Times of Oman - March 1, 2016

TUESDAY March 1, 2016 21 Jumada Al Ula 1437 AH

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

MORNING MINUTE

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 7

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

HM sends greetings

To the Council of Oman, 2011

As education is the basic pillar of progress and development, and in order to produce a responsibly aware generation with expertise and skills, and aspiring to a higher level of knowledge, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the educational march in order to achieve these aspirations and benefit from the available job opportunities in the public and private sectors.

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

WA D I S O V E R F L O W

Rain falls in parts of Oman, chances of flash flood REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to Dr Dragan Covic, Chairman of Presidency in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Covic and his country’s people. -ONA TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Expatriates hail Indian budget

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Indian expatriates in Oman on Monday hailed the country’s budget for the 2016-2017 financial year, which was presented by India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi and included the easing of customs declaration and increasing free baggage allowance. These are welcome steps that will make things easier for millions of expats living outside India. Non-residents Indians without a permanent account number (PAN) card are currently subjected to a higher rate of tax deductions. >A4, A9

MUSCAT: Rain fell in Al Awabi and Nakhal causing wadis to overflow, a weather enthusiast said.

“It has started raining in Al Awabi and Nakhal from afternoon.

Wadis are overflowing and traffic has been hit. It may rain in Muscat by evening,” Bader Ali Al Baddaei, administrator of www.rthmc.net, a local web-based forum that discusses weather in Oman, told the Times of Oman.

In its latest forecast, Oman meteorology department has predicted chances of flash flood and poor visibility during rain and thundershowers and.

On Sunday, the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) forecast rain for the next three days starting from Monday afternoon, due to a deep upper air trough. “Isolated rains are expected over Musandam, Al Buraimi, and Al Dhahira. It will gradually affect Muscat, North and South Batinah, and Sharqiyah region,” it said.

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D E R E G U L AT E D P R I C E S

Revised March fuel prices announced

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Malayali lookalike star for Keralites

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A young Omani X-ray technician has become a star among Keralites in the region, owing to his resemblance to Dulquer Salmaan, the young superstar of the Malayalam film industry and the only son of megastar Mammootty. Abdul Rahman Mahdhushi, 23, an Omani citizen, who is working as an X-ray technician in Jalan hospital, became popular after an Indian doctor in Doha took a selfie with him to capture his resemblance to Salmaan and posted it on Facebook. >A5

WORLD

DiCaprio bags best actor award

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Catholic Church abuse movie Spotlight was named best picture at Oscars ceremony, after a night peppered with pointed punchlines from host Chris Rock about the #OscarsSoWhite controversy that has dominated the industry. In a ceremony where no single movie commanded attention, Mexico’s Alejandro Inarritu nabbed the best directing Oscar for The Revenant, becoming the first filmmaker in more than 60 years to win back-to-back awards. >A16

Oman moving towards 5% value added tax As fall in crude prices has led to fund crunch, Oman plans to introduce VAT to shore up revenues and streamline the tax system

CHEAPER FUEL: In March, regular petrol will cost 130 baisas per litre, super graded 145 baisas and diesel 146 baisas.

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Super graded petrol will cost 9.3 per cent less in March, compared with the price before deregulation.

According to the revised price for March, regular petrol will cost 7.14 per cent cheaper and diesel will be around 8.6 per cent less.

In March, the revised regular petrol (M90) will cost 130 baisas per litre, super graded (M95) 145 baisas and diesel will cost 146 baisas.

In February, the price of super grade petrol was 153 baisas per litre, for regular grade petrol it was 137 baisas and for diesel it was

146 baisas per litre.

Following the dip in global oil prices, Oman had deregulated its oil prices in January this year as part of austerity measures aimed at plugging the budget deficit.

Deregulation Before deregulation in January, the cost of super grade petrol was 160 baisas a litre, regular grade petrol was 140 baisas a litre and for diesel it was 160 baisas a litre.

Fuel subsidies for 2015 were estimated to be OMR580 million, and with deregulation the government will be able to save that money, which is expected to be a great help in reducing the deficit.

FAHAD AL GHADANI REJIMON K

fahadnews@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman plans to implement value added tax (VAT) at a rate of five per cent by 2018 or in 2019 beginning, a spokesman from the Ministry of Finance has confirmed.

“The plans are on. We are working on the modality,” the spokesman told Times of Oman.

Last week, Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, was quoted in news reports saying that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have agreed to introduce VAT at the rate of five per cent in 2018.

“GCC countries have already

agreed on five per cent rate after negotiations on a rate between three and five per cent, though the decision is yet to receive final approval,” the minister was quoted as saying.

According to the ministry of finance spokesman, VAT is implemented all over the world and so Oman will also implement it.

“VAT will help the country’s economy to boost revenues,” the spokesman added.

VAT has been proposed as a measure to shore up revenues by the GCC economists and parliamentarians.

It is expected that in Oman, around OMR300 million can be earned extra every year if VAT is implemented.

Welcoming the move, a member of Majlis Al Shura’s economic committee said that as basic necessity items (20 plus like food and other essential goods) will be

excluded from the VAT list, consumers will not be hit hard.

“VAT will definitely help the economy,” Tawfiq Al Lawati, the Shura member, said.

Meanwhile, Gurumurthy N, a Muscat-based economist, said that VAT can streamline the tax system and avoid duplication of tax payment.

“This a step in the right direction and 5 per cent is reasonable rate to start with,” the economist said. Last Monday, Christine Lagarde, managing director of IMF, had urged the GCC countries to implement VAT to overcome the oil price crisis.

“Start by putting in place a simple system that initially focuses on VAT—ideally, a harmonised regional VAT. Even at a single-digit rate, such a tax could raise up to 2 per cent of GDP,” the IMF chief had said.

“Oil-exporting countries that have been heavily affected by the recent plunge in oil prices can also focus on corporate income taxes, as well as property and excise taxes. They can also continue to invest in building tax administration capacity that could eventually allow for the introduction of personal income taxes,” the IMF chief added.

Cyril Widdershoven, energy and security specialist, said that this action is being taken to lower overall government budget deficits, which has increased due to low oil and gas revenues. >A6

I N D I A N S C H O O L WA D I K A B I R

Student in hospital after bus accident Oman students gear up for Manila Shell Ecomarathon

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REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A Class 1 student of Indian School Wadi Kabir has been admitted to the Khoula Hospital with broken pelvis, damage to liver and internal bleeding, after she met with an accidentinvolvingabusonSunday afternoon.

“The accident occurred when the student named Malavika was trying to get down from the bus near her home. Her school bag got stuck between the doors of the bus. Without noticing this, the driver moved the bus ahead dragging along the girl,” Malavika’s father said from Khoula Hospital.

“The girl has been bleeding since yesterday. However, her condition is better now. If the driver had taken a little care this would not have happened,” the injured girl’s father said.

An official from the transporting company said they are quite worried over the accident.

“We assisted the parents in admitting the child to the hospital.

It’s an unfortunate incident,” the driver said.

When contacted, Indian School Wadi Kabir’s principal said the school is in touch with the parents and are praying for the speedy recovery of the child.

The parents have lodged a complaint with the police.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

OMAN Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

It aims to spread the culture of the two market elements (supply and demand) as there are a lot of engineering solutions and tricks that one can use to create efficient and less costly houses Laith bin Abdullah Al Harthy, general supervisor of Entrupedia

One book, 5,000 savings tips for house builders

BUYERS’ GUIDE: According to Laith bin Abdullah Al Harthy, the general supervisor of the encyclopaedia, the book offers more than 5,000 text, and audio-visual advices for first time house buyers.

The first speaking-encyclopaedia in the Sultanate will show the way for building a house dirt-cheap and from scratch in Oman, without incurring a lot of debt

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Omani youth can save up to 60 per cent of the total cost of building their first family home, thanks to “Entrupedia,” which is an Omani Encyclopaedia for Entrepreneurship entitled “Construction Engineering for Life Engineering.”

The first speaking-encyclopaedia in the Sultanate will show the way for building a house dirtcheap and from scratch in Oman, without incurring a lot of debt.

The book also includes a list of contractors and building materials. It also features QR codes

which, when scanned, send you a text message through a mobile app to update users about with latest prices of construction materials.

Under the patronage of Saif bin Mohammed Al Shabibi, Minister of Housing, the book launch was hosted at the Ministry of Higher Education, in the presence of a number of Shura Council members and representatives of stateowned companies and those who are interested in the construction, reconstruction and contracting.

Date and building tips were collected and prepared by a group of experts and specialists.

According to Laith bin Abdul-

lah Al Harthy, the general supervisor of the encyclopaedia, the book offers more than 5,000 text, visual and audio advices for first time house buyers.

He pointed out that the move towards the age of information requires bold initiatives and concerted efforts by different sectors to guide young pioneers.

The event coincides with the Muscat International Book Fair.

In addition, this edition offers a better understanding of the construction market and mechanisms of savings and the economy involved in the construction of a modern house.

“It aims to spread the culture of the two market elements (supply and demand) as there are a lot of engineering solutions and tricks that one can use to create efficient and less costly houses,” Al Harthy said, adding that this concept is essential for sustainable and practical solutions.

The encyclopaedia will be available in local markets and libraries by the end of March. Its exact date will be announced in the coming days.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

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MINISTRY OF MANPOWER

392 workers arrested for violation of Labour Law MUSCAT: Three hundred and ninety-two workers, including 333 commercial workers, 28 farm workers and 31 housemaids and their equivalents were arrested by the joint inspection team of the Ministry of Manpower for violating the Labour Law between February 21 and 27.

The team arrested 350 workers, including 160 absconding workers, 186 astray workers and four workers for other violations.

The Governorate of Muscat saw the largest number of workers violating the law at 186, followed by the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah with 42 workers.

Competent authorities at the Ministry of Manpower have initiated legal procedures against them. On the other hand, the Manpower Ministry’s data showed that 263 expatriates were deported for violating provisions of the Labour Law and ministerial decisions executing the law. -ONA

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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

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2,500

was the number of students who participated in the Indian School Muscat’s 40th annual athletic meet and drill display

Expat Indians hail Jaitely’s budget Describing the easing of customs declaration and increasing free baggage allowance as

The Finance Minister had clearly highlighted the growth pillars of the Indian economy being the agriculture, rural, social and skills sectors, along with ensuring the ease of doing business and introducing tax and compliance reforms

welcome steps, they said that this will make things easier for millions of Indian expats

Times News Service MUSCAT: Indian expatriates in Oman on Monday hailed the country’s budget for the 2016-2017 financial year, which was earlier yesterday presented by India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi.

Describing the easing of customs declaration and increasing free baggage allowance as welcome steps, they said that this will make things easier for millions of Indian expats living outside India.

Non-resident Indians without a permanent account number (PAN) card are currently subjected to a higher rate of tax deducted at source (TDS). The latest budget proposed to amend the relevant provision so that on furnishing alternative documents, a higher rate will not be imposed.

Customs baggage rules for international passengers will also be simplified to increase the free baggage allowance. “The filing of baggage declaration will be required only for those passengers, who carry dutiable goods,” Jaitley said in his budget speech.

Describing it as a prudent budget, which is sure to make a positive impact on many sectors, Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, the

largest retail chain in the Middle East, said the Finance Minister had clearly highlighted the growth pillars of the Indian economy being the agriculture, rural, social and skills sectors, along with ensuring the ease of doing business and introducing tax and compliance reforms.

“I am happy that the government has stressed on the ‘Make in India’ campaign by providing tax and duty benefits and these will go a long way in strengthening the manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure facilities of India.

The Finance Minister’s focus on agriculture was keenly awaited and will enhance expenditure on the rural and agriculture sectors, which in turn will enhance food security and boost exports. According to me, the ‘three years of tax holiday’ for start-ups is one of the most exciting announcements of this budget. The next generation of skilled entrepreneurs are our future and this will bring in the much needed impetus. Another highlight would be the 100 per cent FDI (foreign direct investment) in food processing business. This will be news to many international players, who are looking to set up business in India and we all must welcome this.”

Yusuffali MA Chairman of Lulu Group

“Being a retailer, obviously I am pleased to note that the minister mentioned retail as the largest service sector employer in country and many more jobs opportunities can be created, provided the regulations are simplified. From a common NRI’s point of view, the easing of customs declaration and increasing of free baggage allow-

ance are a welcome step,” Yusuffali added.

Reacting to the budget, K.V. Shamsudheen, chairman, Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust, said the present government’s third budget focused on the agriculture sector, social development in education, health and daily life of the common people. It was also focused on total

infrastructure development in all sectors. Fifteen per cent of India’s two trillion economy is based on the agriculture sector. The government has set a goal to double the income of farmers by 2022.

Definitely this focus will change the face of India, which will be a catalyst for making India an economic super power in the future.

He also said NRIs have been contributing a big chunk to the foreign currency reserve of the country by the Indian diaspora’s remittances being among the world’s highest.

“We have been proposing to the government to utilise NRIs’ financial resources, expertise, experience and business contacts for the development of the country,” he said.

Initiatives He added: “We have two important initiatives ‘Make in India’ and the ‘National Skill Development Mission,’ which can be developed successfully with the participation of NRIs. Even though we are keen on this proposal,” he added.

At the current prices, a male passenger can carry only 16 grams of gold jewellery and a female passenger can carry 32 grams of gold jewellery, which is too little.

As per the baggage rules, all the items one can bring from abroad are mentioned based on quantity, but gold by value.

“So, we request allowance for gold jewellery to be raised to 50 grammes for male passengers and 100 grammes for female passengers and also request that gold allowance be based on weight as per the rule,” Shamsudheen said.

Describing the budget as a ‘rational’ one, and expressing general approval for a number of measures, Lateef Shahdad, a Chartered Marketer, said now is the “need to see” its implementation.

Expats had also hoped for a simplification of income tax processes and more relief on TDS. Besides, there is nothing on housing or an immediate relief in prices of basic commodities and personal taxes to create savings for the future for us, said Sunil Kumar, an Indian expat living in Oman.

I N C LU S I V E E D UC AT I O N

E D UC AT I O N

Indian School Salalah holds workshop on special needs Times News Service

INSPIRING FACILITIES: The Open Week is a superb opportunity for prospective parents and their children to book tours of the school from 8am to 1pm. – Supplied photo

British School Muscat Open Week to showcase facilities Times News Service MUSCAT: British School Muscat’s Open Week, to be held from March 6 to 10, will give prospective parents and their children a chance to see the school’s inspiring new facilities, meet its talented teachers and pupils, and to find out more about its innovative curriculum, which gives pupils access to top universities around the world.

The school’s 10 new and modern science laboratories have been designed by a team of internationally-acclaimed British and Omanbased architects and are part of the school’s exciting and ambitious campus development programme, giving BSM facilities that match those of leading international schools around the globe.

The Open Week is a superb opportunity for prospective parents and their children to book tours of

the school from 8am to 1pm, enabling them to see a typical school day at BSM: meeting the talented teachers and conscientious pupils, learning about the innovative curriculum and finding out about the 300 plus range of activities available through the school’s enrichment (after-school) programme.

The school’s Careers’ Advisor, Ajay Khushalbhai, will also be on hand to discuss the wealth of opportunities open to students at leading universities around the world, including in the United Kingdom and the United States.

BSM Principal, Kai Vacher, said, “We look forward to giving a warm welcome to all families in the wider community, who are interested in how our newly-developed campus is helping expand our curriculum and enrichment programme— as we become one of the world’s leading British international

schools. We are proud of the supportive community we’ve built at BSM; our pupils not only achieve outstanding academic results, but are also creative thinkers, resilient learners and respectful contributors—ready to make the most of opportunities and face the challenges of our modern world.”

People can book their school tour by calling 24600842 (from 7:30am to 3pm, Sunday to Thursday) or email openweek@britishschoolmuscat.com British School Muscat is a leading international school in the Middle East. It is a non-profit, co-educational, British international day school. It provides a comprehensive and balanced education to a mix of 1,170 English-speaking expatriate pupils, aged between three and 18 years. Pupils study for GCSE and A-level qualifications, which are recognised by universities all over the world.

MUSCAT: A workshop entitled, “Inclusion-A step towards a barrier-free environment,” was held at the Indian School, Salalah on February 27.

Inclusive education is based on the simple idea that every child is valued equally and deserves the same opportunities and experiences. This means being fully aware that the key to creating a successful inclusive programme is to educate ourselves and others about how every student in the classroom gets the chance to reach his or her full potential.

The Indian School Salalah has always been active in facilitating learning for the Special Needs Group, which was done through the one-day workshop, organised for the teachers handling classes from kindergarten to Class 5, in the school’s AV room. Parents, as well teachers from Indian school Thumrait, were also a part of the stimulating workshop.

The session was graced by the presence of Ram Santhanam, president of the School Management Committee, Dr. Ernest, vice president of the School Management Committee, Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya, member SMC and chairman, CCA committee, Vinay Kumar member, SMC, Jonathan Solomon member, SMC, Dr. Lovely Eugene, the occupational thera-

WORKSHOP: Inclusion is a big challenge, but is possible if the teachers are confident and believe in themselves. – Supplied photo

pist at the Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salalah, Principal T. R. Brown, Vice Principal Omana Mathews and Assistant Vice Principal S. Srinivasan.

Librarian Pushkala welcomed the guests and the distinguished resource persons. Sumana, a member of the Mathematics faculty introduced the resource person Sujatha Sriram, a special educator, counsellor and consultant in inclusion, from Chennai, India.

Sriram began the session with motivating words for teachers by saying that the inclusion is a big challenge, but is possible if the teachers are confident and believe in themselves. The participants were taken through the goals, principles and benefits of an inclusive education. Sriram stressed that

teachers are the key to the success in inclusion and that they play a vital role in identifying special needs groups. She also discussed in detail the various skills to be observed by teachers at the primary level. She explained that teachers have to observe the speech, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination, attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, reading, writing, comprehension, visual skills, memory, organisation and language problems.

She illustrated this point by making the participants do activities, and understand the needs of the special need group. Sriram also stressed that if a child’s intelligence can be identified, then teachers can accommodate different children more successfully.

EVENT

ISM organises 40th annual athletic meet and drill display Times News Service MUSCAT: Indian School Muscat held its 40th annual athletic meet and drill display at the school grounds recently.

Amidst the display of colours created by scores of flags and decorations, the young athletes displayed their talents in track and field events. It is one of the prestigious events of the school, rewarding the four houses for their team effort during the year. The four houses equally displayed their grit and dexterity in their crucial bid for the Cock House Trophy presented to the Champion House.

Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador of India to Oman, was the chief guest on the occasion. A special guard of honour made up of the Scouts and Guides, as well as Stu-

dent Council members, welcomed the guests. Winners of CBSE nationals presented potted plants to the guests.

Syed Ahmed Hilal Al Busaidy, Wali of Muttrah, Said Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Busaidi, Deputy Wali of Muttrah, Abdul Malik Abdul Karim Al Balushi, CEO, Oman Post, Hussain Mallallah Al Lawati, Deputy General Manager for Support Services, Oman Post, Salim Al Gamari, Municipal Council Member, Sreejesh Ravindran, Vice Captain, Indian national hockey team were among the guests .

The event was declared open by the chief guest.

The Sports Coordinator, Avantika Murali, took the oath on behalf of the students, promising their enthusiasm to participate and compete by the rules.

The drill display won the hearts of the gathering with its varied and intricate dynamics. More than 2,500 students from across various sections participated in the day.

On this occasion, Abdul Malik Abdul Karim Al Balushi, CEO, Oman Post, accompanied by the Principal and Priya Murali, Vice Principal, Primary Section, released the First Day Cover highlighting the 40 years of ISM, in the presence of the dignitaries.

A series of inter-house athletic events were conducted on the occasion. The Cock House Trophy, March Past Trophy and the much sought after Athletic Championship Trophy for the year 2015 – 2016 were swept and proudly lifted by the Blue House.

The Head Boy Alen Jiji Tom proposed the vote of thanks.

DISPLAY OF COLOURS: A special guard of honour made up of the Scouts and Guides, as well as Student Council members, welcomed the guests. – Supplied photo

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O F F B E AT

Indian actor’s Omani lookalike enjoys moment of fame REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A young Omani Xray technician has become a star among Keralites in the region, owing to his resemblance to Dulquer Salmaan, the young superstar of the Malayalam film industry and the only son of megastar Mammootty.

Abdul Rahman Mahdhushi, 23, an Omani citizen, who is working as an X-ray technician in Jalan hospital, became popular after an Indian doctor in Doha took a selfie with him to capture his resemblance to Salmaan and posted

the picture on Facebook.

Mahdhushi had gone to Doha to meet the Indian doctor for undergoing some treatment, when the latter was surprised by his new patient’s striking resemblance to Salmaan.

Surprised “I was surprised to learn that I look like an Indian cine actor. The doctor took a selfie and shared it on social networking sites. On the second day, when I went to the hospital again for a follow up treatment, news of my resemblance to the movie star had spread. I was amazed to see people going crazy

to take selfies with me,” Rahaman told the Times of Oman from Qatar over phone.

“Those who met me are saying that, not only do I look like the cine actor, but that I also speak like him,” Rahman said, adding that he hoped to meet the actor in Oman or India.

“I want to take a selfie with him,” Rahman added.

After recognising his resemblance with Salmaan, Rahman also started watching his movies.

“I watched ‘Charly,’ ‘Bangalore Days’ and ‘Usthad Hotel,’ Rahman, who now introduces himself as Dulquer Abdul Rahman, said.

Big scope for jobs in science, tech

COINCIDENCE: Indian actor Dulquer Salmaan (left) and lookalike Abdul Rahman Mahdhushi.

BI-ANNUAL EVENT

Ministry of Tourism holds meeting to highlight achievements, plans Times News Service MUSCAT: A series meetings to highlight the Ministry of Tourism’s achievements and upcoming plans to its representatives in 22 countries has begun.

The bi-annual Market-based Representative Meetings, bring together officials from 22 countries that the Ministry provides services to through its 10 international offices. They showcase MoT’s achievements and highlights for 2016, in addition to upcoming projects in the tourism sector in Oman. The National Tourism Strategy 2040, which is expected to begin this year, will also be an important point of discussion.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Market-based Representative Meet-

ings will also include a series of meetings at the Ministry with the Directorate General for Tourism Promotion, who will be presenting its marketing plan for the upcoming year, inclusive of branding, creative work, social media and digital platforms management, and finally offer a training course in crisis communications.

Different stakeholders, such as Oman Air and Oman Sail, will also discuss their latest activities and promotions. Additionally, a tourism workshop will be held at the Grand Hyatt, Muscat, which will be attended by various tourism companies, including hotels, travel agencies and tour operators.

Further, Asma Al Hajri, Deputy Director General, International Tourism Promotions, noted, “This

meeting will serve as a link between us and our Market Business Representatives. These officials are our vital promotional partners and should always be informed on the latest trends and developments in Oman to enable them to accurately represent the Sultanate’s image abroad. The new National Tourism Strategy is also a fundamental development that helps our representatives promote the Sultanate in a streamlined and efficient manner.

We aim to give our participants the most significant tools to utilise in their efforts to attract tourists to the Sultanate.”

The group will also benefit from experiencing traditional cuisine in local establishments, hosted by The Cave and Bait al Luban, for dinners during their stay in Oman.

OMAN TOURISM COLLEGE

STEM EDUCATION: A workshop for students organised by BAE systems, in partnership with the Ministry of Education at Caledonian College. – Talib Al Wahibi

Tourism college felicitation today Times News Service

The majority of our national economic projects are based on STEM, and the future job market and entrepreneurship opportunities are all moving in that direction, said Dr Ahmed Hassan Al Bulushi, Dean of the Caledonian College of Engineering

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs in Oman is enormous, says the Dean of the Caledonian College of Engineering.

“The majority of our national economic projects are based on STEM, and the future job market and entrepreneurship opportunities are all moving in that

direction,” Dr Ahmed Hassan Al Bulushi, Dean of the Caledonian College of Engineering, told Times of Oman.

Dr Al Bulushi was speaking on the sideline of workshops for students by BAE systems, in partnership with the Ministry of Education at Caledonian College.

“The entire national economy and policies of Oman is based on STEM, so our educational system has to emphasise STEM education and should encourage students to develop this area so they

can later contribute to the national economy,” Al Bulushi added.

“Within the school system, students should be aware of the benefits, future and seriousness of the STEM subjects,” he added.

“These types of workshops and this type of exposure will help students to learn about STEM and it will help them recognise the real picture before they enrol in the college,” Al Bulushi further added. The second and final STEM workshop will be held on March 3 at Sultan Qaboos University.

BAE system’s engineering graduates, together with volunteers from SQU and Caledonian College, guide the school’s students through the workshops, which are designed to encourage them to study STEM subjects to pursue their career in either technology or engineering.

According to Dr. Nasser Salim al Ghanbosi, Deputy General Manager, National Career Guidance Center (NCGC),“We aim to educate students in fields that suit their interests and abilities, while aligning with the needs of the Omani Market.”

MUSCAT: Oman Tourism College (OTC) will host its graduation ceremony under the patronage of Chairman Dr. Abdullah Al Sarmion, on March 1.

The college will felicitate the first batch of graduates of the BSc (with Honours) in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

This year, 125 students will

graduate with the award of the Diploma and 17 with the award of Bachelors (with Honours). About 11 students will graduate with a Diploma with distinction and one student obtained a First Class BSc Honours degree.

This is the first graduation where certificates will be awarded by the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Ireland following an academic partnership signed in 2013.

DIT has a long and proud tradition of providing higher education, combining the academic excellence of a traditional university with career-focused learning.

With the introduction of its new Bachelors degree programmes in Tourism and Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism Marketing, the Oman Tourism College has grown exponentially in the number of its students.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 This is our first time participating in a Shell Ecomarathon and the work we have done reflects how much the team is really excited about the challenge Tamer Al Siyabi, Mechatronics Engineering Department

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Oman students gear up for Shell Eco-marathon The Manila street circuit tests the boundaries of fuel efficiency and winners are chosen by the car design that can drive the farthest in one litre of fuel FUEL-EFFICIENT: Environment friendly car built by SQU students. – Supplied picture

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

Hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Six Omani students from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) are all geared up to represent Oman with their modified and more environment friendly car at the four-day Shell Eco-marathon Asia, which is set to commence on March 3 in Manila, Philippines.

Tariq Al Subhi, Tamer Al Siyabi, Ahmed Al Hadrami, Waleed Al Shukaili and Salim Al Mahrazi, from the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department had

teamed up with Sami Al Siyabi of the Mechatronics Engineering Department to modify the vehicle, which is made of an aluminium chassis and a carbon fibre shell (cover). The team was created by SQU’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering by assigning faculty members as advisors for the team.

Speaking on the team’s behalf, Tamer Al Siyabi said, “This is our first time participating in a Shell Eco-marathon and the work we have done reflects how much the

team is really excited about the challenge.”

“The main challenge is to build the car from scratch within four months,” said Al Siyabi.

“With hard work and through spending a lot of time working on designing and building a vehicle, we have achieved our goal, which is to build a light vehicle that consumes little fuel.”

The car runs on a gasoline engine, which has been modified for the purpose of reducing fuel consumption. The car’s outer shell

was completely manufactured by the new team. “Our team is looking for a new position through this challenge and due to the many improvements made on the car,” he said, adding that these improvements will enhance the performance of the vehicle and reduce fuel consumption.

According to the team members, the project was announced for students and the ones interested had applied to become members of the team.

The Department was looking mainly for students with knowledge of electrical and engine systems and design experience and most importantly students, who are willing to work hard.

The street circuit in Manila tests the boundaries of fuel efficiency and the winners are not measured by speed, but based on who can design a car that can drive the farthest on one litre of fuel. “This gathering gives us a chance to meet many competitors around the world. It is great to represent our country. The end of this gathering is like mutual benefit and experience between the competitors around the world.”

Besides SQU, student teams from GUtech and the Caledonian College of Engineering (CCE) will also be representing the Sultanate next week.

BOOST ECONOMY

< FROM

A1 ‘VAT introduction to have positive effect’ “For Omani economy, it will have two positive effects: lower imports and a boost for locally produced products (which don’t have import taxes, lower salary costs), which will in the end strengthen overall economy,” the specialist said.

“Oman can also benefit if it boosts domestic output and exports to other GCC countries.

Based on the GCC cooperation

agreements this could be very beneficial,” the specialist added.

“Is 5 per cent enough for Oman, well, that is for the government to decide. In European countries, VAT is between 16 and 22 per cent, so there is a great room for improvement. Not to have an economic shock procedure, start with 5 per cent, after which you can gradually increase the latter,

is the best approach,” the specialist added.

Lateef Shahdad, a chartered marketer and general manager at Mass Int (Schindler ), said that in desperate situations like partial or critical lull in global oil prices, VAT can always prove prudent measure to fill the gaps left in the economy due to stagnating oil prices.

“I would suggest 5 per cent at

the beginning is not less and not enough, but to start with is good.

But I would ask to implement in stages as sudden implementation in all the sectors can have varied effect on Oman economy,” Lateef said, adding that while implementing, government needs to balance corporate tax with VAT as it may or may not go together for everyone in Oman.

