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200 FilsWednesday, December 14, 2016 Issue No. 7230

@realDonaldTrump

The thing I like best about Rex Tillerson is that he has vast experience at dealing successfully with all types of foreign governments.

Today’s WeatherMax Min

23°C 15°CFor Inquiries: 1724 6800

The acidity of raw lemon juice lowers the impact of any meal on your blood

sugar.

Drug gives lung cancer

patients four extra months

P P11P 02 20American daily showers praise

on HM King Hamad

Cyclone batters

Chennai

11th HourGlobal responsibilities towards Aleppo stressed

Turkey confirms ceasefire in Aleppo

IS claims Cairo bombing

Police dedication hailed

Hottest Arctic on record triggers massive ice melt

Manama

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday called

on “the international community to assume its responsibilities towards the great humanitarian tragedies in Syria, especially in the city of Aleppo.”

The Ministry said it affirms Bahrain’s stance, stressing the importance of concerted international efforts to end this tragedy, and to provide protection for civilians and ensure ways to deliver humanitarian aid

Ankara

Turkey confirmed yesterday that a ceasefire

deal was agreed following talks between the Syrian opposition and Russia, which would mean rebels evacuating from war-ravaged eastern Aleppo.

Cairo

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility

for a bomb attack on a Cairo church that killed 25 people, in a statement circulated on social media yesterday. IS identified the suicide bomber who carried out attack by the pseudonym Abu Abdallah al-Masri.

Manama

In a statement marking the Bahrain Police Day,

Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla yesterday hailed the readiness and competence of the Interior Ministry and affiliated security agencies.

Secondsea link a boon

DT News NetworkManama

The newly planned road link between Bahrain

and Saudi Arabia will serve as an integral addition to GCC infrastructure, said Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Prince Salman also pointed out that the new private-sector financed King Hamad Causeway will provide a second road link that will attract regional and international companies.

The Crown Prince was speaking during a plenary session held as part of the FIKR 15 Conference in Abu Dhabi. The conference titled “Arab Integration: The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)” was organised by the

Arab Thought Foundation in partnership with the Arab League.

During the session, Prince Salman addressed the priorities the GCC should focus in its next phase of development.

In this regard, the Crown Prince said that the continued development of GCC infrastructure will boost productivity, support sustainable economic development and benefit future generations. “The GCC railway project, GCC Water Link Project, and renewable energy investments are among projects the region will benefit from,” he said.

Stronger ambition “Stronger ambitions will drive us to achieve more,” Prince Salman stressed, while pointing out that further integration is needed to

strengthen GCC’s ability to work as a unified bloc and build on its influence. 

“This ambition will be achieved if GCC nations work at an accelerated pace, particularly in light of global challenges,” the Crown Prince said. Prince Salman also welcomed the vision of GCC leaders to coordinate the development of legislation and regulations that stimulate business activity and diversify economies.

Stressing on the importance of linking these efforts with practical steps, Prince Salman said, “GCC countries have the potential to become even more influential as an economic bloc.”

In this context, Prince Salman pointed out that even in light of the challenges faced in 2011, Bahrain was capable of continuing its positive economic growth.

“There has been an increase in average household income of Bahraini families by 47 per cent since 2008,” revealed Prince Salman.

Further, Prince Salman stressed that the GCC should allow younger people to innovate, pursue entrepreneurship and other opportunities. “The long-term success of the GCC depends on the modern and comprehensive education for the young people,” he added.

Defence Cooperation The time has come around to realise the establishment of a defensive cover in GCC against ballistic missiles threats, said Prince Salman during the plenary session.

The Crown Prince said this while highlighting the crucial role played by the GCC’s joint defence system in ensuring regional security.

In this regard, His Royal Highness pointed out that the establishment of GCC back in 1981 enabled the region to overcome numerous challenges.

Union a reality soon The GCC union should

soon become a reality, stressed the Crown Prince, noting that approving the legislations developed is what left now. On this note, Prince Salman further stressed the importance of protecting religion from those wishing to distort its tolerance and moderation for political gain or for extremist ideologies.  

While addressing the GCC-US ties, Prince Salman expressed his hope that the new Trump administration would work to build on current GCC-US strategic achievements.

The new private sector funded King Hamad Causeway to boost economy

2 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

American daily showers praise on

HM King HamadDT News NetworkManama

A meeting between US President – elect Donald

Trump and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa would send a warning to enemies in the Middle East (ME), according to an American daily.

When Trump looks to the broader Middle East for allies he will find no leader more reliable and trustworthy than HM King Hamad, states Rob Shobani in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.

“The Arab leader is the reform-minded leader of Bahrain which is an enormously important country to the United States situated in the energy rich Persian Gulf,” he explained.

According to him the island nation of one million has certain unique cultural, economic and geopolitical features that deserve the next US administration’s immediate attention.

“Mr Trump and his foreign policy team should unequivocally and

wholeheartedly embrace Bahrain and its monarch,” wrote Shobani.

“A major feature of Bahrain’s national culture is religious tolerance. Unlike most other Muslim countries, Christians, Jews, Bahais and Hindus live side by side in peace and harmony in Bahrain.”

Shobani, CEO, chairman, and founder of Caspian Group holdings, is an American author and lecturer on energy issues, US immigration policies and US policy toward the ME.

He also said that though the Iranian regime tries to undermine Bahrain’s stability by highlighting sectarianism, and HM King Hamad rose above it by emphasising oneness of all faiths. “When Mr Trump looks around the Muslim world for a model of religious freedom Bahrain is one country he can point to.”

Meanwhile the free flow of oil and gas across Bahrain’s waterway plays a critical role in Western energy security.

“Unlike Iran’s Supreme

Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who has threatened to close down the Persian Gulf on numerous occasions, Bahrain’s responsible and reliable King has been a consistent champion of keeping these strategic waterways open,” he wrote.

He also quoted former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. William J. Crowe’s words- ‘Pound for pound, Bahrain has been and continues to be America’s best friend in the region.’

Shobani held that though

Trump will meet numerous world leaders over the next four years, none will come close to being a truer partner of Washington than King Hamad.

Shobani, in his column also advised Trump’s foreign policy team to invite HM King to the White House for a working visit with the President, a meeting which would send a positive message to those anxious about the President-elect’s feelings toward Islam in general and the Muslim world.

2 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

American daily showers praise on

HM King HamadDT News NetworkManama

A meeting between US President – elect Donald

Trump and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa would send a warning to enemies in the Middle East (ME), according to an American daily.

When Trump looks to the broader Middle East for allies he will find no leader more reliable and trustworthy than HM King Hamad, states Rob Shobani in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.

“The Arab leader is the reform-minded leader of Bahrain which is an enormously important country to the United States situated in the energy rich Persian Gulf,” he explained.

According to him the island nation of one million has certain unique cultural, economic and geopolitical features that deserve the next US administration’s immediate attention.

“Mr Trump and his foreign policy team should unequivocally and

wholeheartedly embrace Bahrain and its monarch,” wrote Shobani.

“A major feature of Bahrain’s national culture is religious tolerance. Unlike most other Muslim countries, Christians, Jews, Bahais and Hindus live side by side in peace and harmony in Bahrain.”

Shobani, CEO, chairman, and founder of Caspian Group holdings, is an American author and lecturer on energy issues, US immigration policies and US policy toward the ME.

He also said that though the Iranian regime tries to undermine Bahrain’s stability by highlighting sectarianism, and HM King Hamad rose above it by emphasising oneness of all faiths. “When Mr Trump looks around the Muslim world for a model of religious freedom Bahrain is one country he can point to.”

Meanwhile the free flow of oil and gas across Bahrain’s waterway plays a critical role in Western energy security.

“Unlike Iran’s Supreme

Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who has threatened to close down the Persian Gulf on numerous occasions, Bahrain’s responsible and reliable King has been a consistent champion of keeping these strategic waterways open,” he wrote.

He also quoted former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. William J. Crowe’s words- ‘Pound for pound, Bahrain has been and continues to be America’s best friend in the region.’

Shobani held that though

Trump will meet numerous world leaders over the next four years, none will come close to being a truer partner of Washington than King Hamad.

Shobani, in his column also advised Trump’s foreign policy team to invite HM King to the White House for a working visit with the President, a meeting which would send a positive message to those anxious about the President-elect’s feelings toward Islam in general and the Muslim world.

3Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Mohammed Zafran/DTNNzafran@dt.bh

Manama

A team of researchers, based on a study on e-commerce

opportunities in the Kingdom, has identified numerous investment opportunities in various sectors in Bahrain.

The Ernst and Young (EY) research team on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani identified attractive business ideas in areas including education, health care, insurance, gaming and recruitment that could be turned into startups by anyone interested.

Although around nine opportunities were identified, the opportunities in healthcare and education were key ones, Suleiman Ajjawi, EY Director, Financial Advisory Services, told DT News.

“The opportunities in

educational sector and healthcare are the key opportunities because they affect our daily lives,” he said.

An online fee payment service, to allow parents to pay their children’s school fees online was considered to be the most prominent opportunity in the Kingdom.

“It is extremely inconvenient for parents to take the time out of their busy lives to go

to their kid’s schools to pay their fees. What we are recommending here is to create an online platform where the parents can pay through credit cards, paypal or any other cash transfer media,” he said.

Ajjawi also recommended creating an online platform which allows students to connect with private tutors.

“At the beginning of every academic year, parents struggle to find private tutors for their kids. A smartphone application which connects teachers to students, would solve this problem in Bahrain and the gulf as a whole,” he stated.

The study also identified two opportunities in the healthcare sector; an online booking service for medical centres and hospitals, as well as a ‘virtual fitness coach’.

“Online appointment improves efficiency and

productivity in healthcare businesses. It allows patients to search, select and schedule an appointment with an appropriate doctor. This compliments the doctors’ practice with a tangible increase in their patient’s overall satisfaction,” he said.

According to him, through ‘Virtual fitness coach’, users can get fitness guidance on their phone and gadgets.

“The service will consist of an integrated system that will connect to the users, mobile gadgets, smartphone and fitness trackers. The system will store and track information about how-much calories the individual

consumes on a daily basis,” he commented.

EY also recommended an online recruitment platform catering to students who wants to find internship positions. “An intelligent online recruitment, internship service provides assistance for companies to post internships or job opportunities and hire freshers for internship offering part time and full-time job opportunities. This website aims to help students and fresh graduates become better professionals to dynamically build their career-oriented capabilities.” EY said in its report.

‘Viable business ideas in e-commerce sector’

Six people to be prosecuted for forging documentsDT News Networknews@dt.bh

Manama

Six people were referred to the Public Prosecution

for submitting forged documents through Commercial Registration Portal “Sijilat”.

Officials after scrutiny found that the documents submitted through “Sijilat” was not valid. The offenders were referred to the Public Prosecution to face procedures according to the law.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, represented by the Director of Companies Control warned the users of the consequences from providing any incorrect documents or data. The ministry also warned the people on sharing the user private key with others.

Suleiman Ajjawi

Insulting judiciary: Woman gets five year jail

DT News NetworkManama

A Bahraini woman convicted of defaming the judiciary

in the Kingdom has had her 5 year imprisonment confirmed by the High Criminal Appeals court.

The defendant is accused of having used a twitter account for broadcasting defaming comments against the judiciary in Bahrain between the years 2013 and 2015.

According to court files, the defendant created a group on the same platform, where she declared ‘war’ against judges here. Based on complaints from judges, the defendant was identified in police investigations, and was charged with insulting the judiciary publicly. She was earlier granted BD300 bail, pending the verdict on appeal.

Kidnap and assault: Teenager imprisoned

DT News NetworkManama

A 20-year-old boy accused of detaining, theft and

physical abuse of a fellow Bahraini has been put to 5 years behind bars by the High Criminal Court.

Court files say that the boy attacked the victim after discovering his relationship with his cousin.

The defendant reportedly

forced his cousin to call the victim and set up a meeting with the victim in Juffair.

After the victim arrived, the defendant and his friends dragged him into their car, and blind folded his eyes. He was reportedly detained for two hours. “They physically assaulted me for two hours, and then dropped me back to my car. They also stole my phone,”the victim told.

Send your comments to letters@dt.bh

Why can’t the traffic directorate do something

about the off loading of labourers in the middle of the road blocking the traffic and they don’t even care? This happens between the hours of 4:00 pm until 6:30 pm everyday on the road coming

from the Gulf gate hotel joining government avenue. This is a clear violation and I think the traffic directorate should employ CCTV or at least keep a traffic police during the peak hour and issue stern violation tickets.

Ali Redha Kazerooni

Representational image

Wednesday, December 14, 20164

2016 was a milestone year for GCC security coop-eration, enabling Gulf countries to face increasing security challenges including terrorism. Bahrain hosted from October 22 to November 16, the first joint security exercise “Arabian Gulf Security 1” un-der the patronage of HM the King and the participa-tion of all six GCC security forces. The exercise confirmed the readiness and compe-tency of the forces in carrying out joint missions, through the unification of training and security strat-egies. This was highly appreciated by GCC lead-ers in the last Gulf summit held in Bahrain, for its importance in reinforcing security cooperation and professional integration between GCC authorities to prevent anyone from harming regional security. The Kingdom of Bahrain also expressed appreciation for the exercise through the support provided by royal patronage. HM the King addressed the participants during the opening of the exercise and he attended the final ceremony, in the presence of HRH Crown Prince. He applauded the major efforts and high competency of all participants that reflected security prepared-ness among the participants. HM the King expressed thanks and appreciation to HE Interior Minister, Commander of the exercise and all Interior Ministry employees for their professionalism, preparations and planning of the exercise that represented security co-operation and coordination to tackle various security challenges. The exercise was also applauded by Their Highnesses and Excellencies GCC Interior Ministers during their last meeting in Riyadh, in which HRH Saudi Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Naif Al Saud highlighted that the exercise was an impres-sive example and practical implementation of joint security cooperation. As part of this joint security cooperation, the leadership within the Interior Min-istry continues to strengthen the capabilities of the Ministry in carrying out its security mission. During the last Ramadan, HRH Crown Prince hosted an Iftar banquet for senior officers and officials of the Interior Ministry. During the event he remembered the major sacrifices of Ministry personnel to protect security, stability and the achievements of the nation. He said the services they provide to ensure the nation is safe are highly appreciated. This was highlighted by the royal gesture of HM the King to declare December 17 as Martyr Day to commemorate the memories of those who have lost their lives in the protection of the nation. Progress within the Ministry continued in 2016 in various sectors. The number of travelers who entered Bahrain increased to 27 million individuals and there was an 11% reduction in as result of newly adopted security measures, including an increase in the utilisation of security cameras, deployment of ad-ditional police patrols and strengthening the police

partnership with the community. Indications of the dropping crime rate include the reduction in fatal ac-cidents of 44 cases this year, compared with 86 cases in 2015. This is a major achievement by the General Directorate of Traffic as result of traffic safety ef-forts. Part of the reduction in crime is due to a 21% decrease in the number of cases handled by the Najda “Rescue” patrols compared with last year. The drop also included drug cases that were reduced by 18%, civil defence cases which fell by 39% and corruption-related cases that fell from 86 cases in 2015 to just 30 cases this year. The Interior Ministry implemented a

major training strategy that involved 490 internal and foreign courses for 5,740 Ministry personnel. Coast Guard: Award of Excellence for Best Gov-ernment Practices through e-security Modernisation of the Coast Guard has continued with the use of state-of-the-art security technology, including the adoption of the boat detection device system and introduction of new vessels. The ef-forts paid off as the Coast Guard won the Award of Excellence for the Best Government Practices for e-security during the First e-Government Forum held

this year. The department also held 6 courses for 104 participants from different countries. To promote community partnership, the Coast Guard partici-pated in the 4th GCC Border and Coast Guard Week that included lectures and awareness activities for students and beach goers, in addition to welcoming 2,147 visitors throughout the year. Police Directorates: preventative crime fighting through awareness Police directorates work to protect the security and safety of citizens through deployment of patrols

near schools, roads and shops, as well as receiving complaints from the public via police stations and hotlines. The directorates participated in many activ-ities and visited Majalis and other events to enhance public awareness. These departments have worked hard to fight crime through preventative measures by enhancing security awareness among the public, activation of CCTV on main roads, and deployment of police patrols in highly populated areas. Community Police: participation in various events throughout the year Community Police participated in various events throughout the year, including the Bahrain Grand Prix, Community Day, Summer Camp, and Arab and International Days for the Elderly. In addition, community police personnel attended 18 internal and foreign courses for its staff and 4 courses for other organisations. The community police is responsible for securing children to and from school. It also co-operates with the civil defense to visit Ramadan tents to ensure general safety, and with Karama Home in reporting begging cases and Batelco Care Centre for Family Violence Cases in holding specialised courses.Anti-corruption: 30 cases and 1,539 calls The General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security handled 30 cases, including violations mentioned in the Financial and Administrative Audit Court report that were referred by the coordination committee. Meanwhile, the Ministry’s anti-corruption hotline (Nazaha “ 922”)

