Times of Oman - September 29, 2015

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TUESDAY, September 29, 2015 / 15 Dhul Hijja 1436 AH

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WORLD LEADERS

HM receives Eid greetings

V I S A A P P L I C AT I O N S

OMAN’S ‘SUPERMOON’ PICTURE GOES VIRAL Located between the mountains in Muttrah Corniche, the picture of a swollen ‘supermoon’ bathed in blood-red light, which was captured by a Muscat-based photographer, has gone Detailed report on >A6, 15 viral online. - Picture: Hussain Al Bahrani

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MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received more cables of greetings on the blessed Eid Al Adha.

His Majesty the Sultan received cables from President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, and Tammam Salam, Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic. >A6

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: People in Oman have welcomed the United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) decision to allow the submission of visitor visa applications online.

Visa for a 90 day-visit to the UAE can now be obtained through the Ministry of Interior’s e-services, either via the ministry website www.moi.gov.ae or through its smartphone app.

Quoting Major General Khalifa Al Khaiaili, acting assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs, The National reported that the move is aimed at reducing the time of applicants for entry permits, which require sponsorship from a citizen, resident or investor. >A6

OMAN

Oman Air to get Dreamliner soon

Family’s search for missing Haj pilgrim

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Oman Air will receive its first Dreamliner in October and Salalah people will be amongst the first to see it. >A2

WORLD

40 killed in air raid on Yemen wedding hall

Relatives of missing Omani have so far seen

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At least 40 people were killed when a wedding hall in southwest Yemen was bombarded on Monday. >A15

Islamic banks’ finances surge 78%

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Oman’s Islamic banks and window operations have shown a robust growth of 78 per cent. >B1

UAE online visa lauded REJIMON K

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700 bodies of victims, praying each time it is not their loved one. He remains missing

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FAHAD AL GHADANI/REJIMON K

fahadnews@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: It is almost a week since Anwar Al Sinani, an Omani pilgrim went missing following the Haj stampede in Mecca, but his family is continuing to search

for him. Praying each time that it is not his body as they have been forced to look at more the 700 dead victims of the tragedy.

According to official figures, the death toll of the stampede has been pegged at 769 dead, with 943 injured. In the hope that they can still find Al Sinani alive, his family

has stayed in Mecca, verifying the bodies and looking for him among the injured.

“The news has affected the whole Bamah village in the wilayat of Quriyat,” said a relative of Al Sinani. “We didn’t have a joyful Eid. We were praying for Anwar,” the relative added. Al Sinani had gone to perform Haj with his mother and sister.

“He went missing while accompanying his sister for the stoning ritual. In the chaos that followed the stampede, he might have lost contact with his sister,” said the relative.

Al Sinani’s brother Saeed, along with his relatives are currently in Saudi Arabia, along with the Om-

ani Haj Mission officials, who are continuing to search for him.

“We know that it is a hard time for the whole family, but Saeed had to go through 769 dead bodies while searching for his missing brother,” said the relative.

The relative added that as Al Sinani’s father is an old man, and had been unable to go to Saudi Arabia to join the search operation.

“Following the stampede, the organisers had rushed Al Sinani’s sister to the hospital as she was injured. But when they returned, they could not locate Anwar.

“The family also went to one of the hospitals to check on a man, who was said to be in coma,” said the relative. >A6

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5 Once this excellent new aircraft starts to operate on routes to Europe and Saudi Arabia, it will provide the perfect environment in which to enjoy Oman Air’s unique hospitality Abdulrahaman Al Busaidy, Oman Air’s Chief Operating Officer

OMAN INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

DIPLOMACY

‘Riyada’, ‘Sharakah’ ink pact for SME development MUSCAT: In a big boost to SMEs development, the Public Authority for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development ‘Riyada’ and Fund for the Development of Youth Projects Development ‘Sharakah’ on Monday signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at supporting ‘Sharakah’ Forum.

The forum, which will be held on December 14, will highlight

the role of the media in the small and medium enterprises (SME) development.

Khalifa bin Said Al Abri, CEO of ‘Riyada’, signed the memorandum on behalf of ‘Riyada’ and by Abdullah bin Hamoud Al Jafili, Director General of ‘Sharakah’ on behalf of ‘Sharakah’.

This year’s forum will discuss the role of various media chan-

nels in SME development, to help determine the best local and regional practices to take advantage of these facilities. It will provide the opportunity to connect with interested persons and decisionmakers in the media and entrepreneurship sectors.

Al Abri commended the role played by ‘Sharakah’ in SME development, saying that this Fo-

rum comes at the right time to discuss the role of media which is a major theme in SME development, as media plays a key role in dealing and discussing issues related to the development of these institutions.

Abdullah bin Hamoud Al Jafili pointed out that the second theme will focus on the role of the audiovisual media, like radio and tel-

evision channels. The third theme will touch on the electronic media and all types of social networking, saying that the fourth them will focus on the successful models of entrepreneurs who started media projects or SME projects in this area, adding that a number of officials from the Sultanate and the GCC countries will address the two-day forum. –ONA

Top UK official to visit Oman MUSCAT: Michael Fallon, UK Secretary of State for Defence, will arrive in the Sultanate this Wednesday on a two-day official visit during which he will meet with Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs.

The two sides will hold talks on a number of topics of concern to the two countries. – ONA

First Dreamliner to land in Salalah

LUXURY IN AIR: Oman Air’s new Dreamliner is one of six that have been ordered. Following delivery of the first aircraft in October, a second Dreamliner aircraft will arrive in November.–Supplied photo

The state-of-the-art airliner will fly from the Omani capital of Muscat to the southern city of Salalah following its delivery to Oman Air

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air will receive its first state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on October 25.

The residents of Salalah will be among the first in the world to see the iconic aircraft in its distinctive Oman Air livery. Salalah’s enthusiasm for Oman Air’s products and services has been a key element in the success of the airline’s domestic network.

The state-of-the-art airliner will fly from the Omani capital of Muscat to the southern city of Salalah following its delivery to Oman Air. The flight will be hosted by members of Oman Air’s senior management team, and will carry VIPs, high-ranking government officials, dignitaries from public and private sector organisations, and media representatives.

During the one-and-a-halfhour flight, each guest will be amongst the first to enjoy Oman Air’s outstanding Dreamliner passenger experience, prior to the aircraft entering scheduled service.

Following the special showcase flight, the Dreamliner will enter service on routes from Muscat to Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Oman Air’s Chief Operating Officer, Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy said, “Oman Air’s first Dreamliner taking to the skies and landing in Salalah will mark a momentous occasion in the airline history of Oman. We are immensely proud to be introducing the Dreamliner to our fleet. We are also honoured to have the opportunity to showcase the aircraft to the people of Oman in advance of it entering scheduled service.

“We look forward to surprising and delighting our customers when Oman Air’s first Dream-

liner enters scheduled service on October 25.”

Al Busaidy added: “Once this excellent new aircraft starts to operate on routes to Europe and Saudi Arabia, it will provide the perfect environment in which to enjoy Oman Air’s unique hospitality, award-winning service and newly-designed, stylish interiors.

From the start, we expect demand for seats to be very high, and we would encourage customers to book early at www.omanair.com.”

Oman Air’s new Dreamliner aircraft is one of six that have been ordered. Following delivery of the first aircraft in October, a second Dreamliner aircraft will arrive in November 2015. Four more deliveries are expected between 2016 and 2018.

The Boeing B787 Dreamliner is the first commercial aircraft to utilise an airframe manufactured largely from carbon composites.

The resulting reduction in weight means that the aircraft uses 20 per cent less fuel than similarly sized aircraft. It also offers 40 percent more range, produces 20 percent fewer emissions and generates a 60 percent smaller noise footprint than other aircraft in its class.

Onboard, the aircraft also offers improved air quality and more natural light.

SAFETY RECORD

Douglas OHI celebrates landmark Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman-British joint venture construction company Douglas OHI has celebrated a milestone by recording 1 million safe man hours LTI- free (Lost Time Injury) during work performed at the Muscat City Centre Racetrack Expansion Project.

Reaching this mark indicates the high standards Douglas OHI demands for employees.

It also is proof of the special care the company provides its workers.

The philosophy of the company is to put “health and safety first”. General manager Aaron Hennessy emphasised this during a speech he delivered during the celebrations.

The event was designed to be interactive and involve the audience, who made this achievement possible.

The company distributed prizes to those employees who showed dedication and devotion in their work, particularly in following HSE regulations.

Prizes were also awarded to people who followed one of the four values OHI Douglas OHI promotes in their work environment: Do the right thing, Everyone has voice, Take pride in what you do, and Bring better to life.

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Ministry of Health advises post-Haj health precautions Omani pilgrims have been advised to consult a doctor immediately if they feel unwell to protect themselves against various viruses.

People must also rest and take precautions

TARIQ AL HAREMI tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Precautionary measures must be taken if pilgrims returning from the annual Haj experience health issues, says the Ministry of Health.

Omani pilgrims have been advised to consult a doctor immediately if they feel unwell to protect themselves against various viruses.

HAJ PILGRIMAGE: More than two million pilgrims took part in Haj this year.

More than two million people took part in Haj 1436 AH, with people participating from different parts of the world that harbour contagious diseases.

The Department of Health Education and Awareness Pro-

grammes at the Ministry of Health (MoH) tweeted advice and preventative measures to be taken when returning home from performing the pilgrimage.

“After returning to the Sultanate, be sure to always wash your

N AT I O N A L H E A LT H

hands with soap or use a sterilizer, and cover your mouth and nose with a napkin while you cough or sneeze,” advised the MoH, as returning pilgrims need to maintain personal hygiene to reduce the risk of transmitting diseases.

COMMERCE

OCCI team to visit Turkey for trade talks

HEALTH FIRST: The World Heart Day will also aim to familiarise people with the latest developments in heart disease research.–ONA

Oman to observe December 29 as World Heart Day every year MUSCAT: To raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining heart health, the Ministry of Health, represented by the Contagious Diseases Monitoring and Control Department, will collaborate with the Omani Heart Association and the World Health Organisation to organise World Heart Day on December 29 each year.

This will be done to warn people about the heart risks, especially considering that the number of people suffering from heart problems is increasing either in developed or developing countries due to improper lifestyles.

The World Heart Day will be marked to also familiarise people with the latest developments in

heart disease research.

The World Heart Day event will also involve sharing a number of publications on heart, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) and health policies that alleviate heart problems, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy food and exercising for at least 30 minutes, which will be distributed among the public.– ONA

‘DISCOVER OMAN’ SHOW HELD IN NEW ZEALAND The Omani Students Association in Dunedin, New Zealand, organised an exhibition, ‘Discover Oman’, at the University of Otago. The exhibition included different pavilions, such as the Oman history, education in Oman, Islam and religious tolerance and tourism, besides a pavilion for handicrafts. The exhibition aims at familiarising the New Zealand society and residents with Oman, its people, history and its tourism attractions and civilisational landmarks. — ONA

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MUSCAT: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has completed all preparations for the visit of the trade delegation to the Republic of Turkey from September 30 to October 3. The delegation includes more than 95 senior businessmen and representatives of companies operating in the Sultanate, as well as the media team.

Said bin Saleh Al Kiyoumi, Chairman of OCCI will head the delegation.

He said that the trade delegation to the Republic of Turkey is of special importance because it is the largest delegation organised by OCCI, with approximately 100 officials.

The visit comes within the framework of the new approach adopted by OCCI for such delegations for discussion of the possible prospects and opportunities for cooperation and partnerships. – ONA

“Also avoid hugging and kissing when greeting people,” they added.

According to ‘The Health Communication Program for Haj’ issued by the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the most common diseases that pilgrims are vulnerable to include respiratory diseases — such as influenza, bronchitis and Coryzaa gastrointestinal diseases, food poisoning, dry eye, sun stroke and heat exhaustion.

Furthermore, the MoH advised returning pilgrims to visit health clinics if they experience severe respiratory inflammations which are associated with shortness of breath, or a fever and coughing during the two weeks after they return. “Try and avoid direct contact with others and head to the nearest health establishment to be medically tested and treated,” warned the tweet sent by the Department of Health Education and Awareness programmes.

“If the same symptoms appear on someone the transmitter came into contact with, that person must visit the nearest health clinic,” they added.

Additional advice suggests that people must rest and take precautions when eating or drinking.

NAT U R A L P H E N O M E N O N

Earthquake of 4.6 magnitude recorded in Salalah waters Staff Reporter MUSCAT: An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 on the Richter scale was recorded by an earthquake monitoring station at 6:46pm in Oman on Sunday, an official from the centre said.

“The epicentre of the earthquake was far from Salalah and in the sea,” the official added.

The epicentre of earthquake was 10.0 kilometres deep, according to the US Geological Survey.

Earlier on September 2, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 on the Richter scale was recorded in Salalah’s waters.

In July, May and April, a series of earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging between 4.0 and 5.0 on the Richter scale, were recorded in the northern parts of Oman.

According to experts, the northern parts of the Sultanate are more prone to earthquakes.

Scientists, who have studied the seismic zones of the Sultanate, said that based upon calculations on how the earth’s plates shake in a given geographic area (Peak Ground Acceleration), the highest probability of an earthquake occurring has been found in the northernmost city of Khasab.

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OMAN

It is going to be interesting to hear how companies in the United States and other high-income countries have flourished in a business environment that promotes and respects incentives to work, save, invest, innovate, start businesses and take risks HH Sayyid Faisal Al Said, Ithraa Director General of Investment Promotion

Australian Instagram user pitches for Oman on World Tourism Day Oman has long been a bucket list destination for me, so when I started working with HelloWorld, it was one of the handful of destinations I begged to visit, said Lauren Bath

When it became possible to have Oman as her Relay destination, Lauren Bath was thrilled. - Photo: Lauren Bath

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TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Instagram users across the world participated in a firstever global Instagram Relay on World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27 every year, with one user being hand-picked to explore and promote tourism in Oman.

Lauren Bath, Australia’s first professional Instagram user and social media influencer, was one of the 10 social media influencers chosen to star in the HelloWorld Relay, which is took place in the Pacific, Australia, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and North and South America, and had Bath exploring and photographing the Sultanate. “Oman has long been a bucket list destination for me, so when I started working with HelloWorld, it was one of the handful of destinations I begged to visit,” said Bath.

“When it became possible to have Oman as my Relay destination, I was beyond thrilled,” she added. Venturing through iconic locations, such as Jebel Shams, the Bahla’s forts and pottery makers Nizwa and Misfat, Lauren captured different elements of the

Sultanate through her lens.

“I really wanted to capture Oman throughout the day, the people, the food and details,” said Bath on her account in Steller, a visual story telling application.

Starting with the western-most point of the Earth in Samoa at sunrise and ending at sunset in the Cook Islands, the HelloWorld Relay told the story of the world over one full day through images taken by Instagram users throughout the day.

Oman is currently being showcased directly to Bath’s 432,000 Instagram followers, as well as HelloWorld’s social media and customer audiences and could inspire them to plan a holiday to Oman. “I swear I could be on Mars.

Oman is so different from any other destination I’ve been to. The mountains are so big, yet so barren,” Bath said about Oman on her Instagram account.

Bath is currently staying in Oman and will continue to explore the Sultanate till October 1 with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism. Pictures of Oman can be found at Lauren Bath’s Instagram account: @laurenepbath, as well as the HelloWorld website.

FACETS OF A TOURIST HUB: Lauren Bath, Australia’s first professional Instagram user and social media influencer, was one of the 10 social media influencers chosen to star in the HelloWorld Relay, which took place in the Pacific, Australia, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and North and South America, and had Bath exploring and photographing the Sultanate. - Photos: Times of Oman

GLOBAL EVENT

H E A LT H C A R E

Survival rate improves for premature Oman to participate in US conference on babies in the Sultanate: Research economic freedom

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman has seen a significant increase in the rate of survival for extremely premature infants, new research indicated.

The study, published in the latest issue of the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal (vol. 15, issue 3), investigated the outcome of infants born at 23 to 26 gestational weeks in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH).

The analysis revealed that of the 81 extremely premature infants born between 2006 and 2013, 49 had survived.

This meant that the overall survival rate has increased to 60.5 per cent from 41 per cent, the rate reported earlier in a similar study carried out at SQUH between 1991 and 1998.

“These findings are very encouraging for us as they show that the survival of extremely premature infants is improving in Oman and that these survival rates are now comparable with those in Western and regional centres,” said Dr. Asad Rahman, the study’s first author and a consultant at the Department of Child Health at SQUH. He confirmed that the findings of study had been revealed at an important time as there has been no recent data available on the survival rate for such infants.

“This study will help the medical community in Oman and in the management of these small babies, in making decisions about their resuscitation and in counselling the parents of these infants about possible outcomes,” he added.

Rahman explained that the survival rate increase since the 1990s was likely due to the higher employment of experienced staff, new equipment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at SQUH, continuous staff training and a strict policy about following standard protocols for the management of pre-term infants.

The study also showed that extremely premature infants were

Times News Service

IMPROVING FAST: The analysis revealed that of the 81 extremely premature infants born between

2006 and 2013, 49 had survived. This meant that the overall survival rate has increased to 60.5 per cent from 41 per cent, the rate reported earlier.

Survival of extremely premature infants is improving in Oman and these are now comparable with those in West Dr. Asad Rahman Consultant at the Department of Child Health, SQUH

more likely to survive if they were born in a hospital delivery room, weighed more than 700 grams at birth, were delivered at 25 gestational weeks or later and had re-

ceived antenatal steroids.

All of the babies in the study were found to have short-term pulmonary/respiratory or eye conditions.

Although the increasing survival rate was reassuring, Rahman expressed concern that surviving premature infants could still suffer from a variety of long-term health issues that would affect them later in life, including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, repeated chest infections and problems with their hearing or vision.

For this reason, he called on hospitals in Oman to start a careful monitoring system of infants and children who are born at 26 gestational weeks or earlier.

“We need a fully equipped neurodevelopment follow-up clinic that will be solely dedicated to supporting and following up on these survivors and offering early intervention for the disabilities they might experience,” he stressed.

Rahman also recommended that more NICU beds be allocated and NICU staff assigned to ensure that the national rate of survival for extremely premature infants continues to improve.

MUSCAT: Oman will be represented by the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa), at the Economic Freedom of the World Network Conference, scheduled to be held in the United States later this week.

The Sultanate of Oman will join countries from across the world to discuss the conference’s theme, “Which Way, America?

Economic Freedom or the Road to Serfdom,” at the Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business in Dallas, Texas on October 2 and 3.

Led by Dr. Salem Ben Nasser Al Ismaily, chairman of Ithraa, the Omani delegation will also include His Highness Sayyid Faisal Al Said, Ithraa’s newly-appointed Director General of Investment Promotion, and Azzan Al Busaidi, Ithraa’s director general of Planning & Studies.

High profile The high-profile Dallas event will provide a forum for the analysis and discussion of the nature of economic freedom and its implications. It is expected to foster the exchange and development of ideas concerning policies and programs of importance in a national and international context.

Open to a variety of viewpoints and philosophies, conference attendees will include academics, corporate executives, non-profit institutions and various government officials.

The conference’s theme this year has its roots in the Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek’s 1944 classic work, “The Road to Serfdom.”

Following the Great Depression of the 1930s and Word War II, Hayek had offered an alternative to Keynesian economics making arguments in favour of markets, while pointing out

Ithraa Director General of Investment Promotion HH Sayyid Faisal Al Said

the flaws of central planning.

“The Road to Serfdom” made Hayek an intellectual hero among those who embraced the cause of economic freedom, including President Ronald Reagan and Britain’s Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

His Highness, Sayyid Faisal Al Said stated, “Today, as in the past, America possesses skilled workers, smart companies and creative entrepreneurs that drive innovation and create unprecedented wealth. It is going to be interesting to hear how companies in the United States and other high-income countries have flourished in a business environment that promotes and respects incentives to work, save, invest, innovate, start businesses and take risks.”

“I’m particularly looking forward to the debate on how we can restore the dynamism required by economies across the world to create jobs and raise living standards. Shared prosperity is what we should be aiming for. Indeed, business and government must work together to create an enabling environment that unlocks opportunity and fosters growth for all,” he added.

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OMAN

Kerala plans health cover for all migrants

OAMC

If Kerala’s proposal is approved, it would become the first state in India to have done so. According to a GOOD PROGRESS: Work at the Muscat International Airport is

progressing well and will be completed by next year. – File photo

Tenders invited for Muscat Airport renovation work

2014 survey, around 2.3 million Keralites live abroad, with a majority of them residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

Times News Service MUSCAT: Muscat International Airport is being renovated and the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has invited reputed companies to register with the tender board and bid for a “tenancy fit-out management and supervision for new Muscat International Airport (TMFS).”

Participating companies must provide a bank guarantee, issued by a local registered bank for the sum of 1 per cent of the tender value, addressed to the Chairman of the Purchasing Committee, valid for 90 days from the date of submission of the tender.

“The tender fee will be OMR200,” an OAMC statement pointed out.

The distribution of documents will be carried out between September 27 and October 15, between 10am and 2pm, while the bids have to be submitted by November 12.

After the renovation is completed, the new Muscat International Airport will have the

After the renovation is completed, the new Muscat International Airport will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers every year capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually. Further expansions planned in three subsequent phases will ultimately boost the airport’s capacity to 24, 36 and 48 million passengers, as and when the demand arises.

Recently, a senior official at the Director General of Civil Aviation Regulations’ office said work at the Muscat International Airport is progressing well and will be completed by next year.

“Only the terminal building remains to be inaugurated, which will happen soon,” the official said.

If Kerala’s proposal for mandatory health insurance coverage to all migrants is approved, it would become the first state in India to have done so

REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Mandatory health insurance coverage is currently under discussion for residents of the Indian state of Kerala, who plan to migrate abroad from the state, said a top official from the department responsible for the welfare of Keralite migrants.

“We are currently discussing the premium modalities with the insurance companies. We are hopeful that we will be able to introduce a mandatory insurance plan for those who are migrating abroad from the state,” Rani George, secretary of the NonResident Keralites’ Affairs Department (Norka) and director of Norka-roots, said.

While some other countries, especially the Philippines, have introduced mandatory health insurance coverage for its citizens migrating abroad, India does not

have any such plan. If Kerala’s proposal is approved, it would become the first state in the country to have done so.

According to a 2014 survey, around 2.3 million Keralites live abroad, with a majority of them residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Migrant workers at risk “The lack of mandatory health insurance coverage places migrant workers at risk in case they fall sick or meet with an accident in a foreign country. We have come across many cases in which migrants workers were tied up to their hospital bed because of a shortage of money and their inability to clear the medical bills. If the government implements this plan, it would be a blessing for migrant workers,” Shaji Sebas-

tin, a Muscat-based Indian social worker, stated.

According to Oman’s Labour law, health insurance coverage is not mandatory for expatriate and blue collar workers.

“It is not mandatory. However, according to the practice here, if a worker is admitted to a hospital following an injury or illness, it is the employer’s responsibility to meet all the medical expenses even if the employee does not have insurance.

Moreover, it is also the employer’s responsibility to pay for the repatriation of the mortal remains,” a legal advisor in Muscat said earlier.

Embarrassing situation Shameer PTK, another social worker, said the lack of mandatory health insurance coverage is

a complicated and embarrassing situation. “The home country and the host country should come up with a solution,” Shameer added.

In addition to revealing the details of the mandatory health insurance plans, Norka Secretary, George also said the department is planning to expand pre-migration skills training for Keralite women.

“We are coordinating with NGOs and other agencies to provide pre-migration skills training to women, who are willing to migrate. It will be expanded to include more areas,” the Norka Secretary added.

Many countries have started pre-migration skill enhancement programmes to equip their citizens with the necessary skills to deal with new challenges in a foreign country.

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OMAN P R I VAT E A C A D E M I C I N S T I T U T I O N S

Opinion poll to judge quality of education Times News Service MUSCAT: To judge the quality of education imparted at private academic institutions in the Sultanate, the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) will commence an opinion poll on Tuesday.

The one-week survey will explore, among other things, the reasons as to why Omanis prefer private education, its availability and accessibility across the Sultanate and its academic standards.

The poll will also measure the public’s level of satisfaction with building quality and facilities provided to the students, apart from an assessment of the tuition fees charged. The extent and effectiveness of parent-teacher interactions will also be evaluated.

The survey will focus on two segments: schools and higher education institutions, including colleges and universities.

In the first category, as many as 1,200 parents of private school students will be surveyed, while an equal number of students aged 18 years and above pursuing higher education will be covered in the second segment.

The poll will also include all the private educational institutions functioning across the 11 governorates of the Sultanate, and have an

error margin, not exceeding 3 per cent. The survey will use e-mails and telephones (both fixed-line and mobile phones) as tools to help collect data quickly.

The survey questionnaire has been framed to suit the communication style of e-mails and telephones, in terms of ease of response, as well as the number and sequence of questions.

Contact details for parents have been collected from the Ministry of Education, while those of college students have been sourced from the Ministry of Higher Education.

It is noteworthy that as per 2013 statistics, there were 1,042 government schools and 468 private schools in the Sultanate. As for higher education, the number of government colleges and universities was 26, while the private sector had 27 colleges and universities.

The education survey also reflects the NCSI’s commitment towards enhancing statistical information among community members, as the authorized centre mandated with the provision and dissemination of relevant data and as an agency tasked with developing a culture of information exchange among people.

This statistical data will remain confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes.

A passionate photographer will not miss this moment.

It was amazing and I felt happy to have captured it Hussain Al Bharani, a professional photographer

Top firm keen to help Oman in genetic tests Blueprint Genetics provides medical genetic diagnosis, mainly in the field of cardiology, and uses the latest methods to identify the mutations responsible for diseases ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Blueprint Genetics (BpG), which provides state-ofthe-art genetic diagnostics and high quality clinical interpretation with the fastest lead times in the world, is exploring how it might cooperate with Oman.

BpG is a genetics company based in Helsinki and San Francisco. It has a team of cardiologists, geneticists, bioinformaticians, DNA biologists and business developers providing comprehensive genetic diagnostics with next-generation sequencing.

In its work, it uses a unique targeted sequencing technology.

Cost-efficiency Speaking to Times of Oman, Dmitri Ossipov, sales director at BpG, who participated in the 5th Oman Health Exhibition and Conference in Muscat, said the company offers a range of services with notable cost-efficiencies and high accuracy.

The services of BpG include

STATE-OF-THE-ART: Genetic diagnostics is important, given that medications are becoming more personalised and it is crucial to know whether a disease has a genetic background. -Supplied photo

DNA extractions, sequencing, data analysis and interpretation, as well as validation and issuing geneticist statements.

BpG provides medical genetic diagnosis, mainly in the field of cardiology, and uses the latest methods to identify the mutations responsible for diseases, Ossipov said. However, the company’s services are not limited to cardiovascular disorders and include neurological tests, kidney diseases, immunology disorders, metabolic disorders and family member testing.

Samples If a doctor suspects that a patient has a genetic problem, they send blood, saliva or DNA samples to BpG, where the sequencing process takes place and a full medical report is issued to the doctor after an analysis, Ossipov explained.

BpG’s laboratory complies with international standards and receives samples from all over the world, he said, adding, “So far, we have not received any sample from Oman, but hope to receive EID AL ADHA

< FROM

A1 Greetings HM receives greetings from Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of Afghanistan, Dr. Nabil Al Araby, Secretary General of the Arab League and Iyad Amin Madani, Secretary-General of OIC. His Majesty has also received greetings cables on this happy occasion from their highnesses, ministers, advisors, honourable members of the State Council, members of the Majlis Al Shura, undersecretaries, Omani ambassadors abroad, ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries accredited to Oman.

In their cables, they expressed their sincere greetings and best wishes of good health, wellbeing and a long life to His Majesty the Sultan, praying to Allah the Almighty for the return of this and similar occasions on His Majesty for many years to come and the Omani people further progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty.

His Majesty the Sultan replied to the cables of well-wishers on this happy occasion, expressing his thanks for their sincere greetings and best wishes, wishing them good health, happiness and a long life, praying to Allah the Almighty for the return of this blessed occasion on them and the Arab and Islamic Nations with blessings. -ONA HAJ PILGRIM

< FROM

A1 Search on Times of Oman contacted Saeed, the brother, at 3.30 pm yesterday who confirmed that the search was still on and that Anwar had not yet been found.

Meanwhile, quoting officials, a Shura member said that a special team has been formed to look for the missing pilgrim.

“Still he is missing. I have learnt from officials that a special team has been formed to find him.

Officials in Muscat are coordinating with their counterparts in Riyadh,” Mohammed Al Busaidi, the Shura member from Bausher, said. The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has warned public not to spread rumours on Anwar.

samples in the future. We know that there is a need in Oman for this kind of testing.”

Ossipov noted that the turnaround time at BpG, from the arrival of a sample to the issuance of s statement, is 21 days, which is ‘the fastest all over the world’.

According to Ossipov, BpG offers an option for ‘express service’ for clinical cases, as well as where genetic information is needed faster than normal. In this process, the sample is prioritised in the sequencing phase and also in the analysis process.

In some cases, especially for newborns, it is a question of whether a baby will survive, so the doctor would need genetic diagnostics as soon as possible, Ossipov said, noting, “That is why we can do it in 10 days, or even faster sometimes.”

Importance of diagnostics Commenting on the importance of genetic diagnostics, he said it helps doctors in the decisionmaking process and doctors then know whether a treatment procedure should be changed or family

members should be tested.

“It (family member testing) is important, especially for patients who have a mutation or have a child with a mutation and would like to have a second child because there is a high probability that he will also have a mutation,” Ossipov explained.

In addition, he said that genetic diagnostics is important, given that medications are becoming more personalised and it is crucial to know whether a disease has a genetic background.

Accuracy Ossipov said that BpG’s analysis is ‘very accurate’ due to the special techniques and equipment used.

“When we sequence a gene, we do not miss a nucleotide (a building block of DNA). Sometimes, the problem during sequencing is that you can miss certain nucleotides and, therefore, you are never sure of the results. If you find a mutation, it is okay; but if you do not find one, what can you tell the patient? Maybe you missed it. But we have 100 per cent coverage,” he noted.

MUTTRAH CORNICHE

‘Supermoon’ picture goes viral online REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Located between the mountains in Muttrah Corniche, the picture of a swollen ‘supermoon’ bathed in blood-red light and which was captured by a Muscat-based photographer, has gone viral online.

The picture was taken by Hussain Al Bharani, a professional photographer, during different stages of a total eclipse in Oman on Monday at around 5:30am.

“Photography is my passion. I had prepared myself to capture this rare moment for the last two days,” Al Bharani told the Times of Oman.

“A passionate photographer will not miss this moment. It was amazing and I felt happy to have captured it,” Al Bharani, who is interested in photographing Muscat landmarks, said.

The picture was clicked by him at around 5:30am opposite

the Riyam Park in Muttrah with a Canon 7D Mark 2 and Canon 100-400mm lens.

The “supermoon” phenomenon only takes place when a full lunar eclipse coincides with the moon’s closest approach to the Earth. Until Sunday night and Monday morning, these events had not occurred in unison for 33 years, and another 18 years will pass before we get to experience a “supermoon” eclipse again.

A “supermoon” happens when a full moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its orbit. At this point, the moon is only 225,000 miles from the Earth. That’s what makes the moon look about 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter in the sky.

A full lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon line up, with the Earth is placed between the moon and the sun, and the moon falls completely in the Earth’s shadow, which gives it a reddish tint.

WELCOME MOVE

A1 UAE’s online visa < FROM

system working

The UAE government also aims to cut the number of applicants coming to its centres by 80 per cent by 2018. “Allowing the application procedures online is a welcome move. It would be a blessing for people like us, who often travel to the UAE for business needs,” Mohammed Anvwar from Sohar said.

Travel agents in Muscat said that though they have not got any official communication from the UAE government, they had learnt from their Dubai offices that the online visa system has begun operating.

“The online system is working.

People are using it,” a travel agent said. Applicants for a long-term 90-day visitor visa, who are sponsored by someone in the private

sector, will also need to attach a licence and eGate card.

Applicants sponsored by a UAE or GCC citizen must complete the e-form and attach passport copies of the sponsor and the person being sponsored, which should remain valid for a minimum of six months.

If the sponsor is a relative and a resident, the e-form should be accompanied by a copy of a certified marriage contract, or birth certificates for children, and a certified tenancy contract or electricity bill, with a bank security deposit of Dh1,000, proof of health insurance, a passport copy of the sponsored person valid for a minimum of six months, and an eGate card with a copy of the sponsor’s passport.

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

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REGION

is the number of people in an attack on a mosque used by members of a local security force in southwest Saudi Arabia last month

Saudi forces kill two IS suspects The state news agency SPA said the men belonged to an IS group cell that was planning to carry out ‘an imminent terrorist act’ and that one of the sites raided by the authorities was a bomb-making factory

ON HIGH ALERT: IS group has called on supporters to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia and a string of deadly attacks by its followers has fuelled concerns about a growing threat of militancy in the kingdom. – File Photograph

DUBAI: Two suspected IS group militants were killed and three were arrested by Saudi security forces in coordinated raids in the capital Riyadh and the eastern city of Dammam, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The statement carried by state news agency SPA said the men belonged to an IS group cell that was planning to carry out “an imminent terrorist act” and that one of the sites raided by the authorities was a bomb-making factory.

IS group has called on supporters to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia and string of deadly attacks by its followers has fuelled concerns about a growing threat of militancy in the kingdom.

