Times of Oman - December 31 , 2015

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

At the opening of the annual session of the Council of Oman, 2010

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Oman has a deep-rooted history and firm principles established ages ago and, praise be to God, what we have done is to confirm these principles, and express them in modern-day language.

THURSDAY, December 31, 2015 / 19 Rabi Al Awal 1437 AH timesofoman.com

3.6 ON RICHTER SCALE

Masirah Island records tremor Staff Reporter MUSCAT: An earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale was recorded at the Sultan Qaboos University’s (SQU’s) earthquake monitoring centre at around 9:29 am.

“The epicentre of the earthquake was located 25km away from Masirah Island, east of Oman. The depth of the earthquake was 2.2 km,” an official from the SQU’s earthquake monitoring centre confirmed.

According to experts, the northern parts of the Sultanate are more vulnerable to earthquakes. Scientists said, based on calculations on how fast the earth shakes in a given geographic area (Peak Ground Acceleration), the highest possibility of hazard has been found in the city of Khasab.

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Budget gets Cabinet nod; stress on cut in spending Fuel prices to be effective from January 15: Darwish MUSCAT: Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs said the government decision to amend the fuel prices will come into effect from January 15, 2016.

He added in a press statement that a government committee comprising the Undersecretary of the Minis-

try of Oil and Gas, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance , the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the CEO of Oman Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) is in-charge of deciding the monthly prices to ensure that it is linked to global prices. >A6

JOINT MEETING: The budget will see Oman raising oil product prices, cut expenditures, boost non-

oil sector, and raise corporate income taxes. –ONA

BABA UMAR ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

The budget awaits His Majesty the Sultan’s ratification before it is implemented

babaumar@timesofoman.com elham@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: The budget for next year was approved by the Council of Ministers, on Wednesday.

The budget will see Oman raising oil product prices, cut expenditures, boost non-oil sector, and raise corporate income taxes.

The budget, aimed at covering an expected shortfall in the next year, is awaiting His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s ratification before it is implemented.

According to an official statement, Oman will cut down on government spending, develop non-oil revenues by raising corporate income tax, and revise and raise fees payable against government services, as well as revise

M E D I C I N A L VA L U E S

the prices of petroleum products (oil products) “in a manner that corresponds with global prices of these products with effect from mid-January 2016.”

Following the keenness of the Council of Ministers to minimise the impact of these procedures, the statement said, the Council had instructed the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) to intensify its monitoring

of prices “to avoid the occurrence of any unjustifiable increase in prices that might go beyond the direct impact of these procedures.”

Oman’s budget deficit for the first nine months of 2015 shot up to OMR2.93 billion, mainly due to a dip in oil revenue that affected the fiscal balance. The country had planned its budget for this year, based on the expectation of an oil price of $75 per barrel. >A6

MINISTRY CIRCULAR

Promoting bee products to treat ailments ing seminars and presentations at institutes, such as Nizwa University, Omani Women’s Association and Sultan Qaboos University.

Besides promoting his own Bee Products Healing Centre, Al Lawati is actively involved with the Ministry of Agriculture when it comes to the promotion of beekeeping and honey production activities.

SHRUTHI NAIR

shruthi@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A pioneer in the true sense, he has been using bee products and spreading awareness of its medicinal properties for the treatment of various ailments.

Dr H Al Lawati, unlike many who struggle to channelise their passion in the right direction, used his efforts to set up Bee Products Healing Centre (BPHC), which was founded in 2009.

BPHC, the brainchild of Al Lawati, uses bee products such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee bread, bee wax, bee sting (bee venom) and bee larvae to heal various bone, skin, mouth

and tooth, respiratory and other diseases. Having a doctorate in Bee Science, Al Lawati has played an active role in the fifth Honey Market organised by the Ministry of Agriculture.

All the bee products are imported from foreign countries, es-

Dr H Al Lawati.

pecially the European Union, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

With the aim of promoting such activities and spreading awareness, Al Lawati has been conduct-

Marketing honey During the four-day Honey Market, held at Muscat Grand Mall from December 27 to 30, some 40 beekeepers from across the Sultanate were invited to market their honey and other products made of honey. >A6

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Bakery in Ruwi shut after rats found inside

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A leading bakery in Ruwi was shut down by Muscat municipality officials on Tuesday. According to a tweet posted by the Muscat Municipality on its Twitter handle, the bakery was closed down after officials found rats inside the bakery. >A2

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SPORTS

PACP to monitor price increases

AHF Award for Naqvi, Macki

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S. A. S. Naqvi and Habib Macki were awarded AHF Lifetime Achievement Award. >C3

The PACP said it would intensify its efforts to control prices, so that there will be no increase. >A5

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Loans at low interest rates to spur inflation

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PUT ON HOLD: The ministry had said that prices of a large num-

ber of drugs will be reduced from January 1, 2016.

Medicines price cut deferred until June REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A move to reduce the profit margin on drugs in the private sector in Oman from January 1, has been deferred until June 1, 2016, according to a circular issued by the ministry.

Last month, the ministry had stated that the prices of a large number of drugs would be reduced from January 1, 2016.

However, the latest circular issued to all private pharmacies and stores states that the decision to revise the prices has been postponed until June 1, 2016.

“We are aware that the ministry is reviewing a study submitted on the price reduction.

This may take time and it might be the reason that the decision to reduce the profit margin has been deferred. However, if they

implement the price reduction decision, the pharmaceutical industry may be hit,” an official from one of the pharmacies in Muscat, said.

While announcing the earlier decision, officials had said the move was a continuation of an earlier phased approach, such as reducing the export prices of drugs being sent to the Sultanate by unifying the prices of innovative drugs in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the same level and re-pricing generic drugs at the local level.

During that phase, the prices of 4,246 drugs registered in the Sultanate were reduced.

The ministerial decision also stipulated a reduction in the profit margin of drugs in the private sector so that the profit margin remains between 35 and 43 per cent, instead of 55 per cent. >A6

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I was surprised to hear that the bakery was closed as officials found rats inside. I was a regular customer there Resident, Ruwi area

Bakery in Ruwi shut after rats found inside According to a tweet posted by the

inside the bakery

I had ordered a cake at the bakery to celebrate my son’s birthday. When I went there, it was closed and there was a notice signed and hung up by municipality officials

Staff Reporter

Ruwi area

Muscat Municipality – Supplied picture

13 gazelles born at Barka wildlife centre Times News Service MUSCAT: Sixteen newborn animals of different species were born at the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre in Barka this year.

Until September 2015, 13 Arabian Gazelles, two Oryx and one Sand Gazelle were born at the centre. The Barka-based centre provides wild animals and birds with medical care in order to release them into the wild later.

Officials of the centre said they are expecting babies of the Arabian Oryx and Sand Gazelles to be bouncing around the centre

in the near future. Arabian Gazelles’ breeding programme was first launched in 2005 in Barka by bringing the animals from the Al Silail Natural Reserve in the South Al Sharqiyah governorate.

Herd of Oryx The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs in coordination with the Omani Wild Animals Delivering Centre of the Royal Court Affairs brought a herd of Oryx to the sanctuary in 2013 and said that they would be released back into the wild if considered fit and healthy.

on its Twitter handle, the bakery was closed down after officials found rats

MUSCAT: A leading bakery in Ruwi was shut down by Muscat Municipality officials on Tuesday.

According to a tweet posted by the Muscat Municipality on its Twitter handle, the bakery was closed down after officials found rats inside the bakery.

“I had ordered a cake at the bakery to celebrate my son’s birthday.

When I went there, it was closed and there was a notice signed and hung up by municipality offi-

Resident

cials. Now, I don’t know what can be done. I bought cake from another bakery,” a resident from the area said.

Closed bakery’s picture Meanwhile, the closed bakery’s picture was circulating on social networking sites.

“I was surprised to hear that the bakery was closed as offi-

cials found rats inside. I was a regular customer there,” another resident added.

Recently, the municipality officials in Oman have intensified food safety raids at hotels, restaurants and bakeries in Oman.

A few days ago, Ibri Municipality officials were forced to shut down 42 commercial shops and have destroyed more than 3,000

kilograms of stale food in 2015.

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

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

More than 40 technical violations were recorded in 2015. However, the violation of health standards was not restricted to Ibri.

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

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

ROLE OF MINING SECTOR

‘Mining industry key to economy’s diversification’ MUSCAT: The growing interest in the mining sector is attributed to the need to diversify sources of national economy, Eng. Hilal bin Mohammed Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Mining, said.

He said the Public Authority for Mining is very serious in activating partnership with individuals with relation to mining sector, the crushers, their ownership, taxes and fees imposed on these crushers.

The Chairman of the Public Authority for Mining said that crushers play an important role in construction growth and also a source of national income. He added that 70 per cent of the building materials are supplied by crushers, therefore they play a role in reducing imports.

More than 75 per cent of the crushers are owned by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the remaining is owned by major companies that invest a lot of money to ensure mass production.

The government imposes some fees and taxes on crushers because their yields are used for public interest and as a mean to diversify national economy and increase national income.

As for crushers, the government imposes 10 per cent of the sale revenues for the government which is between 20 per cent to 45 per cent of the company’s profits. The government also impose OMR41 for each consignment going through the border points each time. The government also imposes OMR15 as custom duties for each truck, in addition to 12 per cent of the income tax and five per cent of the profits as contribution to the local community development.

It should be noted that the Public Authority for Mining has completed the drafting of the new Draft Mining Law and the organisational chart for the Authority. Moreover, the Authority started implementing a number of important projects to develop the sector and ensure its efficient management.

The Public Authority for Mining also fixed two weigh stations at Al Buraimi border point to collect data on the types of exported materials. In response to a question on the study on gypsum project in the Governorate of Dhofar, he said that the project comes in response to the many demands to utilise the gypsum in the Governorate of Dhofar. — ONA

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CRIME FILE

Expatriate man charged with attempted murder Times News Service MUSCAT: An expatriate man was arrested in Sohar for allegedly throwing an alleged prostitute down three floors, following a dispute over money, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported on Wednesday. The accused was charged with attempted murder.

According to ROP, the victim had escaped from her sponsor’s house in Muscat with the accused after he persuaded her to work as a prostitute in Falaj Al Qabail area in Sohar.

Three more people were also C O M M U N I C AT I O N S E RV I C E S

Reyadah signs key pact for communication MUSCAT: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the operation of ‘Reyadah’ Communication Centre through Muscat Communication Centre (1111), was signed by the Public Authority for SMEs Development and Muscat Municipality, on Wednesday.

The agreement was signed

by Khalifa bin Said Al Abri, Chairman of ‘Reyadah’ and Khalid Mohammed Buhram, Assistant Muscat Municipality Chairman for Service Affairs.

The MoU comes in a bid to promote modern technology in customer service through Muscat Communication Services which provide information, reply calls, receive feedbacks and proposals by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners.

It also comes in a bid by ‘Ryada’ to develop the services provided to Omani entrepreneurs. — ONA

arrested on the charges of practising adultery with the woman.

Also, a man who had been pretending to be a woman and luring other men through social media to meet him at a house in Al Khuwair, before robbing and blackmailing them, has been arrested. The accused tricked seven victims and stole their mobile phones and cash, before threatening to upload their indecent images online.

The ROP urged people to be wary of unfamiliar and suspicious friend requests through social media

A man who reportedly stole money from a group of women after persuading them to marry him, was arrested by ROP in Al Khuwair in Muscat governorate. The accused, charged with five fraud cases, used social media with the help of a relative to charm his victims and start virtual relationships before asking the women for money to cover his financial debts.

A case has been filed against the accused and he has been handed over to the public prosecution for further investigations before being produced in court.

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1,200

Is the total nukber of students that were engaged during the knowledge sharing sessions

Nizwa ‘Capital of Islamic Culture’ programme ends Nizwa was selected by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to represent the Arab region as a Capital of Islamic Culture for the year 2015

MUSCAT: Nizwa will conclude a one-year programme on Thursday, which was started to mark the selection of Nizwa as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2015.

Nizwa was the focus of cultural attention in the Islamic world and enjoys a prosperous presence under the Blessed Renaissance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The city is renowned for its ancient past, which is historic, civilised and rich at the cultural and spiritual level.

The city was selected by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) to represent the Arab Region as a Capital of Islamic Culture for 2015 while Almaty, the previous capital of Kazakhstan, was selected to represent the Asian Region.

Cotonou in Benin represented the African region.

The project of Islamic Culture capitals is one of the major civilisation projects that reflects ISESCO’s priority for cultural diversity. It was approved by the 3rd Islamic Conference of Ministers of Culture in 2001. The conference called on the member states in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to nominate a group of cities. ISESCO chooses three cities each year to be the capital of Islamic Culture, representing the Arab, Asian and African regions.

– ONA pictures

Marking Nizwa as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2015 highlighted the position of the historic, civilised, religious and culturally ancient city, in addition to highlighting its landmarks and scholars, who had played a remarkable role in the Omani and Islamic history and civilization.

Sheikh Hamad bin Hilal Al Ma’amari, undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture for Cultural Affairs, said in a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA) that the Main Committee for Celebrating Nizwa the Capital of Islamic Culture had sought, since the announcement of selecting Nizwa as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2015, to diversify its cultural programmes and activities to cover various aspects by involving various official institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as local community organisations to come up with a clear vision to celebrate the occasion.

He also pointed out that there was a general satisfaction from the Main Committee on the activities. He added that such programmes and activities were organised in different governorates of the Sultanate. These pro-

grammes included poetic nights, lectures and intellectual seminars that undoubtedly contributed to highlighting the ancient historic city as it had prospered with its scholars and intellectuals since the old ages.

Sheikh Al Ma’amari further said the Main Committee for celebrating Nizwa the Capital of Islamic Culture had sought to document these cultural and art activities and programmes in the form of printed books and publications. The wilayat of Nizwa in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah is located nearly 164 kilometres from the capital Muscat. It has been one of the major scientific and cultural centres in the Sultanate and the Arab World through the ages. Nizwa is renowned for its mosques that have produced many scholars, intellectuals, men of letters and jurists.

The city has also played a vital role in the prosperity of the scientific movement in the Sultanate and the building of the Islamic Civilisation edifice. It also reported remarkable activity in various scientific fields as it was the capital of the country from the second century AH (After Hijrah) for a period of time. — ONA

I NJA Z O M A N , N YC I N I T I AT I V E

– Supplied picture

Entrepreneurship forum concludes Times News Service MUSCAT: Building on the capabilities of Oman’s talented youth, INJAZ Oman and the National Youth Commission (NYC) recently concluded a month of innovation-centred workshops at higher educational institutions across the Sultanate.

Engaging more than 1,200 students, the knowledge sharing sessions explored a range of topics; including innovation, planning, critical thinking, evaluating market competition, sales, negotiation, company models and structuring, with group presentations held to present new marketable products.

“These kind of platforms are essential when we consider the Sultanate’s demographic and the youth’s level of interest in developing a business after completing their studies. It is important that we provide students with a solid understanding of the basics and open the door to a new avenue of achievement; one based on creativity and business acumen,” said Shabib Al Mamari, executive director of Injaz Oman.

“I offer thanks to the National Youth Committee for its ongoing support and partnership, as they play an integral role in enabling us to reach the youth in even the

furthest corners of the Sultanate,” he added.

Research demonstrates that over half of young Omanis are open to the idea of starting their own business. INJAZ Oman consequently lead groups of up to 100 students through the necessary skills required to construct a pilot project, with local entrepreneurs Azzan Al Busaidi, programme officer at INJAZ Oman, and Nasser Alakzami, operations manager at INJAZ Oman, sharing their insights and achievements to inspire attendees.

The topics and skills covered during the workshops encompassed the basics of business leadership, how to cope with risk and people-centric challenges when forming a company, as well as understanding the main obstacles and technicalities involved in business processes.

Dr. Rashid Salim Al-Hajri, deputy chairman of NYC, said, “Entrepreneurship is the way forward and a strong base for economic growth; so now that we understand the challenges that the youth face in forming a company, the information that they require, we are able to strategically support their development through professional workshops, such as those recently delivered

by INJAZ Oman.”

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PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION

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WELL DONE: The graduation ceremony was held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat on Wednesday. — Picture by AR Rajkumar/Times of Oman

Working women obtain certificate for graduation Ooredoo, in collaboration with the British Council, runs the Springboard programme to empower Oman’s female workforce and enhance their skills and potential

STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT: A celebration was recently held by Ooredoo for 182 women working at various Ministries and government authorities, who graduated from its world-renowned Springboard programme.

The graduation ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of

Civil Service, and was attended by several special guests.

182 female public sector employees received their graduation certificates during the ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat on Wednesday.

The top three trainee groups were also recognised for their participation, dedication, and hard work throughout the programme.

The Springboard programme has managed to empower Oman’s female workforce and enhance their skills and potential. It is run

by Ooredoo, in collaboration with the British Council.

This year’s graduates come from multiple government agencies and sectors across the Sultanate. They were taught essential management skills, soft skills, communication, self empowerment and public speaking etc. during the programme.

“Omani women play an integral role in the national workforce and it is essential that we support them however we can,” said Raed Dawood, director of Government Relations and Corporate Affairs at Ooredoo.

“Ooredoo has always been at the forefront of economically em-

powering women through initiatives that champion growth and social development. The continued success of the Springboard programme is a result of our commitment towards nurturing the careers and capabilities of Omani women and helping them achieve their aspirations,” he added.

He also said this programme highlights their strong relationship with the government sector and their desire to continue working closely with the government.

According to him, the graduation ceremony will set a milestone for Ooredoo.

“Today’s ceremony is an important milestone that we can be proud to be a part of,” Dawood asserted.

“The 182 women, who graduated will be heading back to their respective jobs with enhanced skills and greater potential, enabling them to excel both inside and outside of the workplace,” he added.

Till date, the Springboard programme has successfully trained 175,000 women in 22 countries, which has been translated into 12 languages. It is globally recognised as a landmark women’s programme.

MUSCAT: Efforts to control prices will continue so that there is no increase affecting the various sectors that fall within the terms of reference of the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP).

Dr Said bin Khamis Al Ka’abi, Chairman of PACP, said that the Royal Decree No. (53/2011) determined the PACP tasks and duties, which include price control.

He added that PACP operates under the laws and regulations that do not permit the raising of prices without prior approval of PACP, which is in force since 2011.

Stable prices Therefore, prices have been stable since that date, and any increase occurred or occur without prior approval, if proven, will be penal-

ized and legal action will be taken against such cases.

Dr Al Ka’abi stressed that all suppliers and importers should not exploit the decision approved by the Council of Ministers on dealing with requirements of the current stage and the status of global oil prices to raise the prices of commodities and services without prior approval. — ONA

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We pledge to be a source of inspiration for the Omani people and the world as a whole Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Chairman of Public Authority for Radio and Television

Shura discusses state of higher education

REVIEW MEETINGS: Education Committee and Environment Committee of the Majlis Al Shura organised meetings on Wednesday to discuss a number of issues. – ONA

The committee formed a team to collect and analyse data, host the relevant organisations, and pay field visits to private schools and higher educational institutions

MUSCAT: Annual Study Plan, which includes studies on the status of higher education and private schools in the Sultanate, was discussed at a meeting of the Education Committee of Majlis Al Shura, on Wednesday.

The Committee formed a work team for each study to collect and analyse data and information, host the relevant organisation,

pay field visits to private schools and higher education institutions, and write a final report that fulfils the aims of the study.

The report will include the recommendations that may enhance private schools and higher education institutions and identify the challenges facing the two sectors.

The members also discussed some relevant parliamentary

tools that help them address these issues and other items on the Committee’s agenda.

The third meeting of its first sitting (2015/2016) of the 8th term (2015/2019) was held under the chairmanship of Khalid bin Yahya Al Farie, Head of the Committee.

The Environment Committee organised its fourth meeting of its annual session (2015/2016) of the 8th term (2015/2019) under the chairmanship of Ali bin Khalfan Al Qatiti, Head of the Committee.

The committee discussed the importance of caring for autism patients, especially members of the committee came to know that the Ministry of Social Development will stop its services provided to autism children.

The Committee believes that

Cassandra Wilson concert cancelled Times News Service MUSCAT: Cassandra Wilson Concert, scheduled for Wednesday April 6, 2016, has been cancelled for personal reasons, the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) has announced.

Offering its apologies for any inconvenience caused to its patrons, the ROHM hoped that the advance notice of this announcement would be of assistance.

Patrons who had bought tickets for the concert were advised to visit or call the ROHM box office on (+968) 2440 3332 / 3333 / 3334 to make arrangements for a full refund. They also had the option of exchanging their tickets for any other available event in the remainder of the 2015-2016 season.

Regular box office timings are

Cassandra Wilson Concert

from Saturday to Thursday between 9am and 6pm. On the days of performances, box office timings from Saturday to Thursday are between 9am and 11pm, and on Friday from 4pm to 11pm.

BEE PRODUCTS

A1 An inspiring < FROM

personality

The Ministry had organised the event, which included providing counters for each beekeeper to set their products, jars with stickers for the honey produced, without expecting any returns whatsoever.

Al Lawati is undoubtedly a true inspiration for Oman, as he has been using his knowledge and skills to promote traditional beekeeping and using state-of-theart facilities and technology for the noble purpose of healing using

honey products. In Oman, honey is considered not only a source of nourishment, but is also a talisman for sweetness.

In fact, research says that during the 17th century, Imam Saif bin Sultan was known as keen apiarist.

Thus, Al Lawati is promoting the Sultanate of Oman’s rich and ancient culture and heritage in modern ways, which is proving to be tremendously beneficial for the masses.

NEWS MEASURES

IDENTITY BRAND PLEDGE

‘TV brand takes care of Omani identity’ MUSCAT: The originality and pride in Oman’s history and the documentation of Omani identity were taken into account, during the launch of new television brand, Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Chairman of Public Authority for Radio and Television (PART), said yesterday.

Dr. Al Harrasi said the new brand based essentially on “Identity Brand Pledge” which says, “we

we should consider this decision very carefully as it will have social and health effects on autism patients and their families which need more care than provided to them now.

The members also discussed the draft report on the study conducted by the committee in response to a complaint by one of the citizens about the construction of an ammonia plant near the residential area in Raysut.

The Committee approved the work plan during the current annual session, which includes that organisations that will be hosted as part of the Committee’s revision of the Environment Protection and Pollution Combatting Law issued by the Royal Decree No. 114/2001 and the study of draft law on the rights of patients. -ONA

ROHM

pledge to be a source of inspiration for the Omani people and the world as a whole. We will tell our stories and share different points of view by opening the door to dialogue and to expand the scope of community participation. We will seek to reflect the dreams and aspirations of every individual.”

He added that the first element of the identity brand pledge is to present a content that takes into

consideration the TV viewers and their ideas, in addition to following up the latest development in events that parallels the making of story and the event.

He said the second element of the identity brand pledge is reflected in the values and beliefs, which take into account the width of the horizon and inclusiveness which is represented in the display of opinion in Oman. -ONA PRICE

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Costliest

A1 in GCC

During the first phase in October 2014, the prices of 1,400 drugs were reduced. During the second phase in June 2015, the prices of 1,180 drugs were reduced. Drug prices in Oman are considered to be one of the highest in the GCC. Observers say since Oman does not have pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, most drugs are imported and monopolistic practices rule the roost.

A1 ‘Doing away with subsidies < FROM

the best way to meet deficit’

The daily trading price of Omani crude in the Dubai Mercantile Exchange on Wednesday remained at $32.28, according to the Ministry of Oil and Gas. “There will be no more subsidies, however. They’ve been removed,” Tawfiq Al Lawati, a Majlis Al Shura member told the Times of Oman (TOO).

Asked about the reasons behind eliminating subsidies on oil products, he said there were arguments in favour of removing subsidies because, countries such as the UAE and Oman had a higher number of expatriates and visitors and therefore it did not make sense to continue with it. “You have no choice…This is more like an indirect tax,” he added.

Balancing the budget Wednesday’s announcement, however, raised speculations about the overall financial plan and what it could mean for businesses and locals in the Sultanate.

“The fact that oil prices are going to be low is known in the market. What’s not known is how bad it can go. There are speculations that it could go further down $30 a barrel. Who knows? My presumptions are that the government would peg the prices around $50 or $60, down from last year’s $75 per barrel in the new budget. It’s a possibility,” explained N Gurumurthy, a Muscat-based financial expert told TOO. “The government needs to prune long-term futuristic projects. Also they may cut subsidies on fuel water, electricity and so on,” he added.

Gurumurthy pointed out that the Sultanate must also implement cost control measures, bring better efficiency, and remove nonvalue adding activities, thereby eliminating any wastage in the system.

The government also plans to decide on the new oil prices two days before implementing them.

Government officials said they will require assistance of ORPIC (Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company) to select the new prices.

The officials said that more power would be given to consumers to regulate prices.

Observers such as Al Lawati, an economic expert, said the measures introduced in the budget could have a positive impact on the economy “if implemented properly.”

“It could help the government

A1 ‘Funds to spur growth’ < FROM

The price will be announced three days before the date of implementation next month.

He added that the committee has also the power to supervise and follow up the actual implementation of the decision. It will also ensure that all petrol stations are in full compliance with the new prices specified by the Committee. Moreover, the Committee will address the difficulties that may face im-

generate additional revenue,” he said, adding that Oman had been considering these measures several years ago.

Al Lawati, however, warned that any step related to subsidies should be taken gradually and in a way that it doesn’t escalate the prices of other commodities.

“Otherwise, ordinary people will suffer and may seek, for instance, salary hikes,” he added.

He further said non-oil sectors, such as fisheries, agriculture and tourism must be exploited, even as the corporate income tax increase should be implemented in some sectors instead of applying it to all the sectors.

“It should be implemented in the sectors that generate huge money,” he said, adding “These sectors should be organised further.”

Constructive move Others said that doing away with subsidies was inevitable and that the timing is perfect for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Oman to tackle the scenario of a falling income.

“When you have excess of income you develop a particular behavioural pattern. When your income grossly decreases, you are not trained to manage that.

So Oman must learn to alternate between two extreme situations,” said Nageshwar C, a stock market expert.

“GCC nations have always been used to more money after the 1972 oil shock. They are familiar with excess money. They should now reposition their thought process, how to succeed

plementation. As per the financial allocations that were paid to subsidise the difference in the fixed price and the global prices would be used in financing the state’s general budget, especially to finance the projects that contribute to economic diversification, add value to Omani economy and generate job opportunities and bring benefits to both economy and Omani citizens, he said. -ONA

with lesser income,” he said.

The expert added, “In stock markets there are people who make money when stocks fall and there are people who make money when the stocks go up. So regardless of what happens, there are people who will make money.

Likewise, the economy can experience a boom or bust cycle. Wisdom lies in how to capitalize on the extreme fluctuations of the economic cycle.”

The government, he said, is navigating within a very tight budget.

“It can borrow, it can take on debt,” he added.

Speaking to TOO, Parameswaran Chandrasekr, group general manager with Jawad Sultan Group LLC, said there is no need to be unduly alarmed by what he termed as “austerity measures.”

“It might prove to be a little difficult. We have to understand that Oman has done a lot for us, both locals and expats…and if the government takes some steps which may appear to be unpopular, yet are in the larger interest, I think all of us should pool in and try to help the government in its initiative to come out of this particular situation,” he said.

Chandrasekr added that the government has fantastic plans regarding the exploration of nonoil sectors.

“They are going ahead. They are getting investments from outside.

All this will create employment.

When the macro-economic condition is simply beyond your control, you obviously have to bring in measures, which help get rid of the extent of problems that we face,” he said.

T H U R S DAY, D E C E MB E R 31 , 2 0 1 5

REGION

The Bahraini pilot survived after the plane suffered a technical fault and came down in the southern Jizan region SPA, Saudi state news agency

Booby-trapped houses delay civilians’ return to Ramadi Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi orders stabilisation and reconstruction of the city after its recapture from IS

BAGHDAD: About 700 IS militants are believed to be hiding in the centre and eastern outskirts of Ramadi days after Iraqi forces claimed victory over the militants in the western city, the US-led coalition said on Wednesday.

Much of the centre of the Anbar provincial capital still needs to be cleared of explosives laid by the insurgents who had seized the city in May, the coalition said.

That will delay the return of tens of thousands of civilians who fled to Baghdad and other parts of Iraq.

After months of cautious advances backed by coalition air strikes, the Iraqi army retook Ramadi on Sunday in its first big victory against the hardliners who swept through a third of Iraq in 2014. “Within what we call central Ramadi they estimate still up to 400 IS members and then once you go east of that towards Fallujah you’ve got about 300 out there in that direction,” US Army Captain Chance McCraw, a coalition intelligence officer, told reporters in Baghdad.

“In central Ramadi, the houseborne IED (improvised explosive device) continues to be a threat even once CTS (counter-terrorism service) goes through and that’s why you don’t see civilians moving back into various areas,” he added.

Prime Minister Haider Al Aba-

BUIDLING BRIDGES: Iraqi security forces gather near a temporary bridge built by the corps of engineers in the Iraqi army south of Ramadi, during a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi on Tuesday. – AFP

di on Wednesday ordered the immediate formation of a high-level committee including the Anbar governor and senior federal government officials to stabilise and rebuild Ramadi.

He urged the immediate removal of explosives and the restoration of basic services to allow the safe return of civilians to their homes.

Reconstruction needs The United Nations estimates initial reconstruction needs in Ramadi require about $20 million, but the longer term costs are likely to be much greater for a city battered

by US air strikes and IS explosives over the past six months.

The trade ministry said it was

preparing to send emergency food aid to Ramadi. Some areas of Ramadi are littered with explosives. McCraw said that in one of the more heavily defended areas, Iraqi forces had found about 300 explosives planted along a 150 m (150 yard) stretch south of the main government complex. After clearing that area, they found more bombs scattered every 50 m or so, he said.

Nearly 1.4 million people have been displaced from all of Anbar province, according to UN estimates. The Iraqi government says most civilians fled Ramadi before it launched its assault on the city, which formerly had a population of more than 400,000.

McCraw and other coalition

A7

officials declined to estimate how long it would take Iraqi forces to clear the rest of the areas. They said a few hundred members of the Anbar police had arrived to help hold areas cleared by the better trained and equipped counterterrorism forces, which spearheaded the Ramadi offensive.

Main holding force Baghdad has said tribal fighters would make up the main holding force in Ramadi, a role played in other areas taken from IS by mainly armed militias and groups which have been held back from Ramadi for fear of stoking sectarian tensions.

Such a strategy would echo the US military’s “surge” campaign

of 2006-2007, which relied on recruiting and arming tribal fighters against Al Qaeda, IS’s precursor.

Anbar, including Ramadi, was a focus of that campaign at the height of the 2003-2011 US war in Iraq.

While the earlier tribal force numbered in the tens of thousands, only a few thousand fighters have so far been prepared to operate in Ramadi this time.

The coalition, which includes European and Arab nations, has been waging an air campaign against IS positions in both Iraq and Syria since mid-2014. It said its advisers were not on the ground in Ramadi but had provided training and equipment to Iraqi forces. — Reuters

SAUDI ARABIA

Bahraini F-16 jet taking part in Yemen war crashes DUBAI: A Bahraini F-16 jet taking part in a mostly Arab military campaign in Yemen crashed in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to a coalition statement on the Saudi state news agency.

The pilot survived after the plane suffered a technical fault and came down in the southern Jizan region, the statement said, without giving further details.

Bahrain has taken part in the Saudi-led coalition bombing the Houthi movement in Yemen for nine months. Scores of ground forces from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been killed since the start of the conflict.

