Times of Oman - January 31, 2016

SUNDAY

January 31, 2016 21 Rabi Al Thani 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the he 29th National Day, 1999

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ The diversification of the economy, the development of the human skills, the effective exploitation of the available natural resources, and the creation of the suitable conditions to encourage the private sector to perform a greater role in the growth of the national economy -all this will lessen our dependence on oil

Founded 1975 . Volume 40 No. 290 | 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

Call for laws to govern school bus drivers in the Sultanate

tioned whether the driver, who was reported to be in his 70s, was fit to be in-charge of a bus full of young children.

However, a senior official at the company that employed the elderly driver said that the government

needed to bring in rules to make it clear which nationals should be allowed behind wheel.

“He was with me for the last nine years after retiring from a government firm. His track record was good.

“If people had concerns about his driving ability, they should have informed the school and the school should have instructed me to replace him. It never happened.

So, how can I just remove a national driver from a job,” the official from the transport company said.

“If we employ youngsters, people complain they will be irresponsible drivers and if we employ aged and experienced drivers, then people question their ability. So we are in a fix. “The government should come up with strict laws. We are ready to follow it,” the official said, adding that he was seriously think-

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Expat’s passion for farming bears fruit

Standup comedy a viable career: Peters

Oman plans to award one more oil block

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Oman is planning to award one more oil block to an international oil company on a production sharing basis in the Al Wusta region this year, said a senior official from the Ministry of Oil and Gas. “Hopefully, one more will be coming soon ,” said an official at the Ministry of Oil and Gas. >B1

Nizwa bus crash has reignited the debate on the quality of drivers employed by schools for dropping children home

AVOIDABLE CASUALTIES: Two Class II children Mohammed Shammas, left, Ruya, centre, from Indian

School Nizwa and their teacher Deepal Seth died in the accident on Thursday. – Supplied picture

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Laws to govern who is fit to drive school buses are needed, said a senior official at the transport company whose

employee died behind the wheel of the Indian School bus along with two young pupils and a teacher on board.

An outing for pupils to Bahla ended in tragedy claiming the lives of two Class II children from

Indian School Nizwa, a teacher, their driver and the driver of a second vehicle that was in collision with their bus.

Today relatives of one of the youngsters who died, and parents of pupils at the school, quesTOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

Alawi gets St. George award for peace

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It is tough to become a farmer during a life spent in exile, but Mathew P George has proved that if one has determination, one can even convert a desert into an oasis of greenery. The TOO is featuring George, an Indian expatriate, who has converted his home into a vegetable garden. >A3

PILING UP OF GARBAGE

Double the fine for littering, urge environment activists HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Environmentalists in Oman are prompting calls to more than double the fines for littering, following reports of garbage piling up at major tourism sites during public holidays.

According to the law, people who leave trash in public areas face fines of OMR200 to OMR500, with the penalty doubling for repeat offenders.

Leftover at a picnic site.

“Muscat Municipality is prepared to deploy cleaning teams to work round-the-clock and during being discarded in popular wadis holidays to catch violators,” Qais and beaches in the Sultanate, bin Suleiman Al Kosheri, Direc- Hashar Al Munziri, founder of tor of the Department of Health ‘Alamah’ marketing agency, said Affairs in Muscat Municipality that traditional awareness camsaid, adding that people can call paigns are not effective, comparthe municipality hot-line at 1111 ing them to “shooting in the dark”.

“We need new and smart camto report littering.

However, many believe that pic- paigns to raise awareness about nickers are not concerned about littering and how it harms our country,” Al Munziri said. violating littering laws in Oman.

The authorities need to impose Frustrated by reports of trash

heavier fines and use social media to report on crackdowns so the public will “learn the hard way”, he added.

Hashar emphasised the importance of having standards to be met at each tourist location, with cleanup teams checking on a daily basis.

When contacted, a Royal Oman Police (ROP) spokesman confirmed that throwing garbage from a vehicle is a traffic violation and a punishable act. “Such acts can be directly reported to the police,” ROP has written on its twitter handle.

Notably, many cattle that die after eating plastic trash can be seen lying along the vast deserts near Bidiya, according to Rashid Al Mughairi, a Bedouin who works in tourism. “It is embarrassing for me that tourists clean up the trash that many Omani families drop during their picnics,” Al Mughairi said.>A6 See also >A2

VISIONARY FILMMAKER

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur to speak at .Open Minds forum Times News Service MUSCAT: International movie maker Shekhar Kapur will be one of the top speakers at the .Open Minds’ forum, which will be held at the Ballroom of Shangri La Barr Al Jissah on February 10 and 11.

Kapur is a visionary filmmaker and storyteller and is known for his “work, which is the intersection of art, myth and activism.”

He shot to international fame with award-winning English period films, such as Elizabeth and The Four Feathers, while Indian hits, such as Masoom, Mr India and Bandit Queen propelled him to the top slot of the Indian film circuit.

Visionary filmmaker Shekhar Kapur

Elizabeth, a historical biopic of Queen Elizabeth and the Golden Age won the BAFTA award for best film and two Academy awards.

Kapur has also been the recipient of the Indian National Film award, the National Board of Re-

view award and three Filmfare awards. In 2010, he served as one of the jury members (international competition) at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival.

The .Open Minds thought leadership forum will see top global speakers, including Entrepreneur Chris Gardner, Princess Beatrice of York, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit and other thought and change leaders.

The event is presented by Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives (AVOD). Merge and Al Wisal are the radio partners and the Times of Oman and Al Shabiba are the media partners. For more information and registration: Contact: 99620757, 95122430; email: bwopenminds@gmail.com

People have started to respect the art of standup comedy, Russel Peters, the standup comedian, said. “It has made its way across the globe. There are stand-up comedy clubs in Bombay, Kuala Lumpur and even Amman, Jordan. Young people in these places now see stand up as a viable career,” Peters said.>A3

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ing of giving up the business following the tragic accident.

Three children on board the illfated bus are still fighting for their lives at the Nizwa hospital and according to medics in Nizwa hospital, the health condition of Siya Babu, one of the injured Class II students, admitted to the intensive care unit is critical.

On Saturday afternoon, bodies of Deepal Seth, the teacher and Ruya, the first of the Class II students who died in the accident, were repatriated to India by social workers with the help of Indian Embassy officials.

Mohammed Rafi, a relative of Mohammed Shammas, the second of the Class II students who died in Thursday’s accident, said he was surprised and concerned after finding out the age of the driver employed to drive the children.>A6

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

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The beaches attract migratory birds and what they eat there can be harmful for them. Sea creatures, such as crabs and turtles and beautiful red foxes, who roam in the night looking for food, are also victims of littering John Harolds, British resident of Qurum

Omani beaches getting ruined due to littering From cigarette butts and plastic bottles to barbecue remnants, the beaches in the country are fast becoming an eyesore.

On top of the list of rubbish on the white sands are fizzy drink

Beaches must be clean, not just for the local residents to enjoy, but for our tourists. Foreign visitors pay a lot of money to come here and the last thing they want is a beach full of rubbish,” said environmentalist Shaikha Al Balushi

cans, fragmented bricks and food wrappers

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

saleh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Littering on Omani beaches is getting worse and environmentalists say the rubbish left behind is harming marine life and has hurt the Sultanate’s drive to attract tourists.

From cigarette butts and plastic bottles to barbecue remnants, the beaches in the country are fast becoming an eyesore. On top of the list of rubbish on the white sands are fizzy drink cans, fragmented bricks and food wrappers.

“Plastic is most harmful to marine life. The high tide carries the bags to the sea and the fish confuse them to food. The plastic becomes a knot in the fish’s guts and they die. We even see dead

turtles at Ras Al Hadd after they have been tangled up in plastic.

These turtles are rare and this is all because of the negligence of beach users,” Khalid Al Saadi, an environmentalist told the Times of Oman (TOO).

Other environmentalists said littering is also harming the tourism industry that the country is working so hard to develop.

“Beaches must be clean, not just for the local residents to enjoy, but for our tourists. Foreign visitors pay a lot of money to come here and the last thing they want is a beach full of rubbish. The government is paying a lot of money to promote tourism and that effort should not go to waste,” Shaikha Al Balushi, another environmentalist, said.

Regular beach goers are ‘disgusted’ with the garbage thrown on the beaches and have urged everyone to be responsible.

“Sometimes you go to the beach

and there is this disgusting smell of rotten meat from food left behind by people, who had a party on the beach the other night. They don’t even have the decency of clearing their rubbish before they go home,” Khalil Al Shikaili, a resident of Al Hail, told TOO. Nature lovers said beach littering is destroying Oman’s wildlife, and is an eyesore for avid photographers.

“The beaches attract migratory birds and what they eat there can be harmful for them. Sea creatures, such as crabs and turtles and beautiful red foxes, who roam in the night looking for food, are also victims of littering. We are destroying them just because we are too lazy to pick up our rubbish.

I like to take photos of the beaches and sometimes I cannot do it because it is not exactly photogenic to take a shot of a beach full of rubbish,” John Harolds, a British resident in Qurum, said.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Standup comedy now a viable career, says Russel Peters Staff Reporter

Alive Entertainment and Hi FM.

MUSCAT: People have started to respect the art of standup comedy, Russel Peters, the world famous standup comedian, said.

“It has made its way across the globe. There are stand-up comedy clubs in Bombay, Kuala Lumpur and even Amman, Jordan. Young people in these places now see stand up as a viable career and the people in those cities and countries are starting to respect the art of stand up,” Peters said.

Peters will perform in Muscat as part of his new “Almost Famous World Tour” on February 1, at the Shangri La Barr Al Jissah.

The event will be presented by

Global footprint Peters’ tour has sold more than 150,000 tickets in Canada, where he will become the first comedian to have a sell-out performance at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre for the sixth time and has already been to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia this year.

When asked how the people in the region are different, compared to people in other parts of the world, when it comes to enjoying comedy, Peters said it amazes him that they are not too different from his North American audiences.

“They get all the references and

in many ways, they’re smarter, and have a better world view than (people) back home,” Peters said, adding that his fans know “what to expect from me” and know what he does.

Indian’s love for farming bears fruit in Oman Indian expat Mathew P George is an administrative assistant in a trading company but farming is his passion, for which he spends several hours taking care of his ‘MPG’ farm in Ghala

Times News Service MUSCAT: It is tough to become a farmer during a life spent in exile, but Mathew P George has proved that if one has determination, one can even convert a desert into an oasis of greenery.

Today, the Times of Oman (TOO) is featuring George, an Indian expat, who converted his home into a vegetable garden, in its #OmanPride campaign.

George works as an administrative assistant in a trading company but farming is his passion, for which he spends several hours taking care of his ‘MPG’ farm in Ghala. He donates all his crops to the people, who are in need and E D UC AT I O N

OCCI research award details to be out today MUSCAT: Details of Award for Research and Economic Studies for university students will be unveiled by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) today.

The award, which is supervised by the OCCI Research and Studies Committee, aims to encourage scientific research, develop scientific skills of the participants and find suggestions and solutions to the various challenges facing the private sector and the Omani economy in general.

Said bin Saleh Al Kiyoumi, Chairman of OCCI will hold a press conference on Sunday at the OCCI premises to announce the award’s details in the presence of Sheikh Nasr bin Amer Al Hosni, Head of OCCI Research and Economic Studies, members of the committee, officials and stakeholders in the public and private sectors as well as academics. -ONA

LABOUR OF LOVE: Every day, George waters the plants in the morning and he treats them like his own children. – Supplied photo

also gifts some to his friends.

“I don’t want to make any money from it, but the comments and prayers from the people and my friends, who come here, are my earnings,” George told TOO. According to George, he had to sweat it out to make this land amenable for cultivation.

“When I came here (Ghala) in 2002, this was a waste dumping area and it was stony too; I have to put lot of effort to convert this land into an agricultural area,” George said.

Green fingered “During the early days I had to plough the land until late at night to convert it into a quality piece of land for gardening,” he added.

George has been in Oman for the last 25 years and likes to spend his spare time after office hours in the field of agriculture. Today, he cultivates a mixture of vegetables and hands it over to the people, who need it free of cost and takes the rest for his personal use.

Cucumbers, bitter gourd, snake

They come to my shows ready to have a good time. I do my best

Subtle idiosyncrasies “They come to my shows ready to have a good time. I do my best. I like talking to people, such as my drivers or kids at the mall to learn about the more subtle idiosyncrasies of where I can come in,” Peters added.

Peters also added that people need to laugh most when things are tough.

“Humour gets us through the difficult times,” Peter added.

gourd, tendli, ladyfinger, spinach, various tomatoes etc. are grown at the farm now. George also cultivates cabbage, cauliflower and carrot on his farm. A coconut tree at the farm is the special attraction.

“I didn’t even know what farming is when I came to Oman, but now I am well aware of it,” he said.

“I use only organic fertilisers at my farm so that my products are better than what we get outside,” George asserted.

Every day, George waters the plants in the morning and he treats them like his own children.

“I wake up around 5:30 in the morning and water my plants,” the expat said.

“My family is my support, without their support it would not be possible to convert my passion into success,” he added.

His wife, Celine works as staff nurse at the Royal Hospital and also helps him in gardening.

George recommended that people who have a passion for farming should do it and produce vegetables for their daily use.

Russel Peters Standup comedian

TOURISM

Ras Al Hadd project work to start soon MUSCAT: Work on first stage of OMR250 million Ras Al Hadd tourism project will start soon, Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, Deputy Chairman of Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has said.

A joint venture between the Sultanate’s Government, represented by Omran and Al Diar Real Estate Investment, company of Qatar will execute the project. Spread out over 1.8 million square metres, the project comes within a strategy to develop the tourism sector in the Sultanate and the government’s efforts to diversify sources of national economy and maximise the utilisation of tourism sites, he said in a statement.

He added that the first stage of the multi-phase project, which will cost RO250 million, will be initiated during the first quarter of 2016. -ONA

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For detailed coverage log on to www.timesofoman.com

DELECTABLE FARE: On weekends, the food corner is extremely crowded since the gates open at 4 pm and it stays that way until the closing of the festival at 11 pm. – AR Rajkumar

Visitors throng Omani food corner helped shape the Sultanate’s cultural identity. Omani halwa is famous in the country and abroad for its different and delicious taste and ingredients.

A number of other items also available. There is Omani bread with various additives, such as cheese, egg and honey, Harees and Khabisah in addition to Al Qoroos, Al Mohamas and Al Lukaimat.

There is also Al Danju, Al Bajil and Omani sweets and snacks.

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

Wearing clourful traditional clothes, women from different governorates of the Sultanate offer authentic Omani dishes drawing nationals and expatriates in large numbers to stalls of Amerat Park

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MUSCAT: If you visit the food corner at the Amerat Park venue of the Muscat Festival, you will find delicious Omani dishes to suit every taste.

In fact, the aroma of food cooking here is such that it compels visitors to head straight to the Omani food section to try out some of the delicacies on offer.

Wearing traditional and colourful clothes, a number of women can be seen preparing and serving the food. They have travelled from different governorates of Oman, to offer a variety of delectable traditional Omani dishes to the visitors and are keen on ensuring that their offering is of highest quality.

Omani bread is in huge demand because of its nutritional value and unique taste and is very popular in

the Sultanate.

“All of these women are interested in providing food with high nutritional value and great flavours,” Abdullah, a visitor, said.

One local dish that is popular

at the stalls is the Omani halwa, a famed sweet in the Sultanate that is prepared at every traditional occasion.

It is one of the main traditional industries in the country and has

Preferred dish A lot of people want to try the Omani bread with cheese, egg and honey, which is the focus of visitors in the food corner.

Every dish is available and served in a way that displays their skills and taste and that is what sets each dish apart from the other.

“There is huge demand after

sunset and it peaks from 7 pm to 9: 30 pm,” said a woman, who cooks Omani dishes in the food corner.

“On weekends, the food corner is extremely crowded since the gates open at 4 pm and it stays that way until the closing of the festival at 11 pm,” she added.

“What they are offering is extremely mouth watering. We maybe Omanis, but we hardly get to eat traditional dishes in our homes. Many of us don’t cook these delectable recipes anymore,” said Hassan who had come with his family.

These women are offering a taste of authentic, traditional and real Omani foods for Omanis, as well as expatriates, and are turning out to be a huge hit with the crowd.

“These dishes are distinct in taste.

It is very unlike our food,” said a westerner relishing Omani bread.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

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B2B OMAN

ALAWI RECEIVES ST. GEORGE AWARD FOR PEACE

Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs received St. George Award for Peace during the celebrations of Semper Opernball Festival 2016 at Dresden in the State of Saxony in Germany. The award was given to Alawi in recognition of his diplomatic and political efforts in addressing the issues of the region under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and for the role the Sultanate plays in cementing the principles of peace and security worldwide and stability in the region. -ONA

TED speaker Drew Dudley excited about Oman visit Staff Reporter

C O M M E N TA RY

Need to cut red tape barriers to help small business flourish in Oman SUNDAY BEAT SALEH AL SHAIBANY

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ed tape barriers hold back thousands of people, who aspire to set up their own businesses, preventing them from achieving their goals of becoming financially independent.

A maze of bureaucracy is destroying the ambitions of potential business people by blocking their path to owning a successful trade. The financial aspect of this tops the list of concerns. For an aspiring business person, securing a loan is a steep mountain to climb. Financiers have too many conditions, from collateral to a complicated business plan requirements.

Licencing is another obstacle. The capital requirement is beyond their reach.

The condition of what should be in the business premises is another deterrent. The whole process of acquiring a permit is time consuming. It takes up to two months to get one while all the time the applicant is paying overheads, such as the rent of an office or shop. With new rules for visa restrictions imposed on expatriates, a would-be business person faces a formidable challenge to secure workers.

A place where a business should be located is another setback. Residential areas are off limit.

But the rents demanded by the premises in these commercial areas are out of reach for many potential business people.

For a person wanting to start a business, it is easy to start from a low budget and grow gradually to the level of their target.

Many businesses that fail could have been started from home to control costs, such as tailoring, food catering, consultations, counselling, event management or handicraft.

Home-based businesses thrive in other countries and the percentage of failure is extremely low. Home-based businesses also encourage women to stay back and look after their young families while at the same time keep themselves self-employed.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) says that self-employed, who carry their

If red tape is a barrier for the creation of small businesses, these restrictions must be kept at the minimum level businesses at home are the happiest. Their businesses are more likely to last longer than any other small trades because of two factors. They keep the costs lower by avoiding expensive rental repayments and they work in their own environment.

In Oman, such a segment of small businesses does not exist.

Those, who have established trade at home, face stiffer penalties because they are not licensed. The government prefers them to take their trade to the streets and risk financial ruin. Those who can venture on this route are faced with formidable challenges. For a start, apart from spiralling costs, they lack guidance during the early stages. Too many are unable to access good business advice.

The financing schemes that are available to them do not cater to skills, such as budgeting, business planning, marketing,

EVENT

Indian music director duo to make debut in Sultanate Times News Service MUSCAT: World famous Indian music director duo SalimSulaiman, who performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in 2010, are coming to Oman.

The brothers, who have composed music for more than 100 Bollywood films and television shows, will make their Oman debut at the City Amphitheatre, Qurum on February 19.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Akshay Chowdhary, director of Light and Shadow Enterprises said, “We are extremely happy to bring the dynamic duo that has been scoring music for Hindi films for a long time now. They are among India’s top music composers, having scored music for more than 100 films, including Chak De India, Band Baaja Baaraat, Kurbaan, Heroine, Fashion, Aaja Nachle and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Fashion, Iqbal among others.”

The Salim-Sulaiman concert will have an ensemble of 25 musicians performing on stage.

“Some top singers from Bollywood will also be accompanying them, whose names will be announced shortly,” Chowdhary said.

Steeped in a family tradition of music as the sons of a composer and veteran of the film industry, Sadruddin Merchant, Salim mastered the piano at the Trinity Col-

TOP TWO: Salim mastered the piano at the Trinity College of

Music in London, while Sulaiman took up tabla training with legends, such as Taufiq Qureshi and Ustad Zakir Hussain. – Supplied photo

lege of Music in London, while Sulaiman took up tabla training with legends, such as Taufiq Qureshi and Ustad Zakir Hussain.

They have also composed several records incorporating cinematic, folk, electronic and sufi influences into their music. “They have really redefined the music scene in India,” Chowdhary said.

The two artists had also performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

Salim-Sulaiman have also been part of several TV reality shows as celebrity judges, including the very popular Indian Idol.

“They’ve also got the best music award for the film Fashion at New York’s Syracuse International Film Festival, Filmfare, Zee Cine, IIFA, Screen and several other awards,” he added.

They were also nominated for

a daytime Emmy Award for composing “Save the Tiger - Wonder Pets.” Their performance is being brought to Oman by event management agency Light and Shadow Enterprises.

The presenter of the concert is Minara, a product of Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives (AVOD) S.A.O.G. “Over the years, we have made an effort to redefine entertainment in Oman. Concerts, such as Temptations Reloaded with Shahrukh Khan and Katrina, Akon’s Live Concert and Salman Khan’s event, which we had done in the past has proved our organisational skills, set-up abilities, production calibre and eye for detail. Continuing the tradition, we want this to be the biggest concert of the year,” said Chowdhary.

competition and risks involved.

Just to make finance available without guidance has not worked well so far. The government must start an urgent review to put remedies in place for the failing system. Questions should be asked, such as: are officials who are running the various state-sponsored financial schemes qualified to do the job? Do they have the statistics of business failures and the reasons as to why they fail? Do they monitor those, who have been financed to determine the rate of success?

One of the most effective ways of diversifying the economy is not just to concentrate on foreign investments alone, but to extend the right support to small businesses. If it is done properly, not only will small trades significantly cut down the unemployed queue but create new job opportunities for people who leave school. It is obviously the lack of concern within the official circle that is letting down aspiring businessmen.

If red tape is a barrier for the creation of small businesses, these restrictions must be kept at the minimum level. Most of the people, who want to start their own businesses, have their own savings and do not need funding as long as they can operate at home. Lifting this restriction will create hundreds of small businesses a year to establish a healthy market for self-employment.

MUSCAT: Interviewing Drew Dudley, who will be the TED guest speaker at B2B Oman on February 9, is like walking through a tornado.

The man is passionate, an enthusiast, he has a million thoughts and ideas on how we can all be leaders and our misconception of what leadership means. Dudley said when asked, “Most of us would not say we are leaders; it’s not how we envisage ourselves. We see Steve Jobs as a leader or people who changed the world, not us in our everyday lives.

“Yet, leadership comes from striving everyday to be the best we can be, changing one person’s understanding of leadership.

“Not everyone can be Steve Jobs, but by asking yourself, who do you want to be on a daily basis and acting on it, one can become a leader, inspire people around you and that makes one a leader.”

Dudley has a book out next year, entitled “This is Day One, reset your life.” Be sure to put it on your reading list when it’s released. He is also excited about visiting Oman and speaking at B2B. Having visited Qatar and Jordan in this part of the world, he has heard wonderful things about Oman from friends,

Drew Dudley

who have visited, and he is looking forward to seeing as much as he can of this gorgeous country.

On a personal note, Dudley recently took up running, and when I told him that the beach outside The Grand Hyatt Muscat was the perfect place for a run and that our winter weather is perfect, he was thrilled.

Don’t miss seeing Dudley in person and hearing his inspiring talk on leadership, on February 9 at the Grand Hyatt Muscat.

Tickets are available at Grand Hyatt Muscat, OMR25 for early birds until February 3, OMR30 at the door, which includes listening to Dudley, networking with the senior most executives in Oman and dinner with beverages.

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OMAN N I Z WA A C C I D E N T

WA R M W E L C O M E

A1 Parents question < FROM

use of aged driver

“We lost our beloved Shammas.

We don’t want a blame game.

However, this tragedy could have been avoided if everyone were cautious enough and had assessed the risks of employing an aged driver,” Rafi said.

Akilesh Kumar, an Indian school Nizwa parent, and his friends, who also have children studying in the same school, told the Times of Oman, “We heard that the driver was in his 70s.

Risk factor “Whether it was the bus management officials or the school officials, they have failed to realise the risk factor in employing an aged driver to ferry children.”

School officials have so far refused to comment over the issue.

Mark Pudwell, business development and training manager of Competence HR, said tragedies like the loss of life seen at Nizwa this week cannot always be avoided, however, they can often

The ski resorts in Iran would be appealing for many Omani tourists.

Mohammad Mohammadzadeh, chairman of Rah Abrisham Marine Shipping Agency

be mitigated.

“Too often we hear of near miss and fatal incidents involving school buses and the primary cause for such incidents are human factors. Not only do we need modern and safe buses, but we also need well-trained and responsible drivers to operate them. Only then can the number of incidents be reduced,” Pudwell said.

Primary responsibility “Driving a bus, especially with school children on board is nothing like driving a private vehicle or even a large goods vehicle given the obvious distractions for the driver, such as noise, but the safety of those on board is and must remain the primary responsibility and priority of that driver,” Pudwell added.

Meanwhile, Roy Joseph EK, manager at a transport company in Muscat, said he would never take the risk of employing aged drivers for transporting people.

Empty Quarter team arrives in Doha Times News Service MUSCAT: Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee received the “Crossing of the Empty Quarter” team at the historic Al Rayyan fort in Doha, the original destination for the 1930 expedition conducted by Bertram Thomas and his colleague Sheikh Saleh bin Kalut.

Among the other receiving dignitaries was Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, minister of Youth and Sport in Qatar, Qatari government officials, and representatives from the Oman Embassy in Doha.

The tired and weary expedition team, which included two Omani explorers; Mohammed Al Zadjali and Amour Al Wahaibi and the British explorer Mark Evans, arrived in Doha, Qatar yesterday, having successfully crossed the Empty Quarter desert, the largest sand desert in the world.

The expedition set off on foot

TIRESOME TRIP: The expedition set off on foot from the wilayat of

Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate last December. –ONA

from the wilayat of Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate last December to cross the Empty Quarter desert, traversing through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reach Doha in Qatar. The expedition was originally expected to take 60 days, however the rigorous desert crossing took just 49 days, due to the fast pace set by the expedition’s team members.

The “Crossing the Empty Quar-

ter” expedition was aimed at popularising the concept of responsibility and self-reliance among Arab youth, and for them to bear hardships to achieve their goals.

To underline the principles of determination and self-reliance, the team crossed 1,300km, walking and riding camels in only the second ever documented expedition across the Empty Quarter in modern history.

Mark Evans, the expedition team leader, spoke of the achievement and the relief of arriving at the historic Al Rayyan fort in Doha, “We received an extremely warm reception in Doha, and it is stunning to see the modern surroundings of the fort, compared with what was also witnessed

by Bertram Thomas and his colleague Sheikh Saleh bin Kalut back in 1930, some 85 years ago.”

Evans added, “This challenge was aimed at inspiring and encouraging Arab youth to take on the personal responsibilities for their future success and to rely on themselves to overcome various obstacles in life. As a society, we all need to work hard to achieve our goals in life, besides preserving the cultural history of the region.”

On the team’s arrival in Doha, Mohammed Al Zadjali, expedition team member noted, “We thank the almighty for our safe arrival in Doha.”

Islamic cruise to link Oman, Iran and India An Omani tourist would find the northern parts of Iran or places such as Dizin ski resort very fascinating, said the Iranian official FASCINATING: Dizin ski resort is one of the best and most popular ski resorts for sports enthusiasts in Iran. -Supplied picture

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: An Islamic tourist cruise connecting Iran, Muscat, Salalah and Mumbai is expected to be launched in 2016, said a representative of an Iranian shipping company.

An initiative is being studied with the support of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation to launch an Islamic leisurely cruise, Abdolhossein Khedri, chairman of Khedri Jahan Darya Company, told Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

Khedri Jahan Darya Company, which is affiliated with Marine Silk Road Holding, has been providing the first-ever regular direct shipping services for cargo transport between Iran and Oman following an agreement signed between the company and Iranian and Omani authorities.

Cruise journey Each planned cruise journey is expected to take around seven to 10 days catering to both Iranian and Omani tourists, Khedri said during Iran’s second solo exhibition, which was held in Muscat from January 26 to 30.

Asked if the company plans to launch any passenger transport services between Iran and Oman, the official said that it has been invited to do so but the issue is

that Omani vessels are very expensive and their fuel consumption is high.

So it would not be economical to use them for the transport of passengers between the two countries, he noted, adding that the company had decided to participate in the exhibition to use it as a platform to promote Iran’s tourism, with the permission it has received from the Iranian government.

Omani taste There is no doubt that Iran has great tourism potential but still many attractions in Iran, especially those which would be interesting for Omanis, are still unknown to them, he added.

According to him, the company had sought to introduce such places in the Muscat exhibition through the distribution of booklets written in Arabic and English among the visitors.

For example, visiting Persepolis is important for European tourists but it may not be that interesting for an Omani visitor, said the chairman of Khedri Jahan Darya Company.

Dizin ski resort An Omani tourist would find the northern parts of Iran or places such as Dizin ski resort much more fascinating, Khedri explained. The northern parts of

Iran near the Caspian Sea, which is the largest enclosed inland body of water on Earth by area, are famous for their dense forests, impressive sea shores and spectacular mountains.

Dizin ski resort is one of the best and most popular ski resorts for sports enthusiasts in Iran, which is located in the Alborz mountain range.

Hot springs Mohammad Mohammadzadeh, chairman of Rah Abrisham Marine Shipping Agency, which is affiliated with Marine Silk Road Holding, also believes that ski resorts in Iran would be appealing for many Omani tourists.

Other popular places to visit include hot springs in northern or western Iran, he said.

Hot springs in Iran has been drawing many visitors, especially those looking for traditional hydrotherapy.

Medical, religious tourism Mohammadzadeh said that Iran has a huge tourism potential, not only in the field of leisure tourism but also medical and religious tourism given its many tourist attractions, religious sites and good hospitals and medical professionals.

However, he believes that Iran’s tourism potential has still remained untapped and should be promoted further. The official

said that Rah Abrisham Marine Shipping Agency is much more than just an agency as it is seeking to open new markets in the tourism sector.

Rah Abrisham Marine Shipping Agency is currently the representative of liner shipping services between Iran and Oman offering various services.

Mohammadzadeh said that the company is supposed to become an Iranian ‘ambassador’ in Oman with the support of the concerned authorities in Iran with the aim of introducing existing opportunities to both Iranians and Omanis, especially in various branches of tourism.

According to the Iranian embassy in Muscat, the flow of tourists from Iran to Oman increased by around 10 per cent in the previous year and the number of Iranian visas issued to Omanis showed an increase of around 37 per cent.

Oman Air flights Oman Air has added a second daily flight to Tehran and there are plans to launch flights between Oman and the Iranian cities of Mashhad and Shiraz, the embassy has said.

Oman Air recently announced that it plans to increase the number of flights to Tehran.

Iran is known as the country of four seasons. At any time of the year, people can enjoy one of the four seasons in different parts of the country.

Apart from its majestic natural landscapes ranging from the shores of the Caspian Sea in the north to the coasts of the Gulf in the south, Iran has a number of unique cultural sites registered on the UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) list of world heritage sites, reflecting the country’s rich and ancient history.

Some of these sites include Persepolis, Takht-e Soleyman, Bisotun, Golestan Palace, Pasargadae, Shahr-e Sukhteh, Chogha Zanbil and Jameh Mosque of Isfahan.

LITTERING

A1 More than 4,300 rubbish < FROM

bins at Muscat beaches

He said that many shepherds are also cleaning up plastic garbage after holidays.

“They either are not aware or don’t care that littering affects their immediate environment,” said Marlen, a German expatriate, while wondering why personal hygiene is a serious concern in Oman, but does not seem to extend to the surrounding environment.

“People don’t want to picnic surrounded by the rubbish of others, but they also don’t want to remove their own rubbish,” she added.

She noted that authorities in Oman must learn from other countries to create incentives, such as paying small amounts of

money to people who collect cans or paper. “Funny enough, many litterbugs dump their trash close to rubbish bins. When no rubbish bin is near, it seems to be a case of here I walk, here I shall litter,” Marlen added.

It is worth mentioning that more than 4,300 rubbish bins were placed at Muscat’s beaches

and parks in the past few years.

Croatian resident Irena blamed laziness and the lack of punishments for the growing litter found throughout the country.

Yet Moosa, an Omani citizen from Muscat, said a lack of morals and ignorance of the importance of not littering are the two main reasons behind littering.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 OPEC producer Iran has said it now plans to increase its output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) and soon by another 500,000 bpd.

Iran cancels oil conference to be held in London British embassy in Tehran not able

There will be bids in May for new contracts... There will be no need to hold a conference abroad after the bids

to issue visas, companies to be invited in May to bid for contracts ANKARA: Iran has cancelled a London conference where it was set to introduce new oil and gas contracts to investors, the Seda weekly reported on Saturday citing a senior Iranian official who blamed a delay in getting visas.

Postponed five times amid uncertainty over international sanctions against Iran which were lifted this month, the conference had been set for February 22-24.

Foreign companies will now be invited in May to bid for the new Iran Petroleum Contracts (IPCs), Ali Kardor, deputy head of the National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC), told the weekly.

“The London conference has been cancelled because the British embassy in Tehran could not issue visas for representatives of Iranian companies as its visa section has yet to become active,” Kardor said. “There will be bids in May for new contracts... There will be no need to hold a conference abroad after the bids,” he said.

To bolster its economy, Iran is sweetening the terms of its oil development contracts to lure back international companies.

Some 135 firms, including BP, France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and

Ali Kardor

Deputy head of the National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC)

Spain’s Repsol attended a conference in Tehran in November to hear about the IPC. Protest The Tasnim news agency said police dispersed a group of 50 protesters, who gathered in front of the Oil Ministry building in Tehran on Saturday to protest against “President Hassan Rouhani’s adopted oil policies and the new oil contracts”.

The protesters chanted “Cancel the IPC contracts,” Tasnim reported.

Kardor told Seda: “We are in talks with critics to hear their points and to resolve problems when needed.”

Some analysts say Rouhani’s government is determined to resolve the dispute through diplomacy. “The oil ministry and the government want a political con-

sensus over this issue...in a public statement, the government has asked all the experts to express their views,” said Tehran-based senior energy analyst Reza Zandi.

International sanctions on Iran were lifted this month as part of a nuclear deal reached with six major powers in 2015 in exchange for curbing Tehran’s nuclear work.

OPEC producer Iran has said it now plans to increase its output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) and soon by another 500,000 bpd.

A draft of the IPC was approved by the government in September, but the official said the new contract still required approval by the NIOC board of governors.

The IPC would end a morethan-two-decade-old buy-back system that banned foreign companies from booking reserves or taking equity stakes in Iranian companies. — Reuters

REGION

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

INDIA

Congress is shedding crocodile tears simply to gain political mileage... This is part of their antiModi campaign across the country M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union minister

POLITICAL CRISIS

Shatrughan questions President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh NEW DELHI: Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday criticised the Centre’s decision to impose President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh, saying “heavens would not have fallen” if the government had waited for the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter.

The 70-year old BJP MP from Patna Sahib also took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “great advisors”, wondering what answers will they have if the Supreme Court ruled against it.

“We should have been more cautious and alert when the matter is in the Supreme Court. I think heavens would not have fallen if we had waited for the decision of the Supreme Court. This could have saved us from embarrassment and controversy,” Sinha, who has been at variance with the party

leadership over a host of issues, said after making a series of tweets on the issue.

Faulty opinion He told PTI over phone from Pune that “Narendra Modi is a well meaning Prime Minister.

Its the advisors who sometimes give faulty opinion which leads to wrong political moves (which are) certainly not good for health of the party and the government.”

When asked that his views were contrary to that of the party and smacked of dissidence, Sinha said “I have always called a spade a spade. My personal views sometimes may not match with our people. But, my opinion is always intended for good of the party and the nation.”

“I hope wish and pray, they will accept my sincerity and loyalty to-

I have always called a spade a spade. My personal views sometimes may not match with our people. But, my opinion is always intended for good of the party and the nation Shatrughan Sinha, BJP parliamentarian wards the party,” the actor-turnedpolitician said.

Earlier in the day, Sinha had tweeted on the microblogging site: “I have tremendous faith in our

dashing, dynamic action hero PM. But wonder who the ‘great’ advisors are who advised President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. That too when the matter is sub judice,

in the Supreme Court, under a 5 judge constitutional bench. Wonder what was the hurry and worry.”

“God forbid, if the decision does not go in our favour, wonder what

Rahul’s day-long fast with students leaves BJP livid In Delhi, three Union Ministers accused Congress of shedding ‘crocodile tears’ over the suicide issue and attacked Rahul for using students as a ‘political tool’

HYDERABAD: Rallying behind protesting students on the Dalit scholar suicide issue, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday went on a day-long fast here at Hyderabad Central University, drawing sharp criticism from BJP which accused him of “politicising” a sensitive matter.

The Congress Vice President spent about two hours with agitating students and participated in a candle light vigil along with 2,000 students past midnight to mark the birthday of Rohith, who would have turned 27 on Saturday.

He returned to the protest site on Saturday morning and joined the students on fast, expressing solidarity with them.

“Rahulji is on fast,” NSUI President Roji M. John said.

Rahul, who is visiting the campus for the second time in as many weeks, tweeted, “I am here today at the request of Rohith’s friends and family, to stand with them in their fight for justice.

“A young life full of dreams and aspirations was cut short. We owe it to him, to the memory of (Mahatma) Gandhiji and to every single Indian student who dreams

EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi along with Rohit Vemula’s mother Radhika and others protesting over the Dalit scholar’s death at University of Hyderabad in Telangana on Friday night. - PTI

of an India free from prejudice and injustice,” he said in another tweet. Rohith’s mother Radhika and brother Raju were also present at the protest site.

Accused In Delhi, three Union Ministers accused Congress of shedding “crocodile tears” over the suicide issue and attacked Rahul for using students as a “political tool”.

Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said nine cases of Dalit student suicides had taken place in the campus during the UPA rule but Rahul never bothered to go there as he asked opposition parties to wait for the report of the judicial commission probe ordered by the Centre into the suicide.

“Congress is shedding crocodile tears simply to gain political mileage... This is part of their anti-

Modi campaign across the country,” he told reporters.

Also attacking Rahul, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Exams are nearing in Hyderabad (university). All the students are busy with studies.

The government has (already) announced judicial probe into the matter. Peace has been restored there. (In such times), Rahul Gandhi ji is politicising the issue.”

Politicising every issue Rural Development Minister Birender Singh also took a potshot at Rahul, saying “the party which has been reduced to 44 MPs from 206 MPs in Lok Sabha is politicising every issue”. “They are politicising every issue. There is nothing new in it,” Singh said.

Rahul, who arrived here at 12.10am, spoke to the agitating

students and lit candles before Rohith’s picture. As students raised slogans against Irani and Dattaretreya, Rahul intervened and politely told them not to shout ‘murdabad’ (a slogan wishing death to). “Let us not say ‘murdabad’ to somebody. That will not do justice,” he said.

Hitting back at the BJP, Congress accused it of failing to initiate action against its leaders including Union ministers for the suicide of the Dalit scholar. “Who has resorted to politics in the matter? It is the BJP. Union Minister Dattatreya wrote to HRD Minister Irani against the Dalit students following complaint from the ABVP President. The HRD Minister wrote as many as five letters to the University,” senior party spokesman Ajay Maken said.

Wondering whether this was

not politicisation, he accused BJP General Secretary Murlidhar Rao of making the “patently false” charge that Rohit was not a dalit and that the dalit scholars had links with the Naxals.

Activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protested against Rahul’s visit even as it called for a “bandh” in Telangana colleges.

Velpula Sunkanna, one of the research scholars whose suspension was revoked recently, said Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao Podile should be removed from the ViceChancellor post.

“On January 17, we have filed SC/ST Atrocities case against Appa Rao and (five) others. These six people should be arrested immediately. Thats the only demand,” Sunkanna, who is on an indefinite fast along with Vijay Kumar (another scholar whose suspension was revoked), said.

On Rahul’s second visit to the campus, he said, “I look at it the way others..Arvind Kejriwal, Sitaram Yechury, CPI leaders and many people who came and supported us do. The same way we see Rahul Gandhi”.

Three of the students including two research scholars who were earlier suspended and have sat on a fast unto death, are also demanding sacking of Union ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattaretreya.

Vemula was found hanging in the varsity’s hostel room on January 17. The Congress Vice President had visited the University on January 19 following the suicide by the Dalit scholar and met the agitating students and the family members of Vemula.

On Friday, in a dramatic turn of events, Dr Vipin Srivastava who took charge as the interim ViceChancellor of HCU amid protests over the suicide by Rohith here proceeded on leave. -PTI

explanation and answer we will have for our respected PM,” Sinha had also said.

The Centre had on Friday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court justifying imposition of President’s rule, saying there was “complete breakdown” of governance and law and order in the state where the Governor and his family apprehended “grave danger to their lives” every day.

President Pranab Mukherjee had earlier this week given assent to the Union Cabinet’s decision to impose central rule in Arunachal Pradesh. - PTI

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com haveyoursay@timesofoman.com P O L LU TA N T S I N C I T Y

Smog shuts down 74 schools in Mumbai

HAZE: Thick smog in Mumbai on Friday morning. - PTI

MUMBAI: A fire at Deonar dumping ground two days ago has led Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to shut down 74 schools run by it for two days, as the smoke from the ground veiled the area causing breathing difficulties.

The schools are located in Mward where people are complaining about foul smell due to the burning garbage at the dumping ground, a BMC official said.

Schools in M-ward including those in Chembur, Deonar, Tilak Nagar, Pestom Sagar, Shivaji Nagar, Mankhurd, Baiganwadi, have been closed for two days (Friday and Saturday), a corporator said.

Deonar is one of the biggest dumping grounds in Mumbai and the amount of garbage is increasing from years leaving people fuming and complaining.

BMC schools have a six-day week and are closed only on Sundays, the official said.

Fire incident Since Thursday, a thick blanket of smog has engulfed parts of Mumbai due to various factors including drop in minimum temperature to 14 degree Celsius, the fire incident at Deonar dumping ground and high levels of particulate pollutants in the city.

According to weather sources, the air quality in Mumbai will continue to remain between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ in the coming days. - PTI

C O M M E N TA RY

Prime minister’s economic agenda ‘achhey din’ a mirage to most supporters AMULYA GANGULY

To most supporters of Narendra Modi, including those outside the saffron fold who welcomed his economic agenda, the prime minister’s tenure so far has been disappointing.

That he has sensed the uneasy public mood is evident from his directive for action against nonperforming bureaucrats.

But, apart from disciplining the officials, what is expected of him is the kind of sternness which he showed as the Gujarat chief minister. As a result, he was able to marginalise his predecessors like Keshubhai Patel and silence rabble-rousers like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Pravin Togadiya.

In Delhi, he has taken similar effective action against incorrigible trouble-makers like Yogi Adityanath and seems to have persuaded Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat to refrain from saying that all Indians are Hindus.

But his task remains incomplete as the hooliganism of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists recently showed in Allahabad University where

they held a senior journalist hostage in the vice chancellor’s office to prevent him from speaking at a seminar.

Their charge against the journalist was that he was “anti-national”, a label which they also used to defame the Dalit student, Rohith Vemula, who recently committed suicide in the Hyderabad Central University.

It is patent enough that Modi’s call for upholding constitutional governance, under which anti-nationals are to be identified only by the state and not vigilante groups, is not being heeded by some of his party members and associates.

There is little doubt that their words and deeds are reflexive in nature.

Having being tutored in the RSS shakhas (schools) to regard themselves as the epitomes of patriotism, the saffron-tinted activists have routinely dubbed those not adhering to their creed as enemies of the nation.

Their pursuit of the same line, despite Modi’s restraining efforts, is the main reason why sections of the intelligentsia have expressed misgivings about the prevailing intolerance in their view.

There is little doubt that at the national level, the people across the board continue to repose considerable faith in his pro-development programme even if it is yet to reach the take-off point Narendra Modi

Had the prime minister followed up his general advice with firm admonitions on specific occasions, the sense of despondency might have been dissipated.

But perhaps because he feels that it is below his dignity to react to the various incidents which can appear to be minor in the larger perspective, he prefers either to say nothing or leave it to party president Amit Shah and others to speak to those who step out of line.

However, his “dangerous si-

lence”, as the New York Times once called it, has begun to hurt the party as mavericks like Subramanian Swamy continue their campaign for building the Ram temple and suggestions are made by the RSS chief to regulate the media “to ensure that no ill-effects prevails in society” as a result of their writings.

Although the temple is unlikely to be built in the near future — if at all — or Mohan Bhagwat’s veiled plea for censorship implemented,

it is a familiar tactic of fascistic outfits to keep on harping on their provocative projects to sustain communal tension.

It is not surprising, therefore, that an opinion poll has shown Modi’s ratings to be higher than the BJP’s.

There is little doubt that at the national level, the people across the board continue to repose considerable faith in his pro-development programme even if it is yet to reach the take-off point.

But what the BJP has to be wary of is, first, the significance of the party’s lower approval rating and, second, the fact of its inconsequence in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puduchery which will go to the polls this year.

Only in Assam, which will also go to the polls, can it expect to fare reasonably well, but it is still a touch-and-go affair.

In Uttar Pradesh, too, the BJP may face a hard time next year because of the alienation of sizable sections of Muslims and Dalits in the aftermath of the targeting of so called beef-eaters and the suicide of Rohith Vemula.

Amit Shah is right in saying that

just as the political polarisation at one time pitted Indira Gandhi against the rest, it is now Modi vs the rest.

But there is a slight difference — the middle class today is much larger and more politically active than it was in Indira Gandhi’s time.

Modi’s high approval rating comes from this segment of society, which was also largely responsible for his victory in 2014.

But it is also a group which will not take kindly to the antics of the ABVP, the Shiv Sena and other hardline groups.

It is also possible that they are siding with Modi at present because there is no alternative at the all-India level.

But this isn’t the case in the states, which is why the BJP is unlikely to have an easy run in the assembly elections.

To give the party a nationwide edge, the prime minister will have to crack the whip much harder where the fundamentalists are concerned, for even an eight percent growth rate will not help him to usher in the missing achhey din if the extremists continue to rave and rant against the “anti-nationals”. - IANS

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INDIA JAMMU AND KASHMIR

AVALANCHE WARNING ISSUED IN J&K

Snowfall at Kufri near Shimla on Saturday. Fresh snowfall and rain occurred in hilly areas, including Indian-administered-Kashmir where a fresh avalanche warning was issued on Saturday, leading to drop in day temperatures while the mercury rose in Delhi and its neighbouring states. It was a warm day in the national capital with the maximum temperature rising to 27.2 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season’s average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 13.2 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal, said a MeT department official. Foggy conditions prevailed in morning hours, leading to cancellation of 46 trains, and delaying 12 Delhi-bound services. However, flight operations were reported normal at Delhi airport. - PTI

TAKING POSITION: Army personnel arrive to take positions outside the house where commander of LeT was holed up during an encounter at Lolab in Kupwara on Saturday.

- PTI

3 militants killed in Kupwara encounter SRINAGAR: Three unidentified militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kupwara district of Indian-administered-Kashmir, a police official said on Saturday.

The gunbattle broke out at Dardpora in Lolab area of Kupwara on Friday night after security forces launched a search operation there, the official said.

He said while one militant was killed in the initial exchange of firing on Friday night, two others were killed on Saturday evening.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain ultras have not been ascertained yet, the official said, adding three weapons have been recovered from the scene of the encounter. - PTI ‘ H A R M O N Y D AY ’

No religion has taught us to be intolerant, says Mamata KOLKATA: Terming tolerance as the need of the hour, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that no religion teaches one to be intolerant and that Hinduism with its message to respect all has evolved into a “universal religion”.

“We must be broad minded. No religion has taught us to be intolerant. Hinduism is a universal religion with its broadness and teachings to respect people belonging to all other faiths,” Mamata said inaugurating the centenary celebration of ‘Bharat Sevashram Sangha’ here.

“India’s culture gives the lesson of unity in diversity irrespective of caste, creed and religion,” she said.

The CM said that the century old tradition of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in helping the people in distress, has earned the humanitarian organisation enormous goodwill in the country and abroad.

“We are proud of being able to confer ‘Banga Bibhushan’ on this respectable organisation for social service in 2015,” the chief minister said while pledging all help and cooperation to the organisation.

Earlier, Mamata had in a tweet conveyed best wishes to the people of all communities on the occasion of ‘Harmony Day’.

Lauded Speaking on the occasion, Bangladesh Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan also lauded the Bharat Sevashram Sangha for its social work in the neighbouring country, especially during flood and cyclones in past years. - PTI

Union budget to focus on structural reforms: Jaitley per cent is not our optimum range.

The Indian normal is 8-9 per cent category. And it is only when you grow at that pace, you can get rid of poverty,” he said.

He spoke of a huge human resource, trained minds as well as a very large market as positives for India.

“We have potential for increasing manufacturing. We have innovative skills. Our labour cost is not rising as they are rising in China. We are not part of factor or transitions that are taking place in China,” he said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Indian economy has to be out on sounder platform. Don’t forget India is one of the few economies of the world that survived 2001, 2008 and 2015 (global crises) ELATED: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley being greeted by ICAI President Pramod Kumar Bhat-

tad during the 57th National Cost Convention (NCC-2016), organised by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Making a case for 8-9 per cent growth rate, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday indicated that his upcoming Budget will not resort to “sheer populism” for good ratings and will focus on structural reforms.

He also expressed hope that the Congress will “see reason” and help the government pass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in the Budget Session of Parliament beginning next month.

“Indian economy has to be out on sounder platform. Don’t forget India is one of the few economies of the world that survived 2001, 2008 and 2015 (global crises),” the finance minster said.

Stating that fundamentals have to be strong enough, the finance minister said, “The Budget has

to weigh the areas of weaknesses where investments are required.

Therefore, I have to pitch in that direction. If a Budget for the cause of ratings goes in for sheer populism, it’s not necessary that the cause of economics or even sounder politics that we are aiming at (is served).”

Jaitley said the government would not pursue retrospective tax claims and added that he would like the remaining two or three disputes to get resolved “as expeditiously as possible”.

Taxes which are payable must be collected but “there must not be unfair taxes” as unfair assessments bring “bad name” and no revenue, he said at the ET Global

Business Summit here.

Hoping that the Congress would support GST that aims to create a unified market across India, he said, “It (GST) is the important reform of the UPA. If I have to credit the authorship of it, I have to give credit to them. Now, If the author turns against his own script, what do I make?

Reached out “I have reached out (to the Congress), I have spoken to them. I have explained to them and I hope they will see reason... see the rationale behind passing GST.” “The UPA allies like RJD, NCP and JD-U are openly supporting it,” Jaitley said, adding that even

the Congress-ruled states are for the uniform tax regime.

“I don’t see a reason why they (the Congress) should have a rethink on the Bill. If there is a discussion on a particular idea in the Bill, I am willing to discuss with them. But anything that makes it a flawed legislation... certainly, we can’t bound future generations to a flawed legislation,” the minister clarified.

Jaitley highlighted the need for carrying on structural reforms, saying the focus should be on infrastructure, irrigation and farm productivity.

“We probably have potential to have a growth that is higher than what we have achieved. This 7-7.5

Slump in oil price The finance minister said the economy the world over is doing badly because of the slump in oil and commodity prices.

The slump “suits us because we are net buyers of these”, he said, adding that given these advantages “what we have to do is to put our house in order.

I think the first important thing that we have to do is to carry on structural reforms”. Focus, he said, should be on infrastructure sector, irrigation, improving agriculture productivity and manufacturing.

“At the end of the day, what is it that you are asking for is to get that cutting edge that you must grow at 1-1.5 per cent faster than what you are doing today.

“I think with all these changes, and hopefully, in future rain gods being kinder to us than in the last two years, it is not very difficult or impossible target for India to achieve. We all know that our potential is right there,” Jaitley added. - PTI

‘HEINOUS CRIME’

CBI opposes Sanjeev Khanna’s bail application in Sheena murder case

MYSTERIOUS DEATH: A file photo of Sheena Bora who was allegedly murdered by her mother Indrani Mukerjea in Raigad in 2012. - PTI

MUMBAI: The Central Bureau of Investigation which is probing the Sheena Bora murder case on Saturday opposed the bail plea of Sanjeev Khanna, former husband of the prime accused Indrani Mukerjea, before the special court here.

Khanna was involved in a “heinous crime” and there was sufficient evidence against him, CBI said. Khanna’s lawyer Shreyansh Mithare had filed the bail plea on January 13 saying the CBI had failed to find any possible motive on Khanna’s part for committing the crime and he had been wrongly implicated.

The CBI’s reply says that Khanna and Indrani made all efforts to conceal the murder of Sheena, Indrani’s daughter from an earlier

relationship, and he, being an “influential person”, may tamper with the evidence and influence material witnesses, and even abscond if given the bail.

The special CBI judge H. S. Mahajan on Saturday extended the judicial custody of Indrani, Khanna and her former driver Shyam Rai till February 12.

Meanwhile, advocates Amit Desai and Kushal Mor on Saturday completed arguments seeking bail for Indrani’s husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea.

Desai said Peter was arrested in the case inspite of his cooperation with the investigation agencies.

“Not a single incriminating material came up against Peter and if slightest material had come against

him he would have been put under arrest earlier,” said Desai.

Peter was arrested on November 19, the same day the CBI chargesheeted Indrani, Khanna and Rai. “When charge sheet was filed there was no suspicion on him and it was filed without any indication of his arrest,” the lawyer said. Peter also underwent a lie detector test as he had nothing to hide and was not involved in the crime, said Desai.

“In the reply to bail application the only material CBI placed is that Indrani in her statement... said she had told Peter about the murder on April 24, 2012, itself,” he said. What warranted Peter’s arrest on November 19 was not mentioned in CBI’s reply and he

was arrested solely on the basis of Indrani’s statement, Desai said.

Desai also claimed that material in the charge sheet will exclude possibility of Peter’s involvement.

Hatched conspiracy “Even Rai who has been Peter’s driver for many years and knew him very well does not name Peter,” he argued. CBI’s charge sheet says that Indrani hatched the conspiracy with Rai and Khanna and not with Peter.

Further, Indrani enlisted Khanna’s help for the alleged murder, not that of Peter, the lawyer said.

“If Peter had been involved, then there would have been exchanges in mails, calls, messages, etc.”

Peter cannot be involved in the

murder as he loved his son Rahul and knew that Rahul had an affair with Sheena and that’s why Peter wasn’t told about the murder, he said. The senior advocate also argued that Peter used to get emails from Sheena Bora’s account (which Indrani allegedly opened after the murder). “Indrani herself confessed to police about the crime and she did not involve Peter,” Desai said.

The judge is likely to hear CBI’s arguments on Monday.

Desai on Saturday also moved an application asking the court to take custody of Peter’s passport.

Anytime during the investigation CBI did not seize Peter’s passport maybe because they believed that Peter might never abscond. - PTI

A10

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

PAKISTAN Central bank holds interest rate at 6% to steady rupee If we cut rates and the gap between inflation and the interest rate increases, it will increase pressure on currency, said a securities firm researcher

KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank left interest rates unchanged for a second straight meeting to support a currency that’s weakening as inflation accelerates.

The State Bank of Pakistan kept the target policy rate at 6 per cent, Governor Ashraf Mahmood Wathra said on Saturday at a briefing in Karachi. Six of seven economists in a Bloomberg survey predicted the rate would be unchanged. One forecast a cut to 5.5 per cent.

Remain cautious “The central bank will remain cautious” Hassan Raza, head of research at Alfalah Securities Ltd. in Karachi, said by phone before ATT E M P T E D M UG G I N G

Police official shot dead in Lahore LAHORE: Unidentified gunmen shot dead a police officer during an attempted mugging in Lahore on Saturday.

According to police, Shadbagh Station House Officer (SHO) Tajjamal Butt was travelling in his private car with friends when two men on a motorbike intercepted the car and tried to rob them.

Butt is said to have resisted, prompting the motorcyclists to open fire and injure him. He was shifted to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Later, a heavy contingent of police and senior police officers reached the spot. They collected forensic evidence from crime scene and registered statements of eye witnesses. — Express Tribune

FISCAL POLICY: The decision is the first by Pakistan’s new monetary policy committee, which was set up on the recommendation of the

International Monetary Fund as it pushes for more central bank autonomy.

the decision. “If we cut rates and the gap between inflation and the interest rate increases, it will increase pressure on currency.”

Analysts also expect neighbour

India to keep rates unchanged at a review on Tuesday as the China-led turmoil roils markets worldwide.

Pakistan’s consumer prices

— Bloomberg file photo

rose 3.19 per cent in December, the fastest pace in 10 months, weighing on stocks and the currency.

While the rupee’s 0.2 per cent

decline this year is still one of Asia’s best performances, it’s overvalued by as much as 20 per cent, the IMF said in November.

- Bloomberg News

UZAIR BALUCH

Elusive top gangster arrested in Karachi KARACHI: One of Pakistan’s most notorious gangsters, the alleged mastermind of a string of murders of local politicians and policemen, was arrested on Saturday in the country’s commercial capital of Karachi.

“Lyari gang war leader Uzair Baluch has been arrested at outskirts of Karachi while entering the city,” the Rangers paramilitary force said in a statement, with a photo showing him sitting handcuffed in a vehicle. Baluch’s criminal network controls much of Karachi’s teeming Lyari slum.

Local media have linked him to more than 20 cases of murder, extortion and terrorism and members of his gang have reportedly played football with the severed heads of his rivals.

The early morning arrest of Baluch, believed to be about 40 years old, surprised many who had thought he was already in custody after Interpol detained him in Dubai in 2014.