Authorities said on Saturday they killed an 18-year-old suspected member of the group and arrested his brother after the brothers abducted a cousin and filmed his execution, and killed three other people, in the country’s desert northern province of Ha’il. An IS suicide bomber killed at least 15 people in an attack on a mosque used by members of a local security force in southwest Saudi Arabia last month, and other bombings by the group in the kingdom and neighbouring Kuwait killed dozens of worshippers this summer. — Reuters

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5 The present application is a device worked out by accused person so as to not only delay the present trial but also deviate the court from the case R.S. Cheema, Special Public Prosecutor

INDIA

India successfully launches Astrosat space observatory Taking another major step in its ambitious and low-cost space programme, ISRO’s trusted workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), in its 31st flight, injected Astrosat and the six co-passengers into orbit

SRIHARIKOTA (AP): Joining an elite group of nations, India on Monday successfully launched its first space research observatory Astrosat that will help in a detailed understanding of the universe and also put into orbit six foreign satellites including the first from the US. Taking another major step in its ambitious and low-cost space programme, ISRO’s trusted workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), in its 31st flight, injected Astrosat and the six copassengers into orbit about 25 minutes after a perfect lift-off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here.

Dubbed mini-Hubble Launched in its maiden attempt, Astrosat, which includes a telescope that uses X-ray, has been dubbed as a mini-Hubble telescope launched by US’ NASA in 1990 and a one-stop shop for studying astronomical sources.

So far, only the US, Japan, Rus-

ONE MORE GRAND ACCOMPLISHMENT: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s PSLV C carrying India’s multi wavelength space observatory Astrosat, lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Monday. - PTI

sia and Europe have launched a space observatory.

“Well done @isro. This is one more grand accomplishment for Indian science & our scientists,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is now on a visit to the US, said in a tweet.

Declaring the launch successful amid cheers from the assembled scientists, a beaming ISRO Chairman A. S. Kiran Kumar said PSLV had put in an astronomy mission which is being looked at not only within the country but also globally to bring in new information to scientific community.

“I congratulate the entire ISRO community for the wonderful job they have done,” he said addressing the gathering at the Mission Control Centre.

Astrosat has reportedly cost $27 million to build.

It was for the first time that India launched US satellites —four in all — belonging to a San Franciscobased company, under an agreement signed with Antrix Corporation Ltd, the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With a lift-off mass of about 1,513kg, Astrosat was first injected into a 650km orbit by PSLV-C30, followed by the other six satellites in the space of about three minutes.

International customer satellites that piggybacked the polar rocket were the LAPAN-A2 of Indonesia meant for maritime surveillance using Automatic Identification System (AIS), and maritime monitoring nanosatel-

lite from Canada, NLS-14 (Ev9), which uses ‘next generation’ AIS. The rocket, one of world’s most reliable launch vehicles which clocked its 31st successful mission in a row on Monday, also carried four identical LEMUR nano satellites of a Spire Global Inc., San Fransisco, US, that were nonvisual remote sensing satellites ‘focusing primarily on maritime intelligence through vessel tracking via’ the AIS, ISRO said.

With this, a total of 51 satellites belonging to global customers from 20 countries, including Germany, France, Japan, Canada, UK, have been launched successfully

by ISRO so far.

Post the successful injection of Astrosat into the orbit, Astrosat Project Director K. S. Sarma said it

was “healthy and doing well”.

It has a mission life of five years.

“This satellite is very unique as we have sophisticated and sensitive astronomical equipment”, he added.

Astrosat will observe the universe in optical,ultraviolet low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, while most other scientific satellites are capable of observing a narrow range of wavelength band.

It will send back data and study parts of the universe including black holes and the magnetic fields of stars.

Asked whether Monday’s launch was the Indian equivalent of the Hubble telescope of the US as reported in a section of the media, Kumar said, “I do not think it is correct” to say so. Sarma said Astrosat cannot be compared with Hubble as it belongs to a different class with huge lens.

“We have different kind of features,” he said. Post the successful injection of Astrosat into the orbit, he said, it was “healthy and doing well”.

“This satellite is very unique as we have sophisticated and sensitive astronomical equipment,” Astrosat project director said.

Increasing contribution Sarma and other scientists involved in the project said that stringent environment and cleanliness standards were followed to ensure there was no contamination to the X-ray or the telescope.

Kumar expressed satisfaction that with the launch of Astrosat, Indian institutions were increasing their contribution to the space programme. In fact many students have been using data sent by Chandrayaan-I for Ph.D thesis,he said.

Officials said that data being sent

by Astrosat for one year would be accessed by ISRO officials and then would be made public for those registered with the organisation. - PTI

CBI SPECIAL COURT

No evidence against Manmohan in coal scam NEW DELHI: The CBI on Monday opposed in a special court the plea of ex-Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda seeking summons to former prime minister Manmohan Singh and two others as additional accused in a coal scam case, saying the application was “devoid of any merits”.

Special Public Prosecutor R.S. Cheema told the court that the records of the case not even prima facie suggest that the then prime minister, who was also coal minister at that time, was part of any conspiracy in allocating a coal block to Jindal Group firms.

“The present application is a device worked out by accused person so as to not only delay the present trial but also deviate the court from the case,” Cheema told Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar.

He said that a comprehensive and complete probe has been conducted by CBI in the case and they do not find any reason which would lead to summoning of the then prime minister as accused in the case.

“The records not even prima facie show anything to summon the then prime minister as accused in the case. The evidence does not show any complicity on the part of the then prime minister in allocation of coal block,” Cheema said.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in allocation of Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block to Jindal group firms — and Gagan Sponge Iron Pvt Ltd (GSIPL). Koda, who is one of the 15 accused in the case, had moved an application seeking to summon Singh and two others — Anand Swaroop, then Secretary (Energy), and Jai Shankar Tiwari, then Secretary (Mines and Geology) — as additional accused in the case. - PTI

BIHAR POLLS

Lalu Prasad’s caste remark triggers fresh war of words PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal President Lalu Prasad’s remark that the Bihar election is a fight between backward and forward castes has triggered a fresh war of words between the grand secular alliance and the NDA. Kicking off his younger son Tejaswi Yadav’s election campaign from Raghopur Assembly constituency on Sunday, Lalu Prasad said the election was a fight between backward castes and forward castes and gave a clarion call to members of Yadav caste and OBCs to rally behind the secular alliance.

Prasad’s remark triggered exchanges among rival political groupings. JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok defended Prasad, saying he only meant to alert backward castes against the statement of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat who questioned the reservation policy.

The BJP-led NDA went hammer and tongs against Prasad’s comment.

Addressing an election rally at Arwal, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi slammed Prasad for the caste comment.

Affirming that the NDA stood for development, he sarcastically said the quality roads that would be built by the future NDA government would be used both by forward and backward castes.

Yadav caste leaders in NDA were more vociferous in their attack, with Union Minister of State Ramkripal Yadav reminding Prasad that “it is not Bihar of 1990 but Bihar of 2015”.

“Does Yadauvanshi mean you and your family?” asked Ramkripal Yadav as he castigated his former mentor.

Leader of Opposition Nand Kishore Yadav slammed Prasad for “instigating” caste tension in view of a sure defeat.

“Today’s Yadav youths need computer education and laptop and are no more interested in Prasad’s casteist appeal,” he observed.

Rashtriya Lok Samata Party chief Upendra Kushwaha assailed Prasad and said he was making

UPBEAT: RJD chief Lalu Prasad speaks during a programme on Bihar elections in Patna, recently. - PTI

the provocative appeal “as part of his survival bid.” He claimed that Nitish Kumar, who has been announced as grand secular alliance chief ministerialcandidate, was merely a “mask” and the force behind the alliance was Lalu Prasad whose casteist remarks make it clear which way they wish to take the state.

‘Hawabaazi’ will not work Meanwhile, sharpening its attack on the NDA for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “not fulfilling the promises” made during the last general elections and said that “hawabaazi” (empty talk) will not work this time.

“Be it distribution of Rs 1.5-2.0 million to every citizen out of the black money that would come back to country, or be it the enhanced MSP for farmers and jobs for youths, none of the promises made by Narendra Modi during Parliamentary election could see light of the day,” Kumar said.

He appealed to the masses not to “rely on the promises made by the Prime Minister anymore.”

“PM indulges in making empty promises.’Hawabaazi is baar nahin chalega’ (Empty talks will not work this time),” Kumar said.

Addressing an election meet-

ing at Rosera seat in Samastipur district from where former state Congress President and ex-Bihar minister Ashok Ram is contesting, Kumar also highlighted the unity among Grand Secular Alliance and mocked at the NDA grouping.

“While I, Lalu Prasad and Congress reached a solid understanding without much trouble and declared names of candidates jointly, NDA partners displaying lack of unity are still fighting among themselves for seats and names of candidates,” Kumar said.

Addressing another election meeting at Bachwara in Begusarai, Kumar rejected the special package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore announced by the PM for Bihar.

“It’s like throwing dust in eyes,” he said and told the people that out of Rs1.25 lakh crore, Rs 1.08 lakh crore belonged to old schemes.

The Chief Minister dwelt on his vision document of Rs 2.70 lakh crore and sought support from the people to take the state forward. He also touched the issue raised by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding reservation and cautioned people against by describing it as an “evil design”.

Kumar also addressed rallies at Banka and Sultanpur in Bhagalpur on Monday. - PTI

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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INDIA

Modi and Obama agree to boost economic engagement The meeting gave the two leaders an opportunity to build on the discussions they had in New Delhi in January when Obama travelled to India to attend the Republic Day Parade as the chief guest

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met US President Barack Obama and discussed a host of issues, including stepping up economic engagement and climate change, during their third meeting in about a year.

Obama warmly received Modi by hugging him before their meeting, the third between them since May last year.

The meeting gave the two leaders an opportunity to build on the discussions they had in New Delhi in January when Obama travelled to India to attend the Republic Day Parade as its chief guest.

Modi arrived in the US last Wednesday on a six-day official visit during which he travelled to Silicon Valley and met top IT CEOs of the region and also addressed a meeting of some 18,000 Indian Americans in at the SAP Centre in San Jose.

They met last year during Modi’s US visit and then in January earlier this year.

The Modi-Obama meeting comes close on the heels of the conclusion of the inaugural Strategic and Commercial Dialogue between the US and India.

In the dialogue, India and the US on Monday agreed to deepen cooperation in fighting terrorism and asked Pakistan to bring to justice the 2008 Mumbai attack perpetrators.

Strengthening ties Ahead of the Obama-Modi meeting, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes had said, “We are deeply committed to strengthening the US-Indian relationship, building our economic and commercial ties, advancing our political and security cooperation in Asia and around the world.”

Rhodes said India was critiTRAGEDY

PARLEYS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral talks with US President Barack Obama in New York on Monday. - PTI

Modi needs ‘very serious counselling’, says Congress NEW DELHI: Congress and BJP clashed over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in the US with the opposition party accusing him of dragging the political narrative to the “gutter level” by trading barbs at it and Robert Vadra, and the ruling party retorting by targeting Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

In a no-holds-barred attack, Congress said Modi needs “very serious counselling”.

Congress senior spokesman Anand Sharma also sought an independent inquiry into organisation of public events for the prime minister during his foreign tours and the source of “millions of dollars” required for hosting them.

cal to a successful global effort to combat climate change and therefore the issue was important in bilateral discussions.

“The two leaders will certainly address their shared vision of how to approach the upcoming meetings in Paris,” he had said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held separate bilateral meetings with his British counterpart David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande during which talks were held on key issues like terrorism, UNSC reforms and climate change.

Hitting back, BJP said Congress has become the voice of “untruth, malice and utter frustration” and wondered if it had become “trapped in an inept leadership”. In his speech in San Jose, Modi made a veiled attack on UPA regime on corruption and took a swipe at Vadra, the Congress President’s son-in-law, saying there were allegations of politicians and their families making crores of rupees while his government has no graft charge.

“In our country it doesn’t take much for allegations to come up against politicians...

Someone made 50 crores, someone’s son made 250 crores, (someone’s) daughter

Modi held the bi-laterals soon after he arrived from his weekend trip to the Silicon Valley where he met several technology leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google’s newly-appointed Indian-origin CEO Sundar Pichai.

Modi’s first engagement of the day soon after his arrival to the “city that never sleeps” was with Cameron.

The two leaders discussed bilateral and global issues such as terrorism, UN Security Council reforms and climate change.

In his second engagement of the

made 500 crores, (someone’s) damaad (son-in-law) made 1000 crores,”Modi said.

Engaged in theatrics Referring to Modi getting emotional and breaking down while talking about his mother, the Congress spokesman said, “true to his characteristic style, the PM once again engaged in theatrics, emotion and drama, making boastful claims”.

Sharma raised questions about Modi’s statements that he sold tea as a child and that his mother became an housemaid to look after him.

These claims about himself were “not correct”, Sharma said, adding in his childhood

day, Modi met Hollande.

UNSC reforms, terrorism, the threat posed by IS and the upcoming Paris summit on climate change were among the issues discussed.

Both Britain and France have supported India’s candidature for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

During Modi’s bilateral with Hollande, they had a surprise visitor in Bill Gates, who was not present at the meeting Modi had with technology leaders in San Jose over the weekend.

FORMER CIC

PM condoles death of Haj pilgrims

‘Transparency more essential than push for digitally connected India’

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of pilgrims in last week’s grisly stampede at Mina, the worst tragedy to hit the annual pilgrimage in last 25 years.

“In connection with the Haj tragedy, the prime minister had written to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on September 25, expressing his deepest condolences,” Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup tweeted.

As per Saudi authorities 769 people died in the stampede while around 930 pilgrims sustained injuries. Those killed in the stampede included 45 Indians.

The stampede broke out on September 24 after two massive lines of pilgrims converged on each other from different directions at an intersection close to the fivestorey Jamarat Bridge in Mina for symbolic stoning of the devil.

It was the second major accident this year for pilgrims, after a construction crane collapsed on September 11 at Mecca’s Grand Mosque, killing over 100 people, including 11 Indians.

Saudi Arabia has already ordered the formation of a committee to probe the deadly incident during the five-day pilgrimage in which around two million people from over 180 countries took part.

From India, 150,000 pilgrims performed Haj. - PTI

MUMBAI/GUWAHATI: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes a vigorous push for a digitally connected India, former CIC Shailesh Gandhi on Monday said it was the issue of transparency over which he ought to do something first in a time-bound manner to help realise his dream.

Gandhi also termed “Digital India” campaign, a pet project of the Modi Government, as “expensive” and “with no real benefits”, as he stressed that only with transparency can there be hope of accountability.

The comments by the former Central Information Commissioner (CIC) came even as Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi attacked Modi for claiming credit for digitalisation, saying he had “inherited” an infrastructure congenial for Information Technology(IT) and was denigrating Jawaharlal Nehru who had laid the foundation for it.

It was the issue of transparency over which Modi ought to do something in a time-bound manner first, Gandhi said, adding that addressing this issue would “ultimately pave the way” for his dream coming true to bring “Digital Governance” in the country.

“Digitisation involves scanning all earlier files and sometimes even the files after they are closed. This has no real benefit and is an expense exercise.

“Accountability to citizens

Gogoi said Digital India has been made possible because of the young Indians who received training at the IITs and IIMs and credit must be given to them for their role in the IT revolutions in India

cannot be achieved unless transparency is built into our governance as a default mode.”

Gandhi, who pronounced several landmark judgements in his four-year tenure (2008-2012) as CIC, said, “When a citizen goes to any office for some work, he is often told that the relevant file is unavailable. If he pays a bribe it becomes available. A significant percentage of corruption and inefficiency is a consequence of this method of keeping paper files.”

“If all work was done on computers and each day the default

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mode was that it would be displayed on the website, there could be a sea change in our governance.

Only some information, which is thought to be exempt under the RTI Act, should not go on the website,” said the noted RTI activist.

“If Parliament proceedings can be telecast live, there is no reason why our executive brand cannot function in a transparent manner.

Only with transparency can there be hope of accountability.”

In a statement, Gogoi said Digital India has been made possible because of the young Indians who received training at the IITs and IIMs and credit must be given to them for their role in the IT revolutions in India.

Real contribution Moreover, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi gave great importance to IT and had made real contribution in its revolution in India, he said. “Modi is patting himself for the progress India has made in Information Technology, but he inherited an atmosphere and infrastructure congenial for IT from his predecessors and impact of Google and Facebook to India can also be attributed to the efforts of young entrepreneurs,” Gogoi said.

Prime Minister Modi’s attempt to cash in the efforts of the young technocrats would only expose his narrow political aggrandisement, he said. - PTI

Modi used to manage the counter in his uncle’s canteen.

If Modi considered himself a powerful leader, then why has he not ensured that his mother stayed with him.

“Is it not the duty of a son to look after the well-being of his mother,” he said recalling that Modi was chief minister of Gujarat for 12 years and said then and even now he has not brought her to his home.

He did not also honour her by bringing her to his swearing-in ceremony as prime minister in New Delhi last year, Sharma added.

“So, stop crying outside. Do your duty as a son and bring her to your house”. - PTI

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said Gates dropped by to meet the Prime Minister.

“Look who dropped by! Missed in Silicon Valley, the original tech entrepreneur @BillGates says hello to PM & President,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with pictures of Modi, Hollande and Gates engaged in discussions.

The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, the largest private foundation in the world, has a significant presence in India. - PTI

ECONOMY

Confident of maintaining fiscal deficit at 3.9%: Jaitley MUMBAI: Pitching for steps to strengthen ‘real economy’ of India, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said he is confident of maintaining fiscal deficit at 3.9 per cent in the current financial year.

Jaitley also said that inflation was under control and he is keen to better the country’s GDP growth rate from 7.3 per cent in the last fiscal. Speaking at an event here, the finance minister said, “Euphoria surrounding India can be strengthened if we continue on reform path... Once the real economy strengthens, there will be exciting developments in corporate world and markets”. He said that integration with global markets can also affect the Indian markets, “but our goal as policymakers is to concentrate on the real sector”.

“Our ability to withstand changes is much stronger,” he said, while adding that the private sector investments would take some time to revive as it had overexposed and built excess capacities.

“We need to have serious investment in irrigation,” he added.

Talking about macroeconomic parameters, Jaitley said he was confident of maintaining 3.9 per cent fiscal deficit in the current year 2015-16 and “extremely keen to better the 7.3 per cent growth of fiscal year 2014-15”.He said untangling tax issues of past was a big challenge but many of them have been resolved and hoped that “the obstructionists stopping GST will see some sense”.

TRAGEDY

30 missing after boat capsizes in Assam river CHAYGAON (Assam): At least 30 people were missing after a overcrowded mechanised boat with about 200 people on board capsized in the river Kolohi in Assam’s Kamrup (Rural) district on Monday, a senior district official said.

Engine failure The engine of the boat, which was travelling from Koraibeel to Gumifailed, stopped working midstream of the river and hit against the pillar of a bridge causing it to flip, Kamrup (rural) Deputy Commissioner Vinod Kumar said.

As the boat capsized, the passengers, who were travelling to witness a boat race nearby, fell into the river which was in spate.

While most of the passengers swam to safety, at least 30 were missing, Seshan said. - PTI

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

PAKISTAN A P P L I C AT I O N S F O R F U N D S

Artists say their aid plea being ignored PESHAWAR: Although artists in the province submitted hundreds of applications for financial aid to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Culture, many complained the authority turned a deaf ear to their requests.

“I know my appeal will not be heard; despite that I would request aid money be released for my colleagues if it has been approved by senior officials,” Naeem Jan, an artist told The Express Tribune.

“The government assured us three months ago that we would be compensated but no such amount has been released.”

BACK HOME: A woman, returning from Haj in Mecca, hugs her relative after arriving at the Benazir International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday. — Reuters

Toll of Pakistani pilgrims in Mina stampede hits 40 Prime Minister

Teacher battled against the crowd to save wheelchair-bound wife

Nawaz Sharif has announced Rs500,000 for the families of the deceased pilgrims and Rs200,000 for those sustaining injuries. The pilgrims were killed in a crush at Mina

ISLAMABAD: The number of Pakistani pilgrims killed in Mina stampede has reached 40, whereas 33 are injured and 63 are said to be missing, Prime Minister’s focal person on the incident Dr Tariq Fazal has said.

The pilgrims were killed in a crush at Mina, outside the holy city of Mecca, where over two million people were performing the annual Haj pilgrimage.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Fazal said 40 bodies

PESHAWAR: A Pakistani teacher has described how he saved his wife from a deadly stampede in Saudi Arabia by pulling her from her wheelchair as fellow haj pilgrims were trampled to death around them.

At least 769 people died in a crush of pilgrims near Mecca on Thursday when two large groups converged at a crossroads, in the worst disaster to befall the annual event in a quarter of a century.

Alamzeb Khan, 48, and his wife, who was suffering from a high fever, were almost killed when the crowd panicked, he told Reuters on Monday.

The stampede at Mina, where the couple had gone to throw stones at three pillars representing the devil, part of

of Pakistani pilgrims had been identified, saying the death toll in the incident now stood at 1100.

He reiterated that all out efforts were being made to locate the missing Pakistani pilgrims, saying Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi

the haj ritual, looked like the “day of judgment,” he told Reuters.

“To save their lives, some pilgrims trampled other pilgrims as if they were not human,” he said.

Two groups The crush began when two groups of pilgrims, some from Iran and some from Africa, crashed into each other, he said.

“The elderly, women and sick pilgrims were the first to fall. They fell and were trampled by others,” he said. Khan fell too and injured his arm, but he battled against the crowd to grab his terrified wife’s hands.

The wheelchair had saved her from being pushed over, he said.

Arabia was personally visiting all hospitals and mortuaries to find out about them.

“PM’s secretariat has the list of all missing people, which will contact their families and keep them updated,” he said. “Pakistani em-

“I feared she had been crushed by the pilgrims, but luckily she survived. I immediately grabbed her out of the wheelchair and pushed her to the side. Then we started climbing the steel fence to save our lives,” he recalled.

“There was no one to help the others. Everybody was saving his or her own life.

Within no time, there were human bodies lying upon each other. Those underneath were screaming in pain and crying for help but there was no one to help,” Khan said.

After they scaled the fence, the couple went to a nearby hospital, but it was overflowing with casualties, he said. Some bodies remained on the ground for hours, he said.

Like many caught up in the

bassy has also uploaded pictures of all the pilgrims who lost their lives in the incident.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced Rs500,000 for the families of the deceased pilgrims and

tragedy, he complained about a slow response from Pakistani officials. Scores of Pakistanis remain missing and at least 40 were killed.

“They didn’t answer our calls to the telephone numbers that they had given us to call during an emergency,” he said.

White shawls On Monday, Khan and his wife, wrapped in white shawls, were surrounded by sobbing relatives at Peshawar airport as the first flights carrying victims of the tragedy arrived in Pakistan from Saudi Arabia.

“For two days we didn’t have any contact with them. We thought they are either dead or seriously injured,” said one relative, as Khan embraced his sons. — Reuters

Rs200,000 for those sustaining injuries, he added. The focal person also announced that the injured will be provided best possible medical treatment in the country free of charge upon their return. — Express Tribune

Where do the funds go?

Data for two years provided by the directorate under the Right to Information law reveals where funds have been directed.

Available with The Express Tribune, the data shows in 2015 as yet only two artists were provided financial support. Folk artist Gulab Sher with Rs50,000 while Ruqaya, an artist, received Rs15,000.

In 2014, 11 artists were given financial assistance of up to Rs50,000 whereas in the same year, an individual identified as Zainab, whose affiliation with the directorate has yet to be ascertained, was given aid twice in the period of a few months.

The directorate lacks a website where it can make such news public.

Promoting culture Apart from individuals, the money was also given to those organisations which seem to have failed to play a significant role in promoting culture or are strong entities to begin with.

For instance, in 2015, the Insaf Student Federation was given Rs100,000, Malik Saad Shaheed Trust was given Rs250,000 and Digital Youth Summit was provided with Rs250,600. Also, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Sardar Suran Singh was given Rs1.5 million from the amount only meant to be used to promote cultural institutions and artists, although he has no known links with either the directorate or any cultural activities.

According to the data provided through the RTI request, PTI MPA Dina Naz was given Rs925,820 for holding an award ceremony in her constituency.

The money for the event was handed over even though the organisers and relevant individuals did not publish a tender in the newspaper.

Even the Peshawar Press Club got a share in the form of a donation of Rs188,000.

Some money was released for the revival of culture. For instance, singer Bakhtiar Khattak was given Rs404,200 to arrange a cultural event but it is not known whether the funds were used to said end.

A senior artist, Mumtaz Ali, who is ailing, was given Rs300,000 while singer Hidayatullah had also been given the same amount. — Express Tribune

BUILDUP TO BY-POLLS

More than 20 PML-N, PPP, workers join PTI LAHORE/MULTAN: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has intensified its campaign for National Assembly seats NA-122 of Lahore, and NA-154 of Lodharan, by-polls and local government elections.

More than 20 Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) supporters joined the PTI on Sunday.

Those who joined the party in Lahore included Mian Ikhlaq Ahmed Guddu from the PML-Q. They made the announcement at a ceremony attended by PTI Punjab organiser Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar and candidate for NA-122 Aleem Khan. Nazir Mughal, candidate for vice chairman in UC 121, withdrew his candidacy in favour of PTI’s Mehr Abdul Waheed.

Sarwar said that people from other parties joining the PTI in-

dicated that support for the PTI was increasing. He said the PTI had welcomed the 20 political workers after consultation with its leaders and workers.

Army deployment Sarwar demanded that the army be deployed at polling stations to ensure fair elections. “Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to accept by-poll results.”

Two former MNAs and two former ticket holders also announced that they would support PTI’s Jahangir Tareen in the NA154 elections. They were former PML-N MNAs Akhtar Kanju and Zawar Warraich, former ticket holder Ahmad Nawaz Joiya, former MPA Qasim Khan Malaizai and former secretary to parliament Tahir Malaizai.

Akhtar Kanju had been twice elected MNA from NA-155. Zawar Warraich had lost the 2013 general elections. — Express Tribune

GLOBAL CITIZEN HONOUR FOR ACTIVIST Syeda Ghulam Fatima, General Secretary, Bonded Labour Liberation Front Pakistan, waves after receiving a Global Citizen award during the Clinton Global Citizen award ceremony at the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting in New York, on Sunday. — Reuters

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ASIA K N I F E R A M PAG E

HAZE ENGULFS SINGAPORE

Thai man hacks five children to death

The sun is seen through a blanket of haze at the Garden by the Bay in Singapore on Monday.

Singapore has launched legal action that could lead to massive fines against Indonesian companies blamed for farm and plantation fires spewing unhealthy levels of air pollution over the city-state. Five Indonesian companies including multinational Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) have been served with legal notices, according to a Singapore government statement issued late on September 25. — AFP

A F G H A N I S TA N

Taliban overrun Kunduz city KUNDUZ (AFGHANISTAN): The Taliban Monday largely seized a major Afghan city, storming government compounds and sending panicked residents fleeing, as the extremists for the first time breached a provincial capital since being ousted from power in 2001.

Fierce fighting raged in the northern city of Kunduz as marauding insurgents freed hundreds of prisoners from the local jail, set government buildings on fire and hoisted their trademark white flag over the homes of officials.

NATO mission The Taliban’s incursion into Kunduz barely nine months after the NATO combat mission ended marks a major psychological blow to the country’s Western-trained security forces.

“The Taliban have taken the city but our forces are still putting up resistance in some areas,” Kunduz police spokesman Sayed Sarwar Hussaini told AFP, adding that promised reinforcements from Kabul were awaited.

Scores of bodies littered the streets after hours of heavy fighting, Afghan media reported citing local residents, many of whom were making a hasty exit from Kunduz.

Many were fleeing to the city’s main airport, which is still in government control, but some complained they were being turned away by security forces.

The city was swarming with Taliban fighters racing police vehicles, who overran the governor’s compound and the local police headquarters.

The local headquarters of the National Directorate of Security, the country’s main intelligence agency, was set on fire, a security official told AFP on condition of anonymity. — AFP

BANGKOK: A man with a history of mental illness hacked five young children to death and stabbed a pregnant woman in a knife rampage in northern Thailand, police said Monday.

The mass murder took place on Sunday afternoon in a village in Chai Prakarn district of Chiang Mai province.

“Five boys were killed by a mentally ill man using a chopping knife,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Sombut Kalasuk from Chai Prakarn police told AFP. “The wounds were to their necks and heads -- they were aged from five months to eight years old,” he added.

Pictures widely shared on social media showed a scene of carnage, with the blood-soaked corpses of the children littering the house.

At least one of the children was related to the pregnant woman, who was taken to hospital suffering from stab wounds but survived the ordeal. — AFP

24 injured as ‘super-typhoon’ Dujuan pummels Taiwan Almost 3,000 people were evacuated Sunday from Taiwan’s Green Island and Orchid Island -popular with visitors.

More than 4,000 were moved Monday ahead of the storm.

New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu said they were from vulnerable areas, including the hot springs town of Wulai just outside Taipei.

Aboriginal mountain communities are particularly at risk during typhoons, often affected by flooding and mudslides. Wulai was hit hard by Typhoon Soudelor in August, with some residents unable to return home for weeks.

Shops and hotels have remained closed as roads and flood damage have yet to be fully repaired.

Most of the 24 people hurt suffered minor injuries, the island’s Emergency Operation Center said, many of them hit by flying debris

TAIPEI: Super-typhoon Dujuan battered Taiwan leaving 24 injured as torrential rain and fierce winds hit on Monday evening, while China issued its top alert as the storm approached the mainland.

Dujuan struck the island’s northeastern tip earlier than expected after picking up speed as it approached, with more than 7,000 people evacuated in advance.

Most of the 24 people hurt suffered minor injuries, the island’s Emergency Operation Center said, many of them hit by flying debris.

Without power More than 330,000 homes are without electricity after almost a million lost power at the height of the storm, the emergency centre said. About 2,000 people were spending the night in temporary shelters. Waves crashed along the east coast and the capital Taipei was hit with wind and rain as the typhoon moved south.

At 9:00 pm (1300 GMT) Dujuan was 30 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of central Taichung city, the Central Weather Bureau said.

The bureau said “virtually the whole island” was at risk of severe wind and rain, with authorities warning downpours could trigger landslides. Dujuan made landfall

DEADLY STORM: People hold their umbrellas while walking against strong winds caused by Typhoon Dujuan in Taipei, Taiwan, on Monday. - Reuters

in the northern county of Yilan, where some areas have seen more than 700 millimetres (20 inches) of rain in the last 24 hours.

Panicked visitors to the island’s east -- many of whom had headed there for the Mid-Autumn Festival long weekend -- crammed onto trains before services were suspended. High-speed rail services in the west were also cancelled.

Authorities warned that coastal areas could be particularly dangerous as tides are affected by the current “supermoon” -- a rare astrological event in which the moon appears brighter and larger.

This is because the moon has

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reached its closest orbital point to Earth and therefore has a stronger gravitational pull than usual.

The storm intensified as it approached Taiwan, with gusts of 227 kilometres per hour.

Landfall It slowed after making landfall and was expected to move past Taiwan by midnight. Schools and offices

will shut Tuesday and the stock market will also be closed.

Dujuan was graded a “strong typhoon” -- the top category -- by Taiwan’s weather bureau while other regional forecasters, including the Hong Kong Observatory, categorised it as a “super typhoon”.

China issued a red alert, its highest, for Dujuan. Heavy rain and gales are set to hit parts of Fujian, Zhejiang and Shanghai, the official Xinhua news agency quoted the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center as saying.

The centre instructed ships’ crews to return to harbour and residents to stay indoors.

Very depressed “To be honest, we all feel very depressed. Any damage may further prolong the time needed for reconstruction,” Chou Chih-kang, a Wulai neighbourhood chief, told AFP.

By Monday night Wulai had already seen 600 mm of rain in 24 hours. The weather bureau warned that the “massive amount” of rubble on mountain slopes and riverbeds since Soudelor could lead to further damage.More than 24,000 troops were on standby for disaster relief and evacuations, with 100 shelters set up.

A concert by US rock band Bon Jovi due to take place in Taipei Monday was cancelled, while 241 international and 144 domestic flights were also pulled.

Ferry services and flights to outlying islands were suspended.

Dujuan passed near the Japanese island of Ishigaki as it approached Taiwan.

Around 100 domestic flights were cancelled in Japan, while 3,200 households lost power in Ishigaki and other islands, local media said. Typhoon Soudelor caused at least eight deaths in Taiwan last month and killed 21 people in China. — AFP

CAUSE OF EXPLOSION NOT KNOWN

Maldives president escapes unhurt in boat blast MALÉ (MALDIVES): An explosion ripped through a speed boat carrying Maldives President Abdulla Yameen on Monday, injuring his wife and two others but leaving him unhurt.

It remains unclear what caused the explosion, which came at a time of heightened political tensions in the atoll nation after the controversial jailing of Yameen’s predecessor Mohamed Nasheed.

Unconfirmed reports suggested the blast, which occurred as the tightly-guarded vessel docked in the capital island Male, came from the engine room below deck.

“The first lady Fathimath Ibrahim, a senior protocol officer and a bodyguard of the president were hurt and taken to hospital,” said Mohamed Hussain Shareef, min-

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ister at the President’s Office.

“The president was unhurt and he escorted the first lady to hospital where she is under observation following a minor injury,” he told AFP. The Maldives has launched an investigation into the incident and is seeking help from the United States and Australia to determine what happened.

Reporters had gathered at the presidential jetty to receive Yameen, who had landed a few minutes earlier at the nearby Hulhule

airport after a visit to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage.

State television footage showed the president being escorted off the boat and onto a police launch, while witnesses said they saw an ambulance rush to the jetty and authorities immediately cordoned off the area.

The Maldives is a popular upmarket tourist destination, but its image has suffered in recent years due to prolonged political unrest.

The country has come in for tough international criticism over the jailing of Nasheed for 13 years after conducting a rushed trial that the UN said was seriously flawed.