MILITARY EXERCISE Royal Navy of Oman conducts maritime exercise with a number of navies of friendly countries. -ONA

WOOING INVESTMENT

‘Simplify procedures for growth of private sector’ ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Registering a new company and applying for permits should be made easier to encourage the growth of the private sector and Omani economy, according to Redha Al Saleh, Vice President of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

“The coming years will depend on the private sector and bringing investments into the country.

If investors face difficulties here, they will find better opportunities in neighbouring countries. If you’re not going to make the process easier and more attractive, investors will not be encouraged, despite the stability and low taxes Oman enjoys”, said Al Saleh.

Special task force His comments were made while a special task force, within the Economic and Financial Committee of the Shura Council, is reviewing the challenges faced by the private sector in Oman, as well as ways to encourage its role in strengthening Oman’s GDP,as the economy is being affected by the decrease in oil prices.

According to a press release by the Shura Council, the task force has reviewed a number of challenges faced by the private sector, including complex and slow procedures in government organisa-

tions, Omanisation in the private sector, and procedures to attract investment. Also, Tawfiq Al Lawati, member of the Economic and Financial Committee, noted that the private sector faces numerous challenges, including too many regulations and permits needed to establish a business.

Permits “If you want to establish a hotel, you have to apply for ten permits and it takes years to get them”, he said. In addition, remarked Al Lawati, too many government departments are involved in issuing approvals and permits, and there is often a delay in processing them.

Al Saleh said that along with slow procedures for establishing companies and applying for permits, government employees often do not have the authority needed to serve customers quickly.

“When people register their company at our one-stop [shop], their application has to go to the concerned ministry. And there the delay starts. One-stop should have real power and the right people to make a decision on the spot”, he urged. He added that applicants should not have to return to the Ministry before completing their registration.

Al Saleh said procedures should be computerised to streamline the application process.

“Every time you go to a minis-

try, you have to give them a bunch of the same documents over and over. Instead, everything should be digitalised. We need to make it easier for the private sector”, he said. He added that the ministries, in general, are cooperative,though companies still face problems.

An official of a refreshment company, who preferred not to be named, said his colleagues also faced long delays before receiving approvals. “We wanted to introduce changes to one of our product labels. It took months just to get approval from the authorities”, he recalled.

Additionally, an Omani entrepreneur who recently opened a restaurant, told the Times of Oman that he faced many problems and delays while dealing with authorities.

He said that when the municipality came to approve the restaurant’s drawings, they “took a long time to inspect and went into too much detail, while I just wanted to have my drawings approved.”

Also, he said that he had to make significant investments before applying for work permits for his staff. “How can I be sure of the future of my company, if I do not even hire the staff before investing in the business?”, he asked.

He noted that, instead, procedures should be more similar and more flexible in order to speed the issuing of permits.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 Most of the lawmakers who failed to win re-election to the new parliament strongly opposed the nuclear deal, including Mehdi Kouchakzadeh, who called Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif a traitor, and Rouhollah Hosseinian, who threatened to bury the negotiators under cement for agreeing to concessions to world powers.

IRAQ

Bombing kills 27 in Diyala BAGHDAD: At least 27 people were killed when a bomber detonated his explosive vest at a funeral for the relative of a militia commander in the eastern Iraqi province of Diyala on Monday, security and medical sources said.

The attack in Muqdadiya, 80km northeast of Baghdad follows the deadliest bombing inside the capital so far this year, which left 78 people dead on Sunday.

Security officials and police in Diyala said the target of the attack was two local commanders of the Hashid Shaabi umbrella group of militias who were attending the funeral ceremony for one of their relatives. “The suicide attacker approached the local Hashid commanders and then blew his vest up, killing both with many others,” said one police major on condition of anonymity. A further 55 people were wounded, the sources said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing, but attacks on militias are often claimed by IS militants who control large parts of north and western Iraq.

Warning Meanwhile, the United States warned its citizens to be ready to leave Iraq in the event of what it has said could be a catastrophic collapse of the country’s largest hydro-electric dam near Mosul.

Iraqi officials have sought to play down the risk but Washington urged its citizens to make contingency plans now. A US security message cited estimates that Mosul, which is northern Iraq’s largest city and under control of IS insurgents, could be inundated by as much as 70 feet of water within hours of the breach. — Reuters

REGION

Rouhani, allies win all 30 seats in Tehran province Total voters turnout in twin polls was 62 per cent and there had been very few irregularities, said Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli

BEIRUT: President Hassan Rouhani and his allies won big gains in elections that could deepen Iran’s engagement with the world after his government ended years of sanctions by agreeing to curb its nuclear programme.

Most of the lawmakers who failed to win re-election to the new parliament strongly opposed the nuclear deal, including Mehdi Kouchakzadeh, who called Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif a traitor, and Rouhollah Hosseinian, who threatened to bury the negotiators under cement for agreeing to concessions to world powers. “This election can be a turning point in the history of the Islamic Republic,” said an editorial in reformist newspaper Mardomsalari, whose managing editor, Mostafa Kavakebian, won a parliamentary seat in Tehran.

“The biggest achievement of

HISTORIC TURNING POINT: President Hassan Rouhani and allied centrists and moderates won 15 out of the 16 Tehran seats in the 88-member Assembly of Experts. – Reuters/TIMA

this election is the return of reformists to the ruling system ... so they won’t be called seditionists or infiltrators anymore,” he said.

Rouhani and allied centrists and moderates won 15 out of the 16 Tehran seats in the 88-member Assembly of Experts, which is tasked with choosing the country’s next supreme leader, final election results for Tehran showed. Some of the 15 elected in Tehran were in both conservative and reformist electoral lists.

Two prominent conservatives, including the speaker of the powerful clerical body, were among those ousted in the capital.

Candidates on the reformist list also took all 30 parliamentary seats in the Tehran constituency, up from just two previously, final

C E S S AT I O N O F H O S T I L I T I E S D E A L

Syrian government violating truce deal, says opposition BEIRUT/GENEVA: A senior official from Syria’s main opposition group said on Monday that the first major attempt to halt the fighting after nearly five years of war was in danger of total collapse because of attacks by government forces.

The cessation of hostilities drawn up by Washington and Moscow faced “complete nullification” because Syrian government attacks were violating the agreement, the official of the opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) said. France said there were reports of attacks on opposition forces in breach of the deal, which came into force on

A7

Saturday, and countries backing the Syria peace process met to try to clarify the situation. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the pause in the fighting was largely holding, despite some incidents that he hoped would be contained.

The Kremlin said the process was under way, although it had always been clear it would not be easy. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the cessation was largely holding with casualties greatly reduced compared to before the agreement took effect.

Aid trucks carrying non-food items such as blankets on Monday entered Mouadamiya, a suburb of

Damascus under siege by government forces, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent said. The United Nations and other agencies hope to deliver aid to more than 150,000 people in besieged areas over the next five days.

Asaad Al Zoubi, head of the HNC’s delegation to the peace talks, gave a gloomy assessment of the truce. “We are not facing a violation of the truce... we are facing a complete nullification,” he said on Al Arabiya Al Hadath TV. “I believe the international community has totally failed in all its experiments, and must take real, practical measures towards the (Syrian) regime,” Zoubi said. — Reuters

results released by Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli showed. Beyond the capital, their gains were more limited, with conservatives keeping hold of many seats in both bodies.

The twin polls, for the assembly and parliament, were seen by analysts as a crucial moment for Iran after years of isolation, and a vote of confidence in Rouhani’s government and his detente policy with the West.

Praised “It was a healthy, legal and very good election,” Fazli said. He said turnout was 62 per cent and there had been very few irregularities.

In his first comment since the polls, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the

high turnout. He made no direct comment on the results but suggested the newly elected bodies should not be influenced by the West. The chairman of the Assembly of Experts, Mohammad Yazdi, lost his seat. So did MohammadTaghi Mesbah-Yazdi, a conservative who was widely seen as the spiritual mentor to conservative former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. A prominent exception was Ahmad Jannati, who squeezed in at 16th place. Jannati is also the chairman of the Guardian Council, a vetting body that disqualified the majority of prominent reformist and many moderate candidates from running for both the elections.

Leading conservative lawmakers who opposed Iran’s new oil and

gas contracts aimed at attracting foreign investment and economic reforms proposed by Rouhani’s government, also lost their seats, according to final results.

“In economic affairs the next parliament will be much better than the current parliament,” said economist Saeed Leylaz, once an adviser to reformist former president Mohammad Khatami.

In an online video, Khatami urged people in Tehran to vote for the “list of hope”. Its members gained all of the capital’s 30 seats in the parliamentary elections and its 14 seats in the Assembly vote. Iranian media is banned from mentioning Khatami’s name or publishing his pictures. He issued a separate online statement on Monday praising Iranians for the result and asking the new lawmakers to push for economic development and more political freedom.

Pro-reform lawmakers had accounted for less than 10 per cent of the outgoing chamber.

Analysts say the large number of independents may be significant as they could cooperate across ideological lines with Rouhani’s government.

“It will take a few months for the new parliament’s precise shape to become clear. The independents will play a key role in the next parliament’s decisions,” said political analyst Hamid Farahvashian. “We don’t know many of the new lawmakers and their political tendencies.” There will have to be run-off contests for 34 seats in late April because no one won the required 25 per cent of votes cast. — Reuters

A8

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 It was a well-planned conspiracy hatched

by Akalis to eliminate Kejriwal, who has emerged as ‘masiha’ for the people of Punjab Sanjay Singh, Senior AAP leader

INDIA

Kejriwal’s narrow escape as car attacked; probe ordered The AAP leadership pointed out that BJP supporters held a protest at the venue while the Akali Dal workers attacked Kejriwal’s motorcade

Pointing an accusing finger at the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, the Aam Aadmi Party said the attack was a ‘conspiracy hatched by the Akalis to kill Kejriwal’

VANDALISM: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s damaged car after an attack in Ludhiana on Monday. - PTI

LUDHIANA: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had a narrow escape on Monday when the vehicle he was travelling in was attacked with stones and sticks by some men near Ludhiana in Punjab.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal ordered a probe into the incident. Pointing an accusing finger at the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the attack was a “conspiracy hatched by the Akalis to kill Kejriwal”.

The AAP held Badal responsible for the attack.

Kejriwal, who ended his fiveday tour of Punjab on Monday, tweeted that his car was attacked with batons and stones, shattering its windscreen. Police said the chief minister, who enjoys Z-plus security cover, was safe and escorted from the spot. Kejriwal was seated alongside the driver in an Innova multi-utility vehicle when the attack took place.

He was immediately shifted to another car and driven away.

“The attack lasted for 3-4 min-

utes. There were about 30-40 people who carried out the attack,” a police official present at the spot said. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh demanded a high-level probe by a high court judge into the attack. “It was a well-planned conspiracy hatched by Akalis to eliminate Kejriwal, who has emerged as ‘masiha’ for the people of Punjab,” he said. He alleged that the attack took place at Sukhbir Badal’s behest.

“The presence of Harkinder Singh, younger brother of Ludhiana MLA Manpreet Singh

Ayali, apart from Youth Akali leaders Amandeep Singh Aulakh and Prabhdeep Singh Mangat, is enough indication for the conspiracy by Akalis to ‘kill’ Kejriwal,” the AAP leader said.

He accused the Punjab Police of being “hand-in-glove in the conspiracy”, saying they “deliberately guided the convoy to an unscheduled route on the pretext of safety where more than 100 goons were waiting for the attack”.

On his part, Kejriwal tweeted earlier: “Badals and Congress nervous? They can’t break my

spirits.” AAP leader Ashish Khetan called it a “well orchestrated attack” and said the “goons sent by the Badals attacked Kejriwal’s car with stones and rods as the police stood by”.

“The attackers came within an inch of grievously injuring Kejriwal. It was only by God’s grace that he escaped unhurt.” Condemning the incident, Sukhbir Badal, who is also Punjab’s home minister, said due action would be taken against the attackers.

“I have directed the police to register a case against the stone pelters and take action immediately,” he said in a statement.

Badal directed the Punjab DGP to inquire if there was any lapse on the part of the security apparatus provided to the AAP leader.

“The Punjab government is committed to providing adequate security to Kejriwal during his visits to Punjab,” he said.

The Punjab assembly polls are scheduled for February next year.

The AAP leadership pointed out that BJP supporters held a protest at the venue while the Akali Dal workers attacked Kejriwal’s motorcade. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh said the Congress had nothing to do with the attack. - IANS

R E S O LV E D E A D L O C K

‘Government to reach out to Congress over GST bill’ NEW DELHI: Government will reach out to the Congress in the current session of Parliament to resolve the deadlock over the GST bill, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday.

“As far as GST is concerned, every political party claims to be in favour of it. The Congress party had put some conditions. I think one condition still remains there. I will try to talk to them in the remaining of the Budget session of Parliament, and try to move ahead with the GST bill”, Jaitley said in a post budget Hackathon. Jaitley said the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) is the need of the hour.

“It is simple, will help in expansion of revenue, states will get benefit out of it, business will have ease and it will facilitate seamless transfer of goods and services. GST will help in making the whole country in one single market, it means onesixth of world market is one market. You won’t get a bigger market than this elsewhere”, Jaitley said.

Meanwhile, Congress said government’s “stubborn” position was responsible for delay in passage of the GST bill despite the Chief Economic Advisor virtually endorsing the Opposition’s views on “flaws” in the key reform measure. -PTI

SEDITION CHARGES

‘No video of Kanhaiya shouting slogans’ NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police on Monday admitted on Monday before the Delhi High Court that “it has no video footage” which could show that JNU student union chief Kanhaiya Kumar, arrested on sedition charges, was shouting anti-national slogans.

Justice Pratibha Rani reserved the order on the bail plea and asked Delhi Police about the Jawaharlal Nehru University

Students Union president’s active role during the protest.

“Do you have video evidence that Kanhaiya was raising antinational slogans?” asked the court at which Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for police, denied of having any video in this regard.

At this, the court pulled up Delhi Police for not showing any evidence where Kanhaiya Kumar

could be seen raising anti-national slogans. It also asked why police officers who were present there did not take any action.

While, the Delhi Police opposed Kanhaiya’s bail plea, the Delhi government prayed the court to grant him bail, saying “no innocent should be punished” and there is not a single evidence of video/CCTV footage that he raised anti-national slogans. - IANS

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INDIA

Jaitley unveils fire-fighting budget to placate voters, sustain growth Finance Minister Arun Jaitley reeled off a list of $16 billion in measures targeted at the countryside, including spending on a job creation scheme, farmers’

BRIEFING: Union Minister for Finance Arun Jaitley and MoS for Finance Jayant Sinha during a Post-Budget Press Conference, in New Delhi on Monday. - PTI

welfare and building of rural roads

NEW DELHI: India unveiled a fire-fighting budget on Monday that seeks to win back support among rural voters for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and sustain growth against a grim global backdrop — all without borrowing more.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s third budget marked a strategic shift by addressing rural distress

in a country of 1.3 billion, where two-fifths of families rely on farming and are reeling from two years of drought.

At the same time it hiked public investment in India’s woeful infrastructure by 22.5 per cent, while taking further steps to revive corporate investment that Modi needs to create new jobs for India’s burgeoning workforce.

“We have a shared responsibility to spend prudently and wisely for the people, especially for the poor and downtrodden,” the 63-yearold finance minister told lawmak-

ers in his 100-minute address.

India holds several state elections this year, including in the farming state of West Bengal, with the country’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, going to the polls in 2017. A strong showing will be vital to Modi’s chances of a second term. Despite commanding a large majority in parliament’s lower house, Modi’s government has failed to pass several key measures since sweeping to power almost two years ago, raising doubts over the impact of its reform agenda.

Jaitley called Asia’s third-

‘HOLLOW PROMISES’

Opposition dubbed ‘mere rhetoric’ projection of budget as pro-poor NEW DELHI: Opposition on Monday dubbed as “mere rhetoric” projection of the budget as pro-poor and said government will not be able to “fool” farmers with “hollow promises”.

Predictably, BJP hailed the budget calling its measures for rural India “historic”. In a sharp attack on the government, Congress said it has “failed to create an immediate stimulus” to address economic challenges including employment generation with former prime minister Manmohan Singh holding that it lacked any “big idea”.

Asserting that the budget was short of both “vision and conviction”, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi said a list of new promises have been made without any account of the “failure of tall promises made in last two budgets”.

“Modiji spent the first two years mocking the Congress Party’s focus on farmers, MNREGA, Rural dev & social spending. Now mere rhetoric, without vision or

action, will fool neither farmers nor the poor of this country,” Gandhi tweeted.

He, however, thanked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for accepting his recommendation on removing import duty on Braille paper which will help the visually impaired.

Criticising the budget, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said it was full of “hollow promises” and will burden commoners who will feel the pinch of hike in indirect tax.

“As with the previous two budgets, this budget of the Modi govt is again full of hollow promises and slogans. The numbers just don’t add up.

“FM says budget is about fulfilling ‘desires & dreams’ but it has no vision. The dead certainty from it is of a shrinking economy,” Yechury said in a series of tweets.

National Conference leader and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah tweeted “By not focusing the ben-

efits of #UnionBudget2016 on the #suitboot people @arunjaitley has cleverly made the opposition’s job a bit tougher.”

Biju Janata Dal leader Baijayant Panda termed the Union Budget as a “big step” from a macro-economic perspective for its large allocation to infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and steps to cut red tape to ensure ease of doing business.

Congress leader Kamal Nath, a former Commerce Minister slammed the government, saying it has failed to create an “immediate stimulus” in the budget to address challenges of employment generation and agriculture sector.

“This is a budget of future clarifications.”

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the budget does not address the concerns of the farmers and the middle class, and accused the Narendra Modi government of “cheating” them while questioning the black money amnesty scheme. - PTI

largest economy a bright spot in a gloomy global landscape, and reiterated a forecast that it would grow by 7.6 per cent in the fiscal year that is drawing to a close.

But, despite hefty commitments on rural welfare and health, Jaitley managed to stick to his fiscal deficit target of 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product for the 2016/17 fiscal year that starts on April 1 — a pledge that may open the way for an early interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India.

“At first sight, it’s a good budget, a fire-fighting budget,” said Amitabh Dubey, director of India research at Trusted Sources.

“Rural demand is weak, private investment is dead in the water and, of course, we have a banking crisis,” he added.

“They’ve announced some easeof-doing-business-measures that are positive. But, in other ways, it’s a classic tax-and-spend budget.”

Modi’s change of course seeks to prevent a repeat of the fate of the last government led by his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose relentless optimism — summed up by its “India Shining” slogan — grated with voters who dispatched it after one term in 2004.

Jaitley reeled off a list of $16 billion in measures targeted at the

countryside, including spending on a job creation scheme, farmers’ welfare and building of rural roads.

He also targeted a total of $130 billion in credit to farmers.

“These steps will help our millions of farmers recover from the rough patch they have been going through,” said Yoginder K. Alagh, a farm expert and former planning official. The government will also allocate $32 billion for infrastructure development in 2016/17, an increase of 22.5 per cent from last year, building 10,000km of new national highways and upgrading another 50,000km.

Those spending pledges leave scant cash over to recapitalise a state banking sector weighed down with bad loans to a corporate sector that itself is struggling under a heavy debt burden.

Jaitley promised a one-time disputes resolution process for backtax claims that have hit foreign investors like Vodafone .

But he also hiked taxes on new cars and tobacco products, and imposed a new tax on large dividend payments - all measures that will hit India’s growing middle class.

Financial investors gave Jaitley’s budget a cautious thumbs up, with the rupee, bonds and stocks buoyant. - Reuters/PTI

KEY POINTS Relief for tax payers who earn below Rs500,000 4-month compliance window for domestic black money holders Government to pay EPF contribution of 8.33% of new employees for 3 years To give statutory status to Aadhar programme Infrastructure and agriculture cess to be levied Excise 1% imposed on articles of jewellery, excluding silver SUVs, Luxury cars to be more expensive Excise duty raised from 10 to 15 % on tobacco products other than beedis

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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

PAKISTAN GROUND BREAKING PROJECT

Karachi’s young female boxers punch through gender barriers KARACHI: In a dense and dusty neighbourhood in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, eight young girls lined up against a cement wall, touching their hands to their faces in prayer before boxing practice began.

For the last six months, these athletes-in-the-making have been training at the Pak Shaheen Boxing Club in Lyari, a packed Karachi ward known more for its internecine gang warfare than for breaking glass ceilings. During the week, a dozen girls, aged eight to 17, go to the club after school to practise their jabs, hooks and upper cuts for hours in the hope of one day bringing a medal home to Pakistan.

“I have been training since I was a child,” said Urooj Qambrani, 15.

“Inshallah, I will become an international boxer. ... I will make Pakistan’s name famous.”

Pakistani women have been training as boxers in small numbers and competed in the South

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Asian Games last year, said Younis Qambrani, the coach who founded the club in 1992.

The growth of the sport for both men and women in Pakistan has been dogged by a lack of equipment and adequate facilities, but the situation is slowly improving, he said.

In Pakistan, women and girls face additional obstacles - both from Taliban threats for going to school and also violence from family members. In October, the Sindh Boxing Association organised a camp for female boxers in Karachi, the first time that a governmentsupported event for women in the sport was held in the country, according to media reports.

D O C U M E N TA RY O N H O N O U R K I L L I N G

Some of the girls in Qambrani’s family, who had taken up practising at home, participated in the camp, and came to Qambrani afterwards to ask why they couldn’t train at his club as well.

“A number of girls were keen on training, but due to social pressures, I had been avoiding the issue,” Qambrani said. “Last year a girl came to me, asking why girls couldn’t train.

“I was moved when she said, ‘No one teaches us how to defend ourselves,’” he said.

Since then, some of the girls have begun to participate in tournaments, at home in the ring in white track suits, head scarves and boxing gloves. — Reuters

ON A MISSION: Tabia, right, 12, fights against Aamna, 11, during the Sindh Junior Sports Association Boxing Tournament in Karachi, Pakistan on February 21, 2016. - Reuters

Taseer’s killer Qadri hanged; protests erupt In 2011, Mumtaz Qadri, a bodyguard for Salman Taseer,

HONOUR: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, right, accepts the award for

governor of Punjab

Best Documentary Short Subject Film for ‘A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness’ from presenter Louis C.K. at the 88th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California Sunday. — Reuters

province, shot him

PM praises Chinoy for winning Oscar

dead in Islamabad for championing the cause of a Christian woman sentenced to death in a

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailed Sunday’s Oscar win for a documentary about the practice of “honour killings”, with activists calling for changes in laws to punish those who kill women deemed to have disgraced their families.

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s film, A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, follows the story of a young woman who survived being beaten, shot and thrown into a river by her father and uncle after marrying a man without their approval. Sharif on Monday reiterated that his government was in the process of pushing a law to stop the killings. “Women like

Ms. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy are not only a pride for the Pakistani nation but are also a significant source of contribution towards the march of civilisation in the world,” Sharif said.

First Oscar The Oscar win is the second for director Obaid-Chinoy, who in 2012 won Pakistan’s first Oscar for a documentary on the horrors endured by women who suffer acid attacks. Chinoy told Reuters earlier that she hoped the film would further raise awareness about honour killings.

“It’s not something that is part of our religion or culture. — Reuters

blasphemy case

HEIGHTENED TENSIONS: Pakistani supporters of former police bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri block a highway during a protest against Qadri’s execution in Islamabad on Monday.— AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday executed a man who killed the governor of Punjab province over his call to reform blasphemy laws.

Street protests broke out within hours by supporters of the killer.

The head of the Islamabad Bar Council called for a day-long strike of lawyers in protest against the hanging. Mumtaz Qadri, a bodyguard for Salman Taseer, governor of Punjab province, shot him dead in the capital, Islamabad, in 2011.

“Qadri was hanged at around 4:30

a.m.,” senior police officer Rizwan Omar Gondal said. The execution took place in the city of Rawalpindi outside Islamabad.

After his arrest, Qadri told police he killed Taseer because the governor had championed the cause of a Christian woman sentenced to death in a blasphemy case that arose out of a personal dispute.

Taseer had said the law was being misused and should be reformed. Qadri’s attorney said his client told him he had no regrets

for killing the governor.

Protesters briefly blocked the main road between Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday after news of the hanging broke.

Police later dispersed them and closed off the road to prevent more demonstrations. Late in 2011, an anti-terrorism court handed down a double death sentence to Qadri for murder and terrorism.

The sentence was appealed and upheld by the Supreme Court late last year. — Reuters

Salman Taseer

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

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ASIA

Missing Hong Kong booksellers say arrested for ‘illegal trading’ In a four-minute report that involved exclusive interviews with the four, they confessed to selling ‘unauthorised’ books in China via an online platform and evading customs inspections since October 2014

HONG KONG: Four of the five Hong Kong booksellers who went missing in October appeared on Chinese television confirming for the first time they’d been detained for “illegal book trading” in mainland China.

The five booksellers — including a British and Swedish national — had been linked to the same Hong Kong publisher and bookstore that specialised in gossipy books on the private lives and power struggles of China’s Communist Party leaders.

The disappearances have prompted fears that mainland Chinese authorities may be using shadowy tactics that erode the “one country, two systems” formula under which Hong Kong has

CONFESSED CRIME: A pro-democracy demonstrator posts a portrait of Causeway Bay Books shareholder Lee Bo and Mighty Current publishing house’s general manager Lui Bo, right, during a protest to call for an investigation behind the disappearance of five booksellers of a Hong Kong publishing house and bookstore during a protest outside the Chinese liaison office in Hong Kong, January 3, 2016. - Reuters/Tyrone Siu

been governed since its return to China from British rule in 1997.

Four of the men, Gui Minhai, Lui Por, Cheung Chi-ping and Lam Wing-kee, gave details of their alleged offences to Phoenix Television on Sunday night. [http:// bit.ly/1pjwXIB] “I have deeply reflected on what I have done and very much regret the illegal book trading I have carried out with Gui Minhai,” said Lui Por in the Phoenix TV report.

In a four-minute report that involved exclusive interviews with the four, they confessed to selling

“unauthorised” books in China via an online platform and evading customs inspections to deliver some 4,000 books to 380 customers since October 2014.

Mastermind Gui said he’d altered and obscured the covers of the Hong Kongprinted books with nylon bags to “evade” customs security checks and was singled out by the others as the mastermind.

The group had also opened a bank account in China to make payments. Gui had previously con-

A11

fessed on Chinese state television to a fatal drink-driving incident over a decade ago, after going missing in Thailand late last year.

The TV report also detailed how Lui, Cheung and Lee had been arrested by Chinese authorities in Shenzhen and Dongguan, two cities in southern China close to Hong Kong, in October and then called upon to testify in the case.

“I know that Gui Minhai’s books are fabricated. They were downloaded from the Internet, and were pieced together from magazines,” said Lam.

“They have generated lots of rumours in society and brought a bad influence ... I deeply acknowledge my mistakes and am willing to be penalized,” Lam added.

The only bookseller not to appear in the report was Lee Bo, a British passport holder, who Britain said had been “involuntarily removed” to China from Hong Kong in late December, constituting a “serious breach” of the one country, two systems formula.

A number of governments have expressed concern regarding the disappearances, which some diplomats fear were abductions by Chinese agents in Hong Kong and Thailand. China’s Foreign Ministry, however, has said its law enforcement officials would never do anything illegal, especially not overseas, and called on foreign governments not to interfere in Hong Kong affairs.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei acknowledged the television report in a daily briefing, saying the men had “already admitted to their actions”, without elaborating. The Phoenix television report said Lam, Lui and Cheung might be allowed to return to Hong Kong this week, citing unspecified sources.

Gui, however, was expected to remain in detention.

A Phoenix Television spokeswoman said it was granted access to the men after making “numerous requests to the relevant authorities” but declined to give further details on where, when or under what conditions the interviews were conducted. - Reuters

M A L AY S I A

Mahathir quits UMNO party protesting graft

Mahathir Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s former premier Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday he is quitting the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party, as it is being seen as “supporting corruption” under Prime Minister Najib Razak’s leadership.

Mahathir, Malaysia’s longestserving leader, remains a highly respected and influential figure and has become the fiercest critic of Najib, who is facing pressure over a graft scandal surrounding state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

“I won’t call it UMNO anymore, this is Najib’s party,” Mahathir told reports at a press conference. “I feel embarrassed that I am associated with a party that is seen as supporting corruption — it had caused me to feel ashamed.”

Najib’s office had no immediate comment on Mahathir’s statement. Mahathir, premier from 1981 to 2003, said he would not set up a new party or join another party. - Reuters

SOUTH CHINA SEA

Philippines asks China to respect sea dispute arbitration MANILA: The Philippines on Monday urged China to respect a forthcoming ruling by an arbitration court in The Hague on a territorial dispute in the South China Sea after Beijing accused Manila of “political provocation”.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also

have claims on the waters, through which about $5 trillion in trade is shipped every year.

China refuses to recognise the case lodged by the Philippines with the tribunal and says all disputes should be resolved through bilateral talks.

“The Philippines, as well as the international community, is asking China to respect the forthcoming ruling of the arbitral tribunal

and together advance an international rules-based regime,” Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement in Manila.

“If China does not heed our collective call, does it mean that China considers itself above the law?”

The tribunal’s ruling was expected before May, said del Rosario. Manila and Beijing had met several times to discuss maritime

C R I M E S A G A I N S T T H E S TAT E

North Korea says detained US student confessed to stealing political slogan SEOUL: An American student held in North Korea since early January was detained for trying to steal a propaganda slogan from his Pyongyang hotel and has confessed to “severe crimes” against the state, the North’s official media said on Monday.