Gulf appreciation for the first exercise of its kind in Bahrain

“Arab Gulf Security 1” … a turning point in security cooperation as part of the royal patronage

Ministry of Interior- Police Media Center:

Bahrain police proved that in 2016 they are moving ahead to-ward further development and protection of national security in all parts of the country. Security is a noble mission that requires sacrifice as it is the main factor in development. This philoso-

phy was asserted by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the opening of the 37th summit of Gulf Cooperation Council hosted by Bahrain. HM the King described security and development as being interrelated and urged GCC countries to strengthen defense and security pacts so as to con-front threats from terrorism and to protect Gulf nations and their people and preserve achievements. As part of this approach, the Interior Ministry contin-ues to carry out its security obligations and implementing the comprehensive reform project of HM the King and support of the wise government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister with support from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the directives and follow up of His Excellency Interior Minister, Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

•• Reduction in fatal accidents by 48.8% as indication of efforts of General Directorate of Traffic

•• 21% reduction in cases received by Najada “Rescue,” 18% reduction in drug cases, 39% reduction in civil defence cases

•• Commemoration of “Martyr Day” is Royal appreciation for the sacrifices of the martyrs of duty

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 5

has been a secure and direct channel for members of the public to report cases. The department received 1,539 claims of various illegal practices. This indi-cates increasing trust from the public in the crime fighting authorities. The hotline was upgraded and a system to link all ports in Bahrain for financial investigation was developed to exchange informa-tion. As information technology represents an im-portant factor for any organisation, many e-systems were introduced such as the search and investigation system, upgrading of the statistical Interpol system that accesses Interpol-related Arab and international cases. The system provides safe data for fast search-es and a feature to ban those with serious criminal records and ogranised crime histories from entering the country, as well as to detect stolen, forged and missing passports.Police Aviation: 1144 flights of 1336 hours Police Aviation continues to fulfill its duties through security surveillance, search and rescue missions, fighting drug trafficking and other crimes. Police Aviation carried out 1,144 flights consisting of 1,336 flying hours, including security screenings, routine patrols, and search operations. The Operations Room referred 478 cases to the department. Police Aviation conducted air patrols for all areas as a crime preventative method, detection of ship waste and maritime border control. The participation of Police Aviation in the Bahrain Air Show in 2016 and Bah-rain Grand Prix Formula 1 was highly appreciated. Civil Defence: 6,384 cases and 6,529 services The General Directorate of Civil Defence dealt with 6,384 cases and 6,529 services and periodic inspec-tions of private and public establishments, in addi-tion to visits, reviewing engineering maps and the inspection of liquid and gas transportation vehicles. The General Directorate of Civil Defence continued to provide awareness campaigns related to general safety, including safety at patrol stations, camping safety, World Civil Defence Day, a Ramadan tent campaign, and swimming pool and Hajj safety. The department held 363 awareness activities, includ-ing lectures. Various administrative development systems and community partnership projects were launched, including receiving visits from schools, preschools and NGOs. The department has won many prizes including the 2030 Youth City Awards and Royal Charity Organisation Award. Reformation and Rehabilitation: CCTV at all Centres and Launching of Website The General Directorate of Reformation and Reha-bilitation has fixed CCTV in its centres and launched a website, in addition to hosting various events, in-cluding an open day for inmates who study, hold-ing anti-smoking lectures, offering exceptional visits and hosting family day for inmates with good behavior. Inmates also participated in the Bahrain Grand Quran Memorising Competition and the de-partment inaugurated an area for children in the visi-tor’s center of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre and honoured special inmates in the recovery programme. The department worked in cooperation with the Nasser Centre for Vocational Rehabilitation and Training to carry out education and rehabilita-tion programmes for inmates to obtain vocational secondary certificate.Traffic: Introduction of host of applications and services The General Directorate of Traffic introduced a host of applications and services and added a fleet of modern vehicles to enhance the general traffic performance. The main traffic projects include the e-fine system and message system to remind driv-ers of their vehicle registration date, driving license expiry date, car inspection date and the existence of any traffic fines. The department started e-linkage with GCC countries and carried out traffic safety and awareness projects, including crossing at the red sig-nal, seatbelt use, children seated in vehicles, use of mobile phone while driving, yellow box and bicycle safety, in addition to 136 other awareness events and programmes. The department launched new projects to enhance performance such as the opening of of-fices to facilitate processing of traffic applications and work is in progress for the allocation of a place for technical inspection in the Alba area. NPRA: 4th phase of visa facilities to promote tourism was launched Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) issued 324,127 visit and business visas, while 4,380 visas were issued for F1. In November of last year, the NPRA launched the 4th phase of the visa facili-ties to promote tourism and economy, in which the number of nationalities that get on-arrival visa in-creased from 38 in 2014 to 66, and the number of nationalities that can receive e-visas increased from 38 in 2014 to 102 in 2016.Facilitation of travel paperwork through Port Security The General Directorate of Port Security takes all required measures to facilitate traffic in land, sea

and air and to carry out law enforcement cooperation and the use of advanced technology to detect drugs, weapons and other banned items. The Directorate of Bahrain International Airport dealt with more than 400 cases and accidents, while the King Fahad Causeway Police Directorate dealt with 57 cases. The Sea Ports Police Directorate handled 47 cases. The department played a major role in carrying out related duties during important seasons and occa-sions, including the hosting of the F1.Customs: first place for Best Regional Customs Picture Customs Affairs has been dedicated to meeting the latest international customs and security develop-ments, building up the capability of its personnel and providing advanced equipment at customs ports. The department won first place for the Best Regional Customs Picture during the World Customs Day. As part of the current year’s achievements, the cus-toms clearance database (Horizons) was upgraded, as well as the contact lines between the land and air ports and the e-Government Authority and introduc-tion of new system to control the information net-work of the department. It equipped the Customs Operations Centre with the latest devices and tech-nologies to achieve community partnerships and the Customs Operations Centre allocated a hotline 17359999 to receive inquiries and customs cases. e-Government Authority advanced level e-Government Authority designed the e-government programme that offers more than 40 e-services in co-ordination with government organisations, e-portal projects, and the e-channel development project that aims to shift to smart devices and the increase of e-

applications of government services. Social media followers of the authority exceeded 86,000 and the United Nations report on e-government of 2016 placed Bahrain 24th in the world in e-government readiness and the first in the region. It scored well in a number of indications in the World Information Technology report 2016/2017 published by the World Economic Forum, in addition to receiv-ing the Golden Excellence Plaque for accomplish-ments in the implementation of the e-government strategy at a ceremony in Kuwait. RAP: 11th batch of university cadets graduated The Royal Academy of Police (RAP) held in March 2016 under the patronage of HE Interior Minister, a graduation ceremony for the 11th batch of cadets with university degrees that included personnel from the Bahrain Defence Force and National Security Agency. The ceremony also included the graduation of the second batch of students to receive their Hu-man Rights Diplomas. A total of 245 RAP person-nel participated in training programmes and courses, while 551 students participated in the master degree programme and 182 participated in the diploma pro-gramme. It offered 131 training course for 4,496 offi-cials, police personnel and civilians. In human rights, RAP held 18 courses for 650 participants, while it signed memorandums of understanding with various education and training organisations. It hosted many events, such as the summer camp and the second en-tertainment festival. RAP won the second position in the UK Pace-sticking Championship in the United Kingdom. 90000 Benefited from Maan The Maan “together” programme to fight violence

and addiction that was adopted by Southern Gov-ernor, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa and implemented by the Community Police is a success-ful example of police-community partnership. It is being implemented in more than 100 schools in all governorates, while 92 other schools asked to be in-cluded in the programme that has achieved remark-able accomplishments. Statistics reveal a reduction in incorrect school practices in the academic year 2015-2016; the cases that were reported in the aca-demic year 2013/2014 were around 1,814. The pro-gramme benefited 90000 students. Bahrain has been chosen as a regional centre for the programme after fulfilling the requirements in cooperation with Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Drug Abuse Resist-ance Education (D.A.R.E.) to generalize the project among the GCC. Women Police: Awareness Activities and Foreign Participations Bahraini women made remarkable impact in the se-curity sector this year with their security, awareness and interaction with the society through courses, lectures and events. The department participated in 48 events, including awareness on domestic violence and fighting harassment, in addition to attending a number of foreign conferences, especially the Police Women’s Conference in UAE and the 54th Interna-tional Women’s Police Conference in Spain. Health Affairs: 8 monthly awareness lectures The General Directorate of Health and Social Af-fairs works in accordance with the latest professional methods and practices as it launched its health rein-forcement programme for Interior Ministry person-nel through 8 monthly awareness lectures that cov-ered 800 individuals. It also held 26 training courses for approximately one thousand participants. The department continues to increase readiness in facing emergencies and development of the clinics of the Public Security and Reformation and Rehabilitation. Governorates continue to develop services Governorates have adopted a number of events and programmes to develop services and security-related duties including community partnership. The Mu-harraq Governorate continues to learn the problems facing citizens and works to solve them through on-going coordination with the related authorities. The establishment of Al Hunainiya Housing Project and the HRH Prince Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Comprehensive Centre are the main social and urban development projects by the Southern Governorate, in addition to the Summer Olympics for youth, 5th Basta market and Nasser Bin Hamad Best Camp Award. The Capital Government has addressed the

issue of abandoned houses, while the Northern Gov-ernorate held the beautiful village competition to clear and beautify villages in Bani Jamra and Mal-kiya and hosted a summer camp under the theme “ creative and fun summer” as part of the welfare for children and youth. Sports Association: 39 championships and 15 gold medals The Public Security Sports Association organised and supervised various sports championships and competitions, in addition to conducting physical ex-ercise tests for public security personnel. It won 39 championships, 15 golden medals, 17 silver medals and 14 bronze medals.Martyr Day to remember those who gave their lives for the nation Within this security performance, martyrs of duty who lost their lives for the nation are remembered, and remain the source of sacrifice. HM the King ordered the commemoration of Martyr Day on the anniversary of his taking over the constitutional power. To revive the memory of martyrs of duty, a logo of a palm frond that is centered with a jasmine is worn from December 9 to 17 to mark “Martyr Day” as it represents a symbol of peace, immortal life and serenity.Police Band participates in 210 events The Police band participated in 210 events hosted by NGOs, schools and universities and carried out periodic group training for all band members. The band holds a course “preparing band leaders” by a host of highly talented music experts. This year the UK Band of the Royal Marines visited the Police Band and performed solo and group music pieces at the Police Fort in the presence of HE Interior Minister and the British Ambassador. In 2016 HE Interior Minister launched a number of websites of the ministry’s directorates that were designed with the highest technology by a specialised team of the Directorate of Information Technology to assure the Interior Ministry will continue its development and modernisation strategy and promote community partnership to enhance the capability of the ministry to carry out its duties. Around half million followers of MOI twitter and instagram accounts The Police Media Directorate continues to provide comprehensive media messages through different resources to keep the public informed about many different occasions and events. The department dealt with 536 comments mentioned in local press and on the Good Morning Bahrain radio show. A total of 816 news reports and press releases, films and awareness campaigns were released. Meanwhile Al Amn radio show presented 59 episodes that discussed different security and social topics, in addition to awareness episodes and interaction with the public. The num-ber of followers of MOI twitter account reached 339,000 and the Ministry posted 19,600 tweets. The Instgram account attracted 87,700 followers and posted 4,093 images and videos. The website of the Police Media Directorate attracted 214,298 visitors, while Amn Magazine continues to be published in both Arabic and English and includes media, security and social coverage and press interviews to highlight the roles of the Interior Ministry and to inform read-ers of different security awareness messages. Al Amn periodic magazine specialises in publishing security research continues to be published. Out of consideration to children, Watani magazine is being published to promote loyalty, national belonging and security among children.

11% reduction in crime rates reflects the success of security measures and community partnership within a contemporary security approach

•• Major training plan including 490 internal and foreign courses for 5,740 staff members

•• Governorates increased community partnership to meet the requirements of the public

•• Maan contributed to the reduction of incorrect school practices by 28%

MIDDLE EAST6 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Cairo

Egypt’s interior ministry Monday accused fugitive

Muslim Brotherhood leaders who have fled to Qatar of training and financing the perpetrators of the bomb attack on a Cairo church that killed 25 people.

It said investigations revealed the group was led by a suspect who received financial and logistical support and instructions to carry out the attacks by Brotherhood leaders residing in Qatar.

The Muslim Brotherhood had denied any involvement with the explosion at the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church

on Sunday. In a statement, the interior ministry said investigations showed 22-year-old Mahmoud Shafik Mohamed Mostafa, the suspected suicide bomber, had been arrested in 2014 while securing Muslim Brotherhood convoys while armed. He was released in May the same year.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had named Mostafa as the suicide bomber earlier on Monday. DNA testing of body parts found at the scene matched with his family, it said.

During investigations, authorities found two explosive belts ready to be detonated, as well as other materials used to

make explosive devices, at a hideout used by Mostafa and his group.

Suspects namedThe interior ministry also named the four other people whom Sisi said had been arrested.

Rami Mohamed Abdel Hameed Abdel Ghani is suspected to have provided refuge for the suicide bomber, preparing him, and hiding the explosives.

The three others are Mohamed Hamdi Abdel Hamid Abdel Ghani, Mohsen Mostafa el-Sayed Qassem, and Ola Hussein Mohamed Ali,

a woman. It said the group was led by suspect Mohab Mostafa el-Sayed Qassem, also known as “The Doctor”, who travelled to Qatar in 2015 where he met with some Muslim Brotherhood leaders who had fled Egypt. Qassem

was offered financial and logistical support to carry out attacks in Egypt and upon his return, he travelled to North Sinai province, where Islamist insurgents trained him.

When Qassem returned to his home in Cairo, the

Brotherhood members residing in Qatar instructed him to start preparing and planning for attacks. The attacks were “aiming to foment a large-scale sectarian crisis” without linking the group with these attacks, the interior ministry said.

Church bombers linked toBrotherhood, says Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi (R) offering his condolences to Egypt’s Coptic Pope Tawadros II in the end of the funeral of the victims of a bomb explosion that targeted a Coptic Orthodox Churchin Cairo

Dr. Rajani Rajesh

PET VET

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of this newspaper.)

Senior dog care Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. Do you know when

your dog is considered to be a senior? It really depends on the breed of the dog. Giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane is considered to be senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas small breeds like Chihuahua probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. Large breed dogs like Golden Retriever might be considered senior by 8-10 years of age. Genetics, nutrition, environment all of these play a role in how fast your dog ages.

One human year can be equivalent to seven to 10 dog years. So geriatric dogs should have routine veterinary examinations every six months. These routine exams are important, as they make it more likely that problems can be diagnosed and treated before they become more difficult to manage. Senior dogs frequently suffer from health problems like arthritis, obesity, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, tooth decay , gum diseases, lipomas, poor bladder control etc.

Some behavioral changes in your senior dog are eating less food, sleeping more during the day , being generally anxious or fearful or over-reacting to loud noises, bad tempered or even depressed and seeming to be confused or disorientated. Dogs do experience brain changes like those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Good senior dog care includes a nutritious diet, regular (and age-appropriate) exercise, mental stimulation, regular vet-checkups and lots of love. A soft bed, massage, physiotherapy and swimming can help the stiff joint and arthritis.

However, you can a keep your older dog healthy by keeping his weight down, keeping his teeth clean getting him to the vet for regular check-ups, being observant about symptoms that might indicate a health problem and getting prompt and appropriate veterinary attention.

MIDDLE EAST6 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Cairo

Egypt’s interior ministry Monday accused fugitive

Muslim Brotherhood leaders who have fled to Qatar of training and financing the perpetrators of the bomb attack on a Cairo church that killed 25 people.

It said investigations revealed the group was led by a suspect who received financial and logistical support and instructions to carry out the attacks by Brotherhood leaders residing in Qatar.

The Muslim Brotherhood had denied any involvement with the explosion at the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church

on Sunday. In a statement, the interior ministry said investigations showed 22-year-old Mahmoud Shafik Mohamed Mostafa, the suspected suicide bomber, had been arrested in 2014 while securing Muslim Brotherhood convoys while armed. He was released in May the same year.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had named Mostafa as the suicide bomber earlier on Monday. DNA testing of body parts found at the scene matched with his family, it said.

During investigations, authorities found two explosive belts ready to be detonated, as well as other materials used to

make explosive devices, at a hideout used by Mostafa and his group.

Suspects namedThe interior ministry also named the four other people whom Sisi said had been arrested.

Rami Mohamed Abdel Hameed Abdel Ghani is suspected to have provided refuge for the suicide bomber, preparing him, and hiding the explosives.

The three others are Mohamed Hamdi Abdel Hamid Abdel Ghani, Mohsen Mostafa el-Sayed Qassem, and Ola Hussein Mohamed Ali,

a woman. It said the group was led by suspect Mohab Mostafa el-Sayed Qassem, also known as “The Doctor”, who travelled to Qatar in 2015 where he met with some Muslim Brotherhood leaders who had fled Egypt. Qassem

was offered financial and logistical support to carry out attacks in Egypt and upon his return, he travelled to North Sinai province, where Islamist insurgents trained him.

When Qassem returned to his home in Cairo, the

Brotherhood members residing in Qatar instructed him to start preparing and planning for attacks. The attacks were “aiming to foment a large-scale sectarian crisis” without linking the group with these attacks, the interior ministry said.

Church bombers linked toBrotherhood, says Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi (R) offering his condolences to Egypt’s Coptic Pope Tawadros II in the end of the funeral of the victims of a bomb explosion that targeted a Coptic Orthodox Churchin Cairo

Dr. Rajani Rajesh

PET VET

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of this newspaper.)

Senior dog care Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. Do you know when

your dog is considered to be a senior? It really depends on the breed of the dog. Giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane is considered to be senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas small breeds like Chihuahua probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. Large breed dogs like Golden Retriever might be considered senior by 8-10 years of age. Genetics, nutrition, environment all of these play a role in how fast your dog ages.

One human year can be equivalent to seven to 10 dog years. So geriatric dogs should have routine veterinary examinations every six months. These routine exams are important, as they make it more likely that problems can be diagnosed and treated before they become more difficult to manage. Senior dogs frequently suffer from health problems like arthritis, obesity, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, tooth decay , gum diseases, lipomas, poor bladder control etc.

Some behavioral changes in your senior dog are eating less food, sleeping more during the day , being generally anxious or fearful or over-reacting to loud noises, bad tempered or even depressed and seeming to be confused or disorientated. Dogs do experience brain changes like those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Good senior dog care includes a nutritious diet, regular (and age-appropriate) exercise, mental stimulation, regular vet-checkups and lots of love. A soft bed, massage, physiotherapy and swimming can help the stiff joint and arthritis.

However, you can a keep your older dog healthy by keeping his weight down, keeping his teeth clean getting him to the vet for regular check-ups, being observant about symptoms that might indicate a health problem and getting prompt and appropriate veterinary attention.

MIDDLE EASTWednesday, December 14, 2016 7

Kuwait MPs urge to expel Russian envoys over Aleppo

Al Imtiaz Investment Group Company – K.P.S.C. tosell its shareholding in Khaleeji Commercial Bank B.S.C.

14/12/2016Al Imtiaz Investment Group Company – K.S.C.P. (“Al Imtiaz”) is the registered owner of 147,106,849 ordinary shares in Khaleeji Commercial Bank B.S.C. (“Bank”) of which is a listed company on the Bahrain Bourse (“BHB”), represented by the symbol (“KHCB”).

The total number of shares owned by Al Imtiaz of KHCB represents 14.01% of the KHCB’s total capital.

Accordingly, Al Imtiaz would like to notify the public with regards to its intention to sell its all entire shareholding in KHCB shares as block transaction on the BHB. The execution shall be subject to the requirements of the Special Order Market, within the Automated Trading System of the BHB.

The eligible investors can be either separate individuals, or in the form of a consortium. The transaction is scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, 25th December 2016. The initial minimum price of the bid shall be 65 Bahraini fils per share. Securities & Investment Company (“SICO”) is appointed as the designated broker to execute the selling order on behalf of Al Imtiaz.

In order to execute the buying orders, each consortium must provide their own bids to buy and sell, in accordance with theSpecial Order Market rules. Every consortium shall enter into and sign an agreement or contract between themselves and open a securities account with the Central Securities Depository(“CSD”) in the BHB.

This notice is published without the intent of being an advertisement to sell or underwrite or purchase securities; as such, this notice must not be regarded as an investment,monetary or legal consultation.

This notice must not be viewed by any reader as an endorsement by Al Imtiaz or any other person for that matter to purchase the abovementioned shares. A person who is considering placing a bid for the abovementioned transaction shall perform his/her own independent research, evaluation and due diligence of the bank’s risks and rewardsaccordingly.

This announcement is published in accordance with the requirement of Central Bank of Bahrain’s Disclosure Standards.

Iran eyes nuke-powered shipsTehran

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani yesterday ordered

the country’s scientists to start work on nuclear-powered ships in response to the expected renewal of sanctions by the United States. 

In letters read out on state television, Rouhani criticised the US move as a breach of last year’s nuclear accord and told Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation to start work on “planning the design and production of nuclear fuel and reactors for maritime transport.”

The president said he had also ordered the foreign ministry to prepare a legal complaint to the international committee that oversees the nuclear accord. 

Kuwaiti MPs attend the opening session of the new parliament in Kuwait City

A picture taken on December 12, 2016 shows aircrafts after they landed at Baragwanath airfield as part of the Vintage Air Rally air-show. A dozen biplanes from the 1920s and 1930s were flying 8,000 miles from Crete to Cape Town in a vintage avia-tion rally that harks back to the early days of air travel. The pilots will fly along the Nile from Cairo to Khartoum, past the highlands of Ethiopia, down through East Africa past Mount Kilimanjaro, over Victoria Falls, and will end in South Africa. It is the first aviation rally to be granted permission to land at Egypt’s Giza pyramids in 50 years, and will put on Sudan’s first air show.

Kuwait City

Opposition MPs in Kuwait urged Gulf Cooperation

Council nations yesterday to expel Russian ambassadors over what they called Moscow’s role in “genocide” against civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

The lawmakers also signed a motion calling on the newly elected parliament to hold an emergency meeting next week in support of the city.

“There is a genocide being committed against civilians in Aleppo amid total international negligence,” Islamist MP Jamaan al-Harbash told a small rally in the parliament building.

“We call on the Gulf states to expel Russian ambassadors... and to open fund-raising campaigns at mosques,” he said.

The GCC groups energy-rich Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, all of which have diplomatic ties with Russia,

a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Abdullah Fahhad, another Islamist MP, demanded the expulsion of the envoys of both Russia and Iran, another Assad ally.

MP Waleed al-Tabtabai said that a protest will be staged on Wednesday outside the Russian embassy in Kuwait City over its military backing for Assad.

The Islamist-dominated opposition in Kuwait won nearly half of the 50 seats in a snap general election last month.

The United Nations said on Tuesday it had credible reports of pro-government forces in Aleppo executing dozens of civilians including women and children as the crucial battle for the city neared its end.

The UN human rights office said at least 82 civilians, including 11 women and 13 children, were reported to have been killed in recent days.

BUSINESS Wednesday, December 14, 20168

xEurope’s own satnav, Galileo, due to go live

Seventeen years and more than 10 billion euros ($11bn) later, Europe’s Galileo satnav system is set to go live Thursday, promis-ing to outperform US and Russian rivals while boosting regional self-reliance.

Initial services, free to use worldwide, will be available only on smartphones and navigation boxes already fitted with Galileo-compatible microchips. Some devices may only need a software update to start using the new technology.

Supported by GPSSomewhat fuzzy at first, the signal will be boosted with help from satellites in the US military-run GPS system, growing stronger over time as orbiters are added to the now 18-strong Galileo network circling 23,222 kilometres (14,430 miles) above Earth. Galileo should be fully oper-ational by 2020, providing time and posi-tioning data of unprecedented accuracy.

SetbacksIt has suffered several technical and budgetary setbacks, including the launch of two satellites into the wrong orbit in 2014.The European Commission expects the project will ultimately be an important commercial venture.Almost 10 percent of Europe’s gross domestic product is thought to depend on satellite navigation today -- a figure projected to grow to about 30 percent by 2030.By 2020, says the commission, the global satnav market will be valued at about 244 billion euros.

Billionth of a secondGalileo itself is expected to add some 90 billion euros to the EU economy in its first 20 years.The system’s groundbreaking accuracy is the result of best atomic clocks ever flown for navigation -- one per satellite -- accurate to one second in three mil-lion years.A mere billionth-of-a-second clock error can mean a positioning error of up to 30 centimetres (12 inches).Galileo also has more satellites than either GPS or GLONASS, and better signals which carry more information.With these features, Galileo’s free Open Service will be able to track positions to within a metre (3.3 feet), compared to several metres for GPS and GLONASS.

Faster rescueAnother key feature is a service allowing rescuers to locate people lost at sea or in the mountains much faster than before.Currently, satnav technology can take up to three hours to track a person to within a 10-kilometre (six-mile) range.“With Galileo’s Search and Rescue Service, the detection time is reduced to 10 minutes and the localisation is reduced to less than five kilometres,” Caudet said.

Connectingpast andpresent

Bahrain Citi Alumni Network presents two awards during annual event

Manama

Citi held its fourth annual Citi Alumni

Network event at the Four Seasons Hotel thanking former employees for their commitment, handwork and loyalty.

The event, an annual one that Citi has been hosting since 2013, is a global platform that connects 15,000 of the bank’s former employees across the globe. Bahrain Citi Alumni Network is one of 98 networks present in 26 countries around the world.

All employees that worked at Citi in Bahrain and elsewhere for more than one year can sign up in the network’s website: www.alumninetwork.com

“We are keen on building and maintaining our relationship with former colleagues and our Alumni also want to remain connected with each other.

The Citi Alumni Event offers one such opportunity for our past and present colleagues to get together every year” commented Usman Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Citi Bahrain. 

As part of the annual gathering an exceptional Alumnus receives the “Citi

Distinguished Alumni Award”.

This year, Citi presented Talal Al Zain with the “2016 Citi Distinguished Alumni Award” in the Leadership & Ingenuity category. The award is given to an alumnus who distinguished him/herself in their business or

personal endeavours through exceptional leadership or ingenuity during and more importantly after they left Citi. 

Talal Al Zain said, “My training and my experience at Citi Bahrain, starting at the Corporate Banking division in Bahrain, really shaped my career in finance and

banking. I was honoured to have worked with a highly professional team.”

Deema Murad was awarded the “2016 Citi Distinguished Alumni Award” in the Community Involvement category. This is the first year that Citi presents an award in this category to an alumnus since it began hosting the event in 2013. The Community Involvement award is given to alumni who gave a significant contribution to the improvement or enhancement of their community through direct engagement.

Murad led a number of community initiatives whilst working with Citi and did not stop volunteering after leaving Citi.  

Murad commented on receiving her award: “It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award. I am very indebted to Citi for my career achievements.”

Usman Ahmed (left) pre-sents Talal Al Zain (right) with the “Citi Distinguished Alumni Award” in the Leadership and Ingenuity category during the Annual Alumni Event

Usman Ahmed (right) pre-sents Deema Murad (left) with the “Citi Distinguished Alumni Award” in the Community Involvement category during the  Annual Alumni Event

Qatar, Kuwaitplan to cut productionfrom January 1Doha

Oil companies in Qatar and Kuwait yesterday

announced that they will reduce production levels from the beginning of the year.

The reduction -- beginning on January 1 -- comes following the recent decisions by OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries to cap output.

“We have started advising our customers of the expected reductions in oil deliveries to ensure the state’s compliance with OPEC’s allocations,” said a statement from Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, president and chief executive of state-owned Qatar Petroleum.

“This decision comes in line with the state of Qatar’s commitment to the recently agreed production levels by the members of OPEC during its ministerial meeting held on 30 November, 2016.”

National oil conglomerate Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) also said on Tuesday it has informed its clients that their export quantities will be reduced, starting in January.

KPC said this was part of the Gulf state’s commitment under the OPEC deal last month.

It did not provide any details of the quantities to be reduced, but local media said Kuwait’s share is around 130,000 barrels a day out of its daily output of 3.0 million bpd. UAE’s ADNOC had announced on Saturday that it was also “committed to meeting new OPEC terms”, adding on Twitter that it will “work closely with customers on revised allocations for January”. (AFP)

BUSINESSWednesday, December 14, 2016 9

Moody’s yesterday dragged its credit rating on Sony back from junk status, saying the Japanese firm’s balance

sheet has “dramatically improved”. The ratings agency lifted its rating on Sony by one notch to Baa3 -- bringing it back to investment grade -- nearly three years after it cut its view to junk status. Cutting a firm’s credit rating to below investment grade can push up its borrowing costs.

British annual inflation jumped in November to the highest level in more than two years as a slide in sterling since the

Brexit vote lifted fuel costs, data showed. The 12-month inflation rate hit 1.2 per cent compared with 0.9pc in October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Analysts’ consensus forecast had been for a gain to 1.1pc. “The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 1.2pc in the year to November 2016, compared with a 0.9pc rise in the year to October,” the ONS said.

Catharina Bruns

Moody’s drags Sony rating back from junk British inflation jumps to 1.2%

Founder WorkIsNotaJob

Empower yourself and realize the importance of contributing to the world by living your talent. Work on what you love. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you”

Al Salam Bank-Bahrain yesterday announced the launch of the new Al Salam Bank Visa Infinite Credit Card, a Shari’a-compliant card designed for a select group of upscale clients

Al Salam Bank launches Visa

Infinite Credit Card

8 Premium airport lounge access with over 500+ world-wide destinations8 Free Gulf Air Falconflyer loyalty miles8 Complimentary multi-trip travel insurance coverage of up to $1 million8 Complimentary Hilton Honors membership8 Exclusive Harrods Black Card8 Exclusive offers on a selection of stores and luxurious hotels collection8 24 hours concierge services8 Purchase protection8 Extended warranty and much more

Signing ceremony Present at the signing ceremony held at the Bank’s headquarter office in the Bahrain World Trade Center were Anwar Murad - Deputy Group CEO – Banking of Al Salam Bank-Bahrain, Ahmed Gaber, Visa General Manager for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, Shashank Singh – Visa Bahrain & Oman Country Manager, Ali Habib Qassim – Acting Head of Private Banking and along with other senior officials from both institutions. For Further information visit www.alsalambah-rain.com or contact on (+973) 17005500.

“The new Al Salam Bank Visa Infinite Shari’a-compliant credit card is in-line with our commitment to consistently deliver premium services to our valued high net-worth clients in Bahrain with the finest banking services”

Anwar Murad, Deputy Group CEO of Banking at

Al Salam Bank

“Owning a Visa Infinite card denotes a class above for the cardholder who can now experience incredible packages, higher rewards, special offers and automatic upgrades at some of the finest hotels and resorts”

Ahmed Gaber, Visa General Manager for Saudi Arabia,

Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain

“Al Salam Bank Private Banking offers a bouquet of exclu-sive services; innovative financial solutions that ranges from wealth management, private equity investments, brokerage services to investment funds and trust services through a dedicated relationship manager that constantly serve our top-notch clients”

Ali Qassim, Acting Head of Private Banking at Al Salam Bank

Features

Houston, Vancouver in fray for WPC

congressHouston Mayor visits Bahrain to make final Pitch

for the 2020 World Petroleum CongressManama

Houston Texas Mayer, Sylvester Turner, will

make the state’s final pitch for rights to hold the 2020 World Petroleum Congress before the World Petroleum Council (WPC) today in Bahrain.

WPC delegates are all set to select the venue of the congress later in the day through a voting, for which Houston and Vancouver are in the fray.

The conference, held every three years, draws as many as 10,000 top-level international oil executives from all over the world. This is the third time in a row Houston has competed for this international event. The 2014 event went to Moscow and Istanbul won next year’s meeting. The last time Houston was selected to host was 1987. Houston WPC Bid Committee accompanies him.

“For the past six years Houston has been committed to hosting the WPC,” said Mayor Turner, adding “We are energy; Houston is energy. There is nowhere else in the world that can put WPC attendees so close to the action and the experts. We are going to close this deal in Bahrain.”

In a first, Houston is promising to dedicate 100 per cent of its net profit from the WPC to establish a Global Legacy Programme that will

benefit the next generation of energy industry young professionals. The funds would be redistributed by the WPC to select Legacy Projects that align with WPC Legacy Committee initiatives, including educating and developing the future of the energy industry.

Approximately 70 WPC member countries have a vote on the 2020 convention, but delegates must be present in order to cast a vote. Accompanying the mayor in Bahrain will be US WPC

National Committee Chair Galen Cobb from Halliburton, Gerardo Uria of the American Petroleum Institute, Pinar Yilmaz from Exxon/Mobile and Daniel Palomo from the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau/WPC US Bid Committee. The mayor’s itinerary includes a luncheon co-hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce and GPIC where he will speak on bi-lateral investment opportunities today at the Intercontinental Regency Hotel.

Sylvester Turner

From left, Ali Qassim – Acting Head of Private Banking at Al Salam Bank-Bahrain, Anwar Murad – Deputy Group CEO of Banking at Al Salam Bank-Bahrain, Ahmed Gaber, Visa General Manager for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain and Shashank Singh – Visa Bahrain & Oman Country Manager

BUSINESS10 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.4763 0.3712 0.3275

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.8668 0.2811 0.2480

OMAN 0.3849 0.3909 0.3790 0.3343

QATAR 3.6420 3.6988 3.5861 3.1637

UAE 3.6730 3.7303 3.6166 3.1906

SAUDI 3.7500 3.8085 3.6924 3.2575

AUSTRALIA 0.2895 0.2870BANGLADESH 0.00498 0.00479CANADA 0.2933 0.2902DENMARK 0.0570 EGYPT 0.0361 0.0219EURO 0.4074 0.4053HONGKONG 0.04983 0.04983INDIA 0.00630 0.00571INDONESIA 0.00003016 0.00002901IRAN TUMAN 0.00010959 IRAQI DINAR 0.000294 JAPAN 0.003440 0.003370JORDAN 0.5365 0.5351KOREA 0.00037341 KUWAIT 1.2580 1.249MALAYSIA 0.087500 0.0873NEW ZEALAND 0.2754 0.2741NORWAY 0.0468 NEPAL 0.00372 0.00351OMAN 0.97962 0.98262PAKISTAN 0.00363 0.00360PHILIPPINES 0.00788 0.00759QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10061 0.10066SINGAPORE 0.2692 0.2672SOUTH AFRICA 0.02930 0.02920SRI LANKA 0.00273 0.00255SWEDISH 0.0442 SWITZERLAND 0.3792 0.3766SYRIA 0.001740 0.0123TAIWAN 0.012300 THAILAND 0.010800 0.010790TURKEY 0.1177 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4860 0.4830UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102800 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37800 0.37805YUAN 0.058500 0.0585

Saudi, UAEretreat

Dubai

Stock markets in the Gulf pulled back yesterday as

investors turned their attention to an expected US interest rate hike on Wednesday and the upcoming Saudi Arabian state budget for 2017.

In Riyadh, the index declined for a second straight session, falling 0.8 per cent. Trading volume shrank by roughly half from Monday’s very large amount. Investors have been readjusting their portfolios in anticipation of the 2017 budget announcement, which is expected late this month.

On Tuesday petrochemical shares remained weak, with all 14 listed producers retreating. Saudi Kayan Petrochemical closed 1.7pc lower.

Retail shares were also hit, with apparel retailer and mall operator Fawaz Alhokair slumping 5.5pc.

In Egypt, the index pulled back 0.5pc in a volatile session, with selling pressure escalating

in the final hour. A little over 80pc of shares in the index declined with Orascom Telecom, the most heavily traded stock, falling 2.6pc after rising by the samepcage on Monday. The Egyptian pound hit an all time low against the U.S dollar on Monday, trading at 18.50 pounds.

Dubai’s main index, which

rose on Monday to its highest level this year and above technical resistance on its August peak of 3,624 points, pulled back 0.9pc to 3,625 points.

Trading volume shrunk by roughly a fifth from the previous session but held well above this year’s average, suggesting foreign investors

remain interested in the market.

Mobile phone operator du fell 2.8pc and real estate giant Emaar Properties dropped 1.3pc.

But GFH Financial Group jumped 3.2pc in heavy trade after multilateral development bank Arab Petroleum Investments Corp bought 30pc of Falcon Cement Co, Bahrain’s largest cement producer, from GFH. The companies did not disclose a purchase price but GFH has previously valued Falcon at $120 million.

Abu Dhabi’s index closed down 0.2pc but well above its session low. Qatar’s main index, however, bucked the regional downtrend to climb 0.7pc in modest volume. The index is still down 0.5pc since the start of the year but has gained 7.9pc since Nov. 29. Qatar National Bank, the largest listed stock, was the top performer on Tuesday, rising 2.4pc. (Reuters)

SAUDI fell 0.8pc to 7,108 points

EGYPT lost 0.5pc to 11,385 points

DUBAI fell 0.9pc to 3,625 points

ABU DHABI slipped 0.2pc to 4,540 points

QATAR rose 0.7pc to 10,398 points

KUWAIT index rose 0.6pc to 5,672 points

BAHRAIN slipped 0.2pc to 1,188 points

OMAN added 0.6pc to 5,732 points

Closing Bell

Cash scam: India arrests bank officialBangalore

Indian investigators arrested a central bank official

yesterday for allegedly illegally exchanging old bills worth some 15 million rupees ($222,000) for new ones as the country faces a cash crisis.

The arrest comes at a time when many Indians are

struggling to find the cash to buy food following the government’s shock move last month to withdraw high-denomination 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes from circulation in a bid to tackle tax evasion.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation arrested K.

Michael, an official at the Reserve Bank of India, in the southern city of Bangalore after they found him working with a state bank employee to convert old banknotes without legal documentation.

“K. Michael... has been arrested for his alleged involvement in converting old 500 rupee and 1,000 rupee notes worth 15 million rupees into 100 rupee notes,” a CBI official said on the condition of anonymity. Investigators also found him hoarding 16 million rupees in new 500 and 2,000 rupee banknotes.  

The RBI said Michael was a junior official and had been suspended.

“The concerned employee has been suspended,” SS Mundra, an RBI deputy governor, told reporters.

“We have instituted

investigation and due action will be taken once the details are known.”The CBI has also registered criminal cases of cheating against several public and private bank employees.

Seven middlemen in Bangalore were also arrested for “converting unaccounted cash” and more than nine million rupees were recovered, an official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unleashed chaos with his bombshell move to pull the high-value notes, triggering long queues outside banks and ATMs which have been running dry as thousands throng to them.

The sweeping abolition was meant to bring billions in so-called “black”, or undeclared, money back into the formal system, the government says.RBI said Michael was a junior official and had been suspended

Representative picture

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Intermittent fasting may help combat the most common type

of childhood leukemia - acute lymphoblastic leukemia. According to the researchers, fasting reduces levels of a hormone called leptin - known as the “satiety hormone” because it regulates appetite. “We found that fasting decreased the levels of leptin circulating in the bloodstream as well as decreased the leptin levels in the bone marrow.”

One in six US adults reported taking a

psychiatric drug, such as an antidepressant or a sedative, in 2013, a new study found.

The new data comes from an analysis of the 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which gathered information on the cost and use of health care in the United States.

11 Fasting could help treat leukemia

1 in 6 Americans takes a sedative

Drug gives lung cancer patients four extra months

Paris

Most lung cancer patients survived four months

longer on an immunotherapy drug than those treated with chemotherapy, according to trial results published Monday.

Importantly, they also experienced fewer side-effects, researchers reported in The Lancet medical journal.

Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer -- which represents by far the m a j o r i t y - - survived f o r

13.8 months on average on the drug called atezolizumab, compared to 9.6 months for those on chemotherapy, the study authors said.

And the difference was likely even bigger, as several participants on chemotherapy were given immunotherapy after the trial ended, possibly boosting their survival.

“ A t e z o l i z u m a b reinvigorates patients’ immune systems against cancer,” the study’s lead author Achim Rittmeyer of the University of Goettingen in Germany, said in a

statement.“Our trial has shown that

this has significant results for their survival.”

Lung cancer is the most common cancer, affecting some 1.8 million people in the world every year, said Rittmeyer.

It is also the leading cause of cancer death in the world.

According to the American Cancer Society, 80-85 per cent of lung cancers are non-small-cell types.

The trial recruited 850 patients without any remaining treatment options,

and compared how long they survived -- half on atezolizumab and the rest on chemotherapy, the standard treatment.

Immunotherapy trains people’s immune systems to attack tumour cells without killing healthy cells.

Chemotherapy, in contrast, targets all fast-dividing cells in the body, good and bad alike.

Unlike viruses or bacteria, cancer cells are not intruders but our own cells gone haywire, which explains why they circulate undisturbed by the immune system.

Still in its infancy, immunotherapy -- including atezolizumab -- is being tested on many cancer types.

In October, America’s Food and Drug Administration fast-tracked atezolizumab for the treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

“The time in which chemotherapy will no more be the mainstay of treatment of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer is perhaps not so far away,” Elisabeth Quoix of France’s Strasbourg University Hospital wrote in a comment on the study, also carried by The Lancet.

Statins linked to lower dementia riskMiami

Some cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, appear

to be linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease in certain

people, suggested a study.However, not all patients

benefited, and the report stopped short of establishing

any cause and effect, so experts said rigorous clinical trials are needed to further explore the issue.

The research in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology was based on an

analysis of the medical records of nearly 400,000 people in the United States.

Researchers at the University of

Southern California, Los Angeles examined

use of the four most commonly prescribed statins: simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin.

Black men saw no lower risk in Alzheimer’s disease associated with any statin.

But other racial and ethnic groups did, particularly if they were taking simvastatin, which was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s for white, Hispanic and black women, and white and Hispanic men.

Atorvastatin was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s among white, black, and Hispanic women and Hispanic men.

Both pravastatin and rosuvastatin were associated with reduced Alzheimer’s risk for white women.

Across the board, women saw a 15 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s

if they took statins, and men saw a 12 percent reduced risk.

“This suggests that certain patients, facing multiple, otherwise equal statin alternatives for hyperlipidemia treatment, may reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk by using a particular statin,” said the study.

Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, urged caution in interpreting the results.

“Although this study highlights a link between statin use and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s, we can’t say from this research that statins can prevent the disease,” said Sancho, who was not involved in the study.

“Until there is firm evidence from clinical trials, we would not recommend people take statins for the purpose of preventing Alzheimer’s disease.”

High cholesterol is already a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

And some previous studies have suggested statins may have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

“But these studies have produced mixed findings,” said Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Alzheimer’s Society.

“This new study goes some way towards clearing up this confusion by analyzing large amounts of existing data of people who use different types of statins over a long period of time,” he added.

“However, their data does not provide direct evidence that statins can influence dementia risk. This question will need to be answered by clinical trials.”(AFP)

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Intermittent fasting may help combat the most common type

of childhood leukemia - acute lymphoblastic leukemia. According to the researchers, fasting reduces levels of a hormone called leptin - known as the “satiety hormone” because it regulates appetite. “We found that fasting decreased the levels of leptin circulating in the bloodstream as well as decreased the leptin levels in the bone marrow.”

One in six US adults reported taking a

psychiatric drug, such as an antidepressant or a sedative, in 2013, a new study found.

The new data comes from an analysis of the 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which gathered information on the cost and use of health care in the United States.

11 Fasting could help treat leukemia

1 in 6 Americans takes a sedative

Drug gives lung cancer patients four extra months

Paris

Most lung cancer patients survived four months

longer on an immunotherapy drug than those treated with chemotherapy, according to trial results published Monday.

Importantly, they also experienced fewer side-effects, researchers reported in The Lancet medical journal.

Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer -- which represents by far the m a j o r i t y - - survived f o r

13.8 months on average on the drug called atezolizumab, compared to 9.6 months for those on chemotherapy, the study authors said.

And the difference was likely even bigger, as several participants on chemotherapy were given immunotherapy after the trial ended, possibly boosting their survival.

“ A t e z o l i z u m a b reinvigorates patients’ immune systems against cancer,” the study’s lead author Achim Rittmeyer of the University of Goettingen in Germany, said in a

statement.“Our trial has shown that

this has significant results for their survival.”

Lung cancer is the most common cancer, affecting some 1.8 million people in the world every year, said Rittmeyer.

It is also the leading cause of cancer death in the world.

According to the American Cancer Society, 80-85 per cent of lung cancers are non-small-cell types.

The trial recruited 850 patients without any remaining treatment options,

and compared how long they survived -- half on atezolizumab and the rest on chemotherapy, the standard treatment.

Immunotherapy trains people’s immune systems to attack tumour cells without killing healthy cells.

Chemotherapy, in contrast, targets all fast-dividing cells in the body, good and bad alike.

Unlike viruses or bacteria, cancer cells are not intruders but our own cells gone haywire, which explains why they circulate undisturbed by the immune system.

Still in its infancy, immunotherapy -- including atezolizumab -- is being tested on many cancer types.

In October, America’s Food and Drug Administration fast-tracked atezolizumab for the treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

“The time in which chemotherapy will no more be the mainstay of treatment of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer is perhaps not so far away,” Elisabeth Quoix of France’s Strasbourg University Hospital wrote in a comment on the study, also carried by The Lancet.

Statins linked to lower dementia riskMiami

Some cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, appear

to be linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease in certain

people, suggested a study.However, not all patients

benefited, and the report stopped short of establishing

any cause and effect, so experts said rigorous clinical trials are needed to further explore the issue.

The research in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology was based on an

analysis of the medical records of nearly 400,000 people in the United States.

Researchers at the University of

Southern California, Los Angeles examined

use of the four most commonly prescribed statins: simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin.

Black men saw no lower risk in Alzheimer’s disease associated with any statin.

But other racial and ethnic groups did, particularly if they were taking simvastatin, which was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s for white, Hispanic and black women, and white and Hispanic men.

Atorvastatin was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s among white, black, and Hispanic women and Hispanic men.

Both pravastatin and rosuvastatin were associated with reduced Alzheimer’s risk for white women.

Across the board, women saw a 15 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s

if they took statins, and men saw a 12 percent reduced risk.

“This suggests that certain patients, facing multiple, otherwise equal statin alternatives for hyperlipidemia treatment, may reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk by using a particular statin,” said the study.

Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, urged caution in interpreting the results.

“Although this study highlights a link between statin use and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s, we can’t say from this research that statins can prevent the disease,” said Sancho, who was not involved in the study.

“Until there is firm evidence from clinical trials, we would not recommend people take statins for the purpose of preventing Alzheimer’s disease.”

High cholesterol is already a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

And some previous studies have suggested statins may have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

“But these studies have produced mixed findings,” said Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Alzheimer’s Society.

“This new study goes some way towards clearing up this confusion by analyzing large amounts of existing data of people who use different types of statins over a long period of time,” he added.

“However, their data does not provide direct evidence that statins can influence dementia risk. This question will need to be answered by clinical trials.”(AFP)

Wednesday, December 14, 201612

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received the President of the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA), Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who in-troduced to him the Chairman of the Arab Basketball Union and President of the UAE basketball Association, Ismail Al-Qarqawi. HRH Premier affirmed the role of sport in nation-building and commended the efforts exerted by the Arab Basketball Union in developing the game

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Royal Family members and senior state officials at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. The Premier affirmed that there should be no hesitation in taking a firm stance towards challenges, in the midst of the region’s instable conditions

On the sidelines the FIKR 15 Conference in Abu Dhabi, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met President of the Arab Thought Foundation, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal at Al Shaattie Palace yesterday. The Crown Prince stressed the role of traditional culture and intellec-tual history in enriching people’s knowledge and advancing regional development

As part of the National day celebrations, the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF), organised a national day festival for people with disabilities under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth & Sport First Vice Chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian & Endurance Federation President and Honourary President of the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Minister of Sports Hisam Al Jowder, Bahrain Olympic Committee Secretary General Abdulrahman Sadeq Askar, Shaikh Mohammed bin Daij Al Khalifa, President of the BDSF and several members of the federation attended the festival in which 110 male and female athletes competed

Bahrain Bayan School opened its science and technology building yesterday under the pa-tronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. Minister of Education Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi reasserted the ministry’s keenness in supporting the private sector in education and providing facilities to all private schools in Bahrain

In connection with upcoming Bahrain National Day, a cake cutting ceremony and celebration were organised by Mohammad Usman, Chairman of Bahrain -Pakistan Joint Business Council with the cooperation of Pakistani Ambassador Javed Malik in Ritz Carlton. The event was attended by prominent businessmen, members of Parliament, members of Shura Council and representatives of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) President, Profes-sor Sameer Otoom and Dr. Wael F. Al-Husami, Medical Director, international Health at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center signed an agreement during a meeting at the RCSI Bah-rain campus in Busaiteen . The agreement signed under the patronage of Maj. General (Prof.) Shaikh Khalid Bin Ali Al Khalifa, offer students opportunities for clinical training and experience

Supreme Council for Youth and Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has been awarded the Social Media Influencer Award in the youth category during the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit Awards, held recently in Dubai. The event was organised by Dubai Media Club, and was attended by many VIPs and distinguished people, including HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, who presented the award to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad in the presence of HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 13

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Royal Family members and senior state officials at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. The Premier affirmed that there should be no hesitation in taking a firm stance towards challenges, in the midst of the region’s instable conditions

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday the outgoing Qatari Ambas-sador to Bahrain Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani. HRH Premier praised the steadily-progressing solid Bahraini-Qatari ties, voicing satisfaction over the current level of bilateral relations and cooperation

Interior Minister, Lt-Gen-eral Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa at-tended a ceremony yester-day marking the Interna-tional Anti-corruption Day. The Minister honoured the winners and the spon-sors of the Anti-corruption campaign. The event was attended by other officials including Minister of Edu-cation Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi and Minister of Informa-tion Affairs Ali bin Moham-med Al Rumaihi

Advisor for Political and Economic Affairs at the Court of the Crown Prince, and Board Member and Head of the Financial and Administrative Committee of the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Programme (CPISP), Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa received at his office the CEO of the National Bank of Bahrain, Abdulrazak Al Qassim who presented a cheque for BD200,000, marking the third instalment of the NBB’s BD1 million pledge to CPISP over five years. Newly appointed NBB Chief Executive Officer, Jean Christoph Durand, Board Secretary, Naser Mohammed Naser, CPISP Director Dr Cynthia Gessling, and Head of Administrative, Fi-nancial, and Student Affairs, Shatha Ahmed Ali

The Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Bahrain Chap-ter, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy conducted a Global Negosyo Roadshow in Bah-rain on 02-03 December 2016, at the Al Manzil Hotel, Juffair. The project showcased various busi-ness and investment opportunities and a sustainable programme designed to invest in the future and transform OFWs hard earned money into a family business. Maria Judith Mereria, President of Concept Marketing Specialist Inc., served as the project coordinator of this event, while Edwin Pasahol, DTI Specialist, was the Guest Speaker

Supreme Council for Youth and Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has been awarded the Social Media Influencer Award in the youth category during the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit Awards, held recently in Dubai. The event was organised by Dubai Media Club, and was attended by many VIPs and distinguished people, including HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, who presented the award to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad in the presence of HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior

Supreme Council for Youth & Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President and Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chair-man HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured Dr Var-ghese Kurian, Chairman of Al Namal –VKL Group, for supporting the recently concluded Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship

Wednesday, December 14, 201612

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received the President of the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA), Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who in-troduced to him the Chairman of the Arab Basketball Union and President of the UAE basketball Association, Ismail Al-Qarqawi. HRH Premier affirmed the role of sport in nation-building and commended the efforts exerted by the Arab Basketball Union in developing the game

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Royal Family members and senior state officials at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. The Premier affirmed that there should be no hesitation in taking a firm stance towards challenges, in the midst of the region’s instable conditions

On the sidelines the FIKR 15 Conference in Abu Dhabi, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met President of the Arab Thought Foundation, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal at Al Shaattie Palace yesterday. The Crown Prince stressed the role of traditional culture and intellec-tual history in enriching people’s knowledge and advancing regional development

As part of the National day celebrations, the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF), organised a national day festival for people with disabilities under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth & Sport First Vice Chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian & Endurance Federation President and Honourary President of the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Minister of Sports Hisam Al Jowder, Bahrain Olympic Committee Secretary General Abdulrahman Sadeq Askar, Shaikh Mohammed bin Daij Al Khalifa, President of the BDSF and several members of the federation attended the festival in which 110 male and female athletes competed

Bahrain Bayan School opened its science and technology building yesterday under the pa-tronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. Minister of Education Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi reasserted the ministry’s keenness in supporting the private sector in education and providing facilities to all private schools in Bahrain

In connection with upcoming Bahrain National Day, a cake cutting ceremony and celebration were organised by Mohammad Usman, Chairman of Bahrain -Pakistan Joint Business Council with the cooperation of Pakistani Ambassador Javed Malik in Ritz Carlton. The event was attended by prominent businessmen, members of Parliament, members of Shura Council and representatives of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) President, Profes-sor Sameer Otoom and Dr. Wael F. Al-Husami, Medical Director, international Health at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center signed an agreement during a meeting at the RCSI Bah-rain campus in Busaiteen . The agreement signed under the patronage of Maj. General (Prof.) Shaikh Khalid Bin Ali Al Khalifa, offer students opportunities for clinical training and experience

Supreme Council for Youth and Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has been awarded the Social Media Influencer Award in the youth category during the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit Awards, held recently in Dubai. The event was organised by Dubai Media Club, and was attended by many VIPs and distinguished people, including HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, who presented the award to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad in the presence of HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 13

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received Royal Family members and senior state officials at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. The Premier affirmed that there should be no hesitation in taking a firm stance towards challenges, in the midst of the region’s instable conditions

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday the outgoing Qatari Ambas-sador to Bahrain Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani. HRH Premier praised the steadily-progressing solid Bahraini-Qatari ties, voicing satisfaction over the current level of bilateral relations and cooperation

Interior Minister, Lt-Gen-eral Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa at-tended a ceremony yester-day marking the Interna-tional Anti-corruption Day. The Minister honoured the winners and the spon-sors of the Anti-corruption campaign. The event was attended by other officials including Minister of Edu-cation Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi and Minister of Informa-tion Affairs Ali bin Moham-med Al Rumaihi

Advisor for Political and Economic Affairs at the Court of the Crown Prince, and Board Member and Head of the Financial and Administrative Committee of the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Programme (CPISP), Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa received at his office the CEO of the National Bank of Bahrain, Abdulrazak Al Qassim who presented a cheque for BD200,000, marking the third instalment of the NBB’s BD1 million pledge to CPISP over five years. Newly appointed NBB Chief Executive Officer, Jean Christoph Durand, Board Secretary, Naser Mohammed Naser, CPISP Director Dr Cynthia Gessling, and Head of Administrative, Fi-nancial, and Student Affairs, Shatha Ahmed Ali

The Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Bahrain Chap-ter, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy conducted a Global Negosyo Roadshow in Bah-rain on 02-03 December 2016, at the Al Manzil Hotel, Juffair. The project showcased various busi-ness and investment opportunities and a sustainable programme designed to invest in the future and transform OFWs hard earned money into a family business. Maria Judith Mereria, President of Concept Marketing Specialist Inc., served as the project coordinator of this event, while Edwin Pasahol, DTI Specialist, was the Guest Speaker

Supreme Council for Youth and Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has been awarded the Social Media Influencer Award in the youth category during the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit Awards, held recently in Dubai. The event was organised by Dubai Media Club, and was attended by many VIPs and distinguished people, including HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, who presented the award to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad in the presence of HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior

Supreme Council for Youth & Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President and Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chair-man HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured Dr Var-ghese Kurian, Chairman of Al Namal –VKL Group, for supporting the recently concluded Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship

Boy George @BoyGeorge

The whole botox, filler thing is so tragic! Men

look like utter freaks but not in cool way! The women look just as bad!

14 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Los Angeles

Singer Lady Gaga has praised pop star Madonna for her speech at the 2016

Billboard Women in Music event, by calling her brave and strong.

“Madonna, your speech at the Billboard Music Awards was inspiring. You’re so brave and strong. Thanks for being that for us girls we need that,” the 30-year-old tweeted on Monday, reports usmagazine.com.

Madonna gave an emotional speech and opened up about sexism and a past rape while accepting the Woman of the Year Award at the December 9 event.

Gaga, who is also a rape survivor and advocate for women’s rights, seemed to be burying the rumoured hatchet with Madonna via her tweet on Monday.

The two singers were first pitted against each other when Gaga released “Born this way” in 2011, and it sounded similar to Madonna’s 1989 song “Express yourself.” (IANS)

Los Angeles

Mandy Moore became a Golden Globe nominee for her role

in TV show “This Is Us”, and the actress says she is yet to get used to that title.

When she was addressed as Golden Globe nominee during an interview by ew.com, the actress said: “That’s so bizarre to hear.”

She landed in the final five for Best Supporting Actress In A Series, Limited Series, or Motion Picture Made For Television for her work in the hit show, which is aired in India on Star World Premiere HD. (IANS)

Los Angeles

“Once Upon a Time” actress Rebecca Mader and Marcus Kayne are now husband and wife.

The 39-year-old on Monday announced that she walked down the aisle with Kayne in November, reports eonline.com.

She took to Instagram to share a photo from their snowy wedding, writing: “We are thrilled to announce that on the 23rd of November, Marc and I became husband and wife! We’re married!”

Her husband also reposted the same photo.This marks Mader’s second marriage. She divorced

businessman Joseph Arongino in 2008. (IANS)

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 15

Los Angeles

Actor Patrick Wilson has been roped in to play Orm, the evil half-brother of Aquaman, in

the upcoming adaptation of the popular comic starring Jason Momoa in the title role.

Amber Heard also stars in the film as Mera, Aquaman’s love interest.

In the comics, Orm, also called Ocean Master, is Aquaman’s human half-brother and a rival for the throne of Atlantis. He wreaks havoc on the high seas, causing trouble on a regular basis for the underwater superhero, reports variety.com.

The film will be directed by James Wan.Warner Bros, which is backing the project, said

last year that the title character would be caught between a surface world constantly ravaging the sea and the undersea Atlanteans, who are ready to lash out in revolt. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Star couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis recently made their first

public outing here after welcoming their second child.

The famous duo were seen holding hands while taking a walk on December 9, reports people.com.

The former “That ‘70s Show” co-stars, who have daughter Wyatt Isabelle, welcomed their son Dimitri on November 30. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Late actress Marilyn Monroes annotated scripts from her last movie are to be auctioned.

She was fired from never-finished comedy “Something’s Got to Give” for being persistently disruptive on set, and she died two months later in August 1962.

Now, a script on which she wrote by hand is going under the hammer, reports pagesix.com.

In pencil and green ink, Monroe gives herself acting prompts (in a scene in which she talks to her onscreen children, she writes “Substitute children - B & J (meaning her children Bobby and Jane) if necessary”) and in another note sniffs at Mel Brooks’s writing, “Needs some funny lines.” (IANS)

Los Angeles

Actor Ryan Gosling has revealed that he was punched in the face

by Harrison Ford while they were filming a fight scene for “Blade Runner 2049”.

Gosling got surprised when an interviewer asked him about the on-set incident, reports aceshowbiz.com.

“How did you hear that? Yeah, (Ford) did (punch me in the face),” Gosling told GQ for its January issue, reports aceshowbiz.com.“It was kind of, you know, a rite

of passage. We were just doing a fight scene and, you know, it just happened. But what was funny was, when it was over, they brought ice for my face, and Harrison pushed me out of the way and stuck his fist in the ice,” he added.

The “La La Land” actor further shared: “I asked him the other day where he got his sense of humour from -- was it from his

mother or his father? He said, ‘Sears.’ And he didn’t have much time to shop around so he just had to grab one and get out.” (IANS)

Los Angeles

Singer Justin Bieber has reportedly been holding

bible studies classes backstage during his Purpose World Tour.

Beiber is no stranger to controversy after he egged a neighbour’s house and got into a fight with actor Orlando Bloom. But after turning to religion two years ago, Bieber’s life has “changed for the better”, and now his intent is to spread that message to the crew on his tour, reports mirror.co.uk.

“Backstage on his Purpose tour, Justin has been sitting down with his opening acts and encouraging them to put Christ before everything,” The Sun newspaper quoted a source as saying. (IANS)

Boy George @BoyGeorge

The whole botox, filler thing is so tragic! Men

look like utter freaks but not in cool way! The women look just as bad!

14 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Los Angeles

Singer Lady Gaga has praised pop star Madonna for her speech at the 2016

Billboard Women in Music event, by calling her brave and strong.

“Madonna, your speech at the Billboard Music Awards was inspiring. You’re so brave and strong. Thanks for being that for us girls we need that,” the 30-year-old tweeted on Monday, reports usmagazine.com.

Madonna gave an emotional speech and opened up about sexism and a past rape while accepting the Woman of the Year Award at the December 9 event.

Gaga, who is also a rape survivor and advocate for women’s rights, seemed to be burying the rumoured hatchet with Madonna via her tweet on Monday.

The two singers were first pitted against each other when Gaga released “Born this way” in 2011, and it sounded similar to Madonna’s 1989 song “Express yourself.” (IANS)

Los Angeles

Mandy Moore became a Golden Globe nominee for her role

in TV show “This Is Us”, and the actress says she is yet to get used to that title.

When she was addressed as Golden Globe nominee during an interview by ew.com, the actress said: “That’s so bizarre to hear.”

She landed in the final five for Best Supporting Actress In A Series, Limited Series, or Motion Picture Made For Television for her work in the hit show, which is aired in India on Star World Premiere HD. (IANS)

Los Angeles

“Once Upon a Time” actress Rebecca Mader and Marcus Kayne are now husband and wife.

The 39-year-old on Monday announced that she walked down the aisle with Kayne in November, reports eonline.com.

She took to Instagram to share a photo from their snowy wedding, writing: “We are thrilled to announce that on the 23rd of November, Marc and I became husband and wife! We’re married!”

Her husband also reposted the same photo.This marks Mader’s second marriage. She divorced

businessman Joseph Arongino in 2008. (IANS)

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 15

Los Angeles

Actor Patrick Wilson has been roped in to play Orm, the evil half-brother of Aquaman, in

the upcoming adaptation of the popular comic starring Jason Momoa in the title role.

Amber Heard also stars in the film as Mera, Aquaman’s love interest.

In the comics, Orm, also called Ocean Master, is Aquaman’s human half-brother and a rival for the throne of Atlantis. He wreaks havoc on the high seas, causing trouble on a regular basis for the underwater superhero, reports variety.com.

The film will be directed by James Wan.Warner Bros, which is backing the project, said

last year that the title character would be caught between a surface world constantly ravaging the sea and the undersea Atlanteans, who are ready to lash out in revolt. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Star couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis recently made their first

public outing here after welcoming their second child.

The famous duo were seen holding hands while taking a walk on December 9, reports people.com.

The former “That ‘70s Show” co-stars, who have daughter Wyatt Isabelle, welcomed their son Dimitri on November 30. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Late actress Marilyn Monroes annotated scripts from her last movie are to be auctioned.

She was fired from never-finished comedy “Something’s Got to Give” for being persistently disruptive on set, and she died two months later in August 1962.

Now, a script on which she wrote by hand is going under the hammer, reports pagesix.com.

In pencil and green ink, Monroe gives herself acting prompts (in a scene in which she talks to her onscreen children, she writes “Substitute children - B & J (meaning her children Bobby and Jane) if necessary”) and in another note sniffs at Mel Brooks’s writing, “Needs some funny lines.” (IANS)

Los Angeles

Actor Ryan Gosling has revealed that he was punched in the face

by Harrison Ford while they were filming a fight scene for “Blade Runner 2049”.

Gosling got surprised when an interviewer asked him about the on-set incident, reports aceshowbiz.com.

“How did you hear that? Yeah, (Ford) did (punch me in the face),” Gosling told GQ for its January issue, reports aceshowbiz.com.“It was kind of, you know, a rite

of passage. We were just doing a fight scene and, you know, it just happened. But what was funny was, when it was over, they brought ice for my face, and Harrison pushed me out of the way and stuck his fist in the ice,” he added.

The “La La Land” actor further shared: “I asked him the other day where he got his sense of humour from -- was it from his

mother or his father? He said, ‘Sears.’ And he didn’t have much time to shop around so he just had to grab one and get out.” (IANS)

Los Angeles

Singer Justin Bieber has reportedly been holding

bible studies classes backstage during his Purpose World Tour.

Beiber is no stranger to controversy after he egged a neighbour’s house and got into a fight with actor Orlando Bloom. But after turning to religion two years ago, Bieber’s life has “changed for the better”, and now his intent is to spread that message to the crew on his tour, reports mirror.co.uk.

“Backstage on his Purpose tour, Justin has been sitting down with his opening acts and encouraging them to put Christ before everything,” The Sun newspaper quoted a source as saying. (IANS)

16 Wednesday, December 14, 2016COOL ZONE

S OU UKD

CROSSWORDYESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Your star today

Across Down

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

How to play: Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

(Mar 21st - Apr 20th)

(Apr 21st - May 21st)

(May 22nd - Jun 21st)

(June 22nd - July 23rd)

(July 24th - Aug 23rd)

(Aug 24th - Sep 23rd)

(Sep 24th - Oct 23rd)

(Oct 24th - Nov 22nd)

(Nov 23rd - Dec 21st)

(Dec 22nd- Jan 20th)

(Jan 21st - Feb 19th)

(Feb 20th - Mar 20th)

The key today is action. There’s a great deal of force pressuring you to get the ball rolling. One of these forces may come from a romantic interest waiting for you. You may have many projects on the table and be unsure where to focus your energy. Don’t feel like you need to concentrate on any one thing.

Ignite the fire in your heart, and make it burn more brightly than before. Keep in mind that you may need to make compromises in order to be on the same page with your lover in the way you relate emotionally. Make sure everyone gets a chance to be on centre stage. Don’t hog the podium. Maintain a working balance by letting others have their turn in the spotlight.

There are a couple important issues that you may need to resolve. Take an active role in the department of love and romance. Feel free to be aggressive about having your needs met. Make sure you’re comfortable with the situation or else stand up and change it. For you, the day is all about taking action. Strive to create peace through honest assertiveness.You should enjoy a good mood today, and you will find that things will go well for you in general. Perhaps the only sticky situation that could arise is one that stems from an aggressive approach in the department of love. This impatient urge or petty argument by one or both parties may result in an all-out war. Try to maintain a level head in all situations.Circumstances of the day may result in some tricky situations for you. You could be caught between a rock and a hard place. The instinct to make war or peace with any given issue is making you restless. On the one hand, you may want to smooth things out in a reasonable manner. On the other, there is a part of you that is eager to declare all-out nuclear warfare.

Things should go well for you today. Your romantic nature is piqued. You will find that an aggressive approach toward your loved one is just what’s needed to jump-start the relationship. If you’re single and looking for love, this is a good day to get out and ask someone to dance. Neaten up your appearance and wear a snazzy outfits, regardless of the situation.

Stand up and take action. Forces may be pulling on you from all angles, and your challenge will be to maintain a healthy balance among all of them. You have a chance to accomplish a great deal by directing your energies outward instead of inward. Other people may be punchy. Counteract this by being patient. Your contribution to the group will be appreciated.

You will find that you relate very well to others today, and your communication will prove to be quite valuable. You may find yourself in the position of arbiter simply because you have the detached mind that people need to resolve disputes. Take an active role in the lives of those around you, and see how your own life benefits from the generosity of your actions.

The prevailing tone today is a mix of conflicting energies that might put some stress on your heart. It’s nothing you can’t handle. In fact, if anyone can make the most out of today, you can. Tap into your aggressiveness and act boldly toward the object of your desire. Make sure there is harmony among those around you.

You may be tempted to shift into high gear today, but you’re likely to be unsure where to focus your energy. You may be revved up and anxious to get moving, but feel lazy and unmotivated to do anything but sit back and wait for the excitement to come to you. Whatever you do, don’t retreat into a hole. Dress up and show off your outer as well as inner beauty.There’s apt to be tension between your heart and your general mood. Your romantic nature will incline you to adopt a selfish, impatient attitude, while the prevailing tone of the day calls for peace and balance. Try to maintain an equal amount of give and take. There’s enough love to go around. Don’t feel like you need to be possessive in order to maintain others’ loyalty.

Adjustments may be in order for you to flow easily with the energy of the day. The prevailing tone calls for a more outwardly directed solution to all situations. You will discover that it’s easy to start up new projects today, especially those involving creative or romantic elements. The tricky part will be follow-through. This is your speciality, so don’t worry about it. You’ve got that part covered.

1One of the Baldwins; 5Nobelist Bohr; 1020th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; 14Vow; 15Dam extending across the Nile; 16Architectural pier;17Currency of Turkey, and formerly of Italy; 18___ having fun yet?; 19Emperor of Russia; 20Rebirth of the soul in a new body; 23Back of theneck; 24Sephia maker; 25Cow catcher; 28Abner’s adjective; 31Thick slic-es; 35Construction pieces; 37Hanoi holiday; 39Actress Zadora; 40In spite of; 44Hobby shop buy; 45Sweet potato; 46Sullage; 47Reduces speed; 50Comparative suffix; 52Fermented grape juices; 53Frozen Wasser; 55Traditional prayer ending; 57Donkey; 63Overly submissive; 64” Delta of Venus” author Nin; 65Dregs; 67Prefix with conference; 68Actress Taylor; 69Writer Wiesel; 70Org. ; 71Head lock; 72Unit of force;

1” You’ve got mail” co.; 2Lion’s den; 3French 101 verb; 4Portable power saw; 5Civil rights org.; 6Sharon’s land; 7Decorative pitcher; 8Mown grass; 9Move stealthily; 10Pertaining to skin color; 11Automaker Ferrari; 12Ollie’s pal; 13Laughing syllable; 21Wynonna’s mom; 22___ the season...; 25Rings of a chain; 26Bubbling; 27Brief fight; 29” Who’s there?” response; 30Allow; 32Pertaining to bees; 33Spree; 34Wise ones; 36Pigpen; 38Univ. aides; 41’ Bali ‘ ; 42More recent; 43Lessened; 48Enervate; 49Bro’s counterpart; 51Animal bite worry; 54Begin; 56Meditates; 57Honey producers; 58Snakelike fishes; 59Lulu; 60Temple;61Slippery; 62Dresden denial; 631959 Kingston Trio hit; 66Date;

BEETLE BAILEY R

KOREAN CINEMA NIGHT 2016: THE PIRATES Date: Today Venue: Seef 1 Cinema 13

The Pirates is a 2014 South Korean period adventure film starring Son Ye-jin and Kim Nam-gil. On the eve of the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, a whale swallows the Ming Emperor’s Seal of State being brought to Joseon by envoys from China. With a big reward on whoever brings back the royal seal, mountain bandits led by Jang Sa-jung go out to sea to hunt down the whale. But he soon clashes with Yeo-wol, a female captain of pirates, and unexpected adventure unfolds.

MISS MEISEI LADIES NIGHTDate : Today 7:30 pm Venue : Meisei Adliya

Enjoy the beautiful Bahrain weather and join us on the rooftop for the most elegant ladies night in Bahrain, with cool Latin vibes , dance lessons from Salsabor Bahrain and free sparkling for ladies from 8.30-10.30pm.

FILM: ALREADY TOMORROW IN HONG KONGDate: Today, 7pmVenue: Bahrain Cinema Club

Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong is a 2015 romance-drama film written and directed by Emily Ting and starring Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg. The film premiered at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival received a limited theatrical and VOD release in February 2016. A Chinese-American toy designer takes a business trip to Hong Kong, where she spends a night wandering through the city with an expat American who works in finance. After parting ways, the pair is reunited one year later

on a Hong Kong ferry, and is forced to reflect on how their brief time together changed their lives.

For queries, call : Huda Tabbara 17725959

ASIAN SCHOOL ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATIONS Date: December 14&15Venue: Asian School Tubli

The 33rd Annual Day Celebrations of the Asian School will be held on December 14 &15 at Dr. Abdul Kalam Memorial Auditorium, Tubli. On both days the students of the School will present various cultural entertainment programs before the parents and well-wishers at the function starting from 7.00 p.m. Students will be presented with awards for their outstanding performance both in curricular and co curricular activities. Teachers also will be awarded for the dedicated service they have put in at the school.

On Wednesday Ahlam Al Aamer, Director, Directorate of Private Education, Ministry of Education will be the Chief Guest. Om Prakash, Second Secretary (Com.),

Embassy of India S. Veera Pandian, General Manager, Al Ahlia Insurance Company will be the Guests of Honour.

On Thursday Shirley Yateem, Director, A.M. Yateem Bros. has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest. Senan Ali Aljabrey, Director of Consumer Protection, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Prabha Ramnath Singh, Chief Executive Officer, State Bank of India will be the Guests of Honour.

BUMM CLASSICS AT TORINODate : 15 Dec 8 pm - 16 Dec 2 pm Venue : Torino Restaurant & Lounge Adliya

BUMM returns with its monthly music movement event created to promote the local underground DJ’s & Producers. The concept was created by DJ Katrin Love & DJ Mysterioo Arif, joining them the line-up for the classics history night on Thursday will be the funky BUMM resident South African DJ Gareth George.

NIGHT OF THE DRAGONDate : 15 Dec 8 pm - 16 Dec 2 pm Venue : Meisei Bahrain Adliya

Join us on Thursday as we celebrate the winter solstice auspicious Chinese festival. Bask in the glow of Chinese lanterns on the longest night of the year, while our lively Dragon Dancers weave their way around the first floor and rooftop. DJ Salime will be on the decks playing the latest international dance tunes. Dining as usual from 7pm, entertainment starts from 9pm. For more information or to book a table please call: 17007770.

NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONDate: 15, 16, 17, and 18th of December.Venue: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa will be celebrating the Kingdoms National Day this year with a special rate / package exclusive to Bahraini residence starting from the 15, 16, 17, and 18th of December.

The General Manager of the Gulf Hotel, Rahim Abu Omar Said “Being the first five star hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in line with our support towards Bahrain’s economic and Tourism developments, we have always set new benchmarks in pioneering the best practices for Kingdom’s hospitality growth. This exclusive package we have tailored is an ideal platform for the National Day where we are giving the people of Bahrain this unique offer to come and experience our hospitality.

In conjunction with the offer, guests can also enjoy our complimentary Wi-Fi , Children’s Meal Plan and all the other recreational facilities our hotel has to offer.

There will also be some activities in the lobby and a special meal, inspired by the traditional Bahraini cuisine.

MIRACLES AND YOU VISION BOARD PARTYDate : 16 Dec 8 am- 4 pmVenue : Sheraton Bahrain Hotel- Manama

Make 2017 Your Best Year Series. This is a series of professional and personal development workshops geared for women who want to create a successful career/business and life they love. First on the series is the Miracles and You Vision Board Party, a 1/2 day workshop with 2 featured speakers and culminated by a celebratory Chocoholic Brunch! An inspirational event that you do not want to miss.

17 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

HOW TO REACH US “Out & About’, a

ready reckoner for the events taking place on the

island, is published from Friday to Tuesday. To be included,

please use one of the following: outandabout@dt.bh, or

call 38444680.

HIGHLIGHT

HIGHLIGHT

LONGEST BAHRAINI FLAG DISPLAYDate: Friday Venue: Hidd

On the occasion of the 45th National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain a celebration will take place on Friday , which emphasizes and strengthens the friendship between the Kingdom and India. A 16.16km long Bahrain national flag will be the main attraction of the celebrations. The flag display will start from Bahrain International Airport round about and will run till Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park, Hidd. The celebration is being organized by Golden Graphics Co.SPC & Pride of Nation under the patronage of Muharraq Governorate.

BAHRAIN FARMERS MARKET Date: On Saturdays Venue: Budaiya Gardens

The fifth edition of the Bahrain Farmers Market is open at the Budaiya Gardens. More than 40 Bahraini farmers are participating to provide a variety of local agricultural products. Many leading local restaurants will participate to present local food and drinks with the aim of introducing local food to the visitors of various nationalities. Bahrain Farmers Market targets promoting Bahrain’s agricultural products and highlighting the development taking place in Bahrain’s agricultural sector. It also aims to contribute to improving the Bahraini farmers’ income through a marketing system prepared by the Agriculture and Marine Resources to assist in meeting the farmers’ aspirations. The Rotary club of Sulmaniya has a stand in the Farmer’s Market to help the special need children in the process of selling. The vegetables are from a local farm in Jasra in which special needs children were involved in planting and watering. Bahrain Farmers Market will be open every Saturday until April 29 from 8 am to 12 noon.

FILM: FLOWERS OF SHANGHAIDate: December 21 ,7pmVenue: Bahrain Cinema Club

Flowers of Shanghai is a 1998 Taiwanese film directed by Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien and starring Tony Leung, Hada Michiko, Annie Shizuka Inoh, Shuan Fang, Jack Kao, Carina Lau, Rebecca Pan, Michelle Reis and Vicky Wei. It was voted the third best film of the 1990s in the 1999 Village Voice Film Poll.The film was selected as the Taiwanese entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 71st Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee. For queries, call : Huda Tabbara 17725959

NATIONAL DAY FESTIVAL AT BIC Date: Friday Venue: Bahrain International Circuit

The largest and most spectacular fireworks display marking Bahrain’s National Day and His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne will be held on Friday at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. Friday’s fireworks show is scheduled for a 7pm start. They have never failed to amaze in past years, with tens of thousands gathering to watch in awe the brilliant colour and lights dancing with the stars in the Sakhir sky. Members of the public will not only be able to enjoy the show from within the BIC facilities, but they can also enjoy them for free from the surrounding areas. Aside from the fireworks, also set to be a major part of the festivities is a series of concerts featuring six of the biggest names in all of Arabic music, including popular Bahraini singers Khaled Fouad, Dalia, Khamis Zuwayed, Mohammed Jomairi and Basel Ahmed, and Kuwaiti superstar Abdulla Al Rowaishid. There will also be a traditionally styled shopping experience with plenty on offer, plus a corporate

exhibition space, children’s activities and a play area, cultural shows, food and beverage outlets, and so much more. Organised for the fourth successive year, the festival is a perfect platform to showcase what the business community has to offer in a social atmosphere. Doors will be open daily from 4pm to 10pm. Entrance is 500 fils. Tickets are available at the gate.

FILM: TROPICAL MALADY Date: December 28 ,7pmVenue: Bahrain Cinema Club

Tropical Malady is a 2004 Thai romantic psychological drama film written and directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. It is a film in two segments – the first part a romance between two men, and the second a mysterious tale about a soldier lost in the woods, bedeviled by the spirit of a shaman.