The charge against Nasheed relates to the ordering of the arrest of an allegedly corrupt judge when he was still president in 2012. — AFP

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE: Officials carry an injured woman off the speed boat of Maldives President Abdulla Yameen (not pictured) after an explosion onboard, in Male, Maldives on Monday. - Reuters

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Russia sways West on Syria, Ukraine

Photo: Aluf Al Alawi

eetings between heads of government have become commonplace. But Monday’s between Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin was setsomething special.

They have not met formally for nearly two and a half years. The last encounter, planned, for August 2013, was brusquely cancelled by Obama because “there was nothing to talk about”. The main undiscussable issue was Syria. The United States wanted President Assad instantly out; Russia feared chaos without him. The Ukraine crisis pushed the relationship further downhill. Russia, seeing a Western attack on its interests, responded by seizing Crimea and supporting separatist war in eastern Ukraine. The West retaliated with tough sanctions. Even co-operation to achieve this year’s Iran agreement (which needed Russian Security Council assent) did not lift the Obama/Putin chill.

So tomorrow’s meeting is a dramatic reversal.

Already the two sides are spinning it differently.

The Americans say the Russians were “desperate” for it, while the Russians say it was by mutual consent. And the Americans say it will be all about Obama taking Putin to task over Ukraine, while the Russians say the main item of business will be Syria.

In fact, behind the misleading briefings, it is plainly the build-up of Russian troops in Syria that has precipitated the meeting. Western commentators have offered the normal range of fanciful explanations for this: to replace the fading US presence in the region, or to put pressure on the Saudis over oil prices. The reality is simpler. As Putin says (and on this is to be believed), Russia’s overriding aim is to block the rise of extremism which is a direct domestic threat to them in the Caucasus and elsewhere. They have seen the West bungle this, notably by the chaos left behind in Iraq and Libya. The West’s support for a moderate opposition in Syria is a delusion (didn’t the responsible US general tell Congress a few days ago that that opposition had “four or five” US-trained soldiers in the field?). The only choice in Syria is between Assad and IS. Putin is bolstering the faltering Assad to prevent IS inheriting Syria. And, he adds, the West, which is as threatened by IS as Russia, should join him.

Western policy does seem to be moving the way Putin wants. The US and (as of Friday) the UK, having spent years demanding Assad’s instant departure, now concede that he might stay on in

an “interim” capacity. The US Defence Secretary, after a year of refusing contact with his Russian opposite number, opened such contact last week in order to “deconflict” the two countries’ actions on the ground. Whatever the obfuscations around tomorrow’s meeting, Syria will be a key part of the agenda.

Obama will also tackle Putin on Ukraine. But here, too, it looks as though the debate is moving in Russia’s direction. In February this year, when the Minsk II Peace Agreement was signed as the basis for a ceasefire and political settlement, both the US and the UK were dismissive. The agreement, we quietly said, would rapidly collapse. Our policy remained to “change Putin’s calculus”, meaning to use sanctions to compel Russia to back down. But this has not worked. With all its imperfections, Minsk has in fact helped to end the fighting, and is still very much in play. And, while the sanctions have done some economic damage, they have not changed one jot Putin’s determination to retain Crimea and the whip hand in eastern Ukraine. On the contrary, they have cemented Russian public opinion firmly behind him. The avowed aim of sanctions has therefore quietly shifted to ensuring Russian observance of Minsk. When Obama says this to him tomorrow, Putin can only agree. He wants Minsk to work, too. He has got roughly what he wants in Ukraine and hopes now to get back to a more normal relationship with the West.

The Ukrainian crisis is not over. We are in for some rough moments this autumn.

The political provisions of Minsk will begin to fray as the two Ukrainian sides continue to refuse to talk to each other.

The official report on the downing of the Malaysian airliner, due next month, will almost certainly blame the rebels, and provoke a storm of further criticism of Russia. And the end-of-year deadline for closing the Russian/Ukrainian border will certainly not be met. But the major players are now talking rather than shooting. While we are not yet out of the tunnel, we may well be approaching the exit ramp.

So is Russia on a roll? Sensible Russians will welcome their country’s foreign policy successes, but also have real worries. The danger of the Putin regime, unconstrained by public opinion or parliament, overconfidently blundering into some further foreign adventure is high.

Putin’s real nightmare is not Western sanctions but Goldman Sachs’ prediction that the oil price could fall to $20 a barrel. - The Independent

READERS’ FORUM Rescue operation helped reduce stampede deaths This refers to the news story, Climbed fence to avoid being crushed during Haj, says pilgrim, (September 27). This year’s holy pilgrimage ended with a high number of casualties as people died in the stampede in Mina, near Mecca, during the ritual of the ‘stoning of the devil’. It was an extremely sad incident. The situation, as explained by the Indian Islamic scholar and Haj pilgrim, was heartbreaking. It could be one of the biggest human tragedies being reported at a holy place in recent times. Those who extended their assistance to rescue the injured pilgrims have done their part in the rescue operations and helped reducing the death toll and they deserve all praise for that.

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

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CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES SEPTEMBER 2000 Guidance workshop on health researches begins MUSCAT: A guidance workshop on health researches, organized by the Ministry of Health under the Sixth Five-Year Development Plan programmes, began here yesterday. The workshop aims at boosting health support system researches in the Sultanate. Mohammed bin Hassan bin Ali, undersecretary for planning affairs at the Ministry of Health, attended the opening ceremony.

Barcelona coach’s statement is critical of Suarez and Neymar

This refers to the online story, Injured Messi ‘irreplaceable’ for Barca boss, (September 28). Barcelona coach Luis Enrique’s admission shows that the club is nothing without the Argentine great. This statement has actually degraded Luis Suarez and Neymar’s abilities. It seems that both these players, in the eyes of Enrique, are not at par with Messi. The Argentine’s performances for his country show that he is not a team player — as a footballer should be. I hope this injury and the duration taken to recuperate will make him realise that he has lot more to do and should work with other team members in the right team spirit. — Nora Sadi, Muscat

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Egypt’s Minister Hisham Zaazou expects around 10 million tourists this year or slightly higher, one million less than the previous forecast of 11 million.

d or a Eg e h a yp s y tt a ou d y ri n sm n u S

GLOBAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN: Tourists visit the Giza pyramids, on the southern outskirts of the Egyptian capital, Cairo. – AFP

Around 6.6 million tourists visited Egypt this year, earning revenues of $4.6 billion, compared with 6.3 million in the same period last year, when $4.509 billion was generated

CAIRO: Egypt’s tourism industry, hit by years of political upheaval and militant violence, is expected to post moderate growth this year and hopes a global advertising campaign will revive the sector vital for economic recovery, the tourism minister said.

Last year, 9.9 million tourists visited Egypt, a far cry from the 14.7 million that visited in 2010, before a protest the following year triggered turmoil in the land of ancient sites and sea resorts.

President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has restored some stability since

the army toppled president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following mass protests against his rule but not enough to persuade large numbers of foreigners that it is safe to return.

Minister Hisham Zaazou expects around 10 million tourists this year or slightly higher, one million less than the previous forecast of 11 million.

“From January until the end of August the rise was very little, barely 5 per cent,” he told Reuters in an interview.

“So if we move at the same rate

the numbers will be around 10 million... or slightly higher.”

Around 6.6 million tourists visited so far this year, producing revenues of $4.6 billion, compared with 6.3 million in the same period last year, when $4.509 billion was generated. “I cannot say that the general climate is positive but the figures show that there is a modest improvement,” Zaazou said.

Zaazou expects tourism receipts to range between $7.5-8 billion by the end of the year. Receipts once peaked at $12.5 billion.

Tourism is a major source of hard currency in Egypt, where foreign reserves have tumbled from $36 billion before the protest to $18 billion at the end of August.

Zaazou expects the tourism sector to pick up next year with double digit growth in the number of tourists and revenues ranging between $9-10 billion.

The rapid advance of IS militant -- a group seen as more extreme than Al Qaeda -- has worried governments across the region, in-

SCENES OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LIFE: Arab tourists look on from a vessel at a statue at the Pharaonic Village, where tourists can sail on barges down a network of canals and look at scenes of ancient Egyptian life, in Cairo, Egypt. – Reuters

DECORATE SHIP: A fisherman moves his boat in front of a decorate ship at the Pharaonic Village. – Reuters

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cluding in Egypt, a strategic US ally which has a peace treaty with Israel and controls the Suez Canal waterway. Egyptian officials say authorities have made great progress in the battle against militants and accuse Western media of exaggerating security threats.

Egypt has witnessed a rise in attacks on soldiers and police since then army chief Sisi toppled president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 after mass protests against his rule.

Sinai-based militants who support the ultra-hardline IS group have killed hundreds, and have recently claimed attacks on Western targets, such as a bombing outside the Italian consulate in Cairo.

In a bid to restore confidence, Egypt will launch a global advertising campaign in November.

“The focus has been on such

(negative) news even though we are sitting here, going to our work and dealing with the situation as if it is completely stable but this picture is not portrayed abroad,” Zaazou said.

“I believe that (changing perceptions) must be a priority at this stage because the current views on the situation in Egypt is not good, so we must work on that.”

Egyptian tourism has survived big setbacks in the past.

On November 17, 1997 militants descended on Queen Hatshepsut’s temple near the Nile town of Luxor. In a short time they shot or hacked to death 58 tourists and four Egyptians.

The following January and February, visitor numbers were down almost 60 per cent from the previous year. Yet the industry staged a remarkable comeback.

Last year, the bombing of a tourist bus in Sinai killed two South Koreans and an Egyptian, reviving memories of an uprising in the 1990s that often targeted tourists

and took years for then president Hosni Mubarak to crush.

So far, militants have not carried out high-profile attacks on tourists under Sisi. This month, Egyptian security forces mistakenly bombed a convoy of Mexican tourists in the western desert while pursuing militants. Eight Mexicans and four Egyptians were killed. Zaazou said steps would be taken to ensure such incidents do not occur again.

The tourism minister said he would concentrate on Red Sea resorts which have managed to attract visitors despite the uncertainty since 2011. “I will focus on the bulk of tourist movement.

While desert tourism is important, the highest figure for it was 350 thousand (people a year). Sharm El Sheikh, on the other hand, received more than 4 million tourists at some point, on its own,” he said. “I am going to work on everything related to those areas, from securing them and all else. I will focus on starting there.” — Reuters

TOURIST ATTRACTION: Arab tourists look at the contents of a replica of King Tutankhamun’s tomb at the Pharaonic Village. – Reuters

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GLOBAL EYE

CHINA: People watch fireworks illuminate the sky above the skyline of the Lujiazui Financial District in Pudongin Shanghai during heavy rainfall on Monday. — AFP

SOUTH AFRICA: Members of the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) hold placards after a bail hearing of Danish man Peter Frederiksen was postponed at the Bloemfontein court on Monday. The Danish gun store owner found with 21 pieces of female genitals stored in his home freezer has been detained and will face charges of sexual assault, intimidation and domestic violence, South African police said last Monday. Police believe 58-year-old Frederiksen, who they said is wanted in Denmark for illegal dealing in firearms, lured his victims from neighbouring Lesotho, sedating the women before performing illegal operations on them. — Reuters

IVORY COAST: Supporters of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara shout slogans upon his arrival in Gagnoa on Monday during his threeday visit in the run-up to the October 25 polls. Ouattara is the favourite to win next month’s polls, which are seen as crucial to restoring stability in the country after post-poll violence in 2010 and 2011 left more than 3,000 people dead. — AFP

TURKEY: Students takes pictures with their mobile phones as

Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan (not pictured) makes a speech during a ceremony to mark the start of the new school year at Ahmet Sani Gezici Girls’ Imam Hatip School in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday. — Reuters

MALTA: The Polish Air Force Orlik Aerobatic Team, flying PZL-130 Orlik aircraft, take part in a display during the Malta International Airshow at Malta International Airport, outside Valletta, Malta, on Sunday. — Reuters

UNITED KINGDOM: An employee of Sotheby’s auction house poses with The Cowdray Pearls, estimated at $4.5-7 million, during a press preview in London on Monday, ahead of Sotheby’s ‘Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite’ sale to take place in Hong Kong on October 7. — AFP

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

The celestial show, visible from the Americas, Europe, Africa, west Asia and the east Pacific, was the result of the sun, Earth and a larger-than-life, extra-bright moon lining up for just over an hour.

Suspected air raid kills 40 at Yemen wedding

PLANNING STRATEGY: Colonel Abdullah bin Sahyan, centre, who commands the Saudi forces in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden, talks to his soldiers in their base in Aden on Monday. – Reuters

Witnesses reported that warplanes struck the wedding hall in Mokha, which is controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels

SANAA: At least 40 people were killed when a wedding hall in southwest Yemen was bombarded on Monday in a suspected Saudiled coalition air strike, medics and witnesses said.

“The bodies of 31 people, including children, have been taken to a

hospital in Mokha,” said a medical source, who later raised to 40 the death toll at the hall in the Red Sea city.

He said dozens of people were wounded, most of them seriously.

Witnesses reported that warplanes struck the wedding hall in Mokha, which is controlled by Houthi rebels. However, one resident who requested anonymity said: “I didn’t hear any warplanes.”

There was no immediate comment from the Saudi-led Arab coalition, which launched an air war on the Houthi rebels in late March in support of embattled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

“This is a new crime that is added to the massacres committed by the Saudi regime against the people of Yemen,” said the rebelcontrolled Saba news agency, citing official statements protesting the bombing. Several coalition

air strikes have hit non-military facilities killings dozens of civilians over the past six months, prompting condemnation from rights groups. In late August, an air raid struck a bottled-water factory in the northern province of Hajja, killing 17 civilians and 14 rebel fighters. Warplanes in July attacked the residences of employees of a power plant in Mokha, killing 65 civilians, while a raid on a dairy plant in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida in April left 35 civilians dead.

The United Nations says nearly 4,900 people, including a vast number of civilians, have been killed in Yemen’s conflict since late March.

In July, coalition-backed loyalist forces evicted the rebels from the southern city of Aden and four other provinces in the south. They have since set their sights on ad-

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vancing on rebel-held Sanaa.

On Monday, loyalist forces backed by Saudi-led ground and air support attacked rebels near the ruins of the ancient Marib dam, east of Sanaa, an AFP correspondent reported. “We have attacked the Houthis from three fronts: north, south and the east,” said Marib province’s deputy governor, Abdul Wahed Al Gibli.

The head of police special forces in Marib, General Abdo Al Sayani, said 22 rebels had been killed since Sunday.

In the central city of Taez, two sisters and their grandmother were killed on Sunday in rebel bombing, the state news agency said. Yemen descended into chaos after the 2012 ouster of longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh, and security has broken down since Houthi militiamen swept into the capital unopposed last year. — AFP

FIRST TIME IN DECADES

Swollen supermoon shines bright across the world WASHINGTON: Skygazers were treated to a rare astronomical event Monday when a swollen “supermoon” and lunar eclipse combined for the first time in decades, showing Earth’s satellite bathed in blood-red light.

The celestial show, visible from the Americas, Europe, Africa, west Asia and the east Pacific, was the result of the sun, Earth and a larger-than-life, extra-bright moon lining up for just over an hour. Images from France, Argentina and the United States, among others, capture the progression of the lunar eclipse to a striking red finale.

In Brooklyn, New York, crowds of people gathered on plazas and sidewalks, gazing up at the sky and trying to take photos with their smartphones -- though in other cities, including Washington, cloud cover hid much of the spectacle. While the phenomenon was not visible in any major Indian cities, stargazers equipped with telescopes were able to catch a glimpse of the eclipse in the country’s remote northeast. The event also led to speculation about an impending apocalypse among certain followers of the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Fear The fears are believed to have been stoked by a statement from Mormon author Julie Rowe, who regularly speaks to audiences about upcoming worldwide calamities.

Church officials were forced to issue a statement warning against panic, saying that while members should be “spiritually and physically prepared for life’s ups and downs” they should avoid “being caught up in extreme efforts to anticipate catastrophic events”.

The “blood moon” — which so far has had no apocalyptic consequences — appeared in stages

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

across the planet as the satellite reached its closest orbital point to Earth, called perigee, while in its brightest phase.

The resulting “supermoon” appeared 30 per cent brighter and 14 per cent larger than when at apogee, the farthest point -- which is about 31,000 miles (49,900 kilometers) from perigee.

Unusually, the Earth took position in a straight line between the moon and the sun, blotting out the direct sunlight that normally makes our satellite glow whitishyellow. But some light still crept around the planet’s edges and was filtered through its atmosphere, casting an eerie red light that creates the blood moon.

First-ever chance For people younger than 33, this was their first-ever chance to see a “super blood moon” The last, only the fifth recorded since 1900, was in 1982, according to the NASA space agency, and the next will not be until 2033. On top of the wow factor, the event was also of great interest for researchers.

Over a 24-day cycle, the temperature on the surface of our satellite normally varies between highs of about 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) in direct sunlight, and lows around minus 115 C in the dark.

These changes help researchers study the composition of the crust, as rocks warm and cool slower than sand-like dust. But on Monday, the eclipse saw that temperature shift happens much faster, allowing scientists to make detailed observations of the moon’s uppermost surface. - AFP

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Evidence of water flowing on Mars Although the source and the chemistry of the water is unknown, the discovery could affect thinking about whether the planet that is most like Earth in the solar system could support present

MAJOR DISCOVERY: A handout image made available by NASA on Sunday, shows the dark narrow streaks called recurring slope lineae flowing down the west facing slopes of Coprates Chasma in the equatorial region of Mars. These dark streaks flowing downhill on warm Martian slopes have been inferred to be contemporary flowing liquid water on Mars. - AFP /NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

day microbial life

CAPE CANAVERAL: Scientists have found the first evidence that briny water may flow on the surface of Mars during the planet’s summer months, a paper pub-

lished on Monday showed.

Although the source and the chemistry of the water is unknown, the discovery could affect thinking about whether the planet that is most like Earth in the solar system could support present day microbial life.

Scientists developed a new technique to analyze chemical maps of the Martian surface obtained by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft.

They found telltale fingerprints of salts that form only in the presence of water in narrow channels

cut into cliff walls throughout the planet’s equatorial region.

The slopes, first reported in 2011, appear during the warm summer months on Mars, then vanish when the temperatures drop. Scientists suspected the streaks, known as recurring slope lineae, or RSL, were cut by flowing water, but had previously been unable to make the measurements.

“I thought there was no hope,” Lujendra Ojha, a graduate student at Georgia Institute of Technology and lead author of a paper in this week’s issue of the journal Nature Geoscience, said.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter makes its measurements during the hottest part of the Martian day, so scientists believed any traces of water, or fingerprints from hydrated minerals, would have evaporated.

Also, the chemical-sensing instrument on the orbiting spacecraft cannot home in on details as small as the narrow streaks, which typically are less than 16 feet (5 metres) wide. But Ojha and colleagues

created a computer program that could scrutinize individual pixels. That data was then correlated with high-resolution images of the streaks. Scientists concentrated on the widest streaks and came up with a 100 per cent match between their locations and detections of hydrated salts.

“We’re not claiming that we found... evidence of liquid water.

We found hydrated salts,” Ojha said.

Still, that was enough for NASA, which declared a “Mars mystery solved,” in a press advisory.

“It’s a little bit over-the-top announcement by NASA,” Ojha said.

“There’s so many mysteries to be solved about RSL.” The discovery “confirms that water is playing a role in these features,” added Alfred McEwen, a planetary scientist with the University of Arizona.

“We don’t know that it’s coming from the subsurface. It could come from the atmosphere.”

Whatever the water’s source, the prospect of liquid water, even seasonally, raises the intriguing

prospect that Mars, which is presumed to be a cold and dead planet, could support life today.

Much more information about the water’s chemistry, however, would be needed before scientists could make that assessment, McEwen added.

“It’s not necessarily habitable just because it’s water — at least to terrestrial organisms,” he said.

NASA’s ongoing Mars rover Curiosity has found evidence that Mars had all the ingredients and suitable habitats for microbial life to exist at some point in its past.

Scientists have been trying to figure out how it transformed from a warm, wet and likely Earth-like planet early in its history into the cold, dry desert that exists today.

Billions of years ago, Mars, which lacks a protective, global magnetic field, lost much of its atmosphere. Several initiatives are under way to determine how much of the planet’s water was stripped away and how much remains locked in ice in underground reservoirs. - Reuters

RISK EXPOSING IDENTITIES OF VICTIMS

Lebanese journalist fined for contempt in Hariri killing case THE HAGUE: A journalist who ignored a court order to take down Internet videos that risked exposing the identities of witnesses in the case of Lebanese former prime minister Rafik Al Hariri’s assassination was fined 10,000 euros on Monday.

Karma Al Khayat was convicted 10 days ago of failing to obey a court order to remove from the internet video interviews that risked exposing witnesses in the case against the five suspects in the 2005 bomb blast that killed Hariri and 21 others.

She was acquitted of the more serious charge of publishing material exposing witnesses, but prosecutors had nonetheless asked for a one-year jail term and a $100,000-euro fine for the journalist, saying she had shown “no remorse or regret”.

Khayat, who was not in court, has described her conviction as an attack on the free press.

“I sentence Khayat to a fine of 10,000 euros,” said judge Nicola Lettieri, adding that he would publish his reasoning in a separate, later filing. The defence team smiled and nodded after he read out the sentence.

“The heart, the core of the prosecution’s case has been com-

Rafik Al Hariri

pletely rejected,” her defence lawyer Karim Khan told Reuters.

Earlier, he had told the court the single remaining conviction standing against her was a “lesser” offence.

“Stripped down of the hyperbole, what this case comes down to is a single finding of willful blindness to a court order,” he said in pleadings before the sentence was read out. Hariri and 21 others were killed in a waterfront bomb blast in 2005 that upset a fragile peace in Lebanon, dragging the country back to the brink of civil war. Five suspects have since been indicted for the killing. They remain at large and are being tried in absentia. - Reuters

ECONOMIC BLOCKADE

Anti-India protests erupt in Nepal as fuel rationing bites KATHMANDU: Nepal’s cable federation said it would suspend Indian television channels and protesters marched in Kathmandu carrying an effigy of India’s prime minister on Monday, accusing their neighbour of imposing an economic blockade and meddling in internal politics.

Tension between the South Asian nations has spiked since Nepal adopted a new constitution last week, upsetting southern minority groups who fear being marginalised in a new federal structure.

More than 40 people have been killed in protests in the Himalayan republic since August.

Indian oil trucks stopped crossing into Nepal because of protests in the south, prompting authorities to try to limit the use of cars and save fuel.

Nepal is almost totally dependent on India for overland supplies following earthquakes

in the spring that killed nearly 9,000 people and blocked crossings from China. India has been critical of Kathmandu for rushing through the constitution, despite opposition from minorities living close to the Indian border.

On Monday, a few trucks carrying fuel, vegetables and building materials started to cross the border into Nepal but hundreds more were waiting on the Indian side, a customs official in Nepal said.

The Federation of Nepal Cable Television planned to suspend broadcasting of Indian channels in Nepal from 10 am on Tuesday, Sunil Kumar Lama, the organization’s general secretary, said on Monday.

“This is to protest against the blockade,” Lama said.

He declined to say how long the suspension would last. A representative of India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the new protests. - Reuters

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

Islamic banks’ finances surge 78% in Oman Such robust growth in Islamic finance shows that Shariacompliant banks are able to establish themselves in the market and able to overcome their teething problems

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s Islamic banks and window operations have shown a robust growth of 78 per cent in financing at OMR1,401.9 million for the first seven months of 2015, from merely OMR786.5 million in the same period last year. Such robust growth in Islamic finance shows that Sharia-compliant banks are able to establish themselves in the market and able to overcome their teething problems.

Further, two Islamic banks and window operations of conventional banks have launched inno-

TWO DEDICATED ISLAMIC BANKS: Two Islamic banks — Bank Nizwa and alizz islamic bank — and the window operations of six conventional banks in Oman have scores of branches — File picture

vative products to attract Omani customers, besides opening several branches in different parts of the country.

Customer deposits soar Total customer deposits held by Islamic institutions also shot up by 240.8 per cent to OMR1,203.5 million by the end of July 2015, from OMR353.1 million for the same period last year, according to the latest monthly bulletin released by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

There has been a considerable increase in the number of branches and assets held by these entities. Islamic banks are opening up new segments and, thus, adding to the competitive environment, not only in terms of efficiencies and innovations, but by also providing consumers the benefit of choos-

ing between both conventional and Islamic banking products.

In Oman, two Islamic banks — Bank Nizwa and alizz islamic bank — along with the window operations of six conventional banks, have scores of branches across the country.

The total assets of Islamic banks and windows in the Sulatanate stood at OMR1,836.3 million at the end of July 2015, against OMR1,180.5 million for the same period of last year.

Islamic banking entities provided financing of OMR1,049.5 million as of the end of 2014, compared to OMR434.3 million one year earlier. Together, Islamic banks and windows brought down their combined net losses to OMROMR4.4 million last year, from a net loss of OMR13.86 million in the previous year.

P R O M O T I O NA L C A M PA I G N

Duqm launches campaign to woo Iranian investments Times News Service MUSCAT: A promotional campaign to attract investment from Iran started in Tehran on Monday.

This latest promotional campaign by Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority aims to boost awareness of the investment environment of Oman and to encourage Iranian companies to invest in the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

The campaign includes several meetings with Iranian investors and businessmen to promote investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman in general and the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority in particular.

To kick start the promotional campaign before the Tehran Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (Sezad), hailed the good standing relations between Sulat-

MAKING A POINT: Latest promotional campaign by Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority aims to boost awareness of the investment environment of Oman. — Supplied picture

nate of Oman and Iran.

Al Jabri commended the joint efforts by the Sulatnate of Oman and Iran to increase bilateral trade and encourage the investment promotion drive.

He also emphasised that the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority welcomes Iranian investments and is willing and able to provide all the supported needed for such investment enterprises.

He said that during the past few years, Oman succeeded in achieving remarkable growth that boosted its economic ranking in the region. Several infrastructure pro-

jects were completed, while others are under construction now.

“The Sultanate is currently exerting persistent efforts to diversify sources of national income and encourage the creation of a strong and prosperous private sector, while focusing on creating an environment conducive to attracting different forms of investments,” Jabri further added.

Oman has worked hard in recent years to develop legislative framework to regulate foreign investments in the Sultanate, which will help companies to achieve better returns on their investments.

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MARKET BP Oman cements ties with Injaz on training projects Injaz Oman is to implement BP Oman’s educational projects, which are part of BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: The new agreement was signed by Yousuf Al Ojaili, BP Oman president on behalf of BP, and Shabib bin Mohammed Al Maamari, executive director of Injaz Oman. - Supplied picture

Times News Service

ecutive director of Injaz Oman.

“Our commitment towards the achievement of the goals we have set under the educational projects of our Social Investment Programme is unwavering,” said Al Ojaili. “Believing in the importance of early education and awareness, we aspire through our various initiatives at BP, especially on education, to contribute towards the development and qualification of the Omani youth.”

MUSCAT: BP Oman and Injaz Oman have reinforced its collaborative efforts towards developing the capabilities of aspiring students in Oman by forging a new agreement on several educational programmes. This follows the successful implementation of a project that assisted in the entrepreneurship skills training of 3,000 students last year.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Injaz Oman is to implement BP Oman’s educational projects, which are part of BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme — an initiative aimed at contributing to Oman’s In-Country Value through educational and entrepreneurial initiatives, said a company release.

The agreement was signed by Yousuf Al Ojaili, BP Oman president on behalf of BP, and Shabib bin Mohammed Al Maamari, ex-

Baisa Programme The programmes covered by the agreement are the ‘Baisa Programme’ that will be delivered by Youth Vision, the ‘ECO College Chapters Programme’ by Environment Society of Oman (ESO), the ‘Sharakati Programme’ by Injaz Oman, BP Young Adventurers

by North Star, and the ‘Building Capacity Programme’ by Sas VR. The Baisa Programme includes 18 workshop sessions on

‘Planning and Financial Management for the Youth’ around Oman targeting 720 participants (40 participants per workshop).

In addition, the programme will have the 100 Youth Club, wherein 100 young male and female participants are to be selected and trained to become guides to their peers and forerunners on the subject within their personal and professional lives.

The ECO College Chapters project specifically targets university and college students in Oman. It aims to raise awareness among the youth and encourage them to take the initiative to develop their own environmental activities that positively impact the environment.

The ECO College Chapters Programme of ESO also aims to encourage the establishment of new ECO clubs and to work together with existing ECO clubs in universities and colleges in six different regions of the Sultanate.

These clubs would then support each other throughout the year and provide a venue and platform for exchanges of ideas and information on environmental issues and activities.

Sharikati Programme Under the Sharikati Programme, BP will sponsor a number of universities and colleges from the Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah governorates that will participate in the Sharikati competition. The competition aims to promote the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

The objective of the programme is to motivate students to start their own business, with capital input and proper administrative, financial and functional structures. It will be held in the presence of judges from the private sector and the winning teams will then compete in the Injaz al Arab regional competition.

The BP Young Adventurers programme involves taking young Omanis to camp at Fujairah in the UAE for an educational weekend adventure. At the camp, the young adventurers will go through training and team building activities that aim to enhance leadership development skills. This will be implemented through a variety of physical challenges such as climbing, raft building, kayaking and several other team building games. Each adventure training camp is facilitated by a team of older mentors which are named as ‘the BP Guardians’ who are previous graduates of the programme.

The Building Capacity Programme by Sas VR involves the development of 3D learning objectives for the Ministry of Education’s K-12 curriculum, the Ministry of Higher Education Applied Sciences Colleges, and the Ministry of Manpower for Vocational Institutions.

Such objectives are to be achieved by building the capacity of teachers, lecturers and trainers in providing instructional design competences in the development of 3D learning objects and elearning contents.

They will then be grouped together to develop about ten 3D learning objects within the pilot phase, which will take approximately three months.

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INVESTMENT

Qatar plans to invest $35b in United States with New York Office DUBAI: Qatar plans to invest $35 billion in the US over the next five years as the world’s richest country on a per capita basis diversifies from Europe and Asia.

The Qatar Investment Authority, which helps manage the country’s energy-generated wealth, opened an office in New York to “better access new and existing investment partners,” the sovereign fund said on Monday.

Qatar said in April that it planned to set up an office for its sovereign wealth fund in New York as it scouts for deals in the US. The Doha-based fund controls more than $250 billion, according to the Las Vegas-based Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, and has deployed the nation’s riches on assets ranging from British bank Barclays to Volkswagen, whose shares have slumped since the automaker said it cheated on United States emissions rules.

American jobs The Gulf nation will target “various sectors” of the United States economy, “creating many American jobs,” Qatar’s ambassador to Washington, Mohammed Al Kuwari, said in Twitter postings.

The fund “remains committed to its investments in Europe, Asia and the Middle East,” it said.

“With world economies, markets and currencies often moving in different cycles and rhythms, the importance of a globally diversified investment portfolio is central to Qatar Investment Authority.”

The fund also said it planned to invest as much as $20 billion into Asia in next five years. - Bloomberg News

AMERICAN MAGAZINE

Omani figures in list of fifty powerful Arab businessmen Times News Service MUSCAT: An American business magazine – Inc.com – has listed an Omani businessman, Qais Al Khonji, among 50 powerful Arab businessmen.

The magazine said that Qais Al Khonji was recently named Social Entrepreneur of the Year Oman

by Business Worldwide Magazine’ He has also received the International Entrepreneur of the Year Oman Award.

As a powerful figure in both business and politics, he is known for encouraging entrepreneurship and has been instrumental in getting it included as a subject in the national school curriculum.

At just 37, Al Khonji is making a significant different in Oman as the owner of two companies — Qais United Enterprises Trading and Genesis International.

He has also been campaigning for an organised Angel Investment structure in Oman to provide finance for business start-ups.

AMERICAN MAGAZINE’S RECOGNITION

American magazine said that Qais Al Khonji was recently named Social Entrepreneur of the Year Oman by Business Worldwide Magazine. He has also received the International Entrepreneur of the Year Oman Award

Qais Al Khonji. – Supplied picture

Rather than pursuing his family’s business, Al Khonji decided to go his own way at 32 and has proved that he can leverage his entrepreneurial spirit in just five years to make a significant difference in the Arab world.

His Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) laboratory services company is the first outsourcing company to operate within the company’s oil and gas industry, the

magazine said in its report.

Other businessmen Other leading businessmen, who have been listed by the magazine, include Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who is known in the global banking, finance, and investment and is estimated to be worth $24.9 billion and Kharafi family from Kuwait and the Kanoo family of Bahrain.

S E PA R AT E B OA R D

Regulator to form board for corporate governance centre MUSCAT: Oman’s stock market watchdog Capital Market Authority (CMA) has decided to form a board for Oman Centre for Corporate Governance and Sustainability (OCCGS).

The decision was taken by Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman of the CMA. The board of the centre is chaired by Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, chief executive officer of CMA. Board members Other board members include Abdul Ghani bin Dawood Al Zedjali, representative of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO); Mohammed bin Taqi Al Jamalani, representative of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI); Dr Said bin Mubarak Al Maharami, academic from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU); Rashad bin Mohammed Al Zubair, chairman of Al Zubair Corporation; Talal bin Said Al Ma’ammari, chief ex-

Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman of the Capital Market Authority. – File picture

ecutive officer of Omantel; Essam bin Saud Al Zedjali, chief executive officer of Oman Oil Company (OOC); and Walid bin Khamis Al Hashar, group general manager of corporate services at Bank Muscat. – ONA

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MARKET

Al Khoudh Steel Furniture aims to enhance exports far and wide Al Khoudh Steel continued to broaden and diversify its range of products and is currently manufacturing 30 broad categories of products, featuring a wide variety of colours, sizes and models.

The company has carved out a place in international markets as well.

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Growth, matching international standards and risk management are some of the key factors driving the export performance of Al Khoudh Steel Furniture Industrial Company - the largest steel furniture manufacturer in Oman.

