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ROUND-UP
Powerful Prado promises unparalleled performance Packed with the robust DNA of Land Cruiser bloodline, the Prado takes Toyota’s enviable 4WD legacy way further
MUSCAT: On the highway or off the road, the Prado makes its presence felt. When it arrives on the scene, everyone makes way. Packed with the robust DNA of Land Cruiser bloodline, the Prado takes Toyota’s enviable 4WD legacy way further. Drivability, reliability and functionality are Prado’s legendary strengths.
Throw in superior on-road and off-road performance and you have the one-of-a-kind Prado, says a press release. Building on the outstanding legacy of its predecessors the Prado stands apart with bold looks - a macho grille and bumper guard adorned with LED headlamps and clearance lamps. A taste of real 4WD freedom comes from the Prado’s throbbing
power and thrilling performance. Its class-leading features include display audio with 9-speakers, steering-mounted audio, Bluetooth and mid controls, Optitron meter with TFT info display and cruise control. Safety features include a rear view camera and driver+ passenger+ curtain+ side (front) + knee (driver) airbags. Furnished with a host of highend luxury features, the Prado
B5
features leather upholstery, wood grain panelling, chrome-coloured side protection moulding; muffler-cutter; chrome rear-lamp garnish and impressive alloy wheels. The wide, imposing front-end of the Toyota Prado adds to its gallant appearance. The interior is refined and roomy to accommodate up to seven occupants. Cushioned seats offer wonderful under-thigh support. Second-row seats fold in a 40:20:40 split, offer enhanced utility with a slide function and walk-in accessibility for facilitating easy ingress and egress for the third-row seats. The third-row seats, fold in a 50:50 split. The Prado also offers steering angle display, active headrest, electric tilt and telescopic steering column, side step with illumination, smart entry and start / stop system, parking sensors and retractable outer mirrors (with turn signal).
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A reassuring combination of active and passive safety systems ensures optimum protection for occupants in a Prado. DAC (downhill assist control), HAC (hill-start assist control), airbags, VSC (vehicle stability control) and A-TRC (active traction control) are some of its advanced protection systems. Prado’s strong chassis offers excellent impact protection while the long wheelbase and wide wheel track give excellent handling and stability. Prado’s unparalleled prowess is apparent on either the smooth or the rough. It has the power to hold its own and the performance to make its own path. In short, not much stands in the way of a Prado both on the road and off. All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment. The above disclaimer is applicable only to 2015 YM / 2015 production vehicles.
NOBLE CAUSE
The Wave community ‘donates blood to save lives’
MUSCAT: In line with The Wave Muscat’s commitment towards supporting the communities, staff, retail tenants and residents came together to donate blood for a noble cause. Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the annual drive aims to raise awareness on the importance of blood donation as a lifestyle and contribute to increasing Oman’s blood reserves, says a press release. The Wave, Muscat’s donation drive brings one of the Sultanate’s largest and most vibrant communities together to save lives.
RECOGNITION
Bank Sohar supports mental awareness campaign MUSCAT: With a commitment towards helping improve the quality of life and in recognition of May being the World Mental Health Awareness Month, Bank Sohar participated as the gold sponsor of mental health awareness campaign organised by the Whispers of Serenity Clinic. The campaign titled ‘Not Alone’ included three key events – a walkathon, an art exhibition and gallery, and a movie night, says a press release. Commenting on the bank’s sponsorship of the event, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, DGM of Human Resources and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar, said, “Since inception, we have always placed great focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. As a result, we wish to do our part in supporting the community through our sponsorship of Whispers of Serenity Clinic ‘Not
Alone’ campaign, which contributes towards spreading awareness on mental illness to the general public and reduce the stigma associated with it. Campaigns such as these also help dispel myths, provide support, and advocate equal care by encouraging those suffering to seek treatment.” The ‘Not Alone’ campaign, which is the largest of its kind in Oman, began on May 1 with a walkathon at Muscat Grand Mall that witnessed a large turnout from supporters. The event also included a special art exhibition, music being played by some talented guitarists, and special shawls being sold inside the mall to commemorate the event. In addition, the organisers displayed an educational video to the audience to further increase awareness. The second event of the campaign, titled ‘Not Alone Art’, was
a special art competition that was aimed at bringing into spotlight the use of art as means of expression for mental illness and therapy. The competition fell into four main categories – performance art, still life (painting), digital art and fashion/textile designs. The winning entries were put on display at the Stal gallery in Muscat for three days, from May 14-16. The final event of the ‘Not Alone’ campaign, titled ‘Not Alone-Movie Night’, was a special event where a movie on mental health was showcased at City Cinema Al Shatti on May 29. Thanking Bank Sohar for its sponsorship of the event, Her Highness Sayyida Basma bint Fakhri Al Said, the Owner of Whispers of Serenity Clinic, said: “We are dedicated towards reducing the social stigma around mental illness and through our lo-
cal facilities campaigns, we aim to build a strong mental health network andincrease collaboration across communities. On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and most importantly the families of those we serve, I would like to thank Bank Sohar and our other sponsors for their generous contribution. It is this type of support that goes a long way in making these campaign’s a great success. Together we are truly making a difference for mental health care in Oman.” Bank Sohar ensures that its contributions are carefully planned and evaluated in order to diversify and reach out to the maximum number of people, especially those in most need of it, offering recipients positive support to make a meaningful change. As a result, the bank’s CSR initiatives have become central to its operational strategy.
Oriental Group honours staff
S O C I A L I N V E S T M E N T I N I T I AT I V E
Shell conducts training courses for Omanis MUSCAT: Shell Development Oman (SDO) has successfully held two of its training courses’ series this year as part of its ‘Training for Development’ social investment initiative. So far, ‘Finance for Non Finance’ and ‘Business Planning’ courses have been held in Muscat, attended by participants from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public and private sectors. The courses were facilitated by SDO and taught by training experts from the relevant fields, says a press release. SDO’s ‘Shell Professional Courses’ initiative includes a number of courses that target NGOs, the public sector, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other members of the general public. These courses have been designed to empower individuals with professional skills ranging from strategic thinking and leadership techniques to confidence building. In 2014, more than 340 Omanis benefited from these training
courses. So far in 2015, about 50 Omanis have been trained in these two courses. Shell is committed to the social development of Oman and aims to be a responsible corporate citizen of the Sultanate. Shell also implements extensive social investment programmes that contribute to the sustainable development of the country. Rashid Al Sawafi, who
works at Oman’s Ministry of Education, recently attended the Business Planning course. “The course provided a great opportunity for me to learn the necessary business planning skills – both theoretically and practically. I believe that Shell was successful in choosing the right topic for this course, the trainer and the curriculum. I’m very satisfied with the
way the course has turned out, and I look forward to future opportunities to be part of Shell Professional Courses,” said Al Sawafi. Also, commenting on his time at the course, Khalid Al Nadabi, who works at the Ministry of Health, said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to attend this course. The business development course is an excellent practical introduction for those planning to start their own businesses. I would definitely recommend this course to a friend.” In addition, commenting on these courses, Muna Al Shukaili, Deputy External Affairs General Manager and Social Investment Manager at Shell, said: “Shell Professional Courses have been running successfully since 2002. We managed to train hundreds of Omanis on a range of professional skills across the Sultanate. "We aim to enhance the career prospects of participants, and we are so happy to hear their positive feedback and comments.”
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
PSM holds seminar on special education MUSCAT: The Centre for Special Education (CSE) at Pakistan School Muscat, in collaboration with SAI Group, held a special seminar in the media library at PSM campus. Manisha Bhatt and Sumita Shanker, the guest speakers, spoke on ‘An Overview of Challenging Conditions’, says a press release. The event was attended by Adnan Shahzad, chairman Board of Directors, Atta Ullah Niazi, senior principal, Khalid Jadoon, principal, Moeen Nawaz, parent’s committee member, and parents. Detailed session A detailed session covering all the pivotal aspects and dimensions was held. The parents enlivened the session with their queries which were instantly answered, giving a further deeper under-
standing of the main theme. The delegation, led by A.V. Manohar from SAI Group, also included Saurab and Vikram. The guest speakers were award-
ed with souvenirs as a token of thanks by the PSM management. The session identified that the problem identification and treatment in the child at a treatable
level was a practicable solution. The event proved to be a great success that was beyond the expectations of the Centre for Special Education team.
MUSCAT: As a recognition of the Oriental Group of Companies to its employees for their role in contributing to the development and growth of the group, Oriental Group organised on May 29 an event to honour its employees, especially those who have been in service for 10-35 years. The ceremony was held under
the patronage of group chairman Mohamed Awadh Ali AlAjmi, who distributed service certificates and awards to the recipients. This celebration is part of many events and activities that will be conducted by the group to mark the 40th anniversary of its founding, says a press release.
BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP
Star Omani bodybuilder does Bank of Beirut proud MUSCAT: Abdullah Al-Hashemi, Bank of Beirut employee and ambitious bodybuilder, was ranked a highly-commendable third in the Oman Bodybuilding Championship, held recently at the Bausher Stadium. The youngest Omani contestant in a highly competitive field made up of the cream of the bodybuilding world, his contemporaries know Al Hashemi as the man who believes nothing is impossible. His next goal, under the supervision of his coach Fadhil Al Balushi, is to do the bank and the Sultanate of Oman, credit in the Asian Championship to be held in Japan in June. Born in 1993, this 22-year-old’s driving ambition is to be the first World Bodybuilding Champion from Oman, says a press release. Abdullah is a striking illustration of the Bank of Beirut’s conviction that every single employee helps to create and shape its values every day. The bank actively encourages and supports all staff to combine their talents in various disciplines with their careers. Not only do the employees benefit, but the bank does too with the retention of talented employees, the internal development of future leaders and improved sharing and perpetuating organisational knowledge. It has also improved employee engagement and productivity, with the bank and its employees alike gaining a broader perspective of the organisation, and how they contribute to, and are valued
within, their workplace. As a valued employee in Bank of Beirut’s security division, Al Hashemi benefits from the bank’s commitment to having a positive impact on the community and reinforcing the conviction that, regardless of circumstance, no employee’s dream is ever out of reach. This social initiative is wholly endorsed by Ramy Zambarakji, CEO of Bank of Beirut – Oman. “By sponsoring Al Hashemi, and systematically supporting various employee engagement activities, we encourage talented individuals to pass on their passion. This is one of the ways the bank connects the commitment of individual employees with its corporate social responsibility agenda. It also helps the bank strengthen its leadership skills and invest in its most talented employees to promote excellence, innovation and loyalty amongst the workforce. We believe that it is talented individuals like Abdullah who will inspire and motivate our other employees to reach for the sky,” he said. All members of staff at Bank of Beirut are encouraged to approach their managers with their proposals for support in their chosen skills. Each of them is carefully considered and a level of support is then decided upon with the employee. Although Abdullah’s strength lies in a physical pursuit, the bank also supports staff with skills that lie in creative fields such as the arts.