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it had intercepted a Scud ballistic missile fired from Yemen, according to a statement on the Saudi state news agency SPA. “The Saudi Air Defence Forces intercepted a ballistic missile this morning launched from Yemeni territory towards the city of Jizan. It was destroyed without causing any damage,” it said.

Yemen’s Houthi-run state news agency Saba said the attack was aimed at Jizan’s port and hit its target. The launch is the latest of several ballistic missile strikes

by Yemeni forces on its northern neighbour, none of which have caused any reported casualties.

In a separate incident, Bahrain’s official news agency BNA reported on Tuesday that three of its servicemen were killed along Saudi Arabia’s southern border in an accident, without providing details.

Mostly Arab forces intervened in the civil war in Yemen on March 26 after the Houthis forced its government into exile and appeared poised to seize the whole country.

The conflict has seen government and allied ground forces claw back some strategic territory, but has killed almost 6,000 people and plunged the impoverished country into a humanitarian crisis. — Reuters

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THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 201 5 You cannot wear two caps. This is a conflict of interest. Either you are in Parliament or you are associated with a sports association Kiri Azad, BJP parliamentarian

INDIA

AAP, Kirti intensify attack on Jaitley in DDCA scandal AAP senior leader Ashutosh claimed that the letters ‘punctured’ the finance minister’s repeated assertions that he was in no way connected with any wrongdoing in the DDCA, which he headed for 13 years till 2013

In a related development, DDCA said it has decided to file defamation case against Kejriwal and Kirti besides other top AAP functionaries for making ‘wild and baseless’ allegations of corruption against

LEVELLING ALLEGATIONS: AAP leaders Ashutosh, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Dilip Pandey show documents, during a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

the cricket body

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday came under fresh attack over Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) affairs with AAP accusing him of pressurising the then Police Commissioner to “close” investigation involving a cricket club of a bank in 2011 while suspended BJP MP Kirti Azad claimed the SFIO probe report had recommended his “prosecution”.

In a related development, DDCA said it has decided to file defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Azad besides other top AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) functionaries for making “wild and baseless” allegations of corruption against the cricket body.

Fresh disclosures Continuing its offensive against him, AAP released two letters, purportedly written by Jaitley, to then Delhi Police Commissioner B. K. Gupta and then Special Commissioner Ranjit Narayan, requesting them to “fairly” deal with

the matter and “close” the case since “DDCA has done no wrong”.

The party also renewed its demand for Jaitley’s resignation in the wake of the “fresh disclosures”. The letter to Gupta is dated October 27, 2011 while the one written to Narayan is dated May 5, 2012.

Senior AAP leader Ashutosh claimed that the letters “punctured” the finance minister’s repeated assertions that he was in no way connected with any wrongdoing in the Delhi and District Cricket Association, which he headed for 13 years till 2013.

Reacting to the allegations, BJP Spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao asked as to what was wrong in Jaitley writing a letter to the police commissioner.

“He was not even in power so the charge does not stick.”

In the letter to Narayan, Jaitley is quoted as writing that “some persons have been repeatedly approaching Delhi Police with complaints in relation to the identity of the Syndicate Bank Cricket Club.

“The complaints are completely unsubstantiated and do not dis-

close any offence. Certain office bearers of DDCA are feeling harassed by repeated questioning in this regard.

“I would request you to look into this matter so that it can be fairly dealt with and closed since the DDCA has done no wrong.”

When contacted DDCA said the club is under them and that it currently falls in the “institutional” category. “There are two types of clubs namely institutional and private. While a private club receives a subsidy, an institutional does not and that is the broad difference between the two,” a DDCA official said.

Kirti, suspended by BJP for anti-party activities, claimed the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) probe report had recommended “prosecution” of Jaitley in the DDCA affairs even as he targeted more politicians, including party MP and BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur. Azad also appeared to support Kejriwal’s allegation that a DDCA official had sought sexual favours from a woman if she wanted her son to be part of its cricket team, saying

it was not a new thing and he had raised a similar issue in 2007. At a press conference here, Azad quoted from the report of SFIO, which had gone into the Delhi cricket body affairs, to claim that it had recommended “prosecution” of Jaitley among others but it has not been done in the last three years.

“Under the Companies Act, 1956, all the directors were to be assigned particular roles and if they are not, then the term (for action against them) is compounding. Twenty seven executive members, including Jaitley, were not assigned any role. Twenty four of them including Jaitley did not compound.

“So SFIO recommended that under Section 5 G of the Companies Act, the Registrar of Companies should prosecute them for not compounding. It shows the BCCI is above law. It has been three years since the recommendation but they have not been prosecuted,” he said.

Hitting back at Jaitley who had called him a “Trojan horse”, he said, “these were the Trojan horses who did not let it come.

Trojan horses in and outside the Cabinet. I hope it does come.”

Asked to identify the politicians, he named Jaitley, Thakur, Rajeev Shukla, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Farooq Abdullah and Praful Patel. All of them were then, and most still are, involved in cricket administration except Patel, who is All India Football Federation President.

Referring to Thakur, the threetime MP from Darbhagna said, “You cannot wear two caps. This is a conflict of interest. Either you are in Parliament or you are associated with a sports association.”

Refuting the fresh allegations

by Azad and AAP leaders, DDCA said it will sue them having “defamed” the organisation.

‘False’ charges Addressing a press conference where all top DDCA officials were present, Acting President Chetan Chauhan said that a lot of “false” charges have been levelled against the state cricket body and it was forced to take legal recourse against those spreading such disinformation. - PTI

TA K E - O F F A B O R T E D

Close shave for 171 passengers of AI as dog strays on runway AMRITSAR/ MUMBAI: It was a narrow escape for 171 passengers onboard a Dubai-bound Air India flight when a dog appeared on the runway when the plane was taxiing forcing the pilot to abort the take-off at Rajasansi International Airport in Punjab on Wednesday.

An official at the airport said the dog appeared before the front tyre of Amritsar-Dubai Air India Express Flight at around 3.10pm when plane was taxiing to the runway for take-off.

The pilot applied the emergency brakes and brought the plane back to the bay, the official said.

All the 171 passengers were deplaned and a thorough technical checkup of the aircraft was carried out, especially the breaks pressure and position of engine mountings.

After carrying out the necessary check-ups, the plane took off at 7.13 pm for its destination, after nearly four hours of delay.

Meanwhile, in separate incident sighting of a rat in a London-bound Air India plane by passengers on Wednesday forced the pilot to abort take off at the city airport.

The Air India said “though the presence of the rodent was not confirmed”, keeping passenger safety in mind the AI 131 flight returned to the bay and its engineers were investigating the incident.

A standby aircraft was made available to fly the passengers to London and the flight left after a delay of six hours.

The flight from Ahmedabad to London via Mumbai was to take off from Mumbai at 1250 hrs but the plane had to be called back right before take off as passengers saw a rat running around in the cabin.

In a statement, the national carrier said “the AI 131 flight from Mumbai to London returned to the bay today due to suspected rat sighting. Though the presence of the rodent was not confirmed keeping passenger safety in mind the aircraft was brought back. Our engineering team is investigating the incident.” - PTI

COMMENTS

At Sivagiri Mutt, Sonia makes veiled attack on BJP government VARKALA (Kerala): In a veiled attack on BJP, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday said that attempts were being made by “communal ideologies and individuals” to “capture” the legacy of renowned social reformer Sree Narayana Guru for political gain by spreading “prejudice and bigotry”.

The comments by Sonia during her visit to the Sivagiri mutt here in poll-bound Kerala came close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the mutt on December 15 to pay homage to Narayana Guru.

Modi had then hit out at the Congress over constant disruptions in Parliament, accusing it of making a “mockery of democracy” and deciding to “destroy” the country as it cannot reconcile to

the Lok Sabha poll defeat.

Delivering her inaugural address at the 83rd annual pilgrimage at Narayana Guru’s abode at Sivagiri mutt, Sonia also said there were attempts to communalise the Guru’s teachings and this amounts to ‘betraying’ him.

“I believe that there can be no greater betrayal of Sree Narayana Guru than the attempts being made to capture his legacy by communal ideologies and individuals whose motive is political power by spreading prejudice, bigotry and dividing our diverse society,” she said.

Her comments assume significance against the background of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangam (SNDP) yogam, an organisation of the numerically strong backward Ezhava commu-

ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE FUNCTION: Congress president Sonia Gandhi lights the lamps at the inaugural function of the annual pilgrimage at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Kerala on Wednesday. - PTI

the Guru believed in respect to all faiths and motivated his followers to respect all religions.

In 1924, at a congregation in Aluva in Ernakulam he had stressed “the need to abstain from religious conflict and to promote universal peace, harmony and prosperity of all religions,” she added.

Narayana Guru’s teachings of equality, liberty and social justice were of “vital relevance even today,” she said, adding, “in fact I would say that they are (teachings) are more relevant today.”

nity, entering into a tie-up with the BJP in Kerala. Narayana Guru had established the Sivagiri mutt — a major spiritual-cum-pilgrim centre of the backward Ezhava

Caste discrimination Sonia also said that it was sad that caste discrimination still existed in the country.

“Sadly caste discrimination still exists and we still have much work

community in Kerala — as a prime symbol of social reformation and social equality. He always stood for one caste, one religion and one God for mankind. Sonia said

to do in the area. It is for all of us to work in fully eliminating discrimination in the country of any form.

It is in our power to eliminate it,” she added.

Reaching out to Ezhava community, she said the Guru was an “architect of spirituality and social reforms to whom spirituality means service of the poor and weaker and welfare of all humanity. His wisdom continues to inspire millions all over.”

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was denied an invitation to Modi’s function on December 15 kicking up a controversy, said attempts to create division in the society in the name of religion, caste and creed should be challenged by upholding the ideologies of Narayana Guru. - PTI

D E P O R TAT I O N O F I N D I A N S T U D E N T S

New government advisory issued to all Indians travelling to the US NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday issued a new advisory to all Indians travelling to the US following the deportation of a number of Indian students for providing information “inconsistent with their visa status”.

“The US government has conveyed that the decision to deny entry to these (Indian) students is not because of the corresponding institutions being ‘black-listed’ but based on the assessment made by the US immigration authorities of individual applicants,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

“According to the US government, the deported persons had presented information to the border patrol agent which was inconsistent with their visa status,” it added.

Earlier this month, 14 Indian students who had gone to join the Silicon Valley University at San Jose and Northwestern Polytechnic University at Fremont — both in California — were deported by the US authorities.

In a statement, national carrier Air India said it received a communication on December 19 from the Customs and Border Protection that the two universities were under scrutiny and the students who arrived in San Francisco were not allowed to enter the US and were deported back to India. The Indian government said it has taken up this matter with the US government.

The US authorities have been asked to explain the reasons for the denial of entry on a large-scale to Indian students holding valid visas, the government said.

However, according to Wednesday’s external affairs ministry statement, “there have been further cases of denial of entry to Indian students holding valid visas to pursue studies in other US educational institutions”.

“Some Indian nationals travelling on business/tourism/work visas have also been deported,” it stated. According to the statement, India has remained closely engaged with the US government

on the issue and has strongly emphasised the need for the US authorities to honour the visas issued by their own embassies and consulates.

“Meanwhile, it is reiterated that all Indian students seeking admission in US educational institutions should do due diligence to ensure that the institutions to which they are seeking admission have proper authorisation and capacities,” the external affairs ministry statement said.

“Apart from travel documents, the students should also carry all required documentation regarding their study plans, housing, financial support, healthcare arrangements etc. and be prepared for admission (entry to the US) interviews with US immigration officials. Similarly, all Indian nationals travelling to the US on other visas are also advised to carry the necessary supporting documentations regarding place of stay, financial support, medical arrangements, sponsorship details etc.,” it added. - IANS

T H U R S DAY, D E C E MB E R 31 , 2 0 1 5

INDIA

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RESHUFFLE PLANS

Modi wants to revamp cabinet, but can’t find the talent NEW DELHI: After a drubbing in a state poll in November, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to overhaul his cabinet to weed out under performers and improve his government’s image.

Problem is, several sources said, he can’t find the right replacements. As New Delhi buzzes with speculation about changes in several ministries, senior members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and a close aide to Modi said some changes could come early next year but the talent pool was too shallow to engineer a major revamp.

Pressure is mounting on Modi to revive his party’s fortunes.

Nearly two years after he swept to power on a promise of jobs and growth, the shine is coming off — reforms to revive investment have withered and the economy is stuttering. Rural distress has grown after two successive droughts.

Challenge “The challenge is to identify the right candidates who can deliver fast-paced reforms and policies in their work sphere,” the prime minister’s aide said.

Articulate and suave, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has been considered for the defence portfo-

PARLEYS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, listens to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during the

Global Business Summit in New Delhi, in this January 16, 2015 file photo. After a drubbing in a state poll in November, Modi wants to overhaul his cabinet to weed out under-performers and improve his government’s image. - Reuters

lio, another high-profile role that is crucial to Modi’s geopolitical ambitions and plans to boost Indian industry. But there was no one to take Jaitley’s place in finance, the sources said.

A spokesman for Modi declined to comment. An official in Jaitley’s office said they didn’t have any

knowledge of a possible reshuffle.

Modi tends to keep such decisions close to his chest, and the sources said the final decision lay with the prime minister. They added that he has yet to make up his mind on the changes, and that nothing has been confirmed.

Another close aide to the prime

minister dismissed talk of a reshuffle as speculation, saying it had no basis.

The problem with the government’s search for talent is that Modi’s nationalist administration is loath to tap people who are associated with other ideologies, such as liberals or the left.

India successfully test fires Barak-8 missile described the maiden firing of its newly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile as a significant milestone in enhancing its antiair warfare capability

BLAST-OFF: India successfully test-fires nearly 70km range surface to air missile Barak-8 missile

developed with Israel. - IANS

Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.

The firing trial of the LR-SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy, DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.

Israel made MF-STAR radar system is capable of simultaneously tracking hundreds of airborne targets to a range of more than 250km.

Defence Research Development Laboratory(DRDL), Hyderabad, a Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries. The LR-SAM has been manufactured by M/s Bharat Dynamics Limited.

These surface-to-air missiles

are fitted onboard the Kolkata Class Destroyers and would also be fitted on all future major warships of the navy.

The missile along with the MF STAR would provide these ships the capability to neutralise aerial threats at extended ranges.

Barak-8 is designed to defend naval vessels against incoming missiles, planes and drones.

With the successful proving of these systems, the Indian Navy has become part of a select group of navies that have this niche capability, which would provide a fillip to India’s maritime operations. The firing trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy, DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.

It is expected that India and Israel are likely to win orders worth

billions of dollars for the multipurpose Barak-8 missile system.

Designed to defend against a variety of short-to-long-range airborne threats, including fixedwing aircraft, helicopters, drones and projectiles, Barak-8 incorporates phased array multi-mission radar, two-way data link, and a flexible command and control system, enabling users to simultaneously engage multiple targets day and night.

A Barak-8 battery, including the Adir radar system made by IAI subsidiary Elta Systems, a command and control system, and the missile launchers, is already installed on the deck of Israeli Navy ship Lahav, from which the new interceptor was fired last week as part of a complete trial of the system. - PTI

not tolerate remarks by ministers that fan intolerance against minorities. Junior ministers Giriraj Singh and Niranjan Jyoti could be removed after they made public remarks construed as anti-minority, the sources said.

Singh’s and Jyoti’s offices said they have no information about Modi’s reshuffle plans.

Some ministers are also looking for a change.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked to be moved to a portfolio with a more domestic focus, the sources said.

Swaraj’s office said they will not comment about her plans.

‘Hypothetical question’ Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari was offered additional charge of the agriculture ministry, but he declined saying he already had too big a job, the sources said.

A source in Gadkari’s office declined to comment, calling it a “hypothetical question.”

Modi is looking to the RSS and may go further afield in southern and northeastern states to find new, lesser-known faces to bring to his government, his aide said.

That would also give his cabinet a more pan-India feel, the aide said. - Reuters

ODD-EVEN SCHEME

Delhiites resist carpool with strangers, while doctors urge exemption DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal may be encouraging carpooling as the even-odd restriction on car movement is set to start from January 1, but Delhiites are reluctant to go for it, saying that strangers cannot be trusted.

Kejriwal had suggested that people should opt for carpooling to avoid inconvenience. However, many people are considering public transport as an option but not carpooling.

“I do not prefer to sit in a car in which strangers are sitting. Crime has been reported in such cases where people carpool,” said Samiksha, a research scholar at JNU. Some say carpooling is not viable for them because of professional demands.

The Indian Navy

MUMBAI: In a boost to India’s maritime prowess, the Indian Navy on Wednesday successfully test-fired the nearly 70km range surface to air missile Barak-8 from INS Kolkata, paving the way for installation of the system, developed jointly by India and Israel, on board country’s frontline warships.

The navy described the maiden firing of its newly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR SAM) as a significant milestone in enhancing its anti-air warfare capability.

The firing was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by INS Kolkata, wherein the missile successfully intercepted an aerial target at extended ranges, a statement by navy said.

Two missiles were fired on Tuesday and on Wednesday on high speed targets, during naval exercises being undertaken in the Arabian Sea. Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi

At the same time, the right-wing intelligentsia has not developed after decades of rule by the centrist Congress party, under which liberal institutions flourished.

“Compared to the Congress, we have a smaller talent pool and less exposure, but it’s only a matter of time that we expand our base,” BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said.

He said Modi has “embarked on the process of fine-tuning the government machinery and also send a concrete signal that inefficiency will be checked.”

BJP’s defeat in Bihar state polls earlier this year led to calls from within the party and the Hindu group that is its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to remove ministers and party officials who failed to deliver. Although a general election is not due until 2019, the government’s fortunes will depend on upcoming provincial polls, including an election in bellwether Uttar Pradesh state in 2017.

Top RSS and BJP leaders are expected to meet in New Delhi in the second week of January, where these issues are likely to be discussed.

A revamp is also expected to send the message that Modi will

Extremely difficult Sanjiv Bhoi, additional medical superintendent, AIIMS Trauma Centre, questioned why doctors were not exempted from the scheme, adding that carpooling will not work for him.

“It will be extremely difficult for doctors to abide by the odd-even rule. Even if it is just 15 days, we

doctors cannot be totally dependent on carpooling or public transport,” Bhoi said.

“Those who are working in government offices can carpool since they have similar office timings but such is not our case,” he said.

“What if we get an emergency call and have to rush to some other location in the day? If they (the Delhi government) have exempted emergency vehicles such as ambulance, then they should have thought of doctors as well,” he added.

Rajesh Sagar, a psychiatrist at AIIMS, spoke on similar lines.

“Carpooling will not be a feasible option for me since my work timings are very different. It is fine when people working for a particular organisation are residing nearby, then carpooling becomes much easier.”

“In the end, it is the hospital which will have to bear the brunt of it. On paper, it (carpooling) looks good, but we all can’t be dependent on the idea of sharing one vehicle to reach our workplace. Certain professions might suffer because of the odd-even scheme,” he added. - IANS

MOVE TO CURB POLLUTION: Delhi’s skyline as traffic moves around

the outer circle of Connaught Place in New Delhi. Millions of Delhi residents will have to find alternative ways to work from January 1, 2016, when authorities launch the even-odd scheme. - AFP file Photo

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THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 201 5

PAKISTAN ELECTRICITY PROJECT

MARDAN SUICIDE BLAST VICTIMS

‘Nandipur inquiry found Rs133b loss’

Pakistani relatives tend to a victim injured in a suicide bombing at a hospital in Mardan on Wednesday. At least 25 people were killed and dozens wounded when a Taliban suicide bomber on a motorbike crashed into the main gate of a government office in the northwest Pakistani town of Mardan on December 29, officials said. —AFP

ISLAMABAD: While ruling out corruption in a multibillion-rupee electricity project, Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif told a parliamentary panel on Tuesday that an inquiry has unearthed that a delay in timely completion of the 425MW Nandipur Power Project caused a loss of Rs113 billion to the national exchequer.

Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Water and Power, Asif said the project was delayed because of the law ministry as it could not forward its legal opinion on some matters. Government engineers did not have the capacity to make the power plant operational, he added.

Not outsourced “The project was delayed because the plant was not outsourced by the previous government,” he said, adding that all outstanding issues would be resolved in one year.

— Express Tribune

Sharif opens China economic corridor western route in Zhob Chinese trucks seen surpassing Japan rigs

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced the construction of an international-level airport in Gwadar along side the development of a deep sea port

QUETTA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said development projects in Balochistan is the top most agenda of the government of Pakistan.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Zhob, the premier announced the construction of an international-level airport in Gwadar along side the development of a deep sea port.

Addressing a gathering after the inauguration, the premier said, “With the establishment of an airport and a sea port, Balochistan will not only connect with the rest of Pakistan but will also connect with the whole world.”

“We believe that Balochistan has the first right over all resources which have been explored in the province.”

All developmental projects will

AMBITIOUS PROJECTS: With the establishment of an airport and a sea port, Balochistan will not only connect with the rest of Pakistan

but will also connect with the whole world, said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing a gathering in Zhob. — File photo

be completed by December 2017, Nawaz said, while adding that “the era of prosperity in Pakistan will begin with the completion of these projects in Balochistan.”

Further, the premier congratulated Rahila Durrani for being

elected as the first-ever female speaker of the Balochistan Assembly. ”It is not only an honour for Balochistan but also for Pakistan that a female assembly speaker has been elected in the province.”

Appreciating all political par-

ties for their consensus on CPECrelated projects, PM Nawaz informed those in attendance that a total of Rs200 billion is being spent on the construction of roads in Balochistan, while adding that the Gwadar to Karachi coastal

highway will be converted into a motorway.

“The 454km road between Hoshab, Panjgur and Suhrab will be completed by December 2016,” the premier announced. — Express Tribune

KARACHI: Chinese trucks may become a more common sight than Japanese rigs on Pakistan’s roads as rising infrastructure investment creates demand for cheap and durable commercial vehicles.

Karachi-based Ghandhara Nissan Ltd. began assembling China’s Dongfeng trucks in 2013, in addition to Japan’s UD brand. Ghandhara forecasts its Chinese truck sales will more than double to about 200 units in the year ending June and surpass UD deliveries in the next two years, according to Muazzam Pervaiz Malik, a senior executive director at the company.

“Initially they were scared about the quality, but China has improved,” Malik said. “With the China- Pakistan economic corridor, more dams and motorways, we expect truck demand to grow.” — Bloomberg News

OBITUARY

PTV founder Azhar dies at 83 ISLAMABAD: Legendary broadcaster, intellectual and progressive ideologue Aslam Azhar died on Tuesday at the age of 83, family sources told The Express Tribune.

He will be laid to rest at the capital’s H-11 graveyard on Wednesday. He had undergone prostate surgery last month and was stable. On Tuesday he got choked and died at home.

Azhar leaves behind his wife, Nasreen Azhar, a human rights activist, two sons — Osama and Arieb Azhar — a daughter and a large number of friends, colleagues and admirers to mourn his death.

Many talents Born in September of 1932 in Lahore, Azhar did his bachelor’s from Government College Lahore. After completion of his Masters in Law degree from the Cambridge University in 1954, Azhar, a man of many talents, joined the Department of Films and Publications as a freelancer.

Azhar, having experience of theatre and broadcasting, was asked on November 26, 1964, to

Aslam Azhar

run a three-month pilot project at the lawns of Radio Pakistan, Lahore. The project was a success due to the untiring efforts of Azhar and his team.

He very quickly brought together a first class team of designers, cameramen, writers and artists and established stations at Karachi, Lahore and Quetta, bringing quality programming and latest equipment.

Azhar has to his credit among other initiatives, like the first PTV award ceremony of 1982-83, Music 89, marathon transmissions on 1970 elections and the Islamic Summit held in Lahore.

He produced Roobroo, hosted

by Mohsin Sherazi, which became

quite popular. Khuda ki Basti and many other plays got new lease of life under his able leadership.

Before the 1977 elections, Zulikar Ali Bhutto made him head of the PTV Training Academy.

He remained associated with the radio and television in various capacities until the end of Benazir Bhutto’s first government in 1990 except for the ten years rule of General Ziaul Haq. With General Ziaul Haq in the saddle, Azhar had to move to Karachi where he started Dastak Theatre group to highlight issues of working classes. Short plays on social themes relating to workers, students and women were adapted, translated and performed.

He played Galileo in Bertolt Brecht’s play Life of Galileo on the golden jubilee of Progressive Writers’ Association held in Karachi in 1986. During the first government of Benazir Bhutto, he was appointed chairman of both Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and the PTV. In recognition of his services, the government conferred upon him Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in 1968. — Express Tribune

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NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN NEPAL

Gurung girls wearing traditional costumes dance while taking part in a New Year parade in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday.

Members of the Gurung community in Nepal celebrate their Tamu Lhosar or Losar (New Year) with a feast and various cultural programmes to usher in the year of the Monkey. - Reuters

Vietnam warns against ‘toxic’ Internet activity ahead of party shakeup HANOI: Vietnam sought to discourage its Internet-savvy public on Wednesday from reading Web postings that disparaged its Communist Party, warning of an increase in “toxic” activity just weeks away from its scheduled leadership shakeup.

Using its new Facebook page, the government vowed to tackle social media criticism of the party without interrupting the Internet ahead its five-yearly congress in January, and said most attacks originated from outside of the country.

“These pages are most distorting and talking bad about our party’s leaders, government and policies,” Truong Minh Tuan, the deputy minister of information and communications, wrote in the Facebook posting.

“We expect more such bad pages appearing around the congress and election.”

Managing the Internet, especially social media, has become a tricky balancing act for a party that for 40 years has tightly controlled Vietnam but risks upsetting its public if it introduces sweeping China-style Web restrictions.

Top aide to North Korean leader dies in road crash development of Sino-North Korea ties,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing.

Kim Yang Gon, who died on Tuesday in

With regard to South Korean policy, Kim Yang Gon had a very good social network and was a good interlocutor for the North with the South,

a road accident at the age of 73, had appeared to grow closer to Kim Jong Un recently

SEOUL: A senior North Korean ruling party official and a top aide to leader Kim Jong Un has died in a car accident, the state news agency reported on Wednesday, the latest dramatic demise in the close circle of deputies to the country’s leader.

Kim Yang Gon, who was a secretary of the Workers’ Party and the head of its United Front Department, the unit that handles ties with South Korea, was Kim Jong Un’s “closest comrade, a solid revolutionary partner”, the KCNA news agency said.

Kim died on Tuesday in an automobile accident at the age of 73, the agency said. It gave no details of the accident.

Kim was part of a high-level del-

FATAL MISHAP: Kim Yang-Gon, a top North Korean official in charge of ties with South Korea and reunification, was killed in a road accident, Pyongyang’s state media said on Tuesday. - AFP file photo

egation that held talks in August after North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire, raising tension between the old rivals to one of its highest levels in years.

The talks produced an agreement that ended the standoff, and for the two sides to reopen dialogue to improve ties.

Kim had appeared to grow closer to Kim Jong Un recently, accompanying the young leader at various farm and factory inspec-

SHENZHEN CITY

Experienced adviser He was an experienced adviser with a broad understanding of foreign affairs, according to Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea’s leadership.

“With regard to South Korean policy, Kim Yang Gon had a very good social network and was a good interlocutor for the North with the South,” Madden said.

Expert on North Korea’s leadership

South Korea expressed condolences in a message from its Unification Minister sent through the Panmunjom truce village on the militarised border, an official said.

China, North Korea’s main economic and diplomatic backer, expressed its condolences too, saying Kim had made positive achievements in promoting relations.

“Comrade Kim Yang Gon dedicated himself for a long time to the

CONFIDENCE BUILDING

China, Taiwan open first hotline to ease tension BEIJING/TAIPEI: China and Taiwan began operating the first telephone hotline between the two nations on Wednesday, set up as a confidence building and tension reducing measure, with senior officials exchanging New Year’s greetings.

The step was agreed during a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou in Singapore last month.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said the first call was between Zhang Zhijun, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, and Andrew Hsia, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, who wished each other happy New Year.

Zhang and Hsia also talked about the important achievements both sides had made in the past year in promoting the peaceful development of relations, spokesman Ma said. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council confirmed the call took place, but did not immediately provide any other details.

Relations have improved rapidly since Ma Ying-jeou became Taiwan president in 2008, and the two have signed a series of landmark trade and tourism deals.

Still, deep suspicions remain.

China is also looking warily at January’s presidential elections in Taiwan, which are likely to return the independence-leaning opposition Democratic Progressive Party to power. - PTI

STOCKPILES LEACH IN MONSOON SEASON

Asia’s largest underground railway station opens BEIJING: Asia’s largest underground railway station, covering a total area of 147,000 square metres, opened on Wednesday in China’s southern Shenzhen city.

The Futian High-speed Railway Station in downtown Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, covers a total area of 147,000 square meters, or about the size of 21 football fields. Its three underground floors have seating for 3,000 passengers, according to Guangzhou Railway Corporation, which operates the station.

With the opening of the new station, travel time between Guangzhou and Hong Kong will be slashed to half an hour. The travel time between Guangzhou and Hong Kong takes about two hours by ordinary train. Residents in Shenzhen, which is adjacent to Hong Kong, can reach Hong Kong in 15 minutes.

According to the train timetable, there will be 11 pairs of highspeed trains between the Futian Station and Guangzhou South Station each day from Wednesday

tions and diplomatic meetings.

Michael Madden

‘Suspicious deaths’ Kim Jong Un has dismissed a string of top aides since he took over when his father died suddenly in 2011.

In 2013, he purged and executed his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was once considered the second most powerful man in the country, for “anti-revolutionary crimes”.

North Korea’s road network is badly maintained and car ownership is rare yet several high-level officials have died in traffic accidents over the years.

In 1976, an official said to be a rival to then-president Kim Il Sung died in a car crash.

In 2003, a predecessor to Kim Yang Gon died in a traffic accident and in 2010 top official Ri Je Gang also died in a crash.

“North Korea has a long track record of suspicious deaths around high-level officials,” said North Korea expert Andrei Lankov.

“Most die either because they are machine-gunned, or they die in car crashes”.

“There are almost no cars and security for high-officials travelling in cars is extremely tight. Given that, one is bound to be sceptical about any such report coming from North Korea.” - Reuters

Discussion of politics remains strictly taboo and authorities have dealt harshly with online dissent, with rights groups angered by the arrests, intimidation and jailing of dozens of bloggers and activists. The Internet is hugely popular and used by 49 percent of the 90-million-strong population, of which two-thirds is under the age of 30, fuelling strong smartphone sales.

A third of Vietnamese use Facebook, a figure cited by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung last month when he issued a 1,100word open letter appealing to the public to use the platform responsibly.

The Communist Party congress will see a new party chief and powerful politburo elected by members of its Central Committee, but the identities of potential leadership candidates remain a tightly kept secret.

Much is riding on the congress, which is closely watched by foreign governments and investors keen to get a read on a process that could determine Vietnam’s foreign policy trajectory and pace and scope of its pro-business reforms. - Reuters

ONE OF ITS KIND: A stationary high speed train is seen at Futian railway station, Asia’s largest underground railway station, in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, on Wednesday. - AFP

to January 9. Another 12 round trips will be added to the schedule every day starting January 10, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Xue Weihe, a local railway official, said the daily passenger flow through the station is expected to be 10,000 on average during the initial period. - PTI

Rivers, sea run red after heavy rain in Malaysia as export of bauxite booms KUALA LUMPUR: Rivers and the sea ran red in parts of Malaysia this week after two days of heavy rain brought an increase in run-off from the booming and largely unregulated bauxite mining industry.

Demand from China for the aluminium ingredient has fed a rapid rise in bauxite mining in the thirdlargest state of Pahang, in the east of peninsular Malaysia, and concern is growing about the impact on the environment.