Regarded as one of the leading steel furniture manufacturers in the Middle East, Al Khoudh Steel was set up at the Rusayl Industrial Estate in 1986 and has since been expanding its facilities and the scope of its activities.

“We started with import substitution. At that time, the country’s defence sector was growing and a large number of military beds were required. Oman was importing those beds so we decided to help reduce the imports and manufacture them here,” said Gautam Bose, general manager of Al Khoudh Steel.

Speaking to Times of Oman, Bose said that another requirement of the defence sector at the time was steel furniture for the storage of files and documents, which are referred to as ‘sheet metal furniture’.

Therefore, the company continued to broaden and diversify its range of products year after year and is currently manufacturing around 30 broad categories of products, featuring a wide variety of colours, sizes and models, at its sprawling 18,000 square metres facility under two separate premises on the estate.

Product range Under its ‘HADID’ brand, Al Khoudh Steel is manufacturing beds, chairs, filing cabinets, cupboards lockers and tables.

The company also has a division catering exclusively to the hospitality sector under the brand name ‘METAFURN’, which manufactures tables, chairs, all kinds of hotel trolley, space saver beds, centre fold beds, contract furniture of standard design and customised products.

In addition, Al Khoudh Steel’s ‘GO’ range of steel office furniture, made according to British standards, features filing cabinets, cupboards, tambour cabinets, accessories and lockers. “We always try to introduce new products and categories to cater to the requirements of the market,” Said Al Hinai, managing director of the company, said.

Al Hinai added that the company’s quality products have attracted a high-profile clientele within the country, including the defence, health and education ministries, clients in the health and hospitality sectors as well as a number of large private sector companies such as Larsen & Toubro, Bahwan, Galfar and many major furniture dealers.

Latest technology According to Bose, Al Khoudh Steel products are manufactured with the state-of-the-art technologies and equipment such as

computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication machines and automatic powder coating line, which ensure faster and more modern manufacturing process with a higher quality.

In addition to catering to local needs, the company has carved out a place in international markets as well and is currently exporting its products to countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. It also has a subsidiary on Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai.

The Gulf countries, some Middle Eastern countries such h as Jordan, Commonwealth of Indendependent States (CIS) countries, ries, a number of European states and some countries on the east coast oast of Africa are among Al Khoudh oudh Steel’s export markets, the company’s general manager explained. ned.

Said Al Hinai, managing director

Gautam Bose, general manager

Share of exports Al Khoudh Steel’s exports account ount for approximately two-thirdss of Oman’s total annual steel furniurniture exports, which is estimated ed at around OMR3 million.

Bose attributes their success ss in exports to the efforts of the company as well as the concerned government entities such as Ithraa, hraa, which attracts inward investment ment to Oman and promotes the Sultanltanate’s non-oil exports.

The new markets that Al Khoudh Steel is targeting include lude Libya, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, opia, Bose said, adding that the current global market situation and the economic slowdown in many countries are a challenge to plans lans to venture into new markets.

Advantages According to the company’s officials, there are a number of factors ctors that make Al Khoudh Steel stand tand out from competitors.

“We are known for the high quality of our products, which hich we define as delivering whatt we promise in terms of technical nical specifications such as dimenmensional tolerances, powder coating ating thickness, durability, aesthetic hetic design, colour, user friendliness, ness, safety and delivery,” Bose said..

“Also, we put special focuss on customers’ requirements. We offer services for planning the layout ut of the furniture as well as selecting cting the colour and the overall décor. écor.

We also provide customised furniture and have options for quick uick delivery and delivery of small batches,” he added.

Throughout its 30-year journey, Al Khoudh Steel has faced a number of challenges with regard to both the domestic and international markets and has always sought to address them with effective and timely strategies.

Workforce “Finding qualified workers for managing the growth and implementing the strategy for growth was challenging when we wanted to expand our activities. We also faced some financial challenges but could secure support from the funding organisations in

Oman,” Bose said.

The company currently has 116 staff, including 41 Omanis, and holds regular training sessions in the fields of HR, manufacturing and marketing to enhance the skills of its employees.

Bose believes that the culture of encouraging professions that involve hard manual work and factory shop-floor activities should improve with commensurate compensation because employees with technical skills engaged in such activities is crucial for the development and self-sufficiency of any organisation or country.

Local products Another attitude that he thinks

needs to be changed is the fact that th local dealers in the private sector prefer to buy imported products even if the price difference is very small. “The culture of endorsing local products is yet to be established. Efforts are being made but it will take time,” he said, adding that supporting local manufactures is in the national interest.

In addition, the manaaaging director explained that the company would not compromise on the quality of its products.

“If we start to reduce the price, we have to reduce the quality,” he said. Bose added that there is still room for more local steel furniture manufacturers in Oman to substitute imports.

Export strategy With regard to the key factors driving the export performance of Al Khoudh Steel, Bose said that growth, matching international standards and risk management form the basis of the company’s strategy to address the existing challenges.

“By risk management, I mean if the local market does not perform well, then we have an international market where we can take our products,” he said, adding, “We consider market opportunities for medium term whenever we want to enter a market.”

“We do not want to export one container for a month or two. We would like to continue the exports

for at least three to five years,” Bose noted. He also said that the ‘nature of competition’ in a target market is another issue that the company always takes into account before expanding into new territory.

Al Khoudh Steel has won a number of awards for its performance, including His Majesty’s trophy for Excellence in Industry and the Oman Awards for Excellence for the best Small/Medium Enterprise in Oman. *This article is part of a monthly series focusing on Oman’s non-oil products and services, prepared in cooperation with the Pubic Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa)

B4

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,779.06 ............... 5,761.70 .................... 5,767.77 ................... 5,775.03.................. -7.26 .................. -0.13 Financial Index ..................................... 6,911.78 .............. 6,864.45 ................... 6,883.57 ................... 6,907.05................-23.48 .................. -0.34 Industrial Index ....................................7,348.36 ...............7,346.92 ....................7,347.84 ................... 7,348.53.................. -0.69 .................. -0.01 Services Index ...................................... 3,228.65 .............. 3,226.25 ................... 3,228.17 ...................3,226.25.................... 1.92 ...................0.06 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................906.77 ..................905.97 ...................... 905.98 ...................... 906.35.................. -0.37 .................. -0.04 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 12,696,357 ................. 3,069,554 .....................628 ...............14,534,099,898 ................ 10 ..................... 10 .................... 16 .........................36

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 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 Securities Market. — Times file picture

Index falls marginally

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

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................27,500 ............... 3,705........................7 ............0.133 ........... 0.135 ...........0.133 ............0.135 .............0.132............ 0.003............. 2.273 ................0.135 ..............0.132...................0.137 ...................41,953,267 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 196,800 ............31,848..................... 26 ............0.162 ........... 0.163 ...........0.161 ........... 0.162 .............0.160 ........... 0.002............. 1.250 ................0.161 .............. 0.161...................0.162...................47,085,465 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS .............. 12,150 ...............3,076........................5 ........... 0.254 ...........0.254 ...........0.253........... 0.253 ............. 0.251............ 0.002............. 0.797 ................0.253..............0.253...................0.255.................... 5,313,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ................................................................8,412 .............. 2,540........................3 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.302........... 0.302 .............0.300 ........... 0.002............. 0.667 ................0.302..............0.302...................0.306 ..................15,100,000 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 312,444 .........234,795..................... 34 ............0.748 ........... 0.752 ...........0.748 ........... 0.752 ............. 0.748............ 0.004............. 0.535 ................0.748 ..............0.748...................0.752..................489,510,061 ........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ............................................. 133,150 ...........109,716........................3 ........... 0.824 ...........0.824 ...........0.824........... 0.824 .............0.820 ........... 0.004............. 0.488 ................0.824..............0.748...................0.824 .................131,840,000........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 350,100 ............74,571......................19 ............0.213 ........... 0.213 ...........0.213 ........... 0.213 .............0.212 ............0.001 ............. 0.472 ................0.213 ..............0.210...................0.213..................152,168,550 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,713,868 ....... 895,573......................71 ........... 0.520 ...........0.526 ...........0.520........... 0.522 .............0.520 ........... 0.002............. 0.385 ................0.526..............0.524...................0.526................ 1,196,331,396 ......0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ................................24,669 .......... 112,398..................... 27 ........... 4.560 ...........4.560 ...........4.555........... 4.555 .............4.550 ........... 0.005............. 0.110 ................4.560............. 4.540...................4.640 ..................44,548,884.........1.000 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 258,595 ........... 59,482..................... 38 ........... 0.230 ........... 0.231 ...........0.230........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.230...................0.235...................23,000,000 ........0.100

Monday’s top gainer was Dhofar Cattlefeed,

OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .................2,800 .................. 605........................1 ............0.216 ........... 0.216 ...........0.216 ........... 0.218 .............0.218............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.216 ..............0.210...................0.216.....................7,318,576 ..........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE..................5,000 ..................830........................1 ............0.166 ........... 0.166 ...........0.166 ........... 0.164 .............0.164............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.166 ..............0.164...................0.166...................32,800,000 ........0.100

up by 2.50 per cent, and Port Services, down by 2.90 per cent, was top loser

OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING...............2,000 ..................206........................1 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.103............0.101 ............. 0.101............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.103 ..............0.100...................0.103...................12,309,375 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 676,501........... 117,621..................... 79 ............0.175 ........... 0.175............0.172 ............0.174 ............. 0.174............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.172 .............. 0.172...................0.174 ................... 26,113,050 .........0.100 OM0000001889............SALALAH MILLS................................................................... 18 .....................27........................1 ............1.490 ........... 1.490 ...........1.490........... 1.490 .............1.490............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.490 ..............1.440...................1.490................... 71,762,965 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 213,232 ............12,801........................7 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.060 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.060..............0.060...................0.061...................12,429,083 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ..................................................................... 50,000 ...............9,900........................1 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.198 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.198............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.198 ..............0.182...................0.198.................. 282,157,157 ........0.100

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market remained weak, with the MSM30 Index closing at 5,767.77 points, down by 0.13 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 905.98 points, down by 0.04 per cent. Global Financial Investment was the most active in terms of volume, while Bank Muscat led in terms of turnover. Monday’s top gainer was Dhofar Cattlefeed, up by 2.50 per cent and Port Services, down by 2.90 per cent, was top loser.

10 shares advance As many as 628 trades were executed during the trading session generating turnover of OMR3 million with over 12.6 million shares changing hands. Out of 36 traded securities, 10 advanced, 10 declined and 16 remained unchanged. Omani investors were net buyers for OMR52,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR45,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors for OMR7,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index declined by 0.34 per cent to close at 6,883.57 points. Oman International Development and Investment

Company (Ominvest), United Finance and Bank Muscat gained by 2.27 per cent and 0.38 per cent, respectively. Ominvest, alizz islamic bank, Gulf Investment Services, Al Sharqia Investments and Global Financial Investment declined by 2 per cent, 1.47 per cent, 1.01 per cent, 0.92 per cent and 0.89 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index remained flat at 7,347.84 points, down marginally by 0.01 per cent. Dhofar Cattlefeed and Gulf International Chemicals increased by 2.50 per cent and 0.80 per cent, respectively. Al Hassan Engineering declined by 2.27 per cent to close at OMR0.086.

Services Index gained by 0.06 per cent to close at 3,228.17 points. Shares of Renaissance Services, National Gas, Ooredoo, ACWA Power and Al Suwadi Power increased by 1.25 per cent, 0.67 per cent, 0.53 per cent, 0.49 per cent and 0.47 per cent, respectively. Shares of Port Services, Al Jazeera Services and Oman Telecommunications Company declined by 2.90 per cent, 1.46 per cent and 0.62 per cent, respectively. – United Securities

OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ................................... 11,300 ............22,826........................6 ........... 2.020...........2.020 ...........2.020 .......... 2.020 .............2.020 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.020 ............ 2.000...................2.020 .................191,900,000........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 423,200............ 39,781..................... 32 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.094..............0.093...................0.094 ..................27,258,180 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 175,340 ............15,094......................16 ........... 0.087 ...........0.087 ...........0.085........... 0.086 .............0.086 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.085..............0.085...................0.086...................15,050,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 250,100 ............53,271........................6 ............0.213 ........... 0.213 ...........0.213 ........... 0.213 .............0.213............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.213 ..............0.203...................0.210.................. 143,751,023 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 177,529 ..........286,698..................... 39 ............1.615 ............1.615............1.610 ............1.615 ............. 1.625............-0.010 ............-0.615................ 1.615 .............. 1.610...................1.620................ 1,211,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 665,106 ......... 106,857..................... 26 ............0.161 ........... 0.161............0.160............0.161 .............0.162............-0.001 ............-0.617................0.160.............. 0.158...................0.160..................232,071,840 .......0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 4,760,000......547,360........................2 ............0.111 ........... 0.115............ 0.111 ............0.111.............. 0.112............-0.001 ........... -0.893 ...............0.115 ..............0.103...................0.110 .................. 22,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 354,500 ........... 38,409.....................44 ............0.108 ........... 0.110............0.108........... 0.108 .............0.109 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.917................0.109..............0.109...................0.110 ....................9,720,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 818,612 ............ 80,473..................... 46 ........... 0.098 ...........0.099 ...........0.098........... 0.098 .............0.099 ...........-0.001 ............-1.010................0.099..............0.098...................0.099.................... 5,766,635 ..........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................ 41,780 .............16,963........................4 ........... 0.406 ...........0.406 ...........0.406........... 0.406 .............0.412............-0.006 ............-1.456................0.406............. 0.400...................0.406 ..................24,848,935.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 194,696 ........... 95,433......................18 ........... 0.480 ...........0.500 ...........0.480........... 0.490 .............0.500 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.000 ...............0.500..............0.500...................0.504 ................ 270,902,205 .......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION .........................12,000 ...............1,608........................3 ............0.134 ........... 0.134 ...........0.134........... 0.134 ............. 0.138............-0.004 ........... -2.899 ...............0.134 ..............0.134...................0.138................... 12,735,360 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 11,871,402......2,974,466 ..............566 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED ............................................12,048 ...............2,470........................1 ........... 0.205 ...........0.205 ...........0.205........... 0.205 .............0.200 ........... 0.005.............2.500 ................0.205............. 0.202...................0.205 .................. 15,785,000 .........0.100 OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .............................................50 .....................16........................1 ........... 0.322 ...........0.322 ...........0.322........... 0.322 .............0.322 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.322............. 0.290...................0.322 ...................1,932,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 20,000 ...............1,020........................2 ............0.051 ........... 0.051 ...........0.051 ............0.051 ............. 0.051............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.051 .............. 0.051...................0.053....................6,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 260,296 ............16,164........................7 ........... 0.062 ...........0.063 ...........0.062........... 0.062 .............0.062 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.062..............0.062...................0.063...................93,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 482,561 ............71,861..................... 46 ............0.149 ........... 0.150 ...........0.148 ........... 0.149 .............0.149............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150.................. 217,927,618 ........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK............................................... 40,000 ...............2,697........................4 ........... 0.068 ...........0.068 ...........0.067........... 0.067 .............0.068 ...........-0.001 ............-1.471 ................0.067..............0.067...................0.068...................67,000,000.........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................10,000 ..................860........................1 ........... 0.086 ...........0.086 ...........0.086........... 0.086 .............0.088 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.273 ...............0.086..............0.086...................0.093.................... 6,467,888 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 824,955 ........... 95,089..................... 62 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

IRANIAN IRON AND STEEL CONFERENCE

GLOBAL ASSETS

Sohar port takes part in key forum Times News Service MUSCAT: As relations between Iran and the west continue to improve, more than 350 international delegates from companies both inside and outside Iran met on Kish Island recently.

The event — first Iranian Iron and Steel conference — discussed on opportunities to integrate the nation’s iron and steel industry.

“As a link-pin in the regional steel industry, Sohar Port and Freezone has a location second to none,” says Sohar Freezone Chief Executive Officer Jamal Aziz.

“Optimally placed between the markets of east and west, in an area of the world where demand for steel continues to grow, with our low utility prices and attractive incentive packages, we offer an ideal environment for steel

manufacturers and steel fabrication industries,” he added.

Which is perhaps why so many leading companies in the steel industry have already established themselves in Sohar Port and Freezone.

These include Vale from Brazil; Inco from Turkey; Sohar Steel from Oman; and Jindal, Dunes, Cabrol, Metkore, and Indsil — all originally from India.

Saudi Arabia withdraws $70b fund from markets DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has withdrawn as much as $70 billion from global asset managers as Opec’s largest oil producer seeks to plug its budget deficit after crude slumped, according to financial services market intelligence company Insight Discovery.

“Fund managers we’ve spoken to estimate SAMA has pulled out between $50 billion to $70 billion from global asset managers over the past six months,” Nigel Sillitoe, chief executive officer of the Dubai-based firm, said by telephone on Monday. “Saudi Arabia is withdrawing funds because it’s trying to cut its widening deficit and it’s financing the war in Yemen,” he said, declining to name the fund managers.

Saudi Arabia is seeking to stem a decline in its finances after a 50 per cent drop in oil during the past 12 months. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority’s (SAMA) reserves held in foreign securities have fallen about 10

Saudi Arabia is seeking to stem a decline in its finances after a 50 per cent drop in oil during the past 12 months

per cent from a peak of $737 billion in August 2014 to $661 billion in July, according to data from the central bank.

“Foreign exchange reserve depletion, rather than accumulation, is the new reality for Saudi Arabia,” Jason Tuvey, Middle East economist at Capital Economics, said in an e-mailed note on Monday. “None of this should come as much surprise,” given

that Saudi Arabia has a currentaccount deficit and faces sizeable capital outflows, he said.

Even at the current rate of depletion, foreign-exchange reserves should last for at least another eight years, Tuvey said.

With income from oil accounting for about 90 per cent of revenue, Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit may widen to 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

SAMA also plans to raise between SR90 billion ($24 billion) and SR100 billion in bonds before the end of the year as it seeks to diversify its $752 billion economy, people familiar with the matter said in August.

Sillitoe said it’s difficult to determine when Saudi Arabia will “be back in the market to give new mandates” to fund managers.

The Financial Times previously reported the news of the withdrawals. — Bloomberg News

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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B5

ROUND-UP

Nissan Armada comes with exciting benefits

INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION

cubic feet of cargo space, it’s fun for eight and their gear.

In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, available till October 16

MUSCAT: Nissan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has its ongoing seasonal offers on the Nissan Armada that last till October 16.

Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for its customers by introducing unique offers on its prestigious line up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, says a press release.

Unique offer Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the Nissan Armada that include cash gift of OMR1,000, free insurance (Oman only), free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration, 6 years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options. Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house Auto Finance team.

Interactive social media Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of their homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Oman’s Facebook page or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

Amazing Armada The Armada comes 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, heavy-duty 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. 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.

2015 enhancements Armada’s memory system allows drivers to save preferred driving

positions. Push a button on the Intelligent Key remote and it recognises who is who, then moves the driver’s seat, the power adjustable pedals, and outside mirrors accordingly. The 3 climates in one; Armada’s dual-zone automatic temperature control (ATC) means each front passenger gets to choose different temperatures, and rear passengers have their own controls too.

The Armada’s touch-screen technology gives drivers easy options;just tap the all-new touch screen, enter an address, intersection, or even a phone number, and the Nissan Navigation System displays the desired route on a conventional map or on the 3-D map.

And the new lane-guidance feature not only shows where to turn, but which lane to stay in. With key points of interest to choose from, drivers can get around like a local almost anywhere.

A newly available power 60/40 third row bench gets things moving.With three rows of even more luxurious than before seating, room for eight with a second row bench, and an available powerfolding third row bench, the upgrades are all around. And with 20

S T Y L E S TAT E M E N T

Focus on safety and security Nissan conducts extensive virtual crash simulations and actual crash tests to develop the safety performance of its vehicles. And the knowledge we gain through this process helps make the Nissan you drive a safer vehicle for you and your passengers.

Armada’s safety features includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and front occupant classification sensor; roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard positions in all three rows; front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; and front seat Active Head Restraints.

Entertainment options Drivers have an option to choose the Nissan DVD Entertainment System with a new, larger dual headrest 8” monitor with 2 headphones. Answer by simply hooking up the camcorder, inserting a DVD, or connecting your MP3 player to the DVD player’s auxiliary inputs, and sources what you seek to see.

When the Armada is parked, drivers can double the enjoyment with the same material displayed on the front LCD. A premium Bose Sound System is custom-tuned just for this cabin.

What could be better than 10 strategically placed speakers and an in-dash 1DVD player. With sound so big, drivers will not want to step out of the vehicle at all.

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

Urdu funny debate contest held at PSM MUSCAT: An interesting interhouse Urdu debate was held in Pakistan School Muscat (PSM), recently. Atta ullah Niazi, the Senior Principal – Pakistan School System, attended the occasion as the chief guest.

The event was anchored by Atiya Ghani, while jury members included Munazza Ghafoor, Principal – Junior Branch, PSM and Sabir Hussain, senior teacher – PSM, says a press release.

The programme commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Bilal Faisal.

Eight students representing four houses of the school were selected for the debate in the preliminary round. Group 1 (Grade V – VIII ) comprised Hubab Javeid (Jinnah), Jawahir Ghafoor (Iqbal), Saleha Ghafoor (Johar) and Ayesha Asif (Sir Syed), whereas Group 2 (Grade IX – XII and S-I - A2) consisted of Soban Khan (Jinnah), Saima Siddique (Iqbal), Amal Binte Saleem (Johar) and Saba Shahzad (Sir Syed).

The topic for group 1 was ‘Uff ye Parhai' (Awe!!!!! Studying) and group 2 was to express their sidesplitting views about “Hum Sa Ho Tou Samnay Aye (Matchless!

We are)

The hilarious strokes along with playful intonation and befitting body language left the audience bursting with laughter. However, Saleha Ghafoor (Group 1) came out as the cynosure of the event with her tremendously put forth uproarious views while Soban Khan’s (Group 2) side of the picture also left the audience in splits.

On the individual basis in Group 1 Ayesha Asif, Hubab Javed and Saleeha Ghafoor respectively secured third, second and the first position and in Group 2 Saba Shahzad stood on the third number, Amal Binte Saleem took the second lead and Soban Khan stood on the top rung. Over all, Jinnah House (Hubab Javeid and Soban Khan) were runners up while Johar House (Amal Binte Saleem and Saleha Ghafoor) stole the show.

The certificates and the trophies were given away by Sir Atta ullah Niazi, Hafeez (member BoDs) and Munazza Ghafoor.

Atta Ullah Niazi, in his note, commended the unveiling talent of the speakers and congratulated the event management team to put up such an exuberant show.

Hence, the event ended with a photo session.

PROMOTION

New Urwerk UR-106 Lotus watch Bridgestone offers easy payment now available for women at Mistal plans to Bank Muscat customers MUSCAT: Urwerk, the awardwinning Geneva-based watch brand, has created a reputation for itself by creating some of the world’s most unique, complex and highly technical watches.

The watchmakers have recently applied their exclusive style to the feminine universe by unveiling the UR-106 Lotus collection.

The Urwerk UR-106 Lotus is the first watch that the brand has created specially for women, says a press release.

Speaking on the new UR-106 Lotus collection, Dharmesh A. Khimji, the managing director of Mistal, said “We are very happy to present the new Urwerk collection to watch lovers in the Sultanate through Mistal. Urwerk has always been a distinguished brand and well-known for its horological excellence. All their collections are exceptional as they feature an original way of displaying and appreciating time.”

“With glittering gemstones

and soft curves, the new UR-106 Lotus collection for women is an incredible timepiece beyond stunning. The limited-edition watches of just 11 pieces come in two versions. This one-of-a-kind creation can be specially ordered and made available in Mistalupon request by anyone wishing to own it, he added.

The new Lotus watch epito-

mises the same creativity and complexity that URWERK has been known for since its founding in 1997 by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei.

Urwerk has released the new collection keeping in mind all the remarkable women behind their success.

The Urwerk UR-106 Lotus was designed with the gorgeous lotus flower in mind, which not only represents the beauty of women but also the complexity of the brand.

It will be available in two versions, dark and light, each of them produced in just 11 pieces. Thus, in darkness and light, the UR-106 “Lotus” is a double watch.

Mistal boutique is the sole distributor of Urwerk watches in Oman. A part of Ajit Khimji Group, Mistal showrooms at Sabco Commercial Centre, Qurum, and its flagship store at Darsait showcase some of the latest, most luxurious brands of watches, jewellery and accessories in the world.

MUSCAT: Customers with Bank Muscat credit cards can now avail an exclusive advantage of 12 months of interest free credit on purchase of Bridgestone tyres from Towell Auto Centre (TAC) worth OMR150 and above.

The offer is given on the cash price of the tyres with the liberty to pay back in 12 month’s time.

This scheme can be availed nationwide through any of the Towell Auto Centre-Bridgestone Tyre Care Plus outlet, First Stop store, Truck Tyre Centre or Fleetpoint, says a press release.

Marking customer interest as key, TAC has always been on the forefront of automotive aftercare.

As sole distributors of world’s leading tyre brand Bridgestone, TAC has partnered with one of the leading banks in the Sultanate of Oman, Bank Muscat to make purchasing of the preferred tyre even easier.

“This association has been well received and appreciated

TA L E N T H U N T E R S O M A N

amongst customers,” said Oommen John, AGM - Bridgestone Tyre Division at Towell Auto Centre. “We understand the cost related to replacing tyres. This tie-up is highly beneficial for all our clients; whether it be the owners of private vehicles or those who manage entire fleets and make all their purchases on a very regularly basis.”

The offer has been working well especially for those going for mid-size and upper segment vehicle tyres. The Bank Muscat Easy Payment Plan aids customers to replace their old tyres with brand new Bridgestone tyres, without having to incur the expenses all at one go.

Perfect deal “With the costs split over 12 months, the related finances become significantly easier to meet.

It’s the perfect deal when my family and I want to change to a new set of tyres. We end up paying only FIRE, SAFETY EXHIBITION

Stage set for grand finale of ‘Muscat Icon’

Falcon Technical Services sponsors OFSEC 2015 expo MUSCAT: Falcon Technical Services was a diamond sponsor at OFSEC 2015, Oman fire, safety and security exhibition.

MUSCAT: The stage is being set

by Talent Hunters Oman for a high quality multilingual, multinational singing competition ‘Muscat Icon – Minara Singing Little Gems – 2015’ involving local talents (Omanis and all other nationalities).

The mega finale will be held on Friday, November 6 at Qurum Amphitheatre. The clips of the competition will be telecast by a Indian TV channel, says a press release.

‘Talent Hunters Oman’ is a group

a very small amount every month,” said a customer who did not want to be named. “TAC has always come up with value for money deals on world class products.”

TAC as a valuable division of WJ Towell Group, has earned itself a loyal customer database due to their utmost dedication, perseverance and a strong sense of commitment. With a separate division exclusive to the sale and service of tyres, TAC is the proud distributor of the world’s leading tyre brand and maintains an excellent record when it comes to quality and service levels.

With the latest addition of First Stop stores, Towell Auto Centre has expanded its network of Tyre Care Plus outlets dedicated to tyres and First Stop dedicated to autocare. TAC has a strong presence all across the sultanate with presence in Barka, Musannah, Sohar, Saham, Bureimi, Bu Ali, Ibra, Sinaw, Ibri, Nizwa, Karsha, Sumail, Sur and Salalah.

of dedicated people known for unearthing the local talents, giving them a platform to perform and get them the recognition they deserve.

The group also trains and grooms the local talents, with the objective to bring out the best in them.

Eighty children have registered for the auditions in Hindi category.

Two marathon rounds of auditions were conducted. It was indeed very difficult to select 8 out of this large talented pool of singers.

The candidates selected for the grand finale (Hindi category) are as follows: Sreerag Menon, Shreeya Menon, Rose Dinto, Sreedevi Babu Menon, Sradha Prasannan, Vishu Vinod Nair, Ananya Prasad and S.A.S. Sanjeev. Some of their most popular and highly successful reality events are: Muscat Idol 2006, Muscat Idol – Little Gems 2007 & Muscat Idol – Teen Sensation 2008, Dance Muscat Dance 2009, Muscat Singing Icon 2012, Inter-

national Dance Festival 2013 and Khafeef Youth Icon – Singing 2014.

They have also conducted High Quality Musicals – Musical Journey I – Black & White, Musical Journey II-Golden Greats, Musical Journey III – Mehfil and Musical Journey IV – Romance. Founder and programme director Dr Sanjay Dalal has launched his own music album Chala Chala India. Free invitation can be had by contacting e-mail: sdalal1955@yahoo.com

ISO certified company Falcon Technical Services (FTS) is a Grade I and ISO 9001: 2008 certified company working in areas of fire and life safety systems, security systems, perimeter protection systems, speed gates, bollards, gate barriers and road blockers, industrial warning systems, building management systems, industrial and commercial communications systems, industrial and commercial automation systems, electro mechanical engineering, instrumentation, power distribution monitoring and maintenance,

says a press release.

FTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven Seas Petroleum and a group company of Seven Seas.

FTS carries out design, supply, engineering, installation, integration, testing, commissioning and maintenance of all the above ELV systems.

FTS is associated with world’s leading Brands like UTC Fire & Security, Distech Controls, Magnetic Auto Controls, O&O, Boon Edam, Klonec–Klassic Solutions and Fire King.

FTS provides cutting edge and turnkey integrated solutions for oil and gas, military, civil defence, telecommunication, transportation, aviation, water treatment, electricity and water distribution.

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP Titan, Bahwan Electronics launch Sonata in Sultanate Sonata is India’s largest-selling watch brand from Titan Company Limited, bearing the hallmark of trust from the house of Tatas

MUSCAT: Titan, the fifth largest watch manufacturer and retailer in the world, has announced the launch of its watch brand Sonata in Oman through Bahwan Electronics, one of the well-known watches and electronics retailers in the country, who are the exclusive distributors of Titan in Oman.

Sonata is India’s largest-selling watch brand from Titan Company Limited, bearing the hallmark of trust from the house of Tatas.

Available at Bahwan Electronics’ showrooms as well as through a vast network of dealers and retailers across Oman, the Sonata brand of watches includes the iconic Ocean Series collection, the stunning Wedding collection and the innovative Shagun collection, says a press release.

Launching the Sonata brand at a dealers’ meet, Dwaraknath Mopuri, head of Sales, Middle East and Africa, Titan Company Limited, said: “Titan is proud to have a growing and loyal customer base in the Middle East, especially in Oman. We are happy to introduce Sonata in Oman with Bahwan Electronics with whom we have decades of business relationship.

The Sonata brand of watches is popular for their innovative at

pocket-friendly prices. We at Titan keep our customers at the heart of everything we do and we feel that it is only fitting that we offer more, giving customers a larger product portfolio to choose from.”

Speaking on the occasion, Parasuram Iyer, general manager Bahwan Electronics, said: “We are extremely happy to add Sonata brand to our existing range of Titan watches. Our journey with Titan Watches in the Sultanate of Oman began two decades ago and over the years, Bahwan Electronics has been working with our dealers and customers strengthening ‘Brand Titan’ in Oman. I am thankful to every one for their continued support.”

With a wide range of watches, Sonata has something for everyone — sporty watches for the adventure enthusiast, glamorous and finely crafted watches for special occasions and traditional “hand ornament” (haathphool) watches for weddings.

STYLISH COLLECTION

Khimji’s Watches showcases Happy Hearts collection from Chopard MUSCAT: Khimji’s Watches, the home of luxury in Oman, is now showcasing the classic yet stylish Happy Hearts collection from Chopard.

In 2015, the Geneva-based company has revisited this collection by approaching it from a whole different angle.

Throughout the Happy Hearts jewellery collection, the traditionally openwork hearts now welcome ‘solid’ turquoise, onyx or mother-of-pearl hearts placed along slim white or rose gold chains. These series of colourful, openwork hearts are also interspersed with tiny hearts housing moving diamonds, says a press release.

In these gently undulating jewellery creations, an appealing sense of lightness mingles with a

carefree spirit and infinite tenderness. The mobile nature of the diamonds together with the random arrangement of the motifs give rise to a line exuding an aura of chic and exquisite femininity.

Vivid or subtle depending on the choice of gemstone, the use of colour expresses a decidedly

modern mindset.

Happy Hearts are heirs to a longstanding tradition at Chopard, of which the finest hours have long since been marked by Happy Diamonds. Inspired by sunrays glinting on the drops of a waterfall, they swiftly established themselves as a brand signature and have consist-

BETTER SERVICE

ently revealed their iconic, spirited character through countless different variations.

After adorning watches with their whirling, playful and joyful touch, they have naturally found their way into jewellery.

These emblems of the Genevabased manufacturer deploy an ethereal grace in expressing their subtle charms through a collection that is destined to become a classic. Composed of long sautoir necklaces, earrings and supple bracelets, the collection also welcomes a new shape: A bangle bracelet of which the two ends — one colourful heart and another enclosing a moving diamond — face each other in an elegant pas de deux that is every bit as modern, playful and airy as the entire new collection.

ONLINE QUIZ CONTEST

Zahara Travel comes to The Walk MUSCAT: Leading destination and leisure management specialist Zahara Travel Group has set up shop in one of Muscat’s trendiest locations – The Walk, the retail and commercial hub of Al Mouj Muscat (previously known as The Wave Muscat).

The new outlet is in line with the company’s broader strategy to establish a presence in upscale neighbourhoods and communities that are typically home to many of its discerning and discriminating customers, says a press release.

Conceived as a one-stop hub, the outlet at The Walk is equipped and manned to deliver a wide array of the Zahara Travel Group’s well-acclaimed travel, tourism, leisure and hospitality offerings.

Servicing are professional staff representing international brands Avis rent-a-car and DHL courier services. Both franchises, part of a reputable portfolio of marquee brands, operate under the umbrella of the Zahara Travel Group in the Sultanate.

