

Contact: 91158903 Email: luminousmercury@gmail. com NOC is available Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 B.E Civil Engineer having 10 years experience (04 years in Oman) looking for a suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 98065360 Email: shafeeqahmedr@gmail.com Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

HOSPITALITY Indian male 42 B.A Degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 yrs experience in India Abroad having V/L Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91575956 / 95451547 Email: lijosaju@yahoo.com Dutch male qualified commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certified) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT

Contact 95197065, email : vnod_pk@yahoo.com IT Indian male MCA, Oracle , orion , ERP, 15 years experience , 5 years in Oman with NOC. Contact: 95398567 Email: anasa4@gmail.com 10 years Oman experience ICT Sector, capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable Senior Executive position.

Contact: 98987654 IT support 9 years experience servers network, hard / software maintenance Web design CMS. Contact: 97603094 NEBOSH, IOSH Indian male HSE officer experience 8 yrs, 6 yrs GCC. Contact: 93235457 Email: srecjithsurcndran3@gmail.com Communication Network CCNA fresh Graduate. Contact: 98194924 Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt./ Private sectors. Contact: 94675984 Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt. / Private sectors. Contact: 94874758 MCA graduate Indian male 2 years experience in software development knowledge of JAVG net C# ASP NEP V.B CTT currently working in Techno Park Trivandrum Kerala.

Contact: 99210940 Computer Engineer, Iraqi fresh graduated from Caledonian College excellent grade, experience in programming, web designing, networking and troubleshooting. valid Omani driving license – Contact: 98763390 Sudanese male 29 yrs (bs.c computer science) (diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience DBA Oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,visual studio vb, network, driver license Oman.

Contact :91415886 Network Professional, CCNP with 6 years experience and Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 96760618, varghese.manthara@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately.

NOC available. Contact: 92462578

Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867

Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031

Indian female B.Tech IT with 2 years experienced in HCL presently on family visa.

Contact: 90357203 Email: ammupravda123@gmail.com

Sri Lankan male 26 yrs, B.SC (Hons) in Business management (specialized in logistics management) IFQ, CCHRM of Sri Lanka.

Having 03 years excellent professional experience in supply chain or logistics & high value supply chain process and logistics function, is looking for a decent placement. Contact: 94292198/ 93522979 Email: raseeckmohamed@gmail.com

Indian (Keralite) female (25 years) MCA on family visit required suitable placement.

Contact: 90417133 Email: renjitharose04@gmail.com IT Hardware Engineer with 3 years of experience of computer hardware, windows and MS Office looking for a suitable position on visit visa. Contact: 99062987 Email: aakibnaqash403517@gmail.com Male 23 years 3 years experience in IT as Linux administrator at reputed MNC looking for a better change. Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com 7 years Gulf experienced Automatic door system technician. All type of automatic door, gate barrier, Access control, CCTV, working in Oman (NOC available).

Contact 96707646 Email: pramod.raj.p@gmail.com Sudanese Female 25 yrs, bsc architect engineer & master urban planning with 3 years experience look for situation vacant in Oman.

Contact : 00249910031942, Email : monasalah555.ms@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Cont : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

Indian female, Masters in Computer Application,26 yrs, 2 yrs of exp in administration, seeking suitable job in administration, IT, teaching, banking etc. Preferably in Muscat. contact:99417993 dhanyaparumala@gmail.com

MEDICAL Indian female Dentist prometric passed, 3 yrs experience looking for suitable position in Muscat.

Contact 91429337 / 98631283 MOH Licensed Indian Female Dentist, presently available in Oman seeking a suitable placement anywhere in Muscat.

Contact: 91410733 / 99310630.

An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Restaurant Manager having 13 years experience in fast food restaurant in Oman & UAE, seeking for suitable placement, holding NOC letter & Oman driving license.

Contact: 99874953 Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman working as housekeeping supervisor in star hotel, seeking for a job NOC available. Contact – 91753210 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com Scaffolding Manager 16 yrs experience in Oil & Gas projects & constructions.