Media on Wednesday showed images of red seas and rivers near the state capital of Kuantan, the centre of the industry and the location of a port from which much of the bauxite is shipped.

Reporters said the sea were discoloured along a 15km (9 mile) stretch of coast.

Concerned “Of course the federal government and state government are concerned,” Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said.

Residents have complained of contamination of water sources and the destruction of their environment as mining operations remove the red earth rich in bauxite

“There has been an ongoing discussion but unfortunately during the monsoon season things got worse. Stockpiles leach out into the sea.”

In just three years, Malaysia has transformed itself from a modest supplier to the top source of the material for China. The change came after Indonesia banned bauxite exports in early 2014, forcing China, the world’s top aluminium producer, to seek supplies elsewhere. In the first 11 months of 2015, Malaysia shipped more than 20 million tonnes of bauxite to China, up nearly 700 per cent on the previous year.

In 2013, it shipped just 162,000 tonnes. Residents have complained of contamination of water sources and the destruction of their environment as mining operations remove the red earth rich in bauxite.

Wan Junaidi has told parliament there is little regulation of the industry and how it manages waste. The ministry has prepared regulations but they have yet to be adopted by the state.

Kuantan member of parliament Fuziah Salleh said it was a simple process for companies to get a licence to extract laterites, basic materials for aluminium produc-

tion. Once they have the licences, they can start extracting, she said.

The state government has done little to protect the environment and residents during the industry’s growth, she said.

Unusable for consumption This was despite it finding in August that levels of aluminium, mercury, arsenic and manganese in one river were at a level so high it was unusable for consumption, irrigation or recreation, she said. Fuziah cited a report from the state’s environment department, a copy of which she showed to Reuters.

“The situation is lawless,” she told Reuters. “It’s a free for all.

Bauxite could easily be sustainable but they are doing terrible things to the environment.”

Pahang’s top environment official was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.

Media has reported angry residents burning trucks taking bauxite to the port in protest over the environmental impact. - Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM New jobs for Omanis in construction a welcome news This refers to the news report, New rules set to create 33,000 jobs for Omanis, (December 29). It is a welcome news for the Omani youth as they look for better and improved career growth. As construction and infrastructure development are key activities, the job prospects in these fields are much more compared to other areas of trade and business. Therefore, the initiatives offering to generate confidence among Omani youths who are eager to take up challenging positions. Also, it is critical for qualified personnel to secure appropriate job positions due to the preScan this QR code vailing global uncertainty, mainly because to send letters to the of the falling oil prices and the increasReaders’ Forum, ing threats of conflicts — which prompt containing not more than 200 words with unethical spending of hard-earned money. full name, address It is important that the youth realise their and telephone relevance, especially in the current global number, may be sent economic scenario. by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

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P.C. 112, Ruwi).

South Africa to face uphill task after sublime England victory This refers to the news report, Clinical England beat South Africa by 241 runs, (December 30). It is heartening to see England’s players perform so sublimely. I am sure the Proteas will look to bounce back but their history of being chokers will surely hurt their mental approach to the game. — Sidney Abbott, Qurum

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.

ELMER G. LETTERMAN

Obama and the limits of executive action he year of 2015 was supposed to be the year President Barack Obama would use unilateral executive action to accomplish major goals of his administration that had been blocked by Congress: Relaxing deportations, closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and restricting access to guns.

But all three goals stalled. Obama’s executive action on immigration, announced in November 2014, was stymied in the federal courts, and the Supreme Court has yet to decide whether to hear the administration’s appeal. An executive plan to close Guantanamo, rumoured to be on the verge of announcement, was held back after the Paris attacks.

And although some executive action on guns is still expected in the next year, it’s sure to be challenged in court and, as a result, may not take effect during Obama’s presidency.

For liberals who relished the idea of Obama unbound, the limitations on executive action, both legal and political, feel like unfair usurpations of legitimate presidential power. For conservatives who don’t like the policies that Obama would enact, the delays surely come as evidence that the tripartite system of government is a working relationship.

Who’s right? The question is important — and not just because it’s a reminder that liberals don’t always favour a weaker executive nor conservatives a stronger one. If the next president is Hillary Clinton, it’s likely to recur, because the Senate seems unlikely to turn Democratic and the House even less so. The season of New Year’s resolutions is a good time to ask yourself: What do you really believe about executive power, independent of who occupies the office?

There are, very roughly speaking, two different ways to think about the constitutional separation of powers. One is essentially textual and historical. It asks what the constitution says. And because the constitution’s pronouncements on each branch’s power are cryptic and brief, this approach also asks how it’s been interpreted over the years.

The other way of addressing the question is functional. It asks how our government works in practice — and how we want it to.

Start with the words of the constitution itself,

which give “all legislative powers herein granted” to Congress; “the judicial power” to the judiciary; and “the executive power” to the president.

Advocates of the so-called “unitary executive” like to emphasise that Congress’s powers are limited to those enumerated, while the president’s executive power is unmodified except by the definite article. But it’s possible to make too much of that argument. The framers — especially James Madison — thought that, by definition, the job of the executive was to execute the laws made by Congress.

The limitations on Congress’s powers were therefore understood as extending to the president as well.

The other powers of the president, such as his roles as commander in chief and treaty maker, were expressly granted by the text of the constitution — and they could only be exercised in conjunction with Congress, which retained the power to declare war and (through the Senate) to approve treaties.

The upshot of all this is that the constitution won’t really tell you what you should think about unilateral executive action. Rather, whatever you conclude can be read backward into the text.

Custom might be a better guide. It’s traditional for the courts to treat the history of executive action as a “gloss” upon the president’s constitutional powers when they’re deciding who’s in charge of what. Seen in historic terms, Obama’s struggles with executive action make a good deal of sense.

It can be terribly frustrating and even dysfunctional to live under a constitutional system that invites gridlock in the face of controversy. The US constitutional system does that — not only by legal design, but also by functional design. Our twoparty system over time developed the norm of allowing the party without the presidency to block action, especially when it controls Congress.

Liberals today might not like that. But they should remember that if Donald Trump became president, they’d suddenly become ardent advocates for limitations on what the president could do alone. As for conservatives, the next time they control the presidency, they should remember their own arguments for limiting presidential power — and not curse the courts or politics when those forces encourage gridlock the next time. - Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2000 GSM tariff cut to RO4 a month MUSCAT: Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) has announced wide-ranging concessions for the GSM users.

The GSM monthly subscription charge and the SIM card rate will come down heavily. Moreover, the connection charges and feature set-up charges will be done away with for the GSM subscribers. This fresh move from Omantel follows the directive from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. While the GSM monthly subscription has been brought down by one-third, from RO6 to RO4, the SIM card rate has nose-dived by 53 per cent from the current RO15 to RO7.

PICTOGRAPH

NUMBER OF NURSES IN OMAN 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

19,000 16,000 13,000

17,000

14,000

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

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

1852: The richest year of the gold rush ends with $81.3 million in gold produced.

1911: Helene Dutrieu wins the Femina aviation cup in Etampes.

She sets a distance record for women at 158 miles.

1923: The Sahara Desert is crossed by an automobile for the first time.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

T H U R S DAY, D E C E MB E R 31 , 2 0 1 5 Established in 2008, the centre, located near to Jozani Chawka Bay National Park, is one of Africa’s largest butterfly exhibits, housing more than fifty species of native butterflies, including the hard-tocatch flying handkerchief, a black and white African swallowtail.

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SPECIAL

Rearing butterflies to save forests Zanzibar Butterfly Centre aims to protect the island’s threatened forest, so local people are being trained to rear butterflies, under a scheme that tries to prevent deforestation by giving people a financial stake in keeping forest intact PETE (TANZANIA): The colourful butterflies fluttering through Zanzibar’s Jozani forest are beautiful to look at, but for farmers and charcoal producers in the region, they mean something more: a paycheck.

In an effort to protect the island’s threatened forest, local people are being trained to rear butterflies, under a scheme that tries to prevent deforestation by giving people a financial stake in keeping the forest intact.

Jozani forest, which lies between the mangrove-filled bays of Chwaka and Uzi on Unguja Island, is a large mature woodlands that is home to an array of endangered species, including the colourful Red colobus monkey. But for all its beauty, the forest is under huge pressure from rapid deforestation due to charcoal production and unsustainable farming.

A community-run initiative, the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, aims to change that by retraining charcoal producers in villages surrounding the forest as butterfly farmers.

“We cannot stop anyone from producing charcoal. However, we try to educate people about the damaging effects it has on the environment,” Natalie Tempel-Merzougui, the project’s facilitator, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The programme offers training and equipment to butterfly farmers, the most successful of whom can earn as much as $250 a month selling butterfly pupae to the centre’s own tourist exhibit and to overseas buyers, she said.

Butterfly farmers operate by catching a few female butterflies and transferring them to mesh cages so they can lay eggs. Farmers then collect the eggs and raise the caterpillars by feeding them on host plants until they turn to pupae.

It’s at this stage that farmers start earning by selling the pupae to the butterfly centre, which sells them for export or keeps them until they hatch, to display for tourists.

Established in 2008, the centre, located near to Jozani Chawka Bay National Park, is one of Africa’s largest butterfly exhibits, housing more than fifty species of native butterflies, including the hard-tocatch flying handkerchief, a black and white African swallowtail.

The centre, which works closely with Jozani Environmental Conservation Association, draws tourists interested in seeing and learning about butterfly species.

“The aim is to create awareness on the importance of protecting forests and also to give local residents additional income,” Merzoughui said.

Improved income Rungu Hamisi, one of the butterfly farmers who used to earn a living making charcoal, said raising butterflies has improved his income remarkably. “Butterfly rearing is much easier than charcoal making, which requires a lot of work.

I get enough money to support my family,” he said.

He said one of the benefits of farming butterflies, rather than crops, is that they mature quickly.

“Once the eggs hatch and become caterpillars, it takes only a matter of weeks before they transform into butterflies ready for sale,” he said.

According to butterfly centre officials, the project has also created opportunity for women since butterfly rearing can fit easily around domestic chores. “I get enough money to feed my children without necessarily destroying forests,” said Mwamvua Ali, 49, who said she likes raising the “flying handkerchief” as it lays lots of eggs.

While many types of agriculture require the clearing of forest,

PREVENTING DEFORESTATION: Butterfly farmers operate by catching a few female butterflies and transferring them to mesh cages so they can lay eggs. Farmers then collect the eggs and raise the caterpillars by feeding them on host plants until they turn to pupae. – Files

The project has also created opportunity for women since butterfly rearing can fit easily around domestic chores which can drive climate change and the loss of species, butterfly farming requires intact forest which provides an economic incentive to conserve them, Merzoughui said. Alfred George, the assistant manager of the butterfly centre, said that through the project many farmers at Pete village have realised the importance of conserving forests and some are already reaping better returns from butterfly rearing.

“A lot of trees are being cut to provide firewood for local communities who rely on charcoal as their sole source of energy,” George told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

But “most of the farmers we have trained to rear butterflies no longer cut down trees”, he said.

Safina Omar who began producing charcoal after she was banned from farming near the Jozani forest, said butterfly farming has given her a workable alternative.

“I knew charcoal trade is bad for environment but I was doing it because I couldn’t immediately think of any other way to make money, yet I had many children to take care of,” she said.

Although the initiative is not in itself a solution for deforestation, it has helped create awareness and a sense of ownership of the forest among the farmers, George said.

A similar project is run by 250 local farmers in Tanzania’s East Usambara Mountains, a region known for its biodiversity but where forests are being cleared to produce charcoal and to open up farmland.

According to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, the amount each farmer earns varies depending on how many pupae they bring to the centre and of what species. “We pay more for species that are rarer and harder to farm. We see some of our top farmers earn up to 500,000 Tanzanian shillings ($250) per month,” Merzougui said.

Charcoal and firewood comprise about 90 percent of energy used for cooking in Tanzania, according to the World Bank.

The government estimates between 130,000 and 500,000 hectares of forests are destroyed each year as a result of charcoal production, poor farming and overgrazing. — Thomson Reuters Foundation

‘DOING IT FOR GRANDCHILDREN’: Jake Milarch, left, and Andrew Kittsley of the non-profit organisation Archangel Ancient Tree

Archive prepare to climb a 2,000-year-old bald cypress tree in Longwood, Florida, in this handout picture taken on Monday.

– Reuters/Archangel Ancient Trees/Handout via Reuters

Genes from rare Florida tree to regrow forest of ‘ancient giants’ ORLANDO (FLORIDA): An experiment in regrowing forests of the world’s oldest trees led environmentalists this week to climb a nine-story tall, 2,000-year-old cypress in central Florida known as Lady Liberty.

After plucking cuttings from her crown, climbers packed them on ice and shipped the specimens overnight to the nonprofit Archangel Ancient Tree Archive’s nursery in northern Michigan.

Organisers hope to root the clippings to grow genetically identical trees that will be replanted elsewhere in Florida in an effort to grow a new forest

of giant cypresses. The organisation is engaged in similar projects in the US Pacific Northwest, Ireland and England to preserve the offspring of the best surviving specimens of ancient trees. “If you ask any of us why we’re doing it, it’s for our grandchildren,” said David Milarch, co-founder of the group, which aims to build new forests of 200 clones and younger trees to promote cross-pollination and help combat global warming.

He said 98 per cent of the United State’s “old growth forest,” or natural forest which has survived at least 120 years, has been destroyed.

That was nearly the fate of

Lady Liberty and a sister tree, called the Senator, which was 3,500 years old and about 118 feet tall when it was burned to the ground in 2012 by an arsonist.

Archangel took a cutting from what remains of the Senator and hopes to reroot it as well. Trees bred from the Florida cypress will be planted north of Lady Liberty’s home near Orlando, close to the Florida-Georgia state line, to account for warming climate patterns. “It’s a valid attempt.

It’s based on sound science and professional techniques. We have high hopes,” said Andrew Kittsley, a plant biologist and

the city of Orlando’s forestry manager, who was one of the climbers this week.

Archangel organisers since 2012 have been planting in Port Orford, Oregon, what it calls a “super grove” of cloned coast redwoods and giant sequoias that were selected from the best specimens in Oregon and California, Milarch said.

Archangel has provided clones to the environmental attraction called the Eden Project in Cornwall, England to start a redwood forest, Milarch said.

In Ireland, the group has propagated specimens from ancient oak trees that have been dying off, he said. — Reuters

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THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 201 5

GLOBAL EYE

ARGENTINA: View of a flooded street in Concordia, Entre Rios province, Argentina, on Wednesday. Over recent days the storms blamed on the ‘El Nino’ weather phenomenon have killed four people in Brazil and two in Argentina. Officials say rainfall has driven at least 160,000 people from their homes in Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. — AFP/STR

JAPAN: A female walrus Pico pounds rice in a mortar with a mallet

BRAZIL: Thousands of biodegradable balloons in the colours of the Brazilian national flag are released by members of a trade associa-

tion as a New Year celebration in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday. — AFP

to make rice cake during an event for the New Year at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium park in Yokohama, suburb of Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday. The show will last until January 11 twice a day in the park. — AFP

ROMANIA: People wearing bear skins dance on the streets of

Comanesti city during a parade on Wednesday. From Christmas Eve until after New Year and the Romanians bring to life the various rituals, which often include costumes and masks evoking animals, such as bears, horses or goats. — AFP

UNITED STATES: Demonstrators march on Ontario St. on Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. Protestors took to the street the day after a grand jury declined to indict Cleveland Police officer Timothy Loehmann for the fatal shooting of Tamir Rice on Wednesday. — Angelo Merendino/Getty Images/AFP

GERMANY: A paraglider is seen prior to the ski jumping event in Oberstdorf, southern Germany, which is the first station of the Four-Hills Ski Jumping tournament (Vierschanzentournee), on Wednesday. — AFP

T H U R S DAY, D E C E MB E R 31 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD EXTREMISM

IS leader linked to Paris attackers killed in air strikes

DELUGE: A man lays sandbags at the door of a shop in a flooded

area along the River Nith, which burst its banks, in Dumfries, southern Scotland, on Wednesday after heavy rainfall brought by Storm Frank. — AFP

Storm batters northern Britain Further heavy rain was predicted as the Storm Frank swept across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, sparking warnings of more significant flooding

LONDON: Torrential rain and gale force winds battered northern Britain on Wednesday, cutting power to thousands of homes and forcing some to evacuate flooded streets in the third major storm in a month.

The Environment Agency said Britain had faced an extraordinary period of severe weather and flooding in December, with consultants PwC warning that the latest deluge from Storm Frank could take total losses above 3 billion pounds ($4.5 billion).

Further heavy rain was predicted to fall as the latest storm swept across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, sparking warnings of more significant flooding.

Sandbags A Chinook helicopter was being used to deposit sandbags.

In the North Yorkshire town of Tadcaster late on Tuesday, part of an 18th century stone bridge crumbled into the racing river.

“The weather remains hugely

challenging, with more rain threatening to cause further flooding in Cumbria and Yorkshire today and into New Year’s Eve,” said Craig Woolhouse at the Environment Agency.

Around 6,700 properties were flooded in northern England in the last week as river levels reached all time highs, while three severe flood warnings remain in place, meaning there is a danger to life.

Evacuations in Scotland In Northern Ireland and the Republic, roads flooded, flights were delayed and thousands went without power while in Scotland, local media reports said people were being evacuated from their homes in the north east town of Ballater by dingy.

PwC on Wednesday raised its estimate of insured losses from two earlier storms - Desmond and Eva - to between 900 million pounds and 1.2 billion pounds from an earlier range of 700 million to 1 billion pounds.

“The storms this time have generated a far greater proportion of non-insured losses compared to the total economic damage,” said Mohammad Khan, general insurance leader at PwC, in a statement.

“Many of the smaller and family-run businesses that have been impacted by Eva and Desmond will not have commercial insurance in place due to the impact of the recession and lower business volumes in recent years.”

A government-backed scheme to make flood insurance affordable is due to launch in April.

But the scheme, Flood Re, does not cover small businesses.

Consultancy KPMG has put the potential economic losses at more than 5 billion pounds, including 2 billion pounds for flood defences. — Reuters

ASYLUM SEEKERS

Germany set to clock over a million migrants BERLIN: Germany will have registered just over a million migrants by the end of the year, a regional newspaper said on Wednesday, roughly in line with the latest predictions but still about five times more than last year.

Citing unpublished government figures, the Saechsische Zeitung reported that the authorities expect about 125,000 asylum seekers to have registered on Germany’s EASY system in December, down considerably from 206,000 last month. — Reuters

PARIS: Charaffe Al Mouadan, an IS leader killed by air strikes in Syria last week, was linked to at least two Paris attackers and had trained in a local shooting club with one of them, officials said on Wednesday.

In another dimension of the investigation into the November 13 shooting and bombing rampage in Paris, a source close to the inquiry confirmed a report that said at least one man was suspected of having coordinated the attacks from Belgium via mobile phone as they were being carried out.

The disclosures helped flesh out a picture of the Paris attackers and how their operation unfolded, as well as of flaws in France’s surveillance and supervision of militant suspects.

Al Mouadan, 26, was close to Paris attacker Samy Amimour, a 28-year-old former bus driver who blew himself up in Paris’s Bataclan concert hall, the mayor of the Paris suburb where both grew up said. Both had plans to get to Yemen in 2012 and subsequently left France for war-torn Syria in 2013, Drancy Mayor Jean-Christophe Lagarde said.

— Reuters

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THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 201 5

WORLD

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Hundreds evacuated in US after widespread flooding rivers, including the Mississippi, and tributaries in Missouri and Illinois were poised to crest at record levels

Major rivers Several major rivers, including the Mississippi, and tributaries in Missouri and Illinois were poised to crest at record levels, the National Weather Service said, but parts of the region already are inundated.

News video showed homes and business already surrounded by water almost up to their roofs in Missouri while crews in other areas put up sand bag barriers in hopes of keeping out floodwaters.

Syrian troops enter town held by rebels BEIRUT: Syrian troops fought their way into a rebel-held town in the southern province of Deraa on Wednesday in an assault which rebels said was supported by the heaviest Russian aerial bombing campaign so far in the south.

Troops were in Sheikh Maskin’s main square and had taken over the eastern and northern neighbourhoods of the town which lies on a major supply route from the Syrian capital, Damascus, to the city of Deraa, the army said in a statement.

A rebel source confirmed troops had entered parts of the town and said fierce clashes were raging in the eastern neighbourhood known as the Masaken - an area of dozens of apartment buildings that formerly housed top army officers.

A commander in a leading rebel group fighting in the area said the heavy Russian bombing on their posts, where rebels had counted at least 100 raids in the past two days, had been decisive in tipping the balance against the rebels.

Several major

UNION (MISSOURI): Rainswollen rivers rose across Missouri on Wednesday with widespread flooding forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people, closing parts of a major interstate highway and threatening to wash out scores of structures.

At least 13 people have died in Missouri since the weekend, when days of downpours from a massive winter storm system triggered the state’s worst flooding in two decades, Governor Jay Nixon said.

Nixon called the flooding “very historic and dangerous” and urged motorists not to drive into moving water. A dozen of the deaths in Missouri were due to people driving into flooded areas, Nixon told CNN on Wednesday.

WA R W I T H I N NAT I O N

INUNDATED: Submerged roads and houses are seen after several days of heavy rain led to flooding, in an aerial view over Union, Missouri on Tuesday. – Reuters

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Nixon has called out the National Guard to help in his state.

Flood warnings stretch from eastern Oklahoma into southeastern Kansas, southern Missouri, central Illinois and parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, and the Florida panhandle, the NWS said.

A total of 46 locations are experiencing major flooding.

At the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, about 20 miles (32 km) north of St. Louis,

residents of the towns West Alton and Arnold were told to evacuate on Tuesday. The US Coast Guard closed a 5-mile (8 km) stretch of the Mississippi near St. Louis on Tuesday to all vessel traffic due to hazardous conditions.

The National Weather Service forecast the Mississippi River at the Chester, Illinois, river gauge

about 60 miles (100 km) south of St. Louis would crest at 49.7 feet (15.1 meters) on Friday - matching the 1993 record.

The floodwaters have forced the closure of roadways and highways, including multiple sections of Interstate 44, a major highway that runs from western Texas to St. Louis, the Missouri Depart-

ment of Transportation said on Wednesday. Sewage has been flowing into the fast-rising Meramec River near St. Louis since Monday, when floodwater disabled a sewer treatment plant, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

In Illinois, some inmates were moved out of the Menard Correctional Center, a maximum-security prison on the banks of the Mississippi River, and sandbags and drinking water were prepared in anticipation of flooding in lower level cell blocks, Illinois officials said in a statement. Governor Bruce Rauner on Tuesday issued a state disaster proclamation for seven counties to help with response and recovery. — Reuters

Heaviest bombing “This is the heaviest Russian bombing on the side of the regime in Deraa and without it the army, which faces manpower shortages, would not have made these gains,” said one commander from Jabhat Thuwwar Souria, a group involved in the fighting. Rebels from an array of groups - some of them backed by Western powers and including the Muthana group - fought back against the offensive near a former air base north of the town of Sheikh Maskin, insurgents on the ground told Reuters.

The army assault on Sheikh Maskin is part of the government’s first major offensive in southern Syria since Russia joined the fight on September 30 to support its ally President Bashar Al Assad.

Its recapture would consolidate the army’s hold over the heavily fortified region which has formed a southern line of defence protecting Damascus. — Reuters

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Muscat 5,444.39 + 15.03 + 0.28%

Dubai 3,150.25 + 15.43 + 0.49%

Abu Dhabi 4,276.14 - 20.02 - 0.47%

Kuwait 5,612.48 + 28.67 + 0.51%

Saudi Arabia

6,906.58 - 24.02 - 0.35%

Bahrain 1,204.98 + 2.56 + 0.21%

Qatar 10,435.67 + 37.34 + 0.36%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.35 Pound ............................................1.74 Indian Rs .............................. 171.79 Pak Rs .................................... 267.81 Bangla Taka......................200.40

Indian Rs ....................................172.15 Pakistan Rs ..............................271.70 Sri Lanka Rs ........................... 370.75 Bangla Taka........................... 203.50 Phil Peso .....................................121.75

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

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$32.50 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$32.25 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$33.77 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) .........$31.08 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $37.02 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$36.92

Brokerages can sell defaulting clients’ shares IN A NUTSHELL The new measure

New rule to be effective from January 3

is part of a major New regulation to reduce risk for brokerage houses

risk management exercise to protect

Brokerage houses can circulate the names of defaulting clients

brokerage firms as the local bourse is

Brokerage houses will have to provide Capital Market Authority with a monthly report

more cautious about the volatility in share prices

Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, Executive president of Capital Market Authority. – Supplied picture

Brokerage houses will have to formulate clear internal policies

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s market watchdog Capital Market Authority (CMA) has allowed brokerage firms to sell the shares of defaulting clients after the third day of purchase (settlement day) without an authorisation.

The new measure is part of a major risk management exercise to protect brokerage firms as the local bourse is more cautious about the volatility in share prices. The new regulation, which was announced by Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman of Capital Market Authority, will be effective from January 3, after being published it in the official gazette.

“The rules provide (that) the broker may sell the securities if the client fails to pay their value during the business day following the end of the settlement period T+3 without authorisation from the client,” the CMA said in a statement.

In case the broker is unable to sell shares, it can continue the share offer for a maximum of five days. “The broker shall notify the client prior to the sale on the agreed contract address or any other appropriate means and keep evidence of such notice.”

Sheikh Abdullah Salim Al Salmi, executive president of CMA, said the new regulation is aimed at enhancing the regulatory and legislative infrastructure of the capital market to protect investors and market participants from ‘unhealthy practices’ to en-

able the capital market to attract local and foreign investments.

Al Salmi pointed out that such rules would reduce the risks to which market brokers are exposed to due to failure of clients to pay the value of the shares they purchase.

The client’s failure to honour their obligation results in brokerage firms ending up paying from their own accounts, which is an additional financial burden and may affect their efficiency.

The market regulator also said in case the client paid an insufficient amount to pay for the securities and failed to pay the balance until the end of the settlement term, the broker would sell shares for recovering the unpaid portion.

Failing to pay balance Also, in case the broker purchased more than one share on behalf of the client on the same day and the client deposited a specific amount and failed to pay the balance, the amount could cover the value of securities as per the sequence of purchase.

“The client will bear the difference of losses resulting from the purchase of the securities, whose value he did not pay in addition to brokerage commission, which will be a debt in his account,” noted the CMA. “This is definitely good for the stability of the market as the interest of the brokers will be protected,” said S. Suresh Kumar,

head of research at Al Maha Financial Service.

The new regulation would also allow brokerage houses the right to circulate the names of clients, whose securities are sold pursuant to these rules twice and consecutively.

Monthly report “The broker, who executes securities sale transaction in accordance with this decision for two consecutive times shall immediately inform the Oman Brokers’ Association of the identity of the client, his account number with Muscat Clearing & Depository Company and the association will create a list of the names of such clients and circulate it among members as they deem fit,” added CMA in a statement.

The brokers have to provide CMA with a monthly report on the sale transactions executed according to the new regulation and will notify the client of these rules on opening the account or on drafting the authorisation to sell. The broker will have to formulate a clear internal policy and fully abide by the rules ensuring the application of the provisions of this decision.

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WORLD ECONOMY

Global economic growth will be disappointing: IMF chief BERLIN: Global economic growth will be ‘disappointing’ next year, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a guest article for German newspaper ‘Handelsblatt’ published on Wednesday.

IMF managing director Christine Lagarde said the prospect of rising interest rates in the US and an economic slowdown in China were contributing to uncertainty and a higher risk of economic vulnerability worldwide.

In addition, growth in global trade has slowed considerably and a decline in raw material prices is posing problems for economies based on these, while the financial sector in many countries still has weaknesses and financial risks are rising in emerging markets, Lagarde added.

“All of that means global growth will be disappointing and uneven in 2016,” Lagarde said, adding that low productivity, ageing populations and the effects of the global financial crisis were putting the brakes on growth.

She said the start of normalisation of US monetary policy and China’s shift towards consumption-led growth were ‘necessary and healthy’ changes but needed to be carried out as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

US rate hike The US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade earlier this month and made clear that was a tentative beginning to a ‘gradual’ tightening cycle.

There are ‘potential spillover ef-

* Rates as of Dec. 30 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of Dec. 30 Source: Bank Muscat

fects’, with the prospect of increasing interest rates there already having contributed to higher financing costs for some borrowers, including in emerging and developing markets, Lagarde said.

Developed economies She added that while countries other than highly developed economies were generally better prepared for higher interest rates than they had been in the past, she was concerned about their ability to absorb shocks.

“Most highly developed economies except the USA and possibly Britain will continue to need loose monetary policy but all countries in this category should comprehensively factor spillover effects into their decision-making,” Lagarde said. - Reuters

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.30 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ........... 129.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............122.25 * Rates as of Dec. 30 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

ECONOMY

Loans at lower interest rates to spur inflation SALEH AL SHAIBANY

saleh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Lower interest rates offered by banks in Oman on personal loans will increase market prices and fuel inflation, experts say.

All leading banks have dropped their interest rates from about 6.5 per cent to as low as 3.9 per cent annually in the past nine months to boost their credit portfolio.

Experts say competition among banks is the catalyst to cheap loans.

“Banks are competing with each other this year, chasing customers to offer cheaper loans. It is meant to boost profits especially now they are preparing for the annual results to impress shareholders. However, the effect will soon be felt in the market (after rise in commodity prices, which will fuel inflation),” Saif Al Hashmi, a retired Oman International Bank’s retail banker told Times of Oman.

Other experts say that lower credit will create short-term benefits and the bubble would burst to create hardship for both consumers and traders.

“Traders will receive a temporary boost because consumers now can get cheap credit to buy what they want. It is good for busi-

RATES DROPPED: All leading banks have dropped their interest

rates from about 6.5 per cent to as low as 3.9 per cent annually in the past nine months to boost their credit portfolio. – Times file picture

nesses as well as buyers but it will not last long because banks cannot continue to offer lower interest rates for too long without hurting their profitability,” said Ahmed Al Habsi, economic analyst at Capital Investment Company.

Defaulting repayments But the number of ‘senseless’ borrowing as some people call it, will continue to rise as the appetite of borrows never seems to wane. “Offering cheap loans pose a danger to consumers who might default repayments and cause hardship to them. When they are

too many loan defaulters, that will have a negative effect to the commercial institutions and the economy as a whole,” Al Hashmi added.

Central Bank of Oman’s executive president Hamoud Sangoor Al Zadjali has repeatedly cautioned against excessive borrowing and urged commercial banks to extend the bulk of their loans to projects instead to individuals to boost employment.

When contacted by Times Business, officials from leading banks in the Sultanate refused to comment about lower interest rates they currently offer.

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THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 201 5

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,452.68 ...............5,435.15 ...................5,444.39 ...................5,429.36..................15.03 ...................0.28 Financial Index .....................................6,543.77 ............... 6,511.57 ....................6,519.19 ...................6,503.52..................15.67 ...................0.24 Industrial Index .................................... 6,818.76 ...............6,792.49 ................... 6,809.27 ...................6,792.49.................. 16.78 ...................0.25 Services Index .......................................3,077.83 ...............3,068.10 ................... 3,076.57 ...................3,064.70.................. 11.87 ...................0.39 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................862.36 ..................860.89 ...................... 860.95 ...................... 860.56....................0.39 ................... 0.05 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 189,002,599............. 56,251,783 .....................764 ...............15,822,064,153 ................ 15 ........................8 ....................22 .........................45

National Aluminium, up by 5.07 per cent, was the top gainer, while National Detergent was

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

the top loser, down by 9.14 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Share prices on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) recovered on better support from retail investors. MSM 30 Index ended higher at 5,444.39 points, up by 0.28 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index ended flat at 860.95 points, marginally up by 0.05 per cent.