Fronting the premises are Zahara Holidays, best-known for their creative, professionally managed holiday packages catering to families, couples and singles alike with honest pricing.

ISWK masters CBSE quiz

Holding a pride of place is a more recent addition to the Zahara Travel portfolio — The View, the first eco-luxe retreat of its kind in the Sultanate nestled in breath-taking mountains in Al Hamra wilayat.

“It’s all about convenience and service,” says Gautam Broota, CEO – Zahara Travel Group. “We have a substantial client base in communities like Almouj Muscat, which is undoubtedly the most prestigious of Oman’s lifestyle

destinations.

By setting up a presence in their midst and being available on weekends as well, we are taking convenience and our service delivery to a new level.

The new outlet is within reach to people not only in Almouj Muscat but also areas around such as Al Hail, Seeb, Rusayl etc.”

The new outlet will be open from 10am to 10pm all seven days of the week.

MUSCAT: Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) added one more feather on its cap.

Sabareenath Madhusuoothanan, a Grade XI student from the science stream of ISWK, is one among only 12 winners selected from all the participants of CBSE Aavishkar (Discovery) online quiz conducted in the CBSE affiliated schools across the globe for the month of August, says a press release.

ISWK is the only school to achieve this honour among all the CBSE affiliated schools overseas. Based on the performance of the participants in the online quiz, winners are chosen for the cash award.

N E W F E AT U R E S

Stylish new Nissan Sunny comes with attractive benefits MUSCAT: The Nissan Sunny from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles now comes in a refreshed appearance with subtle changes to the styling and the inclusion of new features in the cabin. As the best-selling vehicle for four years in a row in the highly competitive sub-compact segment, the Nissan Sunny could rest on its reputation for value, roominess and mid-size vehicle technology without a mid-size price. Yet the quest for constant improvement continues.

The Nissan Sunny received an extensive makeover that features new front and rear fascia, a range of interior refinements, and new grade level and packaging content. Along with a refreshed exterior and interior styling, the vehicle features standard Bluetooth Hands-free.

Unique benefits include Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the 2016 Nissan Sunny that includes cash gift of OMR500, free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options. Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house Auto Finance team.

Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of their homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Oman’s Facebook page i.e http://www.facebook. com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

A refreshed exterior Most prominent of the changes to the Sunny is the bold new front end treatment anchored by larger headlights, a more substantial looking fascia and standard chrome plating on the grille — all of which strengthen the Nissan stable mates — Sentra, Altima and Maxima.

Other exterior design elements include a fixed roof antenna, available blacked-out B-pillars, chrome door handles and front fog lights.

Roomy, refined interior For Nissan Sunny again offers five-passenger practicality with a high degree of comfort and refinement – the perfect combination for commuting on weekdays, running errands on weekends and transporting family and friends all week long.

Enhancements Other enhancements include a new centre stack shape, a revised meter display with white LED display (previously orange illumination colour) and a new, more substantial, steering wheel with standard audio and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System controls. The Sunny features a wide AM/FM/CD audio system with standard auxiliary-in and Radio Data System (RDS), standard as-

sist grips, a passenger-side vanity mirror and new seat fabric.

The Sunny also adds an outside temperature display, USB/iPod controls, upgraded fabric headliner, map light with key-linked illuminated entry and silver finishers on the centre instrument panel cluster. SL models include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an AM/FM/ CD/USB-iPod audio system with 5.0-inch display and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps.

Interior features Other available interior features include trip computer with outside temperature display, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, speed-sensing auto door locks and remote trunk release lever.

The NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps system, which is offered as part of the SL Technology Package, includes a 5.8-inch color touchscreen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately). Available apps include Facebook, Pandora, iHeartRadio and Google Search.

The NissanConnect uses hands-free 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.

Once logged in, customers have to connect to Nissan through bluetooth or the USB port. The Quick Start Guide helps to select from a list of supported apps, and NissanConnect automatically instals them.

All Sunnys continue to provide a roomy interior volume of 90.2 cubic feet, with more rear legroom than many mid-size sedans. Trunk volume measures 14.9 cubic feet.

The trunk design itself focuses on useable space, taking into consideration everything from the size of the hinges to the shape of the sidewalls. Other available interior features include trip computer with outside temperature display, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, speedsensing auto door locks and remote trunk release lever.

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

With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

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ROUND-UP

Top J. D. Power award for Kia Grand Carnival This individual model accolade follows on the heels of Kia’s ascension in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, in which the brand placed second among all nameplates (or “brands”) and received the highest score among nonluxury nameplates

MUSCAT: If big cars that comfortably ferry your family have remained your wish then the Kia Grand Carnival, is the answer. It provides the practicality and the ability to do almost anything you’d expect from a car making it a popular choice for customers around the world.

Recently the 2015 Grand Carnival has even been honoured with the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award in the Minivan segment.

This individual model accolade follows on the heels of Kia’s ascension in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), in which the brand placed second among all nameplates (or “brands”) and received the highest score among non-luxury nameplates.

All new for the 2015 model year, the Grand Carnival is set-

ting a blistering sales pace with a 476-percent increase from midyear reporting in 2014.

“The redesign of Grand Carnival which completes Kia’s design-led transformation under the direction of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, is an extraordinary success story for the Kia brand,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of Product Planning, Kia Motors America (KMA).

“Customers want vehicles they’re proud to drive, and Grand Carnival’s superior combination of a strong, confident design, advanced safety features, and premium amenities, is revolutionising the minivan segment. Earning top honours in the J.D. Power APEAL study is affirmation from our customers of the new Grand Carnival’s appeal and desirability.”

The J.D. Power APEAL study measures new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. The results are divided into 10 categories and weighted accordingly: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy The Grand Carnival is a unique

combination of a sedan and an MPV. The balance of comfort and practicality in the Grand Carnival brings with it unexpected surprises. There are plenty of added values that create the ambience of a premium MPV. Thoroughly upgraded from the previous generation, the allnew Grand Carnival boasts an enhanced design inside and out, along with greatly improved use of space and convenience features that can compete with those of high-end sedans.

Its comprehensive safety features and elegant style have help garner some impressive accolades like the NHTSA Overall 5-Star Crash Safety Rating, 2015 Autobytel Minivan of the Year title and 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Named the Best New Car Design at the 2014 New York Auto Show, the Grand Carnival’s overall design improvement lies mainly in creating a more modern look with a powerful front end, clean side profile and voluminous body.

Inside, stand-up seats make folding the second row upright easier, while the third row glides under the floor, providing ample space without removing any seats.

The smart tailgate, dual sun-

roof and power-sliding anti-pinch doors that stop upon detection of an approaching object by built-in sensors are just few examples of many premium features equipped in the luxurious Grand Carnival.

The Grand Carnival features an advanced safety system, both passive and active, to ensure the best protection on the road. Extended use of advanced high strength steel and patented technologies have significantly improved not only impact resistance but also torsional rigidity and performance thanks to weight reduction and collision structure redesign.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of Grand Carnival’s many intuitive systems, will help you take better control of the vehicle. ESC actively controls the brake pressure of each wheel and engine output after recognizing dangerous driving situations such as sudden turns, acceleration and braking.

The all-new Grand Carnival offers the perfect balance of power and refinement, comparable to that offered in premium sedans.

Its high-endurance gasoline powertrain delivers 276 horsepower and an exceptionally quiet, smooth drive. Engineered with a high performance damper (HPD), added rear strut reinforcement, and a high-strength chassis for better handling and aerodynamics, the Kia Carnival will be an excellent choice for those who are in search of premium class, large space and safety – all at once.

Vehicles specifications are subject to change without notice. Vehicles may also some include dealer installed accessories. Pictures and colours are indicative. For further details, please visit your nearest Kia showroom. Kia models have also been equipped with some local accessories to enhance their looks, feel and functionality.

Customers are welcome to get the full details of these local fitments, by visiting the showroom.

BEST PRACTICES

Orpic to sponsor People Conference MUSCAT: Oman Oil Refinery and Petroleum Industry Company (Orpic), will be sponsoring the People Conference to discuss global trends in leadership and human resources management at the Al Bustan Ritz Carlton Hotel, Muscat today.

The conference will bring into fore key ideologies and changes witnessed in the HR domain along with leading trends that are currently in practice, says a press release.

Musab Al Mahruqi, CEO, Orpic, expressed the importance of such events in supporting leaders harness the potential of people. He said, “We all have an important role to play in the development of our people, company and our blessed nation, and Orpic is honoured to host the People Conference. In this global economy, HR function has taken on a greater role - not just in terms of recruiting the right people but also in terms of retaining and motivating

them to perform and exceed expectations. We at Orpic, recognise our role in providing opportunities to all employees especially with our growth projects moving forward on track.

Innovative solutions “The People Conference, which is attracting speakers across the board, will help leaders learn more about the innovative solutions needed to succeed in today’s competitive and challenging busi-

ness environment.”

Orpic is one of the region’s fastest growing businesses, with the workforce set to double over the next three years, as the size of the business triples, and the forecasted profit quadruples. Currently employing more than 1,600 people, 73 per cent of whom are nationals; Orpic has a number of success stories and development programmes that recognise the necessary leadership and expertise, crucial to run a successful operation.

B E AT T H E H E AT

Chunlan ACs set to storm Oman market MUSCAT: With amazing features such as effortless cooling and super silence, along with attractive pricing, the Chunlan series of air-conditioners — brought to Oman by Oman Modern Electronics — is all set to conquer the Sultanate’s thriving market for cooling equipment.

A shining model of Chinese innovation, the ISO 9001-certified Chunlan air-cons are manufactured by China’s leading business group Jiangsu Chunlan Refrigeration Equipment Co. Recognised as the topmost AC brand in China, Chunlan comes with state-of-theart effortless cooling technology developed at Chunlan’s R&D division to achieve maximum cooling in the

shortest time, says a press release.

“Chunlan range of air-conditioners including split, window, floor-standing and cassette models bring about amazing cooling effect irrespective of the mercury

level outside, and are capable of cooling large spaces easily as they come with a 1150mm-wide indoor unit,” said Rajeev Sharma, GM at Oman Modern Electronics.

“Another remarkable feature is

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the low noise level of the indoor unit, which is an unbelievably low 45dB. You just feel the chill, in a comfortably silent ambience. The Chunlan brand has a record of highest reliability as well,” he said.

“We have added the Chunlan brand to our portfolio in line with our commitment to bring the best of products to the people of Oman,” he concluded.

With an operational history spanning more than four decades, Oman Modern Electronics is one of Oman’s most trusted electronics company. It has showrooms in Ruwi central, Ruwi High Street, Salalah, Sur and Sohar, and service centres in Darsait, Salalah and Sohar.

FOOD SAFETY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Pizza Hut conducts internal training for its employees

MUSCAT: As a part of its ongoing employee development initiatives, Pizza Hut organised an intensive internal training and development programme for its national cadre. The workshop was conducted at Pizza Hut Al Hail for employees from across Pizza Hut Oman.

Sulaiman Rashid Al Hosni and Salim Saleh Al Balushi from the Pizza Hut Human Resource and Operations team showcased the basic standards and best practices in both Food Safety and Customer Service to the new recruits. The teaching duo drew on their combined experience of over 17 years to deliver an interactive training programme that was followed by a Q&A session, says a press release.

Commenting on the initiative, Abeer Khalfan Mubarak Al Siyabi, one of the participants, said: “This workshop was both thought provoking and complementary to our immediate Team goals. We will surely use the expert advice in our daily activities.”

“Understanding the basics of food safety and customer service are critical success factors

to Pizza Hut. Our endeavour is to encourage our employees to excel in maintaining hygiene levels and bring about a delightful customer experience,” said Vivek Pande, CEO, Lifestyle Group, Khimji Ramdas.

Yogesh Shah, general manager, Pizza Hut Oman said, “Through our structured in-house training programmes and continuous monitoring systems we aim to maintain the highest standards of customer care.”

At Pizza Hut Oman, it’s all about delight in every bite. Creating awareness through training and establishing process controls is pivotal to the delight customers with the best in class service.

Salim Saleh Mohamed Al Balushi, assistant manager, Operations of Pizza Hut Oman said, “Basic food safety and customer service are the main areas in our business. Such initiatives go a long way in creating the necessary check points and awareness among staff to exceed customer expectation and give them much needed impetus to maintain hygiene levels at the kitchen as well.”

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP

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Sharia Board of Meethaq reviews branch operations

E X PA N S I O N

The Sharia board members interacted with the branch staff to evaluate important operational aspects and discussed Meethaq activities and strategy for branch operations in the coming period

MUSCAT: The Sharia Supervisory Board of Meethaq Islamic Banking from Bank Muscat visited the Meethaq branch in Al Qurum as part of the strategy to review branch operations.

Sheikh Dr Ali Qaradaghi, chair-

man, and the board members Sheikh Essam Muhammad Ishaq, Sheikh Majid Al Kindi and Abdulqader Thomas visited the branch along with Sulaiman Al Harthy, group general manager – Islamic Banking.

The Sharia board members interacted with the branch staff to evaluate important operational aspects and discussed Meethaq activities and strategy for branch operations in the coming period, says a press release.

“As the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman, Meethaq is proud to expand branch operations across

the Sultanate and thereby offer world-class Islamic banking experience to customers.

“The banking sector in Oman is witnessing the consolidation of Islamic banking and the state-of-the-art branch network reflects Meethaq’s focus to redefine Islamic banking operations in Oman. The new branch is designed to create a unique ambience and banking environment in line with the Meethaq brand values of true partnership, transparency and trust. Meethaq plans to expand the branch network

as well as launch new products and services to complement the unique Islamic banking experience,” said Sulaiman Al Harthy Meethaq, as part of continuous endeavour to provide world class services through the latest technology and innovation, recently upgraded its core banking system, resulting in a host of cutting edge and first-of-its-kind Islamic banking services covering ATM/CDM, debit card and mobile banking for Meethaq customers.

Meethaq now functions on iMal core banking system.

INTERACTIVE EVENING

Indian envoy meets community in Salalah SALALAH: During his first tour of Salalah, Indra Mani Pandey, Indian Ambassador to Oman, met the members of the Indian Social Club and the Indian community here recently.

The Indian Social Club conducted the ambassador’s interactive evening with the Indian community at Sultan Qaboos Multipurpose Hall on the ISC premises. In his welcome address, Chairman Manpreet Singh hailed the ambassador for his initiative in meeting the community to know their problems and offering help to resolve them, says a press release.

Dr Khadernawaz Khan, ISC general secretary, said that the ambassador’s first visit to Salalah with a view to meeting the Indian community was laudable and

aimed at helping Indians to be a part of Oman’s development.

Expressing his happiness at coming to Salalah and meeting the people, Indra Mani Pandey said that Omanis knew about India through the good work of Indians and that the Indians were

the key players in developing and strengthening the bond between the two countries.

He assured the community that he would do his best to resolve the issues, if any, of the Indian community in Salalah. He personally met and interacted

HIGH SPEED CONNECTIVITY

with all the community members instantly earning the title of “People’s Ambassador”.

He was accompanied by Hariharan, Defence Attache, at the embassy. Vinay Kumar, joint general secretary, presented the vote of thanks.

INAUGURATION: Sanjay Panda, High Commissioner of India to Republic of Seychelles, inaugurates the first branch of Lulu Exchange Limited in Seychelles along with Adeeb Ahamed, director, Lulu Exchange Limited, and other dignitaries. — Supplied photo

Lulu Exchange opens branch in Seychelles VICTORIA: Lulu Exchange Limited, a leading global remittance and foreign exchange brand, recently commenced operations of its first branch in Seychelles in Victoria.

The branch was inaugurated

by Sanjay Panda, High Commissioner of India to Republic of Seychelles in the presence of Adeeb Ahamed, director, Lulu Exchange Limited, senior management of Lulu International Exchange and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Adeeb Ahamed, who is also the managing director of Asia Express Exchange, said: “We are very pleased to open our very first branch in Seychelles.

“This is the ninth country of our presence, and it indeed is a moment of pride since this comes right behind us celebrating our sixth anniversary.

“We had started out with a single branch in 2009, and today with this opening we have 110 outlets globally.”

“We have always received a warm welcome in every country of operation, from customers, citizens and regulators alike and Seychelles is no different. This beautiful island nation is a sig-

nificant market for us and we believe our entry into this country will enable us to strengthen our global position as the most preferred remittance and foreign exchange company,” added Adeeb Ahamed.

Lulu Exchange Limited has partnered with internationally renowned and trusted money transfer service providers to guarantee that its customers’ money reaches its destination in the fastest and the most secure way possible.

The exchange house also offers the best exchange rates in the market and is known for its high standards of customer care.

“At Lulu Exchange Limited, we facilitate financial transaction services that are secure, instant and compliant through state-ofthe-art systems that deliver flexibility, reliability, and transparency. We are committed to fair business practices and are fully compliant with global anti-money laundering protocols.

“It is also our high calibre workforce backed by training and the latest technologies that helps us deliver the highest standards of customer satisfaction,” added Adeeb Ahamed.

INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS

Ooredoo completes national fibre backbone across Oman MUSCAT: Providing cutting edge telecommunications infrastructure in the Sultanate, Ooredoo has announced the completion of its national fibre backbone, spanning almost 5,500km across the country. Providing high speed reliable connectivity, the company has established an independent national infrastructure to bring cutting-edge speed and services to customers and businesses countrywide, says a press release.

“The conclusion of this major project signifies the dawn of a new era in Oman’s telecommunications, one where we are able to keep upto-date with emerging technologies from around the world, and deliver a host of socioeconomic benefits that supports human growth and His Majesty’s vision for the country,” said Greg Young, CEO of Ooredoo. “It is not only about having the technology available, but the opportunities that a superfast network affords. Our aim is to inspire human growth and support everything from government, businesses and SMEs to schools, associations and charities, through the use of digital initiatives.”

Young went on to say, “This is not simply an upgrade to legacy

technology, it is an entirely new and unparalleled network development. We are no longer dependent on using the fibre or transmission from other operators and can single-handedly ensure that we are able to avoid network outages or interruptions to service, which could impact the country significantly.

Oman is no longer dependent on just a single fibre network and this will bring huge benefits to the country in terms of security, dependability and attractiveness to foreign investors as well as government organisations and established businesses. We know how important it is to future-proof our network and also safeguard national interests as well as protect local communities and the economy.”

The company’s investment on network modernisation to date

totals OMR124 million and covers 99% of the population and there is more to come.

With this national fibre backbone completion, Ooredoo is providing a robust, cost-effective data highway, which connects all regions of Oman to allow customers and businesses to stay connected to each other and to the internet. The backbone complements Ooredoo’s international submarine fibre optic links and the Ooredoo Oman Superfast Fibre to consumers, as well as their diverse range of solutions for connecting businesses; from SMEs to multinational companies.

As a fully licensed total communications provider, Ooredoo serves all sectors countrywide, from the general public, to government, the private sector, retail, and education.

KR furniture division gets a new dimension with manager Bushra MUSCAT: Khimji’s Office Furniture Division has helped its clientele make their workplaces smarter and more intelligent over the last four decades. It offers furnishing that establishes each individual’s work area as their own arena of performance — an extension of one’s personality.

Ensuring that customers choose the right furniture for their offices is the showroom’s efficient manager Bushra Khalfan Said Al Akhzami. Appointed as head of stock control, customer service and quality in-charge, Bushra exemplifies the company’s commitment to providing top quality and prompt customer service. Her key strengths, she says, are ‘team leadership, customer service skills and the ability to learn quickly’. As a result she can successfully accomplish tasks such as the company’s elaborate stocking programme devised to meet increasing demands of the retail market, says a press release.

Bushra also represents one of the company’s core ideologies which is its investment in people.

“What I truly love about working at the KR Infra Group is the family-like atmosphere that is present.

Also, the company really cares about the welfare about its employees and our performance on the job. It supports the employee in every aspect especially in training and development,” she says.

As part of KR Infra, the infrastructure division of Khimji Ramdas, Khimji’s Office Furniture are pioneers in workplace furnishing and interiors with an eclectic and exclusive choice of furniture sourced from all over the world.

Bushra’s strengths as a leader are a reflection of how Khimji’s Office Furniture prefers to do business — competently, competitively and with a creative edge.

The showroom is recognised for its ability to provide complete and comprehensive solutions, deploying an expert installation team to

meet growing demand. It draws on assistance from an expert lineup of architects, interior designers and engineers to keep ideas fresh and futuristic.

Prompt after sales support is another core value addition that sets Khimji’s Office Furniture apart from the competition.

The company’s new showroom in Ghala boasts a spacious 2,000sq metre show space for an unparalleled collection of executive furniture that brings productivity and efficiency into the workplace.

For customers to truly experience what constitutes superior quality office furniture, they need only step into the showroom and taken in the sheer variety of its offering.

From office seating, to executive desks and workstations, partitions, reception furniture, steel furniture and a wide range of office storage products, Khimji’s Office Furniture guarantees variety, uniqueness and world class quality.

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Iker Casillas to set Champions League record against Chelsea Champions League 2015-16 Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas played his 151st match in the competition as Porto, who he joined in July, drew their opening Group G match 2-2 away to Dynamo Kiev. That equalled the record set by former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, and Casillas is on the verge of breaking it

LISBON: Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas is set to break the Champions League appearance record when Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho makes his latest return to the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday.

The pair had a difficult relationship during Mourinho’s three years at Real Madrid, but after the Portugese left, Casillas captained the team to victory over neighbours Atletico Madrid in the 2014 final, earning his third winner’s medal.

He played his 151st match in the competition as Porto, who he joined in July, drew their opening Group G match 2-2 away to Dynamo Kiev.

That equalled the record set by former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, and Casillas is on the verge of breaking it.

Both teams go into the game after dropping points in 2-2 draws away to lowly opposition at the weekend.

Porto were held by Moreirense on Friday night and suffered injuries to two players.

Algerian midfielder Yacine Brahimi, who scored five goals in nine Champions League games last season, hurt his right knee and was replaced at halftime.

Centre-back Maicon ended the match with a sprained ankle and is among several players that coach Julen Lopetegui said will have to be assessed ahead of the game.

Defender Ivan Marcano is available after suspension and Lopetegui will be back on the touchline after being banned for the match in Kiev.

Despite only drawing with Moreirense, the coach said he was happy with the way his team played, while admitting that Porto’s inability to take their chances

MATCH DAY 1: September 29 Head-to-head W D L GROUP E Barcelona ESP Leverkusen GER BATE Borisov BLR Roma ITA

5 1 2 First meeting

MATCH DAY 2: September 30

Standings GD Pts Lev’kusen 3 3 Barcelona 0 1 Roma 0 1 BATE -3 0

Shakhtar UKR PSG FRA Malmo SWE Real Madrid ESP

Bayern Zagreb Arsenal Olympiacos

3 1 -1 -3

3 3 0 0

Man Utd ENG Wolfsburg GER CSKA Moscow RUS PSV NED

Chelsea Porto Kyiv Maccabi

4 0 0 -4

3 1 1 0

Astana KAZ Galatasaray TUR Atletico ESP Benfica POR

Zenit Lyon Gent Valencia

1 0 0 -1

3 1 1 0

M’gladbach GER Man City ENG Juventus ITA Sevilla ESP

GROUP A

GROUP F Bayern GER Zagreb CRO Arsenal ENG Olympiacos GRE

3 0 3

1 1 4

First meeting

MANAGERIAL EXPERIENCE

AWAY DAYS

Matches in Champions League

Chelsea were undefeated in Europe last season – losing out to PSG only on away goals

190

Alex Ferguson Titles: ‘99, ‘08

verge of breaking Xavi’s record.

163

Arsene Wenger Carlo Ancelotti ‘03, ‘07, ‘14 Jose Mourinho ’04, ‘10

ultimately cost them victory.

They remain top of the table on goal difference from Sporting Lisbon and are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions.

Chelsea’s comfortable 4-0 win at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv on Matchday One was a welcome respite after two successive Premier League defeats.

They subsequently beat Arsenal 2-0 but on Saturday were held 2-2 at Newcastle United, only salvaging a draw with two goals in the last 11 minutes from Brazilians Ramires and Willian.

Mourinho rated their first half performance “minus one out of ten” after a game that left the English champions 15th in the table.

Spanish international striker Diego Costa, serving a domestic suspension, will be available in Porto, where Jos Mourinho became a hero by leading the Dragons to 2004 Champions League success.

He has taken Chelsea there twice before in the competition, losing 2-1 later that year and drawing 1-1 in 2007, while they won 1-0 under Carlo Ancelotti in 2009. - Reuters

Mircea Lucescu

0 0 2

PSV Wolfsburg Man Utd CSKA

1 1 -1 -1

3 3 0 0

First meeting

Atletico Benfica Gal’saray Astana

2 2 -2 -2

3 3 0 0

First meeting

Sevilla Juventus Man City M’gladbach

3 1 -1 -3

3 3 0 0

GROUP D 0 0 2

Jose Mourinho Chelsea manager After turbulent start to season with backroom disharmony and key players struggling to find form, Mourinho returns to Porto, with whom he won his first Champions League title in 2004

ON VERGE: Iker Casillas is on

2 0 0

GROUP C 0 2 0

GROUP H Lyon FRA Valencia ESP Zenit RUS Gent BEL

First meeting

Standings GD Pts Real 4 3 PSG 2 3 Malmo -2 0 Shakhtar -4 0

GROUP B 0 1 1

GROUP G Maccabi ISR Dynamo Kyiv UKR Porto POR Chelsea ENG

First meeting

142

122

98

W26 Away record in Champions League

L22

D22

1 1 0 First meeting

Alvaro Morata Juventus striker scored in 2015 Champions League final and hit superb winning goal against Man City in opening game of this season

ITALIAN INFLUENCE Juventus, closing in on rival Milan’s victories in competition, face 2015 Europa League winners Sevilla Milan

Win ratio: 45%

Juventus

47%

Inter

48%

Roma

36%

Lazio

39%

26 17

74 71

51 Wins in Champions League

BEST OF ENEMIES Juventus faced Spanish opposition five times last season, including semi-final win over Real Madrid L2 W13 Home against Spanish team

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Graphic News /

Sources: UEFA, Infostrada Sports

Graphics

Dinamo Zagreb face daunting task of stopping Lewandowski BERLIN: Dinamo Zagreb will have to find a way to stop freescoring machine Robert Lewandowski when they travel to in-form Bayern Munich in their second Champions League Group F fixture on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola’s Bayern team are enjoying a nine-game winning run in all competitions with Lewandowski currently proving unstoppable.

Lewandowski has struck seven goals in the last week, five in an incredible nine minutes against VfL Wolfsburg and two more against Mainz 05 on Saturday as Bayern tightened their grip on top spot in the Bundesliga.

Dinamo left back Josip Piv-

aric said he hoped Lewandowski had run out of ammunition after his sensational run.

“I hope he’s got nothing left,” he joked. We will do everything we can to make it difficult for Bayern. They are one of the best teams in the world but we hope that they have a bad day and we have a great one.”

Lewandowski’s scoring prowess is not the only danger for Dinamo with Douglas Costa’s dizzying runs down the left wing having split open every defence this season. “Until now we are very satisfied, we have maximum points,” said Sammer.

“But if we draw against Dinamo and lose against Dortmund then everyone will be asking

DANGER MAN: Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich.

why we have messed up our season start.”

While Bayern began with victory against Olympiakos earlier this month, Dinamo will

be buoyed by their opening win over Arsenal. The Croatians will head into the clash after beating Osijek 4-1 on Saturday to stay top of the Croatian first division.

Coach Zoran Mamic rested several players but the secondstring outfit produced an impressive performance, particularly reserve striker Armin Hodzic who scored twice.

Manchester United reject Angelo Henriquez also netted and their good form will have left Mamic pondering who to field up front.

“The team played very well and the important thing is that we avoided any new injuries on a rain-soaked surface,” Mamic said. — Reuters

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

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Blatter ‘will stay president’ The head of world football’s governing body said he would remain in his position while cooperating with criminal proceedings opened against him by Swiss prosecutors

LAUSANNE: Sepp Blatter insisted on Monday that he would stay on as the body’s president, his lawyer said, as UEFA chief Michel Platini revealed a payment made to him from Blatter had been “fully declared” to authorities.

The head of world football’s governing body said he would remain in his position while cooperating with criminal proceedings opened against him by Swiss prosecutors.

He also defended a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.05 million, 1.8 million euros) made in 2011 to Platini, which investigators say may have been “disloyal” to FIFA. “President Blatter spoke to FIFA staff today and informed the staff that he was cooperating with the authorities, reiterated that he had done nothing illegal or improper and stated that he would remain as president of FIFA,” Blatter’s US-based lawyer Richard Cullen said in a statement.

In a meeting with Swiss investigators on Friday, Blatter said the payments to Platini were “valid compensation and nothing more and were properly accounted for within FIFA”, said Cullen, who is based in the US state of Virginia.

The Swiss attorney general, who announced the proceedings against Blatter on Friday, has raised questions about the payment to Platini, which Platini said was in exchange for work done nearly a decade earlier.

Platini has been questioned by Swiss investigators, but has not been named as the subject of criminal proceedings. In a statement to UEFA member associations, seen

by AFP, Platini said the payment had been “fully declared by me to the authorities, in accordance with Swiss law”.

He added that he had spoken with Swiss authorities as part of the investigation and had requested to be heard by the FIFA ethics

committee. “I was interviewed by the Swiss authorities about this matter last Friday, not as a person accused of any wrongdoing, but simply in my capacity as a person providing information,” added the Frenchman, who is a candidate to succeed Blatter in charge of FIFA. “Furthermore, I have today written to the Ethics Committee of FIFA to request that I may come forward and provide whatever additional information may be needed in order to clear this matter up.”

Swiss agents searched FIFA’s offices in Zurich on Friday, forcing the cancellation of a press conference where Blatter was supposed to have addressed a range of crises surrounding world football.

Central to the Swiss investigation is the 2005 sale of World Cup television rights to the Caribbean Football Union, then run by Blatter’s former ally Jack Warner, a deal which had allegedly been “unfavourable for FIFA”.

Swiss raid Since the explosive indictments and arrests of international soccer officials in May, FIFA President Sepp Blatter — previously a prolific traveler — had only once left his home base of Switzerland.

In the end, he wasn’t even safe in his own office. On Friday morning, staff from the Swiss Attorney General’s Office (OAG) arrived at FIFA’s headquarters building high in the hills above Zurich.

According to a person with knowledge of Friday’s events, the team of around 15 officials, including prosecutors and Swiss police, arrived to search Blatter’s office while he was attending a meeting of FIFA’s ruling executive committee. The officials seized unspecified data, the OAG said.

The prosecutors waited until the meeting had ended before approaching the 79-year-old FIFA

Payments to Platini were valid compensation and nothing more and were properly accounted for within FIFA Sepp Blatter FIFA president

boss and taking him quietly to a conference room near his office, where they told him he was under a criminal probe and interviewed him for several hours.

Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber was not present and a senior deputy led the questioning, the source said.

Although Blatter was not expecting the raid, some within FIFA had been told something was coming, a FIFA source said.

While a group of around 150 reporters was told that a scheduled news conference from Blatter had been canceled, Lauber’s office was preparing a statement.

That came in the form of a press release from the OAG announcing that they had opened “criminal proceedings” against Blatter on “suspicion of criminal mismanagement as well as - alternatively -

on suspicion of misappropriation”.

The raid marked a new chapter in the FIFA scandal that began in May when 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives were indicted in the United States on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges.

A Swiss national who has run soccer’s powerful governing body for the past 17 years, Blatter has now for the first time become the focus of a criminal investigation.

Blatter, who announced in June he would step down next February, has denied wrongdoing and his U.S. attorney said he was cooperating with the Swiss probe. He has not been charged with a crime in Switzerland and is not facing charges in the United States.

A few hours after the raid, Blatter was spotted by a Reuters photographer at work inside an office in the FIFA headquarters, giving a misleading impression of business as usual.

The OAG may have been spurred into action by the publication on Sept. 11 by Swiss television of a 2005 contract between FIFA and the Caribbean Football Union.

SFR, a Swiss TV channel, broadcast a page from the contract which it said showed Blatter in 2005 awarded for a low price of $600,000 lucrative TV rights to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), which was headed by former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner. Warner, who was among several former and current FIFA officials named in the U.S. indictment, transferred the rights to his own company and then resold them in a deal worth between $15 million and $20 million.

Lawyers surprised Until last week, all the charges against FIFA and soccer marketing officials had come from the United States, which has expansive and extraterritorial anti-racketeering laws.

But the Swiss authorities had made clear they were investigating money laundering and “disloyal management” by persons connected to FIFA, as well as possible irregularities in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup awards.

Lauber recently disclosed that his office now had collected evidence of 121 suspicious bank accounts or transactions and 11 terabytes of data, including data seized from the offices of both Blatter and FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke, who was placed on leave this month after allegations of wrongdoing. Blatter’s legal team had tried just days earlier to calm the waters over the Warner contract, and thought they had done so, according to a source briefed on meetings in Zurich.

His personal lawyers had traveled to Zurich and met with FIFA officials, who were conducting their own review of the contract, and went over the relevant documents, the source said.

After the meeting, Blatter’s lawyers came away confident that the contract was carried out according to normal procedures, and so Lauber’s announcement took them by surprise, the source said.

Reuters acquired a letter on FIFA letterhead to the CFU dated July 25, 2011, signed by Valcke, in which he canceled the contract that Blatter signed with the CFU.