Contact: 99789507/99551437 Result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years management experience in Oman and other gulf countries looking for a suitable vacancy in hotels, restaurants and catering companies. Contact: 97204636 Result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years management experience in Oman looking for a suitable vacancy hotels, restaurants & catering companies.

Contact 97204636 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager, MBA (Finance), 14yrs.

Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.

Contact : 93826090, Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian female 28 years, presently on family visa looking for a suitable post. Contact: 93916523 Email: arya.surendran87@gmail.com Indian 28 yrs, 5 years experience in purchase looking for a suitable NOC available, driving license available. Contact: 96772166 Sudanese male with a college degree looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94235133 Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 9880-5474

The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. # 92385033 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact :- 92385033

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 28, 6 yrs experience in Oman, in sales & marketing & office admin, seeking for suitable placement (valid driving license) Contact: 99142314 Indian male, 24, MBA Marketing and HR, I year experience. On visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94014073 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

Looking for immediate Sales & Marketing Job, 10 Years Experience, MBA Peter -93747126/ E-mail forlakei@yahoo.com B.Com male 5 yrs exp. in sales Oman D/L. Contact: 94824000 Email: sharseem@gmail.com MBA 14 years Experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing with Omani Driving Licence.

M.Z. 96220975 Job MBA in Marketing seeking for a job and have an experience of 3 months. Contact: 91945577 Indian male with valid Oman driving license. Interested in technical sales. NOC available immediate joining. Contact: 95361454 Email: mohamedshalifawaz@gmail.com Indian male 23 MBA Marketing and HR with 8 months experience in sales and marketing looking for suitable placement. # 91987119 Email: reny.cherian1@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com 30 yr old experienced available with NOC & Oman driving license 6+years experience in chemicals Industry. Contact: 96675065 Experienced export / Import operations Executive is on visit visa, seeking suitable employment. Contact: 00971 562228991 /00968 96529679 Email: rajanpookoth@gmail.com Whatsapp: 967733887410 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and Marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615. Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com 25 yrs exp-Shipping, freight forwarding, Marketing & Operations, valid Oman D/L & NOC available - seek suitable positionContact 93040366 5 years experience in Sales currently looking for a placement.

Contact: 93458869 34years experienced Sales Oman Marketing in Oman NOC available.

Contact: 99868330 Email: rwahedi458@gmail.com American Male (speaks Arabic) looking for a job in Marketing & Sales, Contact 94076032 Indian, 38 years with 15 years in sales & marketing filed with GCC valid license. Contact: 94744746 Indian Male B.com, PGDCA & Tally, 14 years’ experience in Customer Care, Operations,Sales,Coordination, Accounts & Admin. Seeking suitable position. Currently on Visit Visa contact – 94871963 or 99440152.

Email: rajeshkv.pmna@gmail.com Omani employee looking for a job as Sales with experience in this field .Contact: 91161736 Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with Driving license, Hospital Phrma Herbal Marketing, construction A/c & sales , F&B industry, Contact : 93379044 Indian male 29 yrs, BHM, 3 yrs exp in Oman in sales with D/L & NOC. Contact: 92594055 Indian male 23 years with 4 years experience in Purchase and Sales, graduate in EC, currently on visiting visa, seeking suitable job in Oman. Contact: 96761020. Email: adikmuthumuttam@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474 Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry.

Seeking for a Job in Oman.

Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com

D6

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SKILLED / UNSKILLED Indian, welder 20 yrs exp. in GCC & India looking for suitable post.

Contact ; 92300653 / +91-7034808745 (India ) Indian male 40 having 5 years experience in UAE, looking for suitable placement in Oman. Contact: Rethish Kumar: 00968 99282901 / 00968 93988015 Email: rethishkumar@gmail.com Looking for job as Mason, steel fixer, electrician. Contact: 93015630 Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job. Contact 95175192

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female BSC IATA, 14 years exp in travel & tourism in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96433490 Email: indu623@yahoo.co.in

MISCELLANEOUS Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043

MISCELLANEOUS Industrial Automation and Process Control Instrumentation trained Mechatronics Engineer seeking for a suitable job. Also possess GCC driving license.

Ph. 93370528, email: atulverghese@gmail.com.