It won the Jury Prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, and was the first Thai film to be in the main competition at Cannes. It is also the first Thai film to win a prize at any of the “A festivals”. For queries, call : Huda Tabbara 17725959

: Bahrain best classifieds www.newsofbahrain.com

18Wednesday, December 14, 2016

RENT A CAR

Latest model starting at BD 7/- day

Manama : 17211682ADL : 17742742HRA: 17295495

AIRPORT: 17321313 (24 Hrs)

Enterprises Rent a CarComprehensive Solution

for car rental requirements

Wide range of brand new luxury cars, medium and small category cars, at

competitive rates

Airport Branch: Tel: 17329 3333,

Head Office: 1729 1111, Fax: 1729 2121,

E-mail: enterprises_rentacar@batelco.com.bh

TENDER

F O R S A L E(ON “AS IS WHERE IS” BASIS)

A leading Supermarket in Galali, as a part of their other plans, is offering the take-over/outright purchase – with /

without stocks, except C R.

Interested parties may contact

39540691

SALES SUPERVISOR FOR A LEADING FMCG COMPANYLooking for a dynamic Supervisor for the FMCG

division of a well-established Company. The candidate should have hands-on experience regarding distribution & marketing of FMCG

products, close rapport with the customers & a team-worker.

The candidate should be preferably an MBA/BBA – Marketing, presentable, holder of valid Bahraini/GCC driving licence, good knowledge of computer, analytical skills and fluent in English..

Age should be around 35 years. Interested may apply with CV and photograph to:

huntjob08@gmail.com

CERTIFICATE ATTESTATION & UNIVERSITY VERIFICATION from India, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UK, USA, Australia. Contact UROGULF : 34211 944, 3733 4647, 38 271 275 , urogulfbahrain@gmail. com,

attestation@urogulf.com, www.urogulf.com, www.muble.com .................................................EXPERT PEST CONTROL we use genuine products / satisfaction guaranteed call Joseph 38054713

SERVICE

• The Special Project Office (Tel. 17545315 / 17545310) of the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning invites Contractors of above categories, registered with Cost Engineering Directorate, Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning to bid for the above Project.

• Tenderers are advised to buy the tender documents online through the Bahrain Tender Board e-tendering System (https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.bh) by using Credit Card or to the cashier at Financial Resources Directorate (3rd Floor, new building), Ministry of Works who will issue a receipt in duplicate.

• The works comprise the Construction of three Storey new Office Building located at Shura Compound in Gudaibiya as detailed in the Tender Drawings and Specifications.

• Interested tenderers should comply with the provisions of the General Tenders Regulations, no. (36) for the year 2002, it’s executive Regulations No. (37) For the year 2002 and also comply with the Prime Minister’s Resolution No. 21 for 1987 giving priority to National Products and products of National Origin.

• Tender documents can be downloaded online through the Bahrain Tender Board e-tendering System (https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.bh) as from 14th December 2016.

• The tender must be deposited in the tender box provided at Tendering submission office, Tender Board's Office, 7th Floor, Al Moayyed Tower, Seef Area - Kingdom of Bahrain.

• Tenderers are to enclose copies of the following with the offer:1. Company Commercial Registration indicating the tender relevant field and receipt for current registration

fee CR to be stamped with company stamp.2. Copy a certificate of compliance with the employment percentages for Bahraini manpower issued by the

Ministry of Labour and stamped with company stamp.3. Form No. TB 02 is to be filled completely, mentioning the Total Tender Value and Unit Price (accordingly).4. All tender documents (Original/ Copy) which have been submitted with the offers should be stamped with

the company stamp.5. Any other documents listed in the Instructions to Tenderers.6. Both Technical and Financial submissions to be deposited at the tender box on the date mentioned above.

• Tender bid values, prices or rates shall remain valid for 120 days from the closing date.• The Initial Bond should be enclosed with the offer for the amount specified above or at the rate of 1% of the

tender value whichever amount is lesser, provided that no initial bond value shall be less than BD. 100/-. The initial bond should be in the form of a Certified Cheque, Bank Guarantee, cash or Insurance Policy valid for the duration specified in the tender documents.

• Tenders not complying with the above conditions and requirements as well as terms and conditions mentioned in the tender document will be rejected.

• This advertisement is considered to be a supplementary to the Tender Documents.

The Ministry of Works, Municipalities A�airs & Urban Planning would like to announce the following tender:

Tender Description

TENDER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SHURA COUNCIL EAST

GATE BUILDING, GUDAIBIYA

Wednesday, 25th January 2017

1:30 PMSPO/194/16

Grade AA, A, B & C Building

ContractorsBD 4,000/- BD 50/-

non-refundable

Tender No. Category Initial Bond

Tender Box ClosingDay / Date / TimeTender Doc. Fee

SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICE

19Wednesday, December 14, 2016

PUBLIC UTILITY NUMBERS

Police , Fire, Ambulance - 999Drainage - 80001810Coast Guard - 17700000Traffic and Accidents - 199Electricity, Water 17515555Meteorological Centre - 17235235Consumer Protection - 17574700Municipal Emergencies - 39609331Complaints Line at TRA - 81188

Local Call Assistance - 100Local Directory Enquiries - 181International Call Enquiries (Country & Area Codes) - 191 Weatherline - 17 236 236Flight Information - 17 339 339

Salmaniya Medical - 17288888KIMS Medical Centre - 17822123Royal Bahrain Hospital - 17246811BDF Hospital - 17766666Awali Hospital - 17753333Al Kindi Hospital - 17240444Al Hilal Hospital - 17344199 Al Amal Hospital - 17602602Al Jazira Hospital - 17288000Psychiatric Hospital 00397271 -Bahrain Inter’l Hospital - 17598222Ibn Al Nafees - 17828282International Medical City - 17490006 Al Noor Specialist Hospital - 17260026 American Mission Hospital - 17253447Bahrain Specialist Hospital - 17812222Gulf Dental Speciality Hospital - 17741444

A’ali - 17648888Sitra - 17459888Riffa - 17768888 Hoora - 17318888Naim - 17243188Al Razi - 17265888Jidhafs - 17558777Kuwait - 17608888Budaiya - 17698888Isa Town - 17480888Muharraq - 17460888Ibn Sena’a - 17535155Hamad Town - 17418888Sabah Al Salem - 17821888Bilad Al Qadeem - 17408888

Ruyan - 17784491Ruyan - 17594902Zallaq - 17632263Al Hila - 17341700Al Rahma - 17687117Al Hekma - 17550188Awal Pharmacy - 17772023Jaffer Pharmacy - 17291039Nasser Pharmacy - 17740900National Pharmacy - 17620208 Al Bader Pharmacy - 17242100Al Rahma Pharmacy - 17687117Al Maraya Pharmacy - 17784029Al Muwasaa Pharmacy - 17335666Vet Services 24-hours - 39481208Hamad Town Pharmacy - 17410114Majeed Jaffer Pharmacy 17331168

Airport Taxis - 17 260 208Bahrain Limos - 17 266 266London Taxis - 17 461 746Speedy Motors - 17 682 999

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

PUBLIC SERVICE NUMBERS

HOSPITALS

PHARMACIES

TAXIS

HEALTH CENTR ES

All Budget vehicles are brand new & have only been owned by Budget.All Budget used vehicles are fully prepared & serviced ready to go.Finance available from all major banks & financial institutions.Hassle free documentation at one place.All budget vehicles are accident free & low mileage.

Used CarWhy from Budget??

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Email: budget.usedcars@fakhro.com, Web: budgetbahrainusedcars.com

Timings: Sat –Thu (8am – 7pm), Fri (Closed)

Wednesday, December 14, 201620

A pedestrian looks at a tree that fell on a bus in Chennai

Chennai

At least 10 people were killed when Cyclone

Vardah slammed into the southern Indian tech hub of Chennai, bringing down houses and cutting off the electricity supply, authorities said yesterday.

Most were crushed by trees uprooted in winds of up to 140 kilometres (87 miles) per hour, which also cut power across large swathes of southern India on Monday.

India’s meteorological department said Vardah, which forced the evacuation of 18,000 people, was the worst cyclonic storm to hit the capital of Tamil Nadu state in more than two decades. “So far 10 people are confirmed dead. We will get reports from rural areas as the day progresses, but the worst is over,” said Abhishek Shandiyal, spokesman for the National Diaster Management Authority.

The cyclone was weakening

as it moved inland, he added.Television footage from

Chennai, where huge floods last year killed at least 250 people, showed cars overturned by the strong winds and heavy rain.

The city is a centre for auto manufacturing and IT outsourcing. It is also scheduled to host the fifth Test match between England and India starting Friday, now in doubt after the storm.

Team India said no decision had yet been taken about moving the Test.

Chennai international airport was shut for almost 12 hours but resumed operations on Tuesday, an airport official said. Train services have also partially resumed.

India’s eastern coast and neighbouring Bangladesh are routinely hit by severe storms between April and December that cause deaths and widespread property damage. In 1999, more than 8,000 people were killed when a cyclone battered the eastern state of Orissa. (AFP)

Residents walk by a ripped up tree on a street in Chennai after Cyclone Vardah

A fisherman surveys damaged boats at a harbour

A shipping container lies in a street after falling from the walls around a harbour in Chennai

Death toll in Syria war rises to 312,000: monitor

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Given grave shortcomings in the Ukraine peace process, which has been marred by regular ceasefire violations it will be necessary to extend sanctions against Russia once more

#PollToday

Yes No Can’t Say

Will the removal of the Kafala system secure expats from sponsors’ exploitation in Qatar?

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Rest in sight

For more, catch us online at: www.newsofbahrain.com

/nobonline/newsofbahrain

Eiffel Tower shut by third strike of 2016

Quechua-language TV news programme debuts in Peru

Indonesian mob kills man after school knife attack

Syria’s war has killed just more than 312,000 people since it began in March 2011, over 90,000 of them civilians.

Workers at the Eiffel Tower concerned over an upcom-ing paint job at the famous landmark went on strike Tuesday.

A man who attacked a group of school children with a knife in eastern Indonesia yesterday has died after an angry mob beat him to death inside his jail cell, police said.

21

Peru launched the first-ever Quechua-language TV news programme Monday, seek-ing to combat centuries of stigma against the ancient indigenous language.

German ex-cop

back in the dock

Cannibalism:

Berlin

A German ex-police officer convicted of murdering

a willing victim he met on a website for cannibalism fetishists and chopping him up in an S&M chamber was on Tuesday convicted again in a re-trial.

Detlev Guenzel, 58, had cut the body into small pieces in a slaughter chamber he built in his cellar, before burying them in his garden. There was no evidence that he ate any part of his victim.

He was last year already given a slightly shorter sentence -- eight and a half years -- for killing Polish-born Wojciech Stempniewicz in 2013. Following a new trial that began early November, a regional court in the eastern city of Dresden agreed with the initial verdict not to impose the maximum 15-year sentence because the victim had a death wish. It sentenced Guenzel to 8 yrs and 7 months.

The verdict is subject to appeal. Guenzel, a three-

decade veteran of the police force, had met Stempniewicz in October 2013 on a website for slaughter and cannibalism fantasies billed as the “#1 site for exotic meat” and boasting more than 3,000 registered members.

His defence team argued that Stempniewicz had hanged himself in Guenzel’s custom-designed “S&M studio” before Guenzel took a knife, then an electric saw, to  the gagged-and-bound man. Soon after the death, Guenzel admitted

to detectives that he killed the victim by cutting his throat. But he later retracted.

Investigators had testified in the first trial that they could not definitively determine the cause of death due to the state of the corpse. Guenzel and Stempniewicz had extensive contact online and by telephone before finally arranging the fatal date on November 4, 2013.

Their emails bore the title “Schlachtfest”, the German word for a country feast after

the slaughter of a pig. Guenzel called himself “Caligula 31”, Stempniewicz logged on as “Heszla-Longpig”.

A 50-minute video Guenzel made was played during the trial and showed him at one point covered in blood as he mutilated the corpse, muttering, “I never thought I would sink so low.”

The judge at the first trial had said that the expression of faint regret seen in the video made it unlikely Guenzel would repeat such an act. (AFP)

Sydney

A routine round of golf has taken a uniquely Australian turn with stunned

players finding a giant python wrestling with a wallaby on a fairway.

Robert Willemse was on the 17th hole at the Paradise Palms course in Cairns in north Queensland on Saturday when he heard that a four-metre (13-foot) scrub python was gorging on the native marsupial nearby.

“It had (the wallaby) in a vice-like grip and it was swallowing it,” Willemse, who

regularly plays at the course, said having halted his game to take a look.

He snapped photos of the encounter before heading back to finish his round.  “I heard later on... as other golfers and staff members came out to have a look at it, that it did actually succeed in swallowing it all and then it rolled into a dry creek nearby and slithered away into the bush, probably to digest its rather large meal,” he said.

“There’s a lot of wildlife in the tropical

north,” Willemse

a d d e d , noting that

wallabies,  which resemble a smaller version of kangaroos, were a common sight on the fairways, although snakes were not.

Python eats wallaby on Australian golf course

No ‘new’ biz deals while president, says TrumpWashington

Donald Trump signalled that his businesses will

carry out “no new deals” during his presidency in a series of tweets late Monday, adding that his two adult sons would manage his companies.

Writing on Twitter, Trump -- who has been criticized for the conflict of interest that his vast business empire would pose for a US president -- said: “Even though I am not mandated by law to do so, I will be leaving my businesses (sic) before January 20th so that I can focus full time on the Presidency.”

Critics argue that it would be an unprecedented ethical conflict for Trump to maintain interest in properties spanning the globe -- investments that rely partly on goodwill from foreign governments and regulators.

“Two of my children, Don and Eric, plus executives, will manage them. No new deals will be done during my term(s) in office,” the president-elect tweeted. Trump’s daughter Ivanka was notably absent from the list.

This handout photo from Robert Willemse taken on December 10, 2016 and received on December 13, 2016 shows a python wrestling with a wallaby in the middle of a fairway on a golf course

SPORTSWednesday, December 14, 201622

Bahrain go top in swimming

Askar patronises NCP graduation ceremony

Shaikh Nasser honours Media efforts ManamaHH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, repre-sentative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, honoured his Media Office in view of the great efforts made and for the success in covering the events of the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship.

ManamaTwo Bahrain teams occu-pied the top after the conclusion of the Sixth National Day Swimming Championships at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. Bahrain’s first team came out on top with 39 gold medals, 25 silver and 19 bronze medals and also achieved second place with 37 golds, 27 silvers and 31 bronzes, while the UAE was third with 22 golds, 13 sil-vers and eight bronzes.

ManamaBOC recently organised a graduation ceremony for 39 who passed the fourth level of the National Coaching Programme (NCP) at the Golden Tulip Hotel, under the patronage of the Assistant secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) and gen-eral secretary of the BOC, Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar.

Batelco make a clean sweepDT News NetworkManama

Batelco made a clean sweep in the second round of

the 2016/2017 Bahrain SWS Endurance Championship, held at Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) in Sakhir.

They took all podium positions in the final overall classification of the three-hour challenge, and also claimed first place in each of the three categories.

Headlining the victorious Batelco campaign was the Batelco Drag 965 Racing duo of Mohammed Mattar and Khaled Alsaie, who clinched first place overall and also won the Pro class.

Batelco Drag 965 Mechanics

duo Rashid Almuammari and Hussain Hassan then triumphed in the Nations category, while sister squad Ithmaar Batelco Corporate comprising Ali Baslar and Khalid Alwazzan were first in their class.

Each of those three teams also made up the overall podium, with Mattar and Alsaei in first place after completing a total of 128 laps.

They finished 7.435 seconds ahead of runners-up Almuammari and Hassan,

while Baslar and Alwazzan +31.246) were third overall.

In the Pro class, Mattar and Alsaie completed their double ahead of Zain Racing’s Raed Raffii and Mohammed Abdulaziz. In third place were the Al Najma Karting Team

duo of Ahmed Ebrahim and Mohammed Ameen.

BIKC’s 1.414-kilometre Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) track hosted an all action packed grid of 19 teams with each competing in identical 390cc RT9 Sodikarts.

In the Nations category, Almuammari and Hassan were the winners, finishing ahead of Zain Dangerous who were composed of Khaled Abdulla and Khalifa Al Yaqoobi. In third were Ice Racing’s Ali Dadi and Ahmed Kooheji.

In the Corporate class, Baslar and Alwazzan were first. Faisal Al Shafei and Osama Albuflasa of BBK Racing were second, and BBK Online were third with Nasser Al Alawi, Hamad Mattar and Ahmed Naqi.