Ahli Bank was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. National Aluminium, up by 5.07 per cent, was the top gainer while National Detergent was the top loser, down by 9.14 per cent.

As many as 764 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating a turnover of OMR56.25 million with 189 million shares changing hands due to a cross deal in Bank Muscat and Ahli bank shares. Out of 45 traded securities, 15 advanced, eight declined and 22 remained unchanged.

Omani Investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR76,000 worth of shares followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR17,000.

Foreign investors, who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR93,000.

Financial Index closed at 6,519.19 points, up by 0.24 per cent. United Finance, Anwar Holding, Al Sharqiya Investment and Ahli Bank increased by 3.33 per cent, 2.42 per cent, 2.15 per cent and 1.02 per cent, respectively. Bank Dhofar was the only loser in the sector and was down by 0.92 per cent to close at OMR0.215.

Industrial Index ended at 6,809.27 points, up by 0.25 per cent.

National Aluminium, Voltamp Energy, Gulf International Chemicals and Oman Cables increased by 5.07 per cent, 3.86 per cent, 0.39 per cent and 0.28 per cent, respectively.

National Detergent and Construction Material Industries declined by 9.14 per cent and 3.13

per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed at 3,076.57 points, down by 0.39 per cent. OIFC, Sembcorp Salalah and Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) increased by 5 per cent, 1.63 per cent and 0.64 per cent, respectively. National Gas, Sharqiyah Desalination and Renaissance Services declined by 1.27 per cent, 0.62 per cent and 0.61 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ...............85,000 .............19,380......................16 ............0.217 ...........0.238 ...........0.217 ........... 0.228 ............. 0.217.............0.011 ............. 5.069 ................0.222............. 0.222...................0.225 ................... 7,654,291 ..........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 2,777,850 ......525,629................... 137 ............0.185 ........... 0.194 ...........0.185 ........... 0.189 .............0.180 ........... 0.009.............5.000 ................0.187 .............. 0.187...................0.188...................37,800,000.........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................5,753 ...............2,474........................1 ........... 0.430 ...........0.430 ...........0.430........... 0.430 ............. 0.414.............0.016 ............. 3.865 ................0.430.............. 0.416...................0.430 ..................26,015,000 .........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................25,390 ............... 3,145........................5 ............0.120 ........... 0.124 ...........0.120........... 0.124 .............0.120 ........... 0.004............. 3.333 ................0.120..............0.120...................0.124...................38,534,853 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,780,306 ......301,606...................130 ............0.168 ........... 0.171............0.168 ............0.169 ............. 0.165............ 0.004.............2.424 ................0.168 ..............0.168...................0.169...................25,362,675 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............ 82,000 ............... 7,780.....................20 ........... 0.096 ...........0.096 ...........0.094........... 0.095 .............0.093 ........... 0.002..............2.151.................0.094..............0.094...................0.095....................8,550,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH............................................... 22,000 ............ 54,805........................7 ........... 2.450 ...........2.500 ...........2.450........... 2.490 .............2.450 ........... 0.040............. 1.633 ................2.490..............2.450...................2.490 .................237,688,416 ........1.000 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 108,438,17721,470,759.....................8 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.196 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.196............ 0.002............. 1.020 ................0.196 ..............0.192...................0.196.................. 282,157,157 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................92,215 ...........145,176......................15 ............1.580 ........... 1.580 ...........1.565 ............1.575 ............. 1.565.............0.010 ............. 0.639 ................1.565 .............. 1.565...................1.575 ................ 1,181,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ......................................................................85,000 .............37,570........................4 ........... 0.442 ...........0.442 ...........0.442........... 0.442 .............0.440 ........... 0.002............. 0.455 ................0.442..............0.442...................0.458................. 244,364,846 .......0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 66,262,19031,406,401 ................... 46 ........... 0.472 ........... 0.474 ...........0.466........... 0.472 .............0.470 ........... 0.002............. 0.426 ................0.468..............0.468...................0.470................ 1,081,740,266 ......0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............86,260 ............ 22,466........................7 ............0.261 ........... 0.261 ...........0.260 .......... 0.260 .............0.259 ............0.001 ............. 0.386 ................0.260..............0.252...................0.260 ...................5,460,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................15,000 ............ 26,635........................4 ............1.780 ........... 1.780............ 1.765 ............1.775 ............. 1.770............ 0.005.............0.282 ................ 1.765 .............. 1.730................... 1.765 .................. 159,217,500 ........0.100

Emerging markets fall Sentiment for emerging-market assets is turning more bearish with oil below $40 a barrel and ahead of further United States interest-rate increases.

Measures of developing-nation stocks and currencies fell for a third day, and are set for the biggest annual losses since 2011 and 1997. Chinese shares traded in Hong Kong led declines in Asia on Wednesday, while the offshore yuan dropped to a five-year low on speculation the central bank will favor depreciation to help revive the slowest growth in more the two decades.

South Korea’s won depreciated on its last trading day of 2015, rounding off the worst annual performance since the global financial crisis as investors dumped the nation’s shares. The world’s twobiggest economies are diverging, with China’s slowdown curtailing demand for commodities, while rebounding US consumer confidence reaffirms the US Federal Reserve’s case for monetary tightening next year.

“Markets can quite clearly see that there doesn’t seem to be a durable positive impulse from the wider commodity markets, in particular oil,” said Vishnu Varathan, Singapore-based economist at Mizuho Bank. “With the slightly firmer US confidence data, it’s a gentle reminder that the Fed may not be done hiking.”

OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE .................................75,000 .............16,330......................13 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.217 ........... 0.218 .............0.218............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.217 ..............0.214...................0.217...................21,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN .................................. 90,000 ............ 23,850........................5 ........... 0.265 ...........0.265 ...........0.265........... 0.265 .............0.265 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.265............. 0.260...................0.265..................355,288,216........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ..................................................... 22,600 ...............2,328........................2 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.103........... 0.103 .............0.103............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.103 .............. 0.101...................0.103..................206,032,217........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 235,500 ............21,195........................6 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.090 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.090..............0.088...................0.091................... 10,968,750 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 282,999 ............15,332......................11 ........... 0.054 ........... 0.055 ...........0.054........... 0.054 .............0.054 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.054..............0.054...................0.055....................11,186,175..........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................23,910 ...............7,269........................4 ........... 0.304...........0.304 ...........0.304 .......... 0.304 .............0.304 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.304............. 0.300...................0.304 ..................90,048,959.........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................15,800 .............. 4,930........................4 ............0.312 ........... 0.312 ...........0.312 ........... 0.312 .............0.312............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.312 ............. 0.300...................0.312................... 19,095,733 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................67,400 ...............5,392........................7 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.080........... 0.080 .............0.080 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.080..............0.078...................0.084 ...................2,400,000..........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 120,000 ............ 11,120........................4 ........... 0.092 ...........0.093 ...........0.092........... 0.093 .............0.093 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.093..............0.092...................0.093.................... 5,472,419 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 953,315.............69,639..................... 25 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.073........... 0.073 .............0.073 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.074................... 21,168,587 .........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING .............................................. 2,441 ................1,816........................1 ............0.744 ........... 0.744 ...........0.744........... 0.740 .............0.740 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.744 ..............0.744...................0.760..................147,730,344 ........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 207,300 ............ 16,197......................12 ........... 0.079 ........... 0.079 ...........0.078........... 0.078 .............0.078 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.078..............0.078...................0.079...................13,650,000 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 100,000 ............19,100........................1 ............0.191 ........... 0.191............0.191 ............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.197.................. 136,451,611 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 125,000 ...........20,480........................6 ............0.162 ........... 0.165 ...........0.161 ........... 0.164 ............. 0.165............-0.001 ........... -0.606 ...............0.164 .............. 0.163...................0.165 ................... 47,666,767 .........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .............................. 276,558 ......1,333,010..................... 35 ........... 4.820...........4.820 ...........4.820 .......... 4.820 .............4.850 ...........-0.030 ............-0.619................4.820 ............ 0.000...................4.820 .................. 47,140,641 .........1.000 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 328,439 ...........44,352..................... 27 ............0.136 ........... 0.136 ...........0.134............0.135 ............. 0.136............-0.001 ........... -0.735................0.135 ..............0.132...................0.135 ................... 16,861,225 .........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 264,000............56,760......................19 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 ............. 0.217............-0.002 ........... -0.922 ...............0.215 ..............0.205...................0.215..................332,116,637 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................... 6,425 ...............1,992........................2 ............0.310 ........... 0.310 ...........0.310........... 0.310 ............. 0.314............-0.004 ............-1.274................0.310 ............. 0.304...................0.310...................15,500,000 .........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 253,670 ........... 98,905......................31 ........... 0.398 ...........0.400 ...........0.386........... 0.390 .............0.396 ...........-0.006 ............-1.515 ................0.388..............0.386...................0.388...................20,475,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 183,207,49855,793,822 ............... 615 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......32........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................55,500 ...............2,997........................9 ........... 0.054 ...........0.054 ...........0.054........... 0.054 .............0.053 ............0.001 ............. 1.887 ................0.054..............0.052...................0.054 ...................6,750,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .......................................... 275,000 ............58,575........................5 ............0.213 ........... 0.213 ...........0.213 ........... 0.213 .............0.212 ............0.001 ............. 0.472 ................0.213 ..............0.213...................0.220 ..................16,401,000 .........0.100 OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING ...............................................35,000 ...............4,830........................2 ............0.138 ........... 0.138 ...........0.138 ............0.138 ............. 0.138............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.138 .............. 0.135...................0.138...................33,310,998 .........0.100 OM0000001806............MUSCAT NATIONAL HOLDING ..................................621 ................1,155........................1 ............1.860 ........... 1.860 ...........1.860........... 1.860 .............1.860............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.860 ............. 0.000...................1.860....................9,300,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001855 ............MAJAN GLASS .................................................................5,000 ...............1,000........................2 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.200 .......... 0.199 ............. 0.199............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.200 ............ 0.000...................0.200 ...................8,362,637 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING......................................6,500 ..................468........................1 ........... 0.072 ...........0.072 ...........0.072........... 0.072 .............0.072 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.072..............0.070...................0.072.................... 5,414,976 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 4,350,100......306,808..................... 69 ........... 0.072 ...........0.072 ...........0.070............0.071 ............. 0.071............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.070..............0.070...................0.071................. 106,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK..................................................5,000 .................. 330........................1 ........... 0.066 ...........0.066 ...........0.066........... 0.068 .............0.068 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.066..............0.066...................0.067...................68,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ................................2,300 ..................230........................1 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.102...................10,000,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 350,341 ............50,126..................... 27 ............0.143 ........... 0.144 ...........0.143 ........... 0.143 .............0.143............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.144..............0.144...................0.145..................209,152,009........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 690,970 ............ 21,551..................... 26 ........... 0.032 ...........0.032 ...........0.031 ............0.031 .............0.032 ...........-0.001 ............-3.125................0.031 .............. 0.031...................0.033....................2,635,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003265 ...........NATIONAL DETERGENT ......................................... 14,841 ...............9,460........................4 ........... 0.672 ........... 0.672 ...........0.632........... 0.636 .............0.700 ...........-0.064 ............-9.143................0.632..............0.632...................0.712 ................... 10,819,950 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 5,791,173 ....... 457,529...................148 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......12........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 .......................... 3,928 ..................432........................1 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.110............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.110 ...............0.111...................0.200 ..................33,302,402.........0.100 .............................................SUM: ...................................................................................... 3,928 ..................432........................1 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

H I R I N G S TA F F

Twitter employs Apple’s director CALIFORNIA: Twitter hired a former Apple employee as its vice-president of diversity and inclusion, the micro-blogging site announced. Jeffrey Siminoff, who was previously the director of worldwide inclusion and diversity at Apple, replaces Janet Van Huysse. “Welcome to the flock,” Twitter’s vice-president of human resources, Brian Schipper, tweeted. - Reuters

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex slips 119 points on profit-booking; rupee rises MUMBAI: Early momentum of the market fizzled out on Wednesday as the benchmark Sensex fell over 119 points to end below the key 26,000-mark, hurt by profit-booking amid mixed overseas leads. The NSE Nifty too struggled and settled below the 7,900-level.

Earlier on, covering-up of short positions propped up the market.

But then, the Sensex succumbed to profit-booking and ended below the 26,000-level at 25,960.03, down 119.45 points, or 0.46 per cent. It had gained 240.77 points in the previous two sessions. The Nifty closed down by 32.70 points, or 0.41 per cent, at 7,896.25.

Caution prevailed ahead of the expiry of December monthly derivatives contracts on Thursday, which weighed on mood. Sentiment took a hit after IMF chief Christine Lagarde wrote in a guest article in a German newspaper that global growth will be “disappointing and patchy” in 2016.

The bear grip was so tight that as many as 21 stocks out of the 30 in the Sensex pack lost while others advanced. Infosys was the worst hit as it plunged 1.52 per cent, followed by TCS (1.37 per cent) and SBI (1.18 per cent).

Maruti Suzuki, RIL, Hero MotoCorp, Adani Ports, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Auto, Axis Bank and L&T also ran up losses. But Tata Steel, Tata Motors, NTPC, ITC, BHEL and Dr Reddy’s all ended higher.

Stocks USL, UB, Empee Distilleries and Tilaknagar Industries felt the heat for the second day in a row as they fell up to 5.01 per cent after Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Kerala government’s policy restricting issuance of bar licences to five-star hotels only.

The BSE IT index fell the most by 1.21 per cent followed by technology (0.77 per cent), oil and gas (0.56 per cent), banking (0.43 per cent), PSU (0.30 per cent), auto (0.30 per cent) and realty (0.17 per cent).

Rupee marginally up The rupee recovered from initial losses against the US currency and finished marginally up by one paise to 66.39 per dollar on fagend selling of dollars by banks.

The rupee resumed lower at 66.45 per dollar on initial dollar demand as against the yesterday’s closing level of 66.40 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex) Market and dropped further to 66.47 per dollar on monthend dollar from importers manily oil refiners.

However, it recovered from initial losses to 66.37 per dollar before finishing at 66.39 per dollar, showing a mere gain of one paise or 0.02 per cent. It hovered in a range of 66.37 per dollar and 66.47 per dollar during the day.

Overseas, the US dollar continued to climb against a basket of six currencies in afternoon trade by 0.08 per cent. However, the dollar was almost unchanged against the yen in Tokyo. - PTI

T H U R S DAY, D E C E MB E R 31 , 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET EU-Asean free trade talks should restart: Singapore

Al Maha Ceramics receives payment MUSCAT: Al Maha Ceramics has received a cheque of OMR3,210.529 from Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman against an unpaid customer outstanding, the company said in a stock market filing.

China plans to raise wind, solar power capacity

European Union and 10-nation Asean

BEIJING: China, the world’s biggest clean energy investor, plans to increase wind and solar power capacity by more than 21 per cent next year as it works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting its reliance on coal. The nation is targeting at least 20 gigawatts of new wind power installations and 15 gigawatts of additional photovoltaic capacity next year.

launched free trade talks in 2007, but abandoned them two years later, with the EU choosing to hold bilateral talks

Hyundai, Kia ordered to trim cross holdings

BERLIN: Singapore’s trade and industry minister has called for a resumption of free trade talks between the European Union (UN) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) now that problems over Myanmar have been removed, a German newspaper said.

The EU and 10-nation Asean launched free trade talks in 2007, but abandoned them two years later, with the EU choosing instead to conduct bilateral talks with individual members.

EU agreements The EU has accords with Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea and last week the EU and the Philippines agreed to start freetrade talks next year as Europe attempts to tap into Asia’s faster economic growth.

The business daily Handelsblatt cited the minister, Lim Hng Kiang, as saying that negotiations could restart because the problem of the European Union not wanting to do business with the gener-

BRIEFS

CALL FOR TALKS: Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang said that negotiations should restart because the problem of the EU not wanting to do business with the generals of Myanmar’s military rule had been removed due to changes there. – Bloomberg News

als of Myanmar’s military dictatorship had been removed due to changes there.

“I am in favour of the EU and Asean starting negotiations again,” the newspaper quoted Lim as saying in an advance extract of an interview due to be published on Wednesday. Myanmar has been ruled by a quasi-civilian government since 2011 following five

decades of military rule and has been widely praised for ushering in economic and political reforms.

Annual summit Asean formally established an Asean Economic Community (AEC) at its annual summit last month, aiming to create a single market with few barriers to the flow of trade, capital and professional la-

bour in an area of 625 million people. The AEC is due to come into being on December 31.

Lim urged other Asean nations to style themselves on the EU to integrate the AEC, the newspaper said. Unlike in the EU, there is no authority in Asean which can enforce agreements between countries, Lim was cited as saying.

But he warned against making

the same mistakes as the EU, saying the bloc had gone too far with centralisation, bureaucracy and handing over sovereignty. - Reuters

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

SEOUL: South Korea’s antitrust regulator ordered Hyundai Motor to cut crossshareholdings strengthened by a merger between two steelmaking affiliates. The Fair Trade Commission gave Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors until Thursday to reduce the cross holdings. One option is to have Hyundai Motor sell a 4.3 per cent stake in Hyundai Steel and for Kia to dispose of a 2.3 per cent holding.

South Korea’s factory output falls SEOUL: South Korea’s factory output missed estimates in November as poor exports due to weak global demand continue to weigh on production in Asia’s fourthlargest economy. Industrial production fell 0.3 per cent from. - Times News Service/Agencies

RESTRUCTURING

REVIVING EXPORTS

DuPont to cut 1,700 jobs in home state of Delaware before merging with Dow

DEFLATION PRESSURE: Samsung Securities forecasts the won

will sink as much as 10 per cent in 2016 to 1,300 a dollar — a level last seen in 2009 — after a 6.2 per cent loss this year. – Bloomberg News

Leading brokerage predicts 10% drop in Korean currency SEOUL: South Korea’s biggest brokerage predicts the won is headed for its steepest annual slide in eight years as the government favours depreciation to revive exports and stave off deflation.

Samsung Securities forecasts the currency will sink as much as 10 per cent in 2016 to 1,300 a dollar — a level last seen in 2009 — after a 6.2 per cent loss this year that marks the worst annual performance since 2008.

Goldman Sachs sees the exchange rate at 1,300 in a year’s time, while Morgan Stanley, Nomura Holdings and Societe Generale included bets against the won among their top trading ideas for the coming 12 months.

While all Asian currencies are expected to lose ground for the third year in a row against the greenback as United States monetary policy tightens, as of November 30 only Indonesia’s rupiah was tipped to do worse than the won in 2016, surveys show.

South Korea has already cut interest rates to unprecedented levels in order to keep the economy expanding as weakening Chinese demand batters exports and the Finance Ministry in June announced measures to encourage more capital outflows, including tax benefits for domestic funds buying overseas equities and looser regulations on foreign debt purchases.

“The authorities aim to boost inflation to raise nominal growth

in 2016, but we don’t think the Bank of Korea will cut interest rates further,” said James Huh, an economist at Samsung Securities in Seoul.

Inflation target “What’s left is leading the won weaker via overseas investment to increase import prices.”

The Bank of Korea has set its new inflation target at 2 per cent for the coming three years, down from a range of 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent for the 2013-2015 period that was never achieved.

Consumer-price gains averaged 0.7 per cent this year and last exceeded 2 per cent in 2012.

The monetary authority has pledged to end the current period of very low inflation that threatens to hurt the country’s economic growth.

National Pension Service, the nation’s biggest investor with more than $400 billion of assets, said this month it will stop hedging overseas bond investments against currency fluctuations by the end of 2018. The shift will add to depreciation pressure on the won as the government encourages Korean funds to invest more heavily abroad and the Federal Reserve raises US interest rates, according to Goohoon Kwon, an economist and strategist at Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong.

The won is also pressured by depreciation in the yuan, Samsung’s Huh said. - Bloomberg News

NEW YORK: DuPont said it will cut about 28 per cent of its workforce in its home state of Delaware in early 2016 as the chemical company proceeds with a merger with Dow Chemical.

“The effect in Delaware will be significant, reflecting the urgent need to restructure our cost base and, as part of that effort, reduce our corporate overhead costs so that we can remain competitive,” DuPont chief executive officer Ed Breen said in a letter to employees.

The cuts will affect 1,700 employees out of 6,100 in the state.

The job cuts announced on Tuesday are part the plan to reduce the workforce of 63,000 by 10 per cent and trim costs by $700 million, Dan Turner, a spokesman at the Wilmington, Delaware-based company, said in a telephone interview. That strategy was outlined on December 11, the day that the companies disclosed the merger.

Dow and DuPont, two historic giants of the United States industry, will join as equals in an all-stock deal that’s the first step in an effort to create three new businesses.

Governor reacts The jobs cuts are “deeply disappointing, especially to the thousands of Delawareans who helped this company grow and succeed for generations,” Delaware Governor Jack Markell said in a statement.

“For those affected by this announcement, they should know that the state will do all that it can in the coming months to assist

MERGER: Dow Chemical and DuPont, two historic giants of the US industry, will join as equals after merger in an all-stock deal. – Bloomberg News

them as they evaluate new opportunities,” he added.

Holiday cuts DuPont’s Breen said the company was required to notify the state by December 31 on the job cuts. “Given that we are in the middle of the holidays, we would have preferred to wait until individual notifications

were complete before reporting the full local impact,” he said.

After the merger, the specialty products business will remain in Wilmington, Breen said. The new $130 billion DowDuPont plans to combine products from both companies in the areas of agriculture, commodity chemicals and specialty products to create the new busi-

nesses. The state “will continue to urge DuPont and Dow to see the value of locating other businesses here in Delaware, where they have grown and succeeded in the past,” the governor said in his statement.

DuPont rose 1.7 per cent to close at $67.57 in New York. Dow, based in Midland, Michigan, advanced 1.1 per cent to $52.79. - Bloomberg News

B4

THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 201 5

FEATURE

US home broadband growth drops

67% Broadband penetration in America dropped significantly for the first time ever in the recent past, slipping from 70 per cent of homes in 2013 to 67 per cent now

J

ust a decade ago, huge leaps in broadband penetration in US homes made it look like the country was headed toward universal, high-speed Internet access. That growth may have plateaued, however, and may reorder how consumers and providers manage and supply Internet access.

Broadband penetration in America dropped significantly for the first time ever this past year, slipping from 70 per cent of homes in 2013 to 67 per cent today, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center. Residents using smartphones to access the web have more than offset that decline, causing what Pew calls “advanced Internet access” to increase slightly. So while overall Internet access has not changed much, the composition of usage has.

Smartphones were not envisioned as the backbone of

residential Internet access as recently as a decade or so ago, and heavy demand presents challenges today. Typical smartphone users run into data caps as they increasingly stream video and perform other bandwidth-heavy tasks. Telcos may have to accommodate smartphones users more and more at the expense of their broadband business - though that switch would not necessarily hurt access providers’ bottom lines because they enjoy fatter margins in their wireless businesses.

Companies such as Verizon and AT&T are best-positioned to make the transition from broadband to mobile, since they offer both services. Verizon and AT&T’s service margins for wireless are much higher than wireline. For all telcos, broadband still has relatively high margins relative to legacy wireline services like video and voice.

Even so, wireless overall might be a brighter bet going forward than broadband because of more lucrative services that exist in the wireless realm. Verizon, for example, recently launched Go90, an Internet-based mobile video service, which may encourage younger customers to use more data-heavy services such as streaming video.

Companies such as Comcast and Time Warner Cable which do not have mobile offerings and rely on lofty broadband margins to help support the costs of expensive programming - may be pummeled by waning broadband penetration.

For its part, Comcast has hinted that it might move into the mobile industry. As the chart below demonstrates, rapid shifts in how Americans access the Internet may mean that Comcast will have to hurry up. – RANI MOLLA/Bloomberg News

T H U R S DAY, D E C E MB E R 31 , 2 0 1 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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B5

ROUND-UP

Last day to avail Nissan’s unique offers The offers that end today give the customers an opportunity to enjoy exclusive briefings, tips, advice and suggestions from Nissan's officials on its entire range

MUSCAT: Nissan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has been famous for its exclusive promotions that are launched for its patrons every now and then.

The unique offers from Nissan gives customers an opportunity to enjoy exclusive briefings, tips, advices and suggestions from Nissan officials on the entire Nissan range. Visitors will also get a chance to take a test drive of any of their favourite Nissan vehicle with Nissan officials to assist and guide through the aesthetics of the vehicles at all times.

Today is the last day to avail the year-end offers made available on the entire Nissan range, says a press release.

Edge over competitors Nissan’s iconic vehicles deliver a refreshed vision of ‘innovation that excites’ with introduction of new levels of sophistication and stateof-the-art features. Nissan vehicles are known to offer smoother ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish, while delivering breathtaking performance and road-holding. Their ‘multidimensional performance’ means the driver can enjoy the full depth of a Nissan’s capabilities whether navigating the corners of a winding mountain road, cruising on a motorway or even travelling in an urban environment.

An exciting offer Nissan offerings include free insurance, free registration, free insurance (SUV’s only) free two years/20,000km service package and six years unlimited mileage extended warranty. Customers will also receive cash back up to OMR1,000.

Nissan Oman is known to offer some of the firsts in the country as they are committed to offer some of the best services to their valued customers. “We consider understanding and anticipating customer needs as crucial to our continued success. We believe in ‘customers for life’ concept and

strive to provide the best value for money to our customers by offering world-class products and services. With our current offer we want to reach out to as many customers and auto enthusiasts and give them back something special which is essential to our continued success,” said a senior official of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles.

technology, smartphone, and the Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their vehicle. It’s loaded with features and compatibility with a growing list of apps that allows customers play music, keep tabs on social network, and navigate any city like a local.

Easy finance options Customers are guaranteed hasslefree financing process while purchasing any Nissan vehicle during this week as there is no processing fee or documentation charge to be paid. Also, customers’ will get to avail attractive interest rates and lastly have an option for customised financing and enjoy spot approvals too. During this promotion, trade-in offers will also be available. Customers will get an opportunity to exchange their existing vehicles for a new Nissan model of their choice.

The Nissan sedan range provides customers with a comprehensive product line up and an opportunity to choose from.

Nissan Tiida The Nissan Tiida has won ‘Best Hatchback of the year’ in the ‘Middle East Car of the Year’ awards, bringing another prestigious trophy to the Japanese automaker’s bulging showcase. With dynamic styling looksand class-leading spaciousness, the second generation of the Middle East’s best-selling compact hatchback has everything to build on the Tiida nameplate’s established success.

Nissan Micra A refined vehicle in its own right, the 2015 Nissan Micra aims to attract a wider audience with its contemporary good looks, eyecatching exterior color 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 new keyless entry feature makes the Micra an appealing choice for its customers.

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-liter 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.

Nissan Sunny The Nissan Sunny SL Grade comes with a unique feature like the NissanConnect that uses hands-free

Nissan Sentra Nissan Sentra focuses on classabove design standards inside and out. Automatic dual-zone climate control system with rear passenger air vents, navigation system, rearview camera, intelligent key and Push engine start, and leather seats on selected models are just some of the features Sentra introduces to the segment.

Nissan Altima The Nissan Altima, which breaks new ground for the mid-size sedan segment is hands-down the most engaging vehicle in its class. And if you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined.

Nissan has taken one of their most successful model, the Nissan Altima - kept its DNA and changed nearly everything – the visual appeal, the driving experience and, of course, the technology. Nissan Altima offers numerous segment defining attributes that enhance the ownership experience and provide real customer value.

Nissan Maxima The Nissan Maxima is a great fusion between a sedan and the soul of a sports car. And this combination of sports sedan styling along with ample comfort and luxury that the Maxima provides has made it a favourite among the youngsters in the Sultanate.

ACCOLADE

The Nissan Crossover range provides customers with a comprehensive product line up and an opportunity to choose from.

Nissan’s line up of Crossover range comprises the Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L, X-Trail, Murano and the Juke.

Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L The Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L is set to define what the next generation SUV should offer: perfect off-road capability (i-Auto 4WD system), dynamic design, class-leading comfort, thoughtful technology, and a rewarding driving experience.

Nissan X-Trail This Compact SUV that comes with a 2.5-litre 4 cylinder engine, mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is all set to offer - class-leading comfort, thoughtful technology and a rewarding driving experience with a completely refurbished interior and exterior styling.

Nissan Murano The second generation Nissan Murano made in Japan features a whole range of refinements and enhancements designed to keep Nissan’s popular, flagship crossover SUV ahead of the growing number of ordinary entries in the segment.

Nissan Juke Made in Japan, the Nissan Juke’s turbocharged engine delivers serious boost when required, The Nissan Intelligent Key allows drivers to unlock the door with a tap of a button on the door handle. Once inside, use the Push Button Ignition to start the engine. With standard next-generation Bluetooth technology on hand, the Juke will store your phone’s address book so you can use the voice-activation feature to make calls by name.

Nissan X-Terra X-Terra’s signature exterior styling features include large flared fenders, a versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. It also offers a large, powerful looking hood and headlights and Nissan SUV-style angled strut grille. The vehicle also features Chrome ORVM and Fr.

fog lamps. The new X-Terra looks good on the road with its enhanced styling that includes a roof rail with attachments and side step.

Classic Pathfinder With a powerful V6 engine, a rugged truck frame underneath and available four-wheel drive, the Classic Pathfinder lives up to its reputation as an authentic, rugged adventure vehicle. The Nissan Pathfinder has maintained an iconic exterior design, while also remaining fresh and dynamic. The exterior is defined by its unique combination of sophistication and rugged, go-anywhere looks.

Nissan Armada Combining unbridled power, premium interior comfort and a wide range of available technology, the Nissan Armada continues to stand out in the full-size SUV segment.

The Armada model is equipped with a standard 5.6-litre Endurance V8 engine rated at 320 horsepower and 54.3kg/m of torque, along with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission, heavyduty fully boxed ladder frame and comfortable double-wishbone suspension.

Armada has a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds (when properly equipped). The vehicle is perfect for a big sized family and a perfect option for family getaways, off-road outings etc.

Nissan Patrol Meticulously engineered for over 60 years, the Patrol is Nissan’s flagship SUV model with a rich heritage and passionate following in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950s. With refreshed styling enhancements of the region’s iconic SUV, the all-new Nissan Patrol adds more style to its already impressive ‘go anywhere’ versatility, technology and comfort.

Nissan LCV range of vehicles has built up its reputation through innovative technology, and a broad product line-up.

In Oman, people have increasingly opted for Nissan models because they come with class leading features, great performance, ideally suited to the local conditions and offer great value for money besides being among the safest cars on the road.

The Nissan Pickups are built strong and tough, to withstand the most punishing conditions, yet they are known for their comfort and safety criterion. With two different engine models, the new 4x4 Nissan Pickup is best known for its ultimate performance when driven on the road. With a 2.4L, 160hp twin cam gasoline engine in 2WD and 4WD, the 4x4 Pickup is one of the most economical in its range.

Nissan Navara The new Nissan Navara stuns all eyes with its larger body structure which means bigger storage space and a roomier, more comfortable passenger cabin. The extended wheelbase enhances road handling ability, and the taller ground clearance makes it easier to conquer road obstacles.

Nissan Patrol Pick up The Nissan Patrol Pick Up comes in a new 4.8L, 280HP intercooled turbo diesel engine, there is no second opinion that the Nissan Patrol Pickup makes the roughest dirt roads shudder.