Sales Executive, Male, 24years, Two and half years experience with Oman driving license. NOC Available. GSM: 95484101.

Post graduate master of social work having 5 years experience at present visit visa seeking suitable opportunity. Contact 99876307 Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available. Contact 98803439 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Indian male, 26, BCom with tally, 2-year exp in marketing and 2-year exp as restaurant manager looking for suitable job.

NOC available. Ph. No: 97707953 DME (Diploma in Mechanical Engineering) with overall 7+ year experiences in the field of Industrial and Plant Maintenance seeking placements. Contact 97460974 Bangladeshi Male, University MA, 5 years experience in IT sales & marketing working as sales coordinator in Oman; searching better job. Phone:91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com

INDIAN MALE, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science.3Years of experience in technical support, software development, troubleshooting and managing, seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 98184170

Indian female, ME in CSE with 2 years’ experience in teaching seeking suitable Job Opportunity.

Contact: 94263445, E mail – apshinmar@gmail.com

Indian Male, 28 Yrs, M.Tech having 5+ years experience (3 Year Industry+2 years Lecturer),Now on visit visa, looking for suitable position. Contact 94885747

HR Manual, Employee Handbook, Recruitment, Training, HR Consultancy, Are you looking for freelancer HR professional.

Contact on 97914669

Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post. Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@gmail.com

Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience .Seeking for part time job.Mobile no: 0096899070584 / Email: remluvp@gmail.com

Indian, Male, 24years, Bachelor’s degree, Two and half years experience with Oman driving license.

NOC Available. Looking suitable opening. Currently on visit visa.

GSM: 95484101.

MBA - (F), M.Com,B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264. Email: yashicapandya@gmail.com

Sudanese male 31 years, have 3 years Diploma in Electrical Engineer, 6 years and 1 year in Oman experience in building construction and electrical plants , have oman drive license.

Contact : 94549609

Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in Shipping company in Dubai looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494 manojmallya999@gmail.com

26 Years oman experienced executive in automobiles, showroom & workshop areas seeks suitable replacement. Currently working as general manager in a reputed LLC” Contact +968-92009700/91494707 B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the field of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. Presently working in amazon india development centre as a content quality associate.

Seeking for suitable jobs in oman.

Contact number : +91 9940514005, 0096893116402, Email: mail2nbn@gmail.Com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com Bangladeshi Male, University MA, 5 years experience in IT sales & marketing working as sales coordinator in Oman; searching better job. Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer 5 year experience in different activities. Contact - 94549609

Looking for Network Engineer Job, NOC Available Can join immediately. Qualification: BE Telecommunication, CCNA, CCNP Voice.

Driving License: Oman, Current Company: Global Solutions, Client: Diwan Experience: 3.5 Years.

Contact – 97312044 / waleedkhan26@gmail.com HR & Admin Executive ( MBA) Indian male 26 year old, with more than 4 years of experiences in HR& Admin (16 month in Oman) looking for suitable placement, NOC available.Contact: +968-98757304 Email: nuroollah789@gmail.com Indian Accounts professioanl with 2 years of experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job openings Contact: Gsm: 92395449 jaleelcabdul@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. In IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic, 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies.

Contact - 91685048 Indian Male, 28, MBA Finance & Mcom. more than 5yrs exp. in A/c & Finance (Including 2 yrs in Oman), NOC available, Seek Suitable Placement, Contact: 93939421, email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED Planning Engineer: B.E(Electrical and Electronics Engineering): Indian Male 33 yrs with 10 years of experience in UAE & Muscat. Skilled in the areas of project coordination, planning & procurements.

Contact: 00971503529608 Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com Indian Expat female, BSc Physics and Tally ERP 9, educated with valid Oman Driving license seeks suitable position. Please contact: 0096894864575 29 year Indian male B-Tech Engineering, with 6 yrs of Professional experience in Manufacturing Oil & Gas Industries seeking for a suitable placement (NOC Available).

Kindly contact me on 94628362, email-mahinathdevani@yahoo.co.in Indian-male 34yrs,m.Com with 14 yrs exp.( 8 Yrs in oman) working as procurement officer in contg & trdg co llc.( Worked for road,civil,electro-mechanical,corr osion,scaffolding,insulation & Others Projects in Oman ) and having Oman LT D/L, Looking for suitable placement- M:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com Civil Engineer 5 Years EXP 2 years in Oman as a QS Seeking for part time job as QS. # 91507508 MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for job. presently on family visit visa.

Contact :- 94704661. Email:bhumicapandya@gmail.com Indian youth BA warehouse manager/sales in Oman 1 year provide NOC, OMAN Driving license holder seeks jobs.94 525213 lojikts@gmail.com.

B Sc. Computer Application + M B A from UK With 3 years of Experience, Mumbai, India Available on Visit Visa (27Years)looking for a suitable Placement. Contact: 94030166/ 96739581 Email ID: asokpanicker1001@gmail.com 31 year Indian male PG in HR with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Driver Cum Salesman Professional, Indian male having 7 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Office Driver, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC available.

Contact: 99680429 Email:anzarkutty1975@gmail.com

Indian male, totally 8+ years experience in IT Assistant, 5 Years in Oman, Looking for a suitable position in Oman, Holding Oman Driving license & also NOC is available. Contact: 98248024, email- bala.abins@gmail.com Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT / networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, QA/QC Instrument Inspector, 8 years exp in GCC, on visit visa.

Contact 92430370 Email: rajeshgcc.kumar@gmail.com, ACCA (Associate Certified Chartered Accountant) with 2 years experience. Looking for opportunities in Finance, Accounts.

Presently Available in Oman for Personal interviews Contact: 96124257, 93692578.

Email at naeemnoe5@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office.

Contact 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com Male 27, BCA, Diploma in Networking, CCNA certified engineer, 4 years experience in IT support & networking seeks job.

Contact-90193811 Indian female, 27, food technologist (MSc Food Technology), 2years experience in research and development - instant foods, seasonings. Contact -93987174 email :mayacnair@outlook.com Project Manager in Mechanical Engg. (M.sc.) with 8 years experience in Building Construction, oil & gas seeking job- # 94625598 (nima.azimzadeh@gmail.com) Indian male 24yrs, B. tech in (Computer Science) 4 years of exp in technical support, sales and networking, seeks suitable placement. Contact:- 95955696, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com

Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logistics(Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement.

Currently on visit visa (Oman) Contact; 90291092 email: iyas.adhur@gmail.com 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Software Engineer , Oracle EBS R-12 Technical Consultant 9 Years Experience. HRMS/ Payroll, Education, Hotel, Textile, Shipping Container Terminal.

Email: sziahussain@hotmail.com.

Contact 97912264 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (holding omani driving license) seeking job. Contact 93790601 MBA(HR & Marketing) & B.Com, Indian male 28 yrs,2 yrs exp. in Qatar, having oman driving license, currently on family visa (NOC available).looking for hr, admin, assistant accountant, marketing & sales job in salalah.

Contact:98139502 email: subinabraham87@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, MBA (Finance, Marketing), Overall 2 yrs exp in Accounts/Finance field, On Visit Visa. Immediately available.

Contact - 92989197/94786544. abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also.

Looking for a part time job.

Contact. 98983122 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT/ networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, 28 yrs, E & I Engineering diploma (3 years), 7 years exp.(India, Oman, KSA) in electrical and instrumentation with driving license, looking suitable job #91051803 Indian male 23 yr BA TTM (Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, exp in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com

We will register LLC. trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ED

Iraqi pharmacist with 15 years experience as Senior med rep. regulatory affairs and Marketing & sales Manager seeking job in pharmaceutical co. Contact 96720441 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

Btech graduate, 26yr male, 4 years experience as system and network engineer. Looking for suitable placement. Mob : 93125669, amritrajsasidharan@gmail.com.

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement contact:- 95042656 Indian male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, manojmallya999@gmail.com Indian female, Science Graduate, 3 year’s experience in Teaching English & Science seeking suitable placement. Also interested in Teaching Spoken English for student at any level.

Contact : 96431456 / 95704814l Indian male having 14years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept and Sales having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position at Salalah. Noc available. Mail.

Madhuvtk@ gmail.com

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 0, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE TOURS

GOOD NEWS > Z / zhZs / >/E/ EĞĂƌ <Śŝŵũŝ DĂƌƚ͕ D ƌĞĂ͕ ZƵǁŝ KƵƌ LJƵƌǀĞĚŝĐ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ďŚLJĂŶŐĂŵ͕ <ŝnjŚŝ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ͕ ^ŚŝƌŽĚŚĂƌĂ͕ sĂƐƟ ͕ hĚǁĂƌƚŚŶĂŵ ϱϬй ŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽŶ ĨƵůů ďŽĚLJ ŵĂƐƐĂŐĞ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϮϰϴϭϰϮϮϮ Žƌ ϵϳϭϭϮϱϭϬ ĨŽƌ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ X’Mas gift items- many varieties candles, fresh flowers, roses, jasmine, marigold. Many varieties Indian biscuits, namkeens & homemade sweets, glace cherries, dry fruits, tutti-frutti & charcoal for barbecue. Haridas Nensey Supermarket. Contact – 24750784 / 23291825 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 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 98342990 Balloons beautiful design & Archie’s works for party, birthday & New Year functions all events.

Contact 95194801/96594592

WEBSITE

WEBSITE

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

CLASSES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

SERVICES

COMPUTER

FOR LADIES Special offer for ladies only, All beautification for 15 RO. Al Doom beauty parlour in Ruwi.

(Home service also) # 99619409

MATRIMONIAL Christian Marthoma boy, 28 yrs B.Tech / MS (UK) working in reputed firm in Muscat seeking suitable alliance. Contact: 91314475 Christian inviting proposals from Orthodox / Jacobite, Marthoma & Roman Catholics grooms of parents for our God fearing and homely daughter (Orthodox) 23 years B.D.S we are looking for well settled boy. If interested reply on 92336530 / 92800143 Email: kochirikunnil@gmail.com 23 Years Malayalee Christian girl born & educated in Bangalore, seeking suitable alliances from well settled Keralite Malayalee Christian boys. Contact - 99494371 Kerala RC boy 31 yrs paramedical working in Oman hailing from Tellichery Dioces.

Contact: 92866673

Catering for Party & Birthday service Cnt 97196675 Enetstorage offer!! Cloud based software & mobile responsive websites locally developed, hosting, hardware & cctv/networking solutions. Contact 94369696 or admin@enetstorage.com Repair desktop laptop, printer, scanner, networking & all software inst. Contact 99876547

DRIVING

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

Learn driving with professional.

Contact: 94022250

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99884591 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

Debt collection services your money we collect value commercial services. Fax: 0096824783669 Contact: 009682479815 /00968- 24701422 /00968- 94665476 Email: salim@valuedbtcollection.com

Marble grinding resurfacing & ceiling crystallization / polishing general cleaning of villas & flats.

Terrazzo floor scrubbing, ceiling, polishing & buffing.

Contact: 98598280 /94134784

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact : 93769089 / 95323517 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

D8

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 0, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

LOST Maha Jabeen Ayub has lost Pakistan Passport No. KH 000517.

Finder please handover to ROP

CHANGE OF NAME I Anju Cherian (holder of Indian passport No. M 6624934) Daughter of Koomullil Vadakkeveed Yohannan John having permanent residence in Panthapla Ckal House, Vempilly, Kumarapuram, PO, Ernakulam, Kerala 683565 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in P.O Box No. 263 P.C 611 Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Anju Cherian (old name) to Anju John (new name) for all practical purposes. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.Box No. 1727 Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

RENT A CAR

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION 7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transport- MCT- UAE

Silver car, car rental at good rate.

Contact: 96166155/93530540

Contact 96609857

TRANSPORTATION

Amir Ali

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact: 99099714 Transportation available Ruwi Seeb.

Contact 99867456 Transportation. Contact 99508282

Rental car. Contact: 92516090

Transportation Contact: 99077395

Transportation & tours.

Contact: 99324045

Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307

Transportation taxi mini bus.

Contact: 93091106

Transportation. Contact:99664703