Otto Warmbier, 21, a student at the University of Virginia, was detained before boarding his flight to China over an unspecified incident at his hotel, his tour agency told Reuters in January.

North Korea has a long history of detaining foreigners and has used jailed US citizens in the past to exact high-profile visits from the US with which it has no formal diplomatic relations.

“I committed the crime of taking out a political slogan from the staff-only area of the Yanggakdo International Hotel,” the North’s KCNA news agency quoted Warmbier as telling media in Pyongyang.

CNN showed video of a sobbing Warmbier saying: “I have made the worst mistake of my life, but

Otto Frederick Warmbier

please act to save me.”

Warmbier said a “deaconess” had offered him a used car worth $10,000 if he could present a US church with the slogan as a “trophy” from North Korea, KCNA said. The acquaintance also said the church would pay his mother $200,000 if he was detained by the North and did not return, KCNA quoted Warmbier as saying.

“My crime is very severe and pre-planned,” Warmbier was quoted as saying, adding that he

was impressed by North Korea’s “humanitarian treatment of severe criminals like myself”.

Warmbier’s family have not heard from him since his arrest, according to a statement provided to the Cavalier Daily, the University of Virginia’s student-run newspaper.

“He seems to be in good health, although we won’t know for sure about his condition until we have a chance to speak with him,” the statement said.

Other Westerners detained in North Korea previously have confessed to crimes against the state.

North Korea’s state media said in January that Warmbier “was caught committing a hostile act against the state”, which it said was “tolerated and manipulated by the US government”.

Warmbier was on a five-day New Year’s tour of North Korea with a group of 20 and was delayed at immigration before being taken away by two airport officials, according to a tour operator that had sponsored the trip. -Reuters

disputes but nothing had been resolved, he added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei repeated on Monday that China would not participate in the case.

‘Political provocation’ Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a visit to the United States last week, accused the Philippines of “political provocation” in seek-

ing arbitration to resolve the dispute. Wang held talks last week with his counterpart, US Secretary of State John Kerry, who said China was rapidly militarising the waterway after building artificial islands and deploying fighters and missiles. Wang defended China’s actions as self-defence but said it would remain open for two-way talks with countries claiming the South China Sea.

The Philippines and Japan, which has its own territorial dispute with China in the East China Sea, on Monday signed a military agreement allowing the transfer of aircraft and equipment to the Philippines. Japan is ready to lease at least five TC-90 King Air planes to the Philippines as a training aircraft for surveillance and reconnaissance, a military official said. - Reuters

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Recognise Kosovo or prepare for the worst

TIMESOFOMAN.COM/VIDEOS Marc Champion Opposition lawmakers released tear gas in Kosovo’s parliament again on Friday, disrupting a session to elect the country’s next president

This is not about Trump’s ignorance — or the failure of journalists to research the quote.

It’s not even about Trump’s allegedly fascist views: The quote doesn’t espouse racism. I’m not even sure he holds any views at all — at least not for much longer after words leave his mouth

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READERS’ FORUM Indian government needs to fulfil budget promises This refers to the Indian budget for 2016, which was presented on Monday. Arun Jaitley has presented a rational budget, which benefits the common man. Along with this, it largely focuses on agriculture, housing and other infrastructure and lot of exemption of taxes for extreme low tier income. All we need to see now is its implementation as the plans are big and tailored gaps where we can see inflation coming down and will it generate jobs and more income. — Lateef Shahdad, Qurum Heights 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 e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Indian selectors need to boost depth of quality players This refers to the story ‘Injury worries increase as India gear up for Lanka test’ (February 29). It is indeed worrisome to note that key players Mahendra Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are likely to miss the crunch match. It is equally distressing to note that this highlights the lack of depth in the Indian side. In my opinion, the Indian selectors need to keep this issue in mind. This would be particularly true for the next One-day World Cup, which will show the true strength of the South Asian side as all the cricketing sides would be taking part in the tournament.

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OPRAH WINFREY

MOHAMED A. EL ERIAN

The global economy needed this weekend’s Group of 20 meeting in China to produce a “Sputnik moment.” Instead, and despite growing awareness of the risks to financial stability, it concluded essentially with a reheated version of previous policy statements. This is a far cry from the individual and collective actions needed

E

ight years after Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, five European Union states still refuse to recognise it. They need to relent. They are contributing to an economic and security sinkhole in the heart of the Balkans -- and if history is any guide, that’s a bad idea.

During a chat with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Isa Mustafa as he passed through the UK last week, it came up almost in passing that his country cannot join the EU’s police information-sharing network, Europol, and is struggling to join Interpol. This is self-harm on the part of the countries doing the blocking. I’m not saying Kosovo’s secession from Serbia was a good thing. On the contrary, US President George W. Bush’s decision to endorse Kosovo’s independence in 2008 was one of the worst he made — a high bar. It made nonsense of the entire rationale based on which the international community intervened militarily in the former Yugoslavia: To prevent the change of borders by force.

Russia took the Kosovo precedent and ran with it, starting in Georgia just months later. But that is now history. Kosovo will not return to Serbia.

More than half of all nations have recognised the former province as a state. In Europe, 80 per cent have done so, and with good reason: Failure to integrate Kosovo will put their own security at risk.

Kosovo, a nation of 1.8 million, has Europe’s highest proportion of citizens fighting with extremists in Syria and Iraq; 232 as of a year ago and no doubt more today. Cross-border organised crime is entrenched, aided by corruption and in some cases complicity at high levels.

So it makes no sense to leave this link in Europe’s intelligence and information chain dark.

Here’s how Mustafa put it: People went to Syria and Iraq and we have to prepare to deal with the consequences when they come back.

For that we need regional cooperation, and we need access to international organisations such as Interpol. But for us the entry process has been prolonged. For Europol the holdup is the five EU members that haven’t recognised Kosovo as a country: Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. For Interpol, the problem is wider: At the international level, Russia and China make problems for us through the Security Council, and then other countries side with them. Russia

is hardly about to change its mind on this — at least not until the rest of the world recognises Crimea as Russian and the Russian-occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent. So probably never. What matters most, though, is something Russia can’t block: Integrating Kosovo into EU programmes and structures.

There may not be unlimited time to get this right. Nationalists are growing stronger in the Balkans as elsewhere in Europe. In Kosovo, they have gelled in the Self-Determination party, which is demanding that Mustafa’s government resign over its acceptance of an EU-brokered agreement that gives limited autonomy to Kosovo’s ethnic Serbs in an area close to the Serbian border. They are furious, too, over the government’s agreement to settle the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. Opposition legislators have repeatedly released tear gas in parliament.

Populist appeals are striking a nerve. Unemployment in Kosovo is 35 per cent, and a staggering 61 per cent among people under 25. Kosovo has become the poorest corner of the Balkans, in part because it has become so isolated in terms of trade, investment and travel. This in turn has driven hundreds of thousands of Kosovars to look for work abroad — in the EU. Mustafa was in London to meet with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is helping with construction of a highway to Serbia and with upgrading the railway that links Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia. He also wants to apply for membership in the World Trade Organisation, but that may prove impossible because it is subject to a vote by current WTO member states.

Recently, Kosovo sought to join UNESCO, the United Nations heritage protection organiSation.

Russia helped Serbia block the bid and Kosovo fell three votes short of the two-thirds majority it needed. Kosovo’s population may be more than 90 per cent ethnic Albanian, but many of the ancient sites in need of upkeep and protection are Serbian Orthodox Churches.

It is hard to imagine Spain, which has so mishandled its own separatist movement in Catalonia, giving way to a unilateral secession by Kosovo, even now. At a minimum, though, Spain and Serbia’s other EU friends can stop blocking Kosovo’s membership in vital organisations. There is more to lose than symbolism. - Bloomberg View

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A13

WORLD Brexit could lead to ‘decade of uncertainty’ for Britain ‘Deal with EU may disappoint voters’

Prime Minister David Cameron is campaigning for an ‘In’ vote in a referendum on UK membership to be held on June 23 although a number of his own ministers back a British exit

LONDON: A British exit from the European Union could lead to 10 years or more of damaging uncertainty while a new relationship with both the bloc and other countries is negotiated, the British government said on Monday.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who earlier this month agreed a deal with other EU leaders to reform Britain’s relationship with the bloc, is campaigning for an ‘In’ vote in a referendum on UK membership to be held on June 23 although a number of his own ministers back a British exit.

Unpredictable In an document setting out the process of withdrawing from the EU, the government said leaving the bloc was unprecedented and unpredictable.

“It would take up to decade or more to negotiate firstly our exit from the EU, secondly our future arrangements with the EU, and thirdly our trade deals with countries outside of the EU, on any terms that would be acceptable to

DETERMINED: Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron holds a question and answer session with students at University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich, Britain on Monday. - Reuters

It would take up to decade or more to negotiate firstly our exit from the EU, secondly our future arrangements with the EU, and thirdly our trade deals with countries outside of the EU, on any terms that would be acceptable to the UK, said a British government document

the UK,” the document, published on Monday, said.

“This would be a long period of uncertainty, which would have consequences for UK businesses, trade and inward investment.”

While the official government position is to back ‘In’, several of

Cameron’s top team of ministers and London Mayor Boris Johnson are campaigning for a so-called Brexit and have accused the government of scaremongering.

One of those, Chris Grayling, leader of parliament’s lower house, said a post-Brexit deal with

FORMER GREEK FINANCE MINISTER

Varoufakis advises Britain’s Labour Party, says Corbyn LONDON: Yanis Varoufakis, the self-described “erratic Marxist” who took Greece to the brink of a euro zone exit by battling creditors over the conditions for a bailout, has got a new role: Advising Britain’s opposition Labour Party.

The former Greek finance minister who shuns neckties and says the European Union is falling apart will advise Labour due to his negotiating experience during the euro zone debt crisis, said Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

“I think the way Greece has been treated is terrible and we should reach out to them,” Corbyn, who has taken the party of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown

through all the negotiations [with the ECB, European Commission and the International Monetary Fund],” Corbyn was quoted as telling his local London newspaper.

Yanis Varoufakis

further to the left since he became leader in 2015, told the Islington Tribune.

“Varoufakis is interesting, because he has obviously been

New role Varoufakis, 54, did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment about the new role.

A spokesman for the Labour Party said Varoufakis would take part in a lecture series to discuss his experiences and offer advice on Labour Party policy “in an attempt to raise the level of public debate on economics and policy making.” — Reuters

the EU would be done relatively quickly as it was in EU countries’ financial interests to continue trading with Britain.

“What possible evidence is there that it will take us 10 years to sort out trading arrangements?” he told the BBC. “We buy far more from them than they buy from us, the jobs at risk if we do not rapidly move to a new trading arrangement are in Bavaria, and in France and in Italy and in Spain...

It will be quick enough to ensure there isn’t a hiatus in trading because they will lose financially if there is.” — Reuters

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LONDON: Prime Minister David Cameron’s renegotiation of Britain’s relationship with the European Union might not have done enough to persuade undecided voters to back staying in the bloc, the nationalist leader of Scotland said on Monday.

Po-EU Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon said renegotiation was “too grand a word” for what Cameron had achieved.

Arch Eurosceptic “Nothing in that was going to change my view as someone who wants to stay in, nothing in it was going to change the view of an arch Eurosceptic who wants out of Europe come what may,” she said during a question session after a speech in London.

“The danger is for those perhaps in the middle ground who were looking to that to try and make up their mind, it is an inevitable disappointment, because it didn’t live up to what was promised.”

She hoped the vote would result in an “overwhelming” victory for the ‘In’ camp. — Reuters

NA R R O W D E F E AT

Morales’ woes deepen as ex-girffriend under arrest LA PAZ: Bolivian President Evo Morales, fresh from his first major electoral defeat in last week’s referendum on extending his rule, is facing a deepening scandal over his ties to a woman who was held by police over the weekend.

Gabriela Zapata was jailed on Sunday while her case is investigated. She is accused of illicit enrichment and influence peddling to help a company where she worked to secure lucrative government contracts.

The matter was likely a significant factor in the narrow defeat he suffered last week in a referendum over whether the constitution should be changed to allow him to run for office again in 2019.

Bolivia’s first indigenous president and leader since 2006, Morales has won praise for his prudent spending of a natural gas windfall that has helped tackle poverty.

But accusations of corruption and cronyism in Morales’ socialist party have been on the rise, eroding his support.

Morales has in the past risen above the accusations and following his defeat last week he accused the opposition of racial discrimination and a dirty tricks campaign.

However, confusion over when the relationship with Zapata ended and whether a child they acknowledge they had together is still alive have led to questions about whether Morales has misled the public.

Morales has said the relationship ended in 2007 and their son had died young.

But photos have emerged in the media that appeared to show them together last year, while Zapata’s aunt insisted over the weekend that the boy is alive and well, causing a sensation in Bolivia. At a press conference on Monday, Morales said he was unaware that his son had lived and asked the family to let him know the truth. — Reuters

A 14

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

WORLD

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Trump swats away row over backing by KKK’s ex-leader On the eve of Super Tuesday, the Republican frontrunner tried to explain why he did not condemn backing from former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke

UPBEAT: People attend a campaign rally with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Madison City Schools Stadium on Sunday in Madison, Alabama. — Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP

SAN ANTONIO: Donald Trump swatted away the latest controversy to shadow his unorthodox march toward the Republican presidential nomination on Monday, attributing his failure to disavow support from a white supremacist to a faulty television earpiece.

On the eve of the biggest voting day in the race to pick the 2016 US presidential candidates, the Republican front-runner tried to

explain why he did not condemn backing from former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke during a Sunday television interview.

“I’m sitting in a house in Florida with a very bad ear piece that they gave me, and you could hardly hear what he was saying, but what I heard was various groups,” Trump said on NBC’s “Today” show.

“I disavowed David Duke all weekend long, on Facebook, on Twitter, and obviously, it is

never enough,” the real estate billionaire added.

In a campaign that Trump has stamped with constant insults of rivals and critics and a string of controversial proposals, it was unclear whether he would be damaged by an association with white supremacist support - something that might have tanked another presidential candidacy.

He has proposed a temporary ban on Muslims entering the

country, called Mexican immigrants criminals and insulted women. The former reality TV star, whose candidacy began as a long shot, has won three out of the first four state contests to pick the Republican nominee for the November 8 presidential election.

He looks set to amass more victories when 11 states, many in the South, hold nominating contests on Super Tuesday.

Trump leads opinion polls in many of those states, as well as in most national polls where he has a double-digit advantage over closest Republican challengers Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

His progress toward the nomination, boosted by a surprise endorsement from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Friday, has alarmed many in the Republican establishment.

Trump’s rivals slammed him for equivocating on white supremacist support on Sunday, when he was asked repeatedly on CNN if he would condemn the Klan and disavow support from white supremacists including Duke, a former Klan grand wizard from Alabama, one of the states voting on Super Tuesday.

Rubio, a first-term US senator from Florida who is seen by

some Republican leaders as the best hope to defeat Trump, said on Monday, “I don’t care how bad the earpiece is - Ku Klux Klan comes through pretty clearly and he refuses to criticise it.

How can someone like that be our nominee?”

Rubio has embraced some of Trump’s bar brawl tactics with apparent relish since a debate last week, smiling broadly when his shift to offense was greeted with claps, laughter and cheers. He has since insulted Trump’s appearance and suggested he urinated in his pants during the debate.

The descent into incivility has drawn rebukes from Republicans including John Kasich, the Ohio governor who hopes to keep his own White House hopes alive beyond Super Tuesday by doing well in states that are rich in the delegates candidates need to win the nomination.

Kasich, who has prided himself on running a positive campaign, criticized his rivals for their constant name-calling in a campaign he described as “almost beyond fiction.”

“It’s just one controversy over another,” Kasich said on CNN.”This is like every day. It’s a circus.” — Reuters

NIGERIA

Abba Moro denies $3m fraud charges ABUJA: Nigeria’s former minister of interior pleaded not guilty on Monday to fraud and money laundering charges worth 677 million naira ($3.4 million) relating to a fraudulent recruitment drive that triggered a stampede in which 20 people were killed.

Abba Moro, who served under former president Goodluck Jonathan, is accused of conspiring with three ex-civil servants and the company that oversaw the recruitment process, to defraud nearly 7,000 job applicants.

He is the latest minister who served under Jonathan to face corruption charges since President Muhammadu Buhari took office in May last year after winning an election on a campaign promise to crackdown on corruption.

False pretence The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said 676,675 Nigerian job applicants had each paid 1,000 naira ($5.03) “under the false pretence that the money represents payment for their online recruitment exercise”.

Thousands of job applicants descended on Nigeria’s national stadium in March 2014 as part of the immigration service recruitment drive, leading to a stampede that left 20 dead. — Reuters

‘THE NEW DAY’ IS LAUNCHED A picture shows the first edition of The New Day, a new British daily newspaper, on the day of its launch, with an arrangement of other daily newspapers in London on Monday. British Prime Minister David Cameron helped launch the country’s first new national daily newspaper in 30 years, which vowed to show that print news could prosper in the Internet age. The New Day, created by publishing giant Trinity Mirror, hit the newsstands on Monday, carrying a front-page story of a report into children who cared for their parents and a column by Cameron calling on Britain to remain in the European Union. — AFP

LAST-MINUTE CHANGE

Suu Kyi likely to speed up Myanmar presidential polls NAYPYITAW: Myanmar’s democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi is likely to speed up elections of the country’s president, in a last-minute change following weeks of talks with the military that has stood by the constitution that bars her from assuming the highest office.

Myanmar’s parliament dominated by the National League for Democracy (NLD), which swept historic elections in November, will change the date of presidential elections, previously set for March 17, according to the agenda for Tuesday’s parliamentary session. NLD members and analysts say the party was likely to speed up the vote to end weeks of bickering between the army and the NLD over whether junta-drafted constitution, which bars Suu Kyi from becoming president, should be amended.

The original date, set only two weeks before the term of the new

government was set to start on April 1, gave Suu Kyi plenty of time to negotiate the terms of the transition. But in the face of the unrelenting military, Suu Kyi decided to speed up the vote to gain time to prepare for government, analysts say.

“It’s become clear that amendment of article 59 (f ) (barring Suu Kyi from becoming president) is impossible.

So they want the presidential nomination to happen earlier so that they can take more time in handling cabinet formation,” said political analyst Yan Myo Thein.

Historic vote The NLD swept the historic November 8 election, securing some 80 per cent of elected seats in parliament, or enough to push through its president.

Suu Kyi is barred from the presidency because she has foreign children. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

WORLD

In France, one person was arrested for trying to prevent the clearing of the site — where about 3,000 people are staying — by about 20 workers under heavy police protection

France begins clearing part of Calais camp Macedonian police fire tear gas on migrants storming Greek border

CALAIS (FRANCE)/ IDOMENI (GREECE): Work began on Monday to clear a shanty town outside Calais used by migrants trying to reach Britain after the French government won a legal battle to dismantle part of the camp.

Also on Monday, Macedonian police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of migrants and refugees who stormed the border from Greece, tearing down a gate as frustrations boiled over at restrictions imposed on people moving through the Balkans.

In France, one person was arrested for trying to prevent the clearing of the site — where about 3,000 people are staying — by about 20 workers under heavy police protection.

Police presence Regional Prefect Fabienne Buccio said the police presence was needed because “extremists” could try to intimidate migrants into turning down housing offers or buses to reception centres.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said last week that authorities would work with humanitarian organisations to relocate the migrants to a nearby park of converted shipping containers or other reception centres around France. On Thursday a judge up-

DEMOLITION DRIVE: Workmen tear down makeshift shelters during the partial dismantlement of the camp for migrants called the “jungle”, in Calais, northern France, on Monday. – Reuters

held a government order to evict migrants living in the southern part of the camp, although a few makeshift buildings of social importance such as a school and a theatre are to remain untouched.

Thousands of migrants fleeing war and poverty, from Afghanistan to Syria, have converged on the northern port over the past year. Most attempt to climb illegally onto trains using the Channel Tunnel or lorries heading to Britain where they hope to settle.

Their presence has led to tension with some of the local population and to a permanent police deployment.

Tear gas Meanwhile, a Reuters witness said Macedonian police fired several rounds of tear gas into

crowds who tore down the metal gate and onto a railway line where migrants sat refusing to move, demanding to cross into the country.

There were an estimated 8,000 people gathered at Idomeni, the small frontier community on Greece’s border with Macedonia.

Most were Syrians and Iraqis.

Earlier on Monday, a crush had developed along the frontier after rumours spread that Macedonian authorities had opened the border after several hours of it remaining sealed shut. Crowds who gathered at the razor wire fence proceeded to use a heavy metal pole to bring down a gate by digging beneath the barrier and using force to push it up and out. At least two people collapsed in the crush and ensuing use of tear gas, Reuters television images showed. — Reuters

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S T R AY I N G F R O M W I L D L I F E S A N C T UA RY

Lions seen roaming in Nairobi again NAIROBI: Two lions were spotted close to a highway in the Kenyan capital on Monday, the second time last month that lions have strayed from a wildlife sanctuary Nairobi’s outskirts and entered the city of some 3 million people.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said it had sent a team to find the animals which are potentially dangerous and could cause

havoc to the busy city’s traffic.

Previous incidents have brought rush-hour traffic to a standstill. In mid-February, several lions were spotted in a residential area and were captured in the middle of the night.

“A KWS search team is currently on the ground and we’ll keep you updated on our findings” the wildlife service said of Monday’s

sighting along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass road.

Traffic police spotted the lions close to a forest near the neighbourhood of Karen - a section of Nairobi named for Karen Blixen, the Danish author of the colonialera memoir “Out of Africa”. Last year park officials agreed to allow a new Chinese-built railway line to cut through the park. — Reuters

A 16

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DiCaprio bags best actor award Spotlight named best picture, while Mexico’s Alejandro Inarritu nabbed the best directing Oscar for The Revenant and Brie Larson wins best actress, and Mark Rylance, Alicia Vikander win supporting role Oscars

LOS ANGELES: Catholic Church abuse movie Spotlight was named best picture, the top award at Sunday’s Oscars ceremony, after a night peppered with pointed punchlines from host Chris Rock about the #OscarsSoWhite controversy that has dominated the industry.

In a ceremony where no single movie commanded attention, Mexico’s Alejandro Inarritu nabbed the best directing Oscar for The Revenant, becoming the first filmmaker in more than 60 years to win back-to-back Academy Awards. Inarritu won in 2015 for Birdman.

12 nominations The Revenant went into Sunday’s ceremony with a leading 12 nominations, and was among four movies believed to have the best chances for best picture after it won Golden Globe and BAFTA trophies.

The ambitious 20th Century Fox Pioneer-era tale, shot in sub-zero temperatures, also brought a first Oscar win for its

SWEET SUCCESS: Leonardo DiCaprio, left, poses with the Oscar for Best Actor, and Alejandro G. Inarritu poses with the Oscar for Best Director in the press room during the 88th Oscars late Sunday in Hollywood. – AFP

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star Leonardo DiCaprio, who got a standing ovation from the A-list Hollywood audience.

“I do not take tonight for granted,” DiCaprio said, taking the opportunity in his acceptance speech to urge action on climate change.

Yet voters in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose Open Road Films’ Spotlight, which traces the Boston Globe’s

2003 Pulitzer Prize winning investigation of child sex abuse by Catholic priests, for best picture.

The movie also won best original screenplay.

“This film gave a voice to survivors, and this Oscar amplifies that voice, which we hope can become a choir that will resonate all the way to the Vatican,” said producer Michael Sugar.

Rising star Brie Larson, 26, took home the statuette for best actress for her role as an abducted young woman in indie movie Room, adding to her armful of trophies from other award shows.

Racial themes and barbs about the selection of an all-white acting

NEW RULES

CHARGED WITH MURDER

Israel army braces for battle over beards OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel’s long-running struggle to balance modern standards with Jewish tradition has come to a head in the military, where new orders curtailing beards among soldiers have met protests from some rabbis.

Many Orthodox Jewish men go unshaven, a religious observance that Israel’s armed forces accommodates. But in recent years, many secular soldiers have also grown beards, a trend that new orders going into effect on Tuesday aim to combat.

Under revised rules, all soldiers will require advance approval from their commanders, rather than military chaplains, to sport a beard. Religious troops can expect to receive permission, but some rabbis complain about the heightened scrutiny.

Rabbi Shlomo Aviner of Beit El settlement in the occupied West Bank described facial hair as an emblem of Jewish fighters. He said soldiers should refuse to obey any shaving orders.

“You can be clean and orderly with a beard, and you can be slovenly without a beard,” Aviner told

nominee line-up for a second year were a running theme of the show, dubbed “the white People’s Choice awards” by Rock, an outspoken black comedian.

He questioned why the furore over diversity in the industry had taken root this year, rather than

in the 1950s or 1960s, saying that black Americans had “real things to protest at the time”.

“We were too busy being raped and lynched to care about who won best cinematographer,” Rock added. In a taped section, Rock visited the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Compton - the heart of the hip-hop music industry - to ask residents if they had heard or seen the Oscarnominated movies. None had.

Several nominees gave Rock a thumbs-up for striking the right balance on a tricky theme.

“I thought it was jabbing at Hollywood, yet at the same time evenhanded, and kind of dealing with a new era of how we discuss diversity,” said Adam McKay, director and co-writer of best picture nominee The Big Short. “Really impressive and really funny”.

Rock wasn’t alone in putting people of colour in the spotlight on the movie industry’s biggest night.

“I (am) very lucky to be here tonight, but unfortunately many others haven’t had the same luck,” Inarritu said, expressing the hope that, in the future, skin colour would become as irrelevant as the length of one’s hair.

Among surprises, Britain’s Mark Rylance beat presumed favourite and Creed actor Sylvester Stallone to win the Academy Award for best supporting actor for Bridge of Spies.

“Sly, no matter what they say, remember, to me you are the best, you were the winner. I’m proud of you,” Arnold Schwarzenegger, a fellow action star, said in a short video he posted online.

British singer Sam Smith’s theme song for James Bond movie Spectre beat Lady Gaga’s assault awareness ballad Til It Happens to You. Swedish actress Alicia Vikander won the supporting actress Oscar for the movie The Danish Girl while documentary Amy, about the late and troubled British pop star Amy Winehouse was also a winner.

Warner Bros Mad Max: Fury Road was the biggest winner, clinching six Oscars, but all were in technical categories such as costume, makeup and editing. — Reuters

HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY: An Israeli soldier during a ceremony in occupied Jerusalem, in this photo taken on May 5, 2014. Under revised rules, all soldiers will require advance approval from their commanders, rather than chaplains, to sport a beard. – Reuters Files

Srugim. In a comment that drew headlines on Israeli news websites, Aviner said the military edict reminded him of photographs from the past era showing Jews being forcibly shaved.

Of requests for beards made so far, 42 per cent have been granted

on grounds of piety while other applicants were rejected for trying to “hitch a ride” and shirk shaving, chief military spokesman Brigadier-General Motti Almoz told Army Radio.

Almoz argued that freedom of faith had to be weighed against

avoiding slovenliness in the conscript ranks, something he said was brought home to him by comparing Israeli troops to US counterparts now visiting the country for an air defence drill.

“There is proof that, in terms of appearance and discipline, and at times in operational circumstances, having soldiers with beards is not how a military should look,” Almoz said.

The dispute has reached into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, where religious Jewish parties are powerful partners.

Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan, a lawmaker from the Jewish Home party and the deputy defence minister, told another religious news outlet, Kol Hazman, that the beard order was “unreasonable and illogical” and could hinder efforts to enlist ultra-Orthodox Jews who are generally exempted from the draft.

But with Israel’s Supreme Court having struck down an appeal last year against the new regulations, Almoz pledged to prosecute soldiers unwilling to carry out orders to shave. — Reuters

Nanny held after brandishing child’s severed head MOSCOW: Russian investigators arrested a nanny and charged her with murdering a young child in her care on Monday after local media broadcast footage of a woman brandishing a severed infant’s head near a busy Moscow metro station.

Moscow investigators said in a statement the unnamed nanny was from Central Asia and that she was undergoing psychiatric testing to see if she was mentally sound and understood the significance of the crime they said she had committed. Lifenews.ru, an online news portal with close contacts to the police, published video footage of a woman it identified as the nanny. Clad in black, she was seen wandering around the street holding up a child’s severed head high in the air.

The portal said a policeman had approached the woman to check her documents and that she had responded by remov-

ing the child’s head from a bag and begun shouting that she had killed the infant. One reporter, from the RBC daily, said she had heard the woman screaming.

“I was on my way to the metro station from home,” Polina Nikolskaya, the reporter, told Reuters.

“She was standing near the metro entrance and caught my attention because she was screaming. I saw that she had a bloodied head in her arms, but I thought it was not real. People in the crowd said it was real.”

In other footage of the scene, the woman can be heard shouting about the end of the world while proclaiming herself a terrorist.

Investigators said the murdered child was three or four years old and that the nanny had killed the child in the family’s Moscow flat before setting fire to the premises and fleeing.

The motive for the crime was unknown, they said. — Reuters

B OMAN OIL PRICE DECLINES Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) said that Oman oil price (April delivery) reached $30.81. The DME statement on Monday said that the price of Oman oil declined 43 cents from the price of last Friday, which was at $31.24. — ONA

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, MARCH 1, 2016

MARKE

Portal has so far added 4,402 new commercial licences till the end of February 21, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said.