The letter noted that FIFA had not received a penny under a clause of the deal which allocated to it 50 percent of media and sponsorship revenues. Valcke’s letter was sent out six years after the contract was originally signed. The Swiss attorney general’s press release said that the CFU contract deal is key to its criminal investigation. It said it showed that Blatter signed a contract that was “unfavorable for FIFA,” adding there was a suspicion that Blatter “violated his fiduciary duties and acted against the interest of FIFA.” A key question in the Swiss investigation is expected to be why Blatter or FIFA staff did not cancel the contract sooner. Blatter’s lawyers say the CFU contract was properly prepared and negotiated by the appropriate FIFA staff. A lawyer for Valcke decline to comment on reasons for the delay.

The OAG statement also said Blatter was suspected of a “disloyal payment” of 2 million Swiss francs ($2.05 million) to Michel Platini, the former French midfield soccer star who runs European soccer body UEFA. Blatter’s Swiss legal team will handle whatever emerges from the OAG investigation. Blatter’s lead Swiss lawyer Lorenz Erni is regarded as one of the country’s top defense counsels on financial crime cases, legal sources say. Blatter has no obligation to make any statement, and can invoke his rights similar to the Fifth Amendment under the U.S. Constitution that protects against self-incrimination, said Peter Cosandey, a Zurichbased lawyer who is not involved in FIFA-related cases.. - AFP, Reuters

CRICKET

Hosts Bangladesh pledges top security for touring Australians DHAKA: Bangladesh promised Monday to provide the Australian cricket team with the highest level of security, saying it was shocked they were considering cancelling a tour on fears militants could target Australians.

After meeting Cricket Australia (CA) officials in Dhaka, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the Aussies would get security usually reserved for visiting heads of state if they went ahead with the tour starting this week.

“The highest security protocol will be provided for the Australian cricket team,” Khan told reporters.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said the Australian foreign ministry’s advice to delay the team’s departure on Sunday “has shocked me”.

“This is very disappointing for us.

There is no risk for them in Bangladesh,” Hassan told reporters.

Australia are now booked on a flight to Bangladesh late Tuesday but will await security briefings

The highest security protocol will be provided for the Australian cricket team Asaduzzaman Khan Bangladesh Home Minister

over fears militants could target Australians before deciding whether to go ahead.

CA’s anti-corruption and security manager Sean Carroll and two other Australian officials met top security and intelligence figures in Dhaka on Monday, along with home minister Khan and BCB

chief Hassan, Dhaka cricket officials said.

Sunday’s planned departure was blocked after the foreign affairs ministry in Canberra warned that “militants may be planning to target Australian interests”.

“This is not one of the ones you want to get wrong,” Australia’s

team performance manager Pat Howard said Monday.

“Today is a big day, we have a lot of meetings, a lot of people on the ground. We want to make sure we are not under-reacting, but also not over-reacting.”

“The advice we got was pretty direct against Australians and we want to make sure we’re doing our due diligence.

“We’ve bought ourselves 72 hours, but Cricket Australia is not going to put the players at risk.”

He added that there was no specific threat against the Australian side. Minister Khan on Sunday rejected as “groundless” any security threat to the tourists and said he hoped the games would go ahead.

Bangladesh are scheduled to host Australia for the first Test from October 9-13 in Chittagong and the second from October 1721 in Dhaka. A three-day warm-up match was set to start on October 3 in Fatullah. - AFP

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SPORTS South Africans bank on IPL skills Series 2015 India vs South Africa Oman Standard Time October 2015

Friday

Monday

Thursday

Sunday

1st T20I Dharamsala 5:30 PM

2nd T20I Cuttack 5:30 PM

3rd T20I Kolkata 5:30 PM

1st ODI Kanpur 7:30 AM

Wednesday

Sunday

Thursday

Sunday

2nd ODI Indore 12:00 PM

3rd ODI Rajkot 12:00 PM

4th ODI Chennai 12:00 PM

5th ODI Mumbai 12:00 PM

2

14

5

18

8

22

November 2015

December 2015

Saturday

Wednesday

Thursday

1st Test Mohali 8:00 AM

2nd Test Bangalore 8:00 AM

3rd Test Nagpur 8:00 AM

4th Test Delhi 8:00 AM

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The tourists are due to play three Twenty20 internationals and five one-day matches up until October 25, before starting a four-Test series on November 5 CONFIDENT DUO: South African team coach Russell Domingo, left, speaks as T20 captain Faf Du Plessis looks on during a press conference in New Delhi. South Africa are on a 72-day tour of India during which they play three T-20, five One-Day International (ODI) and four Test matches. – AFP

ers are used to tough places.

“South Africa is not for sissies.

We enjoy different cultures. We enjoy meeting and mixing with new and different people.”

South Africa have separate captains for all three formats, with Faf du Plessis leading them in Twenty20 cricket, AB de Villiers in oneday internationals and Hashim Amla in Tests. Du Plessis insisted

the arrangement worked perfectly for the Proteas.

“The three of us play all formats and when one is not the captain, we can enjoy cricket without the extra responsibility. This way we are always fresh. It has worked really well for us. It’s never been an issue, we continue to learn from each other and support each other.”

The three captains are among

CRICKET

Dhawan’s 150 flattens Bangladesh A BANGALORE: Skipper Shikhar Dhawan hit a strokeful 150 to help India A declare their first innings on 411 for five to notch up a massive lead against Bangladesh A on Day 2 of the unofficial cricket Test, here on Monday.

Getting behind a 183-run deficit, Bangladesh A were 36 for two when bad light ended the day’s play. They still trail by 147 runs with skipper Mominul Haque (9) and Liton Das (7) at the crease.

India A pace spearhead Ishwar Pandey (1-4) and off-spinner Jayant Yadav (1-8) shared a wicket each.

Earlier, starting on their overnight score of 161 for one in response to the visitors’ effort of 228, the home side not only saw a crushing knock from Dhawan but also fine fifties from Karun Nair (71) and Vijay Shankar (86).

The visitors heaved a huge sigh of relief when Saqlain Sajib (1121) trapped Dhawan LBW just after reaching 150 runs but Nair and Shankar ensured that the Bangladeshi bowlers have a hard time at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Ishwar, bowling along with Abhimanyu Mithun (0-21), provided an immediate breakthrough with the new ball.

In the third over, Anamul Haque (0) played a loose shot, giving a catch to Nair off Ishwar.

Soumya Sarkar (19) put on 17 runs for the second wicket with Haque before Yadav dismissed him. But the spotlight remained on Dhawan, who proved his form and fitness in style ahead of the

ON TOP: India A bowler Ishwar Pandey celebrates with teammates the wicket of Anamul Haque on

Day Two of the three-day match against Bangladesh A at Chinnaswamy Stadium. – PTI

South Africa series, striking 18 fours and three sixes in his 146ball knock.

The left-hander was racing against time to get fit before the all-important series after getting injured in the first Test in Galle in Sri Lanka. He missed the next two Tests but the Delhi-born player has come out all guns blazing in this

match. Dhawan also led by example after stitching a 153-run opening stand on Day 1. Nair on Monday got along with Shankar to manage 108 runs for the fourth wicket.

Later wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha (25 not out) also stuck around with Shankar to stitch a 71-run fifth-wicket stand.

Leg-spinner Jubair Hossain

bagged two wickets after getting the all-important scalps of Nair and Shankar.

But the visitors stare at defeat as India A will now be looking to pick the remaining eight wickets on the third and final day’s play and pour water on the rivals’ confidence ahead of their home series against Australia. - PTI

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3

PTI /

AT PRACTICE: South African T20 Team during their practice session at Palam cricket Ground in New Delhi on Monday. – PTI

and Domingo said that will benefit his wards. “We are fortunate to have quite a few players who know Indian conditions because of the IPL,” Domingo told reporters in New Delhi. “They understand what is required to play in these conditions.

“We expect tough and uncompromising cricket during the tour.

That is also how we play. The play-

25

Thursday

5

NEW DELHI: South Africa hope their players’ experience in the Indian Premier League will enable them to turn the tables on their hosts at the start of a gruelling 10week tour of India, coach Russell Domingo said on Monday.

The tourists are due to play three Twenty20 internationals and five one-day matches up until October 25, before starting a fourTest series on November 5.

Ten members of their Twenty20 squad turn out for various franchises in the glitzy cash-rich IPL,

11

only six players who are part of all three squads, the others being allrounder JP Duminy, leg-spinner Imran Tahir and 20-year-old fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.

Domingo justified the decision to rest pace spearheads Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel from the Twenty20 games to keep them fresh for the one-dayers and the Tests.

“It is going to be a long tour and

Graphics

we have to decide how to manage our players,” the coach said. “It is tough to be practising day in and day out. And at the same time it offers an opportunity to develop younger players. “It is a win-win situation for us because it allows us to look at options and keep players fresh at the same time.”

The tourists will play a practice Twenty20 match in New Delhi on Tuesday before travelling to Dharamsala for the first T20 international on Friday.

Touring squads: T20 squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Marchant de Lange, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Eddie Leie, David Miller, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Albie Morkel, Khaya Zondo.

ODI squad: AB de Villiers (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Khaya Zondo, Dale Steyn.

Test squad: Hashim Amla (capt), AB de Villiers, Temba Bavuma, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas. - AFP

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

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Oman gearing up to host Asian Bench Press Championships MUSCAT: The Sultanate will be hosting over 200 delegates from across the continent as Oman is gearing up to host a successful Asian Bench Press Championships from Wednesday.

The week-long championships, sanctioned by Asian Powerlifting Federation, will be organised at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex by Oman Committee for Powerlifting under the agis of the Ministry of Sports Affairs.

Athletes from as many as 12 nations, including hosts Oman, will be competing in different categories.

Besides the hosts, the other participating nations are Japan, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Mongolia, Lebanon, the UAE and Kuwait.

The Organising Committee of

The week-long championships, sanctioned by Asian Powerlifting Federation, will be organised at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex from September 30 to October 6

the championships met here recently under the chairmanship of Said Al Ghabshi and revealed Oman’s readiness to host a successful event. The committee comprises Saud Al Khanjari, who is also the Tournament Director, Saif Al Shibli, Yousuf Al Hassani and Mohammed Al Niyadi.

In his remarks, Said Al Ghabshi said: “We are confident of organis-

ing a successful championships.”

“We also have high expectations on our athletes. We are hoping they will do well and won some medals for the country,” he added.

The Asian event comprises both men’s and women’s championships. The men’s competitions include open, sub-juniors, juniors and masters categories.

The women’s competitions will

be held in open, sub-junior, juniors and masters categories.

Some of the athletes who will be representing the Sultanate in the open category are Abdulmajeed Al Battashi (-59kg), Yahya Al Kiyumi, Khalifa Al Jamahi (both in -66kg), Aiman Al Hasani (-74kg), Yousuf Al Hasani (- 83kg), Nabil Al Muharrami (-93kg), Aidh Al Mandhari (+120kg), Alkhattab Awlad Thani (-74kg), Nabras Awlad Thani, Mohammed Aulad Thani (both in -83kg), Fahad Al Nabadi (-105kg), Idrees Al Ubaidani (+120kg).

In the junior category, the Omanis who will be in action are Omar Al Zakwani (-74kg), Mazin Al Khusaibi, Omar Al Hasani (both in -83kg), Salim Aulad Thani (-93kg), Musaab Al Farsi (-105kg) and Qais Al Hasni (-120 kg).

IN READINESS: The Organising Committee of the Asian Bench Press Championships is hoping to host a successful event.

‘OGC Development Squad make impressive progress’ Milo Breitenwisher, a PGA Pro who has been handed over the reins of the Development Squad by the OGC, has recently submitted an assessment report on the players’ progress to the Sultanate’s golf governing body

MUSCAT: Budding Omani talents, who are the members of the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) Development Squad, are making impressive progress, according to their coach Milo Breitenwisher.

Milo, a PGA Pro who has been handed over the reins of the Development Squad by the OGC, has recently submitted an assessment report on the players’ progress to the Sultanate’s golf governing body.

Breitenwisher assessed all the players individually and in his report included his comments on each individual while mentioning the players’ progress levels.

“The number of players in the Development Squad has increased

IMPRESSED: Coach Milo Breitenwisher watches as the members of the Development Squad practice their swing at the Ghala Golf Club. – Supplied photo

this year. We now have some very talented players training with us,” said Breitenwisher.

“Some of them are very dedicated and attend practice regularly.

Several others are talented but they need to regularise their practice, which is a challenge for me,” he said. “My message to the players has always been — if you want

to be a successful golfer, you will have to be talented and at the same time you need a lot of dedication.

There’s no short cut to success.”

To pursue its mission to professionalise the sport in the country, Golf Oman, as the OGC is also known, has started a year-round project aimed at training promising junior Omani boys and girls

and turning them into future champions. The year-long training programme began two years ago and is the OGC’s prime focus.

The players in the development squad are aged between seven to 16 years and are undergoing training weekly on the lush green course of the Ghala Golf Club.

The players are pooled into

three groups based on their skill levels - Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.

Some of these players will progress to the next level, the OGC’s Elite Squad — and in a year’s time, they will eventually break onto the Oman national team.

“Here we have some players who can be picked up for the junior national team in future if they want to continue in the same pace,” Breitenwisher added.

The PGA Pro coach is particularly impressed with two players Ayman Al Busaidi and Ahmed Al Wahaibi.

“Ahmed is a very cute little boy, who is not happy with his swing result if the ball doesn’t go at least 100 yards. He is just seven and always wants to become No. 1 in all disciplines which is good. He already has a good idea about swing, but we just need to help him settle in a little more so that he can focus more on his technique.”

“Ayman is also very talented with a lot of dedication. He’s a diligent boy. His parents are also very supportive. He is close to get a handicap soon. He can make it to the junior national team,” the coach added.

OGC Chairman Mundhir Al Barwani believes catching the players young is the right formula to feed the senior national team.

He opined: “We received the report from the coach and we will assess it. We are constantly monitoring the Development Squad. We need a steady supply of young players coming through a professional system. Which is why we formed this Development Squad.”

TENNIS

Lisicki to miss rest of the season with injury BERLIN: Germany star player Sabine Lisicki confirmed on Monday she expects to miss the rest of the 2015 season as she continues to struggle with a knee injury.

“We have tried everything, but my knee isn’t ready,” the 2013 Wimbledon finalist wrote on her Facebook page.

“The current state of play is that I won’t play any more tournaments this season.”

Lisicki had complained of pain in her knee during the early rounds of the US Open earlier this month before her last-16 exit to Romania’s Simona Halep.

‘I will be back’ She has been treated by famous Munich-based doctor HansWilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, who looks after the German football team and athletics stars, including Usain Bolt.

“The doctors, my team and I have all worked hard to get me back fit as soon as possible and I will be back by the start of the new season at the latest,” Lisicki added.

It has been a disappointing season for the German who reached the semifinals of Indian Wells in March and also made the last four at the Birmingham tournament in June.

She went out of the Australian Open in the first round and reached the third round of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, which has left her 28th in the world rankings from a high of 12th in May 2012. - AFP

HEARTBROKEN

Squash ‘devastated’ by Olympic snub TOKYO: The head of the World Squash Federation (WSF) said he was devastated for the sport’s millions of followers after squash was again overlooked for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Squash was among eight sports short-listed for possible inclusion at the 2020 Olympics but failed to make the final list of five sports, recommended by Tokyo’s organisers on Monday.

The five proposed for the 2020 Summer Games were baseball/ softball, karate, skateboard, sports climbing and surfing. Squash, bowling and wushu all missed out.

The International Olympic Committee will make the final decision next year on which sports will be accepted for Tokyo, choosing from the five that were recommended.

“I don’t believe we could have done more to get our message across to both the Tokyo 2020 Games hosts and the IOC how Squash could bring something special as an addition to the Programme,” WSF President Narayana Ramachandran said in a statement.

“I know I speak on behalf of the millions of squash players around the world for whom the opportunity of seeing their sport participate in the Olympics has been an absolute priority — and, like me, they will be heartbroken.”

Squash, played in more than 185 countries, was one of three sports short-listed for full inclusion at the Tokyo Olympics when the IOC voted on the programme at its 125th Session in Buenos Aires two years ago.

Wrestling won that vote for inclusion ahead of baseball/softball and squash but the losers were thrown a lifeline when the IOC later decided that future Olympic host cities could select extra sports they wanted to see contested at the Games.

“However, this is not the end for squash,” added Ramachandran.

“Our sport, played by vast numbers week in and week out, flourishes at every level from recreational to events around the world,” he added.

“We will go from strength to strength while we continue to target participation at a future date in the Games.”

Squash has made great strides in modernising the sport, with the Professional Squash Association

(PSA) taking the game to iconic venues such as New York City’s Grand Central Station.

Alex Gough, the PSA chief executive, said the latest setback should not detract from its success.

“The Olympic Games should be the pinnacle of any athlete’s career and inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Games would be a defining moment for squash and our athletes and to know that dream is once again out of reach is naturally a difficult proposition for the sport,” Gough said in a statement.

“But I feel we can take a lot of positives from the huge ground we have made over the last decade — transitioning into a bourgeoning global sport that is now broadcast in almost 100 countries worldwide.” - Reuters

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SPORTS

FINE SHOW

Ashpruha completes a double at ISC badminton tourney MUSCAT: Ashpruha Patnaik has claimed a double crown at the National Bank of Oman-sponsored Annual Badminton Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat.

Ashpruha, who clinched the girls under-13 singles title a few days ago, climbed one notch higher and won the girls under-15 singles title for a double.

In the girls’ under-15 singles final, Ashpruha was in a class of her own as she went on the demolition trail to hand Gayathri Krishna a 21-7, 21-12 defeat to claim her second title of the tournament and announced her arrival in the bigger league.

Thirteen-year-old Ashpruha showed no signs of nerves and used lobs and brilliant placements to disturb Gayathri’s rhythm.

After seven-all in the first game, Ashpruha cleverly gained the upperhand and reeled off the next 13 points and wrapped up the game.

Gayathri put up some resistance until six-all in the second game but fell victim to some brilliant play by Ashpruha who continued the onslaught and gave nothing away on the way to clinching the under-15 title.

Tarun Jayadeven will take on Prayag Mohanty in the final of the boys under-15 singles.

In a thrilling semifinal, Tarun upset fourth seed Milind Naithani 21-16, 22-20 and Prayag booked his berth in the summit clash after downing Sanjay Venkat in two well-contested games 21-18, 21-18.

The second-seeded team of Ghafoor and Sudhin advanced to the second round of the open men’s doubles event after a brilliant 21-11, 21-6 win over Shaji Varghese and Sreekumar.

In other first round matches of the same event, Yogesh Narula and Babu Said marched ahead with a 21-7, 21-13 demolition of Harish PC and S. Christopher, Shivadas and Sajeev faced some resistance in the first game before defeating Sitaram S. And Ramesh Gupta 21-17, 21-9.

The duo of Vinod Abraham and Sony were too strong for Prakash Mohanty Mohamad Rizwan whom they handed a 21-3, 21-8 drubbing, Sunil Kumar and Shaiju had no difficulty in posting a convincing 21-7, 21-9 win over Zakariya KO and Anvish and Indran and Das showed good teamwork in their 21-11, 21-7 victory over Sayed KO and Mohamad Rafeeque. Seasoned campaigners Mathew Thomas and Biju Peter advanced to the second round with a fine 21-8, 21-16 victory over S. Satpathy and VM Jaideep.

HUGE CHALLENGE: Oman under-23 national football team. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

Oman U-23 team to take part in WAFF tourney Coach Hamad Al Azzani has announced a 23-member Omani team for the inaugural championship, which has attracted ten teams from across the west Asian region

FINALISTS: Ashpruha Patnaik, left, and Gayathri Krishna

EARNINGS CONCEALED

Barcelona’s Mascherano charged with tax fraud BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Argentina international Javier Mascherano has been charged with two counts of defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of a total of more than 1.5 million euros ($1.67 million), the public prosecutor said on Monday.

Mascherano, who joined Barca from English club Liverpool in August 2010, is alleged to have sought to conceal earnings from his image rights by using companies set up in the United States and Portugal, the prosecutor’s office said.

The 31-year-old is accused of defrauding the authorities of

587,822.01 euros ($656,420.84) in 2011 and 968,907.76 in 2012, they added.

Mascherano, who made no immediate public comment on the charges, this month paid the money owed plus almost 200,000 euros interest, the office said, and local media reported this could work in his favour if he is found guilty.

Barca did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mascherano is the latest highprofile soccer player to be accused of tax fraud following the likes of his Barcelona and Argentina team mate Lionel Messi.

MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s under-23 football team will leave for Qatar on Wednesday to participate in the inaugural Under-23 West Asia Football Federation (WAFF) Championship.

The tournament is scheduled to be organised in the Qatari capital of Doha from September 30 to October 14.

The inaugural event has attracted ten teams and they are divided into three groups.

Oman are placed in Group C along with arch-rivals the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Syria.

Group A comprises four teams hosts Qatar, Jordan, Palestine and Yemen while Group B consists of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran.

Hamad Al Azzani-coached Omanis are scheduled to begin their campaign with a tough match against the UAE on October 4 and they will complete their group engagements on October 7 with a match against Syria.

TENNIS

Sharapova’s comeback cut short by new injury WUHAN: Maria Sharapova’s comeback from a leg injury lasted less than three sets on Monday before she retired with a left arm problem against unseeded Barbora Strycova at the Wuhan Open.

The world No. 3 had been out with a persistent leg injury since July, when she lost a Wimbledon semifinal to Serena Williams, and pulled out of three events including the US Open.

But the Russian’s long-awaited return proved short-lived as she was pushed to two tie-breaks by the Czech Republic’s Strycova before withdrawing when 2-1 up in the third.

Sharapova’s retirement leaves a question mark over the rest of her season with only one big tournament, the China Open, left before the year-ending WTA Finals in Singapore.

She had pulled out of a WTA event in Toronto and the Cincinnati Masters hoping to be ready for the US Open, but was also forced to withdraw from the

RETURN SHORT-LIVED: Maria Sharapova

year’s final Grand Slam tournament. “Obviously I took a large amount of time to get back to a level where I can come to a tournament, which is very important,”

Sharapova said on Saturday as she arrived in Wuhan.

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t healthy and ready to compete,” she added. - AFP

FRIENDLY WIN: Action from a friendly match between Oman and Palestine played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Sunday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

The top team from each group as well as the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals, which will be played on October 10. The final and the thirdplace playoff will take place on October 14.

Win over Palestine As part of their preparations for the championship, Oman played a friendly match against visiting Palestine at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Sunday with Hamad Al Azzani’s boys recording a 2-0 victory.

On Monday, Al Azzani announced a 23-player list for the

West Asia championship, including Al Munther Al Alawi and Ahmed Al Siyabi, the goal scorers against Palestine.

The team includes Ahmed Al Rawahi, Hasan Al Saadi, Mohamed Al Rawahi, Nader Awadh, Yaseen Al Sheyadi, Mahmood Mabrook, Al Munther Al Alawi, Omar Al Malki, Marwan Teib, Ahmed Al Siyabi, Amjad Al Harthi, Dawood Al Kahhali, Khalid Al Hamadani, Jameel Al Yahmadi, Muath Al Khaldi, Mohanned Al Hasni, Hatem Al Rushdi, Abdullah Fawaz, Thani Al Rushidi, Azzan Al Tamtami, Yousef Al Mukhaini, Bilal Al Balushi and Omar Al Fazari.

Groups: Group A: Qatar, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen. Group B: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain.

Group C: Oman, Syria, UAE. Fixtures: Sept. 30: Qatar vs Palestine; Jordan vs Yemen. Oct. 1: Iran vs Bahrain; UAE vs Syria. Oct. 2: Rest day. Oct. 3: Qatar vs Jordan; Palestine vs Yemen. Oct. 4: Iran vs KSA; UAE vs Oman. Oct. 5: Rest day.

Oct. 6: Qatar vs Yemen; Jordan vs Palestine. Oct. 7: KSA vs Bahrain; Oman vs Syria. Oct. 8 & 9: Rest days.

Oct. 10: Semifinal 1: Winners Group A vs Best runners-up; Semifinal 2: Winners Group B vs Winners Group C. Oct. 11, 12, & 13: Rest days. Oct. 14: third-place play-off and final.

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RUGBY

Fractured jaw forces de Villiers to end Springbok career NEWCASTLE: South Africa captain Jean de Villiers has ended his international career after a fractured jaw ruled him out of the rest of the Rugby World Cup. The 34-year-old centre has 109 caps, the fourth highest in South African rugby, and has captained them 37 times.

“It’s never nice getting injured and knowing that I’ve played my last game for South Africa. It’s quite sad,” de Villiers told a press conference.

De Villiers suffered the latest of a series of injury blows that have blighted his international career in South Africa’s 46-6 win over Samoa on Saturday.

“As I got replaced and I was running off, I knew it was my last,” he added. “I won’t get this opportunity again. Having played for the Springboks for 13 years now, you’ve been through so much, you’ve made so many good friends, you’ve

seen so many good things, you never think that it would end like this.”

De Villiers said he broke the news to teammates on Saturday night and will return to South Africa on Monday for probable surgery on his jaw.

Springbok warrior “It’s happened now and I’m very grateful for the time that I’ve had in the Springbok jersey and I wish the team the very best.

“I told them last night, as a former Springbok now, I wish them the very best and I’m supporter number one now.”

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer hailed de Villiers as “a warrior” and one of the country’s greatest players.

“The way in which he never gave up fighting to overcome his last serious knee injury reminded me again how much of a warrior he is and how highly he regarded

the Springbok jersey,” said Meyer, whose own position remains under threat after South Africa’s defeat by unheralded Japan at this World Cup. “He will go down as one of the greatest Springboks ever and in my eyes he is probably one of the best captains in the history of world rugby, who always put the team first and gave his time for any player, young or old without ever changing who he is.

“To see the emotions in the team room when he said his good byes to his teammates made me realise how well-liked he is, by every person in this squad, but also most other people in the world-wide rugby fraternity.”

All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu said: “I feel disappointed for him. I understand how hard he worked to get back in time for the Rugby World Cup. I really feel for the guy, he’s going to be sorely missed in that team.”

Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula speaking after de Villiers was ruled out of the World Cup but prior to his Test retirement hailed him as an inspirational leader and patriot.

“He was a soldier that was injured on duty trying to do better for his country, his family and everybody,” said the Minister.

Despite being considered one of the world’s best centres, injuries have repeatedly stopped de Villiers tasting success on the World Cup stage.

He barely made this World Cup after returning from a long lay-off from a serious knee injury suffered against Wales in November.

And Saturday was the second time in two months that de Villiers has broken his jaw. He snapped the other side of his jaw in South Africa’s historic home defeat by Argentina in August.

De Villiers missed the 2003 World Cup because of a shoulder

Forget England and bring on Fiji: Wales For Edwards and the Welsh squad there was only a quick celebration on the bus ride from London back to Cardiff immediately after the game before switching on again to a World Cup that has five weeks to run

CARDIFF: Wales heroics against England were quickly consigned to yesterday’s news by assistant coach Shaun Edwards as they swiftly turned their attention to avoiding a slip up against Fiji on Thursday.

“Obviously we’ve put ourselves in a good position but the job’s only half done. We’re fully aware of that,” Edwards said, drawing a line under the momentous 28-25 victory.

Throughout the principality, ecstatic Wales fans continued to celebrate the day after Dan Biggar’s 23 points with the boot and a Gareth Davies try shocked the World Cup hosts.

But for Edwards and the Welsh squad there was only a quick celebration on the bus ride from London back to Cardiff immediately after the game before switching on again to a World Cup that has five weeks to run.

Wales now have two wins from two games but are not assured of being one of the two sides to qualify from the tough Pool A. Australia are also unbeaten after two matches, but still have England (one from two) and Wales to play, while winless Fiji have shown the potential to be spoilers in a pool that may eventually be decided on bonus points.

“If we don’t get the job done on Thursday against Fiji, or even if we do get the job done we’re still not definitely through,” Edwards said.

“We’re very very aware of the fact we didn’t go into this competition after the bitterness from 2011 just to beat England. We came to go as far as we can.”

JOB HALF DONE: Wales’ assistant coach Shaun Edwards attends press conference in Cardiff. – AFP

Welsh duo Amos, Williams out of World Cup CARDIFF: Wales epic World Cup win over England has come at a huge price with backs Scott Williams and Hallam Amos forced out of the tournament through injury, the team management said on Monday.

They have been replaced by utility back James Hook, a member of the squad that reached the 2011 World Cup semifinals, and fly-half Gareth Anscombe.

Wales remain haunted by the outcome of their campaign in the last World Cup which ended with a 9-8 loss to France in the semifinals when they played 60 minutes with 14 men after skipper Sam Warburton was red-carded.

It was Wales second visit to the semifinals after 1987, when they were beaten by New Zealand, but they have never made the final.

This latest campaign was rocked by injuries before the tournament started and three more players — Liam Williams, Hallam Amos and

“Scott Williams (knee) and Amos (shoulder) have sustained injuries that will preclude them from taking further part in the tournament,” the team statement said.

Liam Williams, who was concussed in the 28-25 victory, will not be considered for Wales’ next match against Fiji in Cardiff on Thursday but may be considered for their final pool A game against Australia.

The departures of Amos and

Scott Williams — were seriously injured in the England clash.

But despite the short five-day break before the Fiji game, Edwards said the need to bank crucial points in the so-called ‘pool of death’ meant they could not rest star players.

“When you get some momentum you want to keep that momentum going,” he said. “We do have quite a long turnaround after the Fiji game to Australia so the boys will get rested up next week. So we’ll be putting a pretty

Williams are just the latest loss of key personnel to hit the Wales camp.

They lost fullback Leigh Halfpenny and scrum-half Rhys Webb to injury before the World Cup started, centre Cory Allen was sidelined after their opening 54-9 win over Uruguay while Jonathan Davies was ruled out earlier this year after suffering a serious injury playing for his French club Clermont. - AFP

strong team out against Fiji.I’ve been incredibly impressed by Fiji.

Against Australia they conceded three tries and two of them were from mauls so they went 80 minutes and conceded only one openfield try against an Australian team who were fully loaded with all their best players.

“Another thing that impressed me massively was Fiji when they played England was the scrum.

They scrummed very, very well and we’re fully aware we’ve got our hands full on Thursday. - AFP

injury which he sustained on his return from a serious knee injury he suffered just seven minutes into his Test debut in 2002.

In 2007 he injured his biceps in the first game and missed the rest of the tournament which South Africa won.

De Villiers and Meyer have faced fierce criticism at this World Cup, where South Africa lost their opening Pool B match 34-32 to Japan.

De Villiers said he had just experienced probably “the toughest week of my rugby career.” But he still believed South Africa could win the World Cup for the third time. “We’ve still got a massive game this weekend (against Scotland) and certainly I don’t want the guys to feel sorry for me.

“It’s about getting the team right and getting the same attitude that we had yesterday and getting a good win against Scotland.” - AFP

TOUGHEST WEEK: Jean de Vil-

liers.

POOL C

Tonga take aim at Namibia in race for third place EXETER: Tonga face Namibia on Tuesday with their aim reset on finishing third in Pool C to seal automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup while the southern Africans will simply be after a first-ever win.

Tonga went down to a shock 17-10 defeat by Georgia in their opening match, throwing the scrap for third place wide open behind heavyweights New Zealand and Argentina.

While Tonga mathematically remain in the hunt for second place, they have still to play the All Blacks and the Pumas, who finish up their pool campaign against Namibia.

Namibia have made eight changes to the starting line-up that lost 58-14 to New Zealand last week.

Indefatigable Saracens flanker Jacques Burger will captain the side coached by Welshman Phil Davies to make his 10th World Cup appearance, which leaves him one shy of the team record of 11 held by Hugo Horn.

Tonga, an ever-present at the World Cup bar one absence in 1991, have nine changes, coach Mana Otai explaining that decision by pointing to the short timespan between the next games.

“There’s always been a plan about how we take on these four games and take into consideration the two four-day turnarounds in the upcoming two games, but having said that, we also take into consideration now the situation that we’re in,” Otai said.

“We haven’t had success in

the last game against Georgia, so we’re making sure that we address this game first and foremost, hence the changes. This is the team that we believe is going to do the job in the game coming up against Namibia.

“On the day we’ve got to be prepared, regardless of who we’re playing and I think we learned our lessons from Georgia.”

Otai warned that their favourites’ tag would count for nothing following England’s 28-25 defeat by Wales.

“It could have been either one’s game, but if you look at the buildup to it, I think the favourites were England — we’re in the same dilemma (being favourites)... It highlighted that at the World Cup anything could happen.”

Namibia coach Davies warned that his team faced a tough test against the South Sea islanders.

“The Tongans have had a good rest. There will be a lot of emotion flying around their team and they will be very physical,” the former Llanelli and Wales forward said.

“They are number 11 in the world and we are number 20. That’s a huge difference, so it will be a massive, massive challenge for us.”

Davies said many positives could be taken from their defeat by champions New Zealand.

“There was inevitable excitement about our performance but this is a level-headed group,” Davies said.

“I was pleased with the performance but a bit disappointed that we didn’t impose ourselves a bit earlier.” - AFP

INJURED

Scotland lock Gilchrist ruled out of World Cup LONDON: Scotland lock Grant Gilchrist has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a groin injury, Scottish Rugby Union said on Monday.

The 25-year-old suffered the injury during the 39-16 victory over the United States on Sunday which put the Scots top of Pool B. “He’s worked so hard to get fit. When we started off in June he was 12 months behind everyone else, so for him to get where

he got to and playing as well was an achievement in itself. To get shot down like that, we all feel for him,” Scotland assistant coach Duncan Hodge told reporters.

Gilchrist broke his arm playing for his club Edinburgh in October last year having just been made Scotland captain by coach Vern Cotter. He missed the rest of the season.

Scotland next play South Africa in Newcastle on Saturday. - Reuters

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Shawarma S Unfolded B Y PA L L AV I N I G A M

PHOTOS A.R. RAJKUMAR

hawarma is a popular sandwich found in the Middle East. In a shawarma the meat is marinated in a blend of spices like pepper, cardamom, chopped garlic, and lime juice and then slow cooked for hours for the ‘melt in mouth’ flavour. It is then served either wrapped in pita bread or on a plate with sauces.