NV350 Urvan The NV350 Urvan’s QR25DE engine takes advantage of latest technology to achieve fuel economy. Combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the engine rotates at lower speed and makes less noise while driving at high speed. Smooth and responsive acceleration from a start to highspeed driving is also realised with a power of 144HP/5600RPM and a torque of 21.7 Kg-M/4400 RPM. Nissan Civilian The Nissan Civilian is a vehicle that promises top class performance and unmatched convenience for everyday use and business calling. Time and again, the Civilian gets the job done reliably with remarkable economy, both in terms of fuel consumption and routine maintenance.

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

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

Al Mouj Muscat, Bank Nizwa sign deal to bring Sharia-compliant home finance

Genetco gets the coveted Canon Presidential Award MUSCAT: Genetco was awarded the prestigious Canon Presidential Award for overall growth and performance, a competition evaluated among 46 countries in the region.

In addition to the President’s award; Genetco also won the category awards for Office & Personal Printing, Lens & Accessories & Consumables, says a press release.

These awards were given to Genetco based on the criteria of having the highest market share in the region for Office & Personal Printing Devices. Genetco achieved highest attachment ratio for Lens & Accessories in the region and highest growth over previous year in consumables among all Canon distributors in Middle East and Africa.

Due to Genetco’s overall performance in all categories Oman has

been categorised at par with UAE for Canon range of products.

Founded in 1937, Canon with the specific goal of making the best quality camera available to customers, it’s tireless passion for the power of image has since extended its technology into many other markets and has established it as a world leader in both consumer and business imaging solutions.

Its solutions comprise products, ranging from digital compact and SLR cameras, through broadcast lenses and portable X-ray machines, to multi-function and production printers, all supported by a range of value added services.

Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers’ creative needs.

From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realise their own passion for image.

Canon in recent past has introduced its latest models of laser and inkjet printers that are ideal for small businesses looking for greater efficiency and increased productivity. While the broad product range of the iSENSYS laser printers are packed with Canon’s Quick First-Print, energy efficient technologies in a stylish, space saving design, the MAXIFY printers features the power of inkjet to deliver high speed, high yield, laser-quality prints, with a host of features including Wi-Fi connectivity that allows sharing and printing of information from wireless devices and popular Cloud services.

MUSCAT: Al Mouj Muscat signed a cooperation agreement with Bank Nizwa to bring Sharia-compliant home financing services to the destination for the first time.

Under the agreement, prospective homeowners will have access to a full range of the bank’s financing solutions and competitive financing rates when purchasing property at Al Mouj Muscat, says a press release.

Nasser Al Sheibani, CFO and acting CEO at Al Mouj Muscat, said, “We are delighted to partner with Bank Nizwa and bring Sharia-compliant home financing options to local and international investors in Al Mouj Muscat. Underpinned by strong ethical principles, Islamic banking products are growing in popularity and I am sure there will be strong demand for the bespoke solutions Bank Nizwa has created to facilitate the purchase of residences on our waterfront community.”

Dr Jamil El Jaroudi, CEO of Bank Nizwa said, “We are continuously looking to enhance our role as the leader of Islamic Finance in Oman. Therefore, we are providing individuals looking to experience world class living in Al Mouj Muscat with a seamless and effective portfolio of home financing solutions catering to their various requirements and choices of real estate properties in one of the Sultanate’s finest destinations.”

The highly sought-after Al Mouj

Muscat apartments, townhouses and villas are already home to more than 4,000 people of 69 different nationalities. A world-class leisure and lifestyle destination, it is home to the award-winning 400-berth Almouj Marina, the Greg Norman PGA championship standard Almouj Golf, and Oman’s vibrant commercial, social and entertainment hub, The Walk. In 2016, Al Mouj Muscat will open the first of four-planned luxury hotels. Further residential precincts,

lifestyle assets and tourism experiences are under development and under construction.

Bank Nizwa’s home financing products and services have gained a reputation for providing customers with competitive rates, transparent pricing, quick processing and approval. Designed to best suit the needs of prospective homeowners, the Bank’s property solutions are based on the Islamic finance concepts of Ijara, Murabaha, and Forward Ijara.

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ROUND-UP Meethaq, Thomson Reuters to launch online SME portal The objective of ‘BusinessPulse’ is envisaged to be achieved through a series of SME foundation articles, success story videos, and industry sector reports that provide in-depth analysis of the opportunities for SMEs in the Sultanate

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, and Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of business and financial information, are all set to launch ‘Meethaq BusinessPulse’, an innovative information portal targeted to promote small and medium enterprise (SME) development in Oman.

The announcement of ‘Meethaq

BusinessPulse’ was made at a ceremony on the sidelines of ‘Oman Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Conference 2015’ held under the auspices of Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, says a press release.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, group general manager – Islamic Banking, said: “Meethaq is proud to join hands with Thomson Reuters to initiate the ‘BusinessPulse’ aimed at linking all important stakeholders from the government and the private sector involved in the SME sector. The primary objective of the ‘BusinessPulse’ online platform is to provide guidance and help for SMEs to successfully navigate each stage of their

business. The portal will provide important information, practical advice and value-added services on how to grow their business and take it to the next level. The portal will connect SMEs to growth opportunities and a complete ecosystem enabling their success.

Whether SMEs are at the start-up stage or established businesses, the ‘BusinessPulse’ will provide the required guidance and advice for them to grow and prosper.”

The ‘Meethaq BusinessPulse’ focuses on a vital topic in the context of Oman addressing the requirements of youth representing more than 50 per cent of the country’s population.

Fostering a congenial environment to build a strong SME culture, the

‘Meethaq BusinessPulse’ seeks to provide an ideal platform for all existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore new collaborations in SME development.

The objective of ‘BusinessPulse’ is envisaged to be achieved through a series of SME foundation articles, success stories videos and industry sector reports that provide in-depth analysis on opportunities for SMEs in Oman.

Al Harthy added: “Meethaq Islamic Banking has launched various initiatives to support SME development in Oman. In light of investments expected to create significant In-Country Value (ICV) opportunities, which in the oil and gas sector alone is expected

to touch $64 billion over the period 2013-2020, concerns exist whether the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are aware of these opportunities. Concerns also prevail whether the SMEs have the financial support to take advantage of these opportunities.

The ‘Meethaq BusinessPulse’ will address these concerns by acting as a platform for information sharing and exchange of ideas on the development of SMEs and dissemination of information on how Meethaq can be the perfect Islamic financial solutions partner in the success of SMEs.” As the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman, Meethaq extends support to all key economic sectors in the Sultanate. The ‘Meethaq BusinessPulse’ reiterates Meethaq’s commitment to fostering national talent and providing support for key sectors, notably SMEs that create meaningful employment opportunities. The role of SMEs is highly important as Oman is witnessing a gradual shift in economy towards entrepreneurial ventures.

Al Harthy said: “In line with the vision and directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, Meethaq is focused on strategic initiatives to complement and add value to the country’s progress and development. Meethaq remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the government and partners to create a favourable environment for SMEs in Oman.”

RECOGNITION

Kia ranks first in Quality Report 2015 DUBAI: Kia Motors ranks first among 20 leading automotive brands in the German market according to the Quality Report 2015 published by Auto Bild magazine. Kia shared the top position with Mazda with an overall rating of 2.14 (on a scale of 1 to 5).

Auto Bild’s annual quality report, calculates each manufacturer’s overall rating based on seven sets of data – the results of a Forsa customer satisfaction survey commissioned by Auto Bild, the number of vehicle recalls and incidences of remedial work, the latest TÜV report, manufacturers’ warranties and three categories contributed by the Auto Bild editors themselves: long-term vehicle test results, garage test results and analysis of criticisms from more than 10,000 reader letters that pour into the magazine’s “Kummerkasten” (agony column) every year, says a press release.

“Our quality aspirations extend from our R&D centres, design studios and production facilities — more than half of new Kia cars sold in Germany come off the production line at our cutting-edge European factory in Slovakia — to the sales and service areas of the business where we have made great strides by restructuring our dealership network and living up to our promise of placing top priority on continuously increasing quality,” said Steffen Cost, COO of Kia Motors Germany.

GROWING POPULARITY

Geely Emgrand 7 continues to win hearts in global market MUSCAT: The Emgrand 7, an ideal and accomplished family sedan and the first Geely car designed compliant to European standards, has recently topped the list of the Chinese cars sales in Egypt.

This is simply one example of the growing popularity and acceptance of this strategic model in the regional and global market, says a press release.

The Geely Emgrand 7 is truly a global car. It is designed with modern safety standards, environmental protection and build quality in mind.

A senior spokesperson of Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the exclusive distributors of Geely range of vehicles in Oman, explains: “Classy appeal, outstanding technology, superb performance and utmost safety – these are the elements that define the Emgrand 7. All the basic constituents of this car such

as its electronic control systems, seats and even glass are of international repute and quality. We had launched the Emgrand 7 in 2011 and since then it has captured many hearts. Its reasonable pricing adds to its attractiveness”.

Available in sedan and hatchback models, the suave Emgrand 7 sedan has established its credentials as a quality car that is environment friendly, energy efficient and reasonably priced. It is China’s first proprietary model that achieved great success in the European safety collision test.

Also, TAC is offering its customers FREE AAA 24hr Roadside assistance for 3 years on its purchase.

Emgrand 7 has a 1.8L DOHC 4 Cylinder 4 Speed Automatic (CVVT). Its comfort features include an AM/FM radio with CD Player & MP3, Power Windows, 6 way power Driver Seat Adjuster,

Leather Seats, Sunroof with Jam protection, Rear sensors, Remote keyless entry and Full Automatic Air Conditioner. The car comes equipped with ABS and EBD that

offers faster and more sensitive reaction to pedal inserts, ensuring that driving safety is not compromised. The Emgrand 7 also boasts a dual airbag design which

provides all-round protection for the front seat occupants and this is coupled with safety belts, alloy wheels and a steering wheel lock anti-theft device.

Over the years, Geely — acquirer of the Swedish Volvo, Australian DSI and the prestigious Manganese Bronze Holdings — has become a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer in many global markets.

The company’s success is rooted in Geely’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation and manufacturing efficiency, which allows the company to provide consumers with excellent cars.

By bringing the Geely Emgrand range to the Sultanate, TAC has reinforced its commitment to provide high-quality products and services to its customers in Oman.

Having a network of 11 showrooms, 13 service outlets and 10 parts outlets spread across the Sultanate, TAC are a leading automobile distributorship in the Sultanate of Oman.

‘ I N N O VAT I O N T H AT E X C I T E S ’

Nissan Middle East scoops Gold Award at MEPRA DUBAI: Nissan Middle East’s recent ‘Innovation that Excites’ activation for the new Nissan XTrail on the popular social media platform, Instagram, has won the top prize at the Middle East Public Relations Awards (MEPRA) in the ‘Consumer Goods’ category, says a press release.

“Working closely with our agency, Memac Ogilvy, we produced a unique and effective activation on the most engaging social media platform of all: Instagram,” says Yolande Pineda, Nissan Middle East’s director of Corporate Communications.

“We wanted the introduction of the new Nissan X-Trail to stand out from the hundreds of car launches that happen here each year, and to live up to Nissan’s promise of ‘Innovation that Excites’. The net result of this campaign for Nissan was an organic 32 percent increase in followers on Instagram, and this award at the prestigious MEPRA is a great recognition of our efforts to bring innovative engagement platforms with our customers.”

The new Nissan X-Trail appeals to young and adventurous people with a lust for life – many of whom are avid users of Instagram, attracted by its interactivity with a global audience, and they create engaging content each day that expresses their personalities. With this target audience in mind, an innovative Instagram campaign was deemed to be ideal because it fits in with their existing behaviour and interests.

The new Nissan X-Trail appeals to young and adventurous people with a lust for life – many of whom are avid users of Instagram, attracted by its interactivity with a global audience, and they create engaging content each day that expresses their personalities

After careful analysis and indepth research, Nissan’s team identified six of the UAE’s most active and influential Instagram users, all of whom enjoy huge audiences and embody what the new Nissan X-Trail is all about: cutting edge, connected, confident, adventurous and bold.

Using the 2015 Nissan X-Trail before it was publicly available, Nissan sent these six individuals on a unique road trip to an undisclosed location, during which they competed against one another by sharing their experiences with their followers.

Every time the Instagrammers received a strategically chosen ‘trigger word’ in their comments, they earned points which were added to, the more interaction they had with their followers.

Using Instagram, the six shared their experiences through photographs every step of the way with their followers and, using the hashtag #TheOneToFollow, which communicates the new Nissan X-Trail’s superiority over its competition, Nissan managed to effectively communicate its message in the most engaging way possible and the terminology being used by users and followers of the chosen six demonstrated acute awareness of the X-Trail model.

Within just six hours and without any monetary support, Nissan Middle East had reached more than 1.8 million people and received over 25,000 social media interactions in the forms of likes, comments and ‘regrams’, with ‘Nissan’ and ‘X-Trail’ being mentioned nearly 20,000 times.

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Attractive offer adds to Toyota Prado’s appeal Driving comfort and functionality are its legendary strengths.

Add rugged quality, dependability and reliability to the mix and the upshot is the unrivalled Prado MUSCAT: On the road or off it, the Toyota Prado makes its presence felt. When it arrives on the scene, everyone makes way.

Drivability and functionality are its legendary strengths. Add rugged quality, dependability, reliability to the mix and the upshot is the unrivalled Prado.

Currently, there is a buzz around Prado, says a press release.

“There’s some good news for all those who buy a Toyota Prado between now and January 21, 2016,” the spokesperson says. “Buying a 15YM/16YMToyota Prado of 2015 YM production entitles the customer to receive 3 years/30,000km service package, (whichever is earlier). If the customer does not wish to have it, they can get OMR140 as a cash gift!”

“This sweet deal has made the

Prado even more tempting to own,” chuckles an enthusiast, “I was thinking of delaying my purchase but now I cannot wait – or I will regret missing out on this.”

Building on the outstanding legacy of its predecessors the Prado stands apart with bold looks — a macho grille and bumper guard adorned with LED headlamps and clearance lamps. Prado’s classleading features include navigation system with 9 speakers, steering-mounted Optitron meter with TFT info display and cruise control. Safety features include a rear view camera and driver+ passenger+ curtain+ side (front) + knee (driver) airbags.

Furnished with a host of highend luxury features, the Prado features leather upholstery, chrome-coloured side protection moulding; muffler-cutter; chrome rear-lamp garnish and impressive alloy wheels. The wide, imposing

front-end of the Toyota Prado adds to its gallant appearance.

The interior is refined and roomy to accommodate up to seven occupants. Cushioned seats offer wonderful under-thigh support. Second-row seats fold in a 60:40 split, offer enhanced utility with a slide function and walk-in accessibility for facilitating easy ingress and egress for the thirdrow seats. The third-row seats, fold in a 50:50 split.

The Prado also offers electric tilt and telescopic steering column, side step with illumination, smart entry & start / stop system, parking sensors and retractable outer mirrors (with turn signal).

A reassuring combination of active and passive safety systems ensures optimum protection for occupants in a Prado. DAC (Downhill Assist Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), Airbags, VSC (Vehicle Stability Con-

WRITING COMPETITION

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trol) and A-TRC (Active Traction Control) are some of its advanced protection systems.

Prado’s strong chassis offers excellent impact protection while the long wheelbase and wide wheel track give excellent handling and stability.

Prado’s unparalleled prowess is apparent on either the smooth or the rough. It has the power to hold its own and the performance to make its own path. In short, not much stands in the way of a Prado both on the road and off.

All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment.

Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge & first aid kit) is a dealer installed non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment.

Vehicle specifications may change without prior notice. Pictures and colours shown may differ from actual specifications of the vehicles.

S TAT E - O F - T H E -A R T FA C I L I T Y

Oman LNG helps renovate Tourism College library MUSCAT: Ministry of Higher Education in collaboration with Oman LNG inaugurated the renovated library of the Oman Tourism College, recently.

The state-of-the-art library has been fully refurbished and now includes the most novel equipment and modern furniture to enhance the development and overall learning experience for the students of today; our professionals of tomorrow, says a press release.

Funding provided by Oman LNG in this instance facilitated an overall renovation and furnishing comprising electrical sliding door, windows, carpeting, study carrels and discussion tables. Other pieces of equipment contributed by the company included the latest in IT equipment such as laptops, desktop computers, laser printers, interactive projectors and TV screens to ensure the students are surrounded by the most advanced equipment and modern facilities which nurture encouraging learning environment.

The event was held under the patronage of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sarmi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, and Khalid bin Abdullah Al Massan, chief executive officer of Oman LNG Development Foundation.

“Our initiatives and projects with Ministry of Higher Education aim to significantly contribute to the society of Oman and improve the quality of learning and education in the country,” said Al Massan. “Our aim is to serve our community and con-

Our initiatives and projects with Ministry of Higher Education aim to significantly contribute to the society of Oman and improve the quality of learning and education in the country Khalid Al Massan

CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation tribute to the needs all segments of society where we can.”

This ceremony builds upon a previously signed agreement, where Oman LNG supported the college with over OMR156,000 for the construction of two new high-tech laboratories and equipping the college’s Hotel Management Training Centre not only with the most essential computer software related to the world travel programmes, but with availing multimedia computers as well as furniture and equipment, all of which combined further assists the students’ learning experience at the college.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

omanoil signs deal to support four community programmes

Sohar Aluminium awards ‘Beat the Heat’ winners MUSCAT: Sohar Aluminium (SA) held an event, recently to award the winners of ‘Beat the Heat’ writing competition, that was dedicated to SA’s employees’ children.

The ceremony was held in the presence of representatives from the executive committee and members of the management team. The winning children were present with their parents and were happy to receive the awards which were bicycles with safety gear, says a press release.

This competition was open to all SA employees’ kids aged 4 to 12 to write a story in Arabic or English about heat stress management. Dozens of entries were

received in both languages.

The entries were then submitted to a judging panel which was formed by Al Batinah International School (ABIS). The panel evaluated the entries and selected 10 winners based on creativity, sentence structure and originality in 3 age groups: 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 10 to 12.

This initiative is part of the Heat Stress Management campaign that was extended to the employees’ families and the community to educate them about the dangers of heat stress in a fun and entertaining way.

This activity also aimed at helping parents interact with children

and learn together about heat stress and ways of preventions.

It was also a good opportunity for the children to enjoy a fun activity and quality time with their parents by writing the stories.

The campaign that was launched in the summer this year and lasted for three months also included other activities such as internal events engaging the employees and contractors.

In addition to this, more than 5,000 copies of a booklet that included information and stories as well as coloring activities were distributed to thousands of children around the Sultanate through newspapers.

PROMOTION

Sky Jewellery to announce mega raffle winners today MUSCAT: The golden campaign of Sky Jewellery is all set for the mega announcement very shortly.

The mega raffle will announce its final phase of winners today at Ruwi High Street showroom. The high voltage promotion in terms of winning divided by the number of showrooms is reaching its worth finale today, says a press release.

The mega draw will announce 16 lucky winners. The first grand prize will be 10 Tola bars to one winner, followed by a second

prize of 5 Tola bars to the second winner and 3 Tola bars to the third winner. Thirteen winners will get one Tola bar each as consolation prize.

The campaign has been so successful and customers have fully explored the merit of it with lots of other surprises as well.

Sky Jewellery showroom is extending yet another great offer in diamonds these days as ‘Fall in Love with Diamonds’ with excellent offers attached.

MUSCAT: Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) signed an agreement with the Ministry of Social Development earmarking over OMR100,000 to support four community programmes targeting families on social security including undergraduate students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The partnership was signed by Dr Yahya bin Badr Al Ma’awali, undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Sheikh Salem bin Abdallah Al Rawas, chairman, omanoil, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Said Al Kalbani, Minister of Social

Development, says a press release.

The programmes falling under the agreement include Kader; a scholarship fund that will support students from social security families complete their undergraduate degree, an Entrepreneurship Programme designed to support job seekers on social security start their own businesses through training and funding and a Stability Programme aimed at providing the necessary home appliances to families in need. The agreement also includes funding a year-long awareness campaign that will help shed light on the

various challenges facing families on social security today.

Al Rawas, commented on the occasion, “At omanoil, corporate social responsibility is not only a business management mechanism but also a vehicle for the company and our employees to engage with the community. Our 2016 partnership with the Ministry of Social Development is a translation of our commitment and dedication to be a catalyst of change, and we are confident that together we will make a difference in the socio-economic development of the country.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 201 5

ROUND-UP

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Super deals on Mitsubishi Lancer EX As a part of the offer, the Lancer EX will be available with free service, free registration, cash gifts and more until the offer ends on January 14

MUSCAT: General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, is providing its customers an exciting opportunity to welcome the New Year with their very own performance packed Mitsubishi Lancer EX together with a

great bundle of benefits; all thanks to its ongoing Offer Bonanza.

As a part of the offer, the Lancer EX will be available with free service, free registration, cash gifts and more until the offer ends on January 14, says a press release.

Commenting on the Lancer EX, Manoj Ranade, the GM of General Automotive Company said, “The Lancer EX has long been known for providing drivers with an unparalleled driving experience in its class, whilst also offering the highest levels of safety, comfort and affordable running costs. With our Offer Bonanza, we are taking these cost savings to an entirely new level, providing our customers with the best possible savings on the Lancer EX and total piece of mind motoring for the duration of their ownership.”

Valid until January 14, the offer allows all potential Mitsubishi Lancer EX buyers to benefit from a low starting price of just OMR5,850, together with six years unlimited mileage warranty, six

years roadside assistance and free registration. Customers will also benefit from a 3-year/50,000km free service package and cash gifts of up to OMR795.

The Lancer EX is available

in three flavours – the family oriented GLS 2.0, the balanced GLX 2.0 and the sporty GT, all of which are included in the offer.

The GLS 2.0 model offers drivers space and modern luxury ap-

MODERNISING FLEET

pointments, while the GLX 2.0 features an ergonomic design 4-speed automatic MIVEC gearbox and a roomier interior.

However, for the performance focused driver, the renowned

Lancer EX GT 2.0 is the ultimate driving machine of the range, boasting stunning looks and aggressive styling with aerodynamic lines.

Add-in a racing inspired paddle shift gear changer to shift into overdrive, a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system and a cockpit full of gadgets and features ensures that every drive of the EX GT 2.0 is a truly memorable experience.

“In addition to the Lancer EX, this offer also extends to our Pajero and Outlander models. Each of these vehicles represent the very best of what Mitsubishi can offer and will no doubt be a great way to welcome the New Year,” added Manoj.

In addition, any customer visiting the showroom and taking a test drive on any Mitsubishi vehicle during the offer period will be entered into a special draw. The draw itself will be conducted at the end of the offer period in January with four winners taking home a brand new iPad mini each.

ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEA

MCBS wins at ‘NBO Innovation in SME’

Prestige Projects acquires Astra trucks MUSCAT: Prestige Projects & Engineering Supplies Co., one of the established service providers in the transportation sector in the Sultanate of Oman has taken a step ahead to modernise its fleet by acquiring more vehicles of the world renowned truck brand – Astra, says a press release.

Astra trucks are world famous and accepted by major industries across the globe for developing robust, reliable and versatile trucks to meet specific client needs. These vehicles operate on challenging and remote work sites such as quarries and mines.

“It is our constant pursuit to upgrade our transportation facility and support our clients’ needs in Oman by offering intelligent transportation solutions and found Astra trucks are developed with customer friendly technology, tough and reliable features. Hence, we have made a decision to purchase them. Prestige Projects together with Astra and Al Fairuz Trading & Contracting Co will serve the transportation industry with more dedication and diligence,” says Denis Mascarenhas, managing director of Prestige Projects & Engineering Supplies Co. At a ceremony held on the premises of Al Fairuz Trading & Contracting – Ghala main office, Sadiq Salim Al Fairuz, managing director, Haider Al Fairuz, deputy managing director and Ashok Sudhakaran, chief executive officer jointly handed over the keys of Astra Prime Movers to Denis Mascarenhas.

Astra, the legendary heavy duty

truck manufacturer, part of the IVECO Group is a brand making significant inroads in the Oman truck market.

With high performance, quality, and reliability these trucks have established themselves as one of the most preferred brands in Oman today. Robustness, versatility, mobility, mission dedication and loading capabilities are the key values of Astra HD9 range, designed for heavy duty applications in long heavy haulage, logistics, oil & gas, mining, quarry and construction. Astra Trucks in Oman is distributed by Al Fairuz Trading & Contracting Co, a company associated with high quality trucks and construction equipment for over 50 years.

The management of Prestige Projects & Engineering Supplies Co has a strong and in-depth expe-

rience of more than three decades in the transportation industry.

They have always strived to upgrade their management systems, operational arrangements and technical capabilities.

Their specialised and custom friendly operations have attracted many major customers in Oman and they continue their top grade services in the Sultanate of Oman to match their vision — ‘To be the top grade service provider with performance, commitment, innovation and value pricing; to establish a strong and successful relationship with customers, suppliers and employees as the organisation partners’.

Advantage of PPES services includes professional management, 24/7 services, well maintained and different choices of vehicles available with BP and PDO approvals

with IVMS fitted on each vehicles, experienced, trained and customer friendly drivers according to the BP and PDO specifications, 100% complied with HSE rules and regulations etc.

PPES is also specialised in providing fire and safety solutions in the Sultanate of Oman for over a decade now. For the fire and safety industry, with its experience of supplying the fire prevention and fire safety aids for factories, warehouses, buildings, homes, shopping malls and work places, PPES has constantly helped the industry with a highest degree of service and support. With qualified and well trained teams having a thorough knowledge of every aspect of fire and safety engineering, the company is always ready to put forward the best services for fire safety products and services.

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

MUSCAT: A pioneering entrepreneurial idea by a threemember team from the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) has won the second place in the NBO’s Innovation in SME award held last week.

Their project — The Book Lounge — envisages a modern independent bookstore with an attached cafe designed to give book and coffee lovers in Oman a never-before wonderful experience, says a press release.

The team behind the Book Lounge consists of Mazen Jamal, Amira Al Balghouni and Maryam Al Busaidi, all senior students at MCBS majoring in Marketing and MOB. Commenting on their project, Mazen said: “Our business idea allows students to grow both as readers and as students by providing them with an enabling place to achieve their true potential. The project also endeavours to offer an unparalleled social experience for the youth.”

“All three of us love reading, and believe in the power of knowledge to effect positive change in the community. We also love coffee and like to spend our time in a productive way; so the project idea came naturally to us. It originated not just from our needs but the needs of almost every student and book lover in the country. Creating an atmosphere that encourages reading habit among youngsters will have a tremendous impact on the country’s economy,” he added.

The team is seriously thinking of taking the project into the market, and is weighing in various funding options.

NBO’s Innovation in SME Award is part of the bank’s CSR programme, and offers OMR10,000 to turn the best busi-

Our business idea allows students to grow both as readers and as students by providing them with an enabling place to achieve their true potential. The project also endeavours to offer an unparalleled social experience for the youth Mazen Jamal

Winning team member

ness idea across Industrial, IT, Environmental, Retail, Hospitality and other sectors by university students into a reality. All undergraduate full-time university students in Oman are eligible to participate.

The projects were evaluated on the basis of their uniqueness, sustainability, target market segment(s), market impact, R&D involved, marketing concepts, potential competition, investment and profitability.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

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Clinical England beat South Africa SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings: 303 (N. Compton 85, J. Taylor 70; D. Steyn 4-70, M. Morkel 4-76) South Africa 1st innings: 214 (D. Elgar 118no; S. Broad 4-25, M. Ali 4-69) England 2nd innings: 326 (J. Bairstow 79, J. Root 73; D. Piedt 5-153) South Africa 2nd innings: D. Elgar c Root b Finn 40 S. van Zyl b Stokes 33 H. Amla c Bairstow b Finn 12 AB. de Villiers lbw b Ali 37 F. du Plessis c Cook b Finn 9 D. Steyn b Finn 2 T. Bavuma st Bairstow b Ali 0 J. Duminy not out 26 K. Abbott lbw b Ali 2 D. Piedt c Taylor b Woakes 0 M. Morkel lbw b Broad 8 Extras (b-2, lb-3) 5 Total (all out, 71 overs) 174 Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-85, 3-88, 4-136, 5-136, 6-136, 7-138, 8-143, 9-155, 10-174 Bowling: S. Broad 13-5-29-1, C. Woakes 10-5-25-1, S. Finn 15-6-42-4, B. Stokes 7-1-26-1, M. Ali 26-9-47-3 Umpires: Aleem Dar and Rod Tucker TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle Result: England won by 241 runs

It was only the second triumph in the opening Test of a series for England in 11 years as South Africa’s status as the top-ranked Test nation looked distinctly hollow, extending their number of successive Tests without a win to seven

DURBAN: Moeen Ali took three wickets on Wednesday as England made quick work of securing victory in the first Test by bundling out South Africa for 174 before lunch and ensure a 241-run win on the last day at Kingsmead.

It was only the second triumph in the opening Test of a series for England in 11 years as South Africa’s status as the top-ranked Test nation looked distinctly hollow, extending their number of successive tests without a win to seven.

England will take a massive morale boost into the rest of the fourtest series with a quick turnaround time before the second test starts in Cape Town on Saturday.

South Africa already had their backs to the wall at 136 for four wickets overnight, chasing an im-

BIG WIN: England players celebrate after winning the first Test cricket match against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban. – AFP

probable 416 for a win, and their hopes of survival rested heavily on AB de Villiers.

But the stumper-batsman lasted only three balls at the start of the final day and was out on his overnight score of 37.

De Villiers was trapped leg before wicket to Ali and failed to overturn the decision on review with the television technology showing the ball would have grazed the leg stump.

South Africa had still not added a run to their overnight tally when Temba Bavuma was stumped by Jonny Bairstow off Ali’s bowling in just his second over of the day.

Nightwatchman Dale Steyn was bowled by Steven Finn, who had been the wrecker-in-chief late on the fourth day, and Kyle Abbott was also trapped lbw by Ali as England grabbed the first four wickets of the day for just seven runs.

Dane Piedt tried his best at stonewalling, going 27 balls without scoring before edging a ball from Chris Woakes onto his pads, which popped up for James Taylor to catch at short-leg.

The last man out was Morne Morkel, leg before to Stuart Broad for eight, leaving JP Duminy 26 not out as he held up one end for South Africa. Finn finished with

figures of 4-42, while Ali took 3-47.

“It was not a good Christmas.

We didn’t play half as well as we could and we’ve got a lot of work to do now,” said South Africa coach Russell Domingo.

The second Test at Newlands runs from Jan. 2-6 with the two remaining matches in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

England have the makings of a strong future Test team, captain Alastair Cook said. “The guys have over the last eight months or so taken big strides forward as a side.

We didn’t quite get our rewards in the United Arab Emirates,” Cook said referring to the series defeat

to Pakistan in October, “but we did today. Over five days we got the rub of the green and played very well.

It’s a good side to captain, full of balance and guys that are happy and hungry.

“One to 17 in the squad want to push on, if you see them training, they work really hard. There will be some tough times ahead but it is very pleasing.”

They produced a strong allround showing with some impressive batting and bowling performances to hand the top-ranked test nation a thumping on home soil. Moeen Ali was named manof-the-match for taking seven

wickets but there were strong claims for the award from the likes of Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Joe Root and James Taylor.

“We don’t win away all that often. It’s been a while for us as a side. We got our opportunity and we took it. Potentially this team can do some really good things, there’s so much talent in this side and I think we are seeing a lot of younger guys coming through.

There are a good 20-odd players starting to form the nucleus.”

But Cook also warned: “Let’s not get too carried away. It is relentless hard work and good results over a long period of time.” - Reuters

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Kiwi captain McCullum ‘unlikely’ for third ODI against Sri Lanka Malinga injured, Chandimal to lead Sri Lanka in T20s

McCullum, who has long battled a bad back, damaged a disc

CHRISTCHURCH: Dinesh Chandimal will lead the Sri Lankan Twenty20 team in New Zealand following a knee injury to Lasith Malinga, the country’s cricket board has said.

Regular Twenty20 captain Malinga sustained the knee injury during the home series against West Indies but was expected to play the two Twenty20 matches that conclude Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand.

“Lasith Malinga the T20 Captain is injured and un-

diving for a ball on the boundary during the second match in Christchurch on Monday which the hosts won comfortably to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series

able to tour New Zealand.

Dinesh Chandimal has been appointed as the stand-in captain for the T20 leg of the tour,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

Sri Lanka are also missing injured pacer Dhammika Prasad while stumper-batsman Kusal Perera has been suspended for failing a dope test.

Opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka and paceman Suranga Lakmal have been added to the squad for the Twenty20 matches on January 7 and 10. - Reuters

‘STILL PRETTY SORE’: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is “unlikely” to play in the third one-

day match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is “unlikely” to play in the third one-day match against Sri Lanka on Thursday as he recovers from a back injury, coach Mike Hesson has said.

McCullum, who has long battled a bad back, damaged a disc diving for a ball on the boundary during the second match in Christchurch on Monday which the hosts won comfortably to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

“He’s still pretty sore,” Hesson told local media on Wednesday.

“It’s unlikely he’ll play but he’s still a chance.

“Normally we talk about 24 to 48 hours (for recovery). It’s probably closer to 48 than 24. He’s certainly improving but unless he’s good to go, we won’t risk him.

“He’s certainly one of those guys that if there’s a chance he can play he’d like to.”

Batsman Kane Williamson and

CRICKET

January 7 in Mt Maunganui and Auckland on January 10 as part of their preparations for the World T20 in India. All-rounder Corey Anderson has been named in the T20 squad captained by Williamson and is set to make his return from a prolonged back injury which has kept him sidelined since the tour of England in May. Anderson will only bat during the series as he eases back into international cricket.

“We’ve got a plan in place for when we hope to have Corey back bowling,” Hesson said.

“He’s getting closer, but we’ll be taking a precautionary approach.

“We’ve seen how dynamic a batsman he is and can threaten any bowling attack in the world.

It’ll be great to have him back in the mix.”

All-rounder Grant Elliott, who struck the winning six off South Africa paceman Dale Steyn to

guide New Zealand into their first World Cup final in March, has also been named in the squad after recovering from a fractured wrist sustained in November.

New Zealand T20 squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee and Ross Taylor. - Reuters

CRICKET

South Africa add de Kock and Morris to Test team DURBAN: South Africa added wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock and fast bowler Chris Morris to their squad for the second Test against England, which starts in Cape Town on Saturday, just minutes after being beaten in the first match in Durban on Wednesday.

Uncertainty over the fitness of world’s top Test bowler Dale Steyn has seen selectors add Morris while de Kock’s inclusion suggests that AB de Villiers might not be required to keep wickets again and will instead be allowed to concentrate on his batting.

De Villiers had returned with the gloves behind the wickets for the first Test in Durban to allow South Africa to add an extra batsman in their line-up but the team scored 214 and 174 runs in their two innings.

Steyn suffered a shoulder spasm

fast bowler Adam Milne are in line for selection after recovering from injuries, however.

Williamson hurt his knee fielding during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Hamilton but proved his fitness in a full training session.

“Kane’s great. He was keen to play the last one but he was still pretty sore. He’s trained well today and recovered well,” said Hesson.

New Zealand will also play Sri Lanka in Twenty20 matches on

in the second innings and his absence was keenly felt as the home team lost by 241 runs to England.

South Africa had originally named a 13-man squad for the first two Tests because of the quick turnaround between the matches.

“Following our performance and injuries in the first Test, we have recognised the need to bolster the squad,” said Linda Zondi, Cricket South Africa’s convener of selectors.

“This will provide us with more selection options for the second Test match at Newlands.”

Squad: Hashim Amla (captain), Kyle Abbott, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl. - Reuters

Solid foundations laid for rebuilding Australia in successful home summer MELBOURNE: For a rebuilding Australia side ostensibly in the throes of a long and tricky transition, Steve Smith’s team has appeared remarkably settled during a successful home summer.

Following the confidence-sapping Ashes defeat in England, Australia lost a wealth of experience in the dressing room, with captain Michael Clarke, opening batsman Chris Rogers and Brad Haddin among a string of retirements.

Pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson then called time on his career after the second Test against New Zealand and his replacement Mitchell Starc was sidelined for the summer after the third Test.

However, under new captain Smith, Australia head in to the New Year celebrating two home series wins over New Zealand and West Indies, and victory in four out of the five Tests.

Australia face their first proper examination in February when they head to New Zealand for a two-Test series but selectors won’t have too much to ponder, according to coach Darren Lehmann.

“It’s pretty close (to being settled) I would think,” Lehmann, also one of the team’s selectors, told reporters in Melbourne on Wednesday.

“You’d have to speak to the (selectors’) chairman more so than me at the moment. But from where I sit it’s all pretty good. It’s really just making sure they all get through it, seeing how they perform in Sydney and then away we go.

“Our big challenge is to win away from home. That’s what we’re always saying. We play pretty well at home but to play well away from home is pretty important.”

Australia play their last Test of the home summer at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Sunday, a dead rubber against West Indies,

Our big challenge is to win away from home. That’s what we’re always saying.

We play pretty well at home but to play well away from home is pretty important Darren Lehmann Australia coach

and may look to experiment with a second spinner to accompany Nathan Lyon in preparation for slower pitches on a tour of Sri Lanka next year.

A painful ankle injury to paceman Peter Siddle and the impressive pace of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has boosted Australia’s chances of playing two specialist spinners on home soil for the first time in a decade.

Australia host the third and final Test at the Sydney cricket Ground, the nation’s only wicket that could be called ‘spin-friendly’.

The SCG hosted Australia’s last two-pronged spin assault on a home wicket, when leg-spinners Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill teamed up in a 2006 defeat of South Africa.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon has

been Australia’s first-choice slow bowler for some time but has almost never had company.

He teamed up with debutant Steven O’Keefe for a Test match in Dubai against Pakistan last year but both were flayed by the opposing batsmen in defeat and the experiment was canned.

O’Keefe has not played a Test since but mindful of the turning pitches that await on a tour to Sri Lanka next year, Australia’s selectors are tempted to hand the 31-year-old a second cap.

“He’s bowling really well. The selectors have watched him through state cricket,” Lehmann said. “He’d probably bat at eight (in the order), probably bat above Patto (paceman James Pattinson) if they both play.

“He can certainly bat and he’s

a chirpy little feisty bloke in the field. Looking forward to him contributing if he gets his chance.”

But batting lineup is unlikely to be touched, with all of the top order scoring big runs in recent matches.

The replacements have slotted in with aplomb, with Usman Khawaja making the number three position his own and Joe Burns, who succeeded opener Rogers, teaming well with David Warner. Lehmann gave Australia a mark of ‘7.5’ out of 10 for a year in which they won the World Cup but lost the Ashes, the series most prized by home fans.

“The pleasing thing is we’ve ticked every box we wanted to at the start of the year apart from obviously the Ashes,” he said. “(But) we won’t get to number one if we don’t win away from home. Simple as that.” - Reuters

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SPORTS FOOTBALL

Ronaldo double as Real sink Sociedad

BARCELONA: Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty and missed another as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 3-1 to go provisionally top of La Liga before Barcelona play Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese blazed a spotkick over the bar after 24 minutes but slotted home another three minutes before the break.

Sociedad substitute Bruma equalised for the visitors after 49 minutes before Ronaldo struck a volley through a crowded penalty area into the net midway through the second half.

Lucas Vazquez sealed the win with a goal after 87 minutes that will ease the pressure on coach Rafa Benitez. “Sometimes you play better or worse but what is important is to get the three points,” Vazquez told reporters.

“The public has the right to applaud or whistle. We have to keep working on these lines and win games.”

Real have 36 points from 17 games with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid a point behind.

Barca have two games in hand and face Real Betis while Atletico meet Rayo Vallecano.

Madrid started the stronger with defender Pepe having a header from a corner tipped over by keeper Geronimo Rulli and Ronaldo was denied by the Sociedad stopper.

Real won a penalty after a slight push from fullback Yuri on Karim Benzema but Ronaldo missed a penalty for the 1th time in his career with a poor effort that went over the crossbar.

He made no mistake with a second spot-kick, though, tucking the ball into the right corner after Gareth Bale’s cross was handled by Yuri.

Sociedad lost Sergio Canales with suspected knee ligament damage but came out stronger in the second half and Bruma, given too much space on the right of the area, curled a shot into the top corner.

Just as the game was turning Sociedad’s way and the fans were starting to get on the back of the Real players, Ronaldo volleyed in from a corner for his 57th goal of the year and Vazquez struck late from another Bale cross. - Reuters

DESERVING HONOUR: Asian Hockey Federation CEO ‘Dato’ Tayyib Ikram, right, pre-

GREAT ACHIEVEMENT: AHF CEO Tayyib Ikram, second left, and Habib Macki, second

sents AHF Lifetime Achievement Award to SAS Naqvi. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

right, pictured during a ceremony hosted to present the award to the latter.

AHF Lifetime Achievement Award for Naqvi and Macki The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) had recently decided to ‘create a large, engaged hockey community in Asia’ and the efforts to develop the game in the GCC region forms part of that vision. “We will work towards making Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait members of the AHF and FIH,” he said.

Apart from hosting the AHF U-18 Cup in October next year, Oman is also likely to bid for the Asian Men’s Champions Trophy, which is scheduled from October 17 to 30

T.K. MOHANDOSS sportseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: It was a whiff of fresh jubilant air for hockey veteran Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi, when Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) awarded him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a function organised on Wednesday.

The AHF Chief Executive Officer ‘Dato’ Tayyib Ikram presented the glittering award to the evergreen hockey exponent of Oman, who had been the first coach of the Oman national hockey team and later served the game as a tireless administrator.

Speaking on the occasion, Tayyib Ikram poured heaps of praise on the most beloved hockey personality of Oman, and credited all the achievements of Oman hockey to S.A.S. Naqvi.

“It was a long term plan to honour the hero of Oman hockey and it happened this time to honour his achievements,” said the AHF official. “Naqvi is a person who strived hard for the development of hockey, whereever he was and is. He

has also sacrificed the comforts of his own family and has prioritised sports ahead of everything.

“This award is just a token of appreciation for all his dedication and efforts and he certainly deserves more,” he added.

A jubilant Naqvi was thankful to Tayyib Ikram and Asian Hockey Federation after receiving the prestigious award.

“I have no words to explain my excitement at receiving the honour. I am excited to have been recognised for the service to hockey and I assure that I will continue to serve the game as long as I can,” said Naqvi.

“I want to dedicate and share this honour with Oman Hockey Association, all hockey enthusiasts of Oman and also each and everyone who have supported me in fulfilling my ambitions,” the veteran added.

Present at the function was Oman Hockey Association General Secretary Mohammed Redha Al Lawati, other OHA officials and the Oman veterans hockey team led by Mohammed Shambeh Al

FRIEND OF OMAN HOCKEY: Oman veteran hockey personality Mohammed Shambeh Al Raisi, right, presents a memento to Asian Hockey Federation CEO ‘Dato’ Tayyib Ikram.

Raisi, who has represented Oman at the AHF and also the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The Oman veterans team also presented a memento of thanks to Tayyib Ikram and called him the most loved member of the Oman hockey fraternity.

“Tayyib has become the most loved personality in Oman and we wish that he visits more frequently to help develop the game in Oman,” said Mohammed Shambeh Al Raisi.

Habib Macki honoured Meanwhile, Tayyib Ikram also awarded the AHF Lifetime Achievement Award to former chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee Habib bin Abdulnabi

POLLS

Presidential candidate Salman wants to divide FIFA into two MIAMI: The frontrunner in the FIFA presidential election, Asian football chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, says he wants to divide the organisation into two separate entities as part of a ‘turnaround’ plan for the crisishit organisation.

Salman, who is president of the Asian Football Confederation, said in a statement on Wednesday that FIFA’s governance and business functions would be separated if he took over the helm following the February 26 elections.

The Bahraini suggested dividing the organisation into a ‘Football FIFA’ that will be responsible for governance and running events and tournaments; and a ‘Business FIFA’ which would handle all commercial, financial and funding matters.

“Only by strictly separating the generation of funds and supervising the flow of all monies spent can we guarantee the rebirth of a new FIFA that is accountable and is a good corporate citizen that deserves everybody’s respect”, Salman said in the statement.

FIFA’s 209 member associations will vote for a new president at a congress in Zurich on February 26. Previous president Sepp Blatter was banned from football for eight years by FIFA’s Ethics Committee earlier this month.

United States prosecutors have indicted 27 current or former soc-

TWO ENTITIES: Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

cer officials, including eight exFIFA Executive Committee members and the current heads of both the North and South American federations, over allegations they ran bribery schemes connected to the sale of TV rights for soccer competitions.

Twelve people in sports marketing and two companies have been convicted.

Swiss authorities are also investigating FIFA and on Wednesday handed over the first batch of evidence to U.S authorities after freezing around $80 million in assets in 13 bank accounts.

“FIFA must be restructured top-down in order to remedy its

present ills. Nothing short of a complete organisational overhaul and the introduction of stringent control mechanisms will allow us to re-launch FIFA in its entirety,” Salman added.

Salman said he intended to bring in “external experts” to help with the process including a “top class executive who does not necessarily need to have a football pedigree but is someone who has the expertise of a turn-around manager”.

Salman also promised an indepth review of FIFA’s senior management structure and vowed to listen to the organisation’s staff.

“FIFA is not those 40-odd individuals who have been indicted,

arrested or already convicted on various charges. FIFA is above all a 400-strong group of employees from 40 plus countries who have suffered from the mayhem caused by others only marginally linked to the organisation,” he said, noting that there have been no arrests or charges against FIFA staff members.

Salman repeated his pledge not to take a salary if elected president and said he would have a non-executive role.

“I shall not be micro-managing the organisation and nor will I play a role in day-to-day to operations,” he said, adding there would be full transparency of financial accounts including “minute details”.

He said he would aim to win back sponsor support for the body.

“My focus will be to make FIFA deserving of corporate support by introducing structures and controls that generate the kind of trust we have lost in many quarters. Pretty PR talk will not remedy the failures FIFA has allowed to occur,” he added.

The other candidates for FIFA president are UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, former FIFA deputy general secretary Jerome Champagne, Jordanian Football Association President Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein and South African politician and businessman Tokyo Sexwale. - Reuters

Macki at the a separate function.

Habib Macki also honoured the visiting AHF official and thanked him for providing all the help to develop and promote hockey in Oman.

Earlier in the day, Tayyib also called on Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi and apprised him of the proposal of having a larger involvement on developing the game in the entire Gulf region.

The Sports Minister in turn assured the AHF official of all support and said the Oman will also be ready to host big events in the future.

“The meeting ended on a positive note,” said Tayyib and expressed confidence in developing the game in the entire Gulf region.

Champions Trophy Meanwhile, apart from hosting the AHF U-18 Cup in October next year, Oman is also likely to bid for the Asian Men’s Champions Trophy, which is also scheduled from October 17 to 30.

“We are thinking on bidding for the big event,” said Mohammed Redha. “We know it is big continental event and big arrangements have to be made to successfully bid for the tournament,” he added.

OHA’s technical director Mohie Saad Al Zaghlool also confirmed that Oman will bid for the Champions Trophy.

“To host such a big tournament, we need to spruce up our existing facilities, with permanent stands for spectators and also improve on the grand pavilion, which also includes state of the art dressing rooms,” said Mohie.

Meanwhile, Tayyib Ikram had no problems with the size of the stadium. “Size doesn’t matter but improvements need to be done,” said Tayyib.

“Bids for the October event is still open with some countries like Bangladesh expressing their willingness, but let’s see what Oman has to offer,” he signed off.

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THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 3 1, 20 1 5

SPORTS Arsenal will be busy in January, says Wenger Wenger would not be drawn on names, however, despite reports that Basel’s Egyptian Elneny was set to become his first signing of 2016

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will be busy in the January transfer window as he seeks reinforcements to keep the Gunners on top of the Premier League.

The Frenchman would not be drawn on names, however, despite British media reports that Basel’s Egyptian international midfielder Mohamed Elneny was set to become his first signing of 2016.

“You know more than I do. Unfortunately we cannot announce anything at the moment about this player because nothing has been concluded,” Wenger told a news conference ahead of Saturday’s home game against struggling Newcastle United.

“I will be busy, yes. I am already.

I said already one month ago we are a bit short at the moment to deal with all the competitions we face, especially in midfield,” he added. “We will be busy.”

Wenger needs cover in central midfield with Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere all sidelined with injuries.

FOOTBALL

Chelsea building momentum: Courtois LONDON: Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes the embattled Premier League champions are getting back to rhythm, citing the clean sheet in Monday’s draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford as a strong indication of their building momentum.

Chelsea have managed at least a point from the three games after the ouster of their high-profile manager Jose Mourinho earlier this month, splitting points with Watford and United after an enterprising win over Sunderland.

Guus Hiddink’s team is now placed 14th, 20 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, but Courtois was optimistic that the revival has already begun.

“We are getting into a flow and a very good flow to win games,” the Belgian keeper, who effected crucial saves at Old Trafford to ensure a clean sheet, told the club website (www. chelseafc.com).

“That is the thing we are in now, it is more difficult than last year, but we have all the time the support of our fans and that is what we need and like this we will progress and start winning games,” said the Belgian shoot stopper. - Reuters

Arsenal, who went top on Monday after beating Bournemouth 2-0, are also without England striker Danny Welbeck.

Elneny has impressed at Basel and reports have suggested Arsenal have already agreed a fee with the Swiss side. Southampton’s Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama could be another target, having handed in a transfer request last summer, although the Saints are likely to resist.

Wenger indicated France international defender Mathieu Debuchy could be on his way out after being sidelined this season by injury and the emergence of youngster Hector Bellerin.

“It’s not impossible,” said Wenger of a player eager for playing time to win back his place in the national team ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

“I’m happy if he stays but we’ll see.”

Arsenal, who are ahead of Leicester City only on goal difference going into the New Year, are chasing their first league title since 2004 but have looked fragile in an unpredictable season.

The Gunners were thrashed 4-0 at Southampton in the league last Saturday and only went through to the Champions League last 16, where they next face Barcelona, by the skin of their teeth.

“I am confident we will fight to stay there,” said Wenger of the Premier League battle. “But it’s a long way to go, we are just half way.”

Wenger expected to have Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, who picked up a hamstring injury at the end of November, back for the holders’ FA Cup third round match against Sunderland on January 9. - Reuters

SUCCESSFUL EVENT

Jamal clinches squash pennant MUSCAT: Squash professional Jamal Al Barwani, who flew in from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to take part in the East Horizon Squash Tournament 2015 held at PDO, overwhelmed all his opponents to clinch the trophy in style.

In all 24 players representing countries like Oman, India, Pakistan, United Kingdom and Russia took part in the tournament.

The participants were divided into four groups, with each group having six players and group toppers and second-placed players advancing to the quarterfinals.

In Group 1, Jamal Al Barwani, an Omani who is based in UAE, topped with 15 points. In the second place was Hussain Al Lawati (11 points) followed by Iqbal (10), Andy (6), Ahmed Al Nagar (3) and Saleh Al Shawli (0).

Group 2 was topped by Fahad Al Hinai (15 points) followed by PC Thomas (12), Abd Al Nafia (9), Dr Al Azwar (6), Sergey (3) and Qais Al Anqoodi (0).

Tahir Taghlib Al Barwani finished on top of Group 3 with 15 points. Mutassim Al Nofli (10) end-

CHAMPION: Jamal Al Barwani receives his trophy. – Supplied photo

ed up second and behind him were Abd Allah Naser Al Sulimani (9), Khalid Al Ghaithi (8), Mohamed Tamim Al Hinai (3) and Azam (0).

The last group went in favour of Taha Al Anqoodi (14 points) followed by Kumail (12), Thabit Al Lamki (10), Leon (6), Sawadi (3) and Salim Al Muqbali (0).

Later in the quarterfinals, Ja-

mal Al Barwani was too good for Thomas winning the three-game match 2-0. Following Jamal into the semifinals were Taha Al Anqoodi, who beat Mutassim Al Nofli2-0, Tahir Al Barwani, who got past Kumail 2-1 and Fahad Al Hinai, who defeated Hussain Al Lawati 2-1.

In the semifinals Jamal blanked

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Manchester City not where they should be at yearend, says Hart LONDON: Manchester City have gone off the boil after a good start to the season and the team should have been placed higher than third in the Premier League table at the end of the year, goalkeeper Joe Hart has said.

City began December in first place, ahead of Leicester City on goal difference, but picked up just seven points from their next five games to slip to third place.

“We are not where we should be right now in the table. We are right in the mix without really playing that well,” Hart told the club’s website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

The Sky Blues opened this season’s campaign with five successive league wins till mid-September, scoring 11 goals in those games and conceding none.

City have since failed to win a single league game on the road, with their last away victory coming at Crystal Palace more than three months ago.

“We started the season strongly, but we have not been great over the last 12 games or so. The two teams above us (in the table) deserve to be there,” the England international said. “Without doubt, (we need) to push on, we need to win all our home games and be hard to beat in our away games as well.”

Hart said City were unfortunate not to have taken more than a point against Leicester.

Taha 2-0, while Fahad edged Tahir 2-1. In the play-off, Taha Al Anqoodi stood up to his strength to clinch third place beating Taha Al Anqoodi 2-1. The five-set final saw Jamal Al Barwani allowing Fahad Al Hinai winning a set before wrapping up the game 3-1.

Chief guest Sayyid Nasr bin Badr Al Busaidi gave away the trophies.

Speaking on the occasion, Sayyid Nasr said: “I am very impressed by the level of performance and I want the organisers to host more events targeting the youth.”

He also expressed his willingness to help promote the sport in Oman. The participants also poured praise on Tahir Al Barwani, who is working tirelessly to promote the game in Oman.

“Great job all. Great everyone could make it and my applause for the organisers, who could conduct this successful tournament quickly,” said champion Jamal Al Barwani.

PC Thomas also lauded Tahir Al Barwani for doing such a wonderful job and making the presence of squash felt in the Sultanate.

We are not where we should be right now in the table. We are right in the mix without really playing that well Name

Designation

“It is a game we could and should have won but we did not. Kasper Schmeichel did well and made a few good saves, but we maybe should have done better with the chances we had,” he added.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men travel to take on eighth-placed Watford, who have won four of their last six games, in the league on Saturday.

Kompany out for a month Meanwhile, City are looking at another month without captain Vincent Kompany after the defender

suffered a second degree tear in his calf during Saturday’s 4-1 Premier League win over Sunderland, manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.

Tuesday’s goalless draw against second place Leicester was Manchester City’s first clean sheet in the league this season without their Belgian captain. The result also meant City finished the year in third.

Kompany has missed more than half of City’s league games this season, playing in nine out of the 19, and hobbled off within 10 minutes of appearing as a second half substi-

tute against Sunderland. He had not played a game since the trip to Aston Villa in early November in what was City’s last clean sheet.

“Vincent has an injury, second degree on his calf so we’ll see how many weeks he will be out,” Pellegrini told reporters after the Leicester game.

“I do not think it will be less than three-four weeks. I am not a doctor, but with a muscle injury, it will be very difficult for him to be back in less than four weeks. But without him, we must continue to defend as did tonight.” - Reuters

Team work will propel Stoke up the table: Shaqiri LONDON: Team work will take Stoke City to new heights, winger Xherdan Shaqiri has said after Monday’s moraleboosting 4-3 Premier League win over Everton. Despite scoring four goals on Monday, Stoke, who are ninth in the table, are one of the low-scoring teams in the league with 20 goals.

“I think you never know what can happen in the Premier League this season. You see that some teams are really down, some teams are really up, like Leicester (City),” Shaqiri told British media.

“So anything can happen in this league... but we must work hard like we did at Everton and we must play well. If we do that, then we can see where we finish.

“For us it’s important to play as a team. We can only win as a team and we showed that at Everton. If we keep going like that anything can happen.”

The Potters have dropped 10 points against teams in the bottom half of the league and Shaqiri has called on his teammates to change their mentality when they take on teams lower down the table. Stoke begin the new year with a game against 13thplaced West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. - Reuters

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Saleem Malik wants a ‘second chance’ In an interview to Saj Sadiq of PakPassion.

Justice should be equal for all. My question to those in authority has always been why was I treated differently to others?

net, former Pakistan batsman Saleem Malik speaks about his frustration at not being able to involve himself in cricket during ‘16 years of

Saleem Malik

isolation’, his work as

Former Pakistan cricketer

an NGO, his request to authorities to give him ‘another chance’ and his urge to serve the country

You played many great innings for Pakistan. Which ones are special and memorable to you?

Well the ones that stick out for me in one-day cricket are the worldfamous and much loved innings in Kolkata when I made 72 from 62 balls against the West Indies in the Nehru Cup final (November, 1989) and we went on to win the match off the penultimate ball.

But the one-day innings that really stands out for me is an innings that I played in the Caribbean against their ferocious pace attack in Trinidad. I scored 85 from only 55 balls and that match was played in 1988 when Patrick Patterson, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin and Curtly Ambrose were bowling very quick. As far as Test cricket is concerned I’m proud to say there were some very special innings. One innings though that really satisfies me was at Headingley in 1987. It wasn’t anywhere near my highest Test score but it was a vital innings of 99 on a very difficult wicket at Leeds. But the pleasing thing was that we went onto win the match by an innings and my score of 99 helped in that victory. My highest Test score of 237 against Australia is also a much-cherished innings.

The match was in Rawalpindi in 1994 and we were in trouble when

we had to follow on. However, we battled hard in the second innings and my innings contributed to us saving the match.

Do you think you were treated fairly by Justice Qayyum?

Well those people that looked after Justice Qayyum survived and those like me that didn’t offer him anything were targeted. I was coming towards the end of my international career so I was made the scapegoat. They had to find one or two scapegoats and I was conveniently one of them.

I interviewed Tauqir Zia a few years ago and he made it clear that some players escaped harsher punishment from Justice Qayyum because the Pakistan team would have struggled to find adequate replacements. How does it make you feel to hear this?

Justice should be equal for all. The law, rules and regulations should be the same irrespective of your background or status. My question to those in authority has always been why was I treated differently to others? Why was I punished so harshly? Why was I shown no remorse or given a second chance?

I never even wanted to play cricket again, but I was still blacklisted and isolated. I’ve tried so many times to clear the path to work again in cricket, by coaching children but they won’t even let me do that.

So without cricket what have you been doing, how have you coped?

When all my paths were blocked as far as an academy or coaching

was concerned, I formed an NGO which was to be for the welfare and help of former cricketers in Pakistan who were struggling financially. This was for cricketers who were struggling to support their family despite having played First-Class cricket and in some cases international cricket.

I was putting money from my own pocket and from friends to organise benefit matches for some of these cricketers who needed assistance. These benefit matches were held for two years, but last year after we made all the arrangements and the match was supposed to be televised and was supposed to include some current and veteran players, a block was put on the match and players were told they would be banned if they played and the venue of Gaddafi Stadium Lahore was told not to allow the match to happen. Then I tried to host the match at the LCCA ground and wasn’t allowed to do so. These are just some of the stumbling blocks I have had to face.

So what is your current status as far as your life ban is concerned?

Well I wrote several letters to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and brought up the issue in the media and eventually I was told that I’m now clear both from the Board’s perspective and legally. But the PCB also said to me two years ago that they wrote to the ICC for further clarification but I have not heard any further in that regard. So I wait as I have done for many years and wait for the ICC to clarify matters with PCB before I can move on and earn a living from cricket.

How does it make you feel when you see some named in the Justice Qayyum report working as coaches, commentators and in other parts of the media?

I’m not angry or bitter. It just hurts. I played so many matches for Pakistan, I took part in so many great wins and even singlehandedly won and saved matches for my country so why can’t I be given a second chance as others have been? I love Pakistan, it’s my country I would do anything for my country I just ask for another chance to serve my country. Sadly there are some people who don’t want to see me given another chance and that hurts. It’s almost as if those few people have it in for me and don’t want me to be given another chance. There are many players named in the Qayyum report and elsewhere who have been allowed to work in international cricket but the fact remains after 16 years of isolation I’ve not been given another opportunity.

You played alongside some of the greats of Pakistan cricket like Imran Khan. What are your memories of those great days?

Imran Khan was a fantastic rolemodel. He was senior in age and also the leader of the group. The players respected him and he was the commander-in-chief. Under Imran Khan’s leadership there was discipline and the group of players was very united. What I really enjoyed about playing under Imran Khan was his positive attitude in Test matches. He wanted to win and this was a refreshing change from some captains whose

FOOTBALL

Volkswagen to host Junior Masters Oman under-13 football tournament MUSCAT: Volkswagen, represented in Oman by Wattayah Motors, has announced the launch of the 2016 Volkswagen Junior Masters Oman U-13 football tournament, which will begin in January.

To be held across the Sultanate this year, the winners and runners-up teams will represent Oman in the Volkswagen Junior Masters Middle East Tournament set to take place in Dubai on March 4 and 5.

In 2016, taking into consideration the enthusiasm that Oman has for football, Volkswagen Oman have added more dimension to the regional playoffs. The event will kick-off with the first regional qualifier in Sohar on January 9 followed by the other regions later in the month.

Commenting on the tournament, Andrew Squires, the General Manager of Wattayah Motors, said: “Every year, the Volkswagen Junior Masters provides under-13 club football teams from across the country the opportunity to demonstrate their passion

and talents on a national, and subsequently regional level. Witnessing the overwhelming response we receive each year, we decided to take the national championships a notch higher by expanding the geographical reach – allowing more gifted young footballers across Oman to be a part of what is one of the biggest and most popular youth football tournaments in the world.”

He added: “We understand that it is a unique honour for a local team to represent Oman in the regional finals, to be hosted in Dubai, competing alongside ten of the best teams from around the region, and maybe even go ahead to be a part of the Junior Masters Cup to be held in Clairefontaine, France.”

The format of the qualifiers varies from country to country. In Oman, the tournament will consist of regional tournaments. The qualifying teams from each of the regional tournaments will enter into the finals to be held in Muscat on February 13. All matches

will follow FIFA rules recognised by the Oman Football Association together with certain conditions of play as set out by the association to accommodate for the fastpaced nature of the tournament.

The winners and runners-up of the Oman regional qualifiers will join those from Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the Volkswagen Junior Masters Middle East 2016 Tournament, which will be held in Dubai, UAE on March 4 and 5. The winners of the finals will then be crowned Volkswagen Junior Masters Middle East Champions. The winners of the Middle East finals will then head to Paris in May 2016 to represent the region at the Volkswagen World Junior Masters.

“Instead of a single qualifying match in Oman, we are excited to provide a multitude of opportunities for talented footballers under the age of 13 from across the country. We encourage all local clubs and individual teams to take note of the registration procedure and

sign up for this exclusive break as soon as possible to reserve your place in the tournament,” concluded Andrew Squires.

Registrations for the 2016 Volkswagen Junior Masters Oman U-13 Football Tournament are free. Interested teams can contact Adam Griffiths of MMC Sportz (00971 55 746 1163 or adam@ mmc-sportz.com).

The Volkswagen Junior Masters was established 16 years ago

by Volkswagen AG as part of its commitment to support youth and sports around the world. The tournament provides young footballers with a chance to enjoy the sport and compete fairly and has, in the process, become the biggest youth-oriented football tournament in the world.

The tournament is aimed at players under the age of 13 and has grown to include 4,700 youth players, 333 teams, and 245 dealers in its home country alone. Today, the tournament takes place in 23 countries worldwide.

mindset was to not lose and if we won, then that was a bonus. In addition, Imran brought neutral umpires into international cricket and that eradicated the suspicions of some teams who weren’t happy about home umpires.

He was a pioneer for Pakistan cricket, a great thinker and someone who played with such a positive attitude and that reflected on his teams. In my mind he was the man who brought the winning mentality into Pakistan cricket. He also brought into the team an attitude that if you lose, you go down fighting. The players who played alongside Imran Khan carried on the philosophies that he implemented.

What are your thoughts on Pakistan’s upcoming batsmen like Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Ahmed Shehzad and others?

One of the biggest problems is that we are not allowing our young batsmen to settle into international cricket and establish themselves. At times I feel that the current senior players should be doing more to help the young batsmen rather than protecting their own positions in the team. Imran Khan in his day encouraged young fast bowlers to become great cricketers, he didn’t worry about his own place in the team and that one day the young bowlers may replace him in the team.

What’s wrong with the current Pakistan limited-overs teams?

I don’t think the selectors are doing a very good job in picking the right players. Also it seems that our limited-overs captains are either too soft in allowing themselves to be overruled or on the other hand selecting players based on favoritism. The solution is simple; Improve selection and ensure players are picked on merit not through friendships with the captain.

What are your thoughts on the overall standard of batsmen around the world these days?

I’m a big fan of Virat Kohli; he’s a great player. He and AB de Villiers are the sort of players who have proved themselves in all conditions and in all formats. One thing that really annoys me though about modern-day cricket is the size of the boundaries. How can an international match be played where the boundary is just over 60 metres. These days edges fly for six, but in our day you didn’t get

too many edges flying for six as the boundaries were much bigger.

Do you think Mohammed Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif can re-launch their playing careers?

All three of them have been punished and served their punishment therefore I think they deserve another chance. I think all three can still play for Pakistan and still have a future in international cricket. Mohammed Amir has a lot of cricket ahead of him, he can be world-class again.

He has apologised and should be given another opportunity just as Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt should.

You asked the PCB for your life ban to be lifted. Can you provide an update on that?

The PCB asked me to put my request in writing which I did two years ago. The PCB then announced that I had been cleared by them and also by the courts.

However, the stumbling block is the ICC who still hasn’t responded to the PCB’s and my request. So I wait and wait for the ICC to reply and for me to move on with my life and rebuild my life.

It seems that you still have a lot of passion for Pakistan cricket and are keen to work as a coach. Is that accurate?

I want a second chance. I want to serve my country again. I represented my country for hundreds of matches and I urge the authorities to give me another chance. I’ve met the PCB chairman on several occasions and spoken with PCB officials. My wish is that I am given the chance once again to serve Pakistan cricket and nothing would please me more than to be given approval to coach young cricketers in Pakistan. I see our cricketers making basic errors in international cricket and having some obvious flaws that should have been spotted and ironed out before they reach international cricket. I’d like to work with young cricketers in Pakistan so that these errors and basic flaws are removed from our cricketers before they play international cricket. You shouldn’t have to learn basic skills in international cricket, they should be taught at junior level. I see our cricketers not running between the wickets properly and having basic flaws. I want to be given the opportunity to share my wealth of cricket experience and to work with young cricketers in Pakistan and I urge the authorities to help me with this request. - PakPassion.net

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The biggest attribute for a full-back or winger has to be pace and Byram possesses that in abundance. It allows him to move forward to attack and link the play with attackers but he can track back when needed

L

eeds United’s Sam Byram has been scouted by a number of Premier League clubs this season. Byram has been involved in a contract dispute with his club as he becomes a free agent in the summer and the club naturally wants him to sign a new contract so as to avoid losing him for cheap. Liverpool could land the player for as little as £5 million in January.

The club owner Massimo Cellino has gone on record to state his annoyance about Byram thinking he is bigger than his club. It would therefore, not be wrong to assume that the hype around the player is there for a reason.

The player, despite being 22, has over 130 appearances for Leeds since making his debut for the club at the start of 2012-

Tweet all about it

13 season. The Englishman was able to cement his place quickly and his brilliant performances earned him both the fans and players’ player of the year awards back in 2013.

Versatile and intelligent The 22-year-old is a versatile player who can operate at both right back, as well as ahead in the winger role. His vision and intelligence stand out well as he can pick out good passes as well as crosses. In fact, he is a very good crosser when he is playing forward in an attacking role, or when he is overlapping from the right-back position.

The biggest attribute for a fullback or winger has to be pace and Byram possesses that in abundance. It allows him to move for-

ward to attack and link the play with attackers but he can track back when needed.

He possesses a good physique which means he is not easily dispossessed and can challenge for the ball well. He has three goals this season from 13 starts, which shows that he can add the goal-threat for the team he is representing.

Widespread interest Byram has been looked at by Premier League clubs ever since breaking onto the scene at Elland Road and there will be considerable interest in the youngster in this transfer window considering he is not signing a contract extension.

It makes sense for Liverpool to be looking at options this winter as even without their present

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depleted squad (due to injuries), Nathaniel Clyne has no first-team back-up in his position.

The summer signing has been a good addition but the lack of backup is quite staggering and the England international has been forced to play almost every game in all competitions. He has played every minute in the Premier League so far, the only Liverpool player to do so.

Liverpool quite clearly need an addition in his position and Byram seems to be a perfect target, due to his ability as well as versatility. Too often this season, the Reds have been unable to offer much threat from the wide positions and stretch the game, only relying on the full-backs.

The Leeds United player’s ability to play further up means that

Klopp could use Clyne and Byram together and see if it pays dividends. If it works, Liverpool might be saved from spending too much on the winger position that isn’t as grave a requirement as others like the goalkeeper as well as the central defender positions that definitely require to be addressed with more urgency.

A seamless transition?

For the player, if he is able to secure a move away to the Premier League this January, and not necessarily to Liverpool, it would be a test for him initially, but considering the way he made his way up the youth ranks at Leeds and fit in the senior squad so seamlessly, you’d expect him to establish himself as a first-team regular in short time. - Aakriti Mehrotra/o-posts.com

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AN ART STUDIO IN YOUR HANDS

Omani artist and academic, Dr Salman Alhajri, aims to popularise the phone art to encourage people enjoy the pleasure of creativity in their everyday lives.

STORY AMANI AL MUKHAINI PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALMAN ALHAJRI

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an artists capitalise on the smartphone revolution and re-invent themselves? Can they utilise the positive aspects of technological advancements?

As artists all over the world are engaged in discussions to ďŹ nd answers to these contemporary yet critical questions, a prominent Omani artist and academic, Salman Alhajri, has come out in support of smartphone applications. He believes that the new apps will beneďŹ t artists as well as connoisseurs of art. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I prefer to call phone art as an art studio in your hands,â&#x20AC;? he said.

An Assistant Professor at the Sultan Qaboos University, Alhajri hit upon the idea of using smartphone applications during his research on art education and Arabic calligraphy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Phone art is evolving all over the world. It is the latest fad among artists. Now I create art using popular smartphone applications, such as Sketches, SketchBook Pro and ArtRage, which help me sketch, draw and paint. If you have a strong passion for art and owns a smartphone, then phone art will help you enjoy the pleasure of creativity,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Alhajri believes the applications offer plenty of features. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The apps offer pencil, paint, layer, and brush which can be adjusted according to usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preferences. They help artists to share their works via social networking platforms.â&#x20AC;?

A graduate in design from the

University of Technology, Sydney in 2005, Alhajri earned his PhD from School of The Arts of Loughborough University in the UK. At present he is researching on contemporary Arabic calligraphy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always focus on Omani culture, people, and heritage,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The artist-turned-academic has showcased his works in many international exhibitions and presented papers in conferences in Chicago, London, Glasgow, Japan, Rome, and Brunei Darussalam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I seek to communicate using different mediums and techniques. My designs are innovative. I harp on colour harmony, simplicity, and composition.â&#x20AC;?

Alhajri feels that a good piece of art should combine four key elements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ďŹ rst and foremost element is construction or composition. The idea is to combine shapes, colours, symbols, lines, points, and patterns precisely. These elements can be arranged horizontally, vertically or spread through the space.â&#x20AC;?

He said artists should give due importance for expression. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is about revealing the meaning and emotions that inďŹ&#x201A;uence viewers. It has the ability to bring back memories. A successful work should inďŹ&#x201A;uence emotions.â&#x20AC;?

Creativity and ďŹ nishing are the other important aspects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creativity helps artists present something new in terms of methods, arrangement, styles, and materials. Finishing is about how to organise and add suitable materials

to the ďŹ nal stage,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Alhajri also places emphasis on the diversity of themes. That is why he tends to depict power and beauty of nature. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe art should be an essential part of human journey. And it should be the starting point in exploring the beauty and depth of the world.â&#x20AC;?

He has depicted the splendid desert that is composed of soft sand, golden hills, and blue sky.

In one of his favourite works, he portrays a village, whose magnificence lies on the simplicity of its building and farms.

His passion for the desert has helped him create unique mixture of sand dunes. The colour of the sand ranged from dark to light brown while the date palm plays a key role in it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it is my duty to sketch more innovative ideas. Real art can remain in memory forever.â&#x20AC;?

An artist who imbibes positive energy from nature, Alhajri thinks that simple things can bring hope and happiness in everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. He is very enthusiastic about drawing ďŹ&#x201A;owers with different shapes, shadows, colours, and textures. Drawing to him is a source of endless discovery of imagination and pleasure. He believes in Robert Delaunayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;painting is by nature a luminous languageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and aims to learn and explore more about the language of art that can be achieved through continuous practice. lifestyle@timesofoman.com About Dr Salman Alhajri Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; ),%-Ĺ&#x2014; -Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; --#-. (.Ĺ&#x2014; professor at the Sultan Qaboos University Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; , / . Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014; -#!(Ĺ&#x2014; ,)'Ĺ&#x2014; University of Technology, Sydney Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; ,( Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; ,)'Ĺ&#x2014; "))&Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014; The Arts of Loughborough University, UK Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; , - (. Ĺ&#x2014;* * ,-Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014; conferences in Chicago, London, Glasgow, Japan, Dubrovnik, Rome, and Brunei Darussalam Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ,)*)( (.Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;*")( Ĺ&#x2014; ,.

Follow Salman on instagram@ salmanalhajri

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hen it poured last week, I decided to jump in my car and drive to follow the rainbow.

The big colourful curve in the sky was like a beacon of goodwill for me. I followed it with the zealous of a six-year-old. I drove past cars, houses, tall buildings, and shops on its trail. I braved huge pools of water on uneven roads, and even took a few risks when my car skidded sideways because I was not paying attention on the highway.

When I reached a cross road, I had to make my mind which way to take. I decided to leave the highway, and drove up the mountains where I could have an unobstructed view of the rainbow.

By the time I got up there, the rain had stopped. I took out a folded chair and sat looking at the horizon.

I wish I had taken tea and biscuits with me so I could enjoy the view better. I must have seen the rainbow a countless number of times but I never noticed millions of shimmering dots on the

face of it until that afternoon. I also saw the haze rising towards it from the grey hills making the rainbow look like a phantom of colours.

I sat there long enough to see a dark cloud moving across the face of the rainbow to completely obscure it.

I thought it was curtain time and I made my move to fold the chair to get it back in the car. But I stopped when another spectacle in the sky forced my attention.

Crackling of lights shot out between two dark clouds as they moved close towards each other.

A deafening clap of thunder made me drop the chair. The sky lit up momentarily to reveal spectacular silver linings between smaller clouds around the two big ones.

I rammed the legs of the chairs on the rocky ground and sat back. It was at that moment I realised that the sky was a never ending exhibition.

When the two clouds moved away from each other, the sun poked its head. But the air was so drenched with water drop-

The big colourful curve in the sky was like a beacon of goodwill for me. I followed it with the zealous of a sixyear-old. I drove past cars, houses, tall buildings and shops on its trail

lets and fog, the sunlight was reduced to a shimmering rather than eye-piecing intensity. The cool environment of the winter coupled by the strange radiance of the sunshine, threw shadows of crimsons on the land below the mountains.

But that did not last long be-

cause the sunlight lost the battle and the fog claimed victory to reduce the visibility. From where I sat, I could also see a string of cars on the highway coming to a slowdown. All the cars had their lights on though it was only just after 3 in the afternoon.

It was also starting to get colder up there. I stored away the chair and started driving down. I had no choice but to join the long queue of cars that were moving at a snail’s pace. The rainbow was long gone by the time and I made it home.

However, for the first time in many years, my adventure of tracking down the rainbow was worthwhile. The wife demanded to know where I had been all the time and why my feet were muddy. When I told her how I spent the afternoon, all she could ask was “Aren’t you a little older to be fascinated by rainbows?”

I thought not to come to my defence and let it go. Women would not understand that sometimes a man needs to recapture the spirit of his youth.

Actor Tom Cruise is reportedly looking to sell his 4.95 million pounds worth estate in West Sussex. A country estate situated around 30 miles south of London has been placed on the market, and it is believed the property belongs to the Top Gun legend. According to sources, the house is being offered for almost 5 million pounds, and boasts five to six bedrooms along with eight bathrooms - five full and three half-size. It’s said Cruise and his former wife Katie Holmes bought the property in 2006 for considerably less, but now it seems the Hollywood star is ready to sell the 14.2-acre estate.

Jennifer Lawrence plans road trip

Hunger Games co-stars Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Dormer are planning to take a road trip together in Ireland. The actresses have become good friends while working together on the franchise.

Lawrence has said that Dormer wants to take her to Ireland and show her the sights as she has spent a great deal of time there filming The Tudors and Game of Thrones. — IANS

C10

THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 31, 2015

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@SHATTI

@PANORAMA MALL

SUR Savva : Heart of the Warrior 3D ( Animation | Adventure | Fantasy ) ( PG ) Voice Overs: Olga Seryabkina 2:30, 5:55 PM Extraction ( Action | Thriller ) ( 12+ ) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano.

4:15, 7:05, 11:45 PM Point Break (3D) ( Action | Crime) (12+ ) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey 11:55 PM The Good The Bad and The Dead (Action) (15+) Cast: Dolph Lundgren, Johnny Messner 5:25, 10:15 PM Diwale (Action | Romance ) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 2:30, 8:45 PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam (Malayalan ( PG12) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Verghese 7:40 PM

@AZAIBA

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Extraction (2D) (Action | Thriller) (12+2) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 2:30, 7:00, 10:00, 11:45 PM Joy (2D) (Biography | Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro 4:30, 7:30 PM Point Break (3D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 4:30, 9:00, 11:30 PM Dilwale (Action | Crime) (PG12) Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 3:00, 8:30 PM The Good, the Bad and The Dead (Action | Thriller | Western) (15+) Cast: Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren 6:45, 11:30 PM Snowtime (2D) (Animation) (PG) Cast: Voice (Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 2:45, 6:00 PM

8:45PM Gold Class: 5:30PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U Voice Overs: Jeffrey Wright 3:45PM & 7:30PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Extraction (Thriller) 12+ Cast : Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 9:30PM & 11:45PM Gold Class: 3:15PM & 8:30PM Love the Coopers - (Comedy) PG12 Cast: Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Ed Helms 11:45AM & 4:15PM The Big Short - (Biography | Drama) 12+ Cast : Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling 6:15PM Snow Time - (Animation | Comedy) PG Voice Overs: Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 12:15PM & 05:45PM Point Break -3D (Action | Crime | Sport) 12+ Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 1:45PM & 11:30PM Gold Class: 11:00PM The Peanuts Movie - (Animation) PG Voice Overs: Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 2:00PM Dilwale (Action | Romantic | Comedy) PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon

PANORAMA MALL The Good, the Bad and The Dead (Action) (2D)(15+) Cast : Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren 3:15, 11:30 pm Snow Time (Animation)(2D)(PG) Voice Overs : Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 2:30, 5:00 pm Joy (Biography, Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro 6:45 pm Extraction (Thriller)(2D)(12+) Cast : Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 4:00, 8:15, 10:00, 11:45 pm Star Wars (Action, Adventure)(3D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 5:45, 9:00 pm Star Wars (Action)(VIP LOUNGE)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 5:15 pm Point Break (Action, Crime)(MX4D)(12+) Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 2:45, 5:45, 8:45, 11:15 PM

Extraction (2D) (Action | Thriller) (12+2) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 2:30, 7:00, 10:00, 11:45 PM

Joy (Biography, Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro 6:45 pm

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

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

SALALAH Point Break (3D) (12+) (Action/Crime/Sport) Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winstone 11:45AM, 2:00, 9:35PM The Big Short (2D) (PG12) (Biography) Cast Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling 1:00, 4:15PM Extraction (2D) (12+) (Thriller) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 11:15AM, 3:30, 10:00, 11:55PM The Good, the Bad and The Dead (2D) (15+) ( Action| Thriller| Western) Cast: Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo 12:20, 6:30, 11:45PM Dilwale (2D) (PG12) (Action | Romantic) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 3:35, 8:15, 11:15PM Bajirao Mastani (2D) (PG12) (Drama/ History) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 6:35PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam)(Comedy) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Varghese 7:15PM Snow Time (2D) (PG) (Animation/ Family / Comedy) Cast Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe, Lucinda Davis 10:45AM, 2:00, 5:15PM

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam (Mal) (Comedy\ Drama) Cast : Jayasurya, Mukesh & Shivada 3-00, 6-30 & 10-00 pm Cinema Main Dilwale (Hindi) (Act\Com) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol & Varun Dhawan 6-30 pm Cinema -2 Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) (Rom\ Act \ Drama ) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone & Priyanka Chopra 3-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema-2 Pasanga 2 (Tamil) (Drama \ Comedy) Cast: Surya & Amala Paul 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Thanga Magan (Tamil) (act) Cast: Dhanush, Samantha Ruth & Amy Jackson 6-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema-4 Soukhyam (Telugu) (Act) Cast: Gopichand & Regina Cassandra 3-45 pm Cinema -4 Next change: Charlie (Mal) Programmes are subject to change

NANDHANA MANOJ December 31, 2003

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

55-80%

MIA NELSON December 30, 2014

SIMAR J. MATTA December 29, 2011

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

The Big Short (Drama / Biography) Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling 4.30, 7.00, 9.30 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 3057 (12+) Savva Heart of the Warrior (Animation / Adventure / Fantasy) Voice Overs: Maksim Chukharyov, Konstantin Khabenskiy, Armen Dzhigarkhanyan 1.30 & 3.00 p.m.

CP No: 3058 (PG) Point Break (Action / Crime) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winstone 2,00, 4.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 3051 (12+) Dilwale (Action / Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 6.00 & 9.00 p.m.

CP No: 3047 (PG12)

0

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

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

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Minimum

BAHJA CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

26 22

BURAIMI The Good, the Bad and the Dead– 2D (Action/Thriller/Western) (15+) Cast: Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren 3:15, 7:00, 9:45, 11:30PM Point Break – 3D (Action, Crime, Spot) (12+) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey 3:00, 7:30, 11:30PM Savva: Heart of Warrior– 3D (Animation, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG) Voice Overs: Olga Seryabkina 5:15PM Extraction– 2D (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 3:00, 5:00, 9:45, 11:45PM Dilwale – 2D (Action, Romantic) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 9:00PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam – 2D (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Verghese 7:15PM

WITH LOVE

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

RUWI Screen 1 Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 2.30, 8.30 PM Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 5.30, 11.30 PM Screen 2 Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 2.30 PM Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 5.30, 11.45 PM Ho Mann Jahan – Pakistani – Urdu – TBC Cast : Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar 8.30 PM Screen 3 Ho Mann Jahan – Pakistani – Urdu - TBC Cast : Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar 2.30, 5.30, 11.45 PM Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 8.45 PM

SOHAR Dilwale - 2D (PG12) Action | Comedy Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 3:15, 6:20, 10:45 PM Bajirao Mastani - 2D (PG12) Drama | History Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 4:30, 10:45 PM Point Break - 3D (12+) Action | Crime | Sport Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 2:30, 9:15, 11:30 PM Snow Time! - 2D (PG) Animation | Comedy Cast: Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 3:00, 4:45 PM The Good, the Bad and The Dead - 2D (15+) Action| Thriller | Western Cast : Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren 6:15 , 9:30 , 11:45 PM Paparazzi - 2D (Arb)(TBC) 4:45 PM Joy - 2D (PG12) Biography | Comedy | Drama Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro 7:00 PM Love the Coopers - 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast : Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Ed Helms 2:30 PM Ho Mann Jahaan - 2D (Pakistani) (TBC) Cast : Mahira Khan, Adeel Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui 7:30 PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam - 2D (Malayalam) (PG12) Comedy Cast : Jayasurya , Aju Verghese 8:00 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

Star Wars – 3D (PG12) Action | Adventure Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 2:30, 9:00 PM

AZAIBA Dilwale – 2D (PG12) Action, Romance Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhavan 2:00, 5:00, 6:15, 8:00, 11:00, 11:30 PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) Drama, History, Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15PM Point Break – 3D (12+) Action | Crime Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 4:00, 11:45 PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam – 2D (PG12) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Verghese 6:30, 9:15 PM Savva: Heart of Warrior – 3D (PG) Animation |Adventure | Fantasy Voice Overs: Olga Seryabkina, Konstantin 2:20, 4:55 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam – 2D (PG12) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Verghese, Mukesh & Shivada 6:30, 9:15 PM

Point Break (Action )(3D) (VIP Lounge) (12+) Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 3:00, 11:00 pm Dilwale (Action, Romance)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 2:30, 5:30, 11:30 pm Dilwale (Action) (2D) (PG12) -VIP LOUNGE Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 7:45 pm Bajirao Mastani (Drama)(2D)(PG12) 8:30 pm

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.14pm 3.15pm 5.36pm 6.51pm 5.28am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

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

T H U R S DAY, D E C E MB E R 31 , 2 0 1 5

C11

LIFESTYLE GHAWI BAZAAR

BUY LOCAL: OMANI HONEY For Omanis, honey is more than a source of nourishment. It is part of their everyday life and a symbol of sweetness. Its medicinal values are known for ages as it is used to improve digestion, relieve nausea, acne cure, improve diabetes, lower cholesterol level, improve allergies and heal wounds.

WHAT

Bollywood star promises to support talented artists

A

ctress Priyanka Chopra, who recently launched her production house, says she is working to back new talent in regional as well as Hindi films.

“I have launched my production house called Purple Pebble Pictures. I want to work with and push new talent like writers because when I had entered the film industry, I didn’t know anyone and getting a foothold is tough.

For all who come from outside, getting a break is difficult,” Priyanka said.

“I also want to promote regional cinema. I am working on three regional films and two Hindi films.

I will soon make an announcement,” said the Mary Kom actress.

Priyanka, however, ruled out the possibility of turning director, saying it was a job with “immense responsibility”.

On success in this year, when she had Dil Dhadakne Do, Bajirao Mastani and international TV series Quantico, she said: “This year has been extremely overworked for me. It’s almost as if I need 36 hours in a day. It’s been very fulfilling professionally.”

“And the next year is going to be more difficult for me because my show (Quantico) has become so successful that it got extended from 13 to 22 episodes.

I want to work with and push new talent like writers because when I had entered the film industry, I didn’t know anyone and getting a foothold is tough

B O L LY W O O D

Biggest Award is Audience Response, Says Bhansali “It has been over eight years since filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has won an award for his movies, but he has no complaints as long as his work keeps receiving the love of audiences.

“For the last eight years after Black, I have not received any award. It has been for various reasons — politics, fraternity, groupism — there are lots of reasons that come into an award, you have to keep everybody happy,” Bhansali said.

“I am very clear that if you give me an award, it’s wonderful. And if you don’t give me an award, no problem. I am going to make my next film which will be as good as my old film.”

“I go with that hope and motive to make my next film. It feels great to win an award, but my biggest award is audience response. When they message me, I can’t ask for more,” added the National Award winner who is currently enjoying the success of his film Bajirao Mastani. - IANS

“It’s also difficult because I want to maintain my career in both America and in India. I don’t want to choose and I don’t think I should,” she said.

Quantico is likely to get a second season due to its success.

“I’ll be able to do two films between both my seasons. In Hindi films, I have choices of six really interesting films and I have choices of two really interesting films there (Hollywood) also.

“But I can’t do all of them unfortunately. So by January, I can decide which ones I will do, it’s a very heartbreaking decision.”

Priyanka will next be seen as a police officer in Jai Gangaajal. - IANS

HOW Beekeepers observe the flying path of insects in the morning while they come to drink water. Then they search for hives in the mountains, farms, and palm groves. Both men and women collect honey by removing the upper part of the hive. They wear clothes that completely cover the body, including the face, and use gloves to cover their hands to protect themselves from stings. After collecting the honey, they filter it for impurities and pack it in glass bottles or customised metal cans. Omanis eat meat and honey during Eid, or with a local dish called Al Joula in which honey is a major ingredient.

HOW MUCH Omani honey is in huge demand all over GCC. The price for one kilogram of honey ranges from OMR 30 to OMR 100, depending upon the quality, age, availability, and demand. Honey is available in all souqs across the Sultanate.

Have a favourite Omani product or shop?

Tell us about it: ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: T.A. AMEERUDHEEN

Priyanka on a Mission

Numerous types are available in the market, but the finest varieties are A’Sumr (acacia tortilis) and A’Sidr (jujube tree). Black coloured A’Sumr and light brown coloured A’Sidr are collected from March until end of May every year.

C12

THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 31, 2015

LIFESTYLE

MUST WATCH MOVIES IN 2016 If you are a film buff, don’t miss these 10 movies in 2016

1 3 5 7 9

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Fearing the actions of Superman left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante Batman takes on Metropolis’ most revered, modern-day saviour, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs.

Director: Zack Snyder Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams Releasing in March

2

The Jungle Book

4

Captain America: Civil War

6

Alice Through the Looking Glass

8

Suicide Squad

An orphan boy is raised in the jungle with the help of a pack of wolves, a bear, and a black panther.

Director: Jon Favreau Stars: Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba Releasing in April

X-Men: Apocalypse With the emergence of the world’s first mutant, Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.

Director: Bryan Singer Stars: Oscar Isaac, Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Munn Releasing in May

Political interference in the Avenger’s activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man. Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen, Chris Evans Releasing in May

Finding Dory The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish reunites with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way.

Directors: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane Stars: Idris Elba, Dominic West, Diane Keaton Releasing in June

Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.

Director: James Bobin Stars: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter Releasing in June

Independence Day: Resurgence Two decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind’s new space defence be enough?

Director: Roland Emmerich Stars: Joey King, Maika Monroe, Liam Hemsworth Releasing in June

A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency.

Director: David Ayer Stars: Margot Robbie, Will Smith, Cara Delevingne Releasing in August

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.

Director: David Yates Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston Releasing month: November

10

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Rebels set out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star.

Director: Gareth Edwards Stars: Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk Releasing in December

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

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

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϵϮϮϵϮϲϯ͖ ϵϯϮϮϭϬϱϰ͖ ϵϱϮϭϱϮϴϵ

FOR RENT

FLATS FOR RENT

2BHK, 3 washroom Flat with Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait

In a Luxury Building in Al Seeb Market Near Police station 3 bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact 95755953 / 95555162 1BHK, R.O 170/- & 2BHK R.O 220/near Medical Darsait.

Contact: 95076261 Wadi Kabir, one bedroom flat.

Contact: 99313274 House in old Muscat town near Bab Al Mathaib, 5 bedrooms, living room & kitchen. Contact 99319829 1 BHK new bldg with A/c curtains, near Khimji Mart, MBD. Contact 99061408 / 99024039

Call: 99888007 - 99473500 Residential Commercial building consists of 30 Flats in Al Khoud 6 the following details: 20 flats with 2 rooms and a hall, bathroom and kitchen. 10 flats with room and hall and 2 toilet. Shop 500 square meters. for total 30 Flats rent 7,000 RO per month and rent the exhibition 10 RO per m2 Contact 99314314 500 sqm Basement Godown/warehouse For Rent in Mabela industrial area. CALL: 99366008 / 99236455

Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378 2 BHK at Ghala & Al Khuwair.

Contact 99024730

Office / shop NR Oman house & Khimji H.O. Contact: 99233116

1,2,3 BHK Darsait.

Contact 99024730

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Villa at Shatti Qurum for rent.

Contact 99315150

Flat new Al Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 99733992

CONTACT :

93202733 Two apartments for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer near the Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 99425958 Luxurious, 2 BHK flat with 3 toilets, store, equipped kitchen, split ACS , Gym, party hall& 24 hours security at Mumtaz area Ruwi rent RO 375/-. Contact: 92622506 2BHK commercial RO 375/-, 350/Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 2BHK Al Khuwair R.O 375/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 2BHK Ghubra R.O 300/- , 325/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

Flat /Office for rent in CBD Contact: 92820734 Flat Al Mabelah 2 bedrooms semi furnished near NESTO visiting family also welcome 250/- E & W. Contact: 93533108 / 97653523 Villa sharing Ghala semi furnished 1 bedroom attached, hall Kitchen sharing 100 +E& W, visiting family also welcome.

Contact: 98518595 FLATS FOR RENT Well maintained 2/3 BHK Flats at Wadi Kabir, Near Indian School.

Contact: 99021969 / 24793982

3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

Room available Walja. Contact: 96246625 / 99886469

2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO. Contact 99314314

Small hall with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a kitchen for 220 R.O per month. Contact: 99425958

1,2 BHK Darsait R.O 300/-, 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact – 95865686

Brand new apartments opp Oman flour mills MUTRAH 1,2,3 BHK with private parking, suitable for bachelors call 95450450

Shop for rent 150Sqtr available Gf + Mez office + showroom + store location: Honda road Ruwi.

Contact: 91219880 / 99345044

Office space for rent at MBD area near Atlas Hospital.

Contact : 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com

Show room / shop for rent area 155 sqm at 600/-R.O shops at 160/- R.O. Contact: 97714433 / 92822437

Shop for rent behind building behind whole center Al Amerat good for offices or stores only space 11x4 meters R.O 250/- PER month.

Contact : 92877449 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Mabela and Al Khoud shop at Al Khoud. Contact: 24834644 / GSM : 93994401 /02/03/3lines 3bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and a kitchen for 250/- R.O per month.

Contact: 99425958 For rent 1bed room flat, near Indian school (ISD) at Darsait.

Contact: 94776771/ 99669216 New villa at south Mawalah 5 bedroom, family hall, Majlis, 5 twl for RO.650/- Contact - 99332367 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North. Contact - 96420432 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288

Flat villa type for rent - in al khuwair 33/, 4 Bed Rooms .4 bath Rooms, 1 Family Hall, 1 Dining Room, 1 Living Room, 1 Kitchen, Store. Contact 99315515 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking.

Rent RO.250/350 per month.

Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289 Flats in Darsait.

Contact 94051789-97201688 Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789-97201688 Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789-97201688 Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789-97201688 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact - 9405178997201688 Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 9405178997201688

T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE

BUILDING

FOR SALE MUMTAZ AREA (NEAR RUWI HOTEL)

CONTACT - 99353931

FOR SALE Dozer Kom 355A -3 Dozer Kom 155A- 3 Grader Champion 780 Excavator PC 400 with breaker Man green water tanker 5000 IG All are in good condition

99310448/99612010/95208455

&KZ > ^

FOR SALE

tĂƌĞŚŽƵƐĞͬ >ŝŐŚƚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ ZƵŵĂŝƐͬ ĂƌŬĂ 'ŽŽĚ YƵĂůŝƚLJ WƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ &Žƌ ůĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ ZƵŵĂŝƐͬ ĂƌŬĂ KƉƉ EĂƐĞĞŵ 'ĂƌĚĞŶ ĨŽƌ tĂƌĞŚŽƵƐŝŶŐͬ >ŝŐŚƚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ϯϯϬϬ ƐƋ ŵƚƐ ĂƌĞĂ ΛZK Ϯ͘ϱϬϬ W Z ^Y DdZ

CŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ͳ sĂƐĂŶƚ

ϵϮϴϭϴϬϵϵ

ACC. AVAILABLE 1 Bedroom with bathroom for female in Al Hail including electricity & water. Contact - 92817777 FOR RENT 3BHK along with furnitures in Ruwi. Contact: 99738104 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Acc at Wadi Kabir couple or Executive bachelor.

Contact: 91165580

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for non-cooking indian bachelor.

Contact - 98805474 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 1 Bedroom with attached Bath, fully furnished, separate entrance at Mabela for ladies only.

Contact: 99634841

Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, Kitchen & store including utilities bills at Al hail.

Contact 92817777

Furnished room for indian executive -alkhuwair33. 95234062

New house for rent near Indian School Mabella, 2 Bedrooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms.

Contact: 99112880

FOR RENT 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact: 94051789-97201688 Open showroom AL Ghobrah 18 November 175SQM & office space Al Qurum next to Al Araimi Complex.

Contact: 94300909 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/99367448 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610

Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact : 99495131 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage.

Contact 93687466 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261

NRI Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price. Contact – 0091 8686631669 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune 95272138, (+918390982975)

Used home furniture and household appliances in good condition for sale. (Else 3bhk can be taken for rent along with furnitures.)

Contact: 99738104 Marble factory for sale location Misfa. Contact: 98586828 Curtain shop for sale with 2 visas at Muttrah. Contact 91135930 / 93231403 Paint maker & shaker.

Contact 96173326 Expat leaving, household items & computers for sale.

Contact 94412557 Used portacabin, good condition for sale in misfah. Contact : 96578789 Printing press for sale Mobelah.

Contact: 93478181 A well running coffee shop for sale, at Wadikabir, near KFC. Contact 92772825 Exercise cycle for sale.

Contact – 92847957 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact - 9505680897201688 Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411 Mangalorean restaurant at Wadi Kabir & shop at Ruwi for sale.

Contact: 98428507 / 93655003 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact -9505680897201688 3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445

MV SALE 2008 Model Hyundai Tucson 90,000 KM expatriate driven in very good condition & Accident free for Sale for OMR 4,000/- , Serious buyers contact Mobile : 95137538 Toyota Prado 2008, 4 cylinder single used perfect condition RO 5800/-. Contact: 95885852 Mazda 2.5 CC No 2, 2014 model, KM 35000, Warranty still, R.O 6900/-.

Contact: 97984466 Hyundai Tucson No.1 2013, KM , 1,27,000, R.O 5800/-.

Contact: 97984466

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Munnaf Molla has lost Bangladeshi Passport - AA 2837635.

Finder please handover to ROP.

Hyundai Velostar new model 2015, KM 3000, 5 years warranty, full insurance R.O 6800/-.

Contact: 97984466

CHANGE OF NAME

Santafe No.1 2015, new model, KM 5800, warranty still.

Contact: 99666059 Expat used Ford Escape 2012, 102000 kms insurance Oman / UAE Mulkiya 10-2016.

OMR 4850/-.

Contact - 93264005 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 Nissan Tiida H/B 1.8 CC No.1, 2014, Km 5300, warranty & full insurance R.O 5400/-.

Contact: 99666059

LOST

We will register LLC. trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

FOR LADIES Special offer for ladies only, All beautification for 15 RO. Al Doom beauty parlour in Ruwi.

(Home service also) # 99619409

We Roy Koovaloore Jose (name of father as per the passport, holder of Indian Passport No. F 6584928) and Alice Mathew (name of Mother as per the passport holder of Indian Passport No. J3529619) having permanent address in Edavathottiyil, Kadaplamattom P.O. Kottayam, Dt Kerala 686571 (complete postal address in India) & presently residing at the following address in Wadi Kabir P.B. No. 268, P.C No. 117, Sultanate of Oman, hereby solemnly affirm & declare to change the name of our child Master Jayanth Joseph Roy (name as per passport) holder of Indian Passport No. M 5247661 date of issue 18.02.2015 issued at Muscat.

The name of our child will be henceforth known as Jayanth Roy (new name) for all purpose. Any objection towards change of name of our minor child may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.Box. No. 1727, Postal Code112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

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T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

URGENTLY REQUIRED An Excellent Grade Construction Firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for the following position INTERIOR & FITOUT DESIGN DRAFTSMAN Capable to develop details of concept design of id projects, preparation of joinery/ detail drawing. with minimum Of 3 to 5 years GCC Experience with valid Omani Driving License - 1 Nos & Fitout Estimator capable to handle joinery estimation, fitout tender etc, with minimum 3 to 5 years GCC Experience with valid Oman Driving License - 1 Nos

SITUATION WANTED

dŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐƚĂī ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ďLJ Ă ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ Θ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƟ ŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘

ƐƟ ŵĂƟ ŽŶ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ;ϭWŽƐŝƟ ŽŶͿ DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ϱͲϳLJĞĂƌƐ ƉŽƐƚ ŐƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ D^͕ ^͕ ^^ WŝƉŝŶŐ ǁŽƌŬ͕ ,s ƉŝƉŝŶŐ͕ ^ƚŽƌĂŐĞ ƚĂŶŬƐ͕ sĞƐƐĞůƐ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĞĞů ƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĞƐƟ ŵĂƟ ŽŶ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚ ŵƵƐƚ ŚĂǀĞ ĐŽŵŵĂŶĚƐ ŽŶ ƵƚŽ ͕ ĨĂŵŝůŝĂƌŝƚLJ ŽĨ ďƵĚŐĞƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐĂŶ ĞƐƟ ŵĂƚĞ W WƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͘

^ŝƚĞ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ;ϭWŽƐŝƟ ŽŶͿ DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ϱLJĞĂƌƐ ƉŽƐƚ ŐƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂƐ Ă ^ŝƚĞ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ŝŶ ƉŝƉŝŶŐ Žƌ ,s ƉŝƉŝŶŐ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟ ŽŶ ǁŽƌŬƐ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ĞdžƉĞƌƟ ƐĞ ŝŶ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ Θ ĐŽŽƌĚŝŶĂƟ ŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĐůŝĞŶƚ

/ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ĐĂŶ ƐĞŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ sƐ Ăƚ Śƌ͘ŵƵƐĐĂƚϮϬϭϱΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

Email - cvomanhr@gmail.com Fax : 2449 5965

For a reputed excellent grade Catering Company.

CATERING MANAGER / SUPERVISOR Minimum 5 to 10 yrs experience in the field of catering with valid Oman driving license.

Interested candidates may mail their resume to

mast.llcoman@gmail.com or hr@mast-oman.com

:K KWWKZdhE/dz

ϭ͘ &ƌĞĞnjĞƌ ďŽĚLJ &ĂďƌŝĐĂƚŽƌ͘ Ϯ͘ tĂƚĞƌ dĂŶŬ͕ dƌĂŝůĞƌ dĂŶŬĞƌ &ĂďƌŝĐĂƚŽƌ͘ ϯ͘ ^ƚĞĞů &ĂďƌŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ͘ ;<ŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ dƌƵĐŬ ďŽĚLJƐ͕ ƚƌĂŝůĞƌ ĨĂďƌŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ ĞƚĐ͘Ϳ ϰͿ ƵƚŽ ĐĂĚ͕ ϱͿ ^ĂůĞƐ džĞĐƵƟ ǀĞ

ŵĂŝů ͗ ŝŶĨŽũŽďϭϲΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϬϬϵϲϴͲϵϴϵϵϵϰϴϳ

Experienced Accountant required for Restaurant. Contact 96500750

Wanted Staff Nurses (female) with or without license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary and accommodation.

Contact: 99006915 Email: alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.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 Wanted experienced Beautician & hairdresser for the reputed ladies beauty center at Qurum.

Contact 99791572 / 97453246, souzawilfred@gmail.com Required experience Beautition Contact 99619409

CATERING Shawarma /Griller helper wanted.

Contact 95529970

DRIVER Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871 Required a Driver (L.M.V).

Contact 92392979 Urgently required 1 experienced House Driver to work in capital area. Contact 93888666 / 24493666 Looking for an Indian experienced house Driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may call: 96203333 Required driver with car in Sohar.

Contact: 24460287 / 96905535

ENGINEER Projects Manger Engineer wanted to manage a construction company, experience required.

Contact 99441122, Email: sr@touchcdc.com Wanted Chemical Engineer with 5-10 years experience in STP Operations and Maintenance. Also wanted Market Research Expert with experience in Feasibility Studies. Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

Required Software Engineer with minimum 2 years experience in vb.net/C# & SQL. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com Required App Developer with minimum 2 years experience in android & IOS. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com Looking for a Quantity Surveyor for a construction company in Oman. Contact : 94069402 Wanted Market Research Expert with experience in Feasibility Studies. Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

Staff Nurse required for a reputed dental centre in Muscat. Send the CV to omandentalnurse@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits. Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Canary clinic (GP) MBBS Doctor with 3 years experience MOH license, male or female. Good offer salary. Contact 94395199 Email: canarymoh@gmail.com Dreams Clinic - Muscat-Al Khoudh Urgently required Medical Laboratory Technician Salary + Accommodation Minimum 3 Years Experience IN Sultanate of Oman Doctors + Nurses Salary +Accommodation Minimum 5 years experience in sultanate of oman Contact : towershr70@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING A Chemical trading Company is looking for Salesmen with diploma certificate, 3 years experience, with valid driving license and a car. Send CVs to Greatstar@omantel.net.om

Salesman require for building material with driving license & 10 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043. (Mustafa Hardware Store)

Required Sales & Marketing person with driving license for IT / Telecom / Security system company with minimum 2 years experience in Oman. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com

We are looking for a student counselor male/female who has good knowledge of colleges and universities abroad and can speak Arabic/ English/Hindi .Email your CV at mozahamed786@gmail.com

We are looking for a Visa Consultant/sales consultant male for our office. Freshers can also apply.

Arabic and English speaking male.

Email CV at mozahamed786@gmail.com

Kitchen cabinet manufacturing company is looking sales person, most have Oman D/L and must know any kitchen designed software and two years experience.

Contact: 93326636

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs.

Al Khoudh. Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905

SKILLED LABOR Urgently required 2 caretakers / cleaners for a building in Capital area. Contact 93888666, Email : arajtrad@gmail.com Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh. Contact: 96203333

SALES / MARKETING Business coordinator with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95327813 Wanted Sales Executive for IVMS, experienced minimum 1 year in the same field. Interested Candidate can email the details to: sameeh@cyclonellc.net Number of Salesman two (any nationality) with at least 4 years of experience in FMCG or house ware accountant (preferably Pilipino) with 2 to 4 years of experience.

Contact: 92802204 Email us your CVs on to: info@alliusie.com

Accountant B.Com 8 yrs exp in UAE, having Dubai D/L looking for a good job. Contact: +968 93546483 & 971567745263

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

MISCELLANEOUS Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811

Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052

Chief / Senior Accountant having 12 years of Oman experience in reputed firms. Looking for suitable placement. Contact – 99513082

DŝŶŝŵƵŵ ϱ LJĞĂƌƐ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͕ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ĐĂŶ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƌĞƐƵŵĞ ŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞůLJ͘

MEDICAL

Indian male 10 years experienced Accountant looking for job, Knows up to finalization costing etc, Oman driving license available.

Contact: 91319600

Accountant Indian female, 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs experience in accounting, purchase vouchers, bank reconciliation.

Contact: 95690207 Email: pereira.rita08@gmail.com

>ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƐƚĞĞů ĨĂďƌŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ ŝƐ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ĨŽƌ ŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ͘

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

Accountant, Indian male, 16 years experience (10 years in Oman with driving license & NOC) Tally, ERP.9 & focus expert up to finalization.

Contact: 99622639 Email: venugopal39@yahoo.com

Interested Candidates May forward their CV, To

URGENTLY REQUIRED

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687 Filipino,29,Male,5years experience Payroll/Payable/Receivables/Document Control.Excellent Communication/AccountingSoftwareSAP /MSOffice skills.

Contact: patrick110486@yahoo. com/95057206 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M.Com Finance-Indian employed in Oman with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Accountant senior looking suitable job please call 91422074 MBA (finance) one year experience in Oman, have Oman license looking for a good job.

Contact: 94103975 Indian male, B.Com, 10 yrs Accounts exp in Tally & focus knowledge of Admin, HR, Purchase having NOC & D/L, looking for suitable job. Contact 93086105 Indian male , B. Com, (CA), 30 years, 10 years experience in GCC in Stores / Warehouse and Administration Management, seeks suitable placement. Currently on visit visa. Contact : 94818449; Email: laveen.tilak@gmail.com Chartered Accountant - Indian, 9 yrs + Exp (7 yr in Oman & UAE ) in Finance , Accounts & Auditing , seeking suitable position in Muscat/ Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available, Contact 98707434 / Email: casmart007@gmail.com ASSISTANT MANAGER FinanceM Com Finance, 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts Department.

Currently employed in Oman.

Having D/L, NOC available.

Cont: 98278801, Email: mansoormk10@gmail.com

B.Com, doing M.Com, Diploma in IATA, Tally PGDCA 2 years experience as Accountant seeking for placement currently in Oman NOC available. Contact: 99055820 Email Id: rohithpanamukkath@gmail.com Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah/ Muscat. More than 20 yrs experience in Accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts). 8 yrs working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah.

Contact 91325029 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact – 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com M.Com CMA with 15 years experience in Oman for finance / audit/ accountants /banking looking for suitable manager position.

Contact: 95694737 Email: gsmaiti@rediffmail.com Indian male 22 BBM graduate with tally certified 5 month experience as accounts officer 2 looking for suitable job immediately now on visit visa.

Contact: 98949120 Email: mohammednazal93@gmail.com Male 24 MBA fresher in marketing and finance seeking immediate placement. Contact: 96112920 Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman. Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com Indian male B.com accountant job 6 years experience in Oman looking suitable placement.

Contact: 95741442 navaskamaru944@gmail.com

B-Com Graduate male 28 yrs seeks suitable job in the field of administration, clerical or accounting related to construction, automobile, hospital admin ,money exchange or project management. Contact :97892255

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position.

Contact: 90196235

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869 Pakistani driver, with 3 yrs, exp looking for job.

Contact: 96342684 5 years experience in Oman D/L (driver) seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95274160 Light driver 6 years exp education CO level language English, Arabic, Hindi looking for office driver. Contact: 99640986 15 years experienced heavy duty driver experienced all over in Oman English, Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam speaking.

Contact 90388687

Junior Accountant available.

Contact: 99854384 Email: syedimtiaz1234@gmail.com

Light driver need job 4 years experience, English , Arabic, Urdu.

Contact : 94208089

Indian male Accountant / Auditor ACCA finalist having 5 years experience in accounting up to finalization & audit experience currently on visit visa. Contact: 91350688 or 99078853

Looking for light driving job 3 years exp. Contact: 92819475

Indian male 24 yrs, B.Com graduation ongoing MBA, 2 years experience in Oman presently working in Muscat Municipality from (Ministry) looking for a suitable job in Accounts. Contact: 94627418 Part time Accountant services, yearly finalization works, monthly report, profit& loss report, consulting and audit works.

Contact: 96247295 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com 28/ male MBA – finance /B.com – accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

ARCHITECT Architect looking for freelance work in (design plans and 3dmax).

Contact: 96041201

ADMIN 14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95824598 Indian Female MBA, 3 Year experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com HR & HSE (Nebosh & IOSH) experience 6 years in Oman with NOC & D/L. Contact: 00 971502550480 Indian having more 15 years of experience (7 years in UAE) in construction as site administrates for / document controller / HR assistant / store assistant presently on visit seek suitable placement.

Contact: 92196001/98598099

Looking for light driving job, 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977 Looking for job driver with car.

Contact: 99154473 Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light driver 14 yrs of exp, need job & visa. Contact - 98236656 Indian light driver.

Contact: 92279370 Driver with experience of 10 years in Oman seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92191698 Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Multimedia and graphic designer Filipino male 25 , looking for job in Muscat 3 years experience in 6 graphic and 3D design on visit visa immediately available.

Contact: 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@gmail.com Interior designer 4+ exp, turnkey projects & freelancing for flats, office & corporate.

Contact – 93140552/ ajayjangir.id22@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357

EDUCATION Secondary Computer teacher, 5 years experience in Kuwait, IELTS 6, looking for job at bilingual or English School.

Contact: 96555397722 (viber, whatsapp, skype, imo) Email: samehj.adib@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

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

Electrical Engineer Indian male having 5 yrs of exp in designing, execution & planning in electrical field. Having valid GGC driving license. Looking for a suitable job.

Contact – 98052942 / azamjeelani@gmail.com

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

Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED STOREKEEPER / MATERIAL CONTROLLER

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. B.Tech C.Eng. AMIEI, Electrical Engineer with 5years experience in the field of electrical power system (transmission & distribution) area expertise in design Ele-SLD, preparing BOQ, LS & estimation transformers switchgear selection installation testing & commissioning in all sectors.

Contact: 94638744, EMAIL : ceng.shaz@gmail.com Auto Electrician having experience 15 years Looking for suitable placement. Contact 94142502 Diploma in Electrical Engineering with 6 years’ experience in Electrical Automation, Programming, Project, Power, Energy and Supervision in Civil Work.

Currently in Oman and looking for suitable position, Please contact 94873560/92406652.

Indian Mechanical Engineer having 2+ yrs experience in India & Qatar looking for suitable job.

Contact 93828354. Email : shemseer23191@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer with 5 years experienced AutoCAD primavera & GIS Arabic & English language looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 91340584 B, Sc Engineer looking job with visa. Contact: 96136615 Mechanical Engineer (B. Tech) knowledge in HVAC & fire fighting.

Currently in Oman on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 90154793 Email: sangu.vazhoor@gmail.com Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic , 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies.

M Arshad 91685048 Mechanical Engineer, 28 years, male with 4 years experience in Oman looking for suitable placement with driving license. NOC available. Contact: 968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@coledonian.ac.uk Instrument Technician (diploma), Indian male, 24 yrs, 3 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com Software Engineer with FLMI level 1 certification having 7 years experience as system analyst for application development & maintenance projects in field of mainframe & UNIX systems worked in India & France on visit.

Contact: 92489160 / 92873243 B.E (CSE) Indian male 2 years of experience in IT & Networking presently in visit visa seeks for immediate placement.

Contact: 93832694 Email: baijupp006@gmail.com Civil structural Engineer 6 years experience Oman license.

Contact: 96380693 Electrical Engineer Indian male BE (Electrical & Electronics) having 3 years of experience, seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91917369 Bcs Civil Engineer, 3 years experience, NOC available looking for suitable replacement.

GSM-97409350.

Mail- kamrul07cuet@gmail.com Network Engineer BA: CS with experience CCNA, MCSA. Contact: 92346191 23 yrs, Indian male looking for good job electrician & good Indian family driver, have Indian license & office boy ready for NOC, visa transfer, ready to join.

Contact: 92108447/ 96507858 Indian male 25 years Mechanical Engineering 3 years diploma 3 years experience Chevrolet India as technician. Contact: 96974518 Indian male (B.Tech EEE) 31 yrs having managerial skills AutoCAD quality control electrical fault debugging 6 yrs experience in electric field & good communication skills. Contact: 90181566 Email: jittoandrewsnesto@gmail.com Indian male 23 years BE degree in electronics & telecommunication, diploma in industrial control & automation, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 95726383 Email: christosvaidyans@gmail.com 29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. Contact: 96652145

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1Year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97416564, Email: jovinmathias@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 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 Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years in Oman as QS. Seeking part time job as QS. Contact - 91507508 Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, 36 years, Male, Indian, having 16 years of experience in machine maintenance & machine breakdown, worked with reputed companies in India, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact - 99011507 E-mail: rsdengroman@gmail.com Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design engineer rev IT M.E.P AutoCAD. Contact: 91050913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Civil Engineer, Indian, 2 years experience looking for a suitable job. Contact: 97309549

13 years experience in Gulf having valid Oman driving license, NOC available, age 42 yrs.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711

HOSPITALITY Indian male 42 B.A Degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 yrs experience in India Abroad having V/L Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91575956 / 95451547 Email: lijosaju@yahoo.com Dutch male qualified commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certified) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Indian female B.Tech IT with 2 years experienced in HCL presently on family visa.

Contact: 90357203 Email: ammupravda123@gmail.com Indian female, 28 yrs, MCA, B. Com, 3 yrs experience in the field of Computer hardware, ERP Softwares & windows networking where planning, implementing & trouble shooting with multiple platform of OS Microsoft XP / 7/ on visit visa. Contact 95089170, email : anjuretnakar@gmail.com Indian (Keralite) female (25 years) MCA on family visit required suitable placement.

Contact: 90417133 Email: renjitharose04@gmail.com Male 23 years 3 years experience in IT as Linux administrator at reputed MNC looking for a better change. Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com Sudanese Female 25 yrs, bsc architect engineer & master urban planning with 3 years experience look for situation vacant in Oman.

Contact : 00249910031942, Email : monasalah555.ms@gmail.com Indian male MCA, Oracle , orion , ERP, 15 years experience , 5 years in Oman with NOC. Contact: 95398567 Email: anasa4@gmail.com 10 years Oman experience ICT Sector, capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable Senior Executive position.

Contact: 98987654 NEBOSH, IOSH Indian male HSE officer experience 8 yrs, 6 yrs GCC. Contact: 93235457 Email: srecjithsurcndran3@gmail.com Communication Network CCNA fresh Graduate. Contact: 98194924 Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt./ Private sectors. Contact: 94675984 Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt. / Private sectors. Contact: 94874758

Contact 95197065, email : vnod_pk@yahoo.com IT B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately.

NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031

MISCELLANEOUS 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 21 yrs, male, Oman experience, 2 yrs, educational qualification S.S.E, languages Arabic, Hindi, with Oman driving license seeks job. Contact 94157194 / 94116029 Sri Lankan male 26 yrs, B.SC (Hons) in Business management (specialized in logistics management) IFQ, CCHRM of Sri Lanka.

Having 03 years excellent professional experience in supply chain or logistics & high value supply chain process and logistics function, is looking for a decent placement. Contact: 94292198/ 93522979 Email: raseeckmohamed@gmail.com Indian female 28 years, presently on family visa looking for a suitable post. Contact: 93916523 Email: arya.surendran87@gmail.com Indian 28 yrs, 5 years experience in purchase looking for a suitable NOC available, driving license available. Contact: 96772166 Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 9880-5474 Indian female, Masters in Computer Application,26 yrs, 2 yrs of exp in administration, seeking suitable job in administration, IT, teaching, banking etc. Preferably in Muscat. Contact:99417993 dhanyaparumala@gmail.com

MEDICAL

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

SALES / MARKETING

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

MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Cont : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. # 92385033 Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman working as housekeeping supervisor in star hotel, seeking for a job NOC available. Contact – 91753210 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager, MBA (Finance), 14yrs.

Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.

Contact : 93826090, Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact :- 92385033

SALES / MARKETING Job MBA in Marketing seeking for a job and have an experience of 3 months. Contact: 91945577 30 yr old experienced available with NOC & Oman driving license 6+years experience in chemicals Industry. Contact: 96675065 Experienced export / Import operations Executive is on visit visa, seeking suitable employment. Contact: 00971 562228991 /00968 96529679 Email: rajanpookoth@gmail.com Whatsapp: 967733887410 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and Marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615. Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com 25 yrs exp-Shipping, freight forwarding, Marketing & Operations, valid Oman D/L & NOC available - seek suitable positionContact 93040366 5 years experience in Sales currently looking for a placement.

Contact: 93458869 American Male (speaks Arabic) looking for a job in Marketing & Sales, Contact 94076032 Indian Male B.com, PGDCA & Tally, 14 years’ experience in Customer Care, Operations,Sales,Coordination, Accounts & Admin. Seeking suitable position. Currently on Visit Visa contact – 94871963 or 99440152.

Email: rajeshkv.pmna@gmail.com

Searching for a job Staff Nurse, General Nursing (GNM), Oman prometric exam passed 60%, ACLS passed, BLS passed, 4 yrs work experience (MED – ONCO & GenSurgery). Contact 98901149

Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with Driving license, Hospital Phrma Herbal Marketing, construction A/c & sales , F&B industry, Contact : 93379044

Indian female Dentist prometric passed, 3 yrs experience looking for suitable position in Muscat.

Contact 91429337 / 98631283

Indian male 23 years with 4 years experience in Purchase and Sales, graduate in EC, currently on visiting visa, seeking suitable job in Oman. Contact: 96761020. Email: adikmuthumuttam@gmail.com

MOH Licensed Indian Female Dentist, presently available in Oman seeking a suitable placement anywhere in Muscat.

Contact: 91410733 / 99310630.

An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

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

Computer Engineer, Iraqi fresh graduated from Caledonian College excellent grade, experience in programming, web designing, networking and troubleshooting. valid Omani driving license – Contact: 98763390

Result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years management experience in Oman and other gulf countries looking for a suitable vacancy in hotels, restaurants and catering companies.

Contact: 97204636

Civil maintenance painting, tile works decor works, plumbing, electric, shop furnishing carpentary works and all other maintenance.

Contact 97897831, 92112094 (Indian, Keralite)

Sudanese male 29 yrs (bs.c computer science) (diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience DBA Oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,visual studio vb, network, driver license Oman.

Contact :91415886

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

Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474 Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry.

Seeking for a Job in Oman.

Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Indian male, 24, MBA Marketing and HR, I year experience. On visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94014073 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

Looking for immediate Sales & Marketing Job, 10 Years Experience, MBA Peter -93747126/ E-mail forlakei@yahoo.com B.Com male 5 yrs exp. in sales Oman D/L. Contact: 94824000 Email: sharseem@gmail.com MBA 14 years Experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing with Omani Driving Licence.

M.Z. 96220975 Indian male with valid Oman driving license. Interested in technical sales. NOC available immediate joining. Contact: 95361454 Email: mohamedshalifawaz@gmail.com Indian male 23 MBA Marketing and HR with 8 months experience in sales and marketing looking for suitable placement. # 91987119 Email: reny.cherian1@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED More than 8 yrs experienced mill with fitter & pipe fitter.

Contact 95600418 Indian, welder 20 yrs exp. in GCC & India looking for suitable post.

Contact ; 92300653 / +91-7034808745 (India ) Indian male 40 having 5 years experience in UAE, looking for suitable placement in Oman. Contact: Rethish Kumar: 00968 99282901 / 00968 93988015 Email: rethishkumar@gmail.com Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job. Contact 95175192

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female BSC IATA, 14 years exp in travel & tourism in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96433490 Email: indu623@yahoo.co.in

MISCELLANEOUS B.E. Chemical, Total 12 yrs experience, QA/HSE experience in Engg.

Consultancy/ Construction/ ISO Management Systems, Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001 seeking suitable placement. NOC Available. Contact: 9415 7131, EMail: samirtrivedi_01@yahoo.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement.

GSM- 99105043 INDIAN MALE, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science.3Years of experience in technical support, software development, troubleshooting and managing, seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 98184170 Indian Male, 28 Yrs, M.Tech having 5+ years experience (3 Year Industry+2 years Lecturer),Now on visit visa, looking for suitable position. Contact 94885747 Indian, Male, 24years, Bachelor’s degree, Two and half years experience with Oman driving license.

NOC Available. Looking suitable opening. Currently on visit visa.

GSM: 95484101.

B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the field of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. Presently working in amazon india development centre as a content quality associate.

Seeking for suitable jobs in oman.

Contact number : +91 9940514005, 0096893116402, Email: mail2nbn@gmail.Com

CONTD ON PG 7

D6

T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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SITUATION WANTED CARGO

GOOD NEWS > Z / zhZs / >/E/ EĞĂƌ <Śŝŵũŝ DĂƌƚ͕ D ƌĞĂ͕ ZƵǁŝ KƵƌ LJƵƌǀĞĚŝĐ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ďŚLJĂŶŐĂŵ͕ <ŝnjŚŝ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ͕ ^ŚŝƌŽĚŚĂƌĂ͕ sĂƐƟ ͕ hĚǁĂƌƚŚŶĂŵ ϱϬй ŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽŶ ĨƵůů ďŽĚLJ ŵĂƐƐĂŐĞ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϮϰϴϭϰϮϮϮ Žƌ ϵϳϭϭϮϱϭϬ ĨŽƌ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ

RENT A CAR

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 98342990

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION 7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transport- MCT- UAE

Silver car, car rental at good rate.

Contact: 96166155/93530540 Rental car. Contact: 92516090 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact 99839898

Contact 96609857 MATRIMONIAL

AVAILABLE

Amir Ali Transportation. Contact 94510847

Hindu Nair Malayalee 32 yrs working in Muscat seeking suitable alliance.

Contact 98262970 Christian Marthoma boy, 28 yrs B.Tech / MS (UK) working in reputed firm in Muscat seeking suitable alliance.

Contact: 91314475

Christian inviting proposals from Orthodox / Jacobite, Marthoma & Roman Catholics grooms of parents for our God fearing and homely daughter (Orthodox) 23 years B.D.S we are looking for well settled boy.

If interested reply on 92336530 / 92800143 Email: kochirikunnil@gmail.com

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

Balloons beautiful design & Archie’s works for party, birthday & New Year functions all events.

Contact 95194801/96594592

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation. Contact 96173326 Transportation taxi mini bus.

Contact: 93091106

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

Transportation Contact:99077395

Transportation. Contact 99508282

Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair. Contact 99764307

Transportation. Contact: 99664703

T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SIT.WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Sudanese male 31 years, have 3 years Diploma in Electrical Engineer, 6 years and 1 year in Oman experience in building construction and electrical plants , have oman drive license.

Contact : 94549609 26 Years oman experienced executive in automobiles, showroom & workshop areas seeks suitable replacement. Currently working as general manager in a reputed LLC” Contact +968-92009700/91494707

WEBSITE

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

CLASSES IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

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

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post.

Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@gmail.com

Indian Male, 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

WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

SERVICES

COMPUTER

Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

Industrial Automation and Process Control Instrumentation trained Mechatronics Engineer seeking for a suitable job. Also possess GCC driving license.

Ph. 93370528, email: atulverghese@gmail.com.

Sales Executive, Male, 24years, Two and half years experience with Oman driving license. NOC Available. GSM: 95484101.

Post graduate master of social work having 5 years experience at present visit visa seeking suitable opportunity. Contact 99876307 Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available. Contact 98803439 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com

Catering for Party & Birthday service Cnt 97196675 Enetstorage offer!! Cloud based software & mobile responsive websites locally developed, hosting, hardware & cctv/networking solutions. Contact 94369696 or admin@enetstorage.com Repair desktop laptop, printer, scanner, networking & all software inst. Contact 99876547

DRIVING

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Indian male, 26, BCom with tally, 2-year exp in marketing and 2-year exp as restaurant manager looking for suitable job.

NOC available. Ph. No: 97707953 DME (Diploma in Mechanical Engineering) with overall 7+ year experiences in the field of Industrial and Plant Maintenance seeking placements. Contact 97460974

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

Learn driving with professional.

Contact: 94022250

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013

Marble grinding resurfacing & ceiling crystallization / polishing general cleaning of villas & flats.

Terrazzo floor scrubbing, ceiling, polishing & buffing.

Contact: 98598280 /94134784

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact : 93769089 / 95323517 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiямБeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624