MUSCAT: A total of 1,403 commercial registrations have been updated and 4,402 new registrations had been made with the help of the “Invest Easy” portal by the end of February 21, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said.

The ministry added in a press statement on Monday that 33 commercial registrations had been cancelled during this period.

E-Services provide the investors and the business sector with

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many facilities, acting director of Investor Services Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Bin Khalfan Bin Amer Al Badawi, said.

These include changing commercial registration, including the commercial name, legal entity, capital details, fiscal year for the commercial registry, and company address “head office address,” changing business activities’ details, investors and signatories’ details, as well as corporate cancellation and liquidation.

Ahmed Bin Khalfan Bin Amer Al Badawi. — Supplied picture

Electronic services Some electronic services are also offered at service-provision offices and the ministry’s investor-services offices, including sale contracts “retailer, sale of shares” and determining locations of services practicing and licence, Al Badawi said.

He added, “Invest Easy portal is considered the main commercial registration portal in the Sultanate and today contains 45

self-electronic services, whereby the investor can fulfil its commercial transaction without accessing the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.”

These services, rendered to the investor, are of high quality, easy to use and available to investors 24/7. Through this, 80 per cent of the services rendered to the investor via the front offices, are selfelectronic services and available via the “Invest Easy” Portal.

It is mentioned that the services offered so far are composed of four stages in the comprehensive development project of the one services station, supervised by the ministry and competent authorities.

It is hoped that in the near future a number of new e-services will be offered to the investors.

We hope that they may facilitate the commercial registration process for investors and enable them to follow-up on their business transactions, he added.

NCSI REPORT

Oman’s real estate transactions rise 30.7% in January MUSCAT: Real estate transactions in Oman registered a year-on-year rise of 30.7 per cent in January 2016 reaching OMR350.8 million as against OMR268.4 million recorded last year, according to the latest report issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Fees collected by way of legal proceedings in the real estate sector increased by 29.7 per cent to OMR4.8 million from OMR3.7 million during the period.

Traded value of sales contracts, on the other hand, posted a growth of 24.7 per cent, taking the value to OMR119.2 million from OMR95.6 million posted same month last year, while the number of sales contracts saw a 32.5 per cent increase with 8,308 agreements compared with 6,270 contracts last January.

Meanwhile, traded value of

mortgage contracts went up by 32.9 per cent to OMR228.3 million from last year’s OMR171.8 million, with a 45.4 per cent increase in the number of mortgage contracts, which rose to 2,195 from 1,510 recorded last year.

Value of barter contracts logged a significant 230 per cent growth this year to touch OMR3.3 million from OMR1 million posted in January 2015, while their numbers increased 61.1 per cent taking the total deals to 145 in January this year, compared with 90 deals in the same period in 2015. In all 25,604 properties were issued in January 2016, marking a rise of 37.8 per cent over last year’s 18,586. However, a decline of 13.8 per cent was recorded in the number of properties issued to GCC nationals, which fell from 260 January last year to 224 this January, the NCSI report indicates. — ONA

B2

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

MARKET STOCK MARKETS

Regional markets

close February in the green as Saudi struggles

Indian trade team to explore exports and tie-ups in Oman

Times News Service MUSCAT: Regional stock markets are showing resiliency for the first time in a long time as they ride out another volatile week and preserve monthly gains.

It looks like most markets will close out the month in the green with Saudi looking like the only one struggling to post a monthly gain, according to research released by Al Masah Capital, a leading alternative asset management and advisory firm in Dubai.

“Despite repeated attempts by sellers to increase pressure, buyers held their ground, allowing regional markets to gain on average 0.7 per cent on the week. A positive average monthly gain has not happened since last April and given the carnage in January, it will be seen as a small victory,” the report noted.

Retailers February gains have been led by retailers, which tends to be the case in these markets and the buying has focused on smaller cap names which is what retailers focus on; hence market pessimists will deem this a weak foundation on which to build any momentum unless institutions and foreign money recommit significantly.

However, with oil still volatile and a bottom far from in place, uncertainty still has the upper hand hindering fresh inflows. In the coming week the transition from February to March will be done with an eye on whether buyers can maintain the recent uplift.

Event will focus on healthcare, food industry, information technology, mining & mineral and construction and infrastructure sectors

Times News Service MUSCAT: A delegation of Indian companies will visit Oman to explore opportunities for exports, business tie-ups, investments and project work in Oman, at a trade and investment promotion event on March 30.

Organised by the Embassy of India, in association with Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI), the event in Muscat will focus on healthcare, food industry, information technology, mining & mineral and construction and infrastructure sectors.

Apex chambers in India like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO), National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) and Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) will be organising delega-

BUSINESS MEETING: With a view to provide opportunities for match making and business interactions, the Indian embassy in Muscat, in association with Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, will organise a business to business meeting on March 30 with relevant Omani enterprises. – File photo

tions of reputed Indian companies to showcase their products and services in these sectors to the Omani business enterprises.

There are over 2,900 Indian enterprises in Oman with an estimated investment of $4.5 billion. Omani investments in India are estimated at $3 billion, as per the information from Ministry of

INDIAN MARKETS

Commerce and Industry of Oman.

Seminar, project work With a view to provide opportunities for match making and business interactions, the Indian embassy, in association with OCCI, will organise a business to business meeting at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Muscat on March 30 with

relevant Omani enterprises, to be invited by OCCI. Later, in the afternoon a seminar on business/project work opportunities available in Oman in these sectors will be organised on the embassy premises. Key Omani government/private authorities will be invited to making presentations to the Indian delegation

on project work and investment opportunities available in Oman.

Omani enterprises dealing in these sectors in Oman are invited to attend the forenoon session at Hotel Crowne Plaza and interact with Indian companies on March 30.

India and Oman, maritime neighbours, enjoy excellent political relations. Under their strategic partnership, cooperation and exchanges between the two countries have been expanding. Bilateral trade, which had grown to $5.77 billion in 2013-14, has since been declining in value. It had amounted to $4.18 billion in 201415. Mutual investment between Oman and India is estimated at $7.5 billion.

The State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of Oman, the main sovereign wealth fund of the Sultante, has been making investments in India.

It is also the Omani partner of ‘Oman India Joint Investment Fund’ (OIJIF) with SBI as the Indian partner.

The first tranche of $100 million raised by the Fund has already been invested in 7 projects in India. SGRF and State Bank of India are in the process of finalising the second tranche of $300 million, with equal contribution by the two partners.

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INDUSTRY EXPERT

Indian stocks fall, rupee gains Digitisation to supercharge MUMBAI: A clutch of tax proposals in the Budget 2016 gave the market some anxious moments as the benchmark Sensex on Monday reeled under heavy losses but recovered just in time to end lower by over 152 points on some buying support from domestic institutions.

Sentiment was hit mainly by a proposal for a higher dividend distribution tax on those earning more and a one on raising securities transaction tax in some categories. India’s finance minister proposed 10 per cent tax on dividends above Rs1 million and raising securities transaction tax (STT) to 0.05 per cent from 0.017 per cent.

Putting all speculation to rest, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday chose to play safe and opted for fiscal prudence by proposing to keep the deficit at 3.5 per cent of

GDP in 2016-17.

There were sharp fluctuations throughout though, with the market swinging as much as close to 850 points. Intra-day, it tanked nearly 660 points. Soon after, buzz of a rate cut by RBI grew louder and helped improve sentiment.

India’s budget The 50-share Nifty cracked below the 7,000-level. A senior Finance Ministry functionary said the Budget can not be dictated by the markets.

The BSE Sensex started on a higher note and ended at 23,002, a fall of 152.30 points, or 0.66 per cent. On the Budget day in 2015, the Sensex had gained 141.38 points. The NSE Nifty ended at 6,987.05, down 42.70 points, or 0.61 per cent. It hovered between 7,094.60 and 6,825.80.

Rupee jumps Enthused by budgetary proposals to boost exports, the rupee today strengthened for the second day by rising 20 paise to end at 68.42 per dollar on sustained selling of the American currency by banks and exporters.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said that more support will be provided to exporters to give a boost to overseas shipments.

The rupee resumed lower at 68.69 from last Friday’s closing level of 68.62 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market here on Monday and dropped further to 68.75 per dollar on initial month-end dollar demand from importers, mainly oil refiners.

However, it recovered from earlier losses and firmed up to 68.35 on selling of dollars from banks and exporters. - PTI

Saudi’s $4 trillion economy transforming all of the Kingdom’s verticals. Digital platforms across the public, private, and people sectors can match job skills to careers, deliver new government services, and drive healthcare, retail, and manufacturing innovation,” added Ahmed Al Faifi.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Digitisation will supercharge Saudi Arabia’s potential $4 trillion non-oil economic investment needed through 2030, industry experts announced at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Facing a volatile oil and gas market, and with half of the population under 25 years old, the Kingdom’s economic transformation could double gross domestic product (GDP) by $800 billion, create 6 million jobs, and raise Saudi household income by 60 per cent, according to a new report by the McKinsey Global Institute.

“By harnessing the potential of the Internet of Things era and hyper-connectivity with real-time analytics, and massive capital investment, Saudi Arabia can supercharge its economy, unleash the private sector potential, and leapfrog established economies in raising productivity and investment,”

Ahmed Al Faifi. – Supplied photo

said Ahmed Al Faifi, managing director of Saudi Arabia at SAP, a leading technology company.

Up to 75 per cent of productivity gains can be achieved by matching best practices, the report said.

“Technology alone cannot solve all problems, but will be key to

Training SAP co-innovates with Saudi Arabia’s leading organisations, including telecoms mobility and Saudi Telecom Company, and Al Nasser Group, Bin Sammar Trading and Contracting Company, Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Supporting sustainable work possibilities for Saudi Millennials, the SAP Training and Development Institute has conducted over 350,000 student-training days in the Kingdom over the past two years, and counts more than 35 University Alliance Partners who have trained over 5,400 graduates.

R E A L E S TAT E

Investcorp acquires $180m office building in Washington Times News Service MUSCAT: Investcorp, a leading provider and manager of alternative investment products, on Monday announced that its United States-based real estate arm has acquired a Class A, quality office building in Washington, for approximately $180 million.

This acquisition is consistent with Investcorp’s recent track record of acquiring topquality, cash flowing properties in the US and also represents the first acquisition under a new initiative focused on core-quality, long-term hold assets in key gateway markets.

733 10th Street (the “Property”), is a 170,813 square feet, 100 per cent occupied, luxury office building located in the heart of Washington’s East End office submarket, in close proximity to high-end retail stores, premium hotels and restaurants, two major Metro Stations and well-known sports and entertainment venues.

Harsh Shethia, managing director at Investcorp for Oman, said, “Investcorp is one of the largest international investors in

US real estate and we are pleased to be able to add this property to our portfolio. Our steady growth is underpinned by our strategy of targeting high-quality assets that are strategically located in metropolitan hubs across the US We have a solid pipeline of additional potential investments which we are carefully analysing.”

Investcorp purchased the property with its joint venture partner,

ScanlanKemperBard.

Investcorp’s real estate group continues to identify alternative investment opportunities that it believes will deliver superior returns. In the last twelve months, Investcorp’s total real estate acquisitions have exceeded $1.5 billion in gross asset value. Since 1996, Investcorp has completed over 400 property investments totaling more than $13 billion in value.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

B3

MARKET TA X A R R E A R S

India proposes settlement for Vodafone, Cairn in tax dispute MUMBAI: India will make a onetime offer to Vodafone Group and Cairn Energy to settle long-running disputes with the country’s tax authorities.

“I propose a one-time scheme of dispute resolution for them,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in Parliament on Monday. “They can settle the case by paying only the tax arrears, in which case liability of the interest and penalty shall be waived.” He said the companies would have to withdraw litigation as well.

Economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das subsequently said the comments were directed toward Vodafone and Cairn, even though Jaitley didn’t identify them by name. Cairn India has been asked to pay more than $3 billion in taxes because of transactions involving its former parent.

Offshore transaction Vodafone, which is seeking to resolve a tax dispute exceeding $2 billion, spent $11 billion on an acquisition of a 67 per cent stake in the mobile-phone business owned

by Hutchison Whampoa, now part of CK Hutchison Holdings, in 2007. While Vodafone has said it doesn’t owe the Indian government money because the transaction was conducted offshore, Indian authorities have sought to collect taxes on the deal because it involved assets in the country.

“It is an excellent move,” New Delhi-based Managing Partner at BMR legal. “It shows the government is finally trying to bury those issues and giving companies in disputes an opportunity to come out and settle it. .” Vodafone will study the proposal. - Bloomberg News

Asian imports of Iran crude remains steady in January Tehran sells condensate

Most of Tehran’s

to South Korean company

biggest oil buyers restrained their purchases until right before sanctions were lifted last month

TOKYO: Asian imports of Iranian oil held steady in January from a year earlier, as most of Iran’s biggest crude buyers restrained their purchases until right before sanctions were lifted last month as part of an agreement on Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme.

Iran’s rehabilitation in the international commercial system is likely to start feeding through to official buyer’s data from March after loading for exports surged this month and in late January, according to data.

Imports by Iran’s four biggest buyers — China, India, Japan and South Korea — came to 981,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January, down 0.1 per cent from a year earlier, government and tankertracking data show. The January imports for the four main buyers were down from 2015’s average rate of slightly above 1 million bpd during 2015.

With sanctions lifted after Tehran took the required steps set out in the July agreement with world powers on its nuclear programme, Iran is seeking to ramp up exports

JOB CUTS

TOP IMPORTERS: Imports by Iran’s four biggest buyers — China, India, Japan and South Korea — came to 981,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January, down 0.1 per cent from a year earlier. - File photo

to regain market share and help boost an economy that stagnated under the restrictions.

Sanctions The sanctions kept Iran’s exports at around 1 million bpd - down from an average 2.5 million bpd in 2011 - and have been credited with forcing Tehran to the negotiating table over its disputed nuclear activities.

South Korea’s January imports

of Iranian crude more than tripled versus a year ago to about 209,000 bpd last month, the most since February 2014. At the same time, Indian imports slumped 37.6 percent from the year before.

Japan’s purchases of Iranian crude increased more than 10 percent in January this year, from a year earlier to about 194,000 bpd, Trade Ministry data showed on Monday, the most since March last year. - Reuters

TEHRAN: Iran sold a light hydrocarbon liquid pumped from its South Pars fields to South Korea’s Hanwha Total Petrochemicals, as the removal of sanctions help it challenge producers of similar supplies such as Qatar.

The National Iranian Oil Company will load in April a cargo of condensate to be shipped to the South Korean petrochemical maker, according to an official from the state-run producer in the Middle East nation. That’s the first shipment of supply from the offshore South Pars natural gas fields to the Asian company, which had been purchasing Qatar’s competing deodorised field condensate while sanctions were in place on the Gulf state.

The premium traders pay over benchmark Dubai crude prices for the Qatari supply is predicted to shrink amid expectations that cargoes of similar-quality South Pars condensate, a raw material for chemical factories, will become available to buyers.

Iran has vowed to regain the market share it lost in Asia, the world’s biggest oil market, after the sanctions that curbed its exports were

removed as part of a deal over its nuclear programme with world powers.

“This changes the dynamics in the DFC market significantly,” Tushar Tarun Bansal, a Singapore-based analyst at industry consultant FGE, said by phone on Monday.

“Essentially the Qataris now have more competition, as those who buy DFC can also refine South Pars without much issue. There will be some head-on competition.”

Qatari premiums Qatar International Petroleum Marketing, known as Tasweeq, may sell term supplies of the nation’s deodorised field condensate for loading from April to June at $3.50 to $3.80 a barrel more than the benchmark Dubai price, according to a survey of 5 traders earlier this month. That would be lower than the $3.90 to $4-a-barrel premium the Middle East nation received for shipments in January to March.

As Iran seeks to regain lost market share in Asia, it’s planning to increase exports by 1 million barrels a day this year, dismissing the possibility of joining an output freeze agreed. – Bloomberg News

STOCK MARKRY

China plans to lay off Dubai’s Arabtec shares soar 14% amid 1.8 million workers speculation former CEO boosting stake in coal, steel sectors BEIJING: China said on Monday it expects to lay off 1.8 million workers in the coal and steel industries, or about 15 per cent of the workforce, as part of efforts to reduce industrial overcapacity, but no timeframe was given.

It was the first time China has given figures that underline the magnitude of its task in dealing with slowing growth and bloated state enterprises.

Yin Weimin, the minister for human resources and social security, told a news conference that 1.3 million workers in the coal sector could lose jobs, plus 500,000 from the steel sector.

12 million workers China’s coal and steel sectors employ about 12 million workers, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics.

“This involves the resettlement of a total of 1.8 million workers.

This task will be very difficult, but we are still very confident,” Yin said.

For China’s stability-obsessed government, keeping a lid on unemployment and any possible unrest that may follow has been a top priority.

The central government will allocate 100 billion yuan ($15.27 billion) over two years to relocate workers laid off as a result of China’s efforts to curb overcapacity, officials said last week.

China’s vice finance minister Zhu Guangyao quoted Premier Li Keqiang as telling United States Treasury Secretary Jack Lew

1.3m workers in the coal sector could lose jobs, plus 500,000 from the steel sector, said Yin Weimin, the minister for human resources and social security

on Monday that the fund would mainly focus on the steel and coal sectors. The number of layoffs was reasonable based on the government’s capacity closure targets, said Jiang Feitao, an industry researcher with the China Academy of Social Sciences, a top government think-tank.

Debts He said the funds being made available would be used only after the enterprises go bankrupt and settle their debts. He said local governments would also be responsible for dealing with those debts.

“It’s difficult to predict a timeframe but it will not be a quick process. There are many issues to be dealt with, including how to pay debt as well as layoffs.”

The world’s second-largest economy grew 6.9 per cent in 2015, the weakest in 25 years, and the government aims to achieve economic growth of 6.5-7 per cent in 2016. - Reuters

DUBAI: Arabtec Holding jumped to the highest in almost four months as traders speculated former chief executive officer Hasan Ismaik is adding to his stake.

The builder soared 14 per cent to Dh1.44 in Dubai, the biggest jump since June. More than 368 million shares changed hands, about 14 times the six-month intraday average. Ismaik has started buying shares in the company more than 36 per cent owned by Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Investments, CNBC Arabia reported on Monday, citing people it didn’t identify.

There are “rumours that one of the major shareholders of Arabtec is adding to his holding, which has historically generated substantial interest among investors,” said Asjad Yahya, the Dubai-based head of research at Shuaa Capital.

There’s also “some speculation of positive developments at the company on the back of financing

closed by Aabar,” he said.

Stock selloff The biggest listed construction company in the United Arab Emirates was at the centre of a stock selloff that wiped a fifth from Dubai’s benchmark index in 2014 amid a reshuffle of senior man-

agement and investor concern the company was losing Abu Dhabigovernment support.

Arabtec shares never recovered and are down about 80 per cent from their peak.

The stock’s 14-day relativestrength index rose above 70 for the first time since June, a signal to

some analysts shares may be overbought and poised to decline.

Ismaik holds 11.81 percent of Arabtec, according to data. Spokespeople for the former chief executive officer and Aabar didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

A spokeswoman for Arabtec did not comment. – Bloomberg News

B4

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,399.39 ...............5,381.03 ....................5,395.11 ...................5,383.56.................. 11.55 ................... 0.21 Financial Index .....................................6,671.62 .............. 6,644.98 ....................6,658.16 ...................6,648.08..................10.08 ................... 0.15 Industrial Index ....................................6,614.93 ...............6,607.58 ....................6,614.76 ...................6,604.95.................... 9.81 ................... 0.15 Services Index .......................................3,056.76 ...............3,054.11 ....................3,056.41 ...................3,055.22.....................1.19 ...................0.04 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 837.16 ..................835.26 .......................835.46 ...................... 836.48.................. -1.02 .................. -0.12 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 16,822,936 .................3,298,264 ..................1,124 ............... 16,392,676,081 ................ 10 ......................12 .................... 25 .........................47

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 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

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

– Times file picture

MSM index ends higher

OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 1,614,774 .......120,843....................111 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.076 ...........0.073........... 0.075 .............0.072 ........... 0.003............. 4.167 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.074...................13,125,000 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ......................................................................60,100 .............10,653........................6 ............0.175 ........... 0.180 ...........0.175 ............0.177 ............. 0.170............ 0.007............. 4.118 ................0.180.............. 0.165...................0.180..................252,231,397........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ..................26,098 ...............3,254........................4 ............0.123 ........... 0.125 ...........0.123 ............0.125 ............. 0.121............ 0.004............. 3.306 ................0.125 ..............0.124...................0.125...................25,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,277,322 ........ 77,044..................... 68 ........... 0.060 ........... 0.061 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.059 ............0.001 ............. 1.695 ................0.060..............0.060...................0.061................... 17,398,838 .........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................72,298 .............29,716...................105 ........... 0.408 ........... 0.414 ...........0.408........... 0.412 .............0.408 ........... 0.004.............0.980 ................0.414 ..............0.412...................0.414...................21,630,000.........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 1,010,407 ...... 267,645..................... 48 ........... 0.263 ...........0.266 ...........0.263........... 0.265 .............0.263 ........... 0.002............. 0.760 ................0.265..............0.265...................0.266 .................355,288,216........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 103,940 ........... 29,363........................7 ........... 0.280...........0.285 ...........0.280 .......... 0.282 .............0.280 ........... 0.002............. 0.714 ................0.285............. 0.260...................0.285...................83,532,258.........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 686,840 ..........114,700..................... 55 ............0.166 ........... 0.168 ...........0.166 ............0.167 ............. 0.166.............0.001 .............0.602 ................0.167 .............. 0.167...................0.168................... 48,538,721 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 191,368 ..........305,222..................... 56 ............1.585 ........... 1.600 ...........1.585 ............1.595 .............1.590............ 0.005............. 0.314 ................1.600..............1.590...................1.600................1,196,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ...................................5,707 ............ 26,253........................4 ........... 4.605 ...........4.605 ...........4.600 .......... 4.600 .............4.595 ........... 0.005............. 0.109 ................4.600 .............4.150...................5.050...................44,988,994 ........1.000 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 283,495 ........... 67,248......................19 ........... 0.237 ...........0.238 ...........0.237........... 0.237 .............0.237 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.237..............0.237...................0.238...................23,700,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 50,000 ............ 49,600........................2 ........... 0.992 ...........0.992 ...........0.992........... 0.992 .............0.992 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.992..............0.952...................0.992 .................198,400,000 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 202,750 ........... 20,063......................21 ........... 0.098 ...........0.099 ...........0.098........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.096...................0.099..................198,030,966........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ...................................................................... 11,027 ............... 5,139........................4 ........... 0.466 ...........0.466 ...........0.466........... 0.466 .............0.466 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.466..............0.466...................0.480 .................257,633,525 ........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER .................................................................633 ...............2,083........................3 ........... 3.290 ...........3.290 ...........3.290........... 3.290 .............3.290 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................3.290..............3.270...................3.370....................2,632,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 775,652 ........... 46,954.....................44 ........... 0.062 ...........0.063 ...........0.060........... 0.061 ............. 0.061............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.060..............0.060...................0.062 ..................12,636,234 .........0.100

Al Madina Takaful remained Monday’s top gainer, up 4.17 per cent while Bank Nizwa was

OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ..............................................2,000 .................. 584........................1 ........... 0.292 ...........0.292 ...........0.292........... 0.292 .............0.292 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.292..............0.292...................0.320 .................. 17,871,648 .........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................12,008 .............23,416........................3 ............1.950 ........... 1.950 ...........1.950 ........... 1.950 .............1.950............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.950 ..............1.900...................2.000 .................185,250,000........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 240,000........... 31,200..................... 25 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ............. 0.000...................0.132...................40,399,442.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,339,238......992,512................... 125 ........... 0.424 ...........0.428 ...........0.422........... 0.424 .............0.424 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.424..............0.424...................0.428 ................. 971,732,781 ........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 807,129.......... 124,835..................... 43 ............0.156 ........... 0.157 ...........0.154 ............0.155 ............. 0.155............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.154 ..............0.154...................0.155 ................. 223,423,200 .......0.100

the top loser, with a loss of 2.86 per cent

OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ....................................................... 4,358 ............... 1,918........................6 ........... 0.440...........0.440 ...........0.440 .......... 0.440 .............0.440 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.440............. 0.000...................0.440 ..................26,620,000.........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 303,500 .........210,022......................16 ........... 0.692 ...........0.692 ...........0.692........... 0.692 .............0.692 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.692..............0.688...................0.692..................450,453,407 .......0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ..............................................2,000 ............... 1,472........................1 ............0.736 ........... 0.736 ...........0.736 ........... 0.740 .............0.740 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.736 ............. 0.000...................0.740..................147,730,344 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH......................................................100 .................. 245........................1 ........... 2.450 ...........2.450 ...........2.450........... 2.450 .............2.450 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.450..............2.350...................2.500 .................233,870,128........1.000

MUSCAT: MSM30 Index closed at 5,395.11 points, up by 0.21 per cent. MSM Sharia Index ended at 835.46 points, down 0.12 per cent. Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Al Madina Takaful remained Monday’s top gainer, up 4.17 per cent while Bank Nizwa was the top loser, with a loss of 2.86 per cent.

A total number of 1,124 trades were executed on Monday, generating turnover of OMR3.29 million with 16.82 million shares changing hands.

Out of 47 traded securities, 10 advanced, 12 declined and 25 remained unchanged. At the session close, Omani Investors were net buyers for OMR567,000 followed by GCC& Arab investors for OMR513,000 while Foreign Investors stayed net sellers for OMR1.08 million worth of shares.

Financial Index rose by 0.15 per cent to close at 6,658.16 points. Al Madinal Takaful, Ahli Bank, Global Financial Investment and National Bank of

Oman increased by 4.17 per cent, 4.12 per cent, 3.31 per cent and 0.76 per cent respectively. Bank NizwaAl Sharqiya Investment, Ahli Bank and Gulf Investment Services declined by 2.86 per cent, 2.75 per cent, 1.75 per cent and 1.04 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index at 6,614.76 points, up by 0.15 per cent. Galfar Engineering, Al Maha Ceramics and Al Anwar Ceramics increased by 1.70 per cent, 0.98 per cent and 0.71 per cent respectively. Oman Textile Holding, Al Hassan Engineering, Jazeera Steel Product and Gulf International Chemicals declined by2.59 per cent, 1.47 per cent, 1.38 per cent and 0.33 per cent respectively.

Services Index ended flat at 3,056.41 points, marginally up by 0.04 per cent. Renaissance Services, Omantel and Sharqiyah Desalination increased 0.60 per cent, 0.31% and 0.11 per cent respectively. Phoenix Power, Port Service and OIFC declined by 0.70 per cent, 0.60 per cent and 0.50 per cent respectively.

OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ..........................................................152 .....................32........................1 ........... 0.209...........0.209 ...........0.209 .......... 0.210 .............0.210 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.209..............0.198...................0.209 .................150,025,331 ........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 196,588.............58,783.....................24 ........... 0.300...........0.300 ...........0.298........... 0.299 .............0.300 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.333 ...............0.300 .............0.298...................0.300 ...................6,279,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE...............157,171 ..............31,111......................16 ............0.199 ........... 0.199 ...........0.196 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.199............-0.001 ........... -0.503 ...............0.196 .............. 0.196...................0.198...................39,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 683,250 .........122,499..................... 46 ............0.179 ........... 0.180 ...........0.179 ............0.179 .............0.180 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.556 ...............0.179 .............. 0.179...................0.180...................26,863,425.........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 400,590........... 66,084..................... 38 ............0.167 ........... 0.167 ...........0.163 ............0.165 ............. 0.166............-0.001 ........... -0.602 ...............0.163 ..............0.162...................0.163................... 15,681,600 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 618,000 ........... 58,660..................... 46 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.094........... 0.095 .............0.096 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.042 ...............0.094..............0.093...................0.095.................... 5,590,106 ..........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 112,382.............16,069......................13 ............0.144 ........... 0.144 ...........0.142........... 0.143 ............. 0.145............-0.002 ............-1.379................0.143 ..............0.143...................0.144................... 17,860,408 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............10,000 ...............1,060........................2 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.106........... 0.106 .............0.109 ...........-0.003 ........... -2.752 ...............0.106..............0.105...................0.106....................9,540,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 12,260,877 2,916,280...................964 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......33........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 147,970 ...............4,745........................7 ........... 0.032 ........... 0.033 ...........0.032........... 0.032 .............0.032 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.033..............0.032...................0.033....................2,720,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .......................................................150 .....................69........................1 ........... 0.460 ...........0.460 ...........0.460........... 0.440 .............0.440 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.460..............0.446...................0.480 ..................69,300,000.........0.100 OM0000001426............OMAN REFRESHMENT ................................................. 300 ...................671........................1 ........... 2.235 ...........2.235 ...........2.235........... 2.250 .............2.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.235............. 0.000...................2.240 .................112,500,000........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 748,388 ............42,717..................... 29 ........... 0.057 ...........0.058 ...........0.057........... 0.057 .............0.057 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.057..............0.057...................0.058.................... 7,125,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE..................................................... 30,000 ...............3,900........................3 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.129...................0.130................... 32,710,401 .........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ................................5,000 .................. 505........................1 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.101 ........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.101 .............. 0.101...................0.103...................10,000,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 276,557 ........... 38,895......................19 ............0.141 ........... 0.142 ...........0.140............0.141 .............0.142 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.704 ...............0.142..............0.142...................0.143................. 206,226,806 .......0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 136,600 .............. 9,152........................4 ........... 0.067 ...........0.067 ...........0.067........... 0.067 .............0.068 ...........-0.001 ............-1.471 ................0.067..............0.067...................0.070....................5,038,936 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 530,021 ........... 29,828..................... 30 ........... 0.057 ........... 0.057 ...........0.056........... 0.056 .............0.057 ...........-0.001 ............-1.754................0.057..............0.056...................0.057...................56,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING ....................................... 1,000 .................. 376........................1 ............0.376 ........... 0.376 ...........0.376........... 0.376 .............0.386 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.591................0.376..............0.370...................0.376....................2,256,000 ..........1.000 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 641,100 ............43,799.....................44 ........... 0.069 ...........0.069 ...........0.068........... 0.068 .............0.070 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.857 ...............0.069..............0.068...................0.069................. 102,000,000 .......0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,517,086 ...... 174,657...................140 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ........................ 43,715 ................5,115........................1 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............ 0.117 ............0.117 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.117 ...............0.111................... 0.117 ...................35,421,646 .........0.100 OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 .............................................1,258 ...................113........................2 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.109 .............0.109 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.090..............0.090...................0.100.................... 7,793,500 ..........0.100 OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ......................................... 2,000,000 .... 202,099......................17 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.101 ............0.101 ............. 0.101............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.101 .............. 0.101...................0.000 ..................32,283,910 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,044,973 .....207,327.....................20 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 3........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities

EUROPEAN UNION

I N T I M AT E D E TA I L S O F L I F E

Consumer prices 'Your smartphone knows who you are and what exactly you are doing' fall the most in year WASHINGTON: Your phone knows more about you than you think.

It knows where you’ve been and who you were with, the birthday gift you bought your mother and who you plan to vote for. It knows that too if you’re using one of the applications for couples trying to conceive.

From pre-installed apps that count your steps to saved passwords for banking accounts and social media, smartphones have evolved from devices that make calls into digital repositories for BEWARE: People instruct their phones to remember passwords for the most intimate details of life. these apps so they can be quickly opened — which means they are “You can extract enough in- available to anyone who gets into the phone. — Bloomberg News formation on a typical person’s phone that you can construct a virtual clone of that individual,” said phones are loaded with our inti- quickly opened — which means Elad Yoran, executive chairman mate conversations, our financial they are available to anyone who of Koolspan, a communications data, our health records. They’re gets into the phone. That reveals security company. “They are the also loaded with the location of our your taste in films, shopping habits and relationships. windows not just into our personal kids in many cases.”

Some new phones come preThe world’s 7.3 billion people lives but they are equally the winnow have an estimated 3.4 billion loaded with a health app that dows into our professional lives.”

And, as the Federal Bureau of smartphones. That’s expected to automatically tracks how many Investigation’s battle with Apple climb to 6.4 billion by 2021, ac- steps a user takes. Others can be shows, they have become a gold- cording to communications com- downloaded to pinpoint a person’s mine for investigators. The agency pany Telefonaktiebolaget LM location using GPS coordinates or has won a court order demanding Ericsson. The phones are power- reveal political leanings and food Apple’s help unlocking an iPhone ful, processing more information preferences.

Navigation programs can serve used by Syed Rizwan Farook, who faster than the computers NASA as a record of places visited. If you shot scores of co-workers at a De- used to put humans on the moon.

That’s permitted them to per- use a friend finder app, the phone cember office event in San Bernardino, California in December, form a stunning array of functions will know where your friends or family members are or have been. killing 14. Apple is fighting the or- and collect troves of data.

Moreover, smartphones quiThere’s a record of calls made der, mounting a highly public case against what it calls government and received, text messages, pho- etly collect data about a user and overreach and in defense of pri- tos, contact lists, calendar entries, share it with others, said Andrew vacy. It warns that anything it does Internet browsing history and Blaich, lead security analyst for to override the encryption of its notes, as well as access to e-mail Bluebox Security, which helps seaccounts, banking institutions and cure apps. For example, the phone smartphones could help hackers. websites like Amazon, Facebook, communicates with its telecomKids’ locations “There’s probably more infor- Twitter and Netflix, said Kool- munications service provider and its manufacturer for software upmation about you on your phone span’s Yoran.

Many people instruct their dates, while apps talk back to dethan there is in your house,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook told phones to remember passwords velopers, Blaich said.

“Applications in general write ABC News last week. “Our smart- for these apps so they can be

a lot of data to their local storage.

This data includes user names and passwords and it could include credit card numbers,” he said. “If an attacker were to be able to get into your phone and get access to this data they could basically impersonate you. A lot of this information is stored unencrypted on the device.”

Other apps distribute information about your use of them to advertisers.

Sharing data Most users don’t realise the extent to which their phone is connected to the outside world because accounts stay automatically logged in, said Mike Murray, vice-president of security research for mobile security company Lookout.

Phones can reveal company secrets, too. Murray said many Fortune 500 companies have a mobile phone app allowing employees to connect to networks over a virtual private network.

All of that data can be valuable to police. FBI Director James Comey told lawmakers last week that Farook’s phone could help solve the mystery of where he was for 18 minutes after the rampage.

Despite scouring security cameras and interviewing witnesses, agents can’t account for where he and his wife went before they were spotted by police in a rented SUV, chased and slain in a gun-battle.

Comey said he is sensitive to the need for privacy.

Yorgen Edholm, chief executive officer of cybersecurity company Accellion, said the ability to track, impersonate and even manipulate someone through a smartphone shows the need to be vigilant about security and cautious of overreach by the government. — Bloomberg News

FRANKFURT: Euro-area consumer prices plunged the most in a year in February and a core measure also dropped, adding to deflation concerns that are piling pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) to expand stimulus in March.

The inflation rate in the 19-nation bloc declined to minus 0.2 from a positive reading of 0.3 per cent in January, according to data published on Monday. Core inflation, which strips out volatile elements such as food and energy, was at 0.7 per cent, down from one per cent in the prior month.

The deteriorating inflation backdrop comes just over a week before ECB policy makers led by President Mario Draghi gather for a meeting at which they’ve said they’ll review if their current stimulus is enough. Price growth has fallen short of the ECB’s goal of just below two per cent for more than two years amid a drop in oil prices, pushing the central bank to take more and more aggressive action in response.

“If we look at Europe at the moment, the danger we face is without any doubt deflation not inflation,” ECB Governing Council member Francois Villeroy de Galhau said in an interview on Sunday. “If the low energy prices have sustainable long-term effects, we have to act. That seems to be the case, but we will see in March.” Both the headline and the core measures of inflation were weaker than economists had forecast. The main rate was projected to come in at zero, while the core rate was expected to slip to 0.9 per cent.

The euro-wide number follows disappointing data from Germany, France and Spain. In Germany, the European Union-har-

Francois Villeroy de Galhau, ECB Governing Council member. — Bloomberg News

monised inflation rate dropped to minus 0.2 per cent from 0.4 per cent. The rate in France fell to minus 0.1 per cent, while Spanish prices slid 0.9 per cent. All readings were worse than economists had forecast.

To kickstart a revival in inflation, the ECB has already cut its deposit rate to minus 0.3 per cent and is pumping 60 billion euros ($66 billion) a month into the economy via asset purchases.

Central bank officials have said they are ready to expand stimulus if needed to counter the risk of low inflation becoming entrenched in the region’s economy.

This puts the spotlight on appearances from policy makers before the ECB enters its weeklong quiet period ahead of the March 10 meeting. Executive Board members Sabine Lautenschlaeger and Benoit Coeure are both slated this week; so are Governing Council members Klaas Knot and Villeroy de Galhau.

“With inflation expectations low and falling, the threat of a more persistent bout of deflation remains very real,” Jessica Hinds, an economist at Capital Economics wrote in a client note before the data. — Bloomberg News

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Toyota cars known for impressive fuel-economy, comfort and quality Across the globe Toyota is famous for having one of the most fuel-efficient collection of cars

MUSCAT: Toyota’s world-class range of passenger cars offer much more than just outstanding levels of quality, dependability and reliability. They offer a fuel economy that is always better than expectations.

According to an avid Toyota customer, “I have been closely following the oil price fluctuations in the international market. I feel that Toyota vehicles are one of the best to own for those whose main concern is the uncertainty in fuel prices. I have owned three Toyota vehicles for close to four years now, an Aurion, Corolla and Hilux and I am very happy with all three of them.”

In Oman, Toyota has long been a preferred brand for customers who desire impressive fuel-economy, comfort and quality, a major factor that led Toyota to be a fa-

vourite brand in Oman for many years together, says a press release.

Across the globe Toyota is famous for having one of the most fuel-efficient line-up. It accomplishes this not only by using some of the latest engine technologies, but also by examining every aspect of every car built. Electric power steering on vehicles like Corolla, and Camry, for example, reduces load on the engine, which reduces fuel consumption and gets rid of the pump belt and hydraulic lines.

Another reason cars like Avalon, Camry and Prius get exceptional mileage is their aerodynamic efficiency. The less wind drag a vehicle creates, the less power it takes to push it through the air, which means less fuel is consumed. The Prius is one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world, with a drag coefficient of just 0.24 – that’s better than just about any car you can name in its category.

In Oman, Toyota’s passenger cars range models include the Yaris hatchback, Yaris sedan, the new Toyota Corolla with Multi Drive 7S Transmission, Camry, Aurion, Avalon and the recently introduced Toyota Prius Hybrid.

In the Corolla, the new Multi Drive 7S, a continuously variable transmission meticulously controls the speed and shifting pattern to realise excellent power

'GOLD RUSH'

train performance while ensuring a powerful and linear acceleration.

It also has a 7-Speed sequential shiftmatic mode with manual gear shifting-like characteristics that give the driver complete control when required. Under the bonnet lies a powerful 2.0 litre engine mated with Multi Drive 7S transmission that ensures smooth shifting and high fuel efficiency of up to 17.8 km/L for 1.6L engine (Fuel Economy FE (CAFE) combined 17.8 Kms/L for Corolla 1.6L with CVT (Multi Drive 7S Transmission) & 16.6km/L for Corolla 2.0L with CVT (Multi Drive 7S Transmission) as per GSO conformity certificate. Fuel economy may vary according to driving conditions).

Anticipating the 21st century’s

need for vehicles with exceptional fuel efficiency, the new Prius showcases Toyota’s commitment to environmentally conscientious forward thinking.

Based on the advanced Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) – an innovative, integrated development programme for powertrain components and vehicle platforms – the all-new Prius takes the hybrid driving experience to another level, thanks to a lower centre of gravity, increased body rigidity and improved suspension.

Combining a gasoline engine and an electric motor, this vehicle benefits from the best of both features.

The hybrid battery is made more compact to hide under the rear seat, and is continuously

charged when braking and decelerating—so you don’t need to plug in a power cord as you would with electric-only vehicles. The 1.8-litre VVT-i equipped Atkinson cycle petrol engine has better performance to achieve an impressive fuel efficiency of up to 26.1 km/L (Fuel economy FE (CAFE) combined 26.1km/L for Prius as per GSO conformity certificate. Fuel economy may vary due to driving conditions).

Those opting for the Yaris hatchback can look forward to a sporty design and an impressive profile.

The Yaris has class-leading performance powered by a 1.5 L VVT-i engine with a maximum output of 107 HP and a maximum torque of 14.4 Kg-m. A worthy choice, the

2016 Toyota Yaris is an exciting sedan, available in 1.5 L and 1.3 L engine choices; Toyota Yaris also has a compact 4-speed automatic gearbox delivering excellent response and a smooth gearshift.

The 2016 Toyota Camry is the top-selling car for many years in America. Camry is an iconic sedan that marks a beginning of a new era in the world of automobiles. The Camry offers a 2.5L Dual VVTi Engine that delivers 181 HP, 6-Speed multi-mode A/T transmission, 6 airbags along with VSC and TRC. The luxurious Aurion is available with 6-speed multimode automatic transmission, with a 3.5-litre engine and a maximum output of 268 HP, delivering top-class level fuel economy and a powerful driving experience.

The Toyota Avalon is a sedan par excellence. It utilises a 3.5-litre, six-cylinder engine that features Dual VVT-i. The V6 Engine produces 273 horsepower and provides the Avalon with remarkable acceleration. This flagship model from the Toyota stable redefines luxury and sophistication.

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

F L E E T U P G R A D AT I O N

Sunny Oil rewards Al Rawabi partners with Isuzu trucks promotion winners

MUSCAT: Sunny Cooking Oil conducted a mega consumer promotion ‘Sunny Gold Rush – win gold coins worth up to OMR4,000’ during the months of November and December 2015.

The lucky draw was conducted in the presence of Ministry of Commerce and Industry representatives in Muscat recently,

says a press release.

A total of 34 prizes of gold coins were offered to the lucky winners.

The goal of the campaign was to reward the loyal consumers of Sunny Cooking Oil. Sunny Cooking Oil is one of the power brands within IFFCO Group portfolio and is the only brand available globally.

MUSCAT: Al Rawabi Company, a dairy and juice manufacturer, announced that it will be upgrading its entire existing fleet of distribution trucks in Oman with the premium Isuzu range of trucks.

The entire fleet of distribution vehicles will be equipped with refrigeration units from Carrier Transicold. The fleet of distribution trucks is being taken on lease from Vehicle Leasing Company (VLC), Oman’s leading customised leasing and transport solutions company, which is a part of the OTE Group of Companies, says a press release.

The distribution segment in Oman requires robust transport solutions given the nature of terrains and climatic conditions in Oman. In the food and perishable goods transport business, this challenge is further compounded

W O R L D C U LT U R E F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 6

bemusing sight to watch people from across the globe converge on one stage to sing, dance and perform in a spirit of love.

With 155 countries participating in the festival, cultural event of every nation will be showcased in all resplendence; over 10,000 musicians will be engaged in playing 40 instruments to create the oneof-the-kind musical symphony amidst the huge arena of 3.5 million spectators across the world watching a historic movement unfolding on the stage bit by bit.

The cultural pot pourri can be witnessed in Delhi, India’s capital city and historic pride.

On the one hand, the myriad colours of the folk dances from Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Russia, South America, Bulgaria, Japan etc. will match the regality of the African drums.

The Swiss alphorn will take on the gigs from Bangladesh, Pakistan and the like. India will don the mantle like never before.

There will be unparalleled performances from 1,000 Kathak

challenging task. When it came to refrigeration, Carrier Transicold emerged as a clear favourite in its quest to ensure uncompromising standards of food storage within these distribution vehicles.

The enabler in this entire process was the Vehicle Leasing Company (VLC). A part of the OTE Group and one of Oman’s leading

customised leasing and transport solutions companies, the VLC group stepped in to offer a leasing solution that enabled Al Rawabi to turn their ambitious vision for Oman into reality. With its distinguished portfolio of global customers, the leasing solution from VLC ensured uninterrupted and hassle free operations of Al Rawabi.

B L O O D D O NAT I O N D R I V E

Art of Living to celebrate 35 years of service, spirituality MUSCAT: Festivals don’t just offer reprieve from the daily grind.

They infuse your life with a deep sense of joy, love and fulfilment.

Like the exuberance of the spring, festivals wrap you up in their warmest hues, leaving you young as morning and fresh as dew.

With cultural festivals, the zest is even more. As you connect with a beautiful diverse world and melt in its camaraderie, you become a part of a kaleidoscopic rendezvous where art, music and dance combine to evoke a sense of belongingness with one and all.

The upcoming World Culture Festival (WCF) is an excellent pointer of this wonderful phenomenon. Being led by humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of the Art of Living’s 35 years of service, humanity, spirituality and human values. It will take place from March 11-13 in New Delhi, India, says a press release.

In a face-paced world, steeped in consumerism and competition, there’s little time to explore your true self. Cultural events provide you the best platform to reclaim your personal space and let yourselves be.

Which is why people throng to these festive hotpots to gain a wider perspective of their potential within and the world outside.

The festival will celebrate the diversity in cultures from across the world while simultaneously highlighting our unity as a human family. What is so unique about the festival? An atmosphere of flamboyance, gaiety, splendour, it is a

by the need to ensure stable temperatures over extended periods of time.

After evaluating parallel offerings in the market, Al Rawabi has decided to upgrade to trucks that would have the robustness, backed with easy access to quick maintenance and service facility, and selected Isuzu trucks for this

dancers, 1,000 each from Bharatnatyam and Odissi, 1,500 in Mohiniyattam from Kerala and 2,100 in Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh.

Add to it the Garbha from Gujarat, Kathi from Madhya Pradesh, Bhangara from Punjab, Bihu from Assam, Dhols of Maharashtra and Rabindra Sangeet of Bengal.

With the entire nation being enveloped in a festive fervour, the global event will be a new chapter in the celebration of such cultural gatherings. The festival will reach a crescendo with the chanting of the sacred Vedas and the proverbial meditation sessions with Sri Sri himself.

The World Culture Festival does not just encapsulate entertainment shows. The deeper purpose of the festival is to knit the world together with all its nationalities, religions, races in one single fabric of love and joyfully celebrate the diversity with a selfless spirit. In times of conflict where the world is ravaged by terrorism and the like, the festival will endeavour to spread the message of peace and harmony across the world.

Salalah Rotana marks World Cancer Month SALALAH: Salalah Rotana Resort, the Sultanate’s largest freestanding, five-star hotel, engaged its colleagues in a blood donation drive to mark the annual World Cancer Month celebrated in February, in line with its corporate social responsibility practice and in collaboration with the Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salalah, Oman.

An internal campaign was carried out in Salalah Rotana Resort as an endeavour to encourage its colleagues to participate in the blood donation drive, says a press release.

Flyers, posters and a series of discussions on the importance and benefits of donating blood were implored towards the internal campaign. The event was held in one of the resort’s meeting rooms, and welcomed a number of colleagues from various departments. All donors were subject to tests including haemoglobin, pulse, body weight and blood pressure prior to donating.

Speaking on the blood donation drive, Hossam Kamal, general manager, Salalah Rotana Resort, said: “The blood donation drive which is purposely scheduled in accordance with World Cancer Day, is an addition to the various activities hosted by the resort as part of our corporate social responsibility and effort in our local community. We are indeed enthused to work with the Sultan Qaboos Hospital towards this great initiative and hope to make this an annual event as this gesture will go a long way in saving a life.”

Also commenting on the activity, Dr Ahmad Salem Qaytoon, general manager at Sultan Qaboos Hospital said, “I would like to thank the management and staff of Salalah Rotana Resort for taking

this important initiative in contributing to the blood bank which has a lasting impact on our community as the blood bank service plays a crucial role in saving lives of patients in need. We actively engage in campaigns with both the public and private sector and are very proud to partner with Salalah Rotana Resort towards this noble cause. The resort’s effort in community development is com-

mendable and we hope to continue work with Salalah Rotana Resort to raise awareness on the importance of blood donation.”

Salalah Rotana Resort supports multiple corporate social activities which is an essential part of it operational strategy in line with the Rotana corporate sustainability initiative; Rotana Earth developed to address environmental, economic and social issues.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

ROUND-UP Ford recognised as Best Truck Brand for 2016 F-Series has been the top-selling truck in the United States for 38 consecutive years and the bestselling vehicle for 33 consecutive years

MUSCAT: Ford Motor Company has ruled the truck segment in USA for years together. Their superior characteristics of the F Series like power, toughness and reliability have made them the most preferred trucks in the markets.

Recently US News & World Report has even named Ford its Best Truck Brand for 2016. F-Series has been the top-selling truck in the United States for 38 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle for 33 consecutive years, says a press release.

The Ford F-150 is completely redesigned, with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminium-alloy body coupled with a high-strength steel frame, making it nearly 700 pounds lighter and more efficient.

F-Series continues to innovate, thanks to breakthrough towing technology, new special edition

appearance packages, SYNC 3 invehicle connectivity and alternative fuel capability. All-new, segment-first pro trailer backup assist available for the 2016 F-150 makes it easier for drivers, irrespective of their skill level, to back a trailer up.

The highest selling model in the F Series is the F-150.

The F-150 5.0-litre V8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing has improved power and efficiency, delivering 385 horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. Smart engineering enhancements such as a new longrunner intake manifold, revised intake cam duration and new pulse-separated exhaust manifolds help raise towing capability to a maximum of 11,100 pounds.

The all-new F-150 features several innovative and smart technologies, including smart trailer tow module with dynamic hitch assist, class-exclusive 360-degree camera with split-view display, highwattage outlets, LED spotlights, blind spot information system

with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping system, twin panel moonroof, stowable bed extender and more.

The smart trailer tow module shows the driver which lights on a trailer connected to the truck aren’t working, so the driver or a passenger doesn’t have to exit the vehicle and walk around the trailer to identify lights that are blown.

Dynamic hitch assist is a new rearview camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to exit the vehicle.

The available 360-degree camera with split-view display uses four exterior cameras to give the driver a bird’s-eye view of up to seven feet surrounding the F-150 to assist in parking, manoeuvring in tight spots and navigating narrow roads and trails at low speeds.

The high-wattage outlets - 400watt, 110-volt outlets in the cab allow drivers to easily charge corded tools, battery chargers or mobile

devices on-site or while in transit.

The LED spotlights on sideview mirrors provide powerful, durable and bright lighting around the truck exterior.

The Blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert: Available BLIS uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver.

The sensors trigger a warning light in the sideview mirrors to indicate another vehicle is in a blind spot if the driver is attempting to change lanes. These same sensors can detect a vehicle coming down an aisle when the driver is slowly backing out of a parking space.

The available lane-keeping is designed to help prevent a driver from drifting outside of the intended driving lane. The system automatically detects the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and interior rearview mirror. A vibration in the steering wheel is used to alert the driver.

The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed.

Ford vehicles are known the world over for their exceptional safety, luxury and unsurpassed technological superiority.

Ford ploughs in millions of dollars into R&D each year to ensure that every Ford offers maximum safety and motoring pleasure for its customers.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co.

S AV I N G S S C H E M E

Al Mumayaz Scheme general draws to have more number of winners MUSCAT: With the aim of rewarding the highest number of Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme customers in 2016, Bank Sohar, as part of its spectrum of prizes, offers general draws which will comprise 10 monthly draws of OMR10,000; culminating with the highly anticipated yearend draw of OMR 200,000 split amongst four winners.

This revamp in the scheme comes after having received feedback and valuable input from customers and the bank’s increased focus in delivering excellence in customer service, says a press release.

Commenting on the scheme’s general draws, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, Senior AGM of Branches and Retail Sales at Bank Sohar, said: “Following the success of last year’s scheme we received overwhelming feedback from our customers, with most appreciating the increase in the number of prizes from the previous year and the wider demographics we covered in the scheme.

“In order to build on that feedback, we revised the scheme to maximise the number of winners; resulting in a total of 1,500 winners this year.”

Continuing with the tradition of rewarding loyal customers, Bank Sohar designed the Al Mumayaz Saving Scheme 2016 general draws to accommodate a larger number of winners this year with more frequent draws,

expanded prize segmentation and guaranteed winners from each branch across the country.

The OMR10,000 monthly general draws provides customers with more frequent opportunities to win and therefore further incentivises and encourages the habit of saving. On the other hand, the OMR200,000 year-end general draws provides an even greater incentive for customers to save; allowing each of the four winners win OMR50,000.

The decision to split the yearend general draw prize was taken following considerable customer feedback in favour of the jackpot prize being distributed amongst several winners, as opposed to one person winning it all.

The year-end draws are usually done within the first two weeks of the following year; allowing those that win to start to a new year with limitless possibilities of savings, investing and fulfilling their aspirations.

Furthermore, in order to make these prizes more attainable to a large segment of the population, the eligibility amount for all General Draws has been kept at a minimum of only OMR1,000 monthly average balance.

In addition to general draws, the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme will continue with its hourly prize draws of OMR1,000 each from Sunday to Wednesday; totalling over 900 winners by the end of the year.

LOGISTICS SUPPORT

KR Shipping facilitates first bulk cargo career out of Duqm Port MUSCAT: Duqm Port will shortly be handling its first bulk cargo shipment bound for the west coast of India. The 50,000 MT bulk dolomite parcel will be loaded on MV Cebihan a 57,000 MT DWT Supramax vessel chartered by International Shipping and Logistics (ISL) FZE of Dubai.

ISL is looking forward to a well coordinated shipment with the collaborated efforts of Duqm Port and Khimji Ramdas who are ISL’s long standing partners in Oman & also part of the established Khimji

as well as the perseverance of the exporter made this cargo movement a reality. More shipments are expected in the future as the transportation pattern is often established with the first shipment.

“Our responsibility is to bring dependable and world renowned service providers to Oman for serving the transportation industry with the most competitive and dependable service. We are also actively involved in facilitating export and import of different types of cargo from Oman,” Jose added.

Ramdas Group in Oman, says a press release.

Capt. S. R. Patnaik, ISL CEO, believes that this market has a huge potential and would be a major commodity for trade in the region, the development of which would make a substantial contribution to the economic growth of Oman.

M. C. Jose, CEO of Khimji Ramdas Projects and Logistics Group, stated that there has been sustained focus to bring about the first shipment of bulk cargo out of Duqm. The support of Duqm Port

ISL FZE, UAE are a wholly owned subsidiary of TM International Logistics Limited- TMILL (which is a JV of Tata Steel , NYK & IQ Martrade). ISL is based in Dubai and is an established ship operating company moving cargoes across various geographies since over a decade. The company carries a wide range of products, which includes fertiliser, clinker, coal, iron ore, limestone, steel, grain, logs, minerals, etc. Ship sizes under ISL’s operating fleet vary from 10,000 dwt to Capsizes.

M UC H A N T I C I PAT E D E V E N T

Napco hosts Oman’s second Men’s Tradition Golf Tourney MUSCAT: National Aluminium Products Company (Napco), one of the leading extruders of aluminium profiles in the GCC, has recently concluded the 2nd Men’s Tradition Golf Tournament, which was held at Muscat Hills Golf Club in Oman.

The event drew the participation of more than 100 players from across different industry verticals, particularly from the construction, oil and gas, and banking sectors, says a press release.

David Rebello and Russel Sephton emerged as the overall champions with a combined score of 91, taking home an LG 42 inch LED TV. The second place went to Rob Thompson and John Guckian who took home a Toshiba and Lenovo Laptop following their combined score of 88.

Taking the third place was Christopher Mustoe and David Alsop who recorded a combined score of 85 and were awarded a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4.

Robert Holtkamp, CEO, Napco, said: “We are very happy with the turn out of this year’s Men’s Tradition Golf Tournament. We organise these events in line with our efforts to create a positive atmosphere that will encourage healthy competition in a fun and relaxed environment.

“The competition has become one of the most anticipated golf events in Muscat and we hope to reinforce its leading position by introducing more exciting features in the years to come.

A number of exciting prizes were given to winners, although none of the participants were able to win a hole-in-one on the 3rd and 14th hole, which would have awarded them a Q50 luxury sedan and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Official sponsors for the event were: Oman Air, Infiniti, Harley Davidson, Zainal Baqer Mohebi cigars, Tanuf Water, and the Millennium Resort, Mussanah. Supporting sponsors included Oman Sail and Gloria Jean’s Coffee.

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Al Ahlam education expo on March 21, 22

WORKSHOP

The expo is supported by the UK Trade

OAB educates staff on counterfeiting, forgery detection

& Investment and will enable students, parents and sponsors to choose the most suitable courses and programmes of higher education in the UK

MUSCAT: Al Nimr Expo, in association with Al Ahlam Higher Education Services, Oman’s leading UK student counselling agency licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education, is all set to host the Al Ahlam UK Education Expo on March 21-22 at InterContinental Muscat and on March 23 and 24 at Hilton Salalah Resort.

The expo is supported by the UK Trade & Investment and will enable students, parents and sponsors to choose the most suitable courses and programmes of higher education in

the UK. Timings for visitors are from 4:30pm to 9pm in Muscat and 5pm to 8:30pm in Salalah, says a press release.

UK promises a rich all-round experience for international students and has an excellent higher education system. With a strong reputation for research, innovation and creativity, UK universities attract hundreds of thousands of students from around the globe to study every year, making it one of the most preferred study destination in the world. Universities and colleges are continu-

ally assessed by official bodies to make sure that standards and quality are maintained, which is why four of the top six universities in the world are from the UK. Programmes are tailored to the needs of the job market, providing students with a sound academic qualification and also the right skills set desired by employers around the globe.

Kate Clarke, managing director - Al Ahlam Higher Education Services said: “The UK is also known

for its multicultural society and warmly welcomes international students. UK education institutions welcome diversity because it enhances the learning experience for everyone. They are very open to new traditions and cultures – one reason why Omani students prefer UK. Anyone interested in studying in the UK is encouraged to visit the expo to discover more about student life and the wide variety of programmes offered to international students.”

BEAUTY CARE

Relax, renew and rejoice at Rosa Spa STAFF REPORTER MUSCAT: Rosa Spa, a unique spa set up by two young Omani entrepreneurs who love rose and beauty, was opened by Her Highness Sayyida Aliya bint Thuwaini Al Said at Al Azaiba Mall on Friday.

“Not only you will get the best beauty care offered by trained experts but can also relax and rejuvenate yourself,” Asma Al Kindi, the chairman of Rosa Spa, said.

“Rosa Spa will have its unique identity in Oman by offering Creative Nail Design (CND) and the natural skincare solutions for anti-aging, acne, rosacea, oily, sensitive, and combination skin from Pevonia,” Asma said.

According to Asma, spas were considered a luxury many years ago but the perception had changed. “The number of people looking to experience spas; whether residents, leisure tour-

ists or medical tourists, has gone up. Wellness industry has a huge growth potential,” she added.

Meanwhile, Lauren T’Ambrosie from Pevonia said that Rosa Spa will be offering different kind of skin treatments and nail care.

“These kinds of facilities were available only at five star resorts.

Now, people can walk into Rosa Spa and enjoy the same,” Lau-

ren added. Fashionistas Marmar Halim, Sundus Al Qattan, Noha Nabeel and Jamal Al Najjada were flown in to glam up the opening.

Noha Nabeel, one of the fashionistas, said that Arab fashion world is changing, growing and gaining its own space in the global fashion industry.

“Positive changes are happening. We see a bright future,”

HIGH END STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Al Hashar Electronics showcases Kardex Remstar at Opmex 2016 MUSCAT: Al Hashar Electronics participated in the Sultanate’s first edition of Oman Packaging and Material Handling Exhibition (Opmex) held recently at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, showcasing the best-inclass high-density storage solutions from top German brand Kardex Remstar.

The products on display at the Al Hashar Electronics stall – Kardex Remstar Shuttle XP vertical lift storage system and Kardex Remstar Lektriever vertical carousel system – generated a lot of enquiries from the industry, says a press release.

“Kardex Remstar Shuttle XP is a technological marvel allowing efficient storage of virtually anything with the added advantage of fast access,” said Rajeev Sharma, general manager at Al Hashar Electronics. “Shuttle XP can be used for a wide range of storage and retrieval applications across manufacturing, distribution, retail and warehouse

operations. A winning combination of high storage density, flexibility, faster access time and security features makes Shuttle XP a world leader in the storage solution industry,” he said.

Shuttle XP has a modular structure and height and access openings can be adjusted pre and post construction. Also, as much as 85 per cent of the space occupied by conventional storage systems can be recovered.

“The Kardex Remstar Lektriever, on the other hand, is an automated filing vertical carousel designed to manage a complete range of files and media. It can de-

liver stored files and media with the push of a button, virtually eliminating walking, searching and bending activities to dramatically improve productivity by up to 160 per cent.

“Stored files and media can also be physically secured with a lockable door and optional software can be integrated to record each transaction. The capacity of the Lektriever vertical carousel is equivalent to at least 16 four drawer file cabinets, he added.

Al Hashar Electronics is the exclusive distributor of Kardex Remstar brand of products in the Sultanate.

Noha added.

Lujain Ghalib Alsubhi, who is assisting Asma, said that Rosa Spa is the right place to get right treatment at the right price.

“There will be eight beauticians at present. Their skills will be enhanced regularly according to the changes happening in the spa industry. We will be able to offer services to European, Asian and Arab customers,” Lujain added.

According to Rosa Spa owners, they will be coming up with many inaugural offers for the customers.

A research by Intelligent Spas’ titled Spa Development Pipeline Research sees increase of spa numbers in Gulf Cooperation Council countries by 27 per cent during 2015 and 2019.

According to this research, Oman’s spa industry is set to increase by 23 per cent between now and 2018, based on confirmed spa developments.

MUSCAT: As part of the growing cooperation between Oman Arab Bank (OAB) and the Royal Oman Police (ROP), represented by the Directorate-General of Criminal Inquiries and Investigations (CID), OAB’s Training Department recently organised a Counterfeiting and Forgery Detection workshop for branch employees at the South Batinah region.

Held at the Suwaiq branch, the workshop was in direct response to the central bank’s recommendations aimed at upgrading the security culture and awareness and enhancing the efficiency of the personnel of the banking sector by developing their capabilities in detecting counterfeit and forgery activities of currencies and financial

documents, says a press release.

Attended by 23 employees, the workshop educated staff with the latest visible and invisible means and technologies used to protect national and foreign currencies, as well as how to analyse handwritings and examine documents, signatures and electronic cards.

Ali Moussa, head of Human Resources at Oman Arab Bank, said, “We strongly believe that our employees represent the heart and soul of the bank and therefore ensuring they are equipped with the tools and skills is a top priority. This also includes training in counterfeiting and forgery to minimise and avoid security breaches or errors and safe guard our valued customers.”

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ROUND-UP

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ACCOLADES

Al Seer Trading recognised at Mazola Distributors Awards MUSCAT: Al Seer Trading Oman stole the show, winning awards for Best Distributer in GCC and Highest Market share in Mayonnaise Category for the year 2015 & Highest Growth in GCC for Mazola Sunflower Oil for 2015 at the Mazola Distributors Awards for 2015, says a press release.

Mazola, one of the pioneers of healthy and quality food products across the Gulf, held a special gala dinner for their partners and distributors at The Palace Hotel in Dubai. The dinner coincided with the company’s participation at Gulfood 2016 – the world’s largest

the company’s commitment to increase volumes through Mazola’s growing brand share, new product development and geographic expansion into new markets.

“This will help the company achieve even better business results and further enhance its share and position across the markets where it operates.”

At the dinner, Simon Gottfried, vice president of Sales and Marketing – Middle East & North Africa of Basateen Foods Saudi Arabia also encapsulated the company’s growth plans in 2016.

“Mazola has a strategic expan-

annual food and hospitality show in Dubai held recently.

The gala dinner is part of Mazola’s annual calendar during Gulfood, which brings all of its leading distributors across geographies on a common platform and hosted by Abdullah Saeed Binzagr, chairman of Basateen Foods Saudi Arabia, the trademark owners of the Mazola brand for the Middle East & North Africa, who also handed over various awards to Mazola distributors.

In his comments, Binzagr said: “Mazola has a strategic expansion plan in place which reflects

OUTLET IN INDIA

Joyalukkas opens new showroom MUSCAT: Joyalukkas Jewellery has opened its new showroom in Kukatpally, India as part of its mega expansion, says a press release.

“This financial year we are committing ourselves to rapid expansion across India, GCC and a couple of new countries.

“This complements my vision to make the brand accessible and available to every jewellery lover in the world,” said Joy Alukkas, Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group.

Joyalukkas is also scheduled to expand its footprint in Karnataka with new showroom launches in Hassan and Davangere this month. The brand which is one of the world’s largest jewellery retail chains is part of a multi-billion dollar global conglomerate, which has varied business interests.

The Joyalukkas Group’s business interests include jewellery, money exchange, fashion and silks,

luxury air charter, malls and realty.

The jewellery has presence in Singapore, London, UAE, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and India and will soon open in two new countries.

Joyalukkas currently has a customer base of over 10 million customers worldwide and offers over 1 million choices in all types of jewellery at each of its showroom.

“Our plan for Joyalukkas jewellery in this financial year (20152016) includes strengthening our presence across various parts of

India and opening our showrooms in cities and towns that we feel is ready for the Joyalukkas experience,” added Joy Alukkas.

The showrooms will feature over one million dazzling collections and exquisite designs in gold, diamond, precious stones, platinum and pearl.

“My vision for our jewellery business is to ‘ornament the world’ and we will manage this by offering customers the best mix of price, choice, convenience and service,” said Joy Alukkas.

sion plan in place which reflects the company’s commitment to increase volumes through Mazola’s growing brand share, new product development and geographic expansion into new markets.

“The company is on the threshold of an aggressive growth, and an even exciting period ahead in which we plan to offer even more consumers the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the quality of Mazola products.

“Mazola’s phenomenal growth in sales and distribution is due to the active support of the company’s partners,” said Gottfried.

StartUp Grind gets valuable support from Bank Muscat StartUp Grind is the largest independent startup community in the world which actively educates, inspires, and connects entrepreneurs in over 185 cities, including Oman

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in promoting an entrepreneurial culture in Oman, supported the StartUp Grind event which hosted tech entrepreneur Rabea Ataya, founder and CEO of Bayt.com.

Organised by StartUp Oman, the event held at the bank’s head office

attracted a good turnout of young entrepreneurs, says a press release.

Startup Grind is the largest independent startup community in the world which actively educates, inspires, and connects entrepreneurs in over 185 cities, including Oman.

Bayt.com is the Middle East’s leading job site, which now serves over 23 million professionals and 40,000 employers from its 12 regional offices.

Bank Muscat has launched a series of initiatives to strengthen the SME sector in Oman.

Serving as building blocks for entrepreneurs, these initiatives assume importance in the backdrop of the priority accorded by the government to develop the

SME sector in Oman.

The bank’s al Wathbah SME department offers a comprehensive suite of tailor-made finance solutions. A unique SME financing solution launched by the bank has helped entrepreneurs overcome a major challenge. al Wathbah SME non-collateral finance not requiring collateral guarantee is a bold step affirming the bank’s commitment to encouraging an entrepreneurial culture in Oman. Giving a major thrust for micro and small businesses, Bank Muscat najahi facilitates financial inclusion and helps them to overcome hurdles and chart successful ventures with proper planning, financial discipline and prudent management.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, MARCH 1, 2016

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Skipper Gavignet leads EFG Bank to third successive SATT pennant While EFG Bank retained the Sailing Arabia - The Tour crown, Almouj finished second overall and Team Averda settled for third place

TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: As the curtains came down on EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour (SATT) 2016, EFG Bank were crowned the champions for the third successive year.

After five legs of endurance provoking offshore legs in the Arabian Sea, EFG Bank (Monaco) retained the title.

Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Salem Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communication, Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairwoman of Oman Sail, and George Catsiapis, Managing Director of title sponsors EFG International, presented the winners with the newly commissioned coveted trophy and congratulated the winners on their achievement.

Speaking on the sidelines of the celebration, EFG Bank Skipper Sidney Gavignet said: “It feels good.

The journey has been done and well done. My team have been really nice guys and really efficient.”

“As a skipper I have been very well surrounded but it is part of my job as well to build a team like this. And it has been a very good experience,” he added about his new crew.

Making an impressive comeback, Almouj has climbed up the

CUP OF CHEERS: Despite finishing the 100 nautical mile finale in third behind Almouj, Muscat, and Renaissance Services, EFG Bank Monaco’s typically strong result was enough to see them end the event almost seven points clear at the top of the overall standings. – TARIQ AL HAREMI / Times of Oman

ranks as a result of their outstanding performance in the last two offshore legs as well as inshore races settling for runners-up position.

“I thank Almighty for this position and we were able to achieve this rank. The support we got really drove us to achieve this win,” said Almouj sailor Abdulaziz Al Obeidani.

“Of course, we were aiming for first place but second is much better than the other position below it. This is sailing and it is unpredictable. And in the end we sail with the wind; sometimes the wind isn’t in our favor so it goes back to tactics and experience,” he added, responding to talk that if Almouj were to sail in their strong form as in the last two legs, they would have been first overall.

Team Averda finished in third place.

Narrow miss Meanwhile, an Oman Sail press

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statement said Gavignet’s victory sees him surpass fellow countryman Bertrand Pacé — who won in 2012 and 2013 — as the most successful skipper in the tour’s sixyear history.

And it means EFG Bank Monaco become the first team to have their names engraved on a newly commissioned EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour trophy made by British Royal Warrant holder and goldsmiths Thomas Fattorini Ltd. In a nail-biting climax to the tour, Almouj, Muscat snatched second place overall from British young guns Team Averda who could only muster a sixth in the last leg.

Almouj Muscat, skippered by France’s Nico Lunven, started

EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour slowly but after hitting their stride notched up a string of impressive podium finishes.

They went into leg 5 less than a point adrift of second, and in the end their sheer determination to overhaul their closest rivals proved too much for Team Averda, who had to settle for third.

The five stages of the epic race saw the nine international crews cover 730nm from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, on to Doha in Qatar then back across the Gulf to Khasab on Oman’s Musandam peninsula.

The fleet then embarked on two sprints down the coast to Sohar then on to the Muscat finish, showcasing the world-class sailing the region has to offer.

A second-place finish in leg 5 wasn’t enough to elevate Omani sailor Fahad Al Hasni, Gavignet’s protégé, and his Renaissance Services to the podium.

They narrowly missed out on

an overall podium position by just a single point, while Team Zain, from Kuwait, finished in fifth.

Oman Airports-Al Thuraya Women’s Team, the race’s allwoman crew led by British round the world yachtswoman Dee Caffari, came eighth overall.

The nine crews were welcomed to the dock at Almouj, Muscat by a group of Omani schoolchildren prior to a special prize-giving ceremony celebrating the achievement of the sailors and the success of EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour.

David Graham, CEO of EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour organisers Oman Sail, said: “EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour was created by Oman Sail with a vision of building a sustainable, iconic sailboat race in the Gulf.

“We’re delighted that the event is now the region’s most challenging race and each year it becomes more and more globally renowned.”

Leg 5 results: 1. Almouj, Muscat (OMA/Nico Lunven); 2. Renaissance Services (OMA/Fahad Al Hasni); 3. EFG Bank Monaco (MON/ Sidney Gavignet); 4. Team Bienne Voile (SUI/Lorenz Mueller); 5. Team Zain (KWT/Cedric Pouligny); 6.

Team Averda (GBR/Marcel Herrera); 7. Oman Airports-Al Thuraya Women’s Team (OMA/Dee Caffari); 8. TU Delft Challenge (NED/Wouter Sonnema); 9. Team Mangold (GER/ Martin Felgenhauer).

Overall results: 1. EFG Bank Monaco (MON/Sidney Gavignet); 2. Almouj, Muscat (OMA/Nico Lunven); 3. Team Averda (GBR/ Marcel Herrera); 4. Renaissance Services (OMA/Fahad Al Hasni); 5. Team Zain (KWT/Cedric Pouligny); 6. TU Delft Challenge (NED/Wouter Sonnema); 7. Team Bienne Voile (SUI/Lorenz Mueller); 8. Oman Airports-Al Thuraya Women’s Team (OMA/Dee Caffari); 9. Team Mangold (GER/Martin Felgenhauer).

CRICKET

Pakistan cruise to seven-wicket victory over UAE MIRPUR: An all round performance helped Pakistan cruise to a seven wicket victory against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an Asia Cup encounter at the Shere Bangla National stadium here on Monday.

Shoaib Malik top scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten knock of 63 (off 49 balls) and was well supported by Umar Akmal who remained unconquered on 50. UAE’s Amjad Javed was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/36.

For Pakistan, it was Mohammed Amir again who shone with the ball returning figures of 2/6.

Chasing UAE’s score of 129/6, Pakistan got off to a rocky start as rival skipper Javed grabbed three quick wickets. Mohammad Hafeez

ALL SMILES: Pakistan’s Mohammed Amir, centre, celebrates after dismissing UAE’s Mohammed Kaleem during their Asia Cup T20 match in Dhaka on Monday. – AP/PTI

(11), Sharjeel Khan (4) and Khurram Manzoor (0) were Javed’s victims as Pakistan were reduced to 17/3. But then veterans Akmal and Malik got together to rescue Paki-

stan from the early jolt.

The pair relied on singles and twos and hit the occasional boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Once in the groove Akmal clob-

bered Mohammad Naveed for a four and a six in the 14th over.

At the end of the 15th, Pakistan were 84/3 with 46 runs required of 30 balls. Thereafter it was cruise for the duo with Malik smashing a few to the ropes. They Naveed again as they plundered 23 runs of the 18th over in turn killing the contest.

Earlier after electing to bat, UAE had an awful start as openers Rohan Mustafa (1) and Muhammed Kaleem (1) were picked up by Mohammed Sami and Amir respectively with the score reading 5/2.

Mohammed Shahzad (5) did not last long either as he took a walk back to the dug out with his side tottering at 12/3. - IANS

SCOREBOARD

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES R. Mustafa c S. Afridi b M. Sami 1 M. Kaleem b M. Amir 1 M. Shahzad c S. Ahmed b M. Irfan 5 S. Anwar c S. Ahmed b M. Irfan 46 U. Mushtaq c M. Nawaz b S. Afridi 9 M. Usman b M. Amir 21 A. Javed not out 27 M. Naveed not out 10 Extras (lb-2, w-7) 9 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs; 86 mins) 129 Did not bat: S. Patil, F. Tariq, A. Raza Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-5, 3-12, 4-41, 5-72, 6-118 Bowling: Mohammed Amir 4-1-6-2; Mohammed Sami 4-0-28-1; Mohammed Irfan 4-0-30-2; Shahid Afridi 4-0-24-1; Moham-

med Nawaz 3-0-26- 0; Shoaib Malik 1-0-13-0 PAKISTAN M. Hafeez c F. Tariq b A. Javed 11 S. Khan lbw b A. Javed 4 K. Manzoor c Patil b A. Javed 0 U. Akmal not out 50 S. Malik not out 63 Extras (w-3) 3 Total (3 wickets; 18.4 overs; 87 mins) 131 Did not bat: Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, M. Nawaz, M. Sami, M. Amir, M. Irfan Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-11, 3-17 Bowling: Mohammed Naveed 3.4-0-28-0; Amjad Javed 4-0-36-3; Mohammed Shahzad 4-0-19-0; Ahmed Raza 3-0-20-0; Rohan Mustafa 3-0-20-0; Fahad Tariq 1-0-8-0 Man of the match: Shoaib Malik

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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

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Injury worries increase as India face Sri Lanka Despite injuries, India have the edge against the island nation, whom they beat 2-1 in a recent home series, especially with injured Lasith Malinga also doubtful

MIRPUR: Injuries to key players such as skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma is giving them the jitters but India would still be firm favourites when they take on a depleted and struggling Sri Lanka in their penultimate league encounter of the Asia Cup Twenty20 cricket tournament, here Tuesday.

Despite injuries, India have the edge against the island nation, whom they beat 2-1 in a recent home series.

The reason being a possible injury to Lankan captain and primary strike bowler Lasith Malinga, whose knee problem has again flared up and has put his further participation in the tournament in doubt. “I don’t know if Lasith will be available in the next two games as it is a fitness related issue.

His injury has again flared up,” stand-in captain Angelo Mathews said after their loss against Bangladesh. More than the challenge

posed by defending World T20 champions, the Indian team will like to set their house in order as far injuries are concerned.

Skipper Dhoni is playing through pain due to the back spasms, which has prevented him from taking part in most of the training sessions.

If that wasn’t enough, Shikhar Dhawan was ruled unfit before the last game against Pakistan, reportedly with a niggle in his left ankle.

There is speculation that considering Dhawan’s questionable technique in conditions where the ball bounces as well as there is seam and swing, the team management found Ajinkya Rahane more reliable at the top of the order.

If Dhawan’s injury wasn’t enough, the latest blow has been Rohit Sharma getting hit on the left toe by a crushing yorker from Mohammed Amir in the game against Pakistan.

According to information, a pre-

cautionary X-ray has been done and luckily no fracture has been detected.

But with both openers being injured, it does put a question-mark on the playing XI, which has been more or less same in the last eight T20 games. For the record, India have won seven out of the eight games they have played this year.

After the Pakistan game, the possibility of a new opening combination cannot be totally ruled out. It could well be Parthiv Patel walking alongside Rahane, in case both Rohit and Shikhar are ruled out of the Lanka tie.

No complaints India’s premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has no complaints with the seaming track of the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, which has little on offer for the spinners, as he believes in adapting to different conditions rather than whining about it.

“It is very important to know what conditions are thrown at you.

You can’t try and beat the conditions. It is very important to go back and understand that it will not spin a lot on these surfaces.

That’s why it is even more imperative that we try to bowl in good lengths, get away with our overs rather than looking to go for wickets,” Ashwin said.

“In T20 format, it is the pressure that gives you wickets rather

than exact skill of the ball. That’s what I look to do and when there is any window to attack I will attack irrespective of the wicket.

It’s T20 cricket, we might have slower wicket, flatter wickets in World T20. We have to understand situation rather than complaining about it. Testing ourselves in various environments is good for us,” the off-spinner maintained.

For him, it is the home team’s choice to prepare a wicket.

“It’s their choice as to what kind of wickets they want. We came thinking that the wickets will be slow but international teams need to adapt to whatever surfaces are thrown at them. Hopefully it has given us a dress rehearsal of how to bat lower down the order,” he said.

Ashwin said that Kohli’s batting against Amir was one of “guts and courage” that gave the dressing room a lot of relief.

“We needed someone to stick his head out as Amir was going through a really good spell. We needed someone to show intent.

Virat showed that intent while defending as well as attacking, which gave the dressing room a lot of comfort.

“Obviously, we knew that with a 20-30 run stand, the match will be over as it was not a huge score.

From that perspective, Virat showed a lot of guts and courage and that was very encouraging,” said Ashwin. - PTI

WORLD T20

CRICKET

Khawar to join Oman team in Mohali MUSCAT: Khawar Ali, who played a good role in the Oman’s qualification process, has been drafted back into the national team for the ICC World Twenty20 Championship beginning in India on March 8.

Khawar was dropped by the Oman Cricket selection committee when the 15-member team bound for Asia Cup in Bangladesh and World T20 was announced.

However, he was kept as standby, and Oman’s think-tank thought of including him after realising that Khawar will be an all-round asset. A good batsman, Khawar

GETTING TREATED: Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, right, is assisted by a team official during a training session at the Sher-eBangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. – AFP

has played seven T20 Internationals since qualifying with a healthy strike rate of 87.94 and his recent brilliant performances in domestic league for Enhance, boosted his chances and the recall came after the Asia Cup campaign.

Khawar, who can also bowl leg breaks, will replace young Aaqib Illyas, and will be joining the team at Mohali on Thursday.

Oman play two warm-up games in Mohali on March 4 and 6 against Scotland and Afghanistan respectively before beginning their World T20 campaign in Dharamsala from March 9.

BACK IN SQUAD: Khawar Ali. – Times of Oman

Cricbuzz signs Sehwag as expert for ICC World T20 MUMBAI: Former India opener Virender Sehwag has been roped in by Cricbuzz as its in-house expert analyst for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World T20, which will kick off on March 8.

Sehwag, who has appeared as a panelist on several televisionbased cricket shows, will be making his first appearance on a wraparound show for a website.

As part of this engagement, Sehwag will provide his expert opinion for the World T20 matches and will also answer questions from Cricbuzz users

around the world. Fans of the ace cricketer also have the chance to interact with him on the website’s Facebook page.

Commenting, Sehwag said, “I love the T20 format. This brand of cricket reminds me of my playing days. I am looking forward to donning the role of an expert on Cricbuzz during the ICC World T20.

Pankaj Chhaparwal, CEO, Cricbuzz said, “Virender Sehwag is a legend and we are excited to have him on board. A few lucky fans will also get an opportunity to meet Viru personally.” - PTI

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

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SPORTS OMAN U-14 TEAM RETURN HOME WITH AFC REGIONAL FESTIVAL TOP HONOURS Oman under-14 team returned home to hero’s welcome on Monday morning after winning the top honours at the AFC U-14 Regional Festival of Football for the West Zone in Saudi Arabia. The festival took place in Jeddah from February 22 to 28. The team were received at the Muscat International Airport by the Oman Football Association officials. In Jeddah, Oman won the top place ahead of hosts Saudi Arabia and Iraq, who finished in second and third places respectively. In the group stage, Oman recorded a 5-2 win against Palestine, drew 1-1 with Bahrain and Jordan, and beat the UAE 4-0. — Supplied photo

New FIFA chief ‘have no idea yet’ on salary Gianni Infantino, new FIFA president, said on his first full working day he still did not know what he would be paid

ZURICH: New FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on his first full working day he still did not know what he would be paid as head of soccer’s global governing body.

The Swiss said he expected the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, delayed last year by a scandal which has engulfed FIFA, should begin in the next couple of months. The 2018 and 2022 tournaments, to be staged in Russia and Qatar, had to be the “best in history”, he added.

Speaking after an informal match with FIFA employees and guests, Infantino said he had still not discussed his salary following his election on Friday.

“I have no idea yet,” he told reporters. “I know you can’t believe it but it’s not (for the) money that I was candidate to become FIFA president.”

“I have not discussed with anyone about my pay or what my pay will be. We will see.”

YET TO DISCUSS: Newly-elected FIFA president Gianni Infantino, centre, gestures after playing a football match at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Monday. – AFP

The salary of Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter, suspended from soccer for six years, has never been made public. But reforms agreed by FIFA last week to overcome the corruption scandal included provision for salaries to be open to scrutiny. He said bidding for the 2026 World Cup hosting, which was supposed to have started in 2015 with a decision due in

Kuala Lumpur next year, should begin before the Mexico City congress in May. “Definitely I think we need to launch the bidding process in the next couple of months, probably before the next Congress in May,” Infantino said.

“Concerning Qatar and Russia, the decisions were taken in 2010 by the executive committee, but

since 2010 there has been speculation and allegations and noise.

It’s now necessary to organise the best World Cup in history in Russia in 2018 and in 2022 in Qatar.”

FIFA has been forced to investigate the decision to grant the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 finals to Qatar and an investigation is also under way by the Swiss attorney general’s office. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

OFA chief congratulates new FIFA boss Infantino on first day in office MUSCAT: Oman Football Association (OFA) chief Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi sent a hand written congratulatory letter to newlyelected FIFA President Gianni Infantino on his first day in office.

According to a press statement issued by the OFA on Monday,

Sayyid Khalid in his letter congratulated Infantino on his new position and talked about how he had earned the trust of the FIFA Congress. The OFA chief also wished Infantino ‘luck and success in achieving his mission’.

The OFA statement also said the

Sultanate’s soccer governing body is ‘prepared to deliver its duties towards the FIFA goals in appreciation to the role that FIFA plays in the development of football around the world and also because of the strong relationship between OFA and FIFA in various areas’.

Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi

FOOTBALL

Pato close to Chelsea debut, says Hiddink LONDON: Chelsea’s new Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato could make his debut in the next two games, with Diego Costa being rested, manager Guus Hiddink said on Monday.

Pato signed from Corinthians in January on loan until the end of the season.

“He (Pato) is eager and of course we now have healthy competition between the strikers, in a very good atmosphere, with Diego the No. 1,” Hiddink told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Nor-

wich City, 17th in the English Premier League.

Captain John Terry, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, has started running again and could return in time for Saturday’s home game against Stoke City, but the manager is unsure how long winger Pedro will be ruled out for.

The Spaniard injured a hamstring in the come-from-behind 2-1 win away at Southampton on Saturday. “I’m not that positive it will be resolved within a few days,” Hiddink said. - Reuters

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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

SPORTS Passage to India prevail over Enhance, Assarain beat Raha

EASY WIN: Assarain team pose for a group photo after their five-wicket victory over Raha in a Premier Division match. – Supplied photo

Batting first, Enhance were all out for 244 in 49 overs. In reply, PTI scored 247 for seven in 46.3 overs

MUSCAT: Passage to India (PTI) recorded a three-wicket victory over Enhance in Muscat Pharmacy and Stores-sponsored Premier Division 50-over match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground

on Friday. Batting first, Enhance were all out for 244 in 49 overs.

Unnikrishnan G.P. top scored with 65. Jaymin Tailor and Aqil Khan claimed three wickets each for PTI. In reply, PTI scored 247 for sev-

en in 46.3 overs with Benjamin and Zulqarnain Haider scoring with 72 and 64 respectively.

Nester Dhamba claimed four wickets for Enhance.

Brief scores: Enhance 244 in 49 overs (Unnikrishnan 65; Jaymin Tailor 3/36) lost to Passage to India 247 for 7 in 46.3 overs (Benjamin 72, Zulqarnain Haider 64; Nester Dhamba 4/48).

Points: PTI - 2, Enhance – 0.

Sindo stars In a Premier Division T20 match, Assarain defeated Raha by five wickets. Batting first, Raha put on

146 for two in 20 overs. Khurram Khan top scored with an unbeaten 47. Sindo Michael claimed four wickets for Assarain.

In reply, Assarain achieved their target scoring 147 for five in 19.1 overs. Sindo Michael top scored with 40 runs.

Khursheed Alam claimed three wickets for Raha.

Brief scores: Raha 146 for 2 in 20 overs (Khurram Khan 47 n.o; Sindo Michal 4/20) lost to Assarain 147 for 5 in 19.1 overs (Sindo Michal 3/28; Khursheed Alam 3/28). Points: Assarain - 2, Raha – 0.

MOTORSPORT

Shihab wins fourth round of X-30 Challenge in UAE MUSCAT: Oman’s rising star Shihab Al Habsi took the top the honours in the fourth round of junior class in UAE X30 Challenge at RAK Track in Ras Al Khaima during the weekend.

According to information received here, the young Al Wahaibi Motorsport (WMS) driver completed 18 laps of the RAK Track in a time of 12 minutes and 45.841 seconds.

Shihab finished ahead of Liam Crystal, who clocked 12:46.841 to settle for second place.

Daman Speed Academy rac-

er Amna Al Qubaisi finished third, completing the 18 laps in 12:53.023.

Meanwhile, Shihab’s brother Mohammed Al Habsi finsihed fifth in the rookie/cadet category.

Mohammed completed the 15-lap final race in a time of 12:18.244.

The first place in the category went to Alex Connor (11:58.314), while Daman Speed Academy’s Ali Al Shamsi (12:00.595) and Abdulla Al Qubaisi (12:00.887) took the second and third places respectively.

MUSCAT WARRIORS WIN WOMEN’S CUP Muscat Warriors defeated Seven Offenders clinch the Women’s Cup at the Republic Day of India Al Yam Cricket Cup organised by ISC Bhojpuri Wing at Ahli-Sidab Ground. Muscat Warriors, after electing to bat first, scored 49 for the loss of two wickets in five overs. Jayalaxmi was the top scorer with an unbeaten 21 and Supritha scored nine runs. For Seven Offenders, Uma Jog Lekar clamed one wicket. In reply, Seven Offenders were restricted to 33 for five wickets. Supritha of Muscat Warrior was declared player of the match for taking three wickets. Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey presided over the day’s proceedings and handed over the trophies. The tournament was sponsored by Al Yam Enterprises LLC, National Stone LLC, Oman Phone, National Mineral Water,Ernest Young, Sea Pearls Gold and Diamond Jewellery, Muscat Pharmacy – Pocari Sweat , ABT Technology LLC, Al Faisal, National Life and General Insurance Company SAOC, Gulf Cricket Centre Muscat, Raha Poly Products LLC, Al Khaleej Cold Stores United LLC, Al Saigh Jewellery, Noor and Sons Company and Air India. — Supplied photo

FOOTBALL

Cech wants Arsenal response after severe setback LONDON: Arsenal were dealt a severe blow to their Premier League title hopes with Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United but can quickly get back on track with two wins in four days, goalkeeper Petr Cech has said.

The Gunners are five points back of surprise leaders Leicester City after their Old Trafford defeat but Cech said the table would look healthy for them again if they could beat Swansea City at home on Wednesday and second place

Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s North London derby.

“This was a big disappointment for us and is a step back after last week, where we managed to overcome a deficit against Leicester at home,” he told reporters.

“This is a step back but we need to keep working,” custodian Petr Cech added “We have two important games coming up this week and if we manage to win both, the table might look better again.” - Reuters

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Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Leave No Leftovers Behind Recipes Oneza Tabish BREAD CRUST PUDDING What do you do when you have a heap of leftover bread crusts after making a ton of tea sandwiches?

Most of the time you throw them away or make breadcrumbs out of it. What about making bread pudding with these crusts? Have it for breakfast or enjoy it as a dessert.

Ingredients • A bunch of bread crusts, from 12-15 slices of bread • 1/2 cup raisins • 4 eggs • 2 cups milk • 3/4 cup white sugar • 1tsp ground cinnamon • 1tsp vanilla extract Preparation • Fill up the baking dish with bread crusts.

•Add raisins to it.

• In a bowl, beat together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Pour egg mixture over the bread, and push down the bread to make sure all the bread is soaked in the mixture.

• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until the top springs back when you lightly push it.

CRACKERS CHAAT (Biscuit Chaat) Sometimes when we are doing our monthly grocery shopping we pick up many items in bulk which remain unused for long. Salted biscuits and crackers are also bought at times in bulk. Why not make a crackers chaat?

Ingredients • 1 packet crackers • 1/2 cup mashed potatoes • 4tbsp finely chopped tomatoes • 4tbsp finely chopped cucumber • 4tbsp finely chopped onion • 1 cup yoghurt (whisked) • 1tbsp chaat masala • 5tbsp of tamarind chutney • 5tbsp of mint chutney • Finely cut coriander for garnish • Sev/bhujia (fried gram flour noodles - ready made pack) Preparation • Arrange the crackers on a flat serving plate.

• Load it with potatoes and then add the tomatoes, cucumber and onions.

• Now gently, dress it with yoghurt and the chutneys, by covering the crackers well.

• Garnish with coriander and serve immediately.

POTATO AU GRATIN This recipe is full of flavour and a great side dish to any meal. Made from leftover mashed potatoes try this creamy and filling dish at your next family meal.

Ingredients • 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes • 2tbsp garlic powder • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup grated Parmesan Preparation • Spread the mashed potatoes into a buttered 1 quarter gratin dish.

If a flat effect is desired, cover the potatoes with plastic wrap and press evenly flat with your hands.

• Then remove plastic wrap, season with garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

• Bake until top is golden & crispy, for about 20 to 30 minutes.

STIR-FRY VEGETABLES WITH BROWN RICE Brown rice gives this vegetarian stir-fry an oriental flavour and hearty texture that offers more fibre than white rice. This is an exotic way to use up brown rice with an assortment of leftover vegetables.

Ingredients • 2tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 piece (3 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 11/2 half cup leftover vegetables of your choice • 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 3 cups cooked brown rice • 3tbsp soy sauce • 1tsp sesame oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 3 scallions, thinly sliced Preparation •In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant.

• Add leftover vegetables and fry until golden brown, for about 2 minutes.

• Add red/yellow peppers and stir.

• Add rice and soy sauce; cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is heated through, about 3 minutes.

• Stir in sesame oil.

• Season with salt and pepper; garnish with scallions. Serve hot.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

C6

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL @SOHAR

@PANORAMA MALL

Cast: Gerard Butler, Brenton Thwaites 4:45, 7:10, 11:30 PM Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 10:30 PM Unnatural (Action | Horror) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 5:00, 8:45 PM The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 7:00 PM Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 9:30 PM

@AZAIBA

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Kings of Egypt – 3D (Adventure) 12+ Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM Kings of Egypt – 2D (Adventure) 12+ Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 6:30PM Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) 12+ Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 3:00, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:45PM Colonia (Mystery / Suspense / History) 15+ Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 5:15, 9:30 & 11:45PM Barbie: Spy Squad (Animation | Family) TBC Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh 5:45PM Zoolander 2 (Comedy) 12+ Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:45 & 7:15PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Dead Pool – 2D (12+) Action | Sci-Fi | Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 3:35, 6:55, 9:30, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 6:15 PM Kings of Egypt – 2D (12+) Adventure Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 12:00, 4:30, 9:00, 11:30 PM Gold Class –3:30, 8:30, 11:00 PM Zoolander 2 – 2D (12+) Comedy Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 2:30, 7:30 PM Barbie: Spy Squad – 2D (TBC) Animation Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh 2:05 PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (PG) Animation | Adventure | Comedy Voice Overs: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg 12:15, 5:40 PM

Kings of Egypt (Adventure, Fantasy) (MX4D) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:30, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 PM

Trumbo– 2D (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren, Diane Lane 4:45PM

PANORAMA MALL Kings of Egypt (Adventure, Fantasy) (MX4D) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:30, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 PM; (12+) Kings of Egypt-3D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 4:45, 7:00, 9:15, 11:45 PM Kings of Egypt-3D (Adventure, Fantasy) (12+)-VIP LOUNGE Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:30, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 PM Zoolander 2-2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:00, 5:00, 7:15 PM Unnatural-2D (Action, Horror) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 5:30 PM Colonia-2D (Drama) (15+) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, Michael Nyqvist 3:15, 9:15, 11:30 PM Dead Pool-2D (action, Adventure) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 2:30, 7:15, 9:30, 11:30 PM

Dead Pool (2D) (Action |Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller 3:30, 6:30, 11:45 PM

AZAIBA Dead Pool (2D) (Action |Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 3:30, 6:30, 11:45 PM Fitoor (2D) (Hindi) (Romance| Drama) (12+) Cast: Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Tabu 3:00, 6:15 PM Kings of Egypt (3D) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 3:00, 6:15, 9:00, 11:30 PM Neerja (2D) (Hindi) (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azami 2:45, 5:15, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30 PM Kanithan (2D) (Tamil) (Action ) (TBC) Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa 8:45 PM Action Hero Biju (2D) (Mal) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:00 PM

3.30, 9.30 PM Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive (Comedy) –PG12 Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda, Ali Zafar 6.30 PM Screen 2 Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive (Comedy) –PG12 Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda 3.45, 9.45 PM Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12 Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6.45 PM Screen 3 Fitoor (Romance / Drama) –12 + Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Katrina Kaif, Tabu 3.45, 9.45 PM Sanam Re (Romance / Drama) –12 + Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Yami Gautam, Urvashi Rautela 6.45 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12 Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani

SUR King of Egypt - 3D (Action | Adventure) (12+)

SOHAR Dead Pool– 2D (Action/Sc-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 2:45, 6:45, 11:30PM Kings of Egypt-2D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 2:45, 9:45PM Kings of Egypt– 3D (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 3:30, 9:00, 11:30PM The Benefactor – 2D (Drama) (15+) Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning, Theo James 5:00PM Zoolander 2– 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 3:00, 7:15PM Unnatural – 2D (Action/Horror/Thriller) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 5:00, 11:55PM Colonia– 2D (Mystery/Suspense) (15+) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 2:30, 9:30, 11:45PM Trumbo– 2D (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren 4:45PM Neerja– 2D (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6:45PM Kanithan– 2D (Action/Thriller) (PG) Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa, 8:45PM Miruthan– 2D (Action/Romance) (15+) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Lakshmi Menon, Kali Venkat 7:15PM Action Hero Biju – 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:15PM

BURAIMI Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Moreno Baccarin, T.J. Miller 7:05, 9.30, 11.30PM Zoolander 2 (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz 5.15, 7.30PM Unnatural (Action | Horror| Thriller) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn 9.50PM The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 5.30, 11.45PM Kings of Egypt (3D) (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Gerard Butler 4.30, 9.05, 11.30PM Action Hero Biju- (Mal) (Action) PG12 Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 7.15PM SALALAH Kings of Egypt (3D) (12+) (Action ) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster 11:30, 8:55, 11:30PM Kings of Egypt (2D) (12+) (Action ) 2:15PM Dead Pool (2D) (12+) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin 12:00, 2:25, 6:30, 11:55PM The Faith of Anna Waters (2D) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 4:15PM The Benefactor (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning 4:45PM Colonia (2D) (15+) (Mystery / Suspense) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl 2:00, 6:35, 11:35PM Zoolander 2 (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz 11:45AM, 4:30PM Neerja (2D) (PG12) (Hindi | Biographical) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6:40PM Action Hero Biju (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith 9:05PM Kanithan (2D) (TBC) (Tamil) (Action) Cast Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa 8:45PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

29 23

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

90-50%

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

VAISHNAVI PRAVEEN March 1, 2006 Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

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

Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anu Emmanuel 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema Main Kanithan (Tamil) (Com \ Act) Cast: Atharvaa & Catherine Tresa 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema –2 Neerja (Hindi) (Act\ Drama) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi 6:45 PM Cinema-4 Pavaada (Mal) (Com\ Act) Cast: Prithviraj & Miya George 3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Aarathu Sinam (Tamil) (Act) Cast: Arulnithi & Aishwarya Rajesh 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -3 Next Change: Puthiya Niyamam (Mal) on 3rd March; Pokkiri Raja (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Minimum

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

STAR CINEMA

SYED AYAAN RIZVI March 1, 2009

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

Kings of Egypt (Adventure / Fantasy) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler 2.00, 5.30, 9.30 & 11.55 PM CP No: 341 (12+) The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice 7.45 & 11.55 PM CP No: 342 (15+) Colonia (Drama / History / Romance) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, Michael Nyqvist 2.00, 6.00 & 10.00 PM CP No: 343 (15+) Zoolander 2 (Comedy) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz 4.00 & 8.00 PM CP No: 344 (12+) Barbie Spy Squad (Animation) Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh, Jenny Pellicer 4.15 PM; CP No: 345 (PG)

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

17:30

12.24pm 3.45pm 6.15pm 7.25pm 5.14am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE FOOD NOTES

Qatar International Food Festival in March

Qatar Airways Holidays has introduced special travel packages designed specifically for the 2016 Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), hosted in Doha from March 22 – 28.

Food lovers looking to combine culinary and cultural activities will discover “A Different Side of Food” at this year’s QIFF. Now in its seventh year, QIFF has proven to be one of the most popular festivals in the Middle East, leading to its expansion to seven days.

Held on Doha’s stunning Corniche, at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park, the combination of festival favourites, including Qatar Airways’ Dinner in the Sky and celebrity chef Cooking Theatre, the variety of eateries, entertainment and unique food experiences will wow visitors seeking to explore Doha.

The opportunity to sample international menus and experience new places is high on many holiday makers’ travel agendas.

Battle of tastes over two-minute noodles BRIEFS

There were Maggi noodles stuffed inside momos, mashed with bread, spread over pizza, mixed with poha, and baked with cheese. The two minute instant noodle, the saviour of people of ages, got a new dimension at the Maggi Festival held in New Delhi recently. “Delhi has the craziest innovations in Maggi.

We are passionate about trying new things and are always discovering best things. Maggi is not just for the present generation but it is equally popular among older people.

“It is not just a food festival, but a platform to showcase innovation with foods,” said GoBuzzinga co-founder CEO and event organiser Shantanu Verma.

-IANS

Get to Know Your Food Additives for Culinary Greatness

S

ometimes it’s the smallest ingredient in a meal that makes it stand out — the briny bite of pickle on a sandwich, perfectly light, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, or freshly cracked pepper atop fluffy scrambled eggs. The hallmarks of all these favourites are simple but essential ingredients: vinegar, baking soda, and spices.

Not only are these food additives the secret ingredients in some of our favourite dishes, they’re the motivation of some pretty awesome culinary, cultural, and global advancements.

In their earliest form, food additives were used to preserve food.

Techniques like salting and smoking helped early cultures protect and extend their food supplies

through lean times. Communities all over the world used regional spices to further preserve and enhance their foods — the dawn of foodies. The pursuit of spices is even credited with promoting world exploration — Columbus discovered the Americas while looking for new trade routes to access India for its spices.

Today, food additives have advanced well beyond their early rudimentary uses. We still use salt and vinegar to preserve food, but we’re now able to use food additives to enrich and fortify our foods and drinks as well. Vitamins added to milk enhance its healthiness. Probiotics added to yoghurts aid in digestion. Natural colours added to whole grain cereals make them fun and appealing.

Food additives have advanced well beyond their early rudimentary uses. We still use salt and vinegar to preserve food, but we’re now able to use food additives to enrich and fortify our foods and drinks

Chefs involved in the modern cuisine movement use food additives to make surprising and inventive new foods that puzzle and delight eaters — think “caviar” made out of fruit juice, or powdered meat. These applications use more impressive-sounding additives than simple salt or sugar. Alginates enable the encapsulation of fruit juice to look like caviar, and maltodextrin is essential in the creation of meat powder. Though these ingredients may sound intimidating, they’re naturally derived — alginates are extracted from brown seaweed, and maltodextrin is a product of starch. The source of their power is the same as that of baking soda — chemistry.

As additives and their uses have evolved, so too has the process by

which we cultivate them and monitor their use. Early explorers have given way to food scientists and food safety organisations, like the US Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA and other scientific experts help to regulate food additives to make sure they are used safely in the foods and drinks.

Food additives have come a long way since early civilisations discovered that salt helped preserve food. They’ve advanced the possibility and potential of foods, but by far their most important role remains to make our foods better, meaning both more accessible and more delicious.

To learn more about food additives and their myriad of uses, visit FoodScienceMatters.com — NewsUSA

C8

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016

LIFESTYLE ONE INGREDIENT NGREDIENT

FIVE WAYS

From cakes and curries, to salads and tangy chutneys, pineapple is quite a resourceful fruit. This spiky-skinned, aromatic fruit that has a sweet and sour taste can be used in many recipes.

Take 1 fresh pineapple and cut into 1 inch rings. Take 1/4tsp honey, 3tbsp melted butter, a tsp of pepper sauce, and salt to taste. Place pineapple in a large resealable plastic bag. Add honey, butter, hot pepper sauce, and salt. Seal bag, and shake to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. Preheat a grill and grill the pineapple for 2 to 3 minutes each side.

Take 1/2 cup sugar, 2/3 cup rice vinegar, 2tbsp water, 1 cup fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into pieces, 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 carrot, peeled and julienne, 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion, 4 cups torn lettuce leaves, and 1tbsp toasted sesame seeds. In a heavy saucepan, bring the sugar, vinegar, and water to a boil for 5 minutes. Cool it in the refrigerator. Add the pineapple, cucumber, carrots, and red onion to the pineapple mixture. Toss well.

Top with toasted sesame seeds. Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves.

Heat 2tbsp oil in a wok over medium heat. Add garlic and fry. Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces and stir-fry and keep aside. In 1tbsp oil add minced garlic -1 clove, 2tbsp red curry paste, 1 small tomato, seeded and diced, 2 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk, 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, 4 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce), 2-4 tbsp chilli-garlic sauce, 2tsp sugar, juice of 1/2 lime and bring to a boil. Add chicken back into wok, and cook for a while. Before serving, add a bunch of fresh chopped basil. Serve with plenty of rice.

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large chopped red onion, 2 medium bell peppers chopped, and sauté until onion begins to soften. Add chillies and curry powder and stir. Add pineapple cubes, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer mixture until thick for about an hour.

Season with salt and pepper.

Take 2 cups self-raising flour, sifted, 1 cup caster sugar, 1 can or 500g crushed pineapple in syrup or juice, undrained. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a loaf tin with baking paper and set aside. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Pour into the loaf tin and bake for 55-60 minutes.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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T U E S D AY, M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

Luxury flat for rent in Bareeq Al Shatti building Spacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes, kitchen appliance.

Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable.

Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

2 BHK flat for rent Darsait near Muscat Pharmacy, ISM. Contact: 95158570

Conditioned room with toilets in Al Khuwair. Contact: 92620858 /92605500

One / two B/R , RES / Comm flat near Bank Muscat Bausher directly from owner. Contact: 92158031

Villa for rent four spacious bedroom attached bath, private swimming pool, gymnasium (common) with electrical equipment and free maintenance, secured compound at Madinat Al Illam. Contact – 98027975

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent. 18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi. Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use.

OMR 295/- month. Call 94477222 2 Room, 2 Bathroom, kitchen cat parking 200 Rails. Contact: 92005298 2 BHK Muttrah near Oman House with A/Cs. Contact: 95915154 2 BHK A/C split, available near Al Nahdha Hospital.

Contact: 96987335/99572460

Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

One bedroom flat with big balcony in al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Flat for rent in Hamriya.

Contact 99341112

Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Shop (rent 250/ 400) commercial / Residential building 1& 2 bed flat (flat rent 350+ 250) available in Wadi Kabir (Near Lulu) one bed flat 200/- Wadi Al Kabir (near Toyota.

Contact: 92325212 /99451168

Warehouse for rent at Ghala Ind. Area.800 & 2500 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways.

CONTACT: 94583320

Villa and flats for rent in AL Amerat (Al Atkeya). Contact: 99425184

2BHK split A/C 320/- monthly & 1 BHK split A/C 250/- Ghobrah south near Grand mosque.

Contact: 99342661

2 BHK fully furnished flat at Ruwi MBD area. Contact – 93211557 / 24814853 1BHK near medical Darsait R.O 180/Contact: 95076261 1 BHK flats for rent behind OTE service station Wadi Kabir.

Contact - 98027975 Flats for rent 2BHK sitting room, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, big balcony split A/C Wadi AL Kabir 300/R.O. Contact: 99324402

Villa in Al-Khuwair 33. Quality Finishing. Consist 5 Bedrooms, 1 Living room, 3 Lounges, All with A/C, Kitchen and storage.

Contact: 90665135 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). 9405178997201688 Single room with A/C & WIFI having separate entrance for non –cooking Indian executive, near Rawasco, AL Khuwair rent 130/- (W& E). Contact 92888691/95397442/97201100

3 BHK flats 2Nos with A/C new building behind Muscat bakery opposite Mars supermarket at Wadi AL Kabir. Contact: 99338133/92103604 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. Contact: 99342661 3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 Flats in Muttrah. 9405178997201688

Duplex villa in Qurum 29.

94051789-97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.94051789-97201688 1 BHK flat with split A.C, balcony near Wadi Adai signal.

Contact: 95042855 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

94051789-97201688 For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842 Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789-97201688

Offices in Ghala. 9405178997201688

Villa is composed of 5 bedrooms and sitting toilets and 5 living room, kitchen and Seeb (North Al Hail). Contact: 91130875 Ghobrah. Big bedroom, bathroom, huge terrace. Non-cooking Indian female/male - Manager/Sr. Exec.

Vegetarian non-drinkers only. Contact 99283938

New building office for rent Muttrah 2nd floor. Contact: 99364735/24714791/95729711

Flat with two rooms with window A/C, with toilets & car parking way No: 1670 north Al Hail near Dosteen restaurant 1KM Inside.

Contact: 99238334

2 Bedroom ground floor apartment with sitting & 2 baths + big kitchen close to Indian School near to Maya supermarket Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 98011224 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

94051789-97201688

Wadi Kabir new building 2 bedrooms rent. Contact: 99313274

Warehouse at wadi Kabir 300SQM – 6 MTR, height.

Contact: 99711949

Full furniture room for rent for family monthly 200/- .

Contact: 99251975

2 bedrooms flat for rent in Azaiba with split ac. 300/ monthly.

Contact- 92447365

2 BHK flat behind Nesto hypermarket with split A/C R.O 220/.

Contact 91642157/97653524

Flats in Darsait. 9405178997201688 Flats in Wadi Kabir. 9405178997201688

Room Al Khuwair R.O 110/-.

Contact: 97799175

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

SALE OF OWNERSHIP OF INSTITUTE A new fully furnished institute with one UK brand English learning franchise program with study materials at prime location, near City Center, near Shell Petrol Pump, Mawelah, Muscat.

Interested persons contact:

infoduqumoil@gmail.com or call on GSM 92828693

COMMERCIAL/ OFFICE (Open space)

FOR RENT 480 SQM

WELL FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE & CAMP ACCOMODATION

With centralized Air Conditioner

AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN GHALA INDUSTRIAL AREA

In SOUTH MAWALEH

Ideal for workers, staff members Catering facility option available &

(near Burj Al Sahwa Round About, Nizwa Road.)

Contact - 98978745

4WDs/Pick up’s/Heavy Vehicles are available for sale on as is where is basis.

WAREHOUSE AVAILABLE

The vehicles can be inspected at our premises at Ghala.

FOR RENT

Contact : 94057473

IN BALADIA SANAYAH AMIRAT (Floor area 600sqmtrs and mezzanine of 500sqmtrs) 1100sqmts fully cover warehouse & staff accommodations

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794

Shop for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499

3 Ton Truck

2 BHK Flats for rent, Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

for Sale

Please contact: G.S.M

99417229/92621039 Office space 350 Sqm, C.B.D. Contact: 99024730 Flat, 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet in AL Khuwair family bachelors R.O 160/-. Contact: 95154331 House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with 3 room+ 5 toilet+ hall+ living room+ kitchen.

Contact 98885055/ 92744168 1BHK Flat with spilt A/C near star cinema 210/-. Contact: 99358589/95570288 /97079146 Flat for rent south Al Mabela.

Contact: 95331177/95230355 2 Bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 200/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact: 95154331 1B/R apartment executive fully furnished at AL Khuwair 33 & 5 B/R villa unfurnished at Madinat Al Ilam & 5 B/R villa furnished at Madinat Al Ilam. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & rent a car LLC 24834888/99249069/92888376 /94617563 Email: info@alshahiintl.com Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/- Contact – 91776665 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 Flats for rent at Mawaleh near Omantel main office opposite Lulu bandar comprises 3 rooms, 2 toilets and one kitchen OMR 250/- Per month. Contact: 93131497 or 99203435 Flats for rent in Ruwi Mumtaz area 2 bedroom. Contact: 91409667/24291500 Flat for rent in Al Hail south 2 bedroom. Contact: 91409667/24291500

Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/Contact 91776665 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in WadiKabir.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex. RO.3.5 per m2.

Contact 91776665 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 9405178997201688

BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALE Running shop with paint machine for sale in kadra -

Prime location with good daily sales 260 Square meters Warehouse facility Staff accommodation Interested parties may call 9322 3382 or mail to cs@mpesllc.com

FOR SALE

Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai compound Al Khoud. RO.475/Contact – 91776665

A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location.

Contact- 99627621, 93240949

Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in Al Ghobra North. RO.525/Contact – 91776665

Steel rack sets (Godown).

Contact: 94521205

Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher. RO.550/- Contact – 91776665

Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact: +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact 9405178997201688

Well established coffee shop / restaurant prime location at AL Khoud.

Contact: 92188777/98700760

Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking.

RO.300/-Contact – 91776665

Big shop for sale near K.M Trading Ruwi. Contact: 99636476

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud. Contact 9405178997201688 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789-97201688

Nursery School for sale. Well established Nursery school running for over 18 years in Muscat with all Furniture, Play Equipments, Licenses & Permits for immediate sale. Whatsapp: 99353017 Email: nurserymuscat@gmail.com Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact 9405178997201688

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Duplex villa in Qurum 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Porta cabin for sale in Misfah.

Contact: 99442438 / 96578789

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.Contact: 90202090

Tailoring shop for sale Al Khuwair.

Contact: 96500940 Fire rated portacabins and steel caravans. ContacT: 94058574 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

MITSUBISHI – 2007 Model Please Contact: Drake & Scull International LLC

GSM: 94277208 Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35). 95056808-97201688 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Dental clinic for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 92882209/96373097 HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Villas in Al Khoud. 9505680897201688 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC.WANTED Required single room for an executive lady (non cooking) in Darsait, Ruwi, Wadi Kabir.

Contact - 98591132 Accommodation required with food for 1 month, bachelor for March month. Preferably Al Ghobrah area. Contact: 99335742

Sharing acc. Available near Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 97242114 Self contained furnished room in decent villa for rent at Ghobrah North, Contact 92595830/24495667.

Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket.

Contact: 96202458/96761960 Bachelor room available in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95250161

NRI Land for Sale. House Plots for Sale in Athrampuzha, Kottayam very close to MG University. Please contact 99412383(Oman) or 00918129917061(India) New 3 BHK villas in Coimbatore Tamil Nadu for immediate sale.

Contact: 95264562 Flat for sale Kerala Thiruvananthapuram 3 bed room Flat in cyber Palm (SFS) Area 1860sqf Flat in cyber gate way, Area 1159.

Cont no +91 99-95-674657, 00968 92967614.

GOOD NEWS

Sharing room partner required for executive bachelor in Ruwi sharing toilets, including (E& W) WIFI is available in Ruwi, OPP Karama hypermarket rent 60/- R.O. Contact: 92205097/91384654

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320

Execute bachelor room available behind Kamat restaurant Al Khuwair for nesses.

Contact 94271085 /92261906

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

Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi.

Call: 92273779 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. #93687466 Single rooms with kitchen available at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897/98049288 Furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen separate entrance available for executive bachelor for R.O 150/- All inclusive in a villa opp star cinema.

Contact: 99314807 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 9304 9849 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom.

Interested please Contact: 92680041 Mr. Altaf

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

LOST Mujeeb Kidanhoth has lost Indian Passport No. H 5926813. Finder please handover to ROP

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

MATRIMONIAL Hindu Boy -30 Yrs MBA Finance Graduate working in Muscat seeking alliance of Hindu girl only.

Contact: 98278401 Pentecostal girl 27 yrs / 154 cm, MSC soft Eng, working in Muscat invite proposal from Pentecostal parents of highly qualified God fearing boys. Contact: 95227395 RCSC female BSC nurse (Christian) working in Sur ministry hospital seeking good alliances from well settled families.

Contact: 98055621/97929487 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact: 96059801.

LOST Mariam Mohammed Bumma has lost Tanzanian Passport No. AB 683742. Finder please handover to ROP

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T U E S D AY, M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED

VACANCIES S/N 1 2

Category Electrician Plumber

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Qty. 15 10

Contact No.: a) GSM : 95223814 / 99361425 b) Fax : 24501448 c) Email : almat.amc@gmail.com

MBA Finance Indian lady 23 yrs currently on visit visa family resident Oman seeking opportunity for career enhancement in suitable firms ready to join immediately.

Contact: 99872664 /92651331

28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687

Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available. Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com

Indian male, 22 yrs B.SC graduate having computer knowledge and valid Oman driving license presently in Oman seeks suitable placements in accounting field or office. Contact: 92508069 Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job.

Contact: 95598477/98803439 Sri Lankan Male, Holder of Diploma in Management Accounting and Student of Chartered institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Have 3years accounting experience I am available at Muscat on VISIT VISA GSM: 90660764 E-mail:insafali92@gmail.com Indian male 40 yrs knows M.S Office excel & Tally 2 yrs experience in account & 2 yrs experience in marketing valid D/L seeks suitable placement in marketing.

Contact: 92409891 Email: danoman@yahoo.co.in

ADMIN Required urgently a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer for reputed law firm in Sohar, Muscat. Candidates should have 5-7 years experience as a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer with good knowledge of Computer & should be fluent in English both written & spoken.

Email C V to shejaanil66@gmail. com or Contact 99153620 between 8am to 1pm & 2pm to 5.30 pm on Sunday to Thursday

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Required Accounts Officer- ensure accurate processing of revenue data into ERP systems and invoicing module. Posting of invoices to customer SAP portal and delivery to customer offices and interface with country manager/ reporting to regional CEO. Qualifications: BSc accounting.

Relevant experience & knowledge on online accounting systems especially the customer SAP system. Submit CV to: me-job@interwell.com

REQUIRED PROJECT MANAGER For an Infra/ Bldg project in Duqm/Oman Graduate Engineer with 20+ years experience preferably in Oman/ GCC with valid D/L and transferable visa, computer literate.