Baluch’s gang is believed to have been involved in killings of politicians from the influential Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party, which critics accuse of racketeering, murder of opponents and holding the city to ransom by calling frequent mass strikes.

A major military operation, launched in 2013, is credited with slashing Karachi’s murder and kidnapping rates. But the clampdown has drawn protests from opposition politicians. — Reuters

R E N E WA B L E S

China funding half of country’s clean power push ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expects half of the $1 billion it’s seeking for clean-energy projects this year to come from China after an agreement between the two nations aimed at helping the government in Islamabad develop its infrastructure for years to come.

Syed Aqeel Hussain Jafri, director of policy at Pakistan’s Alternative Energy Development Board, said 90 per cent of the money for renewable power plants will come from overseas, with China the biggest benefactor.

Excluding hydro, the ambition is to add about 800 megawatts of renewables this year, double the current installed capacity.

Pakistan relies on hydro-electric units and traditional fossilfuel plants for almost all of its 25 gigawatts of generation capacity, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Many of its 183 million people

Syed Aqeel Hussain Jafri, director of policy at Pakistan’s Alternative Energy Development Board, said 90 per cent of the money for renewable power plants will come from overseas, with China the biggest benefactor

suffer routine blackouts.

Last year, the two nations signed a $45 billion programme known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to upgrade Pakistani infrastructure.

“It’s easier to get Chinese financing due to CPEC so we expect China’s investments to continue

propelling the clean energy space in future as well,” Jafri said.

The deal has bolstered investor optimism in Pakistan and has the potential to lift long-term growth, according to a report by the World Bank.

The agreement would boost investment in energy, port and trans-

portation projects across Pakistan in the next few years.

Pakistan currently has about 308 megawatts of wind-energy capacity through six projects working in the Sindh province, according to Jafri.

That may grow to 800 megawatts by year-end as eight pro-

jects in the same region get commissioned. The official said overseas development banks probably would provide much of the remainder of the funding needed.

The Quaid-e-Azam solar park in Punjab province will add 300 megawatts of capacity to the existing 100 megawatts by March or April, he said. Chinese firm Zonergy Co Ltd. will set up 900 megawatts in this 1-gigawatt solar park.

“Renewable energy in Pakistan has attracted maximum investments compared with all sectors at $2 billion over the last two years, of which 90 per cent has been foreign investment,” Jafri said.

- Bloomberg News

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B R O G H I L VA L L E Y

Valley near Chitral faces food insecurity due to early snowfall BROGHIL VALLEY: Garam Chashma — literally ‘hot spring’ — is a village in Broghil, a valley in the north of Chitral District near the sensitive Wakhan Corridor, which is located 250km from the main Chitral town.

Last year, due to global warming, the valley received earlier-thanusual snowfall which has resulted in an acute shortage of food supplies in the village.

Although the valley has no agricultural land, the Wakhi community crossed the border from China, Afghanistan and Tajikistan to settle in Broghil for its vast meadows. They lead a simple, rustic life here with bare minimums, thriving mostly on whatever the valley has to offer.

We have so far sent food items for 230 families on January 15. Each food package includes one kilogramme of flour, five litres of cooking oil and two kilogrammes of salt, said Amir Muhammad, manager at Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan Due to the high altitude, trees in the valley are a rare sight, so for heating and cooking purposes locals use josh, a local grass which thrives at high altitudes.

Horses and donkeys are the main source of transportation in the valley, including yaks, a longhaired bovid found throughout the

Himalayan region.

During winters, people wear the skin of these domestic animals to protect themselves against the intense cold.

This time, Broghil received its first snowfall on September 20, 2015, two months earlier than expected. This was followed by an-

other heavy snowfall on October 16 and then again on November 20.

As a result, unwary locals are currently facing a mountain of challenges.

Due to heavy snowfall, roads are blocked and it takes over 20 hours to reach Broghil from Chitral and surrounding villages.

Each year, before the arrival of winter, traders from Gilgit-Baltistan came to the valley to purchase animals.

“Due to early snowfall roads were blocked and no one came to buy our animals. We don’t have money to buy food,” says Aslam Baig, a resident of Chikar village, in Wakhi language. Due to a shortage of supplies, the price of everyday commodities has also shot up.

For instance, salt has become a luxury item for most families, with a small packet costing nearly Rs150.

These days, locals depend on yak meat, milk, yoghurt and korat (a dish made from yogurt) for survival. Life here is tougher than usual.

However, in a telephonic conversa-

tion, Amir Muhammad, manager at Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan, an international group of agencies established to complement the provision of emergency relief, in Chitral, says, “We have so far sent food items for 230 families on January 15.

Each food package includes one kilogramme of flour, five litres of cooking oil and two kilogrammes of salt.”

The delivery of packages took three days and horses and donkeys were used to carry the packages after a certain point, adds Amir.

The situation is so critical that the paramilitary Chitral Scouts, have shared their ration with those who can no longer afford to buy it themselves. — Express Tribune

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

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US warship sails near island claimed by Beijing in South China Sea WASHINGTON/SHANGHAI: A US Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of an island claimed by China and two other states in the South China Sea on Saturday to counter efforts to limit freedom of navigation, the Pentagon said.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of world trade is shipped every year.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said no ships from China’s military were in the vicinity of the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur when it passed near Triton Island in the Paracel Islands.

“This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants —China, Taiwan and Vietnam — to restrict navigation rights and

freedoms,” Davis said, reflecting the US position that the crucial sea lane should be treated as international waters.

The Navy conducted a similar exercise in October in which the guided-missile destroyer Lassen sailed close to one of China’s manmade islands, drawing a rebuke from Beijing.

Davis said the latest operation sought to challenge policies that require prior permission or notification of transit within territorial seas. He said the United States took no position on competing sovereignty claims to naturallyformed land features in the South China Sea. “No claimants were notified prior to the transit, which is consistent with our normal process and international law,” Davis said.

The Chinese foreign ministry responded on Saturday evening

with a statement on its website condemning the action.

“The American warship has violated relevant Chinese laws by entering Chinese territorial waters without prior permission, and the Chinese side has taken relevant measures including monitoring and admonishments,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The operation followed calls in Congress for the Obama administration to follow up on the October operation.

This month, the chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee criticised Obama for delaying further freedom of navigation patrols.

He said that allowed China to continue to pursue its territorial ambitions in the region, including by landing a plane on a manmade island in the Spratly Islands archipelago. - Reuters

FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION: In this March 12, 2015 US Navy handout photo, the guided-missile

detroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) is underway in formation with the Republic of Korea patrol craft Sokcho (PCC 778) during exercise Foal Eagle 2015. A US Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of an island claimed by China and two other states in the South China Sea on Saturday to counter efforts to limit freedom of navigation, the Pentagon said. - AFP /HANDOUT/US NAVY/MC1 MARTIN WRIGHT

$4b misappropriated from Malaysian firms: Swiss The office of Swiss Attorney General

Such cooperation will not only go a long way towards identifying the culprits ... but also removing the perception that the Malaysian AG was biased in favour of the prime minister

has formally asked Malaysia to help with its probes into possible violations of Swiss laws related to bribery of foreign officials, misconduct in public office, money laundering and criminal mismanagement at the 1MDB

WA S H I N GT O N/ KUA L A LUMPUR: Switzerland’s chief prosecutor said on Friday a criminal investigation into state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had revealed that about $4 billion appeared to have been misappropriated from Malaysian state companies.

The office of Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber said it had formally asked Malaysia to help with its probes into possible violations of Swiss laws related to bribery of foreign officials, misconduct in public office, money laundering and criminal mismanagement at the fund.

It said it had identified four cases of alleged criminal conduct.

1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Malaysian Prime Min-

APPEAL TO COOPERATE: Traffic passes a 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) billboard at the Tun Razak Exchange development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in this file picture taken July 6, 2015.

Malaysia’s attorney general will cooperate with Swiss counterparts regarding investigations into state fund 1MDB, the country’s top prosecutor said on Saturday. - Reuters

ister Najib Razak, has been probed

by Malaysian authorities following accusations of financial mismanagement and graft.

Earlier this week, Malaysia’s attorney general cleared Najib himself of any criminal offences or corruption, declaring that $681 million deposited into his personal bank account was a gift from Saudi Arabia’s Royal family.

Denied any wrongdoing The Malaysian attorney general’s office said in a statement on Saturday it would take all possible steps to follow up and collaborate with its Swiss counterpart, but noted that the investigations into donations made to Najib were entirely separate from those into 1MDB. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing, saying the funds were a political donation and he did not take any money for personal gain.

YELLOW ALERT

In its statement seeking Malaysia’s assistance, the Swiss attorney general’s office said: “The monies believed to have been misappropriated would have been earmarked for investment in economic and social development projects in Malaysia.”

It added that each case involved “a systematic course of action carried out by means of complex financial structures”.

1MDB said it has not been contacted by foreign legal authorities on any matters relating to the company. The Swiss authorities began investigations last August into 1MDB for suspected corruption of public foreign officials, dishonest management of public interests and money laundering.

Lauber’s office said a small portion of the apparently misappropriated money had been transferred to accounts held in Switzerland by former Malaysian S AT I R I C A L M U S I C V I D E O

Cyclone heads towards Australia’s northwest coast, ports closed

Thai politician charged over video mocking junta leader

PERTH: A tropical cyclone gathered strength as it headed for the northwest coast of Western Australia on Saturday, forcing ports to close and mining companies to evacuate.

Cyclone Stan, the first of a season which runs from November to April, was estimated to be 195km north of Port Hedland and moving southeast, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said.

It is forecast to intensify and cross the coast northeast of Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export hub, late on Saturday.

“Very destructive winds with gusts to 170km/h are possible near the cyclone centre as it makes landfall later on Saturday or early Sunday,” the weather bureau said.

It has issued communities in Port Hedland and Dampier and surrounding coastal and inland areas with a yellow alert, mean-

BANGKOK: A former Thai politician is facing up to five years in prison after being arrested for sharing a video mocking the leader of the military junta, police said Saturday.

Narong Reungthanawong, 39, a member of the Pheu Thai party of ousted former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, was arrested on Friday and charged with violating Thailand’s Computer Crime Act, Police General Chairop Choonnawat said.

Narong, a former councillor in the Bangkok district of Bang Khen, shared a satirical music video critical of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha using the Line messaging application in mid-January, Chairop said.

“The overall content (of the video), the message, and the images damaged the prime minister and the government,” Chairop said. - Reuters

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ing they need to move to shelter.

The bureau also warned of a potential dangerous storm tide with “damaging waves and dangerous flooding”.

The ports of Dampier and Port Hedland, through which gas from the northwest shelf and almost half of the world’s seaborne iron ore are shipped, were closed, authorities said.

A BHP Billiton spokesman said the company was closely monitoring the cyclone. “All tie-down activities have been completed and staff have been evacuated with a minimal number remaining for security and observation purposes,” the company said in a statement. - Reuters

public officials.

The four cases of suspected criminal conduct related to former 1MDB subsidiary SRC International, Petrosaudi, Genting/Tanjong and ADMIC between 2009 and 2013, it said.

When presenting his findings last week, Malaysia’s top lawyer had asked the country’s anti-graft agency to close all probes into SRC and the money deposited in Najib’s account. Officials from Malaysia’s anti-graft agency were not immediately available for comment on the statement by the Swiss authorities.

Genting and Tanjong did not answer calls seeking comment.

Petrosaudi and ADMIC could not immediately be reached. The Swiss statement said Lauber had discussed the 1MDB case with his Malaysian counterpart at a meeting in Zurich in September.

Sources familiar with the Sep-

Tony Pua

Democratic Action Party leader

tember discussion between the two law enforcement officials said the Malaysian official strongly urged Lauber to abandon his 1MDB-related investigation.

1MDB is also under investigation by law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong and the United States, media and other sources have said.

Tony Pua, a member of the Malaysian parliament with the opposition Democratic Action Party, called on the Malaysian attorney general to cooperate fully with foreign investigating agencies.

“Such cooperation will not only go a long way towards identifying the culprits ... but also removing the perception that the Malaysian AG was biased in favour of the Prime Minister,” Pua said.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption commission has said it will seek a review of a decision by the attorney-general to clear Najib. - Reuters

DISAPPEARANCES

China police break silence on missing Hong Kong bookseller HONG KONG: Chinese police have made their first statement on the fate of one of five missing Hong Kong booksellers, believed by many to have been abducted by mainland agents, acknowledging widespread concerns but offering no fresh information.

Lee Bo, 65, a dual British and Chinese national and owner of a publisher and bookstore specialising in books critical of China’s Communist Party leaders, disappeared from Hong Kong on December 30.

The disappearances have prompted fears that mainland Chinese authorities may be using shadowy tactics that erode the “one country, two systems” formula under which Hong Kong has been governed since its return to China from British rule in 1997. In a rare but brief letter to Hong Kong media on Friday, police in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong offered no fresh information and did not address their Hong Kong counterparts’ requests for a meeting with Lee, government radio station RTHK reported.

The letter repeated two points earlier released by the Hong Kong police — that Lee had sent a letter stating he went to the mainland on his own accord and that mainland authorities had confirmed to Hong Kong that he was “understood” to be on the mainland, RTHK reported.

“If there is news, we will notify (Hong Kong) in a timely fashion,” it said. Lee’s wife visited him in a mainland guesthouse last weekend. She issued a statement saying he was healthy and in good spirits, and that he was a witness in an ongoing investigation. -Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM Nizwa accident calls for stricter road safety measures This refers to the report ‘Two children still critical after fatal Indian school bus crash in Nizwa’ (January 30). It was a tragic event that claimed five lives including two junior grade children and I deeply console with the families of those who lost their lives. Though it is not the right time to criticise the safety lapse, the incident calls for stricter road safety measures and assess the cause of the incident for proper corrective measures. There is also need to ascertain how road users can contribute to make the asphalt surface safe for everyone. When it comes to road safety, Scan this QR code it is important for the drivers to ensure to send letters to the that passengers wear seatbelts and remain Readers’ Forum, in seats during the journey, especially containing not more than 200 words with when transporting children of smaller full name, address age groups. As part of safety precautions, and telephone school buses should have seatbelts for each number, may be sent seat. — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi by e-mail (akhtar@

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ALBERT CAMUS

D

mitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, complained Friday about the “active use of the Russian theme and the subject of Putin in the US domestic electoral game.” To any observer of the US election campaign from this week’s Ground Zero, Iowa, the statement appears absurd: Few people here care about Russia one way or the other. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the last vestiges of diplomatic politeness are fast disappearing from US-Russia relations.

On the campaign trail, I’ve only heard Russia mentioned in passing: Iowans care much more about issues such as clean water, ethanol production, student loans and jobs. One can hear praise for Putin from some Donald Trump supporters, but it’s rare. The presidential candidate who has weighed in most surprisingly on Russia is Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon who has struggled to establish any foreign policy credentials and has slipped in the polls. His most recent blunders include the incorrect suggestion that at least a few US armoured brigades are stationed in the Baltic states and that Ukraine is protected by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Peskov, however, isn’t worried about Carson or any other presidential candidate. His problem is with recent statements by US officials on the touchy subject of whether Putin is corrupt.

Vladimir Putin The first of these statements was aired earlier this week in a BBC documentary entitled Putin’s Secret Riches. It purports to be an investigation into the president’s personal fortune, though it mainly pulls together bits and pieces already published elsewhere, along with speculation from Putin’s opponents who know little or nothing about his finances. That in itself wouldn’t worry the Kremlin too much. Yet both ordinary Russian viewers and officials noticed a segment in which Adam Szubin, director of the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said the US government had known for “many many years” that Putin is corrupt: We’ve seen him enriching his friends, his close allies, and marginalising those who he doesn’t view as friends using state assets. Whether that’s Russia’s energy wealth, whether it’s other state contracts, he directs those to whom he believes

will serve him and excludes those who don’t. To me, that is a picture of corruption.

That wasn’t news, either. It has been known for years that lucrative government contracts are going to Putin’s friends, and that other cronies are in charge of vast state companies, which gives them many opportunities for personal enrichment. It’s not as if Szubin, who is responsible for US economic sanctions, revealed some secret documents showing that Putin is a billionaire. In fact, his office made a more specific -- and therefore, in theory, more damaging -- statement in March 2014, when it claimed that Putin could be benefiting from Gunvor, an oil trading company set up by an old friend, Gennady Timchenko. “Putin has investments in Gunvor and may have access to Gunvor funds,” Treasury said then.

Peskov dismissed the Szubin statement as “pure fiction,” and that could have been the end of it. Yet on Thursday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest was asked whether Szubin’s words reflected the Obama administration’s official position, and he replied that they did: Well, the assessment of the Treasury Department I think is the one that is the one that best reflects the administration view.

That enraged both the Kremlin and the Russian Foreign Ministry. Peskov railed against “our so-called partners” resorting to “personal insults” because they are powerless to do anything about Moscow’s “consistent stand on Ukrainian and Syrian affairs.” He mentioned the US election campaign and the Russian presidential election, scheduled for 2018. The US he said, is trying to smear Putin without even knowing whether he intends to run for president again.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Secretary of State John Kerry to tell him the accusations amounted to “purposely stepping up tensions” between the two nations.

I have written before that I don’t believe Putin has amassed a vast personal fortune that can be tracked to him. He doesn’t need one, precisely because he has the power to enrich or impoverish anyone in Russia - Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2001 Scholars on visit to various wilayats MUSCAT: Scholars, experts and researchers who took part in the international conference on Omani geology have set out on six tours of various regions and wilayats of the Sultanate as part of the conference programmes. The conference, which concluded on Tuesday, discussed papers presented by 400 geologists and experts from 39 Arab and non-Arab countries. Thirty per cent of the conference participants were Omanis. The places due to be visited by the scholars include Saih Hatat, Rustaq, Batinah north, Sumail, the Sharqiyah and Dakhiliyah regions, Masirah island and the mountainous areas of Muscat governorate.

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PICTOGRAPH

HOTEL OCCUPANCY IN OMAN From September to October, 2015 (3 to 5 star hotels)

September

13.5

October REVENUE (million rials)

18.6

NUMBER OF GUESTS

97,213 49,346

Total

116,863

OTHER NATIONALITIES 40,774

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40,483 35,606

27,423

1865: House of Representatives approves a constitutional amendment abolishing slavery.

20,444

1950: Paris protests the Soviet recognition of Ho Chi Minh‘s Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

1968: In Vietnam, the Tet Offensive begins as Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers attack strategic and civilian locations throughout South Vietnam.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 Following the spread of the disease is difficult. Many of those who get Zika can recover quickly from only mild symptoms, and across the Americas, hospitals do not have the clinical testing materials to quickly and definitively determine whether a patient is infected.

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FIRST DISCOVERY: A picture taken on January 29, 2016 shows a sign post leading to the Ziika forest in Uganda near Entebbe. The Zika virus was first discovered in April 1947 after testing a macaque monkey in Ziika forest, Uganda by the scientists of the Yellow Fever Research Institute. The virus is spread by day time active mosquitos. – AFP

An outbreak and unfolding crisis Did Brazil and global health agencies react late to Zika virus threat?

RIO DE JANEIRO: Last January, long lines formed outside health clinics in Recife, a city in Brazil’s northeast hit hard in recent years by outbreaks of dengue, a painful tropical disease.

Doctors were on guard because federal health officials and the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned 2015 would be a bad year for dengue and possibly another viral disease, chikungunya, both spread by the same type of mosquito.

But the symptoms of the hundreds of people seeking treatment did not fit dengue. Instead of high fevers and intense muscular aches that dengue is known to cause, patients were running only slight temperatures and complaining of joint pain. Many had rashes sooner than with dengue and chikungunya. “We knew this was something else,” says Carlos Brito, a doctor from Recife who told state and federal health authorities in JanuaryFebruary last year that they were wrong to classify all the cases as dengue. “But the authorities were slow to believe,” he said.

Kleber Luz, a physician in Natal, a city 300km up the Atlantic coast, says he gave similar feedback but got the same response. The two - who were part of a group of doctors discussing the odd symptoms in text messages - grew frustrated with the authorities’ narrow focus.

They asked the federal health ministry to broaden its search beyond viruses known in the area.

It took until early May for the health ministry to recognise that the Zika virus had arrived in Brazil and to alert the WHO’s regional arm, the Washington-based Pan American Health Organization.

And it wasn’t until November that a Rio de Janeiro laboratory made a link between the virus and microcephaly, which can lead to abnormally small brains in developing babies.

The WHO has been lambasted in the past couple of years by scientists, aid organisations, and public health experts for the slow way in which it initially reacted to the Ebola epidemic as it spread across West Africa in 2014. And so far, the hesitant response to the Zika outbreak, which has created the worst global health scare since Ebola, says much about the difficulties

GLOBAL HEALTH SCARE: A sterile female ‘Aedes aegypti’ mosquito is seen in a research area to prevent the spread of Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, at the

entomology department of the Ministry of Public Health, in Guatemala City, on Thursday. A worker fumigates the Plan 3000 District as a preventive measure in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on Friday. – Reuters

that the WHO and other health authorities face in combating unexpected public health threats.

On December 1, the WHO cited the lab evidence linking Zika to microcephaly in an advisory to its member countries. It will consider on Monday whether to declare an international emergency.

The WHO said in Geneva on Thursday that Zika in the last few months has spread “explosively” to more than 20 other countries in the Americas and could infect as many as 4 million people.

Whether the health authorities in Brazil and the leadership at the WHO have taken too long to get to this point is a subject of debate within the international health community.

The Brazilian government says its response when it was first alerted by the doctors about the unusual symptoms they were seeing was driven by the evidence.

Too early “It was too early,” said Claudio Maierovitch, director of the health ministry’s Department of Communicable Disease Surveillance.

“There are so many other viral possibilities and Zika had never been seen in this hemisphere.”

And he said that when Zika was identified, the authorities’ response was based on knowledge of the disease. Previous outbreaks of Zika, a virus first identified in 1947 in Uganda, had occurred in small and scattered rural populations in Africa and Southeast Asia and the symptoms were relatively benign.

“We based our response on the

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scientific knowledge available, that Zika caused a mild illness without major complications,” said Maierovitch. “But as soon as we saw that there was an association with microcephaly, we reacted in record time.”

Critics say that the WHO has been slow to act after the link between Zika and microcephaly was made, and should have declared an emergency as soon as that was determined. “My chief criticism is of WHO in Geneva. After being widely condemned for acting late on Ebola, it is now sitting back with Zika,” said Lawrence O. Gostin, a professor of public health law at Georgetown University, who has worked with the WHO and written extensively about pandemics and policy.

WHO officials say the agency’s response to Zika is driven by science, and they point out that much remains unclear, including the precise nature of any link between Zika and microcephaly.

“In any unfolding crisis you’re dealing with a lot of uncertainty,” Bruce Aylward, the WHO’s assistant director-general, told reporters on Thursday.

Since October, 4,180 cases of microcephaly have been reported in Brazil but only 270 have so far been confirmed, with just six so far linked by the government to Zika.

Of the rest, 3,448 are still being investigated through a long process involving clinical research, laboratory testing and monitoring of the infants’ development, and 462 were dismissed as not being microcephaly.

Difficult Following the spread of the disease is difficult. Many of those who get Zika can recover quickly from only mild symptoms, and across the Americas, hospitals do not have the clinical testing materials to quickly and definitively determine whether a patient is infected.

Luz, the Natal doctor, may have been the first person to make a link between the symptoms his patients had shown and Zika.

After poring over scientific literature about a 2013 outbreak in French Polynesia, Luz in early March sent a text to a WhatsApp group for doctors, declaring: “I think it’s Zika.” He compared the symptoms he had seen with those reported in that outbreak.

Soon, several doctors in the same region began collecting blood samples from patients and sent them to various laboratories for analysis. On April 30, a laboratory at the Federal University of Bahia, also in Brazil’s northeast, said it had identified the presence of Zika in samples from one patient.

The health ministry alerted state governments.

On May 2, it notified PAHO. The notification put a Zika outbreak on record at the WHO. On May 7, PAHO issued an “epidemiological alert” saying “public

health authorities of Brazil are investigating a possible transmission of the Zika virus.” But concern remained limited mostly to the contagiousness of Zika, rather than whether it could be a serious threat. In its alert, PAHO wrote: “Complications (neurological, autoimmune) are rare.”

In late May, Brito received a call from a Recife neurologist who noticed a surge of new patients with symptoms of Guillain-Barré, a little-understood autoimmune syndrome that can weaken the muscles and cause paralysis.

Brito interviewed the patients, many of whom said they had previously suffered a light fever, joint pain and rashes.

He collected blood samples and

by June a laboratory had used genetic testing to find traces of the Zika virus.

“It was real anguish,” Brito said of the patient’s suffering and the wait for official confirmation of Zika’s presence.

But despite the results, there was no proof to show that it was Zika causing the syndrome. Neither the Brazilian health ministry nor PAHO heightened warnings.

Spike in the number

By September, the chat groups among doctors were abuzz over a spike in the number of babies born with microcephaly.

Many mothers of affected babies recalled having Zika-type symptoms. In October, Adriana Melo, an obstetrician in the nearby state of Paraiba, noticed troubling signs in sonograms of a

34-year-old expectant mother.

There were calcium deposits in the developing baby’s brain, a possible sign of viral infection. The cerebellum, the part of the brain crucial for motor control, was shrinking.

Melo phoned the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a public health institute in Rio de Janeiro, and got a lab there to test the patient’s amniotic fluid. By then, the number of babies born with microcephaly was surging. The health ministry, now more alarmed, declared a national emergency on November 11 and in public comments mentioned that there were possible ties between the condition and Zika.

The WHO was not yet ready to draw the same parallels.

On November 17, the Rio lab said it had found the virus in the amniotic fluid. On November 28, after lab tests from another baby, Brazil’s government confirmed the link between the virus and microcephaly.

Starting November 30, WHO deployed a small team of researchers from PAHO’s Washington headquarters to Brazil.

On December 1, PAHO issued a new advisory, warning countries in the region of the link between the virus and microcephaly. Two months later, the WHO is considering whether to declare an international emergency. “You have to gather the data,” says Marcos Espinal, director of the department of communicable diseases at PAHO, dismissing criticism that the regional body or headquarters could have moved any sooner. — Reuters

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GLOBAL EYE

ITALY: A masked reveller poses during the Venice Carnival, in Piazza San Marco, Italy, on Saturday.

— Reuters

UNITED KINGDOM: Light sculptures are reflected in the lotus pool during a photocall to promote the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House Gardens in west London on Friday. The festival, to celebrate Chinese New Year 2016 — the Year of the Monkey, uses more than 50 hand-sculpted lanterns and is set to run from Febuary 3 to March 6, 2016. — AFP

IRAQ: Participants run through the Iraqi capital during Baghdad’s international marathon on Friday. — Reuters

RUSSIA: Men fish on an ice-covered bay of the Yenisei River in front of the city’s cargo port, with the air temperature at about minus 24 degrees Celsius in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, on Saturday. — Reuters

CHILE: A disused factory ship leaves an oil slick in the coast

of Coquimbo city, on Friday. — Reuters

AUSTRALIA: The sun sets at Rod Laver Arena as Germany’s Angelique Kerber hits a shot during her final match against Serena Williams of the US at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia,on Saturday. — Reuters/Jason O’Brien Action Images via Reuters

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

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WORLD 40 dead after migrant boat sinks off Turkey’s coast SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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guard was continuing search and rescue efforts where the 17-metre vessel carrying at least 120 people sank off the coast of Ayvacik, a town across from the Greek island of Lesvos LUCKY: Rescued migrants gather at a habour after a migrant boat they were in sank off Turkey’s western coast of Ayvacik, in this still image from video taken on Saturday. - Reuters TV

ANKARA: Almost 40 people drowned and 75 were rescued after a boat carrying migrants to Greece sank off Turkey’s western coast on Saturday, according to local officials and the Turkish Dogan news agency.

More than one million refugees

and migrants arrived in the European Union last year and some 3,600 died or went missing, forcing the EU to mull suspending its Schengen open-borders area for up to two years.

The Turkish coast guard was continuing search and rescue ef-

forts where the 17-metre boat carrying at least 120 people sank off the coast of Ayvacik, a town across from the Greek island of Lesvos, the Dogan news agency reported.

“I am afraid the numbers will rise as divers continue the search,” Mehmet Unal Sahin, the mayor of

Ayvacik, told the CNNTurk news channel by phone.

“Local people woke up to the sound of screaming migrants and we have been carrying out rescue work since dawn. We have an 80-kilometre-long coast just across from Lesvos, which is very

hard to keep under control.”

At least five of those who died were children, Dogan reported, while rescued migrants were hospitalised with hypothermia symptoms. It said the migrants were of Syrian, Afghan and Myanmar origin.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, who opened Germany’s borders to Syrians fleeing civil war last summer, is under mounting pressure to halt the inflow.

Merkel told a meeting of a members of her Christian Democratic Union party on Saturday that despite efforts to help refugees, it was important to stress that they had only been given permission for a limited stay.

“We need...to say to people that this is a temporary residential status and we expect that once there is peace in Syria again, once IS has been defeated in Iraq, that you go back to your home country.”

Around 500,000 refugees from the five-year-old war in Syria travelled through Turkey and then risked their lives at sea to reach Greek islands in 2015. — Reuters

R A M PAG E

Two arrested in Sweden over threats to migrants STOCKHOLM: A gang of masked, black-clad men rampaged through the streets of Stockholm on Friday night handing out leaflets threatening to attack migrant street youths, “to make a statement”, with police saying on Saturday two arrests had been made.

The incident highlights the growing tensions over immigration in Sweden, which received 163,000 asylum seekers last year, and comes days after a 22-year old female worker was stabbed to death in a centre for unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors in southwestern Sweden.

The police said in statement one man had been arrested for punching a plain clothes officer in the face and another for carrying a brass knuckleduster, but the extent of any assaults against immigrants was not clear.

The leaflets handed out on Friday night, which were confirmed by police as being the same as were posted on Swedish social media, said, “When Swedish streets are no longer safe for ordinary Swedes it is our DUTY to fix the problem...

Today, therefore, 200 Swedish men gathered to make a statement against the North African ‘street children’ who are ranging around the capital’s central station. — Reuters

RESEARCH

Humans implicated in huge Australian bird’s demise WASHINGTON: The mystery behind the extinction of a huge flightless bird called Genyornis that flourished in the grasslands and woodlands of prehistoric Australia may have been solved, with burned eggshells as the clue and people as the culprits.

Scientists said on Friday burn patterns detected on eggshell fragments indicate that the humans who first arrived in Australia roughly 50,000 years ago gathered and cooked the big bird’s eggs, playing havoc with its reproductive success.

Direct evidence The study is the first to provide direct evidence that these early human inhabitants preyed on the remarkable large animals that once thrived in Australia but disappeared after people got there, University of Colorado geological sciences professor Gifford Miller said.

Genyornis, at almost 7 feet tall (2 metres) and perhaps 500 pounds (225 kg), was much bigger than toENVOY SUMMONED

Russian jet violated its airspace, says Turkey ANKARA:A Russian SU-34 jet violated Turkish airspace on Friday despite radar warnings, Turkey’s foreign ministry said on Saturday, amid ongoing bitterness between the two countries involved in Syria’s war.

The Russian ambassador was summoned over the incident late on Friday, the statement said, adding that the violation was a clear sign that Russia wanted issues between the two countries to escalate.

“We are making a clear call to the Russian Federation not to violate Turkish airspace, which is also NATO airspace,” the statement said.

“We are emphasising once again that the unwanted consequences of such irresponsible behaviour will belong fully to the Russian Federation,” it added.

Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in November in an incident that wrecked relations between the two countries.

Russia has imposed economic sanctions on Turkey. — Reuters

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day’s large flightless birds like the ostrich or emu. It possessed powerful legs, small wings, large claws and a big beak for eating fruit, nuts and maybe small prey.

It was a member of a family of giant birds called dromornithids, some reaching 10 feet (3 metres) tall and 1,100 pounds (500 kg), that was related to ducks, geese and swans. Genyornis vanished around 47,500 years ago, Miller said.

Size of a cantaloupe The researchers analysed burned Genyornis eggshell fragments, some only partially blackened, discovered at more than 200 sites. The eggs were the size of a cantaloupe, weighing about 3-1/2 pounds (1.5 kg).

“We conclude that the only explanation is that humans harvested the giant eggs, built a fire and cooked them, which would not blacken them, then discarded the fragments in and around their fire as they ate the contents,” Miller said.

“Wild or natural fires could not produce such patterns. We have no direct evidence that humans hunted the adults, but loss of eggs certainly reduced reproductive success.”

There has been a long-running debate over whether people caused the extinction of Australia’s unique collection of large animals, also including a 25-feet-long (7.5 metres) monitor lizard called Megalania, a nearly rhinocerossized wombat called Diprotodon, large marsupial predators and 1,000-pound (450-kg) kangaroos.

More than 85 per cent of Australia’s large mammals, birds and reptiles disappeared after people arrived.

Some experts blame human hunting, while others blame climate shifts, in particular continental drying from about 60,000 to 40,000 years ago.

With the new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the case for a human role becomes stronger, Miller said.

— Reuters

LOST SPECIES: A giant flightless bird known as ‘Genyornis newtoni’, right, is surprised on her nest by

a 1 tonne, predatory lizard named ‘Megalania prisca’ in Australia roughly 50,000 thousand years ago, in this illustration courtesy of Peter Trusler, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. - Reuters/Illustration courtesy of Peter Trusler, Monash University/Handout

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

MARKE

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

Oman plans to award one more oil block this year the field development plan. They will also foresee production being ramped up to 5,000 barrels per day,” Al Anboori added.

We are in an advanced stage to award this oil block which is coming up in Al Wusta region, said an official from Ministry of Oil and Gas

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The Oman government is planning to award one more oil block to an international oil company on a production sharing basis in the Al Wusta region this year, said a senior official from the Ministry of Oil and Gas. “Hopefully, one more will be coming soon. We are in an advanced stage (to award the concession). This is an onshore block,” Dr. Saleh Al Anboori, director general of Management

of Petroleum Investments at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, told journalists, after signing a concession agreement for block seven with Hydrocarbon Finder.

Production sharing basis The Oman government on Thursday had signed an oil concession agreement with Hydrocarbon Finder to take over an existing block on a production sharing basis.

As per the agreement, Hydrocarbon Finder, a 100 per cent locally-owned independent oil pro-

KEY ACCORD: Oman government had signed an oil concession

agreement with Hydrocarbon Finder to take over an existing block on a production sharing basis. - Picture by Jun Estrada/Times of Oman

ducer, will take over block seven from Petrogas for producing oil from the concession area.

The concession area has a large area spanning around 2,331 kilo-

metres in the Al Wusta region.

“This is an existing field. The new company will ramp up production. It will drill more horizontal wells, which will depend on

3D seismic surveys The commitments of the company under this agreement include a reinterpretation of the existing data, acquiring 3D seismic surveys, conducting studies, providing operational support and drilling several development and exploration wells.

The agreement was signed

by Dr. Mohammed bin Hamed Al Rumhy, minister of oil and gas, and Suleiman Mohammed Yahya Al Adawi, chairman of Hydrocarbon Finder.

The agreement is for a period of 15 years and the company will finalise the field development plan in the initial three years.

“The potential is high and the company will relook to revamp production,” he added.

PA R T N E R S H I P C O N F E R E N C E

Oman to host Arab-India forum in May MUSCAT: Oman, represented

by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will host the 5th Arab-India Partnership Conference in May. The event is being organised by OCCI, in collaboration with the Arab League and the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

More than 500 public officials, academics, businessmen and women, investors, business and investment organisations in the Arab countries and India will attend the conference.

The conference aims to maximise trade and investment between Oman, Arab countries and India.

It also seeks to share and exchange views on issues of mutual interest, encouraging trade deals and cooperation in IT, scientific research and biotechnology field.

It will also seek to enhance economic relations by encouraging investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and food industries. — ONA

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MARKET eBanking channels of alizz islamic offer fast services The eBanking channels give customers the ability to avail their banking needs 24 hours

An example of the convenience of the alizz Islamic bank eChannels is that when the customer pays their water, electricity or phone bills via alizz connect, the payment will be immediate without having to wait for the next day for the payment to be processed

a day in a fast, safe and secure environment from the comfort of their homes

Times News Service MUSCAT: Reinforcing its position as the most innovative Islamic financial institution in Oman, the eBanking channels of alizz islamic bank have enhanced the customer experience with the ease of banking being just a click away.

The eBanking channels give customers the ability to avail their banking needs 24 hours a day in a fast, safe and secure environment from the comfort of their homes.

The bank operates with transparent procedures to ensure that all products and solutions are comprehensive, innovative and inspired by the principles of the Sharia to meet the needs of all customers whether individuals or businesses.

“The alizz Islamic bank eChan-

nels such as the Interactive Teller Machine (ITM), smartphone applications and SMS alerts experience high demand because they offer customers a unique and convenient experience of banking, whether to pay their bills, transfer money with other alizz islamic bank accounts or accounts at other banks locally or internationally, paying off credit card fees and even the ability to deposit cheques,” Sadiq Al Lawati, head of eChannels said.

“An example of the convenience of the alizz Islamic bank eChannels is that when the customer pays their water, electricity or phone bills via alizz connect, the payment will be immediate without having to wait for the next day for the payment to be processed.

With any transaction the cus-

Sadiq Al Lawati

Head of eChannels, alizz islamic bank

tomer receives an SMS message notifying them in real time. We are constantly working on updating all of our eChannels so that we can provide products that meet the needs and requirements of our customers in a fast paced and technologically advanced world,” he added.

“A strong digital presence is essential in the current business world and is aligned with the Sultanate’s vision for a sustainable

economy that is fully digitalised which is reflected clearly in the rapid growth of e-business and e-government in Oman and as a result of that data is becoming the primary form of capital. The accumulation of data has become a key part of economic growth with technology raising the return on investment percentages for all industries. This explains the ability of developed countries to achieve high growth rates and maintain ACQUISITION

sustainability,” Al Lawati said.

Customers can visit https:// www.alizzconnect.com/and sign up for a personal account. They can also download the smartphone application of the bank.

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THIRD EDITION

Interior design, décor exhibition in February MUSCAT: Third Interior Design, Decor and Furniture Exhibition, entitled IDF Oman, will start on February 17 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of Ahmed bin Nasser Al Meherzi, minister of tourism.

The three-day event will be organised by Al Nimr Expo, in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and the Public Authority for Craft Industries.

The Sultanate’s rapid progress in the construction and real estate sector has witnessed the launch of numerous commercial, residential and tourism projects, thus creating a demand for interior and outdoor design, decor and furnishings.

Design demands The objective of the exhibition is to display the latest in technology and use of materials, along with innovative approaches in interior design, décor and furniture. IDF Oman has helped meet the nation’s growing design demands by bringing together the leading companies in the industry under one roof.

In its third edition, IDF Oman will be showcasing accessories and art, bathroom, building material, carpets, commercial interiors and fit out, decor, flooring, furniture and furnishings, interior design, kitchen, lighting, luxury lifestyle, outdoor design and build. — ONA

AUTOMOTIVE

Foxconn chief to meet Sharp board to make $5.4 billion bid TAIPEI: Foxconn Technology’s chairman Terry Gou was scheduled to meet Sharp’s board at its headquarters and make his case for a raised offer to take control of the Japanese electronics maker for about ¥660 billion ($5.4 billion), according to a person familiar with the matter.

The offer is designed to beat out an alternative deal with a Japanese government fund and would include about ¥390 billion to buy new shares for a controlling stake, said the person, who couldn’t be identified because the information isn’t public. About ¥225 billion will be used to buy preferred stock in Sharp, primarily from the company’s two major banks, and another ¥45 billion will be used to buy land from the company.

Sharp has been discussing competing bailout plans with Foxconn and the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan.

Though the Taiwanese company is offering more money, Sharp is leaning toward a deal with INCJ, which would keep its technology within Japan and allow it to cooperate more closely with domestic companies, people familiar with the matter have said. - Bloomberg News

BALANCING ACT: Starting with the new Chevrolet Cruze compact,

the basic underpinnings of vehicle lines could last a dozen years or more. – Bloomberg News

GM pitches new product strategy to sceptical investors DETROIT: General Motors (GM) executives used to boast about how frequently the company redesigned cars and trucks.

Now, the automaker wants to double the lifespan of vehicle platforms as part of a broader effort to slash and redirect capital spending, GM executives said.

Starting with the new Chevrolet Cruze compact, the basic underpinnings of vehicle lines could last a dozen years or more, General Motors president Dan Ammann said.

The move underscores the balancing act the automaker faces in tackling conflicting challenges as the growth of auto sales in the United States and China slows.

GM and its rivals face increasing pressure to prove they can keep core product lines fresh, meet stricter emissions and safety standards, and forge a future in ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles — all while returning more cash to shareholders.

Over the next several years, the company will undertake the most extensive overhaul of its vehicle development process in decades, GM executives said. The goal is to design its global fleet of vehicles with just a few basic building blocks, spreading the engineering and research costs for a given lineup of cars and sports util-

ity vehicles (SUVs) over millions more vehicles.

A single platform, underpinning multiple models, might stay largely same for more than a decade, GM executives said. Global product development chief Mark Reuss said the company aims for up to 2.5 million sales a year from a variety of models built on the same platform as the Cruze compact, including the mechanically similar European Opel Astra.

Exterior styling Exterior styling will change more often, with updates of sheet metal or plastic skins — so-called ‘top hats’ in GM parlance.

The automaker also plans to freshen electronic features with software updates delivered over the internet. The move to fewer and long-lasting platforms poses multiple risks.

GM could end up with platforms that are technologically outdated, analysts cautioned, or not appealing to diverse customers in different global markets. Further, most of GM’s rivals are also moving to slash the number of different vehicle platforms they use. “The advantage could be short-lived,” said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president at LMC Automotive, a forecasting company. - Reuters

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MARKET Sultanate’s GDP declines by 14% Gross domestic product at market prices decline by 14.2% in the first three quarters of 2015 at OMR20.09b, compared to

OIL GLOOM: Petroleum activities posted a sharp 38.5 per cent fall to record OMR6.95 billion in the first three quartes of 2015 as against OMR11.29 billion during the same period, a year ago. – ONA

OMR23.41b in the same period of 2014

MUSCAT: Oman’s gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices registered a decline of 14.2 per cent in the first three quarters of 2015 at OMR20.09 billion, compared to OMR23.41 billion in the same period of 2014.

According to figures issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), by the end of third quarter last year, petroleum activities posted a sharp 38.5 per cent fall to record OMR6.95 billion as against OMR11.29 billion during the same period, a year ago.

Crude oil contributed OMR6,037.1 million, with a significant drop of 42.7 per cent as against OMR10,530.8 million in 2014 while natural gas posted a rise of 20 per cent to reach OMR912,300,000 as against OMR760,200,000 in the previous year.

Meanwhile, total value of non-petroleum activities registered a 4.7 per cent growth by the end of third quarter, reaching OMR14,085.3 million compared to OMR13,454.4 million last year.

Services sector rises The services sector witnessed a rise of 13.1 per cent at OMR12.81 billion in 2014 as against OMR11.33 billion in 2013, primarily driven by a 6.4 per cent growth in industrial activities that reached OMR4,259.2 million in the three quarters. Mining and quarrying posted an 8.5 per cent growth while manufacturing went down 1.6 per cent. Electricity and water supply grew by 13.6 per cent even as construction went up by 17.1 per cent.

Services too posted a growth of 4.0% to RO 9,512.2 million, with real estate services growing at 5.8% and financial intermediation posting a growth of 5.3%. Transport, storage and communication activities posted a growth of 4.0%

while wholesale and retail trade grew by 3.0%. The growth rate in the hotels and restaurants segment was recorded at 3.2%. Public administration and defence grew 3.9%. Indirectly measured financial intermediation services posted a growth of 5.5%.

The Sultanate’s GDP at producer prices during the three quarters decreased 15.4 per cent last year to OMR20,545.3 million compared to OMR24,281.7 million last year.

Also, 35 per cent of the GDP was contributed by the petroleum activities while wholesale/retail trade, as well as public administration and defence contributed 10 per cent each during over the three quarters of 2015. Construction added 8 per cent to the GDP. — ONA

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AV I AT I O N

Boeing profit at stake as 737 Max takes to skies CHICAGO: Boeing’s newest 737 jetliner gunned its engines and headed into rain-streaked skies, with profit and pride riding on its wings. The aerospace company’s fortunes depend on a smooth market debut for the 737 Max next year with initial customer Southwest Airlines. The maiden flight took place days ahead of schedule, a contrast to Boeing’s delay-plagued 787 Dreamliner.

Workers and customers in rain ponchos and hats bearing the 737’s signature teal colour scheme were on hand for the takeoff of the plane, christened ‘The Spirit of Renton’, a reference to the Seattle suburb where Boeing has made singleaisle aircraft since the 1950s.

“It is an emotional experience,” Keith Leverkuhn, a Boeing vice president and general manager of the 737 Max programme, said after the plane was airborne. “Someone said these things are like comet

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sightings. They don’t happen very often and when they do, it’s very, very special.”

The latest version of the halfcentury-old jet took off at 9.46am outside Seattle and flew laps over western Washington, before landing at 12.32pm. Three other planes under construction also will be used for flight tests this year.

Deadline targets The first flight is the culmination of years of effort for Boeing workers and a heart-pounding moment for executives who have pledged to airlines that the single-aisle jet will meet performance and deadline targets.

Any missteps in the Max’s development could be costly to Boeing as it tries to cut into the sales lead held by Airbus’s revamped A320neo. The new 737 is coming online as Boeing counts on a series of record-setting increases for single-aisle production to counteract revenue lost from production cuts to the 777 and 747 jets, its highestpriced commercial aircraft.

The Max already is Boeing’s alltime best-seller, with 3,072 orders.

It’s the latest model in the narrowbody family that is the planemaker’s largest source of profit, and arguably its most valuable asset. The total backlog of unfilled 737 orders is valued at about $200 billion, according to intelligence estimates.

Although first flights of new models only happen once or twice a decade, the focus on the Max is muted in comparison to Boeing’s last such debut: the 787 Dreamliner in December 2009. – Bloomberg News

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FEATURE

THE BIG CHALLENGE IN CHINA icrosoft’s Satya Nadella must be wondering what more he has to do to impress China’s leadership.

He and his predecessors have done quite a bit already. Back in September, for example, Nadella not only hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his chief Internet censor at Microsoft headquarters in Seattle, but established a partnership to customise Windows with a state-owned defense contractor once called “the hitech heart of China’s military.”

Antitrust crackdown Rather than giving thanks for Nadella’s efforts, China announced that it was doubling down on a 2014 anti-monopoly investigation into the company. The actual charges are vague — state media claimed that the company had caused “incompatibility problems” by not fully disclosing unspecified information related to Windows — but the import of the charges are not. More than 20 years after entering China, Microsoft has earned little but suspicion for its efforts to play ball with the government. For US tech companies with similar ambitions, Microsoft should serve as a cautionary tale.

This was not how it was supposed to work out. In 2007, Bill Gates told Fortune that he expected China to be Microsoft’s biggest market, “though it might take

10 years.” The comments came during a visit to Beijing, during which Gates was given an honourary degree from Tsinghua University (only the 13th granted in the school’s then 82-year history), and visited with four members of China’s ruling Politburo. A year earlier, then- Chinese President Hu Jintao, during a visit to Gates’ Seattle compound, told the software magnate that he used Microsoft’s software every day.

It must have felt like the company had turned the corner on the ugly early days of its operations in China. When Microsoft officially entered China in 1992, Windows and Office were already dominant. However, thanks to piracy (copies of Windows cost around $1 in most big cities during the early 2000s) and the government’s unwillingness to crack down, the company was not making money on its market share. So Microsoft took the nonsensical approach of suing Chinese companies violating its intellectual property — and lost. Meanwhile, it tried to sell full-priced software in a country where a legit copy of Windows exceeded many monthly wages.

New approach By the late 1990s, it was clear that a new approach was necessary. Craig Mundie, then Microsoft’s chief research and strategy officer, told Fortune that the company’s “business practices and our engagement did not reflect the importance of having a collaborative approach with

So far, Microsoft has little to

show for two decades of

effort beyond market share

that it still cannot monetise.

Bill Gates’ 2007 prediction

that China would be the

company’s biggest market

is for the foreseeable future

— a diminishing dream.

the government.” In short order, Henry Kissinger was hired to smooth over ruffled government feathers and Microsoft officials began making regular visits.

Meanwhile, the software company’s online sites began censoring according to Chinese government guidelines (they continue to do so). In parallel, Microsoft opened a major research centre in Beijing and — in 2003 — signed a pact to reveal the Windows source code to the Chinese government. That last step was particularly important to Chinese authorities who have long worried that Windows and other US-authored programmes contain backdoors that could allow attackers into their computer systems. But having access to the source code was not enough, it turns out. Microsoft is now customising Windows security to the specs of Chinese government clients (a diplomatic cable released by Wikileaks revealed that Chinese government hackers had used the source code in their hacks on Google).

Recently, a Chinese state news outlet cited the latter development “as an improvement in the American company's relationship with the Chinese authorities” after a disastrous 2014 during which China launched its anti-monopoly investigation of the company.

Alas, the improvement has been short lived, as evidenced by the case’s resumption. This should come as no surprise to Microsoft, however. For more than a decade, the Chinese government has made

clear its desire to develop domestic alternatives to US technology, including Windows and Office. Microsoft can hope that continued collaboration will ultimately build the trust necessary to overcome that ambition, and the paranoia over security which inspires it.

But so far, Microsoft has little show for two decades of effort beyond market share that it still cannot monetise (it’s giving away Windows 10 for free). Motley Fool claims that China “consistently” produces less than 10 percent of the company’s earnings (Microsoft does not break out China earnings), and its last quarter, Microsoft predicted further sales declines in China, driven in part by government policies designed to curb the use of foreign software. Bill Gates’ 2007 prediction that China would be the company’s biggest market is — for the foreseeable future — a diminishing dream.

That failure should give pause to other US technology companies, from IBM to Apple, currently under pressure to cooperate with the Chinese government to build or maintain their presence in China.

If Microsoft’s experience is any guide, they will end up giving away far more than they receive.

Long- term, they’re probably better off focusing their investments and efforts on emerging economies that aren’t committed to putting them out of business. China’s market might be big, but it is not for them. – Bloomberg News

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

ROUND-UP

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Nissan Micra: A zippy, compact hatchback

SCIENCE AND ART

With stand-out looks, class-leading driving dynamics and an interior design offering both comfort and convenience, the Nissan Micra goes beyond the regular compact hatchback offering

MUSCAT: Nissan Micra from Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is a zippy and smart compact hatchback in tune with today’s urban lifestyle.

With stand-out looks, classleading driving dynamics and an interior design offering both comfort and convenience, the Nissan Micra goes beyond the regular compact hatchback offering, says a press release.

A refined vehicle in its own right, the Nissan Micra aims to attract a wider audience with its contemporary good looks, eye-catching exterior colour range, spacious and fashionable interior, in addition to a powerful high performance engine and a range of other options to make city driving easier.

The stunning Micra Key features of the new Micra include a characterful, sleek exterior design, eye-catching exterior colour range, user-friendly equipment and interior designed with convenience in mind, highly-versatile interior seat/stowage configurations, efficient, largest-in-class 1.5-litre engine, nimble handling with best-in-class turning circle

– ideal for city driving, high levels of safety equipment including dual airbags, ABS, EBD & Brake Assist.

The new Micra with trim level ‘SV’ is available in Oman.

Expressive exterior The Micra’s exterior combines a feel of personality and character with agility. The body’s bold proportions have been achieved by lowering the centre of gravity, positioning the tires at the extreme corners of the car, expanding the sills outward and extending the rear tread. The side sections, which appear as if cylinders are mounted within, run through the body from the front to the rear providing a secure feeling.

The sleek roofline, with a raised rear end, optimally adjusts airflow to the rear sides to help create excellent aerodynamic performance.

Every element of the body is designed to reduce air resistance such as door mirrors, a large front spoiler and the underbody configuration. Micra’s coefficient of drag is just 0.32.

Interior design Inside, Micra features a unique ‘twin bubble’ shaped cockpit that gives a secure feeling for both driver and passengers with convenient stowage compartments and generous headroom. The arched lines and warm curved surfaces on either side of the instrumental panel create a distinctive bubble-shaped interior space that enhances driving pleasure. A large and convenient instrument meter with drive computer placed in the centre of the meter cluster provides im-

proved visibility.

Micra also gives the driver enhanced visibility on their music collection with an MP3/WMA compatible CD player, which can display both artist and title on its screen, and 2 DIN AM/FM along with four speakers. The sound system includes an AUX jack to connect your music player offering Micra owners access to their full music collection. Micra also comes with anti dazzle room mirror, headlamp leveliser, auto on/ off, power steering with tilt adjustment, front power windows, central door locking, remote keyless, tachometer, drive computer, digital clock and air conditioner with pollen filter.

Driving performance The foundation of the Micra’s outstanding driving performance is the 99HP, 16-valve, four cylinder HR15DE 1.5-litre engine - the largest capacity engine offered in its class. Offered with either a five-speed manual transmission (S) or four-speed automatic, the HR15DE’s combination of powerful torque in the mid- to low- speed range is ideal around town but also offers impressive fuel economy and refinement out on the highway.

Efficiency is built into the very fabric of Micra with its lightweight roof panel contributing to reduced weight and higher fuel economy while its boomerang-shaped bead in the roof panel reduces booming noise in the cabin otherwise caused by roof resonance.

Safety as a priority In the area of safety technol-

PAT R I O T I C Z E A L

ogy, Nissan pursues innovation as part of its “Safety Shield” concept, an advanced, proactive approach to safety issues based on the idea that cars should help protect people. This approach provides various measures to help the driver and passengers better avoid dangers in ways that are optimised to each of a wide range of circumstances that the vehicle may be in, from “risk has not yet appeared” to “post-crash.”

Micra ensure its occupants can enjoy its driving and lifestyle appeal with the assurance of high levels of safety features. A broad range of safety systems are also fitted as standard across the Micra range Including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) to help the driver avoid a collision while a High Mount Stop Lamp provides better visibility to other motorists that Micra is slowing.

Friendly package Along with its innovative powertrain and outstanding exterior and interior designs, the Micra is extremely easy to live with day in and day out. For example, the large glass area ensures good all-around visibility. By increasing the size of the front windshield, both horizontally and vertically, it is easier to see traffic lights (even on the stop line) and to check around the vehicle when turning right or left.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

Annual exhibition held at IS Muladha MUSCAT: ‘Epheus 2016’, an annual exhibition aimed at providing an excellent opportunity to exhibit the exquisite craftsmanship and creativity of the young scientists and artists of the school was held at Indian School Muladha recently.

The two-day programme provided ample time for the visitors to relish the educationally, aesthetically and culturally valuable exhibits, says a press release.

The chief guest, Dr Said Masoud Ali Kashoob, assistant dean for Academic Affairs at Al Musanna College of Technology inaugurated the exhibition.

Dr Kazi Arshad Jafar, president of School Management Committee, Indian School Muladha, Siddique Hassan, treasurer, S. I. Shareef, principal, V. S. Suresh, vice-principal and Dr Lekha O. C., CCE and EC coordinator, parents, teachers and students attended the function. The inauguration ceremony started with a prayer song by the school choir.

Shareef, delivered the welcome address and presented a report giving a kaleidoscopic view of the exhibition. Ali Kashoob, in his inaugural address, expressed his pleasure and appreciation for the school in organising such a magnificent event. He stressed the importance of combining passion with imagination for bringing out the creativity in them. The ‘rock band’ performance by the students enthralled the audience. A

memento was presented to the chief guest by the president and the dignitaries as a token of love and gratitude.

The various departments of the school — English, Malayalam, Hindi, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Commerce, Computer, Arabic, Fine Arts, Physical Education, and Career Guidance — presented a wide range of charts, working models, still models, language games, puzzles, digital symposium, power point presentations, slide shows, various cultural heritage and art forms, mathematical theorems, video clippings etc. The activity rooms were abounded with cultural and literary items like declamation, recitation, dance performance and skits. In ‘NanoTech’ the department of science, displayed models like automatic street light, waste water treatment plant, working model of circulation of blood etc.

The Malayalam stall was an eye-opener to Kerala’s cultural heritage, art forms and musical extravaganza. ‘Momath’, Maths exhibition hall, entertained and educated the viewers with charts, models, puzzles and games. The KG and primary section attracted the spectators with their colourful displays. The stall that depicted the journey of the school through 25 years exhibited the important milestones of the school and could win the appreciation from all corners.

SUPPORT

Indian School Salalah celebrates Republic Day SALALAH: Indian School Salalah celebrated 67th Republic Day of India with a great deal of patriotic zeal on the school premises. To mark the importance of the day a grand celebration was held, says a press release.

Ram Santhanam, president of the school management committee was the chief guest and this day brought all the guests, invitees, parents and students together in celebrating the spirit of unity.

The day’s programme commenced with the welcome speech

by Mansi Gururani of Class VII. She welcomed the chief guest, the president of the school management committee, other esteemed members of the SMC, former presidents and members of the school management committee, task force members, office bearers of Indian Social Club, distinguished guests and dignitaries and invitees for the celebration.

The welcome address was followed by the invocation song by the school choir. The chief guest escorted by the Principal T. R. Brown unfurled the national flag to mark the Republic Day celebration, which was followed by the scouts and guides’ salute to the national flag.

Keeping in mind the need of the students, under the leadership

of Ram, the school management committee had constructed waiting sheds around the periphery of the school. On this significant day, the newly constructed waiting shed in front of the primary and KG block was inaugurated by Ram, accompanied by Brown, esteemed members of SMC, dignitaries and special invitees.

To add to the festive occasion the students presented a cultural fiesta which included songs, speeches, dances and skit. Pauline George of Class VII inspired the gathering with her speech in English that highlighted the significance of the celebration. The students of Class VII dressed in tricolours of the national flag en-

thralled the audience with their spellbinding performance.

The two patriotic songs A’Vatan and Bharath Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai reverberated the surroundings and instilled patriotic feelings. The primary children entertained the audience with a vibrant fusion dance. Valuable messages such as ‘Respect the elders’, No child labour’, No corruption and cleanliness were well depicted by students of Class VII through a skit titled ‘Be The Change’.

Ram extended his warm greetings of the Republic Day to one and all. While appreciating the strong patriotic feeling towards motherland and its ‘Unity in Diversity’, he quoted Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s three visions about India; India in his childhood, India after Independence and the present India of the youth. He made it a point to mention about the kind gestures made by the school management committee to show that they care and deliver the promises to the parental community of Indian School Salalah. Lastly, he exhorted the support of the parents and the community for better education.

The prizes were given away to the outstanding students in cocurricular activities for Classes I to IV during the academic session 2015-16.

Oman Oasis chosen as official water for Muscat Festival 2016 MUSCAT: Oman Oasis — the nation’s leading water brand produced and distributed by Oasis Water Company — is the official water for Muscat Festival 2016.

To commemorate the nation’s favourite event, Oman Oasis had even introduced a new limited edition bottle label that embraces the fun and merriment of Muscat Festival. The special edition label is colourful, creative and has a carnival feel to it, says a press release.

In practice, Oman Oasis has always been in the forefront of creating unique and inspiring commemorative bottle label designs dedicated to Oman’s various national festivities like Ramadan celebration, Khareef Festival and the latest 45th National Day label

was much-admired design, which denoted the spirit of the nation and its journey through the years.

The festival pulls in a lot of crowd every year, and this year is no different. It has been getting a lot of footfalls so far. Oman Oasis, who has their stall set up near the performance stages at both Amerat Park and Naseem Garden, has placed their 5 Gallon dispensers at both the venues to keep the tired visitors replenished.

Exclusive offers New Oman Oasis household customers who enrol themselves for 5 Gallon during the period of Muscat Festival can avail exclusive offers valid only during the festival. The OMR50 bundle includes a hot and cold dispenser,

two full bottles and 10 refill coupons, plus two 5kg bags of Al Imtiaaz rice free.

Whereas, the OMR20 bundle includes a tap dispenser or manual water pump, two full bottles and 10 refill coupons, plus one 5kg bag of Al Imtiaaz rice free.

“The Muscat Festival has become one of Oman’s most iconic annual events thanks to the vision of its creators, whose passion for representing the heritage and vibrancy of Oman are unmatched,” said N. S. S. Subramanian, general manager of Oasis Water Company.

“We are excited to be partnering with Muscat Festival given its importance to the regional economy and its reputation both nationally and regionally,” he added.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

ROUND-UP Kia: Designed to impress The world’s fastest

PROMOTION

FRiENDi offering upto 10% bonus credit on recharge

growing automotive brand has come to symbolise outstanding quality and value, in addition to attention-grabbing design

MUSCAT: Who has not gasped in awe at the sight of a stylish and powerful Kia zipping by.

The world’s fastest growing automotive brand has come to symbolise outstanding quality and value, in addition to attention-grabbing design, says a press release.

Is it any wonder then that Kia Motors has received the prestigious 2015 Good Design awards for three of its most recent models, the allnew 2016 Sorento, the all-new 2016 Optima and the Soul (Trail’ster), in the award programme’s ‘Transportation’ category.

This marks the second consecutive year in which three Kia vehicles have taken home Good Design awards, with the Kia Quoris, Soul

EV and GT4 Stinger concept car having been recognised in the last year’s competition.

As one enthusiast aptly and succinctly put it, “Kia designs rock!”

Chosen by Good Design’s jury of independent design professionals, industry specialists and design media, the three Kia models were evaluated on a range of criteria – innovative design, new technologies, form, materials, construction, concept, function, utility, energy efficiency and sensitivity to the environment.

Yong-Won (Bryan) Cho, vice president of Overseas Marketing at Kia Motors Corporation, commented: “Having a total of six of our latest production models and concept cars receive distinction from Good Design in the last two

years is a true testament to the tremendous strides our design teams have made in creating some of the most desirable designs on today’s roads. The all-new Sorento and Optima feature refined, evolutionary styling that builds on the enormous success of their predecessor models, while the Trail’ster concept car captures the essence of a rugged yet stylish and thoroughly modern CUV for adventure-seekers.”

Kia’s global design team, led

by Peter Schreyer, has won widespread acclaim for its striking and innovative work, and for contributing to Kia’s substantial global growth in recent years.

Now in its 65th year, Good Design is the oldest and the most prestigious awards program

NEW ROLE

worldwide. Established in 1950 and organised annually by the Chicago Athenaeum, the Good Design awards programme celebrates the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world. Designers and manufacturers in around 50 nations are honoured every year, and past recipients of Good Design awards include everything from a paperclip to a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Nasa spacecraft.

Reliable International Automotive (RIA), the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way.

MUSCAT: FRiENDi mobile, Sultanate’s third biggest mobile service provider, has come up with yet another amazing offer.

Customers can now get up to an incredible 10 per cent bonus credit on recharge, by just recharging their phone as normal.

Until February 4, FRiENDi mobile customers recharging for OMR10 will get OMR1 bonus; recharging OMR5 gives customers a 500 baisa bonus and finally recharging OMR3 gives 150 baisa bonus. The bonus credit is given instantly and valid for seven days from the day of recharge, says a press release.

FRiENDi mobile’s recharge presence in over 7,000 outlets across Oman provides customers the flexibility and convenience to make the most of the offer. Physical recharge cards are available from dealers and outlets, electronic vouchers are available at the till of your local supermarket (e.g. Carrefour, Lulu and Sultan Centre) or customers can also choose to recharge online at www.friendimobile.om using a credit or debit card. Not only that, there is no limitation on the number of times a customer can recharge and bonus credit can be

used for whatever the customer wants – e.g. data, local calls or international calls.

“We know that everyone is tightening the belt in 2016, so for a limited time FRiENDi mobile is doing what it can to give a little more to our loyal and new customers, for free. We have a fantastic customer base and are welcoming large volumes of customer to our network every day who are already excited about the great value prices we already offer,” said Alex Bennett, CEO, FRiENDi mobile. “It’s a super offer, valid for 11 days and we are looking forward to seeing the demand for recharge increase and giving back to customers, rewarding them for their loyalty. So don’t miss out!”

FRiENDi mobile offers have made them a favourite amongst the expat as well as the local community in Oman.

With over 600,000 FRiENDi mobile customers and numbers rising fast, FRiENDi mobile really is showing the results of its vision to provide a great alternative choice to customers for their mobile service provider and great value to those with a piece of their heart abroad.

BLOCK BUSTER

Oman Post appoints Abdul Kachchhi Wing set to screen Malik Al Balushi as its CEO Gujarati movie on February 6 MUSCAT: Oman Post Company announced the appointment of Abdul Malik Al Balushi as its chief executive officer.

Oman Post is in the process of undergoing a major transformation with the primary objective of enhancing customer experience. The company will be looking to capitalise on the strength of their vast network that spans more than 80 branches across the Sultanate and introduce more personalised services that will offer customers with a number of options for delivery of post, says a press release.

Al Balushi joins Oman Post from Oman Shipping Company where he most recently held the

position of general manager of Support Services. His previous experience included working for Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP), the Telecom Regulatory Authority

(TRA), and Muscat Municipality.

He has also been a visiting faculty of management with the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

Announcing the appointment, Qais Saud Al Zakwani, chairman of the Board at Oman Post, said: “I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Abdul Malik who will be joining Oman Post at a challenging time. Oman Post is undergoing a major transformation and we will be looking to Abdul Malik to lead the initiatives approved by the board. I am confident that his invaluable experience will enable him to accelerate Oman Post’s growth ambition while concentrating on elevating the level of customer service.”

MUSCAT: The Indian Social Club, Kachchhi Wing is screening their first block buster regional film in Gujarati Chhello Divas on February 6 at City Cinema, Ruwi at 11am. The film is directed by Krishnadev Yagnik with leading star cast.

After successful celebration of kite festival at Qurum beach on Makar Sankranti week, this will be another yearly event which is eagerly looked forward to by linguistic wing members to welcome the New Year 2016, says a press release.

“Due to huge public demand and not to disappoint film lovers we have decided to release the film at cinema hall with large capacity,” informed Hiten Dutia, co-

S M A R T C O M M U N I C AT I O N

convener of the wing.

The evergreen film has been widely released and much appreciated by Gujarati community at large in Mumbai and other parts of India and abroad.

Invitations will be distributed tomorrow between 8 and 9pm at

porta cabin of Indian Social Club, Muscat on first come first served basis to the members of Kachchhi Wing. New members are also welcome and the wing requests old members to renew their membership as early possible.

“The Kachchhi Wing also plans a Valentine’s Day celebrations on a dhow cruising through Muscat on February 12,” informed Hemlata Jesrani, convener of the wing.

The sponsors of the programme are Muscat Pharmacy, Unique Contracting Co, Khimji Ramdas, Al Mudhish, Al Ansari Group of Companies, Ramniklal B.Kothary & Co., Modern Exchange Co. along with wing members and committee members.

HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT

Huawei Mate 8 revolutionises smartphone, tablet i20 WRC kicks off 2016 MUSCAT: The new Huawei Mate 8 that was launched recently showcases a smart communication device of superior technology, functionality and design.

True to their promise to redefine the smart phone experience, the creators at Huawei have combined the best features of the smartphone and the tablet to create their next ‘phablet’, says a press release.

Described as the new ‘supersized successor’ of the Mate S, Huawei’ Mate 8 takes the look and feel of the Mate series to a whole new level. It comes with a vivid 6-inch IPS-NEO LCD capacitive touchscreen display with Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and an ultra-slim body. A significant improvement is the redesigned fingerprint sensor with a shallower contact area to increase speed and accuracy.

The Mate 8 is more compact that previous models despite its 6-inch NEO LCD screen and has an 85 per cent screen-to-body ratio. Diamond cutting technology makes it remarkably slimmer than

True to their promise to redefine the smart phone experience, the creators at Huawei have combined the best features of the smartphone and the tablet to create their next ‘phablet’

most models. The Mate 8 screen comes with 95 per cent colour saturation and non-removable LiPo 4000 mAh battery that gives a usage of more than 2 days.

Arguably one of Huawei’s biggest selling-point is its smart phone camera technology which places it ahead of other brands

in the same category. The Mate 8 takes things up a good notch with a 16-megapixel Sony sensor for its rear-facing camera that includes face detection autofocus, optical image stabilisation support, dualLED (dual-tone flash) and Huawei’s new Image Sensor Technology. There are also various video modes, including 120fps slow-mo capture at 720p and an 8-megapixel front facing camera.

The Mate 8 also focuses on the new Kirin 950 chipset – the first with Cortex-A72 and Mali-T880 that doubles the performance.

The chipset is wrapped in 6 lay-

ers of highly conductive DX19 material to distribute the heat away from it. The Mate 8 runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with Emotion UI 4.0. The Kirin 950 chipset can be paired with a choice of 3GB RAM / 32GB storage or 4GB RAM with 64GB. The Mate 8 is available in four stunning colours: champagne gold, moonlight silver, sky grey, and mocha brown.

In Oman the Mate 8 was unveiled along with a host of first day sales at the Oman Phone Store in Muscat City Centre, Seeb. Customers were treated to exciting prizes and surprise gifts.

WRC season with a podium finish at Rallye Monte-Carlo MUSCAT: Hyundai Motorsport has begun its third season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in style with a fantastic podium finish in the debut event for the New Generation i20 WRC. Thierry Neuville steered Hyundai Motorsport’s new rally car to third place overall after a competitive weekend recently.

The team had its sights set on securing third place for Thierry Neuville, as well as a top-six result for his Hyundai Shell World Rally team colleague Dani Sordo, says a press release.

Hyundai Motorsport’s Thierry commented: “I am very excited and pleased with our podium winning during the weekend.

The New Generation i20 WRC has shown its high performance potential and it is good to be back on the podium, particularly after the difficulties we had at the end of last season.

“To register the first stage wins and now first podium with the new car is a great feeling and this result is for the whole team.”

Hyundai Motorsport entered the opening round of the 2016 Championship with its New Generation i20 WRC targeting an improvement to last year’s result and a fight for the podium.

Thierry Neuville’s run to third is therefore a welcome result for the team, even if there’s more to come from the new car.

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ROUND-UP

Zubair’s Iqra initiative supports Omani writers The ‘Iqra’ initiative aims to develop reading habits by establishing libraries across different governorates in the Sultanate in locations frequented by people

MUSCAT: To recognise the writing talents of well-known and aspiring local authors, the Zubair Corporation has stocked all its libraries established under the ‘Iqra’ initiative with books written by Omani writers.

So far under the Zubair Corporation’s ‘Iqra’ initiative, three libraries have been opened in Nizwa Hospital and another four in Royal Hospital in Muscat. Recently three libraries were also opened in Rustaq and Ibra Hospitals. Each of these libraries has over 100 books that are written by Omani authors, says a press release.

To further encourage local writers, as part of the ‘Iqra’ initiative, plans are being put in place to urge Omani authors to contact the

Zubair Corporation so that they can buy and promote their books.

The Zubair Corporation also plans to buy new books and updated version of the old books by Omani authors at the Muscat International Book Fair.

Ibrahim Al Salmi, Social Communication manager at the Zubair Corporation said: “All the initiatives undertaken by the Zubair Corporation revolves around strengthening the society by supporting programmes that benefit people.”

He added: “Through the ‘Iqra’ programme, Zubair wants to promote a reading habit in the community and endorse Omani literature by connecting the local authors to the reader in the society.”

Stressing that books can work as the windows to the outside world, Al Salmi also said, “The libraries established under ‘Iqra’ provide a uniquely creative and accessible environment for the authors and readers to connect. The libraries not only promote the works of local authors, but in many ways encourage future authors and this in turn enriches the community.”

While reminding that developing a reading culture takes time and requires commitment, Al Salmi said, “We are certain that Iqra libraries will help stimulate and reinforce a reading culture within the wider community.”

Yaqoob Al Khanbashi, member of the Social Advisory Committee in the Zubair Corporation, said: “Creating a reading culture in society is a must if we want to encourage people to become engaged and motivated readers. The Iqra libraries are doing just that.”

Al Khanbashi stated: “The initiative is very supportive of established and also upcoming Omani writers. The feeling of seeing their book standing proudly on the shelves of public libraries everywhere is a dream for many writers and Iqra initiative helps realise this dream. Public libraries help to readers discover new writers in their society.”

Encouraged by the positive response to the ‘Iqra’ initiative, the Zubair Corporation plans to open many libraries across the country.

The ‘Iqra’ initiative is part of

The Zubair Corporation’s CSR programme started by its Social Advisory Committee which comprises of dedicated Omanis who are active in their local communities, especially in the field of volunteer work and community-based initiatives.

The libraries, launched as part of this programme, in Royal Hospital, Nizwa Hospital, Rustaq Hospital and Ibra Hospital, are running successfully. Patients, visitors and bystanders now make use of the waiting time in these hospitals by indulging in reading.

The ‘Iqra’ initiative was officially launched at the Bait Al Zubair in early 2015 in the presence of Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, managing director of the Zubair Corporation. Omani writers, prominent personalities belonging to the local literary scene, in addition and cultural institutions had attended the opening.

The ‘Iqra’ initiative aims to develop reading habits by establishing libraries across different governorates in the Sultanate in locations frequented by people.

This initiative comes as part of the Zubair Corporation’s strategy and vision to support the Omani society with sustainable programmes.

People in society must be encouraged to develop a reading culture in order to give them a chance to open their minds and make them creative and innovative is the among objective of the ‘Iqra’ initiative.

S U P P O R T I N G L O C A L TA L E N T

Bank Sohar sponsors Shabab FM’s singing contest MUSCAT: Demonstrating its focus towards contributing to the community in Oman in addition to highlighting the youth and local talent, Bank Sohar has sponsored Shabab FM’s live show ‘Najm Al Shabab” where a singing competition is being broadcast from beginning of January till end of March, says a press release.

Commenting on sponsoring the competition, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, GM of HR and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar mentioned, “At Bank Sohar, we take great pride in showcasing Oman in the

best light, and highlighting the immense talent pool that the Sultanate has to offer. We are pleased to join hands with the popular, local radio channel, Shabab FM in bringing to life their new show ‘Najm Al Shabab’ which aims to discover the most talented singers in the nation. We are also confident that this live show will be a great hit with listeners across the country and wish all the participants the best of luck.”

The ‘Najm Al Shabab’ programme is aired live every Wednesday at 7pm on Shabab FM.

It comprises a vocal competition where talented new singers are introduced to audiences. Listeners are encouraged to vote for the contestants by SMS for their best performers. The winners from each round go forward to the next round, until they reach the grand final, with the supreme winners gaining widespread recognition and winning lucrative prizes.

Bank Sohar has always been dedicated towards the upbringing of the youth and local Omani talent; regularly extending its support to various groups and organisations

AUTO ACCESSORY

TAC introduces new product for better engine performance MUSCAT: If you want to maximise engine performance and most importantly, engine life and also get better fuel efficiency, you need to clean the engine regularly of all the contaminants and deposits.

To help you in this pursuit, Towell Auto Centre (TAC) has now introduced Mazda Genuine Deposit Cleaner at its 13 service centres and 10 parts outlets spread across Oman, says a press release.

By simply pouring the Mazda genuine deposit cleaner into the fuel tank, deposits formed in the combustion chamber, fuel injector nozzles and other engine parts can be cleaned off.

It can be used for all models with gasoline engine (except for rotary and carburetor engines).

This deposit cleaner is effective for all gasoline engines more so for Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G. It is recommended to use Mazda genuine deposit cleaner every 10,000km for continued optimum engine performance.

A senior spokesperson of TAC commented: “Mazda genunie deposit cleaner is effective in recovering from the following con-

ditions – poor engine starting, rough idling, poor acceleration response, insufficient power, poor fuel efficiency, engine knocking, exhaust emissions etc.

“With benefits galore including increased fuel efficiency, Mazda deposit cleaner is a genuine product approved by Mazda Motor Corporation and is available at TAC service and parts centres all across Oman.”

The Mazda genuine deposit cleaner, when poured into the fuel tank, uses the fuel medium to remove the accumulated deposits on the injectors, intake valves, combustion chambers and other areas. A special active ingredient then transports these deposits to the combustion chambers and accelerates the combustion of the deposits.

In this effective and simple way, the Mazda genuine deposit cleaner cleans the inside of the engine and maintains it performance, ensures its longevity and improves fuel efficiency.

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in their various sports and cultural initiatives and competitions.

Al Shabab FM seeks to address the largest segment of citizens which is the youth. By interacting with young minds, the channel gets a better perspective of their thinking, aspirations, understands their ability to communicate through various modern communication channels, and attracts them to contribute to the national development efforts. Al-Shabab FM has a high rate of listeners 24/7 due to various programmes which are broadcasted to all governorates of Oman.

UPGRADED MODEL

Nissan Juke comes with upbeat features, enhanced performance MUSCAT: The upgraded Nissan Juke from Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has retained signature aspects including its dramatic front-end design.

The Juke is powered by a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine, 117 hp. Three driving modes — normal, sport and eco — are available, along with a new audio system, the Japanese auto maker’s latest-generation NissanConnect connectivity technology, says a press release.

Exterior revisions include tweaking the upper front lamps (now with LED daytime runners), updating the grille, toughening up the under-bumper trim, redesigning the door mirrors (adding LED repeaters and new rear view camera) and creating a more aggressive rear bumper to match the revised tail-lights which now have LED ‘light guide technology’.

Revisions in the cargo area have increased space while versatility is further enhanced with a flat-folding rear seat. Nissan has also built in a two-stage floor in the luggage compartment.

With the second-row seats up and cargo floor lowered, there is plenty of space in the back for large luggage. Fold the seats down and you can adjust the floor to a higher position, creating a flat cargo. Lastly the sunroof adds an element of fun and adventure.

Standard features include cloth upholstery, four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with AUX port, power windows, electric mirrors, rear-view camera and the 60/40 folding rear seats. Also available is leather upholstery, NissanConnect, sunroof, fog lamps, automatic a/c and intelligent keyless

entry with starter button. Safety features include front airbags, ABS disc brakes with EBD, and stability control and optional side-curtain airbags.

The Juke now also comes with a personalisation pack.

Award At the Kelley Blue Book, the 2012 Nissan Juke won ‘Total Cost of Ownership Award’ in the Compact Crossover division. Establishing their selections on the combined cost of fair purchase price (FPP), financing costs, state fees, insurance costs, project depreciation, and the anticipated costs of repairs, scheduled maintenance, and petrol, the 2012 Nissan Juke was a clear winner.

Although the fair purchase prices in this division were quite similar, the 2012 Nissan Juke was a standout in long-term fuel cost and insurance.

Apart from winning the Total Cost of Ownership Award, Kelley Blue Book also showcased some of their favourite aspects of the 2012 Nissan Juke.

On the other hand, the Nissan Juke was deemed safe by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2011. The IIHS awarded the 2011 Nissan Juke a ‘Top Safety Pick’ rating. As always, the rating is only given to vehicles that achieve the agency’s highest rating of ‘Good’ in front, rear and side impact protection as well as being equipped with electronic stability control and earn a good rating in roof strength.

Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive importers and distributors of all Nissan vehicles in Oman, have their Nissan showrooms spread across Oman.

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Bank Muscat receives coveted Entrepreneurship Award 2015 The bank won ‘Best SME Bank’ award in recognition of its unique initiatives in support of SME development

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, won the coveted Entrepreneurship Award 2015 in recognition of its unique initiatives in support of SME development in the Sultanate.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive, received the Best SME Bank award from Mohammed bin Al Zubair, adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs, at the award ceremony held at Sultan Qaboos University.

Organised by Riyada, the Public Authority for SME Development, the second edition of the Entrepreneurship Award honoured outstanding SME development initiatives across Oman, says a press release.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa said: “In light of the importance accorded by the government to support SME development in Oman, Bank Muscat is proud to win the Best SME Bank award. Complementing government efforts in strengthening the role of SMEs in the economic development of Oman, the unique SME initiatives launched by Bank Muscat are aimed at filling the gaps and empowering entrepreneurs to chart successful business ventures. Stemming from the Royal directives to promote the role of SMEs in the development of the national economy, Bank Muscat takes pride in adopting tangible

steps aimed at SME development benefiting the country’s youth.”

Over the years, the bank has launched a series of initiatives as part of a comprehensive plan to support SME development in Oman. Aimed at strengthening the SME sector, the bank’s al Wathbah SME department offers a comprehensive suite of tailor-made finance solutions.

A unique SME financing launched by the bank has helped entrepreneurs overcome challenges arising from the requirement of collateral guarantees. al Wathbah SME non-collateral finance not requiring collateral guarantee is a bold step affirming the bank’s commitment to encouraging an entrepreneurial culture in Oman.

In another initiative in 2012, the bank partnered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to launch the government guaranteed finance in support of SMEs. The bank has also taken the lead to support women entrepreneurs in Oman. In a major boost to SME development initiatives by women entrepreneurs, the bank recently presented the first Al Wathbah Businesswomen’s Award, which is

set to become a major annual celebration aimed at appreciating and recognising Omani women entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in their business benefiting the community.

Encouraging entrepreneurial skills and empowering Omani businesswomen, the award recognises businesswomen for playing an important role in contributing

to the country’s economy.

Another initiative by the bank is an online networking forum for women entrepreneurs. al Wathbah Businesswomen’s Forum allows women entrepreneurs to engage in live online networking. The dedicated web portal brings together businesswomen and helps them to benefit from each other’s business expertise and experience. The fo-

rum serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for women to embark on SME initiatives and thereby contribute to the progress and development in Oman.

The bank regularly conducts workshops and seminars to equip SMEs to identify business opportunities and tackle challenges.

Serving as building blocks for existing and prospective entrepre-

neurs, these initiatives assume importance in the backdrop of the priority accorded by the government to develop the SME sector in Oman.

The support to SMEs and women empowerment initiatives stem from the bank’s commitment to create self-employment opportunities for youth who constitute more than 50 per cent of the country’s population.

The bank organised a unique mentoring programme for young entrepreneurs under the direct supervision of AbdulRazak Ali Issa.

The beneficiaries drawn from diverse fields gained valuable guidance and skills to promote and establish their business ventures.

Aimed at creating a successful generation of entrepreneurs, the CE mentoring programme was an initiative developed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The bank’s al Wathbah Business Zone is a unique facility that addresses the needs of entrepreneurs in Oman. The business zone in the bank’s head office can be used free of cost by SME customers who do not have their own office space.

A number of prospective entrepreneurs face challenges in taking forward their business plans for want of required support and facilities. al Wathbah Business Zone addresses this issue and helps entrepreneurs at all levels to promote and establish their business ventures. al Wathbah SME TV from Bank Muscat is the first educational video channel in the banking sector in Oman with the sole objective of helping SMEs gain 24/7 access to vital information that help drive their business further.

Giving a major thrust for micro and small businesses to play an important role in diversifying the Sultanate’s economy and creating job opportunities for Omani youth, Bank Muscat najahi products and services have created a benchmark.

HONING LEARNING SKILLS

Indian School Muladha organises one day camp MUSCAT: Indian School Muladha organised a one day Cubs and Bulbuls camp recently on the school premises.

The progamme began with a formal inaugural ceremony in the Kids World. The chief guest Felix Vincent Gabriel, Member, SMC inaugurated the function by lighting the lamp. S. I. Shareef, principal, V. S. Suresh, Vice Principal and Dr Lekha O. C., CC & EC Coordinator attended the function,

says a press release.

In his speech the chief guest stressed the importance of organising Cubs and Bulbul’s activities in the school to foster values like honesty, patience, creativity, team spirit and self-discipline among the students. He emphasised the advantages of learning by doing and doing by learning, and how it helps to create enthusiasm and interest in learning among the students.

Shareef pointed out the need to develop self-learning skills among the students by taking an active part in the programmes like Cubs and Bulbuls and how they get motivated and inspired for being good citizens by eradicating all the bad habits from their mind and the soul.

Suresh and Dr Lekha attended the function and wished the students a very happy and enjoyable time in the camp.

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to her childhood hero, Kerber foiled Williams’s bid to match the German great’s tally of Grand Slam titles, closing out a magnificent 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win in her first major final MELBOURNE: On a night when Steffi Graf loomed large over Rod Laver Arena, an inspired Angelique Kerber stunned Serena Williams in a three-set classic to win the Australian Open on Saturday and become Germany’s first Grand Slam champion in 17 years.

In the ultimate tribute to her childhood hero, Kerber foiled Williams’s bid to match the German great’s tally of Grand Slam titles, closing out a magnificent 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win in her first major final.

The seventh seed’s triumph secured her nation’s first Grand Slam win since Graf raised her 22nd and final trophy at the 1999 French Open.

“Yeah, I think I helped Steffi right now,” a beaming Kerber told reporters. “This is the first big tournament of the year, and I won it, the first Grand Slam. It sounds

crazy, but I can say I’m a Grand Slam champion now.”

Angelique Kerber sought inspiration from Graf during a trip to the 46-year-old’s Las Vegas home last year and put in a performance worthy of her mentor.

She defended brilliantly throughout the two-hour and eight-minute cliff-hanger, showing nerves of steel to fend off Williams who had roared back from 5-2 down in the deciding set.

In a final game riven with tension, Williams succumbed on the first match point with a volley that floated well past the baseline.

Kerber was already flopping to the ground before the ball had landed, and she flung her racquet away as a packed crowd of 15,000 roared in elation and disbelief.

Williams has no liking for runner-up finishes at Grand Slams, and her defeat was the first in a final since her shock loss to Sam Stosur at the 2011 U.S. Open.

Her hopes of pulling off a rare calendar Grand Slam were left in tatters once again, only four months after they were crushed in the U.S. Open semifinals by Italian Roberta Vinci.

Gracious in defeat Williams was nonetheless gracious in defeat, walking directly to Kerber’s side of the court to embrace her warmly as the champion wept with joy.

“She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from: just

les’s 1999 championship, Kerber proved the world No. 1 can be beaten, even when fit and firing.

Other challengers will draw hope that they, too, might share in the grand slam spoils as the 34-year-old icon edges closer to retirement. For Kerber, however, it was a triumph long in the making.

It arrived in her 33rd main draw appearance and at a tournament that could have ended for her in the first round.

She had to save a match point in a three-set duel with Japan’s Misaki Doi and later remarked that she had “one leg in the plane”.

A former world No. 5 in 2012, Kerber will soar to second when the rankings are updated.

“I think my phone is exploding right now,” said Kerber, who received personal congratulations from Graf and German chancellor Angela Merkel. “I have so many emotions it’s like crazy.”

MAIDEN TITLE: Germany’s Angelique Kerber kisses the trophy as Serena Williams of the U.S. claps

after Kerber won their final match at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Saturday. – Reuters

to always stay positive and to never give up,” Williams told reporters.

“I was really inspired by that. So, honestly, she’s a really good girl. If I couldn’t win, I’m happy she did.

“I mean, every time I walk in this room, everyone expects me to win every single match, every single day of my life. As much as I would like to be a robot, I’m not. I try to.”

It was instead an all-too-human

display by Williams in an opening set laden with 23 unforced errors — 20 more than her opponent.

Kerber broke her twice to wrap up the set before Williams regrouped to send the match into a decider, accompanied by screams of “C’mon!”

The German played majestically in the decider’s marathon sixth game, taking Williams’s serve on

her fifth break point to move to a 5-2 lead. The American, summoning the belief forged from 25 Grand Slam finals, stormed back to break Kerber as she served for the match.

But the German responded brilliantly, felling Williams in a furious baseline rally to raise her one and only match point.

The first left-hander to win in Melbourne since Monica Se-

Murray, Soares win In the late match at Rod Laver Arena, Jamie Murray, men’s single finalist Andy’s elder brother, won his first men’s doubles title with Bruno Soares after they beat Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek 2-6 6-4 7-5.

The younger Murray will seek his first Australian Open title at Melbourne Park after four fruitless trips to the final when he takes on defending champion and his Melbourne Park nemesis Novak Djokovic. - Reuters

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India to aim for Aussie whitewash in Sydney Giving the youngsters

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Sydney pitch generally is better for the spinners, that doesn’t augur too well for the Australians

Watson to lead Australia in final T20

a chance has been the key feature of this tour for the Indian team, and the progress of the likes of Gurkeerat Mann, Rishi Dhawan and Barinder Sran will be a big positive

SYDNEY: The series already in their pocket, India would aim for a clean sweep against the hosts and end the tour of Australia on a high when the two teams clash in the third and final Twenty20 international here on Sunday.

India had lost the One-day International (ODI) series 1-4 but bounced back in style to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20 series with comprehensive wins in Adelaide and Melbourne.

It was at the Sydney Cricket Ground that the Men in Blue scripted their turnaround on this trip, with Manish Pandey playing a match-winning hand with his maiden ODI hundred.

Giving the youngsters a chance

SYDNEY: All-rounder Shane Watson will lead Australia in the third and final Twenty20 international against India on Sunday in the absence of Aaron Finch, who was ruled out after damaging his left hamstring during Friday’s second match in Melbourne.

Finch suffered the injury while batting during the team’s 27-run loss at the Shane Watson Melbourne Cricket Ground, which saw India take an Khawaja has replaced Finch in unassailable 2-0 lead in the the squad for Sunday’s match three-match series. and has also been included in Australia’s One-day InterKhawaja in national squad for the tour Left-handed batsman Usman

has been the key feature of this tour for the Indian team, and the progress of the likes of Gurkeerat Mann, Rishi Dhawan and Barinder Sran will be a big positive as the team looks to build on for the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 ODI World Cup. Keeping on with the same theme, in the present context of the T20I series and the upcoming World T20, the arrival of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya also bodes well for the team’s plans.

When the selectors will sit to

pick the World T20 squad, both Bumrah and Pandya will be in serious contenders, having impressed one all with their performance.

Their presence in the eleven has allowed MS Dhoni a multitude of bowling options. Bumrah has only had the one off game in three, and that too largely due to the persistence of the skipper to not bowl spinners within the first six overs in the last match.

In the previous games, he has bowled well in the death too, a plus point for India in T20 cricket. Pan-

of New Zealand. “It is an honour to be asked to lead the side on Sunday, although the circumstances are far from ideal,” Watson said in a Cricket Australia statement.

“We may have lost the series but there is a great deal to play for with the ICC World Twenty20 coming up and you can be sure we will be determined to do well in Sydney.”

The 34-year-old Watson has previously captained Australia in a lone Test and nine ODIs and is the country’s second most experienced player in T20 internationals behind opening batsman David Warner. - Reuters

dya has bowled consistently at good speeds and his presence provides additional cover for the pacers.

This is where the roles played

by Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina get amplified to a large extent. Post the Melbourne win, Dhoni discussed in fine detail that even one over bowled by the part-timers — good or bad — takes a load off the bowling attack.

And when it increases to two overs like the ones bowled by Yuvraj on Friday, it is just an added bonus in the scheme of things. - PTI

CRICKET

McCullum to play final ODI series pending fitness WELLINGTON: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has been named to lead his country in his final One-day International (ODI) series against Australia next month, providing he can prove his fitness.

The 34-year-old is expected to play New Zealand’s third and final ODI against Pakistan in Auckland on Sunday, as he makes his way back from a back injury he sustained last month against Sri Lanka.

“I’ve had a good couple of hits (in the nets),” McCullum told reporters in Auckland on Saturday.

“It’s probably not 100 per cent but there’s a bit of stiffness so hopefully I’ll be fine for tomorrow.”

Tom Latham was named as cover for McCullum, who will retire after the second Test against Australia in Christchurch next month.

Top order batsman Ross Taylor (side) and bowlers Tim Southee (foot) and Mitchell McClenaghan

(eye) were not considered for the three-match one day series against Australia that starts next Wednesday due to injury.

“This is a pinnacle event for us and we will look to get our best side out on the park each time we play,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said on Saturday.

“We’ve been lucky enough to use a big squad over the summer and although were missing a few key players, we have guys who can step

in and we know are up to the task.”

Australia would be without coach Darren Lehmann for the one-day series as he recovers from deep vein thrombosis that has restricted his travel.

The team: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham*, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson (* injury cover). - Reuters

I

ndia have a chance to make a clean sweep of the T20 series if they win the final game in Sydney. The turnaround in the fortunes on this trip started in the last One-day International at Sydney where India beat the hosts quite easily and after that they have gone from strength to strength as can be seen by the results in the first two T20 games.

By sending two key players, Steve Smith and David Warner to New Zealand even when the T20 series is going on indicated that the Australian cricket authorities do not attach much importance to the T20 games and are more interested in making sure that they come up trumps in the Trans-Tasman rivalry with New Zealand.

A couple of years ago they had withdrawn Mitchell Johnson from the final oneday game in Bengaluru and flew him back to give him rest before the Ashes series.

That time too the one-day series was equal and the final game was the decider.

Clearly, the Australians don’t seem to attach too much importance to contests against India excepting for the financial pluses that they get from it.

India of course can only play the eleven that is put against them and with six changes in the Australian team they knew that it would be an unsettled team.

That’s how it turned out as Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma took their attack apart and laid open the door for Kohli to continue punching them. The Australian bowlers had not much experience and with the Melbourne pitch playing true the ball was going everywhere off the bat.

The way Kohli is batting on this trip it’s more like net practice against the Australian bowlers rather than an international. The intensity and fierce desire to do well every time is heartening and the good thing is that it is spilling over to the rest of the team The Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli combination is a heady one for there is virtually a shot a ball and to both sides of the ground.

While not exactly like watching tennis where the neck swivels from one side of the court to the other, when the duo are batting the feeling is pretty similar for the spectators.

As has happened a few times in the past when these two are batting and because of their eagerness to get to the batting end there is a chance of a runout and that’s what happened in Melbourne to get rid of Sharma.

The way Kohli is batting on this trip it’s more like net practice against the Australian bowlers rather than an international.

The intensity and fierce desire to do well every time is heartening and the good thing is that it is spilling over to the rest of the team.

The Sydney pitch generally is better for the spinners where the ball grips and turns so Ashwin and Jadeja should be in their elements and that doesn’t augur too well for the Australians. - PMG FOOTBALL

Iraq edge Qatar for final Olympic berth in Asia DOHA: Iraq booked a spot at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics after edging hosts Qatar for third place at the Asian Football Confederation’s under-23 championships with a 2-1 extra time win.

The Qatari side, featuring many players expected to represent the tiny gulf state at their home 2022 World Cup, looked set to secure the Olympic berth when they led 1-0 but Muhanad Abdulraheem equalised for the Iraqis in the 86th minute.

Substitute Aymen Hussein then sealed victory with a header four minutes into the second period of extra-time to send Iraq back to the Olympics for the first time since losing the bronze medal match to Italy at the Athens Games in 2004.

“This victory really is the fruit of the great work of the Olympic committee in Iraq since we started our preparation,” said Iraq assistant coach Hayder Najem. - Reuters

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

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SPORTS Favourite Djokovic expects fierce battle with Murray AT H L E T I C S

MRR announces official Muscat Marathon results MUSCAT: Omani runners Sami Al Saidi (overall winner) and Ahmed Al Salti (Half-Marathon winner) hogged the limelight at the fifth edition of Muscat Marathon organised by Muscat Road Runners (MRR) on Friday.

Below is the official list of top finishers in various categories of Muscat Marathon:

FAMILIAR FOES: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic talks with his coach Boris Becker during a practice session on the eve of his final match

against Britain’s Andy Murray at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Saturday. Britain’s Andy Murray hits a shot as his coach Amelie Mauresmo watches during his practice session at Melbourne Park. – Reuters

Djokovic and Murray have contested three previous finals at the Melbourne Park with the Serbian emerging triumphant on each occasion. The world No. 1 is a strong favourite to prevail once again on Sunday

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic is expecting a fierce battle with an old friend and familiar protagonist when he makes a bid for history in the Australian Open final against Andy Murray on Sunday.

Born a week apart 28 years ago, Djokovic and Murray have contested three previous finals at the Melbourne Park with the Serbian emerging triumphant on each occasion. The world No. 1 is a strong favourite to prevail once again on Sunday and equal Roy Emerson’s

record of six Australian Open titles.

“I’m expecting a battle with Andy, as it always is,” he said.

“Very physically demanding match. Lots of rallies, exchanges.

It’s no secret we know how we play against each other. It’s two games that are very much alike, so it’s basically who’s going to outplay who from the baseline.”

Djokovic said he thought how both players’ serve held up would be an important factor but so would be how they handled the

“emotions of the greatness of that occasion of playing for the grand slam title”.

That has been an area of clear advantage for the Serbian in their three previous meetings in Australian Open finals and he has also had a hex over Murray in 10 of their last 11 meetings.

World No. 2 Murray also lost to Roger Federer in the 2010 final and is looking to become the first man to lose four finals at a Grand Slam before finally winning the title.

The Scot had to come through a four-hour, five-setter against Milos Raonic on Friday but the extra day’s rest that Djokovic enjoyed after his semifinal against Federer has not been a winning advantage in five of the last eight finals. Murray knows that statistics such as which finalist played their last four match first is unlikely to have too much bearing on a contest between two supremely fit athletes.

“I have a very good shot on Sunday if I play my best tennis. I need to do it for long enough to have a

chance. I’m aware of that,” he said.

“I don’t think many people are expecting me to win on Sunday. I have to just believe in myself, have a solid game plan, and hopefully execute it and play well.

“It’s one tennis match. Doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past really. It’s about what happens on Sunday. There’s no reason it’s not possible for me to win.”

Tournament organisers will be hoping Murray’s wife Kim does not go into labour with the couple’s first child overnight, a scenario that Murray has said would result in him jumping on a plane back to Britain. That would give Djokovic his sixth title by default but the 10time Grand Slam champion would clearly prefer to earn it.

“It’s a possibility for me to make history, which is of course another great imperative for me for tomorrow’s match,” he said.

“These are the kind of matches that you work for. These are the kind of occasions that define you as a tennis player.” - Reuters

IPL

Yuvraj, Ishant, Pietersen among eight marquee players as 351 go for auction NEW DELHI: Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma and Kevin Pietersen will be among the eight marquee players up for grabs at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 Player Auction scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on February 6.

As many as 351 cricketers will go under the hammer, out of which 230 will be Indians and 131 foreigners. Interestingly, there are 29 Australians amongst 130 capped players in the auction list, three more than the number of capped Indians.

The capped players from other countries taking part in the auction come from South Africa (18 players), West Indies (20), Sri Lanka (16), England (7), New Zealand (9) and Bangladesh (5), besides the associate nations of Canada (2) and Ireland (2).

A total of 219 uncapped players will feature in the auction with 204 of them being Indians playing on the domestic circuit.

Yuvraj and Ishant are the two Indian marquee players and it remains to be seen how they fare in

the auction after being released by their respective teams.

Yuvraj has been released by his franchise, Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore, for the last two seasons after attracting the highest bid in the previous auctions while Sunrisers Hyderabad let go of Ishant after he had a forgettable last edition where he picked up one wicket in four games.

The remaining six marquee players are Shane Watson, Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn, Dwayne Smith,

Martin Guptill and Pietersen.

Looking ahead to the auction, IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said: “The player auction will kickstart the countdown to the ninth season of one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

“The franchises have returned to the drawing board, reworked plans and devised new strategies, over the last few months.”

“They will have the opportunity to bid for some of the biggest names in the game,” the IPL chief added. - PTI

Full Marathon: Women’s Top 10: 1. Asta Parker (Iceland) 3:16:06; 2. Charlotte Plouvier (Great Britain) 3:54:51; 3. Helen Graham (Great Britain) 3:56:01; 4. Dana Richter (Germany) 4:06:49; 5. Tracy Day (Great Britain) 4:06:58; 6. Amanda Gordon (USA) 4:13:12; 7. Fuensanta Turpin (Spain) 4:17:25; 8.

Joanna Charters (Great Britain) 4:23:17; 9. Marian Morris (USA) 4:32:22; 10. Jane Hodgson (Canada) 4:37:59.

Men’s Top 10: 1. Sami Al Saidi (Oman) 2:50:20; 2. Luke Peel (Australia) 2:51:23; 3. Paul Faulkner (Great Britain) 2:52:21; 4. Joern Rohland (Germany) 2:59:21; 5.

Olle Ax (Sweden) 3:15:28; 6. Gary Cummings (South Africa) 3:16:35; 7. Laurent Berthouloux (France) 3:17:37; 8. Nasser Alriyami (Oman) 3:30:00; 9. Andreas Zimmerschied (Germany) 3:30:24; 10.

Christian Jobst (German) 3:33:23.

Half Marathon: Women’s Top 10: 1. Ruth Woodfine (Great Britain) 1:36:09; 2. Birgit Schulz (Germany) 1:37:00; 3. Irene Ng’eno (Kenya) 1:43:08; 4. Wendy Ulrich (USA) 1:44:11; 5. Sally Hart (Great Britain) 1:47:52; 6.

Marcela Orsagova (Czech Republic) 1:48:16; 7. Olivia Clark (New Zealand) 1:48:16; 8. Amy O’Donnell (Great Britain) 1:50:11; 9. Rachael Leibel (Canada) 1:50:46; 10. Lorraine Siva (Great Britain) 1:54:28.

Men’s Top 10: 1. Ahmed Al Salti (Oman) 1:21:04; 2. Nick Conlan (Ireland) 1:21:10; 3. Yousif Alzabi (Oman) 1:21:31; 4. Rashid Almuqbali (Oman) 1:24:04; 5. Suleiman Al Alawi (Oman) 1:30:53; 6. Nino Garcia

(France) 1:30:56; 7. Karl Street (Great Britain) 1:31:39; 8. Mohammed Albimani (Oman) 1:33:28; 9. Brenton Clark (Australia) 1:33:40; 10. Aaron Heather (New Zealand) 1:35:53.

10.3k: Women’s Top 10: 1. Joanna Williams (Great Britain) 00:46:35; 2. Karol Corrales (Venezuela) 00:51:01; 3. Hayley Loomes (Great Britain) 00:52:10; 4. Monica Burke (Canada) 00:53:00; 5. Ruth Wilford (USA) 00:53:08; 6. Lauren Rasmussen (Great Britain) 00:54:29; 7. Emma Grossback (USA) 00:54:30; 8. Marion James (Great Britain) 00:55:02; 9. Jill Salway (Great Britain) 00:55:08; 10. Ann Margaret Pamela Mocke (Russia) 00:55:09.

Men’s Top 10: 1. Paul Drury (Great Britain) 00:40:40; 2. Kavin Maharaj (Australia) 00:41:13; 3. Jose Luis Linde (Spain) 00:42:05; 4. Stephen Griffiths (Great Britain) 00:43:43; 5. Yousuf Mohammed Abdullah Al Gheilani (Oman) 00:44:34; 6. Johannes Josephus VIS (New Zealand) 00:44:36; 7. Younes Hajji (Morocco) 00:45:17; 8. Michele Sganga (Italy) 00:45:20; 9. Ian Burch (Great Britain) 00:45:57; 10.

Rory Kolster (Great Britain) 00:46:07.

Junior 10k: Women’s Top 10: 1. Emma Grossback (USA) 00:54:30; 2. Delilah Pery (Great Britain) 00:59:13; 3. Syrine Khlif (Tunisia) 01:02:09; 4. Amelie Le Dantec (France) 1:02:33; 5. Alice Le Dantec (France) 01:05:25; 6. Marya Tabbara (Lebanon) 1:06:30; 7. Oceane Slim (Lebanon) 01:06:30; 8. Prune Routier Berthier (France) 01:07:19; 9. Kathryn Palmer (USA) 01:08:29; 10. Lucy Salt (Great Britain) 01:08:58.

Men’s (Only 8 started the event): 1.

Kavin Maharaj (Australia) 00:41:13; 2.

Rory Kolster (Great Britain) 00:46:07; 3.

Maheem Baig (France) 1:02:09; 4. Zaid Munaf Karimi (India) 01:03:35; 5. Edward Ridd (Great Britain) 1:06:25; 6. Joshua Lee (Canada) 1:37:23; 7. Ted Membre (France) 1:56:47; 8. Yassine Khlif (Tunisia) 1:56:47.

C4

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

SPORTS

Arsenal march on, City thrash struggling Villa third round giant-killing of Premier League Swansea City as they went down 3-0 at home to Championship Blackburn Rovers.

Arsenal maintained their push towards winning the Cup for a third successive year as Alexis Sanchez, back in the starting line-up after injury, scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Championship side Burnley WINNER: Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring their

LONDON: Third tier Peterborough United produced the performance of the FA Cup fourth round when they twice came from behind in the dying minutes to earn a 2-2 draw at Premier League West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

On a day when the big guns largely extinguished the hopes of the dreaming underdogs, the League One side proved indomitable after Saido Berahino had twice put Albion ahead.

Peterborough’s heroes were Shaquile Coulthirst, who first equalised in the 79th minute, and Jon Taylor, who answered Bera-

second goal during their FA Cup fourth round match against Burnley at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. – Reuters

hino’s second goal with just four minutes left to earn his side a lucrative replay at their London Road home.

Portsmouth, a club who have fallen on hard times in the fourth tier of the English game, briefly sniffed a sensation before Premier League Bournemouth battled from behind to win 2-1 thanks to an 83rd minute Marc Pugh winner.

Arsenal maintained their push towards winning the Cup for a third successive year as Alexis Sanchez,

back in the starting line-up after injury, scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Championship side Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

Some of the other favourites also earned a fifth-round tie with some comfort.

Manchester City piled further misery on struggling Aston Villa with a 4-0 win, adorned by a hattrick from teenage prospect Kelechi Iheanacho.

Oxford United, another fourthtier side, could not repeat their

Chadli lifts Spurs Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur negotiated a potentially tricky FA Cup trip to lowly Colchester United with relative ease, winning their fourth-round tie 4-1 thanks largely to a double from Nacer Chadli.

Colchester, bottom of the third tier League One, had been hoping to rekindle memories of one of the Cup’s most famous upsets when, as a fourth tier club in 1971, they beat mighty Leeds United.

Yet after their two centre halves, Alex Wynter and Tom Eastman, collided early in the game and had to be substituted, the underdogs were outclassed by a strong Spurs side in the first half when a fine Chadli shot put them ahead in the 27th minute.

Despite also having their woodwork struck twice, the spirited home side seemed to be getting a foothold until Eric Dier’s speculative 64th minute shot took a cruel looping deflection into the net.

Chadli headed home Kieran Trippier’s cross after 79 minutes before Colchester were finally rewarded for their efforts when Gavin Massey’s shot hit the post and the ball rebounded off the shins of Spurs defender Ben Davies and into the goal. Chadli rounded off his fine performance with a cross which enabled Tom Carroll to seal an emphatic triumph seven minutes from time. - Reuters

LA LIGA

Suarez hits winner as Barcelona sink nine-man Atletico BARCELONA: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored the goals as Barcelona came from behind to beat nine-man Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Nou Camp on Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash that sent them three points clear in La Liga.

Atletico went ahead in the 10th minute through Koke but Messi equalised for Barca following a fine team move on the half hour.

Suarez struck his 31st goal in as many games after 38 minutes and a wild challenge from Filipe Luis on Messi earned the Atletico defender a red card before halftime.

Diego Godin was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a mistimed tackle on Suarez midway through the second half.

Barcelona moved on to 51 points, three ahead of Atletico, and have a game in hand. Third-placed Real Madrid have 44 points and face Espanyol on Sunday.

“We knew it would be a difficult game and we are happy with three points against a direct opponent,” keeper Claudio Bravo told reporters. “There is still a long way to go in the championship. We are going well at the moment in all the tournaments and it is good to get a win even though we were not at our best.”

Atletico coach Diego Simeone opted to play five in midfield with Antoine Griezmann the lone striker. It meant they were able to outnumber Barcelona in the middle of the pitch early on and they threatened immediately with Bravo stretching to block a Saul

Barcelona moved on to 51 points, three ahead of Atletico, and have a game in hand. Thirdplaced Real Madrid have 44 points

Niguez strike. Koke was then given space to stroke the ball home in the centre of the area from a Saul cross.

Gradually Barca began to impose themselves, with Suarez having a shot blocked by keeper Jan Oblak after a good passing move and they again probed the defence before Jordi Alba picked out Messi for the equaliser.

Atletico were sloppy defensively as Suarez latched onto a simple ball over the top by Alves and beat Oblak too easily from a tight angle.

The visitors’ chance of a comeback were hit by a knee high studs up challenge by Filipe Luis on Messi that saw him dismissed.

Still Atletico pushed forward after the break and Griezmann was unlucky with a shot that came back off Bravo, who knew little about it, before heads began to drop after Godin’s dismissal. - Reuters

OMAN CRICKET

OSA BOARD MEMBERS HOLD MEETING

The Oman Swimming Association (OSA) board members held their first meeting for the year under the chairmanship of OSA chief Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kishri on Thursday. The meeting discussed a number of issues on the agenda and reviewed the reports submitted from the OSA committees and approved the related decisions. The chairman praised the Omani swimmers and the teams for their achievements during the last year, making a special mention about the winning of the title at the 2nd GCC Beach Games in Doha from September with four gold and two silver medals and the two bronze medals at the 2nd GCC Games held in Dammam in October. — Supplied photo

Sinha CT, Renaissance win MUSCAT: Sinha CT recorded OCT Muscat by five wickets in a Muscat Pharmacy and Storessponsored Premier Division cricket match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, OCT Muscat CT were bowled out for 137 in 35.2 overs. Samir Mohammed top scored with 41 rruns. Ishara and Nalinda claimed three wickets each for Sinha.

In reply, Sinha raced to victory in 21.5 overs, scoring 139 runs for the loss of five wickets. Dhammika and Chaminda scored 54 and 43 runs respectively. Mohammed Aslam claimed three wickets for OCT Muscat.

Brief scores: OCT Muscat 137 in 35.2 overs (Samir Mohammed 41; Nalinda 3/12) lost to Sinha CT 139 for 5 in 21.5 overs (Dhammika 54; Mohammed Aslam 3/19). Points: Sinha CT - 3, OCT Muscat – 0.

Galfar beaten In an Khimji Ramdas-sponsored A division match, Renaissance defeated Galfar by 141 runs at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Friday.

RENNAISANCE’S STARS: Asmeer Mohammed and Jahanzeb.

Batting first, Renaissance piled up 282 for seven in 30 overs with Jahanzeb top scoring with 116.

Rizwan claimed three wickets for Galfar. In reply, Galfar were restricted 141 in 27.1 overs. Asmeer, Deepak and Faisal claimed two wickets apiece.

Brief scors: Renaissance 282 for 7 in 30 overs (Jahanzeb 116; Rizwan 3/39) bt Galfar 141 in 27.1 overs.

(Faisal 2/21). Points: Renaissance – 3, Galfar – 0.

EY down Al Mardhuf In a Muscat Poly Products-spon-

sored C Division match, EY defeated Al Mardhuf by eight runs at the Municipality Ground I during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, EY put on 188 for eight in 20 overs. Omar Sarfaraz top scored with 64 runs. Tejas claimed three wickets for Mardhuf. In reply, Mardhuf scored 180 for nine in 20 overs. Vishal top scored with 42.

Brief scores: EY 188 for 8 in 20 overs (Omar Sarafaraz 64; Tejas 3/31) bt Mardhuf 180 for 9 in 20 overs (Vishal 42). Points: EY – 2, Al Mardhuf - 0.

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

Health WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Some people stop breathing for more than 10 seconds several times during sleep, laying pressure on their hearts. And loud snoring is often an indicator of this disorder.

So if you are a snorer, it may be time for a check-up.

Story Hubert Vaz

R

I

ofacial malformation, enlarged tonsils or small throats are also ideal subjects for sleep apnoea and any minor increase in weight can only worsen their condition.

Alcohol consumption also increases an individual’s chances of suffering from sleep apnoea, he adds.

Patients who visit a sleep clinic for a check up have to undergo an interview, followed by a sleep study whereby the patient is called to spend a night at the sleep clinic. There he is subject to neurorecording and respiratory monitoring to determine how serious the problem is.

During this study, a full-time technician who spends the whole night monitoring the patient records the patient’s sleep pattern and the frequencies of episodes of stopping breathing during sleep.

It is very important to get this condition treated as it will prevent the patient from getting other cardiac problems or diabetes at a later stage when he has to undergo more treatment as well as seriously alter his way of life, Dr. Abri said adding that there is a move to impress upon insurance agencies to include sleep medicine under medical insurance cover.

Lastly, he mentioned that sleep apnoea is now being listed as the second common cause for traffic accidents (after cell phone usage) because a lot of people suffering from this disease tend to dose off behind the wheel while driving.

—lifestyle@timesofoman.com

R

R R R R

S

According to Dr Mohammed Al Abri, Senior Consultant in Sleep Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, and visiting consultant at Al Hayat International Hospital, “according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, there are more than 70 different types of sleep disorders, some of which are common and some of which are serious. Sleep disorders are basically of two types – sleep apnoea and insomnia. While a variety of causes govern insomnia (inability to sleep), sleep apnoea (disturbed breathing during sleep) is mainly caused due to obesity and is more common in men than in women.”

Dr Abri cautions that poor sleep hygiene or bad sleep habits (sleeping late at night or at odd times during the day) can often cause cardio metabolic problems which can manifest as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, ischemic heart disease, and many other conditions. “In Oman, sleep apnoea is very common, as in any other country,” he said adding that a sizeable portion of the population suffers this disorder in silence and never seek medical help. All those who have a loud snoring problem and who suffer from tiredness during the day, despite sleeping at night, must surely get themselves checked for sleep apnoea,” he asserts.

Obesity can increase one’s chances of having sleep apnoea by ten times, Dr. Abri discloses adding that those with crani-

G N

R R N OR R R

D

o you get up with a heavy head even after a whole night’s sleep?

Do you feel sleepy and tired at work, even though you haven’t missed out on sleep the previous night? Are you a loud snorer who often disturbs other family members? If yes, you could be suffering from sleep apnoea, a common sleep disorder, which could have fatal consequences if not addressed in time.

Sleep apnoea is a potentially serious sleep disorder characterised by frequent breaks in breathing during sleep which can last from 5 -15 seconds and even go beyond 30 seconds for some. Most patients of sleep apnoea are loud snorers who also complain of feeling tired and sleepy during the day after a full night’s sleep.

The main types of sleep apnoea are obstructive sleep apnoea (which occurs when throat muscles relax), central sleep apnoea (caused by improper signals sent by the brain to the muscles that control breathing), and complex sleep apnoea syndrome (a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnoea).

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common condition whereby the walls of the throat relax and constrict during sleep, interrupting normal breathing. There are two types of OSA – apnoea, where the muscles in the throat relax and block the airway for 10 seconds or more, and hypopnoea, partial blockage of the airway for 10 seconds or more.

CAN INDICATE A SLEE P R E D R O DIS Treatment Option If you have 5-15 episodes an hour of stopping of breathing for more than 10 seconds during sleep, the condition can be treated by inculcating good sleep hygiene as well as tackling physical problems that cause it. However, if one suffers from more than 30 episodes then it can be considered a serious condition and patients are asked to take up a treatment called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which is a device that blows air into the patient’s airways while he is sleeping. The patient has to wear this every night (for life) to eliminate snoring, as well as to feel refreshed during the day.

Sleep Clinic Al Hayat International Hospital, Al Ghubra, has a sleep clinic. For details: +968 2200 4000

C6

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@AZAIBA

@SALALAH

@RUWI

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, 7.40PM Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror) (15+) CP # Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan 7.40PM Standoff (Action | Thriller) ( 12+) CP# Cast : Laurence Fishburne, Thomas Jane 10.05, 4.30, 6.10, 11.40PM Alvin and the Chipmonk (Animation | Adventure |Comedy) ( PG) CP# Voice over : Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

4.30, 6.00PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Alvin & the Chipmunks:The Road Chip (2D) (Animation ) (PG) Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

2:30, 4:30, 6:30 PM American Hero (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 2:45, 8:15, 11:45 PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 11:30 PM Standoff (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne.

5:00, 10:00, 11:30 PM Concussion (2D) (Biography) (12+) Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 6:30, 8:45 PM Sisters (2D) (Comedy) (18+) Cast: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 4:45 PM Ocean 14 (Arabic) (2D) (Drama) (15+) Cast: Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher.

7:00 PM Airlift (2D) (Drama) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 9:00 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Concussion (Biography | Drama | Sport) 12+ Cast : Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 3:00& 9:15PM Gold Class - 08:45PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (Animation) PG Voice over : Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

12:00, 1:45, 3:30 & 7:15PM Gold Class - 5:15PM American Hero (Action | Sci-Fi) 15+ Cast : Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 1:00, 9:30 &11:30PM Gold Class - 3:30, 7:00 & 8:45PM Brooklyn (Drama) TBC Cast : Saoirse Úna Ronan, Emory Isaac Cohen 5:15PM

Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (PG) Animation Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

2:45, 5:00 PM

American Hero (2D) (15+) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 11:15AM,3:45,7:30,11:55PM

Ride Along 2 (Action | Comedy) 15+ Cast : Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 7:30 &11:30PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U 5:15PM

Cast : Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 2:45, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 PM THE REVENANT (Adventure, Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 8:45PM

PANORAMA MALL ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS (MX4D)(PG) Cast : Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg, Josh Green Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

3:00, 5:00, 6:45, 8:45, 10:30PM ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS (2D)(PG) 2:30, 5:15PM CONCUSSION (Biography, Drama)( (2D)(12+) Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:30, 7:00, 11:30 PM CONCUSSION (12+)-VIP LOUNGE 6:30 PM EXPOSED (Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves.

5:00, 9:15 PM EXPOSED (Drama)(2D)(12+)-VIP LOUNGE 11:00 PM AMERICAN HERO (Action, Comedy)(2D)(15+) Cast : Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 4:30, 7:00, 11:45 PM AMERICAN HERO (2D)(15+)-VIP LOUNGE 3:30, 9:00PM AIRLIFT (2D)(12+)

AZAIBA Saala Khadoos – 2D (12+) Drama/ Sport Cast: R Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:20, 11:30 PM Airlift – 2D (PG12) Drama/ History/ Thriller Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur.

2:45, 4:40, 6:55, 9:10, 11:30 PM Standoff – 2D (12+) Thriller Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne.

3:15, 10:00, 11:45 PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (PG) Animation Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg. 2:45, 5:00 PM American Hero – 2D (15+) Action| Comedy Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 5:15, 11:45 PM 2 Countries (Malaylam) – 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast: Dilip, Mamta Mohandas, 7:00 PM Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) – 2D (15+) Horror Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan.

6:45, 9:15 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

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) 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

07:00

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

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

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

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

Standoff: (Thriller) cast:: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 PM CP No: 138 (12+) Exposed: (Drama) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves 4.00., 10.00. & 11.55 PM CP NO: 139 (12+) Sisters: (Comedy) Cast : Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 2.00. & 6.00 PM. CP NO: 137 (18+) Ocean 14: (Arabic / Comedy) Cast : Omar Mustafa Metwally, Nirmen Maher 2.00. & 6.00 PM CP NO: 140 (15+) Ride Along 2: (Action / Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 8.00 PM CP NO: 112 (15+)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

2 Countries( Mal) ( Drama/Comedy) Cast : Dileep & Mamta Mohandas 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30PM Cinema Main Irudhi Suttru ( Tamil) (Sports/Drama) Cast: R.Madhavan, Ritika Singh & Nassar 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30PM Cinema - 2 Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror/Comedy) Cast: Sidarth, Trisha & Hansika Motwani 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45PM Cinema -3 Airlift ( Hindi) ( Act/Thriller) Cast : Akshay Kumar & Nimrat Kaur 6:45 & 9:45PM Cinema- 4 Soggade Chinninayana ( Telugu) ( Drama/ Comedy) Cast : Nagarjuna & Ramya Krishna 3:45PM Cinema -4 NEXT CHANGE: ADI KAPYARE ( Mal) GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN ( HINDI), BANGALORE NAATKAL (TAMIL) Programmes are subject to change

0

GAURI K. JAYAN January 31, 2008

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

65-85%

JOBIN ANTONY January 31, 2007

JOSHU AJU ABRAHAM January 31, 2007

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

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

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

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

WITH LOVE

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

22 16

SALALAH Standoff (2D) (12+) (Thriller) Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 2:00, 7:00, 11:45PM American Hero (2D) (15+) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 11:15AM,3:45,7:30,11:55PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (15+) (Action | Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 5:30PM Exposed (2D) (12+) (Drama) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves 12:45, 4:50PM Sisters (2D) (18+) (Comedy) Cast: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 11:45AM, 2:40PM Concussion (2D) (12+) (Biography) Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:45, 9:15PM Airlift (2D) (12+) (Drama, History, Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 8:45, 11:15PM 2 Countries (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Dileep, Mamta Mohandas 8:40PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2D) (PG) ( Animation | Adventure | Comedy) Voice over:Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

11:00AM,1:00,5:15PM Ocean 14 (2D) (TBC) (Arabic )(Drama) Cast: Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher.

6:45PM

BAHJA CINEMA

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

BURAIMI Standoff – 2D (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 5:00, 7:00, 11:30PM Exposed– 2D (Drama) (12+) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves

3:45, 7:30PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (Animation) (PG) Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

3:15, 5:45, 8:45PM American Hero – 2D (Action/Sci-Fi) (15+) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 3:15, 7:15, 9:30, 11:30PM Airlift – 2D (Drama, History, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 5:00, 9:00, 11:15PM Aranmanai 2– 2D (Horror/Comedy) (15+) Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan.

8:45PM

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

SUR American Hero ( Action) (15+) CP# Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions.

9.55, 11.35PM Airlift - (Hindi)( Drama ) ( 12+ ) CP#

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

RUWI Screen 1 Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 3.30, 9.30 PM Saala Khadoos (Drama / Sports) –12+ Cast: R.Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 6.30 PM Screen 2 Saala Khadoos (Drama / Sports) –12+ Cast: R.Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 4.00, 9.45 PM Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 6.45 PM Screen 3 Wazir (Action / Thriller) – PG12 Cast: Amitabh Bacchan, Farhan Akhtar 3.45, 9.45 PM Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror | Comedy) – 15+ Cast :Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan 6.45 PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Screen 1 Saala Khadoos (Drama / Sports) –12+ Cast: R.Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 6.30 PM

SOHAR The Fifth Wave - 2D (PG12) Adventure Cast : Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 4:30, 11:30 PM Airlift - 2D (12+) Drama | History | Thriller Cast : Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 8:45, 11:15 PM 2 Countries- 2D (M) (PG) Comedy Cast : Dilip, Mamta Mohandas 6:45 PM American Hero - 2D (15+) Action | Sci-Fi Cast : Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 3:00, 7:00, 11:45 PM Standoff - 2D (12+) Thriller Cast : Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 2:45, 5:15, 9:45, 11:30 PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 2D (PG) Animation Voice over : Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

3:00, 5:00PM Sisters - 2D (18+) Comedy Cast : Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 5:00 PM Saala Khadoos - 2D (12+) Drama/ Sport Cast : R Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 7:00 PM Concussion - 2D (12+) Biography | Drama Cast : Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:45, 9:25 PM Ocean 14 - 2D (Arb) (15+) Drama Cast : Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher 6:45 PM Aranmanai 2- 2D (T) (15+) Horror | Comedy Cast : Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan 8:45 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

17:30

12.25pm 3.35pm 5.57pm 7.10pm 5.30am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE Dry Eyes During Winter

FA M I LY A D V I C E

O

ur wardrobes aren’t the only things that change when the weather turns chilly.

Our bodies are often affected not only by the outdoor changes, but inside changes as well. The body part that receives most of the brunt from winter weather is our eyes.

Between the winter winds and the dry heat radiating inside, our eyes can suddenly feel irritated and scratchy this time of the year. In fact, exposure to these atmospheres can cause moisture to evaporate inside our eyes. As a result, our tear glands cannot adequately produce the fluid needed to maintain the eyes’ protective, liquid coating. The result is itchy, dry eyes that can cause pain, blurred vision, a burning sensation or even watery vision as our eyes try to compensate for the dryness.

While it is difficult to avoid dry eyes altogether during the winter months, there are several steps that you can take to ensure your eyes stay soothed this season.

During the winter months, a home’s humidity level can easily dip. Offset this dry air by using a humidifier in your home. An alternative is leaving off the exhaust in your bathroom while you shower. Also, refrain from using a ceiling fan while sleeping at night, as drafts can also exacerbate symptoms.

Even mild dehydration can negatively affect how dry your eyes feel, as cold temperatures can dampen the body’s thirst mechanism and artificial heat hastens tear evaporation. Keep eyes hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. Also, increase your intake of fluid-rich foods like soup, fruits, and veggies. Adding a cup of hot tea or water with lemon can

ASK DR. GERRY

He is Obnoxiously Loud

Dear Dr Gerry I have been married for 10 years and love my husband very much. However, I cannot tolerate his habit of speaking loudly in public places, often checking me in front of strangers. I feel very embarrassed but he does not care. I have told him that I do not like this behaviour but he keeps doing it naturally. Sometimes I feel like crying when I get back home. What should I do to make him understand that he should stop behaving like this?

DL not only keep you cosy on a chilly day, but ensure proper hydration as well.

Many clinical studies show omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential fatty acids, may protect adult eyes from dry eye syndrome. Omega-3s support healthy tear production and keep eyes moisturised. In addition to omega-3s, other ingredients like Vitamin A, D3, green

tea and evening primrose oil can significantly accelerate the time it takes to feel relief.

In cold conditions, many complain their eyes water more than normal. Typically the symptoms of watery eye are excessive tearing, which is made worse by being outdoors. Wearing spectacles will provide protection against the wind, even if you don’t usually wear them

outdoors. In some cases, excessive watering of the eyes may be a sign of a blockage of tear ducts or infection of the eye.

If you are concerned about the health of your eyes — whether tear production is suboptimal or you suffer from watery eyes, visit your optometrist. Your eye care professional will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

— brandpointcontent.com

Dear DL, This is a real problem and I guess after 10 years, you’re really tired of his behaviour. You have told him this but he seems to be continuing with his behaviour. Where do we go from here? I would suggest first talk to him again and tell him if he doesn’t control his behaviour you’re going to start doing the same thing. It’s important to explain that you don’t want to do anything negative but his behaviour is really hurting. If he gets the message and he’s trying to change, then thank him and encourage him.

If he’s being insensitive and refusing to get the message then perhaps it’s time to show him how embarrassing it is. Correct him loudly in front of others till he understands the trauma. I’m sure he will get the hint and realise that the time to change has come. Remember talk to him first so he understands what you’re trying to do.

Dr. G

MOVE OF THE WEEK

WARRIOR 3 The Warrior 3 yoga pose (Virabhadrasana 3) helps strengthen your core muscles and sculpt the legs— calf, quad, hamstring, besidess challenging one’s balance. Stand with your feet together, lift up your left leg backwards, putting your body weight onto the right leg. Drop your head forward so as to form a straight line from head to toe with your arms at your sides, as if attempting to fly. Make suree the left thigh, hip, and toes are aligned. Hold for 5 counts, then return to standing position and repeat with right leg.

BRIEF

Embrace ageing with love for super health OLDER adults with negative attitudes towards ageing had slower walking speed and worse cognitive abilities as compared to their peers with more positive attitudes towards ageing, reveals a study.

Negative attitudes to ageing affect both physical and cognitive health in later years, whereas a positive attitude towards ageing improves cognitive ability, the findings showed. “The way we think, talk, and write about ageing may have direct effects on health. Everyone will grow older and if negative attitudes towards ageing are carried throughout life they can have a detrimental, measurable effect on mental, physical and cognitive health,” said Deirdre Robertson, researcher from the Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

Researchers, policy makers, media and society more generally need to work together to develop and implement societal-wide interventions.

-IANS

(VIRABHADRASANA 3)

A 60 minute yoga session can burn between

100-200

calories, depending on the person and the practice.

Deepening of warrior poses, yoga squats, and chair poses can help increase the calorie expenditure.

Warrior 3 Record W Dr Ashish Mehta, from Ujjain D (Madhya Pradesh – India) held this (Ma pose for two minutes, 34 seconds in July 2014, to create a new record.

Jul

Dr Gerry D’Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and children’s psychiatry.

He has practiced as a specialised psychiatrist at Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years.

Dr D’Costa offers advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman. Send your questions to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C8

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Nutrition Facts Carbohydrates – The Body’s Fuel Carbohydrates provide energy and are the body’s main source of fuel needed for physical activity, brain function, and operation of the organs. All cells and tissues in the body need carbs while they are also important for intestinal health. The best carbohydrate foods are unprocessed whole foods, like fresh fruit or fruit juice, wholegrains, foods made with whole grains, and many vegetables. Here are few key facts about carbs.

Which foods contain carbohydrates?

Most foods contain some carbohydrates, but foods containing the most include fruit, vegetables, bread, breakfast cereals, rice, pasta, legumes (chickpeas, lentils), milk, yoghurt, and sugar.

The four primary functions of carbohydrates are to provide the body with energy, store energy, build macromolecules, and keep spare protein and fat for other uses.

There are two types of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, and milk, while complex carbohydrates come from wholegrain breads and cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes.

The digestive system converts carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar), some of which is used for energy and the rest stored in the liver and muscles for later use.

Carbohydrates provide fuel for muscular exercise. Since fats and proteins can be used by converting them into carbohydrates, one’s diet must primarily comprise of carbohydrates not proteins or fats.

Can carbohydrates help with weight loss?

For those wanting to lose weight, low GI foods as part of a balanced diet may be helpful. The carbohydrate in low GI foods is digested slowly, making you feel fuller for longer. Fad diets which reduce the intake of carbohydrates claim rapid weight loss, but such losses are unlikely to be maintained long term.

Cutting carbs from diet does cut calories but it also cuts out the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre content from those foods. Hence, don’t cut out carbs, rather eat a balanced diet and stick to an overall suitable calorie level.

Carbohydrates carry four calories per gram.

250 grams of carbs equals 1000 calories, which is the basic daily energy requirement for most adults. If you consume fewer carbohydrates, glycogen (the storage form of glucose) is broken down to maintain blood glucose levels.

Which foods contain a high percentage of carbohydrates?

Most food items contain carbohydrates. Pasta, bread, rice, milk, potatoes, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, cereals, and popcorn are all high in carbohydrates.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

PDO APPROVED PORTABLE OFFICE FACILITIES ON SALE PORTA CABIN OFFICE

– 1200 SQ.M – 32 SECTIONS

PORTA CABIN OFFICE

– 900 SQ.M – 24 SECTIONS

PORTA CABIN OFFICE

– 700 SQ.M – 16 SECTIONS

PORTA CABIN OPEN HALL – 500 SQ.M – 14 SECTIONS

Contact Person - S. Sundaram- 00968 93221934 - Viral Desai - 00968 93221397

D2

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

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

*Tourist visa arranged

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϵϮϮϵϮϲϯ͖ ϵϯϮϮϭϬϱϰ͖ ϵϱϮϭϱϮϴϵ

Luxury flat for rent

&KZ Z Ed

in Bareeq Al Shatti building Spacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes, kitchen appliance.

Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable.

Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

Flat for rent in CBD area - Ruwi Two rooms and a large hall

STORE FOR RENT

•Office spaces for rent in Al Hail on the main road On the same building of Al Khamis Shoes at Al Hail

500 sqm store with 200 sqft office & 200 sqm covered shed for rent at Mabella Ind No-11 on main road, direct from owner.

•2 bed room flats in Qurum 29 for rent next to ABA New building -split AC - Good location

Contact No: 96177505

Brand New 4-Bedroom Ground Floor House for Rent in Al-Ansab (Bousher) . Easy access to main road. House is constructed with high quality finishing and elegant doors design. 4 Bedrooms with in-situ bathrooms. Marble floor.

Specious kitchen. For rent @ 600 OMR/Month (Negotiable).

Please contact Mr. Ali 92755663.

CONTACT - 99278002 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabir next 5 Al Hassan company, 2 bed room & 3 toilets. Contact: 99210008 Villa 2 room, 1 sitting room, 1 lobby, 2 bathrooms at South Mawalleh behind Discount Supermarket.

Contact: 92757673 / 99388138 Al Khuwair 17/2, 4 rooms, 4 bathrooms. Contact: 97300123

Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787 Flat for rent in Al Ansab 1, 2 rooms, living room, kitchen & A/C. Contact: 91256340

Luxurious villa for rent in Al Athaiba, a new luxurious G+2 floors villa in Al Azaibs. All rooms W/ Splt unit ACs, close to Wave Muscat & shopping centers.

Contact: 95965445

RUWI : Ware House - 630 M2 SPACIOUS -2 B H K FLATS

NEAR AL FALAJ HOTEL:

FLATS FOR RENT 1 BHK and 2BHK Flats with Split ACs Opp. to MOD Near Lulu Darsait CONTACT :

93202733 Al Khuwair 33, 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms. Contact: 97300123 Flat in Hamriya. Contact 99341112 Apartments & shops for rent in Al Amerat & brand new apartments & shops for rent in Al Amerat.

Contact: 95965445

FURNISHED DELUXE 1 B/RM WITH 2 bathrooms, SPLIT A/C, BUILT IN ARDROBRE, PRIVARE TERRACE.

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ Ϯϰ ϳϬ ϯϬ ϲϬ Villa in Al Khoud for staff accommodation, like nurses or teachers can accommodate 30 to 35 people.

Rent RO.1200/-. Contact - 91178282 1000 sqm industrial land with compound wall & two rooms at Misfah. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Newly build luxury residential villas for rent in Al Khoud.

Contact: 98116480 / 99447002 & 99358724 02 BHK Commercial / Residential (with split AC) flat at Honda road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Single room attach bath with kitchen in Muscat 100/- R.O. Contact: 95094028

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

USED VEHICLES FOR SALE

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

3 BHK @ Ghobrah -18th November St 2 BHK @Bousher - Bousher Shabia Studio Flat - Alkuwair 33 Shop for Rent 156 SQM Bousher Shabia

GSM: 99 014 885 / 92 871 744

FOR RENT FOR RENT

CALL:

OFFICES & SHOWROOMS MAIN ROAD PRIME LOCATION: BARKA - OPPOSITE MARS

99332242

CALL: 99332242

OFFICES PRIME LOCATIONS: AT: WALJA - HAMRIYA – SEEB - BARKA

khamisco@alkhamis.com.om

3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact 95755953 / 95555162

2BHK flat at Darsait nearby Indian School RO 290/-. Contact: 94232344

4 BHK with terrace near Raymond Ruwi in market on road.

Contact: 99065900/99354975

4 BHK villa in AL Khuwair RO 525.

Contact: 94232344 Four bedrooms villa in Al Athaiba 300 m away from Shell Petrol Station in an excellent condition.

Contact: 97755586 Brand new deluxe flats located near Seeb flyover on the right hand side the main road coming from the Seeb palace round about, 2 bedrooms family, hall, kitchen, 3 toilets & split unit.

Contact: 97755586 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 96571151 Sharing accommodation at Ruwi near family shopping center, please call after 6:00 pm .

Contact: 93394653 02 BHK Residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Empty plot at Al Wadi Al Kabir industrial area 550 sqm.

Contact: 95909020 Bosher Rimal 1, building appt for rent 2BR, Maid room, sitting room, full appliance, kitchen, 4 toilets.

Contact: 99349910 New flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 98185135

Family flats in Wadi AL Kabir, Hamriya, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Ghubrah, Bowshar, Al Hail North & Al Seeb.

Contact: 95250300 / 92125648 Flats two bed room for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact: 96571151 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Wadi Adai, Al Khoud, Mabela & shop at Al Khoud & land line Contact: 24834644 GSM 93994401/02/03 3 lines 1&2 BHK flat in Walja.

Contact: 98218279 New flats for rent at Darsait near to ministry of sports, Mumtaz area the flats include 1 living room, 2 Bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets every room with split A/C & high Quality finishing, rent per flat is R.O 340/-.

Interested candidates please Contact: 00968- 92225523 3BHK flat for rent in Ghubra.

Contac: 99328070 Flats in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices in Ghala.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Contact

96046951 / 99332291 FOR SALE

QSR OUTLET FOR SALE Capital Area in a well known Mall.

Interested buyers may contact

One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact:91214849/ 99364735 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 3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO. Contact: 99314314 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North.

Contact - 96420432 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175

BUILDING

FOR SALE MUMTAZ AREA (NEAR RUWI HOTEL)

CONTACT - 99353931

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi MBD Honda road.

Contact: 92433127 / 97293708

2 bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 220/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi, MBD area & Honda road.

Contact: 92589235/ 94579531

2BHK Sitting room, 3 bathrooms, split AC big balcony 300/- R.O in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 99324402

1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact: 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Excavation contracts worth RO 2 million + Big Volvo Excavators & 2015 Astra 5 tippers for sale.

Contact: 99120532 / 98867530 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 Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35).# 95056808-97201688

ACC. AVAILABLE

Household items & furniture in excellent condition for sale. Indian expat leaving for good.

Contact Ravi : 93380408 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 Marble factory for sale location Misfah. Contact: 98586828 Supermarket for sale in Amerat (5) for part-time workers does not have required 35/000 retractable negotiate. Contact : 96656972 / 99719973

Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378 2BHK flat for rent Darsait near ISM. Contact: 95158570 / 99102255

ACC. AVAILABLE

on 99077960 or 94306216

khamisco@alkhamis.com.om

Perfect 5 BHK villas in Azaiba RO 800/-. Contact: 94232344

High quality Warehouses for rent at Mizfa 550 sqm to 3400 sqm.

1. Toyota Land Cruiser. Model 2008 in good running condition.

Vehicle regularly serviced by authorized service dealer.

2. Hino 7T Tipper. Model 2010 regularly serviced and in running condition 3. Toyota Yaris. Model 2006 regularly serviced and in running condition Place of inspection: Barka.

Last date of submitting the quotation: 4th February 2016 Interested buyers may please contact on Phone: 26883543, Mobile : 99440306

Kingsize 7x7 double cot, dining table good as new. # 98796982 Restaurant items for sale.

Contact: 96772479 /98428507 Filling material for sale in Muscat. Contact: 93299940 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688

Furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen, separate entrance available for Executive bachelor for R.O 150/- per month all inclusive in a villa OPP star cinema. Contact: 99314807 Hail Independent rooms RO 140/& 160/-. Contact 95529970 A big room available for Muslim couple / small family executive bachelor near Hamriya R/A rent 130/- OMR, including water / Electricity. Contact: 99495131 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, hall, kitchen with parking space for rent in Mawalah, behind City Centre. Contact 93930352 Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hyper market, Azaiba 150/- R.O. Contact: 99455735 Ghubra. Beautiful Room. Indian Lady/Couple/Bachelor. Non-cooking, Vegetarians. Contact 99283938 Accommodation available at Hamriya roundabout for executive bachelors (no kitchen, furniture and A/C) including water and electricity RO 130. # 98145825, 98949724.

2 rooms, toilet in Al Khuwair preferable for Indian couple or working woman rent R.O 190/- only include Ele & water. Contact: 99546410 Furnished room with a/bathroom in Al Khuwair33 for Indian Executive. Call: 95234062 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261 Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy, near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact 99203954 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested please Contact: 92680041 Mr. Altaf Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. # 93687466 Room , B/Room & Kitchen for Executive in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99336206 Furnished room available with attached bath & balcony near MBD. Contact: 97636432 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069

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S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Wanted female GP, female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse, female X- Ray Technician With MOH license for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Musanna.

Contact -91262604 Email: chillapalli76@gmail.com

Well reputed Marble Company looking for

3 SALESMEN Requires minimum 3 years experience and valid Omani driving license.

Interested candidates please Fax your CV to 24601724 or Email on saab2803@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required Experienced Sales Man for Al-Rawas Marble & Granite.

Located at Al Rusayl Industrial.

Please forward your cv at oure mail : mahmood@rmgoman.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE A leading facilities Management Junior Accountant, B.Com with 3 yrs experience. Communication skill in English. Send your CVs : hr@alyafeigroup.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 Beauty expert required to work in Salon in Al Amerat.

Contact : 93336061

LIBRARIAN REQUIRED PART-TIME For organizing and maintaining a private library in Qurum, Muscat.

Interested persons who are qualified and experienced, please respond to: GEORGE@ALYOUSEFGROUP.COM Or Fax: 24614144 P.O.Box 200, P.C. 100, Muscat

FASHION DESIGNER specializing in western attire and traditional wear required for a Boutique in Capital area. Female candidates with 4 to 5 years experience in GCC are advised to revert at 9321 8210 or jiby@mpesllc.com

Looking for housemaid urgently clearance available good salary yearly ticket. TEL 24446920 / 99238121, mail: ravi.ztc@omzest.com

DRIVER Urgently required English speaking Omani driver for light vehicles by rent a car company in Oman on full time basis. Please contact +96891245651 / +96891248904 Required a Filipino private/ Family Driver With Omani driving license, Age 27-40. # 94446669 Wanted Driver. #91025698 Required Full Time Light Driver for an Omani Family. Indian or Philippine national are preferred.

Send SMS only to 97711577 Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Wanted A/C Technician with local experience. Contact : 95779616 Require LAB TECHNICIAN ,The desired candidate must be a graduate/diploma in Civil Engineering with minimum experience of 3 to 5 years as Lab Technician having Experience of testing construction materials on Building/ Road projects. Send your CV to: rakesh@uniqueom.com.

MEDICAL Wanted B- Pharmacist (female) for a pharmacy in Sohar.

Contact : 99767605

Email: alfayafy@outlook.com Fax: 24479675

^/dh d/KE s Ed

SALES LADY

WĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ä&#x17E; Ć?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ç&#x2021;ŽƾĆ&#x152; s Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ <Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĹ?Ä&#x161;Î&#x203A;Ä&#x17E;ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹľĹ?Ä?Í&#x2DC;Ä?Žž

For Jewellery Showroom 1. Two years experience in sales.

2. NOC is must.

3. Arabic speaking advantage.

(Send CV with current picture)

Email: vacancy299@gmail.com

Leading Medical Services Company in Oman is looking for the following staff:1. General Practitioners (Male & Female) 2. Nurses (Male & Female) 3. X Ray Technician

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization as per IFRS, Audit Preparation, Cost Control and Management, Training for Accountants, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email:ibfc.gcc@gmail.com

Indian female, M.Tech electronics 6.5 IELTS experience as VLSI / Electronics project trainer & institute administration currently in family visa. Contact: 90195131 /24551290 Email: chinj.89@gmail.com

Indian male having good experience in accounts and in accounting and in accounting softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to join immediately.

Contact: +91 9444965126 15 years experienced in ďŹ nance & treasury management CPA, CMA, ACCA, MBA, qualiďŹ ed Chartered Accountant available for immediate joining as head of ďŹ nance, ďŹ nancial advisor, ďŹ nanced consultant.

Contact: 94872345 Email: mfta27@gmail.com Indian male B.com accountant with 9 years ( 8 yr Oman) experience seeking suitable placement immediately ( NOC available ).

Contact: 98624850 Indian male - M Com and More than 5 year experience in Finance and Accounting seeking suitable placement immediately. Now in Oman on visit visa. Contact:97724457 / 99886476 nidhink85@gmail.com

4. Lab Technician 5. Insurance Coordinators 6. Omani Receptionist

athira@babylon-om.com, athirababylon@gmail.com, info@babylon-om.com.

Contact :24613069 for further details.

Indian male 30 yrs, B. Com, 6 yrs accounts exp in East Africa & 1 yr exp in Oman, NOC available looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 94613626 Email: sharis.saheer@gmail.com

Auto Electrician cum A/c Mechanic

Indian female Accountant B.Com P.G.D.C.A Tally 8 years exp in Oman. Contact: 93726921

Preference given to candidates in Oman with MOH/Oman prometric for medical openings. Interested candidates kindly forward your resume to

SALES / MARKETING

for Workshop Candidate must have a minimum 2 to 3 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in assembly, installation, maintenance and repairs of automotive refrigeration, air-conditioning systems and chiller units.

He should be well conversant in repair and troubleshooting of electrical faults and experienced in using computerized diagnostic systems.

He should be ITI/DME (Auto) qualified.

Interested candidates email cv on

FOR COMPANIES SEEKING OMANI EMPLOYEES We have a batch of skilled Omani candidates in Administration, HR, Account & Reception ready to join different companies in a month We will also provide training for Omani candidates as per your need like Cashier, Teller, HR, Admin, Sales, Stores, Customer service etc., t Ä&#x2021; F *OTUJUVUF XJMM JEFOUJGZ UIF QPUFOUJBM DBOEJEBUFT JOUFSWJFX UIFN BOE select the suitable candidates in consultation with your officials. t Ä&#x2021; F FOUJSF DPTU PG USBJOJOH XJMM CF CPSOF CZ UIF (PWFSONFOU %VSJOH training the company will not incur any cost like salaries & training. t Ä&#x2021; F *OTUJUVUF XJMM USBJO UIFN GPS B QFSJPE PG UP NPOUIT BT QFS UIF program. t 'SPN UIF EBUF USBJOJOH TUBSUT XJUI VT ZPV BSF GVMÄ&#x2022; MMJOH UIF PNBOJ[BUJPO SFRVJSFNFOU Ä&#x2021; F DBOEJEBUF XJMM TUBZ BU MFBTU GPS B ZFBS XJUIPVU MFBWJOH UIF KPC

DOMESTIC HELP Housemaid required for Keralite family. Contact 95405033

CIVIL ENGINEER With 10 -15 years experience for a Muscat based well known construction company.

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CATERING

DESIGNER

URGENTLY REQUIRED Qualified & experienced male B.SC holder

Urgent Requirement

krauto@kr.om or contact on 99440518 Chinese / Arab/ Grill, Cooks.

Contact: 95529970

SITUATION WANTED

For any queries contact us: 26862210, 93677745 & 93677795 Fax: 26861710 email: ojt@aifas.net, www.aifas.net

IT Developers needed with experience in .net, C#, EF Code First, WCF, MVC 4/5, WebAPI, SQL and WF 4.5 must. Work from home role for an Australian company.

Send resume to Email: atif.saad@mis.technology

MEDICAL Urgently required for a Medical Centre in Muscat & Salalah GP Doctor, Pediatrician (male / female) Gynecology, Nurses (male / female) with or without MOH license, salary negotiable. Send your CV : moc.hrd2015@gmail. com or contact 92681842 Wanted female Ayurvedic therapist with or without MOH. Contact: 97263637 / 93309131 Required X RAY Technician, Lab Technician, General Practitioner, Gynecology, Staff Nurses.

Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Orthopedician, Nurses, Physiotherapist, Asst. Pharmacist, Gynecologists to work in a clinic at sur. M/F, any nationality with MOH license or prometric pass 60% and above can apply to rcsphysiotherapy@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and beneďŹ ts.

Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Wanted urgently lady Doctor GP or DGO for immediate appointment. Contact : 99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com

Urgently Required Steel Fabricated Products Salesman with an experience in steel fabrication, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Salesman for a printing press Whatsapp Only.

Contact: 95955729 Required Philippine Sales lady for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes and bags store.

Arabic speaking advantage.

Send CV with current picture.

Email: markato.fashion@gmail.com

SKILLED LABOR Immediate Requirements for experienced Tailors (Designer wears, casual clothing). Please call for interview 99471085

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

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 ďŹ eld with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs. Al Khoudh. Call -91159905 Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Employee marketing company engaged in the design, promotion and advertising is required.

Contact: 96656972 / 99719973 Urgently Required: Aluminum Doors & Windows Salesman with an experience in aluminum products, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Wanted marketing personnel for acquiring Premium customers for MNC. Should have communication/sales skills and must possess Oman DL. Contact 96545020.

Chief Accountant Indian male 44 years B.Com Graduate PGDVA total 13 years in GCC, 7 years in Oman & knowledge in Tally, ERP9, Peachtree MS Office having NOC seeks placement Contact: 97060826 Email: tomnedum71@yahoo.co.in Accountant MBA (ďŹ nance) masters (accounting) 2 yrs Exp looking for suitable placement, having NOC & valid D/L . #92491009, Email: rasubiswas4@gmail.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

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Part time Accountant, up to ďŹ nalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MSQ to Al Hail). Contact: 95694737

Indian male, 28, Post Graduate, 6 years exp. in Oman in Sales and Credit Control , with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements.

NOC available. Ph: 9206 6523

Finance & Accounts Indian male 35 years B.Com MBA (F) 7 years experience tally ERP9 with valid D/L family visa.

Contact: 93257426 / 95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Furniture company urgently required : 2 Outdoor sales people, 1 Interior designer. Previous experience in furniture ďŹ eld will be an added advantage. Interested candidates please send CV : Email : batrading2014@gmail.com

B. Com Diploma Computer 3 years experience as an Accountant Indian male (25) seeking placement Accountant / Admin / sales on visit visa. Contact: 98437731 Email: faisalcpsy@gmail.com

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ ďŹ nance ďŹ eld. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - ďŹ nance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, ďŹ nance, banking, L/C, import, export & ďŹ nalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Part-time accounting, tax report, auditing & bank loan assistance.

Contact 91720465 Indian male, MBA (ďŹ nance), 1 year experience in Oman having Oman D/L and NOC on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact 94103975 Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available) GSM.92564955

Indian male B.Com with 1 year experience in Oman as Account having driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93415880 Email: nithin_thomas1992@hotmail.com Chartered Accountant with 1.5 years of experience looking for job. Currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact - 91520687 Email: murtazanmh@gmail.com Accounting Assistant, BBA, M. Com (pursuing), tally, peach tree, valid visa available. # 98269281 Indian Accountant well experienced in construction accounts (Financial and Cost) and also administration and HR seek suitable placement (Full/Part time) in Oman or UAE. Contact 98598099 Part time accounts qualiďŹ ed experience accountant.

Contact: 91126314 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to ďŹ nalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian female 27 yrs with 5 yrs HR /Admin experience seeking suitable placement with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 98236033

Indian female Graduate 7 years as Secretary Office Assistant Admin seeks placement.

Contact: 99073789 Indian female PGDHRM MSW having 5+ experience in HR Assistant Administration customer support good computer skill DOA, CIT Tally now on family visit visa looking for suitable position. Contact: 95352527 Indian female 25 years Graduates in BBM (HR) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92065248 Email: bibinnj47@gmail.com young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O , Clerk helper supervisor Admin supervisor , H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license looking for H.R position or P.R.O license . Looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics ďŹ&#x201A;uent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95824598 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 Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder.

Currently looking for job in Oman.

Interested employer pls call 97728418.

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 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

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DOMESTIC HELP Looking full time job. Contact: 99153378

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Civil AutoCAD Draughts man 5 years experience on visit visa.

Contact: 99759284 Email: ahmedimran945@gmail.com A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech 1st Class (Fashion Technology) since 2006 in Kerala like to make change for better. Specialized in designing, Production Management, Fashion Art, Grading, Surface ornamentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com Mobile: +919539397097.

25 years male BA. English , QualiďŹ ed 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

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement Contact 97950869 Driver with land cruiser, Indian seeks placement.

Contact: 99725003 Bangladeshi driver want job.

Contact: 93822195 Looking for driver job with own car, education, B.A, can speak English, Arabic, Urdu & Hindi.

Contact: 96728056 / 98031620 Light driver looking for job experience in Oman 6 years & K.S.A 5 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; education H.S.C. Contact: 93940319

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

Senior Management Executive With over 18 years of experience in Retail, Distribution, FMCG & Electronics across GCC markets seeks GM / VP / Vertical Head position for Group Companies Management and P&L deliveries.

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Contact +968 9791 2950 cxogcc@gmail.com

DRIVER Omani male need driver job for part time. Contact: 92296607 Light duty driver experience 4 years suitable job. Can speak English, Arabic & Hindi. # 98393692 Driver with car looking for job or part time. Contact: 96023492 Light driver need job knows English, Hindi & Arabic.

Contact: 92820309

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male Electrical Engineer with MBA (Mktg) having 4 and half years experience in technical commercial and marketing fields with valid GCC D/L, NOC available seeking placement.

Contact: + 968 96547828 Email: deva0234@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 91 9605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711

Job for driving. Contact: 98982410 27 years, 1 year experience, with D/L. Contact: 97369716

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

Light driver Ruwi. Contact: 95779594 Pakistani male light driver 10 yrs in UAE & 1 yr in Oman.

Contact: 93709393 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286

EDUCATION Indian : female – MBA in foreign trade ,BE Computer Science, sap trained bi/bw with one year experience seeking for job.

Contact 90228586 email:fathimasha16@gmail.com teaching also preferred.

Indian female masters in computer science and Engineering B.Tech in information technology , M.B.A ( Systems) 3 years experience teaching in college , having good knowledge in C++ , java oracle now on visit visa looking for openings in Educational institutions.

Contact: 91812419/96935426 Email: anorelindhinesh@gmail.com

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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 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 11 years experience in construction having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com B. Sc Civil Engineer, having 27 yrs Oman experience as Project Manager, Structure Engineer looking for suitable placement, consulting, contracting co. NOC & local transfer available. Contact : 99399578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com Indian male 26 yrs BE- Mechanical Engineering, CSWIP 3.1 certified welding inspector + ASNT level in UT, RT, MPT, LPT with 3.5 yrs experience in QC InspectorWelding. Looking for a suitable job.

E-mail: rahmanmech2@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer, 3 years experience with residence and Omani license, good at AutoCAD Etabs Staad. Pro looking for suitable job. Contact: 97906770

Male 38 yrs Graduate 07 years experience indoor / outdoor electronic field with D/License & NOC available (as per new rule).

Contact: 92453375

Civil Engineer 3 years diploma holder having 7 years experience, building construction & oil & gas field with driving license.

Contact: 93294965

Indian male 23 years Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience family visit, seeking placement.

Contact: 94203042

Mechatronics Engineer 26, MSc with 3 years industrial experience, looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact 94887665 Email: mechatron_mt@yahoo.com

Mechanical Engineer with QA QC experience.

Email: jerrin4alex@gmail.com Networking Engineer having 10 years experience with 3 years in Oman having valid driving license and NOC, presently in Oman needs immediate placement.

Contact - 95783383 Civil Engineer with 8 yrs exp in construction having license and NOC. Contact: 97986606

Electrical Engineer Indian (29) , 7 years exp in Oman, 33KV, 11 KV projects in MZEC & MEDC having CEP 1 & NOC with D/L. Contact: 99822373 Sr.HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+ Diploma Safety + NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release/Transfer Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement.

Contact - 97061817, Email: jayanammu1977@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Diploma Engineer (Civil) looking for job 7 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93017821 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com B.Tech Mechanical, Diploma in industrial health and safety, NEBOSH (IGC) , working experience 4 years (Construction, oil and Gas) .

Contact: 94750413 Email: shilpaneapen@gmail.com Indian female (B.Tech/ Mechanical Engineering) 4 yrs Oman experience in project coordination in water, sewerage and infrastructure sector , Having valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement.

Local release available.

Contact: 95297449 B.Tech Chartered Electrical Engineer, AMIEI with 5 years of experience in electrical power transmission and distribution in industrial, residential & commercial sectors. Expertise in load designing BOQ, Estimations, transformer and switchgear selections. Leadership skills in project execution & management.

Contact: 94638744 Email: ceng.shaz@gmail.com Computer Network and Hardware Engineer with driving license and 20 years of experience in Oman looking for a suitable position.

Contact: 98388431 Email: nwengineer@outlook.com Indian male 5 years experience in piping (Site Engineer / Supervisor) Indian and Oman (PDO Project) & looking for suitable post currently on visiting visa, NOC available.

Contact: 94258289 Email: nidhishgopinathan@gmail.com Indian male diploma in Mechanical Engineering have 12 years experience in oil and gas in GCC on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92932763 Email: pnpraveen@yahoo.co.in

Telecom Engineer Sudanese on visit visa have 1 year experience in installation and have diploma in Tally ERP & excel and one year experience. Contact: 91991215

Diploma in Electronics, 2 years exp in telecommunication.

Contact: 94519571 Email: telecommunicationvishnumadhull @gmail.com

Indian female Computer Science Engineer having two years experience in teaching and programming C .CCP Java VB HTML, Sql, Php currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91168733

Syrian Civil Engineer graduated 2012, 1 year experience in Oman.

Contact: 92967785

Aeronautical Engineer with MBA in Operations Management having 4 yrs experience in reputed Aviation & Oil Companies, now on visit.

Contact 91864047 / 92791625 B.E .Mechanical Engineer Indian over 4 yrs of exp in HVAC design auto cad drafting on visit visa .

Contact 90305596. Email: shaikrizwan330@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com 7 years teaching experience in Political Science at University level, 5 years experience as Intellectual property lawer 20 years experience of Arabic / English visa versa , translation / interpretation / Editing , 20 years of experience in management, Tri lingual (Arabic / English / French) Contact : 92175153 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 B.Tech Civil, 25 yrs female, 3 yrs exp in qty survey have valid GCC license. Contact: 91309475 Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Civil Engineer / QS engineer, 9 years experience in Oman freelance visa, searching for a suitable job in Oman. Contact: 97299165

10 years experience in Dubai & Bangladeshi as a BSC Engineer on structural designer & construction having Dubai municipality approval & driving license. Contact: 91206763 Future 008801758846027 Email: engr. masud.civil.@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com BE Mech specialization welding technology 11 yrs quality cont Engineer by Steel Cons EPL Installation desalination plant (Gulf). Contact: 96603299 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Indian male Diploma Civil Engineer have 1 yr. experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job (certificate attested).

Contact: 92667406 / 99210411, Email : manojgvh@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 Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate.

Contact: 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com Need job for experienced mason, electrician & welder.

Contact: 93015630 M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering with 2 years of experience, on visiting visa looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91417949 Email: dannyrangde@gmail.com

Sri Lanka (BSC) quantity surveyor, having 3 years GCC experience is looking for a suitable placement 1 such as QS/ Contract administrator / estimator / project coordinator has knowledge in Fidic and construction standard available in visit visa. Contact: 96301107 /94292198 Email: faisfareed@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer male 26 yrs, with 4 yrs of experience in manufacturing oil & gas retail, brand promoting, marketing, logistics having valid Omani D/L seeking for a suitable placement. Contact: 97098676 Email: ja237le@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com HSE & Fire Safety Engineer 4 years experience air port operational safety, power & chemical industry. Contact: 94374241 Sudanese Structure Civil Engineer 2 years experience resident Omani license.

Contact: 94393880 Instrument Engineer B.Tech Indian male, 24 yrs, 1 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) having 11 years experience in building construction, looking for a suitable placement , having Oman driving license. Noc available.

Contact: 95075365 Email: azharraaz@gmail.com Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270

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HOSPITALITY

MEDICAL

Indian male B.A Degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92100141

Indian female BDS with MOH license looking for job.

Contact 95347894

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

Procurement Manager / Commercial Manager / G.M Indian male having 26 years of experience in Import, procurement, logistics, Commercial activities, Warehousing, TRD & Sales. Contact: 90502724 Email: tk.sasi@gmail.com

IT Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator and 1 year experience in Amazon EC2, cloud at Wipro technologies Bangalore looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com Indian male, MCA, 15 years experience in Oracle, developer, Orion Sage ERP, 5 years in Oman working as IT In charge, with NOC release and transferable visa.

Contact: 95398567, Email: anasa4@gmail.com A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualified) with 4 years experience in one of top audit firms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman. Contact: Kamran hkamran112@gmail.com, +44 7480 1196 74/ +968 93595050 Hardware & networking, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031 Indian female (30 yrs) , BCA , MCA,ASP NET certification, SAP ABAP certification 2 yrs experience, seeking placement family visa. Contact: 99109121 Email: ashamaryphilip@gmail.com Indian male 26 years with BBA, tally and hard ware networking, having 3 years of experience as an accountant, seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 98201244 5yrs experience in software and 1yr in admin, looking for a part-time or work from home jobs Contact: 91711326 Sudanese Network Administrator 1 year experience with (MCSA, CCNA, CCNP) have valid driving license. Contact: 92394485

Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

Network Engineer degree Computer Science CCNA, MCSA experience NOC. Content: 92346191

Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Electrical Engineer: Indian male, 30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres), holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995, email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sudanese Architectural Engineer 2 years experience in Oman, Revit, AutoCAD 3Ds max Archicad looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94722356 Email: maya40999@hotmail.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 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

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Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

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Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R2/ R3 Microsoft certified professional MCA & BCA Having 15 yrs of total exp & 6 yrs of relevant exp seeking for suitable position. NOC is available. Contact: 93469493 Email: axcertprof@gmail.com

MEDICAL Male Indian Dentist BDS with 9 years experience, prometric exam cleared, looking for job.

Contact 97768187/ vermanikhil492@gmail.com.

Indian lady Pediatrician available immediately, Oman prometric exam (>60%) passed Indian Kerala lady pediatrician available immediately for appointment. now available in Muscat.MOBILE NO. 96276347, 94769455 EMAIL : nadakkavil1984@gmail.com Indian male GP Doctor looking for suitable post. Dataflow & prometric completed.

Contact: 90377433 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER

Indian female having 17 years of Dubai work experience in Business Process Management & Quality Assurance (ISO 9001) is looking for job in Muscat (Full time/Part time/ Consultant). Experienced in developing, training & implementation of business process documentation, leading the organization to ISO 9001 certification, Quality Audits and Business process improvements & controls.

Contact: 97903127. Email : ravichandran.mangala@gmail.com 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. Contact 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 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 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

MISCELLANEOUS Filipina lady very urgently looking job only in boutique, release available ready to join immediately.

Contact: 97122152 / 91240759 Looking for job with car education O level exp 6 yrs English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact : 99640986 Female business graduate from UK with four years corporate Experience in procurement purchasing expediting logistics and supply chains in UAE Seeks suitable placement. Contact: 99581399 10 years experience in Oman in logistics / purchase have Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact- 96410767 Email: harishkts@yahoo.com Purchaser, experience 9.5 years in Oman, Indian male, Driving License available with own car.

Currently working with ARDISEIS Oman Branch (Seismic work for PDO Oman) as a purchaser. Handling all type purchase, logistic, petty cash, stock, dispatch. Working with SAP application. Educational qualification - Post Graduate in MA (Economics) Salary – Negotiable seeks suitable Placement.

Contact 99458569 Email : nitesh.rane2015@gmail.com.

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

D6

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED 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

B.Sc Graduate with 4.4 years work experience in Sales, Marketing and Business Development looking for a job. Currently in Oman and ready to join immediately.

Contact : 00968-95096284

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 98805474

SALES / MARKETING

A dynamic professional, female, with 8 years of experience in PURCHASE, SALES COORDINATION , OFFICE ASSISTANT, residing in Oman with valid NOC from current company, looking for a suitable job, Ready to join Immediately.

Contact:- shiji4123@gmail.com, Phone:- 94157662

TOURS/TRAVELS Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Sales administrator in Oman; searching better job.

Phone:91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com 9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil & Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughtsman (holding Oman driving license) seeking job. Contact : 90139903 Light Duty Driver Professional, Indian male having 5 years of experience with valid Oman driving licence.NOC Available.

Contact 91652481

Indian sales marketing professional highly experienced in business development in ME India and Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611, gpg2016@outlook.com

27 years old male MBA Graduate having 1.5 years experience in Marketing seeking for good opportunities in sales & marketing.

Contact: 90572132 Email: bibi4bibin@gmail.com

Indian Female, BE Electronics and Communication, having oman experience looking for full time or part time job. Ready to join immediately, currently on family visa.

Contact : 92115948 / 99327912

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

MBA Indian male 2.5 yrs exp in marketing & sales presently on visit visa seeking immediate placement. contact :91725539.

Email: suhailahmad1489@gmail.com

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/networking/server, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/ Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532

Indian sales marketing professional highly experienced in business development in ME India and Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611 Indian male 28 yrs having 6 years experience in Oman in Sales & Marketing & Office Administration, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 99142314 Indian male B. Pharm 15 years sales experience MOH Pharmacist license driving license looking for opportunities in Pharmacy or Sales and marketing can get NOC. Contact: 99694865 Indian male, BBM, MBA, having 3 years experience in Sales looking for suitable job. Contact: 92796046 Indian male, Graduate, 9 yrs experience in FMCG – UAE, valid GCC driving license on visit seeks suitable position. Contact 92419491 / 94881950, Email : pranilpp76@gmail.com A dynamic professional, Female, with 8 years of experience in PURCHASE,SALES COORDINATION ,OFFICE ASSISTANT, residing in Oman with valid NOC from current company,looking for a suitable job, Ready to join Immediately”.

Contact:-shiji4123@gmail.com Phone:- 94157662 South Indian hold 12 years Omani residency – B.E, MBA, PGDM, MCIM, result oriented self starter - Techno commercial Executive 15 years core experience in business development/ marketing oil & gas (all streams) & manufacturing. seeking suitable placement. Contact 99277816/ myakram@hotmail.com Indian male 22 BBA Graduate one year experience in Oman with valid Oman driving license looking for a placement. Contact: 96357787 Looking for immediate sales and marketing 3 years GCC experience with valid driving license now on visit visa till Feb 12.

Contact: 99642611 Email: kashif_iam@yahoo.com

Indian male 26, with more than 4 years experience in Sales and Marketing having valid GCC license on visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact: 92423161

22, Indian BBA graduate, 1 year experience, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 91881053

Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com

Highly experienced mechanical/ steel structural fabrication engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 99860714, hussain20173@gmail.com.

MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

B.Com 5yrs experience good command on tally, Excel sheet on family visa. Contact: 98002428 Email: lubnakanwal36@gmail.com

B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com Indian 15 yrs Marketing exp with visa D/L looking for senior job.

Contact: 90390862

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp 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 male 26, on vist visa, 2+ yrs of experience with UAE D/L, IATA-FIATA,BBA looking for any suitable job. Contact 91324567 Indian, male, 28, BBM degree holder. having 2 years experience.

1 year in banking industry & 1 year in hotel industry. good accounts knowledge also. seeking a suitable job. # 94678590, email: awesh.khokar@gmail.com

B.TEC ( IT) . 24 years, 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing. seek suitable placement.

Contact GSM- 98184170 Purchase Executive Professional, Indian male having 6 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving Licence working as a Purchase officer, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC/LR Available.

Contact: 95132564/96456071, E-mail: naji1988@gmail.com Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043 Searching a land surveyor job fully know latest instrument of Survey GPS and Total station two year OMAN experience.NOC Available. Contact +96894144052, Email- wasifnaz 313@yahoo.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Indian male experienced material segregation with D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92715032 Email: santhoshgeorge99@gmail. com Indian male 26 years (MBA Finance) seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 92715032 Email: ajisd@yahoo.com

D.M.E, Indian, 12 yrs experience in Oman, in Project Estimation, Execution, Quality & marketing working as Estimation Engineer in acid & water tanker, semi trailor company, with havin driving license & will get NOC, seeks suitable job in Oman.

Contact 98968495.

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 Senior Accountant Indian male 35 Years with 13 Years of Experience (7 years in Oman) in Accounts & Finance having valid Omani Driving License. Looking for job in GCC Countries. Contact: 96001918 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 Indian male M. Com 10 years of experience looking for Part time Job can do finalization #97433387 or thodaforme@gmail.com Indian male 25yr B. Com 4 years experience in trading and contracting field in India looking for suitable accountant vacancies.

Please contact 96155921 or fysal.nellaya@gmail.com Indian male looking job part time driver. Contact: 93884951 Indian male BE, (ECE) 18 months experience in Telecom Sector as installation and Commissioning Engineer, troubleshooting the bts, 3G and LTE equipments currently on visit. Contact: 95183497 Email: v.karthi984@gmail.com 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally, focus and oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization ,seeking for permanent replacement in senior position, GSM-91324962, email-abdullah.nooralam@gmail.com Chief Accountant , 7 years experienced (out of 25 years experience in accounts) worked in reputed group companies. Currently procuring MBA finance and having Omani Driving License seeks suitable openings from reputed companies.

Contact : 95598477 / 98803439 Female 5 years experienced Oman as Senior Accountant. SKILLS : ERP9, MS OFFICE, SAGE, ACCPAC. GSM # 95483804 / 9986 8330.

MAIL : sararowshan344@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. mail: abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com.

Bangladeshi male, University MA, working as administrator in Oman; searching better job. #91997605 mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Indian male 25 yrs, MBA in marketing on visit looking for a job in Sales and Marketing. #91270215 Email: nibuvarughese13@gmail.com Indian Male, pursuing ACCA with knowledge in C++, Java looking for accounting job. Contact 94743462.

Email: zabinbashu@gmail.com

Relationship Manager, Indian male 28 yrs, BBA, MBA 5 year’s exp, currently working in India computer skilled. Contact: 0091 974710108 / 95071632

Indian, Keralite seeks cleaning job part time. Contact: 90169048

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

HR Manual, Employee Handbook, Recruitment, Training, HR Consultancy. Are you looking for freelancer HR professional? Please contact on 97914669

Indian Male 28yr age having 7year gulf+ Indian experience in HR/Admin field, looking for suitable placement. Contact:97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com

BE Mechanical Engineer / MBA Indian male 25 yrs, currently working in Qatar skills MEP designing surveying, Oracle, AutoCAD, SAP. Contact: 97474470866 & C/O in Oman 95071632

Part- Time Accountant, well experienced senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439

Indian male, 23 years PG diploma in Petroleum Engineering and B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering holding UAE driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95880127 / 95084905 Email: vijith2573459@gmial.com Indian Female, Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electronics & Communication Engineering, currently in Muscat with Family Visa,1+ year experience in Teaching seeks suitable placement in Muscat. Contact 96209509 B.TECH ( IT) . 24 years, 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing, seeks suitable placement.

Contact GSM- 98184170 Indian Male 4 years experience Chef. Indian, Chinese Cuisine seek suitable placement. # 99883019 Indian male having 6 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Purchase officer, looking for a suitable Position, NOC Available.

Contact: 95132564 / 96456071, E-mail:naji1988@gmail.com Indian female 22 years 1 year experience in Secretary & Accounting, Tally, looking for suitable job on visit visa. Contact: 97084473 Email: jumihasin10@gamil.com

Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286, Email : azimmohd@yahoo.co.in Sri Lankan Male, 23 years old with 3 years of Sales experience and basic accounting knowledge (AAT and Tally) Seeking for a suitable position. Contact-94864296 Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/ server, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/ Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

SITUATION WANTTOURS ED

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

An Investing partner needed for a printing press.

Contact: 99498949

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 One bedroom flat in Guruvayoor Kerala, 2 minutes walk to Guruvayoor temple direct owner.

Contact: 00968 99466800

MV SALE Hiace Toyota van for sale, model 2010. Contact: 94203204 Rav4 ,2015,38000 km No.2 O.R 8200. Contact : 96474787 Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200.

Contact -99466773 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

TRANSPORTATION We need transport from Mabella to Mawalleh for student & employee. Contact: 92757673 Transportation.Contact: 99099714 Transportation Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92711421 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 92015894

Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune Contact 95272138, (+918390982975)

MATRIMONIAL Hindu nair age 64, looking for a suitable girl.

Contact: 0091 755900189

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

GOOD NEWS

Transportation. Contact 96173326

Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

Transportation. Contact 94510847

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

Rashid Mehmood has lost Pakistan Passport No. CB 0151723. Finder please handover to ROP

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

LOST

I, Ridhwan Fazlu Rahman (PP No: L6690102), lost my CBSE 10th certificate & migration, roll No: 8107321(S.No: SSE/2014, 0430292). If anyone find please handover to nearest police station or Contact: 968- 99334391 Husna Ally Omary has lost Tanzania Passport No. AB 609157. Finder please handover to ROP.

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

Car available with driver on daily rent and Monthly. Contact: 96728065 / 98031620 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/TRAINING/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES > ' > ^ Zs/

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

Ŷ /ŶĚŝĂŶ ůĂǁLJĞƌ WƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ăůů ůĞŐĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŝŶ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŵĂƩ ĞƌƐ͘ >ĂďŽƵƌ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͕ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚƐ͕ >> ĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ůĞŐĂů ŚĞůƉ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂƌƟ ŶŐ ŶĞǁ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͕ ŝǀŝů͕ ĐƌŝŵŝŶĂů ĐĂƐĞƐ͕͘ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͘ /ďƌĂŚŝŵ ů DĂƐƐĂůŚŝ͘ůĞŐĂů ĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂŶĐLJ ^ĂƌĂĨƵĚŚĞĞŶ͕ >> ͕ D ͕ >ĞŐĂů ĚǀŝƐŽƌ MƵƐĐĂƚ͘ '^D͗ ϵϳϯϱϭϲϰϵ

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

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

FURNITURE SHIFTING Maintenance, Dismantling, Packing, Shifting & Fixing furniture with expert technicians.

Contact: 99041337 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble.Contact 24793614/ 99314807 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

For wooden Aluminum door, windows. Contact: 98796982

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

SITUATION WANTSERVICES Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Building maintenance.

Contact: 96173326 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 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

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com