Shawarma is made and served fresh and cannot be

pre-packed or reheated. Due to unavailability of traditional roasters at home, shawarma has typically remained a dish found on the roadside eateries. However with this recipe, you can bring the beautiful flavours of chicken shawarma home without such roasters.

And to give a twist to its taste I am going to serve it with baked potato chips, instead of the regular fries. So let’s get in a mood for some pita bites.

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Exotic Flavours at Chinese Fest

Mooncakes, a tasty treat often given as a gift during China’s annual Mid-Autumn Festival, are being made with new and interesting flavours.

Chocolate, coffee, and yoghurt are among the new flavours, Xinhua news agency reported. Lotus seed paste, sweet bean paste, jujube paste, and five kernel are the traditional fillings, along with the more recent additions of taro paste, pineapple, and durian. The new “exotic” flavours reflect a wider shift in the tastes and demands of customers, especially “foodies” or those with a taste for western cuisine, sources said. Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University, said these new additions were not a threat to traditional mooncakes.

According to online shopping site taobao.com, traditional Cantonese-style mooncakes remain the top item sold by renowned bakery Daoxiangcun, which, this year, has sold more than 400,000 sets nationwide. Chocolate-filled mooncakes have raked up sales of about 80,000 sets, according to Taobao. The appearance of mooncakes has also changed over the years in response to competition and the need to “stand out”.

SHAWARMA CHICKEN Ingredients For Four Wraps: • 300g chicken breast For Marination: • 150g plain yoghurt • 2tsp freshly ground cardamom • 2tbsp chopped garlic • 1tbsp lime juice • Salt and pepper Other Ingredients: • 4 pita bread • Chopped onion • Chopped parsley • Hummus Preparation • Place the chicken breast between two cling films and beat to make it thin.

Marinate with all the above ingredients and sauté in pan with hot oil, till cooked.

Flavoured Coconut Milk Launched in Kerala, India

GARLICKY TAHINI SAUCE Ingredients • 1/2 cup greek yoghurt • 2tbsp tahini • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice • 1/4tsp salt • 1 garlic clove mince Preparation • In a blender place all the ingredients together and blend till everything is combined.

BAKED POTATO CHIPS Ingredients • 750g potatoes • 1tbsp of oil • Salt and pepper Preparation • Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut in 1cm thick sticks.

Blanch in a large pan of boiling water for 3-4 minutes.

Then drain well.

• Spread the potatoes on a roasting tray, drizzle the oil, sprinkle salt and pepper.

Mix with hands.

• Then roast for 15- 20 minutes.

• Turn them in between once.

• To serve, wrap the chicken in grilled pita bread, top with baked potato chips, the special sauce, chopped onion, parsley, and hummus.

Pallavi Nigam Pallavi Nigam completed her culinary education at ICIF in Italy and worked as a chef for Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. She is now based in Muscat where she writes recipes and takes cooking classes.

Contact her: pallavi_nigam@hotmail.com twitter @pallavizza pallavizza.com

Photo: A.R. Rajkumar

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State-run Coconut Development Board (CDB) in Kerala, India launched flavoured coconut milk in pistachio, rose and chocolate flavours. The CDB said coconut milk was lactosefree unlike regular milk.

It announced that other flavours like coffee and almond would be launched soon. The flavoured milk has been developed by the CDB Institute of Technology in Aluva and will be available in attractive glass bottles, tetrapacks and pet bottles. In a statement issued, the CDB said coconut milk was a healthy, vegan and environmentfriendly alternative to dairy milk, and has several nutritional advantages and serves as a superior source of essential nutrients. This new product has also been identified as a rich source of iron and copper and is low in sugar. -IANS

KITCHEN CALAMITIES

Make a Perfect Hardboiled Egg

The first lesson on cooking starts with boiling eggs. While making hardboiled eggs is the easiest thing to do there are a few common mistakes we often make.

1 If the vessel is small and the eggs are all crammed up in the pot then while boiling the eggs will not get cooked evenly and might crack in the process. Remember to have them in a single layer and not to put them on top of each other.

2 Don’t put the eggs straight into the boiling water. Both water and eggs should be at room temperature. Boil them at same temperature and prevent them from cracking.

3 At times we put eggs for boiling and leave it till the water dries. The yolk of overcooked hard-boiled eggs

turns greyish and becomes rubbery.

It takes almost 10 minutes to have a perfect hard-boiled egg. Don’t boil them for a longer time.

4 As soon as the eggs get boiled drain the hot water and add cold water to it. This helps separate the egg shells easily making it easy to peel.

Struggling with a kitchen calamity of your own? Want advice?

Share your horror stories and your cooking tips with swati@timesofoman.com

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

C9

LIFESTYLE

Kerala’s Favourite Stew In the southern state of Kerala in India, stews are made in a variety of ways, especially with mutton along with vegetables, and eaten with rice, appams, paranthas, or freshly baked bread. The two key ingredients, however, in all the recipes are coconut milk and curry leaves. Here’s one popular mutton stew, with a coconut milk base, resembling moonlight in an earthen pot. By Hubert Vaz

Photo: Ali Jani

Two medium-sized carrots, cut into one-cm thick circles, and steamed for 2-3 minutes • 1/2 tsp freshly powdered black pepper

•

Ingredients • 750g mutton • 3 small sticks of cinnamon • 4 cardamoms • 5 cloves • 2 tbsp cooking oil • 1 small onion, sliced • 5-6 curry leaves • Blend: 6 green chillies, 2 inch piece ginger, and 8-10 cashew nuts with a little water into a smooth paste.

• Juice of one medium sized lemon • Salt to taste • 2 cups (400ml) thick coconut milk • Two medium-sized potatoes boiled and cut into four pieces

Preparation Boil mutton with 4-5 cups of water, half tsp salt, cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon on slow fire until cooked but firm enough. Strain out the spices and separate the stock and pieces of mutton.

• In a wide mouthed pan (preferably earthen pot), heat the oil, add the sliced onion and fry till golden. Now add the curry leaves followed by the blended puree of ginger, green chillies, and cashew •

nuts and cook for 2-3 minutes on slow fire.

• Slightly increase the flame and add the mutton stock (with the spices strained out) and lemon juice, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

• Reduce flame and add the two cups of coconut milk, the mutton pieces, and potato and carrot pieces.

• Add the pepper powder, stir slowly, and continue cooking on very slow fire for 10-15 minutes with a lid on.

Expert tip: Never increase the flame after adding the coconut milk to prevent the gravy from curdling up.

Stews Around The World

Irish Lamb Stew Irish stew is prepared with lamb or beef plus root vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, turnips, and a bouquet of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaf ) for flavour.

The gravy (broth without the froth) is thickened with a roux made of flour and butter. Chopped parsley, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and crushed pepper is added for flavour.

KERALA MUTTON STEW

American Beef Stew

Korean Jjigae Koreans prepare stew in a variety of ways and every kitchen has its own recipe. However, the most popular communal Korean stew is made with whatever’s in season, be it meat, seafood or vegetables. The broth of meat and veggies, often seasoned with fermented chilli paste and served piping hot, is a staple in most Korean homes.

Vietnamese Bo Kho Moroccan Tajine This spicy Moroccan stew has been named so because of the earthen pot it is cooked in. It is typically made with meat (beef or lamb), vegetables, olives, and fruits like plums, dates, which render an offbeat sweet and sour taste to the stew.

Spanish Marmitako Philippines Beef Stew

Hungarian Goulash

In the Philippines, stew is commonly made with tender beef along with carrots, potatoes, onions and seasoned with paprika, black pepper, and garlic. Diluted corn starch is often used to thicken the broth.

The goulash dates back to the 9th century, even before Hungary was established. This stew, traditionally made with calf muscle and vegetables and seasoned with paprika, is now the country’s national dish.

In Spain, Marmitako was a traditionally prepared tuna stew, eaten by fishermen during fishing expeditions in the Cantabrian Sea. Current day recipes include ingredients like potatoes, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, while Asian influences bring in chilli and ginger, as well.

In Vietnam, beef stew is known as Bo Kho and is typically prepared in a clay pot.

The stew is flavoured with a sweet sauce and a pungent fish sauce. Modern day Bo Kho has had many variations and includes carrots, potatoes, and spices like star anise.

Pieces of lean meat are coated in flour before being sautéed in oil and boiled for about 3-4 hours on slow fire, with carrots, potatoes, green beans, and celery added halfway. The broth is seasoned with herbs.

Fresh lemon juice, crushed black pepper, dried oregano, and diced tomatoes are added for a tangy taste.

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

C10

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

PRAYER TIMINGS

@MGM

Pay the Ghost – 2D (Horror, Thriller) (15+) 10:00, 11:55PM Tale of Tales – 2D (Fantasy, Romance) (12+) Cast: Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel 6:45PM Kiss Kisko Pyaar Karoo– 2D (Romantic) 9:15PM (PG) Kunji Ramayanam – 2D (Comedy) (PG) 8:00PM

@SOHAR

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Sicario (Action, Crime)(12+)(2D) Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro 12:00 pm /07:00 pm /09:30 pm /11:55 pm The Visit (Comedy, Horror) (15+) Cast : Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould 2:30 pm /11:45 pm The Intern (Comedy)(PG12) Cast : Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro 12:15 pm /03:45 pm /07:45 pm Hotel Transylvania 2 (Animation)(3D)PG Cast : Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg 12:15 pm /06:00 pm Hotel Transylvania 2 (Animation) (3D)PG 2:00 pm Pay The Ghost (Horror,Thriller) (15+) Cast : Nicolas Cage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Alex Mallari Jr. 5:00 pm /10:00 pm /11:45 pm The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials (Action) Cast : Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario 4:30 pm /09:15 pm (PG12)(3D) Everest (Adventure, Drama)(PG)(3D/IMAX) Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 2:30 pm /07:00 pm Everest (Adventure, Drama)(PG)(2D) 7:00 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials: 3D (Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie 03:15, 11:45 PM Gold Class: 06:30 PM Sicario (Action, Crime, Drama) (12+) Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro 12:15, 07:45, 11:55 PM Gold Class: 02:00, 09:00, 11:15 PM Moomins on the Riviera : 2D (Animation) Cast: Maria Sid, Mats Langbacka (PG) 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM Everest : 3D (Adventure, Drama, Thriller) (PG)

THE INTERN (Comedy) (PG12) Cast : Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro, Rene Russo Timings : 12:15, 3:45, 7:45 pm

SICARIO (Action, Crime) (12+) Cast : Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro Timings : 12:15, 7:45, 11:55 PM Gold Class: 2:00, 9:00, 11:15 PM

Cast : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 4:45 PM Hotel Transylvania-2 : 3D (Animation) (PG) 10:00, 11:45 AM, 02:30 PM Gold Class: 12:15 PM Calendar Girls (Hindi) : 2D (Drama) (15+) Cast : Akanksha Puri, Ruhi Singh, Kyra Dutt 9:30 PM Pay the Ghost : 2D (Horror, Thriller ) (15+) Cast : Nicolas Cage, Sarah Wayne Callies 5:45, 10:00 PM The Intern: 2D (Comedy ) (PG12) Cast : Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro 7:00 PM; Gold Class: 04:15 PM

Jawani Phir Nahi Aani (Comedy) – 12+ Cast: Humayun Saeed, Javed Sheikh, Mehwish Hayat 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM Screen 3 Calendar Girls (Drama) – 15+ Cast: Akanksha Puri, Avani Modi, Kyra Dutt, Ruhi Singh, Satarupa Pyn, Suhel Seth, Ronit Roy 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM SOHAR Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials - 3D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Cast : Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario 4:30, 11:45 PM Pay the Ghost - 2D (15+)Horror | Thriller Cast : Nicolas Cage, Sarah Wayne Callies 2:45, 10:00, 11:55 PM Ahwak - 2D (Arb) (TBC) Drama 6:45 PM The Intern - 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast: Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro 12:30, 04:30 , 07:20 PM Hotel Transsylvania 2 - 2D (PG) Animation| 2:45 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (Comedy) – PG Cast: Kapil Sharma, Elli Avram, Simran Kaur Mundi, Manjari Phadnis, Arbaaz Khan 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2

Hotel Transsylvania 2 - 3D (PG) Animation| 01:00, 05:45 PM Sicario - 2D (12+) Action|Crime| Drama Cast : Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin 12:30, 02:45, 07:00, 09:15, 11:30 PM Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon - 2D (PG) Comedy Cast : Kapil Sharma, Elli Avram, Simran Kaur 12:15 , 07:30 , 11:15 PM Calendar Girls- 2D (TBC) Drama Cast : Akanksha Puri, Ruhi Singh, Kyra Dutt 03:00, 9:30 PM Kunji Ramayanam - 2D (M) (PG) Comedy Cast : Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aju Varghese 9:00 PM Trisha Illana Nayanthara- 2D (T) Romantic Cast : G. V. Prakash Kumar, Anandhi, Manisha 5:00 PM (PG) BURAIMI Sicario 2D (Action, Drama, Crime) (12+) 7:00, 9:15, 11:30PM Maze Runner: The Scroch Trails - 3D 4:45, 11:30PM (Action, Sci-FI, Thriller) (PG12) Everest – 3D (Adventure) (PG) 4:30PM Hotel Transylvania 2 – 3D (Animation) (PG) 4:30, 6:15PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

35 27

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

40-90%

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

ANSHUK September 28, 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

LISTINGS

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

NEHAN AHMED K. September 29, 2011

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Kunji Ramayanam (Mal) (Dram/Com) 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm At Cinema Main Cast: Vineet Srinivasan, Aju Vargees Trisha Illana Nayanthara (Tamil) (Act/Com) 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema-3 Cast: G.v Prakash Kumar, Anandi Subramanyam (Telugu) (Act/Rom) 3-30 & 6-30 Pm Cinema-2 Maya (Tamil) (Horror) 6-45 Pm At Cinema-4 ; 9-30 Cinema -2 Utopiayile Rjavu (Mal) (Drama/Com) 3-45 & 9-45 Pm At Cinema-4 NEXT CHANGE: Pulli (Tamil) Rajni Murugan (Tamil) Singh Is Bling (Hindi) Programmes are subject to change

Minimum

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

STAR CINEMA

ZOYA MUJAHID SURVE September 29, 2012

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

SALALAH Pay the Ghost (2D) (15+) (Horror/Thriller) 12:30/10:10/11:55PM Everest (3D) (PG) (Adventure 2:15PM Hotel Transylvania 2 (3D)(PG) (Animation) 10:00AM/02:00/3:45PM Sicario (2D) (12+) (Action/Crime/Drama) 10:15AM/07:00/09:15/ 11:45 PM The Intern (2D) (PG12) (Comedy) 11:45AM/5:30PM Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (3D) 4:30/11:30PM (PG12) Kiss Kisko Pyaar Karoo (2D) (PG) 10:45AM/ 07:45PM The Visit (2D) (15+) (Fantasy/Romance) 1:15/ 10:00PM Ahwak (2D) (PG12) (Arabic) (Comedy) Cast: Tamer Hosny, Ghada Adel, Mahmoud 5:30PM Tale of Tales (2D) (12+)( Fantasy/Romance) 3:00PM Kunju Ramayanam (2D) (PG) (Mal)(Comedy) 7:45PM

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

The Visit (Comedy/Horror) Cast: Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan 12.00, 2.15, 6.15 & 10.00 p.m.

CP No: 2445 ( 15+) Pay The Ghost (Thriller) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Alex Mallari Jr. 8.00, 10.15 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2446 (15+) The Intern (Comedy ) Cast: Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro, Nat Wolff 12.00, 1.45 & 8.00 pm CP No: 2447 ( PG 12) Ahwak (Arabic) (Comedy) Cast: Tamer Housney, Ghada Adel, Mahmoud Heimeida, Amal Rizki 5.45 pm CP No: 2451 (PG 12) Everest (Adventure/Drama/Thriller) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Elizebeth Debicki, Keira Knightly 4.00 pm CP No: 2434 (PG) The Deadlands (Action) Cast: James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare, Te kohe Tuhaka 4:00, 11.55 pm CP No: 2435 (15+)

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SUR Sicario (Action | Crime | Drama) (12+) 4:45, 07:00, 11:45 PM Maze Runner : the Scorch Trails (3D) (Action) 8:15 PM (PG12) Hotel Transylvania (3D) (Animation) (PG) 4:15 PM Kunji Ramayanam (Mal)(Family) (PG) 10:45 PM Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (Hindi) (Romance) 9:15 PM (PG) Everest (3D) (Adventure ) (PG) 6:00 PM

KIS KISKO PYAAR KAROON - 2D (PG) Cast: Kapil Sharma, Elli Avram, Simran Kaur Mundi, Manjari Phadnis, Arbaaz Khan Timings : 12:15, 7:30, 11:15 PM

CALENDAR GIRLS (DRAMA) – 15+ Cast: Akanksha Puri, Avani Modi, Kyra Dutt, Ruhi Singh, Satarupa Pyn, Suhel Seth, Ronit Roy Timings: 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

Cast – Nicolas Cage, Sarah Callies, Veronica 2:15, 11:45 PM Hotel Transsylvania 2 – 2D (PG) Animation, Cast – Selena Gomez, Adam Sandler 2:00 PM Hotel Transsylvania 2 – 3D (PG) Animation 3:30, 05:10 PM Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon – 2D (PG) Cast: Kapil Sharma. Elli Avram, Simran Kaur 2:00, 06:45, 09:15 PM (Romantic) Calendar Girls – 2D (TBC) Hindi, Drama Cast: Kyra Dutt, Akanksha Puri, Avani Modi 6:45, 09:00 PM Kunji Ramayanam – 2D (PG) Comedy Cast: Vineeth Shrinivasan, Aju Verghese 4:30, 09:30 PM Trisha Illana Nayanthara - 2D (PG) Comedy Cast: GV Prakash Kumar, Anandhi 7:00 PM

AZAIBA Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials – 3D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Cast - Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie 4:30, 11:55 PM Everest – 3D (PG) Adventure, Drama, Thriller Cast - Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa 2:15, 11:30 PM Sicario – 2D (12+) Action, Crime, Drama Cast – Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin 4:00, 06:15, 10:45 PM Pay The Ghost - 2D (15+) Horror, Thriller

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.02pm 3.27pm 6.02pm 7.12pm 4.43am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@SHATTI

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

C11

LIFESTYLE OW KN UR YO ICE SP

Coriander Seeds WHAT’S IT? Coriander seeds are an important spice and known for its fragrant flavours. They are available throughout the year and are used as seeds or in powdered form. It has a lemony flavour and is used mostly in Indian curries.

HISTORY Coriander is one of the oldest of herbs and spices. It is native to regions spanning from southern Europe and northern Africa to southwestern Asia. The fruit of the coriander plant contains two seeds which, when dried, are the portions used as the dried spice.

CULINARY USES Roasted coriander seeds when powdered gives a good flavour when added to curries. This is an important ingredient in Indian spice mixtures like garam masala, sambhar powder, curry powder, and more. It is also used in pickling vegetables. In Germany and South Africa the seeds are used while making sausages. It is also added to soups and broths.

FOOD NOTE

China’s salamander eating festival kicks off The Chinese city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province on Thursday kick-started its endangered giant salamander eating festival with foodies attending the event from all across the country. “Drink giant salamander tea and live long!” one peddler was shouting as he hawked tea and noodles made from pulverised giant salamanders, which can live for 200 years, Xinhua news agency reported.

Other sellers boasted snacks capable of increasing pregnancy rates. The festival will host a chef competition during which they will demonstrate the most scrumptious ways of cooking the amphibian.

Giant salamanders, the world’s largest existing amphibian, is placed under state protection in China, but the country’s wildlife protection law allows consumption of the second generations of those born and raised in captivity.

Due to health benefits, the meat

of this amphibian comes at exorbitant prices. In Guangdong province, a giant salamander dish can cost more than 5,000 yuan ($780).

Zhangjiajie, known for its scenic mountains and being “China’s home to giant salamanders,” has 108 companies licensed for rearing such animals and 85 others engaged in related food

processing or dining.

Local officials said all salamander meat used is from legal farms. “Giant salamander farming, which requires clean water, actually drives locals to protect the environment,” said Liu Qun, a senior city official.

“The industry also helps lift locals out of poverty.” -IANS

SELECT & STORE Select seeds that are clean, dried, and having a good aroma. Don’t buy seeds that are black. For coriander powder, try to use freshly ground powder as stored coriander powder loses its flavour very quickly. Store it in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Coriander seeds remain fresh for almost a year. swati@timesofoman.com

C1 2

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

C AU L I F L OW E R This versatile vegetable can be used in many new ways in a wide range of dishes.

Found in white, green, orange, and purple, cauliflower can be roasted, mashed, pickled, sauteed, and pureed. What more can we ask for?

E ONDIENT RE G IN

AYS EW

FIV

2

1

3

ROAST IT

MASH IT

PICKLE IT

Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay the florets on a baking sheet and roast at 200 degrees C for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Steam the florets until tender.

Then puree with milk, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Can be served with chicken roast or grilled meat.

Pickle cauliflower florets in a vinegar brine. Add hot peppers for a spicy flavour.

4

5

DIP IT

PUREE IT

Blend roasted cauliflower with yoghurt. Add paprika and garlic powder to make a healthy dip.

Chill for an hour and serve with fresh veggies.

Take pureed cauliflower and substitute it for cream in soups for a healthy option.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

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CARGO

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*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

New 1/2 B/R RES/ Comm. flats near Medical College Bausher directly from owner. contact: 92158031 2BHK flats & shops available for rent at Honda road in a brand new building (dish & split A/C provided in flats). Contact: 91165807 / 92976611 Shops for rent at City Seasons hotel Al Khuwair. Contact: 24394800 Small office space for rent near Ruwi Mosque & Badr Hospital. Contact : 99512270 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near Indian Primary School 2B and 1k.

Contact : 92222922 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 Single room available for Executive bachelor near Zakhar mall behind Kamat Restaurant. contact 94271085 Villas and flats for rent.

Contact: 99120014. www.dreamhomesoman.com Deluxe 3 BHK Penthouse with Seaview, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. contact 9772 1313 / 95070421 For rent : showroom / storage space available (area 290 SQM, 6M height) facing Al Mina street, Jibroo.

Contact: 99360631 / 96760819 Villa in Bausher 36 for Rent : Mordent design, Mordent decorations with spot lights, 4 bedrooms, 6 balconies, Kitchen, Store, 6 toilets, full marble, full split unit. contact 94009600 New Building in Mutrah, 2 B/D Room Flat + Setting Room,3 Baths+ Kitchen with split unit Ac’s. Behind Khimiji’s main office/opposite to Oman House Call 99419712

Room Al Khuwair R.O 120/-.

Contact : 97799175 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 1,2 BHK Darsait. Contact : 97799175 2BHK Ghubra RO 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 1BHK Ghubra R.O 275/-.

Contact : 97799175 2 BHK Wadi Kabeer R.O 300/-.

Contact : 97799175 Flat for rent, 2 bedrooms, 1 sitting room, 3 toilets next to Al Hassan Company in W/K. Contact: 99210008 2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 3 & 4 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 100 & 700 sqr mtrs office space in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 2 BHK flat in Rex Road (Ruwi).

Contact 99792181 Wadi Kabir, 2 Bed Room Flat with sitting Room, 2 Bath Rooms+ Kitchen. Opposite to Kuwaiti Mosque.

Close to Indian school.

Call 99419712/99261628 Twin villa with basement for rent AL Khuwair 25. Contact: 99359988 House for rent 4BR family hall, fitting room, dining room, kitchen, store with A/C & satellite reception at Mawaleh south , behind Sultan discount center rent R.O 550/-.

Contact: 93653311 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact: 91214849/ 99364735

Available furnished meeting hall for seminars on a hourly, daily, monthly, yearly basis. please contact 93203773 : Email: mbdeast@gmail.com VILLA IN AZAIBA – Four Bed Room Villa, near Well Roundabout & Umm Al Qura Mosque. Available for sharing also. Call 92887809 / 98048207.

Villa for rent - Al Seeb/Al Mawelah - Block 5 - 4 bedrooms with attached bathrooms , Majlis, 2 halls, kitchen and storeroom. split Ac and carpark - Contact 99564616 / 99498448

02 BHK Commercial / residential (with Split A/C) flat at Honda road.

Contact : 99342733 / 99795241 2 BHK residential flat opposite to AL Nadha Hospital. Contact : 99342733 / 99795241 500/1000 sqm industrial land with compound wall at Misfah behind Oman Oil filling Station. Contact : 99342733 / 99795241 New deluxe villas at Madinat Qaboos. Contact: 99369081 1,2 BHK flats in Wadi Al Kabeer.

Contact: 99369081

Fully Furnished 2BHK Apartments available at Bareeq Al Shatti.

Contact 92888063

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

2BHK with split AC near PDO Gate No.2 Qurum available for immediate renting. Contact : 94057023

2BHK, 2 Baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer towards Al bustan, Near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004802

2 BHK with split AC Al Khuwair -33 for residential & commercial use.

Contact : 94057023 Rooms for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis Hotel with AC. Contact: 95124975

Spacious 2BHK with attached bathroom near Lulu Wadikabir. Rent – OMR 280/=. Contact 98759576 or 95822833 2 bedroom villa in Sidab.

Contact: 95755953 / 95555162

Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details please contact: 91214849 / 99364735

1BHK Ruwi & 3BHK Bosher.

Contact: 99024730

New flats for rent in Darsait Al Sahal. Contact: 99777351

2BHK new Amerat with AC 230/R.O. Contact: 99024730

Flats, shops for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz area. Contact 97293708

2BHK close to Indian school kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/-, 1BHK R.O 250/-. #99476728 / 98484415

3BHK flat Darsait Near I.D card Medical 450/- R.O. Contact: 99358589 / 95570288

1bedroom attached, toilet & kitchen in AL Khuwair R.O 140/-. #95154331

1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya, Al Khoud and Mabela and shop at Al Khoud land line. Contact : 24834644 GSM 93994401/ 02/ 03, 3 lines

3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839.

Contact: 99253125 2BHK close to Indian School Kindergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-.

Contact: 99476728 / 98484415 1BHK R.O 225/- close to Indian Nursery, Darsait. Contact: 99476728 / 98484415

Commercial cum residential new building looking for one company, location Muttrah near Police Station.

For more details contact: 99364735 / 95729711

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabeer (2 bedrooms, 1 Majlis, 3 toilets, 1 Kitchen & hall. Contact: 95562646

Twin villa 6BR hall, kitchen at Al Ansab-2. Contact: 99747560 / 99444786

Villa for rent in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 95562646 / 94059333

Room with A.C at AL Khuwair R.O 120/-. Contact: 97799175

Fully furnished luxury 2 bedroom flat for rent at Ghala for short or long term basis. # 99886386/ 99881653

1BHK flat with A/C AL Khuwair 250/- R.O. #99358589 / 95570288

1, 2 BHK in Azaiba. Contact: 99385835 / 99428143 Big room bathroom attached with kitchen near Riyam Park Muscat RO 100. Contact: 95094028 1000 sq mtrs Industrial land in Ghala suitable for ware house workshop etc. Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 2bed room flat at Al Khoudh Commercial Street Souq. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 One Bed room flat with full furniture available at ruwi high street, Rent RO 200. Furniture cost RO 350. Contact 99445675.

3500 sqr mtrs open Industrial land for rent in Rusail. Contact 99792181 1000 sqr mtrs store in Mabela industrial area. Contact 99792181

New flats for rent in Darsait, Al Sahal. # 99311525 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details pleas.

Contact: 91214849 / 95729711 Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563 1 & 2 bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact: 97677170 Villa for rent: 6 bed rooms, 1 sitting room, 2 halls, 1 kitchen and 1 pantry.

Al Mawaleh South phase 3 close to Al Sahwah roundabout, first line behind Amwag perfume factory.

Contact - 99360366

New 1 & @2 Bhk Flat in CBD opposit Al maya supermarket. #99792181

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624

3BHK , 3bathrooms , 2balconys NRAL Hassan W/ Kabir R.O 320/-.

Contact: 99384640

1 BHK flat in Ruwi ( Honda Road).

Contact 99792181

1BHK flats available for rent in CBD area. Contact: 98116480

Shops for rent in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 99888390

2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

Flat for rent in Hamriya. #99341112

T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

AFFORDABLE QUALIFIED STAFF AVAILABLE: EŽ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƐĐƌƵƟŶŝnjĞ ƐƚĂī ĂŵŽŶŐ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ͍ EĞĞĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƚĂī Ăƚ ĂŶ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚ͍ tĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ŵĂŶƉŽǁĞƌ ĂŐĞŶĐLJ ǁŚŽ ŚĞĂĚͲŚƵŶƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂī ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶLJ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͊ tĞ ƐĐƌĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƐĞǀĞƌĂůůLJ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ŐĞƚ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ ǁŚLJ ƚŽƉ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌƐ ƉƌĞĨĞƌ ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƐƚĂĸŶŐ͊

Hurry and call this number now!

95967902 UNIVERSAL SCRAP BUYERS AT AMAZING PRICES Convert ANY type of Scrap into Money by selling us the scrap Great prices are guaranteed for our clients!

Call this number now for urgent response -

96059470

FOR SALE

Furnished room available in Ruwi for bachelor. Contact: 93086584

Shop for sale in CBD area prime location G. Floor + mezzanine low rent.

Contact: 90112434

Single exclusive room available for Executive bachelor furnished separate toilet, kitchen sharing Wadi Kabir behind Golden Oasis hotel.

Contact: 99335145

Building material shop for sale at Misfah near Oman Cement factory.

Contact : 99617464 / 95961577 Computer training centre for sale. contact 94412557 Ladies parlor for sale at Ansab.

Contact: 98806430 Ice Cream & juices shop in Ruwi good location for sale suitable for beauty parlor also. Contact: 92150455 Shop for sale at Ruwi High street inside. Contact 96023492 For sale land in Amerat 3000 Sq.mt with petrol pump permission.

Contact 99323957 / 92702891

AVAILABLE Vegetable & fruit counter in grocery store in Saham available. Contact: 93006562 / 99417418 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

91494149

*Kindly note that the scrap should be 50 tons onwards

ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚͲƟŵĞ ŽīĞƌ ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͊​͊​͊

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

GOOD NEWS

ACC. AVAILABLE

Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

Used air condition. Contact : 97093793

CLASSY, CREATIVE AND AFFORDABLE INTERIOR DESIGN 'Ğƚ ĐƵƐƚŽŵŝnjĞĚ͕ &ŝƫŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŽƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶƐ ŵĂĚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚ͘ Our professionals give YOU: ͻ ƵƚŽ ĂĚ >ĂLJŽƵƚ ͻ D W ƌĂǁŝŶŐƐ ͻ Ϯ ĂŶĚ ϯ ĚƌĂǁŝŶŐ ͻ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ŽŶĐĞƉƚ ĞƐŝŐŶ Hurry now and call this number

2BHK available for office Ghubra.

Contact: 99269751

Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870 We will register LLC trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

CLASSES

Single room, bath Darsait R.O 140/-.

Contact: 93289652

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 massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909

Sharing accommodation for Indian family Ruwi high street. Contact : 99895616

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Large room furnished sep / entrance Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99336206 A big room in available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact: 99495131

Ayurvedic Treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis , IDEAL CARE Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba Contact: 99639695 / 98342990

3 BHK Fully Furnished Villa for (Family or executive bachelors) at South Al Mawaleh (Behind Seeb City Center). Gsm 92494923 Room for rent with sharing bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair, behind Golden Spoon Restaurant.

Contact 92994415

Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at Al Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

COMPUTER

DRIVING

Semi furnished separate room for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghubra round about. Contact: 94263390 Furnished room (for Ladies)with attached bath separate entrance in Mabela. Contact :99634841

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

FOR HIRE

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for rent available in a flat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba behind AL Meera Market with attached bath with cot & A/c, rent RO 175/- per month including water & Electricity.

Contact 96404166 / 97433992

Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

LOST Want regular financing for profitable small projects. Contact : 92162623

Rafaqat Ali has lost Pakistani passport No WW 1790971. Finder please handover to ROP.

MATRIMONIAL

Jenaah Al Naser Al Dhaabi for Trad ASSO company which is recorded under the commercial register number 1040887 in the treading & industry Al Batinah is going to change its legaly shape from ASSO company to Joint company And in accordance with Article 13 of the Commercial Companies Law No. 4/74 . And change name to Taaj Soahr Al Momayaz for consturution joint company . This is to inform any body who concerns about that to 2 months from the date publishing this advertising.

RC, Keralite ( Kottayam) male, 27 yrs, Civil Engineer, working in Muscat from decent family looking for suitable alliance.

Contact : 95035953

Declaration of converting the legal form Radiance Trading and Contracting solidarity announces useful commercial register images under number (1019903) It’s in the process of converting the form of a company of solidarity to the limited company liarits in accordance with Article 13 bis 2 of the commercial companies law No. 74/4 , as amended , and modify its trade name to Radiance Modern Trading & Contracting LCC and therefore all of his objection to that he has to submit the reasons for his objection to the department of Trade and Industry South Eastern province within two months from the date of publication of this announcement.

SITUATION WANTM.V. FOR SALE ED

NRI Trailor with driver for hire. Contact: 92303774 Bobcat Grader and roller for rent.

Contact: 94584688

Two bed rooms with 2 toilets and sharing, Kitchen available near Al Falaj hotel. Contact: 90269652

NOTICE

Plot for sale 10 cent plot facing the lake for sale in Kollam town, 2 km away from Mulangadakam temple.