Following the second round, the Bahrain SWS Endurance now heads towards the season’s third and final event, which will be a 24-hour race scheduled to take place on January 27 and 28 next year.

Barca’s stars score 5-3 victory over Al AhliDoha

Goals from Luiz Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar

helped Barcelona beat Saudi champions Al-Ahli 5-3 in a thrilling friendly in Doha yesterday.

The superstar trio all scored by the 17th minute, helping the Spanish giants to stroll into an early three-goal lead.

And perhaps more importantly for Barcelona, it also ensured all three could be substituted by the 32nd minute to allay any injury fears ahead of the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday.

Suarez opened the scoring with a glancing header in the eight minute from a Messi cross, before the Argentine quickly added a second just two minutes later.

Neymar netted a fine third with a curling shot in the 17th minute.

Further goals from Paco

Alcacer and Rafinha meant the La Liga champions were able to withstand a second-half comeback from the Saudi side.

Among the scorers for Al-Alhi was Omar Abdulrahman, AFC player of the year for 2016, who plays his football in the UAE but was allowed to turn out for the Saudis for the friendly.

He scored with a “Panenka” penalty in the 51st minute after Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip gave away the spot-kick.

The keeper may have been the only Barca player who did not enjoy the run-out in Qatar as he was also easily beaten at the near post for Al-Ahli’s second, scored by Muhannad Assiri.

The game was being played as part of Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which ends next June.

Al-Ahli are also sponsored

by the Gulf carrier. The game was billed as the

“Match of Champions” and Barcelona were presented with an 18 carat gold cup afterwards, specially commissioned for the

game.Among those watching on

in the 18,126 sell-out crowd was Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez, who now plays for Qatar’s Al Sadd. (AFP)

Youngsters crowned overall championsDT News NetworkManama

Youngsters Ali Al Kowari and Ali Al Hakam (25

points) were crowned overall champions of the Coca-Cola Monday Madness Night Golf Series at the Royal Golf Club.

The duo topped the order of merit, following one win, one second place and two third place finishes in the series and Ali Al Kowari also walked away with both side contest prizes on the final night, after coming nearest to the pin on both hole 12 and hole 16.

Rajinder Sachdeva and Naeem Khan (22) were runners up on the final night, while David Wales and playing partner Stephen Wagstaff, who won the previous two competitions of the series, came third on count back in the final competition, putting them in second place in the overall series order of merit.

DT News NetworkManama

Steven Hill (36 points on count back) narrowly won

the Royal Golf Club’s annual 2016 Captains’ Day Golf Tournament after tying with Keith Watson (36), while Reinhold Lutz (34) won the second division for golfers with handicaps of 10 to 18 with Ahmed Majid (33) a close runner up.

The third category for ladies and those with a

handicap of 19 to 28, was won by Iftikhar Butt (30) with Jason Leighton (29) the runner up.

Barry Hobday (30) took first place in the annual Past Captains’ Quaich, which was played in tandem with the Captains’ Day Tournament as seven former club captains battled it out for the illustrious Captains’ Quaich trophy and annual bragging rights.

More than 100 Club members took part in

the individual stableford tournament. The Quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking cup symbolizing friendship.

Results: Category A (0–9): 1)

Steven Hill (36 points on count back), 2) Keith Watson (36). Category B (10–18): 1) Reinhold Lutz (34), 2) Ahmed Majid (33). Category C (19–28/36): 1) Iftikhar Butt (30), 2) Jason Leighton (29). Captains Quaich: 1 Barry Hobday (30 on count back).

Hill bags Captain’s Day golf

FC Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (R) vies with Al-Ahli’s Luiz Carlos

Team Batelco celebrate on the podium

Steven Hill, right, with Adam Dutson, Royal Golf Club

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 23SPORTS

Doha

An Afghan boy who became an internet

sensation after pictures of him wearing an improvised Lionel Messi football shirt went viral finally got to meet his superstar idol yesterday.

Murtaza Ahmadi met the Barcelona forward in Doha, where the Spanish league champions are due to play a friendly match against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli later.

Six-year-old Murtaza, from the rural Ghazni province southwest of Kabul, is also due to walk out onto the pitch with the Argentinian at

Doha’s Al-Gharrafa stadium.“The image the world

wanted to see,” tweeted Qatar’s 2022 World Cup

organisers, who brought the pair together.

“The six year old boy who dreamed of meeting his hero,

#Messi, finally comes true.”A delighted Murtaza said:

“I’m very happy to have met my hero. It is a dream for me,” according to a statement released by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the committee overseeing organisation of the 2022 tournament.

Murtaza became a worldwide online hit earlier this year after he was pictured wearing his hero’s shirt, made out of a plastic bag, with the name Messi and the famous number 10 written on it in marker pen.

The shirt was made by his

teenage brother Homayoun after his neighbour threw away grocery bags.

“I love Messi, he plays really well, and I love the shirt my brother made for me,” he said at the time.

His family could not afford to buy him a replica kit.

Pictures of Murtaza playing football in his improvised kit were first posted on Facebook.

After the pictures went viral, Murtaza received a real shirt from his hero.

His father, Mohammad Arif Ahmadi, said at the time: “I want my son to become the Messi of Afghanistan.” (AFP)

Afghan boy meets his idol

Murray brothers namedITF World ChampionsParis

Andy Murray capped a stellar season by being

named alongside his brother Jamie yesterday as International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Champion for 2016.

It is the first time that two brothers have been named as men’s singles and doubles World Champions in the same year.

Angelique Kerber won the women’s award becoming Germany’s first World Champion since Steffi Graf in 1996.

Andy Murray sealed the year-end number one ranking after defeating Novak Djokovic to win the ATP World Tour Finals.

The 29-year-old won a total of nine titles during the year, including a second Wimbledon crown and a second Olympic singles gold in Rio.

“It means a lot to me to be named ITF World Champion,” said Murray.

“I have had such a memorable year, winning again at Wimbledon, retaining my Olympic title, and clinching the year-end No. 1 ranking in the last match of the season.

“It is particularly special with my brother Jamie also becoming World Champion.”(AFP)

Murtaza wearing the make-shift Messi shirt

Lionel Messi holding Murtaza Ahmadi

SPORTSWednesday, December 14, 201622

Bahrain go top in swimming

Askar patronises NCP graduation ceremony

Shaikh Nasser honours Media efforts ManamaHH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, repre-sentative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, honoured his Media Office in view of the great efforts made and for the success in covering the events of the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship.

ManamaTwo Bahrain teams occu-pied the top after the conclusion of the Sixth National Day Swimming Championships at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. Bahrain’s first team came out on top with 39 gold medals, 25 silver and 19 bronze medals and also achieved second place with 37 golds, 27 silvers and 31 bronzes, while the UAE was third with 22 golds, 13 sil-vers and eight bronzes.

ManamaBOC recently organised a graduation ceremony for 39 who passed the fourth level of the National Coaching Programme (NCP) at the Golden Tulip Hotel, under the patronage of the Assistant secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) and gen-eral secretary of the BOC, Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar.

Batelco make a clean sweepDT News NetworkManama

Batelco made a clean sweep in the second round of

the 2016/2017 Bahrain SWS Endurance Championship, held at Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) in Sakhir.

They took all podium positions in the final overall classification of the three-hour challenge, and also claimed first place in each of the three categories.

Headlining the victorious Batelco campaign was the Batelco Drag 965 Racing duo of Mohammed Mattar and Khaled Alsaie, who clinched first place overall and also won the Pro class.

Batelco Drag 965 Mechanics

duo Rashid Almuammari and Hussain Hassan then triumphed in the Nations category, while sister squad Ithmaar Batelco Corporate comprising Ali Baslar and Khalid Alwazzan were first in their class.

Each of those three teams also made up the overall podium, with Mattar and Alsaei in first place after completing a total of 128 laps.

They finished 7.435 seconds ahead of runners-up Almuammari and Hassan,

while Baslar and Alwazzan +31.246) were third overall.

In the Pro class, Mattar and Alsaie completed their double ahead of Zain Racing’s Raed Raffii and Mohammed Abdulaziz. In third place were the Al Najma Karting Team

duo of Ahmed Ebrahim and Mohammed Ameen.

BIKC’s 1.414-kilometre Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) track hosted an all action packed grid of 19 teams with each competing in identical 390cc RT9 Sodikarts.

In the Nations category, Almuammari and Hassan were the winners, finishing ahead of Zain Dangerous who were composed of Khaled Abdulla and Khalifa Al Yaqoobi. In third were Ice Racing’s Ali Dadi and Ahmed Kooheji.

In the Corporate class, Baslar and Alwazzan were first. Faisal Al Shafei and Osama Albuflasa of BBK Racing were second, and BBK Online were third with Nasser Al Alawi, Hamad Mattar and Ahmed Naqi.

Following the second round, the Bahrain SWS Endurance now heads towards the season’s third and final event, which will be a 24-hour race scheduled to take place on January 27 and 28 next year.

Barca’s stars score 5-3 victory over Al AhliDoha

Goals from Luiz Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar

helped Barcelona beat Saudi champions Al-Ahli 5-3 in a thrilling friendly in Doha yesterday.

The superstar trio all scored by the 17th minute, helping the Spanish giants to stroll into an early three-goal lead.

And perhaps more importantly for Barcelona, it also ensured all three could be substituted by the 32nd minute to allay any injury fears ahead of the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday.

Suarez opened the scoring with a glancing header in the eight minute from a Messi cross, before the Argentine quickly added a second just two minutes later.

Neymar netted a fine third with a curling shot in the 17th minute.

Further goals from Paco

Alcacer and Rafinha meant the La Liga champions were able to withstand a second-half comeback from the Saudi side.

Among the scorers for Al-Alhi was Omar Abdulrahman, AFC player of the year for 2016, who plays his football in the UAE but was allowed to turn out for the Saudis for the friendly.

He scored with a “Panenka” penalty in the 51st minute after Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip gave away the spot-kick.

The keeper may have been the only Barca player who did not enjoy the run-out in Qatar as he was also easily beaten at the near post for Al-Ahli’s second, scored by Muhannad Assiri.

The game was being played as part of Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which ends next June.

Al-Ahli are also sponsored

by the Gulf carrier. The game was billed as the

“Match of Champions” and Barcelona were presented with an 18 carat gold cup afterwards, specially commissioned for the

game.Among those watching on

in the 18,126 sell-out crowd was Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez, who now plays for Qatar’s Al Sadd. (AFP)

Youngsters crowned overall championsDT News NetworkManama

Youngsters Ali Al Kowari and Ali Al Hakam (25

points) were crowned overall champions of the Coca-Cola Monday Madness Night Golf Series at the Royal Golf Club.

The duo topped the order of merit, following one win, one second place and two third place finishes in the series and Ali Al Kowari also walked away with both side contest prizes on the final night, after coming nearest to the pin on both hole 12 and hole 16.

Rajinder Sachdeva and Naeem Khan (22) were runners up on the final night, while David Wales and playing partner Stephen Wagstaff, who won the previous two competitions of the series, came third on count back in the final competition, putting them in second place in the overall series order of merit.

DT News NetworkManama

Steven Hill (36 points on count back) narrowly won

the Royal Golf Club’s annual 2016 Captains’ Day Golf Tournament after tying with Keith Watson (36), while Reinhold Lutz (34) won the second division for golfers with handicaps of 10 to 18 with Ahmed Majid (33) a close runner up.

The third category for ladies and those with a

handicap of 19 to 28, was won by Iftikhar Butt (30) with Jason Leighton (29) the runner up.

Barry Hobday (30) took first place in the annual Past Captains’ Quaich, which was played in tandem with the Captains’ Day Tournament as seven former club captains battled it out for the illustrious Captains’ Quaich trophy and annual bragging rights.

More than 100 Club members took part in

the individual stableford tournament. The Quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking cup symbolizing friendship.

Results: Category A (0–9): 1)

Steven Hill (36 points on count back), 2) Keith Watson (36). Category B (10–18): 1) Reinhold Lutz (34), 2) Ahmed Majid (33). Category C (19–28/36): 1) Iftikhar Butt (30), 2) Jason Leighton (29). Captains Quaich: 1 Barry Hobday (30 on count back).

Hill bags Captain’s Day golf

FC Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (R) vies with Al-Ahli’s Luiz Carlos

Team Batelco celebrate on the podium

Steven Hill, right, with Adam Dutson, Royal Golf Club

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 23SPORTS

Doha

An Afghan boy who became an internet

sensation after pictures of him wearing an improvised Lionel Messi football shirt went viral finally got to meet his superstar idol yesterday.

Murtaza Ahmadi met the Barcelona forward in Doha, where the Spanish league champions are due to play a friendly match against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli later.

Six-year-old Murtaza, from the rural Ghazni province southwest of Kabul, is also due to walk out onto the pitch with the Argentinian at

Doha’s Al-Gharrafa stadium.“The image the world

wanted to see,” tweeted Qatar’s 2022 World Cup

organisers, who brought the pair together.

“The six year old boy who dreamed of meeting his hero,

#Messi, finally comes true.”A delighted Murtaza said:

“I’m very happy to have met my hero. It is a dream for me,” according to a statement released by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the committee overseeing organisation of the 2022 tournament.

Murtaza became a worldwide online hit earlier this year after he was pictured wearing his hero’s shirt, made out of a plastic bag, with the name Messi and the famous number 10 written on it in marker pen.

The shirt was made by his

teenage brother Homayoun after his neighbour threw away grocery bags.

“I love Messi, he plays really well, and I love the shirt my brother made for me,” he said at the time.

His family could not afford to buy him a replica kit.

Pictures of Murtaza playing football in his improvised kit were first posted on Facebook.

After the pictures went viral, Murtaza received a real shirt from his hero.

His father, Mohammad Arif Ahmadi, said at the time: “I want my son to become the Messi of Afghanistan.” (AFP)

Afghan boy meets his idol

Murray brothers namedITF World ChampionsParis

Andy Murray capped a stellar season by being

named alongside his brother Jamie yesterday as International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Champion for 2016.

It is the first time that two brothers have been named as men’s singles and doubles World Champions in the same year.

Angelique Kerber won the women’s award becoming Germany’s first World Champion since Steffi Graf in 1996.

Andy Murray sealed the year-end number one ranking after defeating Novak Djokovic to win the ATP World Tour Finals.

The 29-year-old won a total of nine titles during the year, including a second Wimbledon crown and a second Olympic singles gold in Rio.

“It means a lot to me to be named ITF World Champion,” said Murray.

“I have had such a memorable year, winning again at Wimbledon, retaining my Olympic title, and clinching the year-end No. 1 ranking in the last match of the season.

“It is particularly special with my brother Jamie also becoming World Champion.”(AFP)

Murtaza wearing the make-shift Messi shirt

Lionel Messi holding Murtaza Ahmadi

SPORTS

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2424 Wednesday, December 14, 2016

P23 Afghan boy meets his idol

‘I was alwaysdifferent’

London

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he always knew he could

become the best player in the world after winning a fourth Ballon d’Or.

But the Real Madrid star also paid tribute to his team-mates, emphasising that the individual award ‘did not entirely depend on me’.

Ronaldo, who posed with Sergio Ramos and a replica of his trophy yesterday morning in Japan, was back in training soon after as he looks to kick on in the Club World Cup.

And he was quick to share the

glory despite the award being for him as an individual.

‘In my head, I have always considered myself to be different from the others,’ said the Portuguese forward. ‘So, I believed that I could be the best player in the world.

‘But a trophy of this magnitude is dependent on multiple factors. I could not have been certain of anything, because it did not entirely depend on me.

‘I thought that I could win it once, not four times.’

Ronaldo was presented with a replica Ballon d’Or by Ramos yesterday, along with a plate full

of berries, as he gets back to work.The Spanish defender played a

big part in Ronaldo earning the award, scoring Real’s only goal in the Champions League final before Ronaldo and Co lifted the trophy via a penalty shootout.

That, as well as the European Championship won by Portugal with Ronaldo cheering them on from the sidelines, contributed to his fourth individual success in the competition.

The Portugal and Real Madrid forward topped the poll of 173 journalists worldwide to take home France Football magazine’s coveted award. (dailymail.co.uk) Cristiano Ronaldo