Send CV to Email :

Required gulf experienced Accountant cum Admin.

Contact: +968 24494748, Email:admin@aljazeeraglobal.com Accountant with gulf experience in construction field preferred with Oman driving license. Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615

CATERING Looking for Indian or Bangladeshi cook and Porata, Chapatti, maker for restaurant at Misfah.

Contact: 95212017

DOMESTIC HELP Housemaid required for Keralite family in Sohar with good package.

PH: 97034674, 93558111 Looking for a part-time cookcum-housemaid in Azaiba.

Call 92450197.

Required Cleaners & Office boys.

Contact 24707833

DRIVER We are looking for a driver for restaurant. Contact - 95048797 Wanted driver.

Contact: 91025698 Part or full time Driver Required call us 91120552

M.com (finance) post graduate having 3 years experience in processing, accounting customer care with multinational companies seeking suitable placement in Oman. Contact: 92794845 Email: sowas.peer@gmail.com Indian Male 28, M. Com with 3 yr Oman exp in Accounts with valid D/L on visit Visa available to join immediately. GSM: 94744575.

Email:sidharth673@gmail.com

omanproject2011@gmail.com

ENGINEER SALES / MARKETING Civil Engineer with minimum 5/8 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615 MEP Engineer minimum Diploma 5 years experience in building construction and with driving license. Contact- Fax- 24478522 / Email – gh1.careers@gmail.com

MANAGER/SUPERVI. Required female Accountant postgraduate in commerce email: mailcv7@gmail.com fax: 24784202

MBA finance with total experience of 4 years in finance operations (management information system) sales / Marketing and retail currently 3 month on visit visa. Contact: +968 99739330 / +968 91966020 Email: faiz.faisal3@gmail.com

Required Gulf experienced Cleaning Supervisor, with / without GCC driving license.

Contact: +968 24494748, admin@aljazeeraglobal.com

MISCELLANEOUS f

Urgently required iber Optic Technician / splicer EXPO OTDR FTB -1 testing & power meter report excellent package get N.O.C or refer splicer from anywhere.

Send C.V mathersahra@gmail.com.

Contact: 91688007 Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

MEDICAL Wanted Nurse for a dental centre in capital area. Interested may contact – 93431024 or send CV to – drasyanaseem@gmail.com

Software company is recruiting minimum 2-3 years experienced Female Tele Sales Executive.

Interested candidates are requested to send their resume toomanerpsales@gmail.com Challenging tyres Omani companies seeking for Sales Man only an tyres division sales minimum 2 years experience send CV to saeed@liwainvestments.com Required male / female Marketing person for man power Supply Company with minimum 3 years experience with valid GCC / Oman driving license.

Contact: 97158893 / 94148972.

Kindly send CV at Email: rastllcmuscat@gmail.com Marketing Managers (girls for Arabic restaurant) with minimum 5/6 years gulf experience with valid Oman driving license.

Preferred GCC people. Interested candidates send CV to: Email: omanhari@yahoo.com Gsm: 95892831/95197615

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required experienced Plumber with knowledge in copper, G. I pipe and U.P.V.C Drainage work & Electrician knowledge in cable tray, trunking, cable termination works. Contact: 24505708 / 92830203 Email: excelgrd123@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Part time Accounting / Data entry services. Contact: 93477447 Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization as per IFRS, Audit Preparation, Project Report, Training for Accountants, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email:ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Indian C.A finalist having 7 years exp in Finance field, looking for a suitable position with license and NOC. Contact – 98097009

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic.

Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

Sri Lankan lady experienced in key accounts, Market Demand planning & Communications, Brand/Sales in multinationals seeks placement in Muscat.

Contact 98250829

Wanted Marketing Personnel for Construction Company, visa available. Contact: 95286741

Urgently Required Steel Fabricated Products Salesman with an experience in steel fabrication, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED

Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact: 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING

Required Smart, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience in building materials for Omani branded product. Omani Driving License and NOC is must. Apply with photograph to E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com.

Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization, on Monthly basis finalization and consulting works.

Contact: 96247295

Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah.

More than 20 years exp in accounting job (up to finalization of accounts) 8 years working experience in middle east in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah. Contact - 91325029 Experienced Accountant seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 96902860 Accounting Asst, BBA Mcom Tally Peach Tree ph: 98269281 25 Years/Male Indian/B.com with 2 Years Experience/Seeking Job in Finance and accounts/Skills Tally ERP9/ SAP-FICO/MS Office. Immediately Joining. Contact No: +96897184087 Email: modi_harshal@ymail.com Accounts finance Indian male 35 years B.com MBA (F) 7 years experience tally ERP9 valid Oman D/L family visa.

Contact: 93257426/95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com

Jordanian, Senior accountant, 15 yrs experience in Oman finance & accountant. Contact: 92881223 Indian male, B.Com with 6 years experience as an Accountant, looking for suitable placement.

Mob: 93903458 , Email : Akkandyrijesh@gmail.com Indian male 25 B.Com (graduate) 2 years experience as accountant in country club India with ERP oracle r12, tally knowledge. On visit visa immediately available.

Email: shabi.hyd@gmail.com Contact- 9042-1161 Sri Lankan male 5yrs experienced in Sales & Accounts, seeking suitable position with NOC & DL.Contact:93369940 Indian male MBA (F) with 6 years of experience as accountant proficiency in A/C software like tally, focus, Sap (FICO) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98665219 Email: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available) GSM.92564955 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian female 25 yrs, MBA HR & Marketing, with one and half years experience as accountant and 6 months experience in teaching, now on a visit visa, seeking suitable position. Contact: 99624044, mail: np.neethu1@gmail.com.

ADMIN Indian female (25) M.com Finance, 3 yrs, exp in accounts / finance seeks suitable position in corporate finance / Banking / consulting purchase coordination / Admin. Now in family visa. Contact: 96953705 Email: prapullasuvarna@gamil.com 8 years of intensive Oman experience in procurement & supply chain management looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97755488 Indian male (26) diploma, 6 years experience as office asst & Admin asst. Now on visit visa looking for suitable position.

Contact: 92600859 Indian male MBA / HR and marketing 2 years experience in royal bank of Scotland looking for opportunities in banking operating marking and HR services excellent communication Kills. Contact: 90661245 Indian male 40years experienced about 12 years in banking credit risk department UAE and INDIA with UAE driving license, on visit visa looking for suitable opportunity, please contact mobile# 91305978 E-mail Hani.leo@gmail.com 15 years of working experience in Business development in Oman & UAE & UK , marketing plans and strategies & importing firewoks for festivals & preparing government tenders , Operations and logistics , importing and international business trading , CNC engineering & industrial areas , I have dual nationality (I can travel abroad easily without needing visa, for finalizing business trading NOC available. Contact: 94123939 Indian male 40 years MBA with 11 years experience in Admin & HR as HR & Admin manager with valid Oman license seeking suitable placement release/ NOC available . Contact: 97782843 Email: vinodhpkd@yahoo.com Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O , Clerk helper supervisor Admin supervisor , H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license looking for H.R position or P.R.O license . Looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 Indian Male, B.Com, MBA with 3 years GCC experience seeks Administration job in Muscat. Valid Oman & UAE D/L available.

Visit visa & can join immediately.

Contact: 00968 98896847 mail: tssavad@gmail.com 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 male MBA 33yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking full time suitable placement in Administration/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics. Holding valid D/L. Contact 99054786 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for job as office boy.

Contact: 94640906 Email: angelchowdhury515@gamil.com Housemaid (overseas) Indian family looking for job.

Contact 99531802

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN

Finance / Project/ Program Manager Professional

Interior Designer Seeking suitable job. On visit visa in Oman.

Contact - 92166130

Qualifications : MBA, PMP, Six Sigma Country Exposure Canada & Middle East, Industry Any Nationality Canadian, In Person Interview on Sundays

Interior designer 4years experience design and supervision skills (3D Max AutoCAD Photoshop.

Contact: 95246737 Email: yassalnajjar@gmail.com Autocad Drafting, part time/ full time, 2D & 3D, Architectural, Structural, MEP, Shop drawing , experienced. Ph: 90189070 AutoCAD draftsman experience 2 years. Contact: 93738335 /95809393 Email: mammoosing@gmail.com Interior Designer 3 years experience, AutoCAD 2D & 3D Max & Photoshop.

Contact number: 99025312

DRIVER Driver with car 3 yrs exp, looking part time job. Contact – 97456062 Looking for driver, electrical & plumbing job.

Contact - 92360040 Pakistani light driver looking job.

Contact 95604741 Light driver. Contact: 96756014 Pakistani male 30 years with 4 years experience in driving license (Oman) light.

Contact: 97469730 Light vehicle driver GCC license seeking for job. Contact: 94801679 Looking for job driver 10 yrs exp.

Contact: 99035942 Indian light driver cum house cleaner. Contact: 96255558 /99415443 20 years embassy experience male driver looking for job valid visa available. Contact: 94297820 Light driver for job experience K.S.A & Oman 9 years.

Contact: 94297563 Looking for job driver K.S.A 7 years & Oman 5 years education H.S.C. Contact: 93940319 Light driver with car.

Contact: 96379697 Looking for job car driver.

Contact: 98388947

EDUCATION/TRAIN Indian female 25years M.C.A on family visit required suitable placements also interested in teaching. Contact: 94017133 Email: ranjitharose04@gmail.com

ELECTRICIAN/TECHNI Electrician with 7 Years experience in Oman. Looking for job.

Contact - 98255214

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Engineer has 10 years local & international experience in ready mix concrete also in Oil & gas filed also in marketing & sales field , has Omani driving license.

Contact : 92534098 HSE Engineer MSc & B.Tech (safety & fire) 6 yrs overall exp in O & G project & construction. Available immediately with clean NOC. Hold valid D/L Oman, owns a car. Contact – 94616721 / aibelg19@gmail.com Indian male, 22 Chemical Engineer residing in Oman looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92379181 REVIT (ARCH), Diploma Civil 3yr , in visit visa , exp. Salary : 250 PH : 92279784 Indian Engineer, B. Tech (Mech), MBA, MLM (Master of Labour Management), 23 yrs experience, 5 years in Oman in the positions of Operations Manager and Plant Manager with Oman Driving License seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99744612. E-mail: deleepkumarpk@gmail.com Indian Male B. Tech, 10+ years of extensive work experience in various aspects like Computer Networking, Technical Support, Management and Engineering with good communications, interpersonal and technical skills seeks suitable opportunity. Now in Oman on Visit Visa GSM : 9489 8009,

Email : bios4u@gmail.com

EXPERT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE For your BPR, guide finance & HR & RM, advise product marketing & CRM, appraise IT system for reporting & communication.

Contact: Tel - 96500729 k.profitoman@gmail.com

Contact No: 97203531, +923352855176

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. AUTOCAD D/MAN, diploma civil engg. 3 Yr , certificate attested , in visit visa , expecting salary : 200 omr. Contact - 99506977 Indian Male, 24, B.Tech with electrical & electronics & PG Diploma in Automation & Scada with 2 years KSEB experience is looking for a suitable position. Contact 95340253 HSE Engineer (BE Mech + Dip in Safety+ NEBOSH + OSHA), 10 yrs exp, NOC Available, seeking suitable placement: Mob: 97061817; email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, 7 years experience, valid GCC driving license, NOC available looking for suitable job. Contact: 96137008 Email: joshuaruarkfernandez@gmail. com HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com B.SC civil Engineer, road construction field with 13 years experience in Oman. Contact: 92200485 Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech Indian male 5 years experience Indian and Oman (PDO projects) currently on visiting visa & NOC available (as per new rule). Contact: 94258289 Indian male 31 years civil engineer diploma holder 4 years experience in Oman need placement N.O.C available. Contact: 93298395 HSE & Fire Safety Engineer 4 years experience air port operational safety, power & chemical industry. Contact: 94374241 22 Years exp in Gulf civil building construction project manager.

Contact – 0097430824610 / arshadjamalkhan@rediffmail.com Civil Engineer B.E 12 years experience with valid Oman driving license NOC available.

Contact: 93843448 Pakistani male have 2 years experience as a site supervisor / Sub Engineer looking for suitable place/ Job Advance diploma in construction industry and seeking employment with visa now on visit visa. Contact: 0092-3127418676 /91899860 B. Tech mechanical Engineer has experience in QA/ QC in looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96505642 Sudanese civil Engineer three years experience with NOC. Contact: 96297316 Email: abdallakoty22@gmail.com Architect Engineer 8 years experience in construction field, designing and supervision (AutoCAD, Archi CAD, 3D Max).

Contact: 94370767 B.Tech Electronics & comm. Engg & MBA Degree in operation management with five years experience in optical fiber planning coordination etc. Contact: 94819139 Engineer in 14 yrs experience in project execution & operation all kinds of Mech / civil & interior decoration with license.

Contact: 97070527 B.E .Mechanical Engineer Indian over 4 yrs of exp in HVAC design auto cad drafting on visit visa.

Contact 90305596 Email: shaikrizwan330@gmail.com Pakistani male seeking job site supervisor (civil) age 24 years with 2 years experience ( Oman) valid Oman driving (license ) light.

Contact: 94712273 Indian Male Degree Holder BE (civil) having 11 years of Oman experience with valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable job .NOC available and ready to join immediately. Mobile: 93803950.

Mail:kavinvasi2007@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.sc) 5yrs exp. in const. with Oman D/L. Contact: 96045025 Email:talal.faroug@gmail.com

Electrical diploma Engineer with 1.5 years experience in AutoCAD designing for LV constructions and diesel generator maintenance looking actively for job in Oman.

Contact: 92171858/90595609 Email: nelsondas213@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 919605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com

Electrical Testing Engineer (B.Tech) having 7 yrs Gulf experience expertise in testing precommissioning commissioning of electrical systems, currently on visit visa seeks suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 90188231

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male, 36 years, BE (electrical), MBA 12 years exp (maintenance of electrical equipment, transformer, grid & sail, RSP exp in India, looking for suitable job in Oman, please Contact: 00919437648101 Mail Id: kushikkumarsahoo@rediffmail. com B.SC Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman experience as project manager, structural Engineer looking for suitable placement NOC/ LOCAL transfer available.

Contact: 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com BE Mechatronics and robotics Engg and basic knowledge in computers and CNC Operations. multilingual skills age 23, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92552789 Email: ashwinreghu3@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical 75% B. E mechanical 75% 5 years Sresenthil Engineer Company production planning designing.

Contact: +919003612305 Email: prabugn28@gmail.com Mechtronics Engineer, Indian male 2 yrs exp in industrial automation & maintenance, seeking suitable job. Presently on visiting visa. Contact – 97315735 / jithinm717@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer - 4 years experience – 98093544 Indian B.E civil Engineer 25 years experience in gulf looking for a suitable placement with driving license noc available.

Contact: 94867039

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Indian male 23 years B.E in mechanical fresher and have CSWIP certification on visit visa seeking employment foe mechanical jobs as entry level.

Contact 98422072 Email Id: j-joel92@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im Omani HSE supervisor. Email: jeebal3000@gmail.com Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591

HOSPITALITY Hospitality Degree 5 yrs exp holding Dubai driving license.

Contact - 91234870 Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/ Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/ COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT IT Administrator B.Tech C.C.N.A, M.C.S.A, 5 years experience in GCC, looking suitable placement.

Contact: 92339064 (+919633836307) IT support Eng graduate 5 yrs exp, Oman D/L, NOC available Indian.

Contact- 92101839

Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

Pakistani male 27 years IT Engineer computer skill ms office, excel, word, net working installation for mating, window, intent and data curtly, Oman experience 2 years. Contact: 94568628

Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

B.S.C, MSC (IT) 7.4, 1 year Al Eassa Al Dayssi L.L.C in Bahrain, 4 years Asma computers system engineer, Chennai 32 age. Content: +918608247110 Email: samad3301@gmail.com

MEP Engineer 5 years exp in Gulf driving license NOC. Contact 97838220 Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com

B. SC Building & architectural Engineer male 26 having 2 years of experience in architectural designing & construction supervision of building projects currently on visit visa seeking suitable position in Muscat. Contact: 95626378 Email: waqasbashir65@yahoo.com

Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com

Structural Engineer, 8 yrs experienced in flat slab, post tensioned & slab-beam multi story building design & supervision with driving license. Contact: 98256860

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656

Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years in Oman as QS. Seeking for part time job as QS. Contact- 91507508

Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate.

Contact: 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com

INDIAN Male 25 B.com (graduate) hold 2 years experience as accountant with ERP oracle R12, Tally, focus knowledge. On visit visa immediately available.

Email shabi.hyd@gmail.com Contact- 968-9042-1161

Aeronautical Engineer 1 year experience aviation industry/ experience in quality assuring and technical service in air India express looking for suitable position in aviation industry / fluent in English . Contact: 9474563 /95128200 Email: fhcpaero@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer (male) with 2 years experience in project & production field seeking suitable jobs now on visit visa.

Contact: 94823009/94223483 Email: jisso.joseph@outlook.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com

Indian male 25 years BSC (C.S) with basic hardware and software knowledge seeks suitable placement now on visit visa.

Contact: 92319677 Email: ismabsc@gmail.com Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Indian female, B.Tech graduate, with one and half years experience as ‘web developer’ interested in web development and has experience working in HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript and Photoshop.

Contact : 9592 7075, e-mail id: mariarosejacob90@gmail.com

LOGISTICS Indian Male, 36 years, over 16 years’ Stores, Logistics and Import Export, experience with US based MNC, seeks suitable placement.

Mob: 9822 6568

MISCELLANEOUS Bangladeshi male, University M.Com, Working as an Accountant & Administrator in Oman; searching better job. Phone: 94864966 Email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com A Filipina lady having experience in call center, airline booking and reservations, secretarial and real estate is now looking for a job in any fields. Contact: 93839304 Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 98805474

MISCELLANEOUS Chemical laboratory analysis acquired knowledge of laboratory and chemical safety Sudan university of science and technology. Contact 90644755 A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech 1st Class (Fashion Technology) since 2006 in Kerala like to make change for better. Specialized in designing, Production Management, Fashion Art, Grading, Surface ornamentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com Mobile: +919539397097.

Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com

MANAGER Indian Female, M.B.A, 8 Yrs of Exp in Oil and Gas sector, working as an Unit Manager for MNC, also worked as a BDM, seeking suitable placement immediately.

Contact 99179709 20 years experience in Oman plumbing Foreman N.O.C Release available.

Contact: 93054511/95441583 Indian well experienced personal assistant/executive office manager/ senior administrator / commercial executive with license looking for a change. release letter available – 99168054 mbkishore@hotmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact 92385033 MBA with 18 years of experience in Procurement, 2 years in Sohar, Oman driving license with vehicle, looking for suitable position.M:94047501, ahmed16071974@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments & transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact: :- 92385033 Operations & Accounts Manager Indian male , 18 years experience in Oman finance, purchase, transport, sales Admin & H.R looking for Sr. Position. Contact: 99889396 Email: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Indian female Dentist specialized endodontic looking for a suitable placement prometric completed.

Contact: 96410448 Female Biomedical Engineer Be with 4 years experience in India, Tamil Nadu ( TN MSC) looking for a job in biomedical hospital Field.

Contact: 92942479 /+918122572471 Indian male Nurse on visit visa having 8.5 years of experience with valid parametric ACLS, BLS dataflow completed seeking jobs in Muscat.

Contact: 96925790/95579716 Email: libinmvarghese@gmail.com Indian male Nurse 32 years Oman parametric and data flow completed 8 yrs emergently experience.

Contact: 92463190 Indian female MBA in health care service, BSN with MOH license looking for a job in hospital. Contact: 94876041 Doctor couple MOH license holders 25 years experience required job in clinic. Contact: 92893243 1Year exp, orthodontist, looking for job, prefers Barka, ready to give exam. Contact -94369280 Male GP Doctor with NOC 6 yrs experience in Oman for perm/locum job. Contact : 97746074

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T U E S D AY, M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED MEDICAL

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact 96436517 /97396088

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

SALES / MARKETING Indian female 24 B.Com, M.Com having 1 year exp, customer relation executive, seeks suitable placement. Contact – 95128242 / naiji43@gmail.com Salesman cum driver with car.

Contact: 91362320 Indian male, 6 years of sales experience in Oman with Oman driving license, NOC / Release available.

Contact: 95440908 Indian male pluming sanitary ware & building materials experience in outdoor sales (9 years) experience with D/L UAE valid visit visa. Contact: 98723456 MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Contact : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Indian Male 28 MBA Marketing with 4 years of experience in sales with good communication skills now available in Muscat on visit visa. GSM 95840153 / Mail akbarshareef786@gmail.com MBA (UK) with 2 years experience in Oman seeks placement in Business development / sales.

Omani D/L.Contact: 98108979 Indian female having 10 years experience in logistics & sales coordinator exp in SAP Ms Office valid D/L currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95251911 Indian male (31 yrs) sales supervisor, total 9 yrs gulf exp, 4 yrs in Oman with valid GCC D/L with NOC, release & transferable visa.

Contact: 94014327 Email: praveenkotian188@gmail.com Indian female, MBA Marketing with 4 years experience with NOC & D/L seeks employment with visa.

Contact: 92460623 Sales Engineer (M.Eng) Canada five + years Oman market experience with leading brands with D/L. Contact: 93985140 Email: jbom628@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com MBA / UGC, NET / Male /25 .2 years experience in channel sales / relationship management with a leading Indian telecom company schooling form Oman Now on visit visa. Contact: 96914068 Email: mailanasap@gmail.com Male 38 yrs Graduate 07 years experience indoor / outdoor electronic field with D/License & NOC available (as per new rule).

Contact: 92453375 Indian sales marketing professional highly experienced in business development in ME India and Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611

Tel: 95244310 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian male 3 years as sales representative looking for suitable placements. Contact: 94420033 Email: ssidisking@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Marine Services / Business Development having more than 15 Years experience in GCC Countries with Indian Male with experience in Operations Management / Sales and Procurement / Ship Chandling / valid GCC Driving License seeks suitable job. Presently in Oman on Visit Visa. GSM : 9053 55 65, Email : rafi.vprc@gmail.com 25 year old male B.Com and insurance graduate with 6 year experience looking for an opening in accounts, finance or operations.

Driving license and NOC available.

Contact-95236312. lilommca@gmail.com MCA with 13+ yrs of teaching.

Worked as PGT (Comp Sc.) in CBSE Board Schools, 2 yrs experience in s/w development. Seek suitable placement. Contact - 90477217 Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job. Phone: 91997605 email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com Pakistani Male having 6 years Experience Valid Omani Driving license working as a Transport Manager looking for a suitable position. Salary is negotiable.

Mob: +96893363316 / 94202746 mohdnaveed043@gmail.com

B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com

Indian Male Accountant I have 2 year better experience in accounting field. I can do all my accounts in Tally and Excel searching for suitable job. Contact: contactsubbayan5@gmail.com GSM : +918098637908, +919087776759

Indian male, Graduate, experienced Sales person (FMCG) with valid UAE driving license, on visit seeks suitable position. Contact 92419491 / 94881950, Email : pranilpp76@gmail.com

Indian female 23 BA economics with computer knowledge looking for the post of Administration dept or day care or sales please Contact 96155921 or Email- fysal.nellaya@gmail.com.

MISCELLANEOUS Male Locum Pharmacist with MOH & Driving License. Available on request from March to April 2016; Contact #: +968 9188 5485/+968 9943 8058.

Indian Female, 35years, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) with 6months experience and BSc & MA seeking position as Insurance Coordinator or suitable positions in pharmacy, pharmacy stores, hospital, polyclinic & pharmaceutical companies or in front office/administration office preferably in hospital. Please contact on 90236481.

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702 Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in Dubai, looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494/ manojmallya999@gmail.com 18 years experienced in Shipping, ShipChandling& Marine services.

Valied GCC D/L. Languages Known as English, Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam.Now in Visit Visa.

GSM : 9053 5565 IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support/Indoor sales, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/ Server support/Retail sales.

Contact 92607532.

Iraqi Civil Engineer with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C.) is available. Contact No. 96561306 iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Female Interior Designer 15 months experience design and management skills ( 3D Max, AutoCAD , Photoshop, Illustrator, Coral Draw (Basic) and Sketch up (Basic) and well versed with M.S Office).

24789883 Email: sasd_shirur@yahoo.com,

SIT. WANTED

Indian male 28 years exp as sales executive & asst accountant. With valid Oman driving license .languages known Hindi and English.

Looking for any good job Contact# 96175176

BS in Civil Engineering Experience: 3 Year (Road Projects) Omani license: 9 Years. #97427701 Email: hassanrvc1989@gmail.com

Indian male AUTO CAD Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job.#- 99070584 / email: remluvp@gmail.com

Indian female, holds LLB & Masters in business administration(MBA),2 yrs oman experience as HR & Admin, seeks suitable placement in jobs @ SOHAR. Contact: 96541959

Mechanical Engineer (Indian Male, 24 Years) with three years experience, looking for suitable job. Currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately. # 92175441, Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532.

Male Indian 27, working as finance Officer having three years Oman experience with Driving license looking for Finance/Audit/ Accounts position.

Mob:98097009, rameesnm@ gmail.com

Indian male 23 years Diploma in Mechatronic having 3years experience in production and maintenance department looking for suitable placement #+919597008904 (sachin.valappil92@gmail.com)

Indian male with three years of experience in IT as system administrator seeking for IT administration job placements. Presently in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact 90664136 email: szuheabikram@yahoo.com

Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in Dubai, looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. # 90182494

Diploma (Electrical Engineering) from Government polytechnic.

Age 27 years, 6 years Experience in troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer. Seek suitable placement. Contact - 92995899,

Accountant. Having 6 years experience in accounts in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available) GSM. 00968-97010584, Email usman7678@yahoo.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 Indian Male, total 8+years gulf experience in Document Controller / Coordinator / Secretary. Looking suitable position. Local release available. CONTACT: 94524259 EMAIL: madhuppnair@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer (Indian Male, 24 Years) with three years experience, looking for suitable job.

Currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately. Contact 92175441, Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com

Iraqi civil Engineer with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq, U.A.E. and Oman) looking for a job, (N.O.C.) is available.Contact 95626218 Email- amin.sarim007@gmail.com Indian male 26, on vist visa, 2+ yrs of experience with UAE D/L, IATA-FIATA,BBA looking for any suitable job. Contact 91324567 Assistant Manager – Planning (B.Tech EEE): Indian Male, over 10 years( 7+ Yrs in Oman & UAE) of experience in Project Planning & Scheduling, Liaison & Coordination, Budgeting and Client Interaction. Seeking a suitable Job in Muscat. Contact – 00971503529608, Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

MANPOWER

SIT. WANTED Diploma in civil engineering having an experience 26years (22years in Oman) experience in Estimator / quantity surveyor looking for a suitable placement.

Willing to join immediately Contact: 96328687.

Indian female, B.Tech graduate, with one and half years experience as ‘web developer’ interested in web development and has experience working in HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript and Photoshop.

Contact 9592 7075, e-mail id: mariarosejacob90@gmail.com Indian Male ,MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital Pharma ,Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Marketing ,construction A/c & sales , 93379044 33 year old Filipina with experience in Teleperformance, Manila call centre ,now working as Waitress in Qatar seeking suitable post.

Contact 99022484 9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil & Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact 90139903 Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Sales coordinator cum Store keeper in Muscat; searching better job. Phone:91997605.

E mail: mohamednazrulislam2@ gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/networking/server, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/ Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED ED ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

Public relation services (PRO), Formation new companies, LLC companies, investor visa, business setup, prepare business & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company.

Contact Saleh: 96723485

MV SALE

TRANSPORTATION

Nissan pathfinder 2010 model.

Contact: 94521205

Transportation.

Contact – 98505294

Honda CRV 2009 Dec model rend for sale 78000 Km full options price 4500/- R.O. Contact: 96530006

Transportation, pick and drop.

Contact - 96913836

Nissan sunny 2013 model, expat lady driven & well maintained.

Contact: 97100419 Cars for Sale - Mercedes c230 2006 R.O 3600/- Geely Gx2 2015 AT 12400 km R.O 2300/Contact: 97312774

TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Muscat.

Contact: 96004045 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation. Contact: 99078967

Transportation in Muscat area.

Contact: 94297820 Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Qurum, seek transportation.

Contact: 91132238 Transportation. Contact 99508282 /93113534 Transportation. Contact 99508282 From Mabela to Mawaleh for school student.

Contact: 92757673 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

LEGAL SERVICE An Indian lawyer Provides all legal services in company matters.

Labour issues, contracts, agreements, LLC formation, legal help for starting new business in Oman, Civil, criminal cases,.service issues.

Ibrahim Al Massalhi.legal consultancy Sarafudheen, LLB, MBA, Legal Advisor Muscat. GSM: 97351649

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 All maintenance works such as plumbing painting masonry interlock fixing etc. Contact: 91278819 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 99344723 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. # 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 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 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

Marble tiles grinding & polishing, Mosaic tiles grinding & polishing, carpet shampooing, sofa shampooing, pest control treatment & general cleaning of villa & building.

Express Building Cleaning Services.

House shifting. Contact: 99708138 Pest Control Treatments Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 99344723 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact 99344723 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Contact 98480070 / 94134784 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 / 99210141 Building maintenance.

Contact: 96173326