Please contact: 00968 91271516 Old Goan Portuguese house for sale location Parra Bardez North Goa build-up area 150 sq mtr Total area 400 sq mtr price 1.85 CR negotiable India. Contact: 919225903788 Oman.

Contact: 93277007 (call after 7 pm) Brand new 3 bedroom flat in Ernakulam Vytila Bus terminal, 1500 sq ft, ready to occupy. Contact 96947652

31 years RC boy, M. Com MBA - working in Sohar - Seeks alliance from Christian families Contact 94219830 Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

Toyota YARIS. Model 2008. KM 69000. Expat driven, All services at Toyota. Very clean. Rate: 2900.

Contact 99445675.

Mitsubishi 10 ton Truck 2006 model company body, registration valid till May 2016 for sale.

Contact: 95150329 Toyota Yaris (Hatchback) - White, 2008, fully automatic, Expat used.

9206 6523 Mitsubishi Pajero 2006 model Automatic, 1,22,000 km, insurance + registration valid till August 2016 black, well serviced, good condition, OMR 2,800/-.

Contact: 94515102 Lexus GX 460, 2013.

Contact : 99336093 Kia Cerato 2014 Model for sale 1300 kms Under agency warrenty and service.

Contact: 99634841 *Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D4

T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

ADMIN

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Omani Receptionist required receptionist, well presented with excellent communications skills and telephone manner, fluent in Arabic and English required for Ruwi office. Candidates should be familiar with MS English and Arabic office suite. Send CV and covering email to mj-co@omantel.net.om

Accounting B.Com male Diploma in computerized professional Accounting, professional & manual accounting, 25 yrs, Indian, 25 yrs, Keralite, India. Contact: 0091 9746838659 Email: jijesh567@gmail.com Finance Manager 26 years experience including 22 years Oman with NOC. # 91302906 / 91335205

ACCOUNTANT Wanted Accountant for an insurance brokerage office. Interested please send CV on fax: 24601729

EDUCATION

SALES / MARKETING

BEAUTICIAN Urgently required experienced Beautician. Contact 96616731 or send CV to pbm.ibra@gmail.com

CATERING Cooks & helpers for café.

Contact: 95529970 Restaurant Staff urgently required Tandoor roti maker, waiter/ helper required in restaurant in Saham.

Contact : 98029701 / 95821905 Required Catering Supervisor, Chef, Asst. Cook & Chapathi makers for a catering Company in interior area. Apply with NOC. SMS : 99242984

DESIGNER Required Graphic Designer (minimum 2 years experience) Client Service Executive with Omani license (minimum 2 years experience) visa available. Contact: 96727631 send CV to dollydhian@gmail.com

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Urgently required a Indian Diploma Civil Engineer with 1-2 years of experience and should valid G.C.C driving license. Email: smtcoman@ gmail.com Urgently Required: MEP EngineerDegree holder and with 7 years experience in building construction, MUST have NOC and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Biomedical Engineer is required, preferably with Oman exp.

Contact: 99337840 Reputed metal fabrication company seeks fabrication supervisor, structural steel fabricator, Machine maintenance Technician and Electrician. Contact: 99102383 Email: hr@khancogroup.com A Mechanical Engineer with salesmanship experience of 5 years & above preferable with Oman drivers license and NOC. Please forward your CV to almaadhi.trd@gmail.com

DRIVER Required heavy duty truck driver holding Omani driving license w/ 5 years experience please #92001111 Driver with Oman driving licence needed. Visa available. #94288863 Looking for an experienced house driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may Contact: 96203333

DRAUGHTSMAN A leading Construction Company in Muscat urgently requires Draughtsman (Civil).

Send CV : hr.azatllc@gmail.com or call 99344279

EDUCATION A private School looking for an English teacher, preferable (Philipino - Jordanian) Nationality for more information. Contact: 98982088

Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700 A well – known private School require English, Mathematics, Science, Computer and KG Teachers. Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently needed female Dermatologist with minimum 5 yrs experience. Send CV : elixirhealthcenter@yahoo.com P.S. details of salary and benefits will be sent after submitting the CV Looking for pharmacist with a valid MOH license to work in Bidbid. Send CV to abumustafaclinic@gmail.com Required urgently General Physician Gynecology, Pharmacist, LAB Technicians staff nurse.

Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Wanted Nurse for dental centre in Mawaleh South & Qurum.

Contact 93431024, Email : drasyanaseem@gmail.com

Marketing Manager with Oman experience & driving license.

Contact: 95766844 Looking for qualified, good communication and computer skills candidate with experience for position of : Sales Manager to work in high-end window tinting business. Minimum academic requirements: bachelor’s degree and own a driving license.

Kindly email your CV to abdullah.alhinai86@gmail.com Required experienced Sales / Marketing Executives having light license. Send your CV ocean@omantel.net.om Required Sales Executive for Stationery Company with Oman driving license. Send Email: mipartjob@gmail.com Sales Executive : required urgently for an established Printing Press.

Minimum 3 years relevant experience and working knowledge of printing process is expected.

Contact 99354681

SKILLED LABOR Required Pharmacies with license, needed for clinic in Al Khoudh , Contact :+968 97696502 , mail CV to towershr70@gmail.com Wanted a Lab Technician with valid M.O.H license and N.O.C to work in a polyclinic. Salary R.O 450/- per month (package).Contact: 96493058 (2 pm to 4 pm).

Email: ap_sdsudhi@yahoo.com

MANAGER Required Sales Manager for a hotel supply company with minimum 5 years experience. #92035162

MISCELLANEOUS Required Salesman, Store keeper, Private driver, preferably with good experience and communication skills. Contact: 91408759 Email: hanaa.alritaj@gmail.com A leading Construction Company in Muscat urgently requires the following candidates: - 1) Electromechanical Supervisors 2) Electrical Foreman 3) Plumbing foreman 4) Electricians 5) Plumbers.

Send CV : hr.azatllc@gmail.com or call 99344279 Building material Salesman, Electrician cum Plumber & C.C.T.V Technician. Contact: 99383044

SALES / MARKETING Sales Incharge 5 years experience (Oman) language English, Arabic.

Contact: 24566813 Email: hammadhassan5786@gmail.com Sales man (Dairy) 2 years exp as a Sales man with FMCG in GCC , Location Muscat, Barka, Khaboura , Ibri, Izki & Al Kamil, key skills Salesman (Dairy) & Sales (Dairy) / business development. Contact: Ahmed Al Salami 96929227 Telephone: 26940215 Fax: 24811565 Email: ahmed.alsalmiy@unikai.com Looking for a Staff has experience in Oman in real estate and real estate valuation. Interested Contact: mobile: 99109094 Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com

Wanted urgently need two Tailors who can make curtains. Contact: 98962888

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Fresher 24 years B.Com Graduate, Tally 7.2 & ERP9, looking for a suitable placements in Accounts.

Contact: 97219505 Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email :ibfc.gcc@gmail. com Indian male, 34 years MBA finance, having 9 years experience, looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa. Contact: 92914869 Email: noblev1982@gmail.com Indian female 28 years M.Com, Accountant having 6 years experience in Accounts, finalization, Tally currently on visit visa. Contact : 95595083 Email: merlinfernandes16@yahoo.in Part time accountant, senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, up to finalization. contact.95254864 Indian male 23 yrs B.com having 3 yrs accounts exp in India looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa. Contact :94131842 / 93516968, Email: jithujithin05@ gmail.com Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer – MSQ to AL Hail).

Contact: 95694737 Srilankan male, 5 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant. NOC available. seeking suitable opportunities.

Contact 00968 95522109 ACCA finalist, Recent B.Com Graduate, Indian female, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Audit. +968 96964379, sangeethaumesh5@gmail.com

Accountant Indian female on visit visa, degree B.Com exp Tally ERP-9 finalization of Accounts, Tax Accounting, Stock maintenance, pay roll, etc. Contact : 91551164 / 91175456, mk.jothipriya@gmail. com Chief Accountant, 12 years Oman experience looking for suitable position. Contact: 99513082 Accountant with 8 years U.A.E experience, on visit visa, looking for a job. Contact : 96166512 Senior Accountant 10 years experience, looking for accounts parttime works and finalization works.

Contact: 96247295

SITUATION WANTED CATERING

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Indian cook, Tandoori cook experience in Indian looking for a cook job in hotel, Restaurant. The candidate is in India (brother). Contact: 98744307

Mechatronics (Electrical, Mechanical) Engineer, 3 years of experience. Contact: 91234024 Email: ammar.r.elerris@gmail.com

DRIVER Driver looking for job. Contact: 92303744 Light driver Pakistani age 24 years.

Contact: 97106232

Accountant 7 Years Experience with D/L and NOC. #97712084

Indian driver with experience in Oman. Contact: 96255558

25 yrs female Indian with B.Com MBA looking out for a job in finance / marketing / HR field with a work experience of 1 year, 3 months at Bank Muscat & 7 months at India.

Contact: 94657403 / 95537261

Looking for driver job. Contact: 93650209

Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance.

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com Indian male, 27years, MCom, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position. Presently on visit visa.

Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian male BBA Graduate 12 years experience in Administration level 15 months exp in Oman having NOC available looking for suitable placement. Contact : 91458388 Indian female 24 years BE Electronics now in Oman visiting visa searching job for any Administrative Sectors telecommunicating, banking, teaching. Contact: 95935867 / 99536948 Email: anjujose011@gmail.com Indian Female MBA, 3 years experience in Admin MIS, family Visa. #98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com 14 years of gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian male 25 years MBA (HR) Now in Oman visiting visa searching job for Administration, HR Customer relation. Contact: 90196322 / 91049868 Email: nithinvarghese19@gmail.com Indian 17 yrs experience in Admin and have knowledge in Accounting seeks job. Have driving license and release. Contact : 99573353 Indian 24 years BCA MCITP having 2 years exp as system administrator looking suitable job. contact 94170892 Filipina, 10 yrs experience in Fashion Retail, Shipment, Logistics, Inventory, Warehouse Control and Store Management is seeking employment. Call +971565833126 or 97728418.

ARCHITECT Senior Architect, Indian male 15yrs exp. having DL& NOC, Looking for suitable position.

Contact: 97239313 Email: abdul_muq2000@yahoo.co.uk

Bangladesh 24 years, 2 years experience. Contact: 97806144 Light driver with car Hyundai Accent 2016. Contact : 94039796 Bangladeshi light driver (AG) 48) expe, 14 years, need job & visa have release paper transpire. #99165961 Driver. Contact: 95084826 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact: 96474528 Driver with car. Contact :91452930 Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Car with driver or without cat specially Companies.

Contact 97943750 / 97408900 Driver job wanted. #99343782 Light duty driver 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 92602182

DOMESTIC HELP Housemaid (exp 20 years) looking for English, family.

Contact: 99564133 / 96534195

DRAUGHTSMAN Indian Civil Auto cad Draftsman looking suitable placement 5 years experience. Contact: 97465102

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no- +971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com Automobile Engnr Indian with 7 yrs experience 2 yrs Toyota and 5 yrs Jaguar corporate experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact immediately: 93709706 currently on visit visa for 10 days only Civil Engineer Pakistani 12+2 years Oman experience D/L required placement. Contact: 94392616 Building site supervisor, since March 2010 in Oman with Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93061107 Mechanical Engineer (UK ) 28 years, male looking for suitable placement with valid Oman driving license having 3.5 years experience in Oman NOC available. Contact 968 97612297 immediate availability.

Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk

BE (Civil) Indian male with 20 years experience with reputed consultancy companies & working for one of the prestigious project of Muscat since 2008 seeks suitable position.

Contact: 92511428, Email: manoj_ t2000@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer, 24 having knowledge in HVAC looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibusman313@gmail. com Agriculture Engineer Egyptian in Oman available till 10th Oct experience 5 years. Contact: 90155723 Sudanese Telecom Engineer 5 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93391008 M.Tech BE civil 9 yrs experience Project Management Indian male (34 yrs) with NOC seeks suitable in construction industry. Contact : 99156291 / 95281545 (Whatsapp) 00919579666999 Email: kashidss@gmail.com HSE Engineer (Indian, 26 yrs), B.Tech Mechanical, Nebosh, 5 yrs experience in oil & gas construction.

Contact 94616721 Young Electrical Engineer looking for suitable placement. Having specialization in electronics.

Contact 99227861 Project Manager (Interior fitouts décor & MEP) B.E. Arch having 8 years experience looking for a suitable position in a reputed company.

Local release is available.

Contact: 91528851 B.E Arch with 8 years experience as 2 Project Manager in Interior fitouts décor & MEP works looking for suitable. Local release is available.

Contact: 91528851 Indian male diploma in Civil Engineering with 20 years experience in interior fitout with valid driving license NOC and local release available. Contact: 98048410 Professional Civil Engineer 25 yrs experience with N.O.C Management and Supervision with D/L. Contact: 97290338 Bangladeshi Diploma Civil Engineer 3 years experience in Bangladesh 2 years in Oman.

Contact: 93796905 / 97319361 Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. #91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Civil Engineer, Indian M 29 5yrs exp. having DL & NOC Looking for suitable position. Contact: 94576233 Email: suhailmullah@gmail.com Since March 2010 in Oman as a building Construction Site supervisor with Oman D/L looking for suitable placement or small Omani Construction Co. Contact 93061107 Degree Engineer Civil, 6 years experience Oman D/L, N.O.C available for a suitable position.

Contact: 93523507 / 95961336

T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian male, 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering, seeking job in relevant field. Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs. # 92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com Indian male BE civil project Engineer 15 years Oman experience in building projects with valid D/L NOC available. Contact: 92178471 B.Tech civil project coordinator 5 years experience of with different ministry projects NOC available.

Contact: 94194393 Indian male software Engineer 2 years experience knowledge of Java .NET C# ASP.Net. Contact: 99210940 working in techno park Indian Trivandrum BE Electrical Engineer 8 years experience 4 years in Oman with Oman driving license. #96942032 Civil Engineer (Diploma) seeking for placement. Contact: 95200650 Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement. #95200650 Indian Mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & Bus. Dev, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com Electrician 3 years experience in Building lines in Oman and other related experience also. NOC available. Stay till 29.09.2015. Contact: 94057129 / 95964419 Email: raheemdadbaloch@hotmail.com Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com C-SWIP 3.1 ASNT level 2 QC Mech.

Engr 5+ yrs exp Indian male 26 seeks placement. Contact : 91823331 Email: kannasekhar46@gmail.com Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Indian male BE Mechanical currently on 2 yrs free visa with NOC & local release. Looking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact – 90296975 / ali.syedausaf@gmail.com Indian BE (MECH) aviation BE degree diploma in material quality management 17 years Navy aviation 13 years construction purchase stores professional on visit.

Contact: 90205082 /98796982

HOSPITALITY 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 Oracle ADF Developer, Msc (IT), 2 yrs of Experience in Software Development (Oracle ADF, sql, pl/sql), Oracle OCA & SQL Expert, Currently on visit visa. # +968 93755858 / 92141644 Email : shiralkarmuzammil@yahoo.com Software Programmer, 6 yrs exp in software development (Java, PL/SQL Unix) on visit visa. #99487493 SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry.

Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com

Indian male . 14 yrs experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@ yahoo.com

IT

Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA,MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support. Contact 92607532

Indian male 25 years MCA, CCNA Certified MCSE2012 having 16 months experience in network and system administration looking for suitable placement. Contact 97703253 / 92365310 Email: albinmperakkattu@gmail.com Software Engineer, 6 yrs exp in software projects & development (Java,PL/SQL Unix) on visit visa.

Contact: 99487493 Indian male, 29 yrs, B. Eng in CS, CCNP, JNCIA, MCSA, MCITP, ISO/ IEC27002, 8 yrs exp in IT, Networking and Server support. #98285401 Email: maneshm3@gmail.com Indian 24 years BCA MCITP having 2 years exp as System Administrator looking suitable job. #94170892 BE, ECE Mumbai university skills in C, C++, windows, linux, controller and processor RTOS, Electronics, Networking, 6 months experience in embedded software seeks placement. Contact : 917774864736 Email: sadatbtisekar@gmail.com CCNA MCITP Network support/ Network technician with 2 yrs experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. #93080871, email :sean.f.peters@outlook.com

MEDICAL Indian male Nurse, prometric passed seeks suitable placement.

Contact 97284508I 33 years, Indian male Dentist having 7 years of experience with MOH license is seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91559265 Email: praveengp_82@yahoo.com A GNM Nurse seeking suitable placement in Hospital or clinic having 11 yrs experience in Oman.

Contact 98766167, can ready to work temporary or permanent.

Indian male, MSc, MPhil, BEd Chemistry,2 Yrs Teaching experience and having experience in lab analyst, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable post. #90208673

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Project Manager (B.E. Arch) in Interior décor fit outs & MEP having 8 years experience looking for a suitable post in a reputed firm. NOC is available. Contact: 91528851 Sudanese procurement Manager three years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93391008 Senior Manager Indian, 30 years in FMCG Business in Oman looking for better opportunity at management level. Contact 99231513 22 years B.Com Graduate having experience in trading of car accessories and also with valid GCC driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact 98504698

MISCELLANEOUS Omani female Arabic and English speaking searching for job. Contact 92387170 TIG+ARC welder Indian with 16yrs middle est. exp in copper nickel.

Diplex, inconel, S.S, CS Now on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 96502282.

Email manuangola88@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL & OFIC. Indian male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills.

Having Driving license and NOC available, looking for suitable placement. Contact 90135063

SALES / MARKETING

SALES / MARKETING

ACCA Affiliate, Indian Male, Fresher, looking for full time employment in Tax and Audit.+968 91291520, shahidazeez5@gmail.com

Filipino lady looking for Receptionist Sales girl having good experience in Muscat. NOC will be available ready to join immediately. Contact: 92664896 / 91107941. After October 1st week. Contact: + 639759460269

Indian Male, 24 years old recently completed M.Tech in Offshore Structures from NIT Calicut, looking for suitable position. Contact : +91 9833 2485 68, Email: shihabpatel91@ gmail.com

BBA Graduate with 3 years experience in Sales & Marketing valid Omani D/L looking for job. Contact: 97378073 Email: samaanmohammed@gmail.com

Well experienced management finance specialist having 18 years experience available for placement.

Contact.95602518

Indian male MBA having 4 yrs Gulf experience in logistics and Counter Sales currently on visit visa and looking for suitable job.#96695541 Looking for Driver & Salesman vacancy 10 years Oman experience Oman license holding. #98234893 Indian male 30 yrs, B. Sc food science and quality control 7 years experience in G.C.C 3 years experience in laboratory related jobs, valid Oman driving license. Contact: 93405643 Wanted salesman job, with driving license. Have exp. ins selling goods, experience in shops special experience in car parts seeking any job related to selling. Contact: 94162434 Indian male 35 years BBM, diploma in A/C, 5 years experience as Sales Executive in Oman with valid D/L and NOC seeking suitable placement in Muscat area. Contact : 92683606 Email: abhi.abrahm09@gmail.com MBA Graduate having 23 yrs of experience as Sales Manager in building materials trading looking for a suitable opportunity, release available. Contact 92106768, Email : suvimasri@gmail.com Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 MBA 15 years experience in Sales & Marketing in telecom, FMCG, presently in India C/O Saif Kazi.

Contact : 99625957 Email Id: a_kazi123@yahoo.co.in Indian male 25 yrs BBM Graduate 3 yrs of experience Sales / Marketing in Oman looking in suitable placement. Contact : 93185316 Email: karsh794@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767

MISCELLANEOUS

23, Male, ACCA Affiliate, OBU Bsc, 2.5 years of experience in audit and finance in Big 6 Firms, Looking for permanent placement in similar field. Release NOC available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com 22, Male, Indian, BBA (Marketing),1 year experience in India, Looking for suitable placement in Sales and Marketing. #91897046, azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Indian Male,27,ACCA Part Qualified,B.COM with 7+ yrs exp in receivables and credit control in Oman looking for suitable placements. NOC available. Contact 9657 4343.

Indian Female, Science Graduate, 3 years Experience in Teaching back home. Looking for a suitable job opportunity as a teacher, in Schools in Muscat Region. Contact : 96431456 / 95704814 Indian Male, 25, Chartered Accountant, working with ICICI Bank India. On a Visit Visa in Oman.

Staying with parents at Azaiba. Ph: 24492638. Email: shyamal008@ gmail.com Looking for a suitable job as Jr. Accountant/ Jr. Administration in a reputed company. NOC Available.

GSM # 93004738.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, 8 years experience ,Oman driving licence,Noc available. Seek Suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170 ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 Indian female, MBA, 25yrs Having 4yrears of experience in MNC, hands of experiences in recruitment and administration, flexible for any suitable job placements currently in visting visa. Contact Tel : 98864639 Email : neethuvijayan06@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 Yrs, Business Management, 6 years in Oman.

Knowledge of MS Office and Arabic Language. Seeks suitable position.

Contact 93931935

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, now on Visit Visa ,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

Indian Mechanical Engineer, 30, having 8yrs of UAE Sales/Business Development. experience in Electromechanical and Irrigation sectors. Contact no- +971558763220 email id-sangowri@outlook.com

29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4 yrs experience in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin/HR. NOC available. Contact:96141283

Indian male, with finance and Law degree, having more than 25 years of experience in Finance/ Accounts / Audit (5 years of Oman experience) seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 98421619.

E-mail: talemadhamu@yahoo.com.

ACCOUNTANT: Indian male 25 having 4years experience in accounting & having well knowledge in tally. Contact:968 094535881, 0091 9037622048. Email: vishnuraj889@ gmail.com

Egyptian very good marketing and sales skills experience 10 years in tourism. Contact : 90155723

ACCA finalist, Recent B.Com Graduate, Indian Female, looking for full time employment in Accounting and Audit. Contact +96896964379, sangeethaumesh5@gmail.com

Filipino (male) 37yrs. old having 8 years experience in operation(shiping&logistics) currently on visit visa looking for a suitable job GSM:97121525

Admin, having 10+ years experience in Admin/HR/Logistics/Time Keeper, in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat. Contact- 94369965 ,mail - satya1528@gmail.com

Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Pakistan Male: 24 years,M.Com Finance having 2.5 year experience as a accountant & marketing executive looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97670816, E.mail: naeem.ahsan68@gmail.com Indian female with MBA in finance seeking immediate placement.

Contact: 968-93316493

Civil Engineer B.Sc -6 years experience with constructions companies - 1 years in Oman - qualified as Site Engineer & Planning Engineer .

Contact+968-94682217

B.E Mechanical Engineer with 2 years’ experience in HVAC field on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 93442296 Email Id: sal201091@gmail.com.

ACCOUNTANT: Indian male 25 having 4 years experience in accounting & having well knowledge in tally.

Contact:968094535881, 0091 9037622048, Email: vishnuraj889@gmail.com

MBA (F) B.COM Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job. Presently on family visit visa.

Contact: - 96259171. Email: bhumicapandya@gmail.com

31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement. Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com

Indian Male, MBA, Talented management expert having 6 year experience at U.A.E, India and Oman in luxury goods and Retail. Seeking suitable openings in related or same field. Contact:92700670 Email: jobcareer44@gmail.com

Sudanese/26/Bsc Computer Science /3 years exp/skills Excellent knowledge in operating systems and maintaining computers Java Programmer Web Developer Linux SMS solutions Android developer/ email khalid.omx@gmail.com/contact no 944958080 and 99758186.

Civil Autocad Draughtsman part time work for job mob :96023726 Chemical Engineer Indian 2 years of experience in production field Contact: 91247222 Email:sahadpoonchola@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2.5 yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian B.E Computer Science graduate 2012 passout. 1 .5 yrs exp. in Accounting. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Having NIIT certificate in Diploma in Java Technology. # 97767894 Email: jinsonjacobjohn@gmail.com Indian male 24 YEARS, B.Tech (Electrical & Electronics), having 2 yrs. exp as Electrical Site Engineer. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries.

Contact 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male, 24 years, HSE Engineer having 2 years of Indian experience.

Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries.

Contact 98045482

MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802 Indian 26M, B. Tech Computer Science graduate, 3 years exp in India, looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact : 93125669, Email : amritrajGT18@gmail.com Indian Male Nurse with Moh licence & Noc seeking a job with Family Status gsm:95817579.

E.mail:vasudevanv2005@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Sudanese/Bsc IT/26/2 years experience/excellent Eng-Arb speaking/ Omani driving license/96387227/ henrykarrar@gmail.com MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa.

Contact- 91892264. mail: yv.dixit@yahoo.com Indian male Accountant, 12 years experience, looking for a full time or part time job, experience in tally also. Contact 98983122 Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer / Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company.

Contact 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com

27, male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of Accounts, Statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & Oracle Software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization, seeking for permanent replacement ,GSM-97654769,email id-abdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com

Indian Male (Diploma in electronics Engineering and CCNA.) having 9 years of experience in Networking, 5 years’ experience in Oman. Looking for a suitable Placement. NOC available. GSM- 93787098, Email –anishktr@gmail.com

M. Tech VLSI design, B. tech Electronics and instrumentation, Indian female,3 years teaching experience for graduation level students, seeking suitable placements .

Ph:00968 92904155. email-achusooraj@gmail.com

INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic).Having 2 years experience as Electrical Site Engineer in Constructions. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications.

Seeking for suitable placement in constructions or in any related industries. Contact no: 98045482, Email: shannu.hse@gmail.com

Indian male 22yr BBA with LOGISTIC Diploma, exp in tally and data entry seeking in suitable placement.

Contact; 90151739 email shakeeb.mp280gmail.com Mechanical Draftsman, Indian male 27, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering having 7 years of experience in Auto CAD looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708 E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian male Oman 8 yrs exp looking for any suitable vacancy for accountant / Asst. Accountant office admin local release available.

Contact : 98492752 Email: atiduehzidve@rediffmail.com ACCA Affiliate, OBU Degree, 2.5 years experience in audit and finance in Big6 firm, Looking for permanent placement. NOC release available. Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the field of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. presently working in Amazon India development centre as a content quality associate seeking for suitable jobs in Oman. Contact : +91 9940514005, 93116402 email: mail2nbn@gmail.com MBA Finance with more than five years of experience in Finance & Accounts including GCC, looking for a suitable opening. Having UAE driving license. Contact no..91391802.

Senior Accountant. 8 Years experience. NOC available. Oman driving license. Seek suitable opportunity.

GSM- 98184170

Tunisian shoes designer wuth 40years expereince in designing and manifacturing loocking for a job in a related field contact : 97816917 Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.#9719 4864 Indian male post graduate.2 years experience in sales. currently in oman on visit visa.seeks suitable placement.Gsm 92388346 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. contact 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail. com Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having two years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position. Mob: 98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com FRESH - B.Com Graduate on Family Visa, looking for any suitable Job. Contact : 92567020 / 95322175, Email: shwayanad@gmail.com Admin Executive, Indian Female having 10 years Gulf experience in seeking suitable placement currently working in Muscat.

Email: meenafajar@yahoo.com, Mobile 0096893211402 Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Indian male,27, IT/Telecom Engineer, 2 yrs exp in Oman, with valid Oman D/L, NOC Available. contact 93938727

D6

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SIT.WANTED MOH Indian Dentist 10 years experience in Oman. Can speak Arabic, has driving license. Contact 98995321 or ventureoman007@gmail.com Having 9+ years exp. in Administration & HR in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. Email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com Omani , female, have diploma in quantity survey, bachelor in Constitution management, seeking situated placement at Sohar. Tel 94454180, Mail nhlmct@yahoo.com ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Diploma in civil engineering having an experience 24years (20years in Oman) experience in Estimator / quantity surveyor looking for a suitable placement, willing to join immediately Contact : 96328687 Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 2yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical. Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available #95253640 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Iranian male. #93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Indian Male 26 years MCA, MCSE 2012 certified, Microsoft Exchange Server Administration, having 1 year experience in IT/System Administration looking for suitable placement.

Contact Mob : 00968 92745708 Email: nabeelmmkty@gmail.com, Light duty driver, Young and honest.

Can speak Arabic, Hindi and understand English. Release available.

Ph.92854775 / 93487450 Indian female with MBA on visit visa seeking immediate placement.

Contact - 968-93316493 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience upto finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization and statutory audit, seeking for permanent replacement ,GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Sudanese male, 31 years, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer , 6 year experience in construction and electrical production plant .

Mobile No ; +96894549609 Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept.Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post.

Mob:92758404 NOC Available.

Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years inJcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman.

Contact: 93393768 Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914

SITUATION WANTED Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913

Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99044292 Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703.

Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com, GSM:97475860 ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. #93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97792661 / 96229406 B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. #98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384

SITUATION WANTED Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements.

Mob: 95360255 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

Driver 5 years exp know English, Arabic,& Hindi Education B.A. Contact : 91615715 / 99512270 Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957 Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job. #94276449 Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse.

Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa.

Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining.

Contact 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license. Contact 99249412

Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. # 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. #97136248 / 99313821 Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792 Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately. Contact: 97378607 / 92558734 B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D 58031_bala@yahoo.co.in Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic). Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications. Looking for HSE engineer job in Oil Gas Sector, constructions or in any related industries. Contact 98045482 Indian male. M.com holder with two year working experience as an accountant in India. Now at Muscat on visiting visa. Seeks suitable placement. Gsm:96947500,99463120, :mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. Contact 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366.

Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633 Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. contact- 96754303.

Indian male, ERP Functional Consultant (SCM, MM, HRMS), Seeks employment.Contact: 98478928, Email: anand.desai2408@gmail.com Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in otel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available#95253640 email hareeshma24@yahoo.com

Sr. Sales Executive, Indian Male, Holding Valid Oman DL. Total experience in Oman of 15 years with 4 years Rent a Car Co. experience. Looking for Opportunities in any Industry for similar sales role. # 95703233 email id “khetani_r@yahoo.com

Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com

29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283

Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944.

Email:aboosufiyan@gmail.com

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SIT.WANTED INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. Contact 98045482 Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts.

Contact: +968 91920189, Email: neethumano.manohar@gmail.com CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. #93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. Contact : 93790601 ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. # 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf). Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384 ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

WEBSITE

ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement. GSM NO:96947500, 9 9463120, mail: mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf.working now in water pipeline projects.fluent Arabic and English. have Omani driving license.looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089 Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

GSM: 97121525 Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity.

Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc.

GSM +968 95763680 Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with firm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072 Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Affiliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734 Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available.

Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com.

Female from India -MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. English seeking for a urgent better placement, Now working in Oman. #93961142, 92184408 Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

Driver with car seeking suitable post. Contact : 916602662 Video Editor 29 years Indian male with 8 years experience on visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 91275969 / leomoorkoth@gmail.com Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d Draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact 97449630

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman

SIT.WANTED Accountant 7 years experience with D/L and NOC. #97712084 Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience.

MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license.

Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Finance Manager / Chief Accountant / Audit Manager, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15years in GULF , Expert in Banking ,Financing, Profit Maximizations , Admin & Management, Business Developments , ERPs Software’s, Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 or 94504505 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts is seeking suitable placement in Accounts/ Admin. Contact:96141283.

MEP Quantity Surveyor-Estimation-Project, 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L. Looking for suitable job, Contact – 98291626 ACCOUNTANT, Indian Male, 25 years old, 5 years Experience (2 years in Oman & 3 years in India) Presently working in Oman. Going exit on this week with NOC. Seeking suitable opportunities.

GSM : 97018783 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available.

Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Indian male MBA + TALLY , 29 years & 7years experience in Administration and Manager level in Reputed companies, Seeking suitable placement. Contact 96297709 / +91 9066130371, Email: jomonjohnm9@gmail.com

Indian male Auto cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job. contact 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian male Nurse 5 years ICU experience prometric 63% and BLS, ACLS puss, looking for suitable job currently on visit visa.

Contact: 93894049 Email: basilbabybasilbaby@gmail.com Indian male 29 years B.Tech & MBA with 1.2 years experience in Oman as Electronic Engineer seeking for a suitable job. Contact: 92085082 Email: suhailece.61@ gmail.com BE Civil Engineer with 11 years of experience in building construction with valid Oman DL, looking for suitable placement, NOC available.

Please contact 91329910

SIT.WANTED Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering, having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version), CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian male having 14years of experience in HR, Purchase Dept, having Oman driving license looking for a suitable position at Salalah. Noc available.

Contact : 91182907 Mail: Madhuvtk@ gmail.com

Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator. immediate joining seeks suitable placements. contact no.

(968) 95573205 /95949230/ 95800792

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT Indian male 55 years. 30 Years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant last 10 years. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM 99685800. Email:- sanatoman@ gmail.com

Indian Male, 25, C.A., 2 years experience as Credit Manager with ICICI Bank India on Visit Visa. Staying with parents at Azaibah.

Ph: 24492638. Email: shyamal008@gmail.com

Female, BE(hons) Systems Administration, 2 years teaching experience. Seeking suitable placement in Higher Education/Training industry.

Email: sadia_fatima@hotmail.com Contact:96447091

27,male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience upto finalisation of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally and focus & oracle softaware, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalisation and statutory audit, seeking for permanent replacement GSM-97654769, email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com

TRANSPORTATION

Indian Male, 29, 9 years exp in Sales in Oman (Buraimi) with valid D/L looking for suitable placements, NOC available .Ph: 9360 1947

Transportation. #98505294 Transportation in Muscat.

Contact: 95530908 Transportation for saloon car& delivery van. Contact : 95530908 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation available.

Contact -955 70 429

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476

Air condition maintenance installation window AC, split a/c, ducted AC and package type units.

Contact: 98667326

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 Used house & office furniture & electronic items. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Pest Control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants, Rodents & Termites, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/ 99357908 Supply fixing Wallpapers, all carpets. #99834373 / 96642500 One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company. #Saleh : 96723485

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013 General cleaning & Shampooing. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723/99357908 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 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 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

MANPOWER Leading manpower agency to hire Recruiter from India housemaids.

Contact: 99226093, Email: fesalwardi48@gmail.com *Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D8

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR