Times of Oman - August 30, 2015

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SUNDAY, August 30, 2015 / 15 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH timesofoman.com wtimesofoman.com facebook.com/timesofoman twitter.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com ISO 9001:2008 Certifi ed Company

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MUSCAT: Three of the four tourists who reportedly went missing in Wadi Sameeni near Buraimi in Oman, have been found, while one is still missing, said the police on Saturday.

“They have been rescued by our personnel and are safe,” the police said in its tweet.

Earlier, the civil defence offi -

cials had tweeted on their offi cial Twitter handle at around 4:45pm yesterday that four tourists had reportedly gone missing at Wadi Sameeni near Buraimi.

“There were 12 people in the group. Eight have been rescued, however, four are still missing,” the Public Authority for Civil De-fence and Ambulance had said in its tweet. The nationality of the missing tourist is not known.

Divorce stigma gone, break-ups on the rise

HAMOOD AL BREIKI

MUSCAT: Economic and social issues, and interference by rela-tives are some of the reasons for married couples seeking divorce in Oman. Recent fi gures indicate that there has been an increase in the number of divorces and a de-crease in marriages in Oman.

There were 3,622 divorce cases in 2014 as against 3,550 in 2013, while there 28,152 marriage cer-tifi cates were issued, as compared to 28,515 in 2013.

Amjad Hassan Al Haj, working in the Sociology and Social Work Department at the Sultan Qaboos University, said there are several

reasons for the increase in the number of divorces, but mainly it is social and economic issues as well as interference by relatives in the decision-making process within the family.

According to Al Haj, the society in the past looked down on divorc-es but that is no longer the case now as attitudes have changed.

Jane Jaff er, an Oman-based counsellor, who has been speak-ing to married couples, said that many couples have relationship issues, especially in the fi rst few years of marriage.

“I believe there are many fac-tors contributing to the rising divorce rate in Oman. The fi rst reason has to do with expecta-tions. The previous generation was perhaps more stoic. Couples generally tolerated unhappy mar-riages because there was consid-erable stigma attached to being divorced. This generation expects instant gratifi cation and couples are sometimes unwilling to put in

time and eff ort needed to ensure a happy marriage. Marriage re-quires a huge amount of compro-mise from both partners. Some are unwilling to make that com-mitment,” she said.

Jane said that in Oman ar-ranged marriages can lead to dif-

fi culties as the couple may know very little about each other prior to their wedding.

“They may fi nd that they have very little in common with each other and feel disappointed and unhappy when their partner’s true character is revealed. But ‘love is blind’ and a couple who marry for love may also fi nd that they have little in common once the phase of romantic love has passed,” she said.

“It goes without saying that, in this culture, a man who chooses to take a second wife is bound to suff er from relationship issues with the fi rst wife. Sometimes the problems start later, when the children come along. Hus-bands can often feel excluded and left out in the cold. When a baby arrives, the dynamics of the relationship change and fatigue sets in. Couples may no longer be able to devote suffi cient time to meeting each other’s needs,” explained Jane. >A6

As times have

changed, women

are no longer

ready to accept the

restrictions imposed

by the society and

couples today are not

ready to compromise

and put in extra time

and eff ort to save

their marriages

MORE DIVORCES, FEWER MARRIAGES

Graphics

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

2013 2014

28,515 28,152

3,550 3,622

Number of marriagesdecrease by 363

Divorce casesrise by 72

C1Oman juniors clinch GCC Under-17 title

REGION3 journalists jailed

2An Egyptian court sentenced three Al-Jazeera reporters to three

years in prison on Saturday. >A7

MARKETInterest rate to harden

3Short-term interest rates are expected to harden in the coming months, with

Oman raising debt funds. >B1

OMANExperience for jobs

1Many companies in Oman are now making experience mandatory for all job

applicants. >A4

T O P T H R E E I N S I D E S T O R I E S

Police rescue three tourists, one missing

W A D I S A M E E N I N E A R B U R A I M I

Oman, France sign air deal

MUSCAT: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fi eld of air transport was signed in the premises of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation be-tween the civil aviation authori-

ties of Oman and France. The agreement allows the avi-

ation companies of the Sultanate of Oman and France to operate seven fl ights a week between the two countries. >A2

S E V E N F L I G H T S A W E E K

A2 S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

OMANThe Ministry of Health is in the process of building a water channel so that rainwater does not accumulate any more in Nahdha Hospital premises

Tunnel to tackle fl oods at Al Nahdha Hospital >A3

New marine safety, security regulations issuedTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Several marine regu-lations are being developed by the Directorate General of Marine Af-fairs at the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

These regulations come within the Ministry’s purview to develop areas related to marine transport, navigation, safety and security and keep pace with the developments

witnessed in these areas.Dr Rashid bin Mohammed Al

Kiyoumi, director general of ma-rine aff airs, said in a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA) that work is underway to update the Omani Marine Law issued in 1981 and issue several regulations including the Marine Training and Education Institutions’ Licence, the Omani Vessel Secure Staffi ng Regulation, Marine Towing Ves-

sels Operators’ Regulations and Marine Safety Equipment, in ad-dition to the regulation on practic-ing maintenance works for Vessel Safety Equipment and Systems.

The directorate earlier issued several regulations including those on Marine Affairs Servic-es Fees, Inspection Regulation and the Foreign Vessel Moni-toring Regulation.

The statistics published by the

directorate revealed that 217 ves-sels were inspected and entered in the database of Riyadh Memo-randum of Understanding (MoU) and Pacifi c Ocean MoU for Vessel Inspection and Control during the fi rst half of 2015. There were 59 vessels in violation as compared to 99 during the fi rst half of 2014. The DGMA also issued 119 diplomatic permits for vessels to visit com-mercial ports in the Sultanate, 47

permits to visit the Port Sultan Qa-boos and 72 to visit Salalah Port.

The statistics revealed that dur-ing the fi rst half of 2015, the direc-torate issued 67 marine permits for foreign vessels to operate in the territorial seas of the Sultanate for not more than a year. Statistics also pointed out that 27 marine warnings were issued in the fi rst half of 2015 to avoid incidents in the Sultanate’s territorial waters.

O M A N I M A R I N E L A W

Agreement

signed

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Omani side by Anwar bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General for Regulation of Civil Aviation and from the French side it was signed by Michel Lamal, director for airlines and air transport at the French Civil Aviation Authority.

Oman Air was appointed to utilize the rights of the Sultan-ate and Air France to avail the rights of France in relation to the MoU. A number civil avia-tion offi cials, diplomats and representatives of the aviation companies of the two countries attended the MoU signing. The two sides have also reached a draft agreement for regulating the air transport services be-tween the two countries.–ONA

C I V I L A V I A T I O N

< FROM

A1

Civil Service Ministry bags award

MUSCAT: In a major achieve-ment, the Civil Service Ministry has won the Best Smart Phone Application Award at the Arab World level, which was awarded by the Dubai-based Arab Excel-lence Award Academy.

The ministry has won this award for the application of self-service related to the hu-man resources management system for the employees of the civil service sector, execut-ed by the Directorate General of Information and Statistics at the Ministry.

The human resources man-agement system was part of the eff orts of the ministry for providing electronic services to the employees.

The ministry had earlier won several awards, including His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in eGov-ernment Services in 2012 and the UN Award for Combating of Corruption.–ONA

S M A R T P H O N E S

A3

OMANS U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

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DNA analysis gives rare insight into mysterious Omani OwlREJIMON K [email protected]

MUSCAT: When Magnus Robb, an ornithologist, and the Sound Approach — a team set up to study songs and calls of the birds — fi rst discovered the Omani Owl in 2013, it created a stir among both orni-thologists and biologists.

It was extraordinary that a bird of the size of a Barn Owl Tyto alba had evaded discovery. Critics said that describing and naming the bird only using sound recordings and photographs was not correct.

In addition to this, another group of researchers re-examined specimens kept in a museum in

England of the closely related Strix butleri (then known as Hume’s Owl), and suspected that its type specimen was in fact an Omani Owl.

All the other specimens were diff erent enough, especially when their genes were analysed, to be described as a new species, Strix hadorami.

However, there were no at-tempts to examine the DNA of the Omani Owl.

This made it necessary for Mag-nus and his team to go back to the mountains of Oman and attempt to catch their owl to get its DNA profi le. The team was lucky.

They have now confi rmed that there are two diff erent Strix spe-cies in the Middle East.

DNA analysis proves that the Omani Owl is indeed the same as Strix butleri, previously known only from its 137 year-old type specimen.

The other species is the recently named but much better known De-sert Owl S hadorami (previously included in Strix butleri).

“In March, by using recordings and a decoy painted by known art-

ist Killian Mullarney, the Omani Owl was drawn into a net in the Jabal Akhdar Mountains where seven small feathers and blood could be taken for DNA analysis,” an offi cial from Sound Approach told the Times of Oman.

“In order to attract an owl to the net, the team used playback of several CD tracks from Magnus’s recent publication called Undis-covered owls,” added the offi cial.

The team worked with the per-mission of the Omani Ministry of Environment and Climate Af-fairs as part of a joint conserva-tion project with the Environment Society of Oman and BirdLife International.

S P E C I M E N

Omani Owl rediscovered. -Omani Owl Strix butleri, Al Hajar mountains, Oman, 2 March

2015. Magnus Robb, Alyn Walsh & The Sound Approach

Tunnel to tackle fl oods at Al Nahdha Hospital

Times News Service

MUSCAT: To prevent rainwater from entering its premises, the Al Nahdha Hospital, with help from the Muscat Municipality, is building a channel behind the hospital that goes straight to the mountains.

“We are in the process of building the channel so that the rainwater does not accumulate any more in the hospital,” said a senior offi cial of the Ministry of Health (MoH).

He also said that a portion of

the channel worked when the last rain occurred in 2015, so there was no waterlogging in the hospital though all the patients were evacu-ated. “We are, right now, renovat-ing the hospital as it is very special and it is in the heart of the city,” said the offi cial.

The hospital opened as a small time clinic but now handles all the emergency cases in the country.

“While accident cases mostly go to Khoula Hospital, we handle the rest,” he said.

He is also very confi dent that with the new drainage system in place the hospital is now safe for patients and doctors.

The municipality has already built a wall from the northern sides as well as a drainage system for the rainwater that collects there. These procedures have helped to stop rainwater from entering from these two sides.

Offi cials at the municipality said that water had entered the hospital due to the lack of proper drainage

facilities around the hospital.It has been flooded after

heavy rain on two occasions in the recent past.

There are many factors that led to the fl ooding at Al Nahdha, including the ineffi cient drain-age system currently in use, the blockage of the pipes and the nearby culverts.

Interestingly, Al Nahdha Hospi-tal was not aff ected by rains during Gonu, but it was fl ooded during heavy rains in 2012 and 2014.

The Ministry of

Health and Muscat

Municipality

authorities are in the

process of building a

water channel so that

rainwater does not

accumulate any more

in Nahdha Hospital

premises

WEATHER WOES: A portion of the channel worked when the last rain occurred in 2015, so there was no

waterlogging in the hospital though all the patients were evacuated.–File photo

Ithraa to explore job avenues via tech innovationsTimes News Service

MUSCAT: In a bid to boost the skills of Omani youth, Ithraa’s Oman at Work seminar ‘STEM: Jobs of the Future,’ to be held on September 16 at the Bank Muscat Head Offi ce, will explore how sci-ence, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers will drive Oman’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, companies, products and industries.

“In the decades to come, it is crucial that Oman’s youth be encouraged to pursue STEM degrees, apprenticeships and ca-reers. I strongly believe that both our traditional and emerging industries will rely on STEM-trained workers to ensure our future economic success,” ex-plained Dr Nadiya Al Saady, ex-ecutive director, Oman Animal, Plant and Genetic Resources Centre (OAPGRC), who will lead the session.

The four-part Oman at Work seminar series has been designed by Ithraa, Oman’s inward in-vestment and export promotion agency, to help the public and private sector better understand the challenges and opportuni-ties of today’s evolving work en-vironment and the fundamental impact this it is having on the Sultanate and its ability to remain competitive in today’s turbulent global economy.

Joining Al Saady will be Dr Sana Al Balushi, Rayan Al Kalba-ni, Dr Mohammed Al Mugheiry, and Dr Wael Al Harrasi, in ad-dition to Dr Basel Dayyani, and Salim Al Mahrooqi.

Education is the bedrock of competitiveness - the engine, not simply an input, of the economy, suggested Dr Al Saady.

“Every aspect of our educa-tion system, from kindergarten through primary, secondary, tertiary to apprenticeships, and on-the-job training and teacher training programmes, must be aligned to equip Oman’s citizens with the 21st century

STEM skills they need to com-pete,” she said.

It is widely accepted that Oman’s long-term future is di-rectly tied to the quality and skills of its workforce. Historically, a lo-cation’s attraction has often been based on its ability to off er cheap land and labour. In a global econo-my, however, employers are look-ing for higher-skilled workers with post-secondary education and specialised STEM skills sets.

According to the United States Department of Labour, only 5 per cent of their workers are em-ployed in STEM-related fi elds, yet are responsible for more than 50 per cent of the country’s sus-tained economic expansion.

It is clear that the future of work will be STEM-driven, and that is where the high-paying jobs of to-morrow will be. Indeed, increas-ing international competition will require Oman to promote and support a vibrant STEM commu-nity, one that produces engineers, mathematicians, scientists, tech-nologists and researchers, the hu-man talent required to take Oman forward in the 21st century. To accomplish this, students must have access to top-quality STEM education that is engaging, moti-vating and leads to higher order thinking skills.

J O B S O F T H E F U T U R E

Dr Nadiya Al Saady, executive

director, Oman Animal, Plant

and Genetic Resources Centre

(OAPGRC)

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Entrepreneurs urged to be innovativeTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Geared towards pre-senting the ultimate platform for Omani entrepreneurs to network with experts and learn about en-trepreneurship to get innovative ideas for their businesses, the Na-tional Business Centre (NBC), on Wednesday organised the monthly Reyooq event in Sohar.

The event highlighted the ex-perience of two entrepreneurs, namely Humaid Al Maslamani, founder and managing director at Zawaya Design and Engineering Consultancy, and Asma Al Feteisi, general manager at Mazoon Real Estate Investment Company.

Speaking at the event, Ismail Al Hajri, marketing researcher at the Public Authority for SME Devel-opment, explained that incuba-tors represent institutions that aim at supporting entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas to achieve their ambitions.

“Innovation, Research and De-velopment (R&D) and constant upgrading of the products and services, are three main aspects each entrepreneur should take into consideration in any fi eld,”

said Asma Al Feteisi, adding, “Entrepreneurs should also take advantage of the training oppor-tunities off ered by the various institutions in Oman and thus refl ect the positive outcomes of the training programmes into their businesses.”

Al Feteisi has rich experience as she worked in the Public Rela-

tionship Department at Dawood Trading Company from 2001 to 2004, as an accountant in Furni-ture Village from 2004 to 2006, and as accounts manager in Fur-niture Village from 2006 to 2008. She is also the owner and CEO of Zulfa Trading Company, which specialises in main refurbish-ments and building cleaning.

On his part, Humaid Al Ma-slamani emphasised on the con-cept of commitment towards one’s own business.

“In addition to commitment, aspiring entrepreneurs must keep interacting with their counter-parts in order to learn from the experiences of the prominent and successful entrepreneurs. Be-sides, each entrepreneur has to understand the notion of market-ing and implement the right mar-keting tools in order to reach to the targeted segment,” he pointed out.

It should be noted that Zawaya Design and Engineering Con-sultancy is a multi-disciplinary professional corporation that was established in 2009 by Al Maslamani.

The headquarters of the fi rm are in Saham and render a wide variety of consultancy services for engineering projects. Zawaya provides a broad range of engi-neering services within Oman, which include architectural de-sign, civil and structural engi-neering, highways, and traffi c, in addition to transportation infra-structure and bridges, water, sew-erage and drainage systems.

B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T

ONA bags award for tourism coverageMUSCAT: Oman News Agency (ONA) will receive the best Arab news agency award for coverage of local and Arab tourism.

The award is presented by the Abu Dhabi-based Arab Centre for Tourism Media (ACTM). The awards ceremony will be held at Al Bustan Palace Hotel next Monday under the patronage of

Ahmed bin Nasser Al Meherzi, minister of tourism.

The supervisory committee on Tourism Media Awards for 2015, unanimously decided to select ONA among the winners of the ACTM annual awards, earlier an-nounced in the Jordanian capital Amman in the presence of the Jor-danian minister of tourism.

The awards ceremony will be attended by the ACTM board of directors and will be covered by news agencies and Arab and inter-national media.

150 media professionalsThe ACTM is a voluntary Arab body, which includes more than 150 media professionals in the

tourism and cultural media in the Arab world. It aims at developing inter-tourism and the relevant Arab cadres and guide the media towards the heritage, cultural and tourist treasures of the Arab countries.

The ACTM also works to high-light all Arab eff orts in tourism, heritage and culture.– ONA

A R A B M E D I A

Aspiring entrepreneurs

must keep interacting

with their counterparts

in order to learn from

the experiences

Humaid Al MaslamaniMD, Zawaya Design and Engineering

A4 S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

OMAN 2015-2016season at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) will feature 11 concerts and free outdoor events based on Omani and Arab music

A majority of the companies in Oman are now making it man-datory for job

applicants to have suffi cient ex-perience while shutting the door on fresh graduates who too are equipped with the latest skills in their areas of specialisation.

Companies see it as a risk if they employ fresh gradu-ates while refusing to accept that only a fusion of new talent and experience can bring in good results in the long term. Universities always update their curricula with new technologies and tested ideas, especially in popular specialisations such as information technology, fi nance, engineering and medicine. When companies insist on recruiting only experienced staff , they leave behind a hole of grooming when the old guys fi nally reach the retirement age.

Here in Oman, the system works diff erently. The industries do not work together with higher education institutions. There is no collaboration between them and the blame is mainly on employers. Local college and universities show willingness to cooperate closely with compa-nies to fi nd out the needs of the industries. They even leave room to include the requirements

of companies in the academic curriculum to match the profes-sional expectations. However, many employers are reluctant to forge a sustainable partnership with higher education.

All Omani universities, by laws strictly supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education, are affi liated to international academic institutions. New technologies, latest interna-tional practices and a variety of academic excellence are passed on to our universities. Students enjoy the same education as the parent institutions abroad.

Yet, industries turn them away and look for experience. But the question is: if graduates, backed by international academic excel-lence, are not giving the chance to start a career, how would they get the needed experience? Em-ployers also fail to understand that their staff , who are working for many years in the industry, are not anymore in touch with the latest trends. Graduates can fi ll up that gap.

In Europe, it is the blend of new talent and experience that makes a successful company. Without graduates, there will be

no one in the working hierarchy to groom the future leadership. In 2010, Microsoft, the computer applications giant, said in its annual report that its success over the years is the ability of the company to “recruit talent straight from universities to work in unison with the existing staff .”

But Microsoft is not the only corporation in the world to harmonise the two skills. Many other companies have been practising it for years world-wide. Omani businesses must emulate this success. Relying

solely on experience will soon take away the competitive edge of their operations. Profi ts do not grow on trees, either. It needs an all-round accumulated eff ort to boost income. When they do advertise for graduates, local fi rms raise the bar very high. They want the GPA (Grade Point Average) of students to be 3.0 and above.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education’s statistics, only 22 per cent of all graduates leave universities and colleges with that kind of GPA. If our companies now insist on it, who

will employ the rest? They argue that they are running very com-petitive businesses. They need only the cream of graduates, not the ‘frost’. The problem here in Oman is that we are still stuck with the old ways.

In Europe, most employers view social skills and personality type of graduates as more impor-tant than the grades shown in their transcripts. Soft skills and communication are also more crucial than an exceptional GPA. Hard skills such as numeracy and literacy are essential but problem solving is far more important.

When you are working for 20 years in the same fi eld, you come to realise that you need a young-ster next to you to do tasks that involve speed and quick think-ing. Graduates also quickly adapt to new technology. At the same time, information in their fi eld of specialisation is still fresh in their minds. Like a glove and a hand, the experienced workers and the graduates fi t in perfectly in any organisation.

It is time local companies start taking graduates seriously and employ them to give the vital assistance for their long-term staff . Anything else is a profes-sional disaster that is waiting to [email protected]

‘War’ between experience and talent in ‘employment battlefi eld’C O M M E N T A R Y

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

SUNDAYBEAT

H AV E YOU R SAY AT T W I T T E R.CO M /T I M ES O F O M A N O R S CA N T H E CO D E TO I N STA N T LY P O ST YOU R T H O U G H TS .

If graduates, backed

by international

academic excellence,

are not giving the

chance to start a

career, how would

they get the needed

experience?

ROHM to celebrate Arab, Omani music

SARAH [email protected]

MUSCAT: Celebrations of Omani and Arab music will be a key feature of the upcoming 2015-2016 season at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) with 11 diff erent con-certs and free outdoor events.

The season includes Omani classical and folkloric ensem-bles, popular Arab singers, and some of the fi nest musicians who will showcase the oud. It in-cludes music from Oman, Leba-non, Egypt and Iraq, giving some regional diversity to line-up, said Dr Nasser Al Taee, advisor to the ROHM Board for Educa-tion and Outreach.

The Arab music selections begin with a highly-anticipat-ed and very special concert to mark the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oman Symphony Or-chestra (ROSO) on September 17. Al Taee said the concert cel-ebrates the all-Omani orches-tra, which 30 years ago seemed like a dream.

“This is an ambitious project and we always have to think back to 1985 when nobody thought this was possible,” he explained.

Despite some doubt from his advisors, His Majesty insisted on having the musicians trained here in the Sultanate rather than abroad. Since then they have become ambassadors of Oman playing in concert halls in Eu-rope, the Middle East and beyond, Al Taee said.

ROSO will play music dedi-cated to Oman by composers in-cluding, Aziz Al Shawan, Yous-suf Shawki, Lalo Shifrin and Shirvani Chalaev.

“They’re a great source of pride and we always look for-ward to their concerts here at the Royal Opera House Muscat,” Al Taee added.

Wael Jassar October has a strong show-ing of Arab concerts beginning with Lebanese star Wael Jassar on the 11th. Though he has re-corded a lot of Arab pop music, this concert will focus on ‘tarab’ classics which suit his smooth, crooning voice.

“He’s really from the old school of ‘tarab’ where this enchantment can be rendered through the audi-ence with this dynamic exchange between the singer and the audi-ence,” commented Al Taee.

The annual Omani Women’s Day Celebration concert will be held on October 17. Omani wom-en will take to the stage, and this year the concert will include a special appearance by Egyptian singer Hani Shaker.

“It’s nice to have him come in to celebrate Omani Women’s Day because he’s always been associ-ated with love and sentimental songs. He’s an icon in Arab music,” Al Taee noted.

Hani ShakerThe following day, on October 18, Hani Shaker will perform a full concert of his popular songs and Arab tarab music. Though his heyday was in the 1970s and 1980s, he is still bound to im-press the audience and revive warm memories with his songs. He stopped singing for a few years after the tragic death of his daughter, but has begun per-forming again.

To celebrate the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ROHM will have a spe-cial event on October 22 and 24 called Music For 45 Years of Loy-alty & Love: Stars and Songs for Oman. Al Taee described it as a se-lection of compositions by estab-lished composers all about Oman, so it will fi t with the National Day celebrations, too.

Military Music In November the popular Military Music of Oman event will return to the Maidan of the ROHM. The complimentary event has grown in size and attendance and this year will be held for three nights on November 5, 6 and 7. There will be more seating this year to accommo-date the eager spectators who will watch the Omani military bands and guest performers as they play and march in formation in front of the opera house. “It’s a source of pride for us to have hundreds of our service men and women rep-resented. It’s a great show, outside with lights and sometimes diverse types of music, even Jamaican and Oriental,” said Al Taee.

Oud FestivalThe ROHM is hosting a new event in December all about the oud. On December 2 there will be a sympo-sium followed by concerts on the 3rd and 5th. The event marks the 10th anniversary of a similar oud celebration that Dr Issam El Mal-lah, advisor to the ROHM Board for Programming and Events, or-ganised years ago, and which even His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said attended.

This symposium will explore the history and development of the oud, diff erent schools of oud music and how they vary across the Arab World. The concert will feature some of the best oud play-ers, including Nasser Shamma, Le Trio Joubran, Abadi Al Jawher, Safwan Bahlawan and Oman’s own Salim Al Mukrashi.

Maher ZainAnother complimentary, outdoor event this season is two concerts by Lebanese-Swedish singer Ma-her Zain, one of the biggest stars of modern Islamic music. His concerts on the Maidan will cel-ebrate peace, love and human-

ity, and will include some of his popular religious songs.

This will be followed by another complimentary concert on the Maidan on January 5 when the First Royal Band for Music & Folk-lore does an open-air performance with traditional music and dance. Al Taee said hoped these outdoor events would encourage more peo-ple to attend the ROHM. “We want-ed to off er our audience a glimpse of what we do inside the theatre, not limiting the Maidan to just the mili-tary show. In the future we want to have more of these complimentary events outside so more people can enjoy them,” said Al Taee.

KulthumiyatAnother annual Arab concert is Kulthumiyat on February 3, which celebrates the music and legacy of Umm Kulthum. This year it fea-tures Syrian diva Shahd Barmada and Moroccan diva Asma Lamna-war. “Umm Kulthum was the most celebrated voice of the 1960s and 1970s. Since 1975 when she died lots of voices started by emulat-ing her voice so she became an icon,” explained Al Taee.

Iraqi MaqamThe fi nal Arab concert, on Febru-ary 6, is dedicated to Iraqi music. Music of Iraq: Between Maqam Treasures and Modern Melodies will include the traditional music of Iraqi composer Hussein Al Ad-hami and modern tunes by Baidar Al Basri. Iraqi maqam is diff erent from other maqams, said Al Taee. “In Iraq maqam is more of a mu-sical genre that combines vocal singing with music. It combines improvisation with set songs. It’s strictly practiced in Iraq,” he noted.

For more information about these concerts and other perfor-mances at the ROHM or to buy tickets visit its website at www.rohmuscat.org.om.

This season, ROSO

will play music

dedicated to Oman

by composers

including, Aziz Al

Shawan, Youssuf

Shawki, Lalo Shifrin

and Shirvani Chalaev

MUSICAL FEAST: The Arab music selections begin with a highly-anticipated and very special con-

cert to mark the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) on September 17.

– Photo: Khalid Al Busaidi/ROHM

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‘Stories Untold’ brings

fi rst-time fi lmmakers

SARAH [email protected]

MUSCAT: Every woman has a story and on Wednesday evening six very personal stories from Arab women in six countries made into short fi lms were screened at Stal Gallery in Muscat.

The project, ‘Stories Untold’, brought together fi rst-time fi lm-makers in Jordan, Lebanon, Pal-estine, Tunisia, Egypt and Oman. Each woman worked with more established Arab fi lmmakers, all women as well, to tell her story on fi lm using a mobile phone.

“It’s always beautiful to be in-spired. It’s always nice to tell your own story, to present it in its best way, and also to express what you feel, what you think. You always feel gifted when you can,” said Muzna Al Musafi r, who worked on the Omani fi lm.

Each story refl ects the diver-sity of Arab women’s lives, and showcased the daily lives, the chal-lenges, the experiences, and the joys that women experience in the Middle East and North Africa.

The fi lms included stories of Syrian refugees in Amman and Beirut, a Palestinian cactus grow-er, a woman in Egypt, a woman in Tunisia, and a 3-year-old Bedouin and her grandmother in Oman.

“Being part of this project and being an Omani female fi lmmaker, I also feel a responsibility to tell stories from Oman because I feel this place is undiscovered. Stories here are untold,” said Al Musafi r, adding that she wanted the whole world to hear these stories.

She taught three-year-old Dana and her grandmother how to use

their mobiles to fi lm their daily life, which included driving from their home out to the goat pens, feeding and caring for their fl ock of goats. It refl ects the hardworking nature of Bedouin women, the simplic-ity of their lives, and the skills and knowledge that are passed down from generation to generation.

Filmmaking is an art that is gen-erally dominated by men, whether it’s in Hollywood, Bollywood, or elsewhere, so this project aimed at getting more women involved as directors and storytellers. Al Musafi r said this is especially im-portant in the Middle East, where there is still so much inequality be-tween men and women, and fi lm-making can give women a voice.

“I think it’s important to tell sto-ries with the sensibility of a female and also from a diff erent perspec-tive and a diff erent eye. I also think we have that struggle of man and woman and equality, but I think we just have to have a dialogue. What a woman wants to say she has to say it,” commented Al Musafi r.

‘Stories Untold’ was fi rst screen at Dar Alanda Gallery in Amman. Stal Gallery is the second to host the fi lms, thanks to the help of Al Musafi r, and Noora Al Meer, an-other Omani woman who was in-volved in the project.

Hassan Meer, Director of Stal Gallery, said these fi lms are the kind of art that the gallery encour-ages since they are groundbreak-ing and help promote emerging artists.

He was pleased by the strong at-tendance at the screening, where it was standing room only, and said he hoped to host more similar events in the future.

‘ S T O R I E S U N T O L D ’

CINE SAGA: Noora Al Meer and Muzna Al Musafi r at the Stal Gallery.

Below, audience at the screening. - OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

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Focus on waste food recycling to make compost

MUSCAT: As Oman throws away one third of all the food that is pro-duced, a leading corporate event organiser, Refl ections LLC, has joined forces with world leading food waste solution provider, ‘The GreenGood Oklin Composting Ma-chine’, to organise a half-day organ-ic food waste workshop on Septem-ber 7 at the Hormuz Grand Hotel.

Food waste that ends up in land-fi lls is one of the biggest contribu-tors of the harmful gases which cause global warming. The Green-Good Oklin Composting Machine from Hong Kong, introduced in Oman by Refl ections LLC, turns food waste into compost within 24 hours and can process from 2 kg to 500 tons of food waste per year.

Commenting on this event, Niloufer Aga, Managing Director, Refl ections LLC said: “Reduce, Recycle and Reuse” is a popular catch phrase of today’s Go-Green movement and local composting helps achieve all three of these ob-jectives. By reducing the amount

of food waste, we produce organic compost locally, which reduces the amount of money spent by the government and corporates on waste management dramatically.”

She also said: “By recycling food waste through local compost-ing machine within 24 hours, our world becomes greener. And by reusing the fi nal product as Ferti-liser or Soil Conditioner, we com-plete the cycle and contribute to a more eco-friendly Oman.” The workshop has been designed to ad-dress the signifi cant issue of sus-tainable food waste management

through the promotion of eff ective technologies and safe practices.

The half-day event will focus mainly on organic food waste streams and aims to stimulate the interest of government offi cials, businesses and public and to in-form them about the latest devel-opments in the fi eld of food waste management.

According to research, reducing the amount of food waste in the waste stream signifi cantly low-ers the cost of maintaining public landfi lls and reduces their nega-tive impact on the environment. Landfi ll sites produce dangerous gases such as methane which is more poisonous than the carbon from your car. Local transport cost for hauling garbage to disposal site is also improved. Diseases such as malaria and cholera can be com-pletely eliminated.

“Many types of local businesses and institutions generate food waste at their facilities. For exam-ple, larger food-centred businesses like supermarkets, vegetable mar-kets, fi sh markets, restaurants, ho-tels, hospitals, catering operations, drilling contractors, construction sites and food processors typically have large amounts of food waste and can benefi t signifi cantly by composting and diverting this ma-terial from local landfi lls,” she said.

Composting is good for the plan-et as well as the local community because it reduces green house gas emissions from landfi lls. Accord-ing to research, composting 19 li-tres of food waste is equivalent to not burning 3.7 litres of petrol.

“And the fi nished compost can be used by local farmers, garden-ers, green-houses for organic farming and can reduce the need for chemical-based soil amend-ments. It’s a win-win scenario. In fact, the GreenGood Oklin Com-posting Machine technology is perfect for small businesses look-ing to break into the food waste composting business. And one thing is for sure, there is and will never be lack of food waste. It’s produced every day of the year and is freely available.”

Composting is

good for the planet

as well as the

local community

because it reduces

green house gas

emissions from

landfi lls. According to

research, composting

19 litres of food waste

is equivalent to avoid

burning 3.7 litres

of petrol

Al Buraimi, Musandam real estate deals reach OMR2.5mTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Real estate contracts worth OMR2million and more than OMR500,000, respectively, were traded in Al Buraimi and Mu-sandam, in July 2015.

Khamis bin Saif bin Zahran Al Abdulsalam, director general of Housing in Al Buraimi Governo-rate, said the total value of real estate activity in the governorate was more than OMR1,996,625 during July while the fees col-

lected amounted to OMR32,723 through 508 legal transactions including transactions of sale, grants, inheritances, and swaps, in addition to mortgages and mortgage redemptions.

Al Abdulsalam added there were 128 sales contract transac-tions, 31 mortgages, 11 grants, six inheritances, one swap, four mort-gage redemption contracts and four division contracts.

There were 323 title deeds is-sued in July in diff erent wilayats

of the governorate. Of these,15 ti-tles deeds were issued to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in line with the regulations of property titles in the Sultanate. They comprised ten in the wilayat of Al Buraimi, three in the wilayat of Mahadha and two in the wilayat of Al Sinaina.

Al Abdulsalam said in conclu-sion that 25 applications were reg-istered during July for housing as-sistance programmes,comprising 20 in the wilayat of Al Buraimi

and fi ve in the wilayat of Ma-hadha. There were 27 appli-cations for the housing loans programme,comprising 22 in the wilayat of Al Buraimi and fi ve in the wilayat of Mahadha.

Musandam dealsAhmed bin Obaid bin Moham-mad Al Balushi, the assigned in-charge of the Director General of Housing in Musandam Governo-rate, stated that the traded value of real estate activity in Musan-

dam Governorate during July 2015 reached OMR524,511 while OMR17,940 was collected as fees, through 313 legal transactions in-cluding sales, grants, and inherit-ances, in addition to mortgages, and mortgage releases.

Al Balushi added that transac-tions in sales contracts comprised 28 contracts, 10 grant contracts, 11 and inheritance contracts, in ad-dition to 12 mortgage contracts, and eight mortgage redemptions. There were 244 title deeds issued

in July in diff erent wilayats of Musandam. Of these,22 were is-sued to citizens of the GCC, nine in Daba wilayat,eight in Khasab wilayat and fi ve in Bukha wilayat.

Al Balushi said that there were six applications registered for the housing assistance programme during the same period, and one family each benefi tted in Khasab and Daba wilayats. As for the housing loan programme, one family benefi ted from it and four were registered.

T R A N S A C T I O N S

By recycling food

waste through local

composting machine

within 24 hours, our

world becomes greener

Niloufer AgaManaging Director, Reflections LLC

New office-bearers for gavel clubs

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Gavel club offi cers of all the 14 gavel clubs of the Indian School Muscat were inducted at a ceremony held for the purpose last week.

Cyprian Miquith, Division ‘L’ director, Region 11 of District 20 graced the occasion as the chief guest. Srinivas K Naidu, principal presided over the ceremony. The members of the school managing committee, toastmasters, teacher co-ordinators, parents and the members of the gavel clubs were also among the invitees.

The session was called to order by Melita Rodrigues. Srinivas K Naidu, in his presidential address, asserted the need for eff ective

communication and also quoted the examples of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and other eminent personalities who have proved themselves through their words and actions. The pertinent and humorous speeches presented by Harkrishan Singh Punn, Angela Alex and Meraj Chaugule elicited an enthusiastic response from the audience.

There was a loud applause at the end of the speeches which reverberated in the new multi-purpose hall and it was a clear indication that the gaveliers were proud to be part of the gavel clubs.

Govind Negi, area director, ex-plained the duties and responsi-bilities of the club offi ce bearers and then inducted them. Each of

the offi ce bearers was presented with a badge of offi ce.

The chief guest, in his address emphasised on the fact that being a gavelier also helps in becoming a good human being because of the diff erent components that are learnt during the sessions.

Srikumar Pai commended the authorities of the school for ad-ministering 14 gavel clubs effi -ciently under the ISM umbrella. The ISM has the largest number of gavel clubs and the maximum number of gaveliers. The session concluded with the vote of thanks by Satvika Subramaniam. The programme was very meticulous-ly planned and conducted by the gaveliers under the able guidance of their teacher coordinators.

I N D I A N S C H O O L M U S C A T

Ghubra school students gain insights at model UN meetingTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Arvindakshan Rajesh and Sachit Anand, students of the Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG), were selected to interact with Raghuram Rajan, governor of the Reserve Bank of India, as part of the Harvard Model United Na-tions conference in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.

The conference witnessed the participation of students from more than 200 schools across 28 cities and towns in India and over 11 countries. The ISG delegates took an active lead as diplomats and representatives from Cote d’Ivoire and Dominican Republic.

Active participationThey discussed and debated in-ternational issues from the point of view of their chosen countries. Their well-researched position papers and active participation in resolution-making and debates were commended by all.

The group spent two nights at The Will’s Camp where they took up activities like trekking in the mountains in darkness, river crossing, rappeling and learning about various knots to build a small bamboo hut.

This was an exposure for them to life skills which helped the

students imbibe the core values of leadership, responsibility and confi dence.

They also experienced a life changing moment when they dined at the Dialogue in the Dark where students were served din-ner in complete darkness by visu-ally impaired persons.

“Participating in the HMUN conference has instilled confi -dence and has helped us to over-come our fear to speak before a large gathering. We have also re-alised that we need to equip our-selves to be able to adapt to the emerging challenges that we face today,” remarked the boys.

H A R V A R D M O D E L U N I T E D N A T I O N S C O N F E R E N C E

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS: The group spent two nights at The Will’s

Camp where they took up activities like trekking in the moun-

tains in darkness, river crossing, rappeling and learning about

various knots to build a small bamboo hut. – Supplied photo

A6


It is a great challenge to operate such a busy terminal 24 hours a day, seven days a week with its ever increasing movement of people and vehicles

Eng Omar bin Ahmed Qatan, Omanoil’s chief executive offi cer

Emirates offers special fares from Sultanate

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Emirates, a global connector of people and places, has announced the launch of an air ticket sales campaign, off er-ing special fares in its Business and Economy Class cabins to all Emirates’ destinations worldwide from Oman.

The off er is valid for booking until September 4 for travel until December 10, 2015. (Terms and conditions apply).

Economy Class fares from Muscat, via Dubai, to the Mid-

dle East start from OMR122 and Business Class from OMR499, Far East OMR188 and Busi-ness Class OMR816, Africa OMR219 and Business Class from

OMR1,151, Europe OMR278 and Business Class from OMR1,085, North and South America from OMR406 and Business Class from OMR1,815.

Customers travelling with Emirates will benefi t from a gen-erous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Busi-ness Class and 50kg in First Class.

The special fares

are valid for

Emirates’ Business

and Economy

Class cabins to

all destinations

worldwide

from Oman

GREAT OFFER: People travelling with Emirates will benefi t from a generous baggage allowance

of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class. –Supplied photo

Indian singer Javed to perform in OmanTimes News Service

MUSCAT: India’s most sought af-ter Bollywood singer, Javed Ali, is all set for his maiden performance in Oman.

He will be performing with his team of 12 professional musicians on October 9, 2015 at City Amphi-theatre in Qurum.

The event is being organised by Majan Events in association with MKP.

Besides Bollywood songs like Jashn-e-Bahaara, Khwaja Mere Khwaja, Ghalat Baat Hai, Nagada Nagada, Ek Din Teri Raahon Me, Tu Hi Hai in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Javed Ali has carved out a niche in Ghazal singing, Sufi and semi-classical songs and has been trav-elling all over the world giving live performances.

He has worked with music di-rectors such as A.R. Rahman, Pritam, Yuvan Shankar Raja as well as Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Kailash Kher, Shaan, Babul Supri-yo, Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar and Anup Jalota.

Recently, Javed Ali performed in Rehmatein ( July 17, 2015) - A trib-ute to legendary Padma Bhushan Jagjit Singh, Ghazal King, Khaz-ana (July 25, 2015) - singing Sufi songs and his unreleased ghazals and the mega Concert (August 1, 2015) with 80-piece live orchestra

conducted by Great legendary mu-sic director Pyarelal (Laxmikant-Pyarelal music director duo).

He travelled to The O2 Arena with A.R. Rahman on August 15 for a mega musical show.

“We are really proud to bring a singer of this calibre to Muscat. We are thrilled to see the response from music lovers via phone calls, Facebook and emails from Javed Ali’s fans in Muscat,” said Dipti Raval of Majan Events/ MKP.

Tickets are priced at OMR25 for VVIP enclosure, OMR10 for VIP section, OMR5 and OMR2 for next two layers of Amphitheatre. Or-ganisers will soon announce fur-ther details of ticket availability, group bookings, etc very soon.

M A I D E N P E R F O R M A N C E

omanoil’s safety milestone at Mina Al FahalTimes News Service

MUSCAT: In a major milestone, Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) has successfully sur-passed 23 years without Lost Time Injuries (LTI) at Mina Al Fahal distribution and storage terminal, a joint venture with Al Maha Petroleum.

The safety milestone demon-strates the company’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its employees by con-stantly assessing risks, analysing existing standards, and fostering a culture of safety and preserva-tion of life. “It is a great challenge to operate such a busy terminal 24 hours a day, seven days a week with its ever increasing move-ment of people and vehicles,”

said Eng Omar bin Ahmed Qatan, omanoil’s chief executive offi cer.

“I am extremely proud of the 83 men and women who work tire-lessly at the terminal and ensure that the highest of HSSE stand-

ards are followed and enhanced all the time,” he said.

“We are a company that leads by example in Oman’s oil and gas industry and our commitment to sustaining a zero-harm work

environment is what has enabled us to protect our employees, con-tractors and facilities for over two decades and for many more years to come,” he added.

omanoil operates and fully manages the semi-automated ter-minal as a joint venture with Al Maha Petroleum.

The terminal is in operation 24 hours a day with an average out-put of approximately 6 million litres daily, loads more than 180 trucks every day and has a storage capacity of 55 million litres.

In recognition of its unrelent-ing commitment to safety, the terminal has, over the years, ob-tained a number of international safety certifi cations for its un-precedented operational quality and performance.

Z E R O - H A R M W O R K E N V I R O N M E N T

COMMITTED TO SAFETY: omanoil manages the semi-automated

terminal as a joint venture with Al Maha Petroleum. - Supplied photo

Bollywood singer, Javed Ali.

‘Couples should make all major decisions together’

Jane believed that unfortunately, there is still a great deal of in-equality between the sexes.

“Ideally, a husband and wife should both have equal power within the relationship. Some couples fail to see marriage as a partnership. For example, the couple should ideally make all major decisions together. This is especially true when it comes to spending money.

“Financial diffi culties, such as those caused by living be-yond ones means, can put a huge strain on a marriage. In the past, husbands often dominated their wives by restricting their move-ments or lifestyle in some way. Now, women demand equality and refuse to accept restrictions and domination,” she noted.

Jane explained that when a couple approach her for counsel-ling she holds a consultation with each individual to fi nd out where their problems lie and to under-stand their points of view.

“Then I see the couple togeth-er. I guide and support the cou-ple, helping them to make their own decisions. After questioning and discussions, I very often cre-ate a contract for both partners to sign stating how each indi-vidual must change in order to make life tolerable for the other partner,” she said.

She added, “I always implore the couple to do their very best to try and work things out, especial-ly if there are children involved. Children are often the true casu-alties of a break-up. Parents have to work very hard to manage the fall-out and impact the divorce has on the children. Getting a di-vorce does not necessarily end the heartache. When couples break up they are often left with a sense

of loss and feelings of failure. Counselling may need to continue long after they have split up.”

Government supportDivorce causes personal, domes-tic and social disintegration, and, in most cases, has greater impact on women than on men. However, in Oman, the government has been supporting divorcees.

Dr Hamood Al Nofl i, also from the Sociology and Social Work Department at the SQU, stated that in 2013, 12,382 divorcees received social security. An es-timated OMR12 million is spent annually, representing 11 per cent of the total expenditure on social security.

Al Nofl i also added that the Ministry of Housing has contrib-uted OMR240 million to build homes for divorcees.

In the future the government may have to provide childless women space in old age homes when they turn 60, or when they are unable to live independently, he said.

Al Nofl i said that more than 15,000 children have been aff ect-ed by the divorce of their parents.

He added that according to a study 54 per cent of those children are worried and insecure, 75 per cent performed badly at school, and 49 per cent felt depressed.

Besides, 83 per cent of the chil-dren felt that specialists were un-aware of their circumstances, and 63 per cent said that their teach-ers were unsympathetic to their problems, he added.

According to a study, 62 per cent of divorcees refused to re-marry and 94 per cent never re-turned to their husbands.

Talking about the drop in the percentage of marriages Al Haj

said, “It is more a question of late marriages. Thatis because most young men want to complete their studies and earn a good income.”

ExpensesHigh marriage-related expenses are another reason for people to delay their marriage.

Al Haj suggested establishing a marriage support fund, conduct-ing mass weddings and added that awareness campaigns might help the situation.

There were 3,662 divorce certifi cates issued by the no-tary public departments in 2014 as against 3550 in 2013. The majority, or 389 of these cer-tifi cates, were issued in Sala-lah, representing 11 per cent of the total number, followed by Seeb with 326 representing 9 per cent, Muscat with 276 rep-resenting 8 per cent, and Saham with 126 certifi cates.

In 2012, Dr Auhoud bint Said Al Bulushi, head of research and studies at the Omani Studies Cen-tre of the SQU, studied the issue of divorce in Oman.

Complicated social issueAfter publishing her study she had said, “Divorce is a compli-cated social issue as it impacts not only the individuals in-volved but the society as a whole. To some, divorce is a solution while in other cases, it is the be-ginning of a series of problems and complications.

“It is clear that Omani society has been through rapid transfor-mations in the past decades, which have aff ected the Omani family and social roles played by its members. These changes could have a negative impact on the stability of the Omani family.”

R I S I N G D I V O R C E S

< FROM

A1

A7

REGIONS U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

JAILED: Al Jazeera television journalists Mohamed Fahmy, centre, and Baher Mohamed, left, talk to the media with lawyer Amal

Clooney, second right, Troy Lulashnyk, right, Canadian Ambassador to Egypt, before hearing the verdict at a court in Cairo, Egypt,

on Saturday. — Reuters

Egypt jails Al Jazeera reporters for 3 years

CAIRO: An Egyptian court sen-tenced three Al Jazeera reporters to three years in prison on Satur-day, in a shock ruling that sparked international condemnation.

Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed were in court for the verdict, while Australian journal-ist Peter Greste was tried in ab-sentia after his deportation early this year.

The court said they had broad-cast “false” news that harmed the country.

Several co-defendants, accused of working with Al Jazeera, re-ceived similar sentences.

Canada called for the “imme-diate return” of Fahmy, while Qatar-based Al Jazeera de-nounced the verdict as an “at-tack on press freedom”.

“It’s a dark day for the Egyptian judiciary,” Giles Trendle, the Eng-lish channel’s acting managing di-rector, said at a news conference in Doha.

“Rather than defend liberty and the free and fair media, the Egyp-

tian judiciary has compromised its own independence.”

The retrial was ordered ear-ly this year after an appeals court overturned an initial sen-tence of seven years in prison, saying the prosecution had pre-sented scant evidence against the defendants.

Fahmy’s lawyer, London-based Amal Clooney, told reporters after the verdict she would press the Egyptian presidency for a pardon.

“It’s a dangerous precedent in Egypt that journalists can be locked up simply for reporting the news and courts can be used as political tools,” she said.

Al Jazeera’s head of litigation, Farah Muftah, said in Doha that the ruling would be appealed be-fore the Court of Cassation once the judge publishes the basis for his sentencings.

Relatives and supporters were dismayed by the verdict.

“I’m shocked. Terribly shocked. We waited for an acquittal and then found ourselves stuck again in the case. This is illogical,”

Fahmy’s brother Adel said.Greste described the jail terms

as “devastating”.“We did nothing wrong. The

prosecution presented no evi-dence that we did anything wrong and so for us to be convicted as terrorists on no evidence at all is frankly outrageous,” he said.

The journalists were arrest-ed in December 2013, months after the military overthrew president Mohamed Morsi and launched a deadly crackdown on his supporters.

At the time, Qatar, which owns Al Jazeera, was supportive of Morsi and his Muslim Brother-hood movement.

Judge Hassan Farid said on Sat-urday that it was clear to the court that the reporters “were not jour-nalists” and had broadcast “false news” while operating in Egypt without a permit.

Mohamed received an addition-al six-month sentence for posses-sion of a bullet he had picked up covering protest violence.

Fahmy and Mohamed, who had

been released on bail in Febru-ary at the start of the retrial, were taken into custody.

Lynne Yelich, Canadian min-ister of state for foreign and con-sular aff airs, called on Egypt in a statement “to use all tools at its disposal to resolve Mr. Fahmy’s case and allow his immediate re-turn to Canada”.

The trial has become an em-barrassment for President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, who as army chief ousted Morsi from the presidency in 2013.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was “dis-mayed” by the outcome.

British Minister for Middle East and North Africa Tobias Ellwood said the sentencings would “undermine confi dence in Egypt’s progress towards strong long-term stability based on im-plementing the rights granted by the Egyptian constitution”.

In the initial trial, two British Al Jazeera reporters who had left the country were tried in absentia and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Sisi has said he wished that the Al Jazeera journalists had not been put on trial. He may pardon them if he chooses.

Fahmy, who gave up his Egyp-tian citizenship in hopes of being deported as Greste was in Febru-ary, said ahead of the verdict that the trial was “politicised”.

“If justice is to be served we should be acquitted as impartial journalists,” Fahmy, who formerly worked for CNN, said on the eve of the session.

The three were accused of hav-ing supported the Brotherhood in their coverage. However, during the trial, the prosecution failed to fi nd fault in their reporting.

“The technical committee that was appointed by the judge gave the court a report stating that none of our reports were fabri-cated,” Fahmy said. — AFP

Canadian Mohamed

Fahmy and Egyptian

producer Baher

Mohamed were in

court for the verdict,

while Australia’s

Peter Greste was

tried in absentia after

his deportation early

this year

INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY: Marwa Fahmy, centre, the wife of

Canadian Al-Jazeera journalist Mohamed Fahmy, unseen, reacts

as she sits next to Amal Clooney, right, the human rights lawyer

representing Fahmy, yesterday, in Egypt’s capital Cairo. — AFP

Turkish jets join strikes on IS group for the fi rst timeANKARA/BEIRUT: Turkish jets took part in US-led coalition air strikes against IS in Syria for the fi rst time on Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey last month agreed to open its strategically important air bases to the coalition, but has been reluctant to play a leading role in the fi ght against IS, fearing a backlash.

Friday’s operation follows a technical agreement with the United States on August 24 about Turkey’s role in the campaign against the extremists who control large areas of Syria and Iraq.

“Our jets started last night to carry out air operations with coa-lition forces against IS targets in Syria which pose a threat to our se-curity too,” the Turkish statement released on Saturday said.

On July 24, Turkish war-planes attacked IS targets in Syria, but not as part of the coa-lition operation.

Commenting on the latest strikes, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook released a statement commend-ing Turkey for its participation in coalition eff orts to “degrade and ultimately defeat” IS.

Ceasefi re collapsesMeanwhile, a truce between Syr-ian regime forces and rebel groups in three key towns ended early Saturday as the warring parties resumed clashes and shelling, a monitor and a mediator said.

Pro-regime forces, includ-ing Hezbollah, had agreed on a 48-hour ceasefi re until dawn on Saturday in the rebel bastion of Zabadani and the government-held villages of Fuaa and Kafraya.

“The ceasefi re has collapsed in Zabadani, Fuaa, and Kafraya this morning,” said Rami Abdel Rah-man, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

“There are clashes and shelling

in Zabadani, and opposition fi ght-ers are shelling Fuaa and Kafraya.”

He had no details on who be-gan fi ring and whether there were any casualties.

A Kafraya resident speaking to AFP by phone said “dozens of shells” had fallen on the town since early Saturday.

Fuaa and Kafraya, the last two regime-held villages in Syria’s northwest Idlib province, have been surrounded by a rebel alli-ance including Al Qaeda’s affi liate Al-Nusra Front.

The siege came in retaliation for a fi erce off ensive on Zabadani, along Syria’s border with Leba-non, by pro-regime forces early last month.

Temple destructionFurthermore, satellite images have confi rmed the destruction of a Roman-era temple in the Syrian city of Palmyra, a United Nations agency said, after the IS claimed responsibility for blowing up the structure a week ago.

IS detonated explosives in the ancient Baal Shamin temple on August 25, an act that cultural agency UNESCO has called a war crime aimed at wiping out a symbol of Syria’s diverse cul-tural heritage.

Tight controlAn analysis of an image taken in June and others taken several days ago show the obliteration of the temple in the central desert city, the Geneva-based United Nations Institute for Training and Research said in a state-ment. “We confi rm the destruc-tion of the main building, while surrounding columns seem to be less aff ected.”

Activists have said IS is tightly controlling communications in the city, making its reports of events diffi cult to verify independently. — Agencies

S Y R I A N C O N F L I C T

Military power not aff ected by nuclear deal: RouhaniDUBAI: Iran’s military capability has not been aff ected by its nucle-ar deal last month with six world powers, President Hassan Rou-hani said on Saturday, moving to reassure opponents that the deal was no sign of Iranian weakness.

“With regards to our defensive capability, we did not and will not accept any limitations,” Rouhani said at a press conference carried on live television.

“We will do whatever we need to do to defend our country, whether with missiles or other methods.”

Rouhani said at the ceremony that Iran’s military might was a precondition for peace, after be-ing criticised by for negotiating with Western powers they see as fundamentally hostile to Iran.

Under the July 14 pact, Iran agreed to strict limitations on its nuclear programme to ensure it cannot be turned to developing atomic bombs, in exchange for a removal of international sanc-tions imposed on Tehran. Iran de-nies ever seeking bomb capability

from its nuclear programme.According to the deal, any

transfer to Iran of ballistic missile technology during the next eight years will be subject to the approv-al of the UN Security Council, and the United States has promised to veto any such requests. — Reuters

I R A N

Last week, Iran unveiled a new

surface-to-surface missile it said could

strike targets with pinpoint accuracy within

a range of 500 km

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INDIAS U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

In a unanimous decision, the PAC suspended Khalsa and Gandhi from the party and referred their cases to the National Disciplinary Action Committee

Deepak Bajpai, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson

Sania conferred Khel Ratna; Arjuna awards also givenNEW DELHI: Tennis star Sania Mirza was on Saturday conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gan-dhi Khel Ratna — the country’s highest sporting honour — while shooting sensation was among the Arjuna award recipients in a glit-tering ceremony at the Rashtra-pati Bhawan here.

President Pranab Mukherjee presented the award to Sania, clad in a maroon saree and blue blazer, amid thunderous applause at the Darbar hall where Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was among the attendees.

Sania became the second ten-nis player to receive the country’s highest sporting honour after Le-ander Paes on a day when Sports Ministry was fi ghting a court case that raised questions against its process of selecting the awardees.

The President also gave away the Arjuna awards even as the line-up was low on star power in the ab-sence of cricketer Rohit Sharma, who missed the ceremony along-side boxer Mandeep Jangra and quarter miler M. R.Poovamma.

In all, the (retired) Justice V K Bali led panel had recommended 17 names for Arjuna.

Sania, who attracted the loudest applause from the esteemed gath-ering at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, received a medal, certifi cate and cash prize of Rs750,000.

She had fl own in just to receive the award ahead of the US Open starting in New York on Monday.

The Arjuna awardees received statuettes, certifi cates and award money of Rs500, 000 each.

Shrouded in controversyThe ceremony, however, was shrouded in controversy with the ignored athletes and coaches not accepting the recommendations of the ministry-appointed panel.

Just when it seemed there would be no controversy in the lead up to this year’s function, para-athlete H. N. Girisha approached the Kar-nataka High Court challenging Sania Mirza’s recommendation for Khel Ratna.

While Girisha will still be hope-ful of getting the award later, an-other court case pending is of wrestling coach Vinod Kumar, who went to Delhi High Court claiming he was more deserving for the Dronacharya award than his rival Anoop Singh, whose name

was recommended by the govern-ment-appointed panel.

It will be known in the next weeks whether he gets the Dro-nacharya or not.

As it panned out, the haggling for awards continued against expecta-tions of the government which had introduced a new points system to ensure free and transparent selec-tion process.

Nonetheless, the ceremony provided pride and motivation for athletes who were eventually be-stowed with the honour.

While Khel Ratna was awarded after a year’s gap, 17 were recom-mended for Arjuna against the usual number of 15 or less.

It was a proud moment for ace pistol shooter Jitu Rai, who was hard to ignore considering his stu-pendous success in the last two years. The 28-year-old had won gold in the 2014 Commonwealth-Games as well as a gold in the Mar-ibor World Cup in the same year, besides becoming the number one shooter in the world.

Also there was Dipa Karmakar, India’s fi rst woman gymnast to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, besides hockey star P R

Sreejesh and wrestler Babita.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel RatnaSania Mirza

Arjuna awardees for 2015: P R Sreejesh (hockey), Dipa Kar-makar (gymnastics), Jitu Rai (shooting), Sandeep Kumar (ar-chery), Mandeep Jangra (box-ing), Babita (wrestling), Ba-jrang (wrestling), Rohit Sharma (cricket), K Srikanth (badmin-ton), Swarn Singh Virk (rowing), Satish Sivalingam (weightlifting), Santhoi Devi (wushu), Sharath Gaekwad (para-sailing), M. R. Poovamma (athletics), Manjeet Chhillar (kabaddi), Abhilasha Mhatre (kabaddi), Anup Kumar Yama (rollerskating).Droncharya awardees: Naval Singh (athletics-para-sports),

Anoop Singh (wrestling), Har-bans Singh (athletics-lifetime),

Swatantar Raj Singh (boxing- lifetime), Nihar Ameen (swim-ming-lifetime)

Dhyan Chand awardees Romeo James (hockey), Shiv Prakash Mishra (tennis), T.P.P. Nair (volleyball). - PTI

G L I T T E R I N G C E R E M O N Y

BIG HONOUR: President Pranab Mukherjee honours tennis player

Sania Mirza with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2015 at a ceremony

at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

18 SOLDIERS INJURED IN ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSIONSeriously injured army personnel being airlifted to army’s base hospital in Srinagar from CBS Army Headquarters

after an ‘accidental’ grenade explosion during training, at Khrew in Pampore area of Pulwama district on Saturday,

prompting army to order an inquiry. - PTI

AAP suspends two Punjab MPs for anti-party activitiesNEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) on Saturday suspended parliamen-tarians Dharamvira Gandhi and Harinder Singh Khalsa from primary membership of the party and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them.

Both are Lok Sabha members from Punjab.

Gandhi, a cardiologist and so-cial worker, represents Patiala constituency whereas Khalsa, a former diplomat, represents Fatehgarh Sahib constituency.

The AAP’s Political Aff airs Committee (PAC) suspended the MPs and referred disciplinary proceedings against them to the National Disciplinary Action Committee, said party spokes-person Deepak Bajpai.

“In its meeting on Saturday, the PAC took cognizance of anti-party activities indulged in by Gandhi and Khalsa in Punjab.

“In a unanimous decision, the PAC suspended Khalsa and Gan-dhi from the party and referred their cases to the National Dis-ciplinary Action Committee,” Bajpai said.

“Now the three-member NDAC, with Pankaj Gupta, Dilip Pandey and me as its members, will look into the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party activ-ities against Gandhi and Khalsa,” he added. Bajpai charged Gandhi and Khalsa with involvement “in the activities of certain outfi ts, opposed to aims and objectives of the party”.

“The only aim of these outfi ts is to damage the party and anti-cor-ruption movement in the coun-try,” he said, adding that there were many instances that show that Gandhi and Khalsa were try-ing to establish a parallel organi-sation with the sole objective of damaging the party in Punjab. -IANS

D I S C I P L I N A R Y A C T I O N

Land bill: Congress picks holes in notifi cation route

NEW DELHI: Congress on Sat-urday picked up holes in the no-tifi cation route on the Land bill insisting that though the Law Ministry had opposed the move, government went ahead with it with an eye on the coming Bihar Assembly elections.

“This has been done only with a view to blunt the opposition campaign in Bihar polls against the BJP that it was anti-farmer”, party leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters.

Ramesh alleged that the move was an “insult to Parliament” as it was an attempt to bypass it by a government which “slept for seven long months” after coming to power” and had failed to bring amendments to relevant Acts be-fore the 2014 end deadline.

At the same time, he made it clear that the Congress was only against the manner in which it has been done by the government and not against extending benefi ts to those whose land is acquired un-der the land law.

Giving up the ordinance route, government had on Friday issued an ‘order’ to include 13 central Acts like National Highway and Railways Acts to extend benefi ts to those whose land is acquired under land law.

The order issued by the gov-ernment under the removal of diffi culties clause (Section 113) in the Land Act now extends the provisions relating to the deter-mination of compensation, reha-bilitation and resettlement to all cases of land acquisition under 13 central acts which were left out in the 2013 law.

Controversial ordinanceBy using the clause, government has done away with the need to issue the controversial land ordi-nance for a record fourth time.

The ordinance will lapse on August 31, six weeks after the commencement of the Monsoon session — July 21.

Attorney General Mukul Rohat-gi is understood to be in favour of

issuing such an order, but the Law Ministry said only an ordinance can be brought to bring the 13 acts under the ambit of the land law.

As per the section 105 (3) of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, Cen-tre may, within one year of the enactment of the law, extend ben-efi ts of the fi rst and second sched-ule of the Act (provisions relating to the determination of compen-sation and rehabilitation and re-settlement) to the acquisitions made under 13 other central acts.

In its response, the Law Min-istry said that since the desired notifi cation under section 105 of the Act has not been issued and the one year period has already been lapsed “doing so at this be-lated stage may not be legally tenable”.It said it can now be

done only through a legislation or an Ordinance.

Since a Joint Committee of Parliament is examining the amended land bill brought by the NDA government, the gov-ernment did not touch upon the controversial clauses which were part of the ordinance.

Swabhiman rallyMeanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi will address a fi rst joint rally of the grand “secu-lar” alliance in Bihar on Sunday though part vice president Rahul Gandhi is likely to give it a miss.

“We have received programme schedule of Sonia Gandhi for Swabhiman rally tomorrow,” state Congress chief Ashok Choudhary told reporters on Saturday.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Ku-mar and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad are organising the rally at Patna’s historic Gandhi maidan in an ap-parent move to project a united face of the alliance.

Choudhary said Gandhi would arrive here in the after-noon and straightway proceed to the venue and return to Delhi after addressing the rally.

Also, there is no clarity over the participation of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav in the event. More than 1.5 lakh party workers would join supporters of JD(U) and RJD in the rally.

Congress will contest on 40 seats in the 243-member Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled to take place in September-October. JD(U) and RJD will fi ght on 100 seats each and remaining three will be contested by NCP. - PTI

Ramesh alleged that

the move was an

‘insult to Parliament’

as it was an attempt

to bypass it by a

government which

‘slept for seven

long months’ after

coming to power’

and had failed to

bring amendments to

relevant Acts before

the 2014 end deadline

This has been done

only with a view to

blunt the opposition

campaign in Bihar polls

against the BJP that it

was anti-farmer

Jairam RameshCongress leader

Orbit raising operation of GSAT-6 performed

BENGALURU: After successful launch of GSAT-6, the country’s latest communication satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, Indian Space Research Or-ganisation on Saturday said it has performed the fi rst orbit raising of the satellite.

“First orbit raising operation of GSAT-6 was successfully com-pleted by fi ring the Apogee Motor for 3385 seconds at 08:35 hrs IST on August 28,” ISRO said.

Realised orbit is 8,408km (peri-gee height) by 35,708 km (apogee height) with an inclination of 7.5 degree and an orbital period of 13 hours, 15 minutes and 24 second, it said. ISRO on Thursday had suc-cessfully launched GSAT-6, having an indigenous cryogenic engine, on-board the GSLV-D6 rocket from the spaceport at Sriharikota.

Soon after its injection into GTO, the two solar arrays of GSAT-6 were automatically deployed and the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took con-trol of GSAT-6, ISRO had said af-ter the launch. In the coming days, GSAT-6’s orbit will be raised from its present GTO to the fi nal circu-lar Geostationary Orbit (GSO) by fi ring the satellite’s Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages, it had said.

The satellite will be commis-sioned into service after the com-pletion of orbit raising operations, deployment of its 6 m wide sieve shaped unfurlable antenna, the satellite’s positioning in its desig-nated orbital slot of 83 degree East longitude in the Geostationary Or-bit and in-orbit testing of its com-munication payloads. - PTI

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Focus shifts on forensic evidence,

as grilling on in Sheena murder

ALIBAUG/MUMBAI: The sen-sational Sheena Bora murder mystery on Saturday produced a new twist with police admitting that no case of murder or acciden-tal death was registered after her human remains were recovered in Pen taluk of Raigad three years ago, that raises questions.

For the fi rst time, Raigad police virtually confessed to the casual way in which their personnel treated the case when a burnt body was located in their area on May 23, 2012, a month after Sheena was believed to have been murdered.

“Neither a crime, nor a report of accidental death was registered when Raigad police sent recov-ered skeletal remains to JJ hos-pital in 2012,” Suvez Haque told reporters in Alibag, the Raigad district headquarters.

“I have been ordered to probe all the wrongs or lapses that were committed,” said Haque, who took over as Raigad SP earlier this year.

“We have given a factual report to our seniors. Inspector Gen-eral of Police (Konkan Range) has yesterday ordered an inquiry. We will complete it at the earliest and produce our report,” he said.

However, Haque declined to go into aspects as to why the po-lice acted indiff erent three years when the human remains were recovered.

As the SP’s disclosure raised questions whether there was any cover up in the crime then, DGP Sanjeev Dayal said that an in-quiry has been ordered to fi nd out the lapses and promised action against erring offi cials.

Though Sheena, the daughter of high-profi le media professional Indrani Mukherjea, was allegedly murdered in 2012 and her body disposed of in Raigad district, the crime came to light only recently.

The police have arrested Ind-rani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, and driver Shyam Rai in the case.

Dayal said “We are gathering all the necessary information and will act against the offi cials concerned (of Raigad police) if it is found that they botched up the case (when the body was found).”

The remains found from the forest in Pen tehsil of Raigad have been sent for DNA test.

Meanwhile, the focus in the case shifted to the forensic analy-sis of the skeletal remains.

Police also continued their in-terrogation of the victim’s Ind-rani, Khanna and the driver to more details of the crime and the motive.

The bones and other skel-etal remains found from the for-est have been sent to DNA test, whose result is going to be crucial in further stages of the case

“We have sent the bones and other skeletal remains for foren-sic analysis and are awaiting re-port,” a police offi cial said.

JJ Hospital had on Friday handed over to Khar police a few bones it had received from Raigad Police in 2012.

Blood and hair samples of In-drani and Mikhail Bora have also been collected and sent to Foren-sic Science Laboratory, and the report expected in 3 to 4 days.

The investigation had gained further momentum with the ar-rest of Khanna, who according to Mumbai Police chief Rakesh Ma-ria, had confessed to his complic-ity in the murder.

On Friday, the police had also briefl y questioned Indrani’s hus-band Peter Mukerjea at the Khar police station, scene of action for the last four days. - PTI

C R I M E

MYSTERIOUS MURDER: A fi le photo of Indrani Mukherjea and her daughter Sheena Bora, left. Indrani

was arrested on Tuesday by Mumbai Police for allegedly murdering her daughter Sheena and

disposing of the body in Raigad in 2012. - PTI

RBI governor hints at interest rate cut

WASHINGTON: Hinting at the fourth interest rate cut this year, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said he is not done with lower-ing rates and the central problem for the entire world remains slow-ing economic growth.

Rajan, who was participating in the elite Jackson Hole economic symposium of the Kansas City Federal Reserve, also said Reserve bank of India (RBI) has reached an agreement with the govern-ment on a new rate-setting panel, the Monetary Policy Committee, which would be announced soon.

Rajan, who has under pressure from the government and the in-dustry to further cut rates, said RBI is still in an “accommodative mode” and would take a decision as per the data on infl ation and other macroeconomic factors.

“We also have infl ation which other people do not have. We have cut the interest rate thrice so far this year and we are still in ac-commodative mode. We will have a look at data as it comes in and

take a view accordingly. We have not said we are finished (on cut-ting rates) and we will take a view as the data allows us to do,” Rajan told CNBC in an inter-view on the sidelines of Jackson Hole summit.

Interestingly, it is the same sum-mit where Rajan had once famous-ly presented a paper that talked about an imminent global fi nan-cial crisis, which eventually hit the world markets in 2007-08.

Rajan was IMF’s chief econo-mist when he made that famous ‘prediction’.

On China, Rajan said India was a big trading partner, but still the im-pact may not be as big as some oth-er countries from any slowdown in Chinese economy.

“If in fact there is a greater Chi-nese slowdown than is anticipated, it won’t aff ect us as much as other countries around the world...

Of course, everybody would like stronger Chinese growth, but to some extent we are among the least aff ected,” he added.

He also advised the US Fed-eral Reserve against raising the rates when the world economy is in a turmoil.

“My position over time has been don’t do it when the world is in tur-moil... It is a long anticipated event, it has to happen sometime — eve-rybody knows it has to happen —but pick your time,” he said.

Separately, Rajan said in an in-terview to Bloomberg TV that RBI has reached an agreement with the government on the new monetary policy committee.

Rajan also said the panel would be different from what was proposed in a draft earlier last month, wherein the govern-ment was to appoint the majority of the members.

“There is an agreement with the government, which is not that plan,” Rajan said without divulging further details.

A major controversy had bro-ken out after a draft proposal suggested the government ap-pointing a majority of the mem-bers on the panel to be chaired by RBI Governor, while a veto power earlier proposed to be vested with the Chairman was also sought to be withdrawn.

Rajan, however, later said he was fi ne with the idea of veto power being dropped.

Currently, RBI Governor has a technical advisory committee to advise on monetary policy, but he enjoys authority to accept or reject the panel’s views.

Rajan further said there is a “mood of optimism” in India’s economy and it would be among the least-aff ected countries from problems in China.

He also urged the Parliamentar-ians to resolve their diff erences and allow the proposed GST law to be implemented, saying it would one of the most important changes in India.

He also termed the proposed bankruptcy code as an “extremely important” legislation.

“If we can get a good bankruptcy code, we can start issuing long-term bonds, which is absolutely necessary to fi nance infrastruc-ture, fi nance all the big things the government plans,” Rajan said.

Talking about global markets, the RBI Governor said prices are not correct in certain asset mar-kets and they may correct.

“Now, whether that happens smoothly or that happens in more volatile fashion, I think is any-body’s guess,” he said. - PTI

Rajan, who has under

pressure from the

government and the

industry to further cut

rates, said RBI is still

in an ‘accommodative

mode’ and would take

a decision as per the

data on infl ation and

other macroeconomic

factors

Gujarat limps back to normal as curfew lifted from all areasAHMEDABAD: Normalcy is gradually returning to the west-ern Indian state of Gujarat where authorities on Saturday lifted curfew from all aff ected parts of the state as no incident of vio-lence was reported for two days after the Patel quota agitation turned violent early this week.

“As no violence was reported in the state, curfew has been lifted from all the parts of the state, where it was clamped on August 25,” Additional Director General of Police (law and order), P. P. Pandey said.

In Ahmedabad city, curfew has been lifted from all the nine po-lice station areas as the situation remained completely peaceful for around two days, offi cials said.

However, heavy deployment of para-military forces continued in all the areas hit by violence that had began from August 25 after the leader of the quota agitation, Hardik Patel was detained by the city police.

Ahmedabad District Collector Rajkumar Beniwal said fi ve com-panies of Army which were called in to control violence will be sent back by the evening on Saturday.

The city roads witnessed nor-mal traffi c with buses of BRTS (Bus Rapid Transport System) and AMTS (Ahmedabad Munici-

pal Transport System) plying on Saturday. In view of the festival of Rakshabandhan, shops as well as other business establishments remained open on Saturday with people fl ocking the markets.

In other violence-hit districts including Rajkot, Mehsana, Su-rat, Jamanagar, Morbi and Sabar-kantha, normalcy has returned.

However, mobile Internet services across the state are barred till Monday, said a senior police offi cial.

Meanwhile, agitation leader Hardik Patel said, “I am likely to take part in funeral of Swetang Patel tomorrow.”

When asked if the Patel com-munity members will take any “precautionary steps” during the funeral procession, Hardik said government will be held respon-sible if anything happens.

“I have urged my community people to keep calm, but if any-thing wrong happens there (in the funeral procession), govern-ment will have to take responsi-bility,” Hardik said.

Hardik’s detention after the mega rally on August 25 that he organised for reservation was followed by widespread violence in the state in which ten people including a police constable lost their lives. - PTI

Q U O T A A G I T A T I O N

RAKSHA BANDHAN: On the eve of Raksha Bandhan festival,

school students, tie Rakhi on the wrist of Army soldiers who

remain on duty in the wake of recent incidents of violence

following the agitation by Patel (Patidar) community demanding

reservation, in Surat on Friday. -PTI

We have not said we

are finished (on cutting

rates) and we will take

a view as the data

allows us to do

Raghuram RajanReserve bank of India governor

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PAKISTAN S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

RAKSHA BANDHAN FESTIVITIESA Pakistani Hindu woman drops milk into Arabian sea as she celebrates the festival of Raksha Bandhan, in Karachi on Saturday. The festival celebrates

the bond between sisters and brothers, symbolised by the rakhis which sisters tie around their brothers’ wrists. — AFP

Imran set to protest outside election body on October 4

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Issu-ing an ultimatum to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Satur-day gave the polling body up until October 4 to replace its existing four members, while also an-nouncing a demonstration outside ECP headquarters if the party’s demands are not met.

Addressing a gathering in La-hore on Saturday, Imran said his party would contest all by-polls and local bodies elections, but not under the existing ECP set up.

He announced Jehangir Tareen would contest the by-poll from National Assembly’s NA-154 seat Lodhran while Aleem Khan would compete from NA-122, the constituency where Imran con-tested against Ayaz Sadiq in the general elections of 2013. Shoaib Siddiqi will contest election from Punjab Provincial Assem-bly’s PP-147 which falls under NA-122, said Imran.

Imran said his party would not allow anybody to do rig the up-coming polls.

“We will install cameras at every polling station and will not allow anybody to cast fake votes,” he said.

Reiterating his stance on ECP, the PTI chief said the polling body acted as if it was election commis-sion of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

He said the polling body had until October 4 to replace the ex-isting ECP members, adding that his party would decide its future course of action on October 4, depending on whether the ECP meets its demands or not.

Earlier, Imran had said the poll inquiry commission’s verdict on general elections would have been

diff erent provided the election tri-bunals gave their ruling fi rst.

“The judicial commission in-vestigated the elections as a whole while elections tribunals have counted each and every ballot,” said Imran while talking to me-dia outside Bani Gala before leav-ing for a party meeting in Lahore. “Decisions by the tribunals were delayed deliberately.”

The commission in its 237-page report had said despite some lapses on part of the ECP “the 2013 general elections were in large part

organised and conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.”

Accusing the ECP of colluding with ruling PML-N in poll rig-ging, the PTI chief said the party would decide if they would con-test the upcoming by-polls and local government elections under the same ‘umpires.’

Regarding the cancellation of party rally, Imran said there were security threats and he could not put his workers’ life in danger.

He was scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Saturday to host rallies

marking the party’s recent victory as the election tribunal announced re-polling in NA-122 and NA-154. However, Lahore administra-tion failed to give the party secu-rity clearance. The PTI chief once again challenged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to contest against him in NA-122.

“I am inviting you. Have a match with me. You can bring your own umpires just like you used to [dur-ing our cricket matches] in Lahore Gymkhana,” said Imran. — Express Tribune

The Pakistan

Tehreek-e-Insaf

chairman issued an

ultimatum to the

Election Commission

of Pakistan to replace

its four members by

October 4

SEEKING JUSTICE: Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, centre, addresses supporters during a protest rally against

the country’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led government in Islamabad on August 16, 2014. — AFP

IS group formally listed among banned outfi ts: Offi cialISLAMABAD: The government has fi nally moved in to rein in IS presence in Pakistan, blacklisting all groups which have expressed their sympathies for the ultra-extremist group.

“We have formally included IS to the list of banned outfi ts this month,” an interior ministry of-fi cial confi rmed to The Express Tribune on Friday.

“We have notifi ed it and with this new addition, 213 organisa-tions have been formally pro-scribed in Pakistan.”

Although the government has long denied that IS — which is banned under a United Nations sanctions regime — has a footprint in Pakistan, the offi cial said secu-rity forces have been tasked with foiling the eff orts of local terrorists

to join up or develop links with the group in the Middle East.

He said the interior ministry had also previously banned some 171 groups proscribed under multiple UN resolutions on the request of the Foreign Offi ce. The ministry had also proscribed 61 other or-ganisations involved in anti-state and terrorist activities locally.

“Under the UN Security Coun-

cil’s resolutions, Pakistan is bound to include IS in its list of pro-scribed organisations,” an FO offi cial said.

The foreign ministry, in a seven-point strategy document – a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune – said Pakistan’s top security agencies have been directed to immediately adopt measure to counter ‘the emerging

IS threat’ in the country. The strat-egy has also been shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Aff airs.

Former interior minister Reh-man Malik termed the move to ban IS and its affi liates in Paki-stan a positive step. However, he stressed that the government will have to fi nd a way to rein in the group’s sympathisers in the coun-

try and choke the foreign funding they receive.

Defence analyst Brigadier Mahmood Shah, meanwhile, said the move would give a clear mes-sage to certain countries which are reportedly funding IS activities. He added that it would pave the way for Pakistan’s security forces to choke the funding of the group. — Express Tribune

C R A C K D O W N

14 militants killed in air strikes near Afghan border

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: At least 14 militants were killed Sat-urday in air strikes in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border, the military said.

The strikes targeted militant hideouts in Shawal area of the lawless North Waziristan tribal region, where the army has been waging an off ensive against the Taliban since June last year.

“In precise air strikes in Shawal, 14 terrorists were killed today,” the military said in a statement.

The death toll could not be in-dependently verifi ed as the con-fl ict zone is remote and off -limits to journalists.

Offi cials say more than 2,800 militants have been killed since the launch of the latest off ensive.

Lahore raidsFollowing implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in Punjab, Rangers on Friday conducted night-long raids in Lahore, taking into custody 70 suspected militants.

The raids come a week after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif di-rected the Punjab Government to ensure implementation of the NAP to eradicate terrorism from the province. The raids were car-ried out at several locations in-cluding houses, hotels and restau-rants, after which 70 suspected militants were arrested. — Agencies

S H A W A L A R E A

US praises Pakistan for nuclear weapons safety

WASHINGTON: The White House said on Saturday that it is confi dent Pakistan is aware of its responsibilities pertaining to the safety and security of its nu-clear weapons.

“We continue to be confi dent that the government of Pakistan is aware of those responsibili-ties and takes those responsi-bilities quite seriously,” White House spokesperson Josh Ear-nest said at a news conference.

The remark came a day af-ter two leading US think tanks claimed in a report that Paki-stan would have more than 350 nuclear weapons in a decade, which means that the country would have the third largest stock piles of nuclear weapons after the US and Russia.

Commenting on the report, Earnest said, “I did see the re-port. I don’t have an offi cial administration assessment to share with you. I would say there a couple things that come to mind.”

The spokesperson went on to add that responsibility for nu-clear stockpile remains with all countries who have secured a nuclear stockpile.

“This applies not just to Pa-kistan but to countries around the world that have a nuclear stockpile – they have a re-sponsibility for securing that nuclear stockpile.”

Meanwhile a statement is-sued by Pakistan’s Foreign Of-fi ce, regarding the nuclear re-port said “Such utterly baseless reports are designed to divert attention from the exponential increase in India’s fi ssile mate-rial stockpiles.”

The White House spokesper-son also added that President Barack Obama had set a long-term goal of a world free of nu-clear weapons. — Express Tribune

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Mahathir joins protestors seeking Najib’s resignation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s former leader Mahathir Mohamad made a surprise appearance on Saturday among tens of thousands protesting to demand the resigna-tion of the prime minister over a multi-million-dollar payment into an account under his name.

The rally in Kuala Lumpur brought into the streets a politi-cal crisis that has raged since re-ports in July that investigators probing the management of debt-laden state fund 1MDB had dis-covered the transfer of more than $600 million.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, who denies wrongdoing, has weathered the storm and political analysts doubt the two-day rally will force him out of power.

However, the brief evening ap-pearance of the deeply respect-ed 90-year-old Mahathir, once Najib’s patron and now his fi erc-est critic, thrilled the protesters and could add momentum to their anti-government movement.

Security was tight and anti-riot trucks and a water cannon were parked near a square where pro-

testers had planned to converge. In the end, they hung back behind barricades.

Pro-democracy organisation Bersih, which organised the rally in Kuala Lumpur and the two main cities on Malaysia’s side of Borneo, said the crowd in the capi-tal swelled to 200,000 at its peak. The Malaysiakini news portal put the number at half that and police said it was just 25,000.

There were no reports of vio-lence and the mood was festive during the day as protesters - some with placards reading “Out, Najib, Out” - blew plastic horns and shouted “bersih!”, a Malay word for “clean”.

“We the Malaysians want to clean up this country, we reject dirty politics,” said Tinagar Vera-nogan, a demonstrator in a crowd mostly made up of young people from the ethnic Indian and Chi-nese minorities.

City authorities rejected an ap-plication by Bersih for a protest permit, raising fears of a repeat of a 2012 rally when police used water cannon and tear gas to dis-perse protesters.

The government blocked access to Bersih’s website and banned the wearing of its signature yellow T-shirts, but the crowd of protest-

ers was a sea of yellow.“For 58 years people have been

patient with bribes, a political sys-tem that cannot resolve 1MDB. Today we want reform,” said Ber-sih leader Maria Chin, calling on parliament to hold a vote of no confi dence in the prime minister.

The second day of the rally on Sunday is due to start with physi-cal exercises, mass at a cathedral and interfaith prayers.

‘Huge frustrations’“There are huge frustrations with a number of endemic rights issues in Malaysia at the moment - the crackdown on freedom of expres-sion by the government must end,” Josef Benedict, Amnesty International’s deputy campaigns director, said in a statement.

Najib was not in Kuala Lumpur. The Bernama national news agen-cy quoted him as saying from the eastern state of Pahang that the patriotism of the rally organisers and participants was “shallow and poor”. Analysts say the Bersih movement is unlikely to inspire broad public support because it lacks strong leadership.

Ibrahim Suffi an, director of independent pollster Merdeka Center, said discontent with Najib, who took offi ce in 2009, is

concentrated in urban areas and a national survey this month by his group showed a slight majority opposed the rally.

Malaysia’s anti-graft agency has said the funds paid into Najib’s ac-count were a donation from the Middle East, which came just be-fore a 2013 election. The identity of the donor has not been revealed.

Najib, 62, says he did not take any money for personal gain.

He has sacked his deputy and other ministers who publicly questioned him, and the attorney-general who had been investigat-ing 1MDB (1Malaysia Develop-

ment Berhad) has been replaced.Authorities have also suspend-

ed two newspapers and blocked access to a website that had re-ported on 1MDB. Najib retains signifi cant support from the long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition and from his party, the United Ma-lays National Organisation that represents the Malay majority.

The coalition, in power since 1957, lost the popular vote for the fi rst time in 2013 to an opposition alliance that split this year. Ma-hathir, Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, withdrew support for Najib last year. -Reuters

The brief appearance

of the deeply

respected former

leader, once Najib’s

patron and now his

fi ercest critic, thrilled

the protesters and

could add momentum

to their movementPEACEFUL PROTEST: A protestor holds a placard criticising Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak during an anti-government rally

near Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Tens of thousands of Malaysians streamed into central Kuala Lumpur to

call for the prime minister’s ouster over corruption allegations and demand broader reforms, spurning warnings by police who have

declared the rally illegal. -AFP

RESPECTED FIGURE: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir

Mohamad attends a rally organised by pro-democracy group

‘Bersih’ (Clean) in Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday. -Reuters

First-ever minimum wage okayed in Myanmar

YANGON: Myanmar’s govern-ment has approved the country’s fi rst-ever national minimum wage, state media reported on Saturday, after months of bitter negotiations with labour groups and employers.

The wage has been set at 3,600 kyat ($2.80) “for a standard eight-hour work day” and takes eff ect from Tuesday, said the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. It will apply to workers “across all sectors and industries” but small businesses employing less than 15 people will be exclud-ed, it added. Myanmar has seen a wave of protests for better pay and conditions, particularly among workers in the growing garment sector, after decades of direct junta rule came to an end in 2011.

The decision on the wage, an-nounced by the National Mini-mum Wage Committee on Friday, follows several rounds of talks between the government, labour groups, employers and workers since a law approving its introduc-tion was passed in 2013.

Plethora of reformsIt comes as part of the plethora of political and economic reforms in-troduced under the quasi-civilian government that has also seen a growth in foreign investment, with big brands looking to move into the nation after most international sanctions were dropped.

But even the low sum reached had been vehemently opposed by some employers who claim that low worker productivity in Myan-mar meant they could not aff ord to pay more. Pressure to adopt a fair minimum wage has also come from outside with a number of Western manufacturers arguing that poor pay was counterproductive.

In Myanmar employees had pre-viously been demanding a mini-mum of 4,000 kyat ($3.10) a day with protests over wages outside factories in recent months seeing several labourers arrested in the ensuing police crackdowns.

In neighbouring Thailand, where an estimated two million Myanmar nationals form part of a vast migrant labour force, the na-tional minimum wage is set at 300 baht ($8) per day. -AFP

L A B O U R A F F A I R S

Thai police arrest foreign man over Bangkok bombingBANGKOK: Police hunting the perpetrators of Thailand’s deadli-est bombing arrested on Saturday a foreigner they said matched the description of a man who left a bag at the crowded site of a blast in Bangkok nearly two weeks ago.

Police raided a four-storey budget apartment in a suburb of the capital and found fake pass-ports and bomb-making materials possibly used in the August 17 at-tack at a shrine that killed 20 peo-ple and shook Bangkok’s bustling commercial heart.

The suspect was a 28-year-old foreigner who had been in Thai-land since January last year and was being held at a military facility on initial charges of possessing il-legal explosives, police said.

“It’s unlikely to be terrorism. It’s not an international terrorist act,” Police chief Somyot Pump-

anmuang told a news conference. Somyot did not explain how police had come to that conclusion, but said the motive was “taking per-sonal revenge for his comrades”. He did not elaborate.

The bomb tore through the crowded Erawan Shrine, one of the country’s top tourist attractions and close to several of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels and its big-gest shopping malls.

Among the dead were 14 for-eigners, seven from mainland China and Hong Kong, in an attack the military government said was a strike at Thailand’s ailing econo-my. With few clues so far, specula-tion has been rife about who mas-terminded the devastating attack, the scale of which Bangkok has never seen, despite going through a decade of intermittent political turmoil in the capital.

National police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said more people were being sought and evidence pointed to the arrested man’s involvement in a second bomb a day later in the city’s Sathorn area, which caused no damage. “We found he’s connected to both Bangkok blasts,” Prawut said. “We believe the perpetrators are from the same group.”

Murky probeThe prime suspect is a young man with shaggy dark hair dressed in a yellow shirt seen on grainy closed-circuit television footage dropping off a backpack and casually leaving the scene before the bomb went off .

A televised announcement showed still images of bags full of what appeared to be bomb-making materials and a photograph of a barefooted man, hands behind his

back, with a beard and hair shaven short. Police showed another image of a Turkish passport with a photo-graph that appeared to be the same man but police indicated the pass-port was fake. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Speculation in media and among experts has been rife about who has motive and capability to carry it out, pointing to southern ethnic Malay separatists, opponents of the ruling military, international extremists or sympathisers of Ui-ghur Muslims, of which Thailand forcibly repatriated more than 100 to China last month.

Thai police said on Thursday they were looking into recent ar-rivals from Turkey as part of their bomb probe. Police had made lit-tle progress and have been criti-cised for providing contradictory information. -Reuters

E R A W A N S H R I N E B L A S T

SUSPECT: An arrested suspect of the recent Bangkok blast is shown

in this Thai Royal Police handout released on Saturday.-Reuters

China toughens laws to curb corruptionBEIJING: China on Saturday amended the country’s crimi-nal law, tightening corruption sentencing, reclassifying rape in certain circumstances and elimi-nating the death penalty for nine crimes, state media reported.

The standing committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) said people convicted on serious corruption charges and who were handed death sentences suspended for two years will have those converted to life in prison after the two-year period, the of-fi cial Xinhua news agency said.

The change is to “safeguard ju-dicial fairness” and prevent “the most corrupt criminals from serv-ing shorter prison terms through commutation”, Xinhua quoted the NPC as saying. Ruan Qilin, a professor at the China Univer-

sity of Political Science and Law, said that the change to corruption sentencing was aimed at offi cials who use illegal means to have their sentences commuted or to achieve parole or non-prison sen-tences, the agency reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a much-publicised drive to crack down on corrup-

tion, vowing to take on both senior as well as low-level offi cials.

Critics, however, say there are no safeguards against the cam-paign being used for political purposes and that no systemic reforms have been introduced to fi ght graft.

China also toughened certain sexual crimes to classify them as

rape, a crime subject to harsher punishment, Xinhua said. It add-ed that those convicted of raping a child may face the death sentence.

China’s public security minis-try ordered a nationwide crack-down on the sex trade last year following an expose amid criticism that authorities long turned a blind eye. The NPC also approved the re-moval of the death penalty for nine crimes, Xinhua said.

These include smuggling of weapons, ammunition, nuclear materials and counterfeit cur-rency; the counterfeiting of cur-rency; fraudulently raising funds; the obstruction of duty of a police offi cer; and creating rumours dur-ing wartime to mislead people.

Xinhua said that the maximum penalty for those crimes would become life in prison. -AFP

C H A N G E

National People’s Congress said people convicted

on serious corruption charges and who were handed

death sentences suspended for two years will have

those converted to life in prison after the period

Koreas agree to hold family reunion talksSEOUL: The North Korean Red Cross has agreed to working-level talks with its South Korean coun-terpart early next month on ar-ranging a reunion of families sepa-rated by the 1950-53 Korean War, offi cials said on Saturday.

The initiative follows an inter-Korean agreement reached ear-lier this week that committed both sides to organise a reunion some-time around the Chuseok harvest festival holiday, which falls on September 27.

An offi cial from the South’s Uni-fi cation Ministry said the North had accepted the Seoul’s proposal for initial talks on September 7 at the border truce village of Pan-munjom. The last family reunion

was held at a North Korean moun-tain resort in February 2014, and was the fi rst such event for more than three years.

Millions separatedMillions of people were separated during the 1950-53 confl ict that sealed the division between the two Koreas.

Most died without having a chance to see or hear from their families on the other side of the border, across which all civilian communication is banned. About 66,000 South Koreans -- 12 per-cent of them aged over 90 -- are on the waiting list for an eventual reunion, but only several hundred can be chosen each time. -AFP

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#TRENDING

Dhiraj Nayyar

For the last few days, an extraordinary political tumult has wracked the western Indian state of Gujarat, home of Prime

Minister Narendra Modi. An infl uential community — the Patidar caste, more commonly known as Patels because of the last name many hold — has rallied behind 22- year-old fi rebrand Hardik Patel to demand guaranteed places (“reservations”) in the government bureaucracy and educational institutions. Patel’s temporary arrest earlier in the week set off riots; the army has since practically shut down several major cities. The movement should worry Modi deeply — and not only because of the violence.

India has a long list of disadvantaged caste and community groups, and an equally long history of demands for affi rmative action. The country’s 1950 constitution specifi cally granted reservations to scheduled castes (formerly the “untouchable” Hindu castes) and scheduled tribes. The Patels, however, are hardly underprivileged. They comprise roughly 20 per cent of Gujarat’s population; many are hugely prosperous landowners and businessmen. In the United States, Patel immigrants are well-known and successful in the motel business among others. They’re also politically powerful at home — four Patels have led Gujarat as chief minister, including the incumbent Anandiben Patel. They’re no one’s idea of a deprived community.

Moreover, protests such as this week’s agitation should’ve faded after India abandoned an insular socialism for the path of economic liberalisation in 1991. Interestingly enough, the biggest churning in favour of broader affi rmative action took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s (at the tail end of India’s tryst with socialism) when a large number of historically underprivileged castes (known as “other backward classes,” or OBCs) were granted extensive reservations in government jobs. The opening up of the economy since then should in theory have expanded opportunities for everyone. Gujarat in particular, under Modi and others, has grown at a rate faster than the Indian average and in double digits for around seven years between 2004-05 and 2011-12.

The Patels’ anger, though, shows that much

more needs to be done to expand the size of the proverbial cake in India. Modi seemed to understand this when he took offi ce 15 months ago after 10 years of a government that was more focused on redistribution than growth. Unfortunately, his attempts at growing India’s economy and increasing opportunities have been incremental, not radical.

His government’s record in upgrading India’s education system in particular is dismal: There’s been no reform at all. Most of India’s best institutions are funded by the state — whether the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management or top universities in Delhi and Mumbai. Governments of whatever political persuasion have taken that as a licence to interfere in the running of these institutions, compromising their quality. At the same time, the government doesn’t have the money to create new, quality institutions. And a complex net of socialist-era regulations continues to deter the growth of private-sector schools and universities. While foreign investment has been liberalised in other sectors of the economy, foreign universities aren’t permitted to set up campuses in India.

Although Patels have generally done well in business, most remain small entrepreneurs or farmers subject to the vagaries of the broader economy. Government jobs — half of which are already committed to members of various disadvantaged groups — are attractive for their greater stability and in some cases, prestige. As long as that remains the case, demands similar to the Patels’ will only surface again and again.

There’s little point in redistributing by force, or decree, limited opportunities. The only solution is the one Modi promised during his campaign: Radical action to grow the economy and create more attractive employment and education opportunities for the millions of youth entering the job market every month. Yet so far he’s shown little willingness to privatise an ineffi cient public sector, and little ability to tackle fundamental land and labour reforms. Patel anger is a sign of how frustrated those younger Indians are growing with the pace of change. Already a quarter of the way into his fi ve-year term, Modi would be wise to heed them. - Bloomberg View

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

From February to April 2015,not including oil or re-exports

(In million rials)

OMAN-UAETRADE EXCHANGE

February March

OMANEXPORTSTO UAE

UAEEXPORTSTO OMAN

April

26.1 14.5 21.8

276.8

323.5290.0

Carry out inspections of shops across the SultanateThis refers to the online story, Muscat Municipality warns against sale of poor quality fruits and vegetables (August 28). Well done Muscat Municipality. It is high time to check such products from hypermarkets and souks as shopkeepers make huge profi ts on them. Please carry out inspections around the Sultanate.

— Zakia Lamki, Muscat

Thailand needs to undertake a ruthless crackdown on rebelsThis refers to the online story, Thai police arrest foreign man over Bangkok bombing (August 29). The recent series of untoward incidents in Thailand is very worrisome. The Asian country has long been known for welcoming people from all across the world. It seems that very hospitality is the cause of the current unrest. The charging of a foreigner shows the madness of extremist act in one of the world’s most relaxing places. The rulers need to crack down ruthlessly on them without any partiality. — Alison Fredericks, Muscat

Don’t underestimate ChinaThis refers to the recent global stock mar-ket crash. A lot of people are needlessly blaming China. President Xi Jinping is carrying out much needed reforms, which have long been advocated by the Interna-

tional Monetary Fund and US President Barack Obama. I am sure that China will recover fast as the engine of global growth.— Zaheer Dilshad, Muscat

T I M E S O F O M A NS U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5A12

Gujarat quota agitation should worry Mr. Modi

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Meet on culture and peaceMUSCAT: As part of observing the International Year for Culture and Peace, a programme has been arranged by the Brahmakumaris in coordination with the Unesco, highlighting the importance of the culture of peace here. The UN General Assembly had earlier proclaimed the year 2000 as the Interna-tional Year for Culture of Peace. Sister Jyothi, Rajasekar and Dayal of Brahmakumaris World Spiritual University in Mount Abu, India, spoke on the vitality of the culture of peace.

1941: The German U-boat U-570 is captured by the British and renamed Graph. 1944: German forces in Toulon, France, surrender to the Allies.

1965: The Viet Cong are routed in the Mekong Delta by U.S. forces, with more than 50 killed.

2003: Two hundred twenty-three die when a dam breaks at Qinghai (Kokonor), in northwest China.

M O S T R E A DTIMESOFOMAN.COM

M O S T P O P U L A R V I D E O

M O S T S H A R E DFACEBOOK.COM/TIMESOFOMAN

“You Stink” is the fi rst eruption of mass discontent. Lebanon’s problem are so deep, however, that they will not be solved by

mass protests. Despite it’s vibrant political culture and freedoms,

there is a marked absence of non-sectarian political institutions

bit.ly/lebanonyoustinkdemos

DR JAMES J. ZOGBY

The statistician Nate Silver highlighted race disparity again

this summer when he pointed out that the murder rate for African Americans is nearly

eight times that of whites — and comparable with murder rates in

the developing worldbit.ly/deadlygunfl owinus

FIRMIN DEBRABANDER

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, cricketer-turned-

philanthropist-turned politician Imran Khan, philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, cricketer Misbahul Haq and martyrs

Peshawar’s Army Public School have captivated Pakistanis for the

last fi ve yearsbit.ly/5infl uentialpakistanis

KAMRAN REHMAT

F R O M O U R A R C H I V E S

T O D A Y I N H I S T O R Y

A massive fi re has been reported in Ghala industrial area on Wednesday

AUGUST 2000

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

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1 Sheena murder probe gathers pace

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2 Breathtaking beauty at beaches near Finsbit.ly/fi nsbreathtakingbeaches

3 The great Eid fl ight rush gets underway in Omanbit.ly/eidfl ightrush

4 Right-wing press has revealed what a disaster Jeremy Corbyn as PMbit.ly/rightwingpresscorbyn

5 Oman committed to currency peg despite cheap oil, says central bank chiefbit.ly/omancurrencypeg

1 Avoid Caesarean births, advises an expert in Omanbit.ly/avoidcaesareanbirths

2 Muscat Municipality warns against sale of poor quality fruits and vegetablesbit.ly/poorqualityfruitsale

3 Oman Tank Terminal Company launches fl oating storage facility in Omanbit.ly/fl oatingstoragefacility

4 Excessive use of bodybuilding supplements can harm health, says expert in Omanbit.ly/supplementscanharm

5 Decrease in non-oil exports, no cause for worry, says expertbit.ly/dipinnonoilexports

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300,000 people have fl ed confl ict and hardship in the Middle East and Africa for a better life in Europe this year, and 2,500 more have died in the attempt, mostly in the Mediterranean

PROTEST AGAINST FRANCE TRAVELLERS CAMP KILLINGProtesters burn debris during a demonstration on the A1 motorway between Paris and Lille in Roye, northern France on Saturday, after four people were killed

on Tuesday at a shooting in a travellers camp. Among the victims of the shooting were a gendarme, a man, a woman and a young child, while another gendarme

and a child were wounded. Also wounded was the man who allegedly opened fi re fi rst. - AFP

Coalition forces

pound Yemen

rebels, set sights

on capital

ADEN: Warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition hit Yemen rebel positions on Saturday as reinforcements reached pro-gov-ernment forces preparing for an anticipated advance towards the capital, military sources said.

Apache helicopters struck a base occupied by rebel forces near Bayhan, in the southern province of Shabwa, hours after fi ghter jets targeted a convoy of the Houthi re-bels in the area, a military source said. Warplanes also pounded arms depots in the rebel-held capi-tal Sanaa, according to witnesses.

Bayhan borders the eastern province of Marib, where military reinforcements have arrived from neighbouring Saudi Arabia to bol-ster forces loyal to exiled Presi-dent Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, military sources said.

OperationArmoured vehicles have crossed the Wadia border point in Had-ramawt province, heading to Mar-ib, where loyalists are preparing a large off ensive, a military offi cial said. The operation, aimed at driv-ing the Houthis out of Marib and pushing west towards the capital, will begin in the next few days, the offi cial said. - AFP

W A R - T O R N

Thousands hold ‘You Stink’ rally against politicians

BEIRUT: Tens of thousands of protesters from across Lebanon fl ocked to a mass rally on Satur-day in downtown Beirut against a political class accused of cor-ruption and failing to provide basic services.

Waving Lebanese fl ags, men, women and children gathered at the iconic Martyrs Square which sat on a Christian-Muslim divid-ing line during Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war.

The protest, which began at 6 pm (1500 GMT), followed dem-onstrations last weekend that descended into violence as some protesters clashed with police.

“Today, we’re expecting more than 50,000 protesters,” said As-saad Thebian of the “You Stink” organising campaign, which has stressed the non-partisan nature of the show of contempt for Leba-

non’s leaders.Correspondents gave an initial

estimate of tens of thousands of people, including entire families, taking part.

Upbeat“This is not a protest for political parties. It is for all the Lebanese people... We are against the parties that are exploiting citizens,” said fellow organiser Lucien Bourjeily.

The demonstrators were in an upbeat mood.

“These protests have given us hope. We were here last weekend, but today is much bigger,” said Patrick Manolli, a young man,

alongside his beaming wife carry-ing a huge Lebanese fl ag.

“We are here to protest because the country has all become gar-bage,” said Tamer, a young boy aloft on a relative’s shoulders.

In the absence of political party fl ags which normally domi-nate such events in Lebanon, the crowd carried banners bearing blunt messages.

“Sometimes doing nothing is the most violent thing to do,” read one. Lebanon’s multiple tel-evision channels, of all political persuasions, ran in-depth cov-erage of what was the country’s largest ever gathering organised

by civil society.The “You Stink” campaign be-

gan in response to a trash crisis that started with the closure of Lebanon’s largest landfi ll in mid-July, resulting in garbage piling up on the streets of Beirut and beyond. Since then there have been small protests which have broadened to include demands for a political overhaul of government institutions seen as corrupt and ineff ective by many Lebanese.

Organisers have said they would call at Saturday’s demon-stration for new parliamentary elections and for the resignation of the environment minister.

Lebanon’s parliament has twice extended its mandate since 2009, and has been unable to elect a president since May 2014. Po-litical deadlock has also paralysed the cabinet.

The country suff ers chronic elec-tricity and water shortages, further strained by the infl ux of more than one million Syrian refugees.

Last weekend, thousands of people gathered in central Bei-rut to vent their anger, with protesters calling for “the fall of the regime”.

The campaign blamed “trouble-makers” for violence which saw some protesters throw bottles and fi reworks at security forces.

Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets.

To try to avoid similar unrest, authorities and the campaigners have adopted several measures.

The army and police were run-ning a “joint operations room” to “guarantee the well-being of pro-testers” during Saturday’s protest, said Beirut governor Ziad Chebib.

The army also deployed troops around Martyrs Square as police-men manned positions inside it.

“You Stink” also mobilised 500 volunteers to coordinate with se-curity forces to try to prevent vio-lence, Thebian told AFP.

The protest movement has won support from actors, singers and other artists, and has been given wide coverage both on television and on social networks.

Many see it as a clear change from rallies which are usually organised by political parties to push a cause in Lebanon, a coun-try divided by deep-rooted po-litical rivalries. - AFP

The protesters

said they were

against the political

class accused of

corruption and

failing to provide

basic services, and

their protests are for

all Lebanese people

ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTEST: People take part in an anti-government protest at Martyrs’ Square in

downtown Beirut, Lebanon, on Saturday. Thousands of protesters waving Lebanese fl ags and chanting

anti-government slogans converged on a square in central Beirut on Saturday for a rally against

political leaders they say are incompetent and corrupt. - Reuters

Sweden’s

far-right wants

referendum on

immigration

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s far-right Sweden Democrats, which recently topped an opinion poll for the fi rst time, want a referendum to be held on the country’s gener-ous immigration policy, its party leader said on Saturday.

“It’s time for a referendum in Sweden on our immigration poli-cy,” Jimmie Akesson told support-ers who gathered to hear his an-nual summer speech.

His chances of obtaining a vote are however slim: Parliament must vote on whether to hold a ref-erendum, and only six have been held since 1922.

Sweden welcomed 80,000 refu-gees last year, shouldering the big-gest burden in the EU as a propor-tion of its population of 9.7 million.

With a cradle-to-grave welfare state, a reputation for tolerance, and a healthy economy and job market, Sweden is a favoured des-tination for the record number of migrants fl eeing confl icts, authori-tarian regimes and poverty world-wide.Akesson said Sweden’s open-arms policy and generous benefi ts system were contributing to the tragedy unfolding in Europe today.

“What is it that makes people risk their lives and those of their children to come here? I dare say it is the other parties’ lax policies that cause many of these tragic fates. That cause death,” he said.

The Sweden Democrats, with roots in Sweden’s most radical ex-treme right, entered parliament in 2010 with the ambition of curbing immigration.

They became the third-biggest party in 2014 general elections with 12.9 per cent of votes and 49 of the 349 seats in parliament. - AFP

I M M I G R A T I O N P O L I C Y

Austria migrant tragedy suspects in custody as second truck foundKECSKEMÉT (Hungary): Four suspects in Austria’s migrant truck tragedy were remanded in custody in Hungary on Saturday, as Aus-trian police rescued three “severe-ly dehydrated” refugee children packed into another vehicle.

The young children were hospi-talised after the truck containing 26 “illegal foreigners” from Syria, Bangladesh and Afghanistan was pulled over by police early on Fri-day after a chase close to the Ger-man border.

“If the journey had continued the situation could probably have become critical,” a spokesman for police in Upper Austria state said.

The Romanian driver, who had refused to pull over for a routine check, was arrested.

The incident came a day after the decomposing bodies of 71 mi-grants including four children

were found in an abandoned truck on a motorway in eastern Austria near the Hungarian border, pro-voking international revulsion.

Horrifi ed, heartbrokenSaying he was “horrifi ed and heart-broken” by the gruesome discovery and a new Mediterranean ship-wreck claiming at least 111 lives, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said it was high time for concerted action to tackle the crisis.

“I appeal to all governments in-volved to provide comprehensive responses, expand safe and legal channels of migration and act with humanity, compassion and in ac-cordance with their international obligations,” Ban said.

The abandoned truck, found on Thursday on an Austrian mo-torway in the baking sun near the Hungarian border, contained the

tightly packed bodies of 59 men, eight women and four children. They were thought to be Syrians.

The tragic discovery highlighted the dangers faced by people fl eeing

confl ict and hardship in the Mid-dle East and Africa even once they reach Europe, with many putting their fate in the hands of profi t-hungry people smugglers.

In the new Mediterranean dis-aster off Libya, rescue workers said on Saturday that in addition to the 111 confi rmed dead, “doz-ens” were still missing. A total of 198 among the 400 on board have been rescued. The UN estimates 300,000 people have fl ed confl ict and hardship in the Middle East and Africa for a better life in Eu-rope this year, and 2,500 more have died in the attempt, mostly in the Mediterranean.

“My little sister, someone climbed on her back and pushed her down. When I saw her for the last time, she was underwater with him on top of her,” Pakistani She-faz Hamza, 17, a survivor who also lost his mother in the latest trag-edy, told AFP in Libya.

In Hungary, three Bulgarians and one Afghan arrested over the Austrian case were remanded in

custody on Saturday until Sep-tember 29 in Kecskemet, a town near the Serbian border then over 140,000 have crossed this year.

Police believe them to be low-ranking members of one of the numerous, often unscrupulous human traffi cking gangs that transport thousands of migrants coming to Europe -- in return for sometimes exorbitant amounts of money.

The four suspects — the Bulgar-ians are 29, 30, 50 and the Afghan 28 — on Saturday declared their innocence and said they would ap-peal the court decision. Only one had legal residence in Hungary.

The discovery in Austria was a rare occurrence on land in a pros-perous country when so many mi-grants have died at sea. Police said the people may have been dead for up to two days. - AFP

F L E E I N G C O N F L I C T A N D H A R D S H I P

SUSPECT: One, centre, of four suspects is led by a Hungarian police

offi cial into the Kecskemet courtroom on Saturday. Four suspects

in the deaths of 71 migrants found in an abandoned truck in Austria

arrived on Saturday for a court hearing in Hungary. - AFP

A16

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Spy ring busted at Abuja airportABUJA: Nigeria’s domestic intel-ligence agency has warned travel-lers to be ready for an attack on the capital’s airport after announcing it had smashed a spy network run by the Boko Haram group.

The Department of State Ser-vices (DSS) said in a statement late Friday that it had arrested a 14-year-old at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja

who admitted he had been ordered to spy on security procedures.

He was to pass on “information in respect of travellers’ movement including passenger screening, boarding procedures and other processes in the departure and ar-rival halls”, DSS spokesman Tony Opuiyo said in the statement.

“The service is working closely with major aviation stakeholders,

especially the Aviation Security Department, to forestall any possi-ble attack and to ensure adequate security at the airports,” he added.

Agents were still hunting the militant who directed the boy, fol-lowing Monday’s arrest, he said.

Boko Haram has waged a six-year violent campaign for an Is-lamic homeland during which at least 15,000 people have died. -AFP

R U N B Y B O K O H A R A M

JUBA: South Sudan’s army and rebels accused each other of sparking fresh fi ghting on Satur-day in the north-east, hours be-fore the start of a ceasefi re to end a brutal 20-month civil war.

The warring sides traded blame for breaching the terms of a peace deal, brokered by the regional eight-nation IGAD bloc along with the United Nations, the Af-rican Union, China, Britain, Nor-way and the United States.

“Riek Machar’s rebels attacked Malakal yesterday (Friday)”, and the “assault on Malakal resumed this (Saturday) morning,” army spokesman Colonel Philip Aguer told a press conference.

“We want the IGAD to estab-lish the presence of a ceasefi re mechanism in all the counties,” Aguer said.

“That’s untrue, their forces attacked us near Malakal,” re-bel spokesman James Gatdet Dak said, referring to a strategic northeastern town and a gateway to the country’s last remaining major oil fi elds. They wanted to

seize the area before the ceasefi re comes into eff ect,” he said.

It was not immediately clear if the ceasefi re had entered into force on Saturday afternoon in the world’s newest nation which broke away from Sudan four years ago.

Dak said it was supposed to come into eff ect at midnight (2100 GMT Saturday).

Information minister and gov-ernment spokesman Michael Makuei said: “This is of course a violation of the cessation of hos-tilities of the agreement and it should be recorded.”

The rebels repeated the accu-sation and called for the govern-ment to be severely condemned.

“We suspect that their plan is

to launch a full-scale off ensive against our bases around Malakal.

This is a serious violation of the terms of the peace agreement,” a rebel statement said.

But IGAD spokesman Hailemi-chael Gebreselassie disclaimed any knowledge of the clashes, say-ing: “We haven’t heard anything related to any incidents.”

The accord, signed by rebel leader Machar on August 17 and the government only on Wednes-day, gave a 72-hour deadline for a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Aguer said the rebels attacked Malakal, the state capital of Up-per Nile, overnight “using mor-tars and machineguns” and re-sumed shelling on Saturday. - AFP

South Sudan army, rebels trade blame over new offensiveThe warring sides

in South Sudan

blamed each other

for breaching the

terms of a peace

deal, brokered

by the regional

8-nation IGAD bloc

PEACE DEAL: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, right, is

congratulated by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, left,

and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, centre,

after signing a peace agreement in Juba on Wednesday. - Reuters

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Interest rates expected to harden as debt issues absorb liquidity

A E [email protected]

MUSCAT: Short-term interest rates are expected to harden in the coming months, with Oman government raising debt funds to cover defi cit in view of falling oil prices. The liquidity within the fi -nancial system has been absorbed as the government has raised OMR500 million so far this year — OMR300 million in July and OMR200 million in February — by way of development bond issues.

Also, the Sultanate’s government is in an advanced stage to fl oat the

country’s fi rst sovereign sukuk or Islamic bond worth OMR200 mil-lion, which will take the total debt issue to OMR700 million.

As per the budget document for this year, net local borrowing was estimated to the tune of OMR400 million, which excludes OMR100 million for repayment.The de-velopment bonds will help plug a projected OMR2.5 billion defi cit in the nation’s budget for 2015.

“It is so far not very signifi cant since the fi nancial system has enough liquidity. However, if the is-sue continues, it will cause a rise in interest rates,” said a senior bank-

er working with a leading com-mercial bank in Muscat. If govern-ment continues borrowing, bank liquidity will be tightened and the lending rates will not remain at the same level. The offi cial, who does not want to be named, said that the liquidity crunch would fi rst cause increase in interest rate for short-term funds, which will eventually refl ect to other rates like corporate and retail loans.

“The borrowing cost of banks will grow initially, which will cause a rise in lending rates of short-term maturities (like call money and inter-bank rates). If it

is persistent, it will be refl ected in lending rates of long-term maturi-ties,” noted the banker. Oman’s budget defi cit surged ahead to OMR1,918.5 million in the fi rst half of this year, against a surplus of OMR250 million for the same period in 2014, primarily due to a plunge in oil prices.

According to a Reuters report, central bank data shows lend-ing to the government taking up a growing share of banks’ balance sheets, suggesting it could eventu-ally crowd out lending to the pri-vate sector. Conventional banks’ holdings of government bonds

rose 18 per cent from end-2014 to OMR668 million in June, expand-ing at roughly twice the rate of pri-vate sector lending.

Also, government has resumed selling Treasury bills to banks to fi nance day-to-day state spending; those holdings rose to OMR624 million rials from zero at end-2014. In the last couple of years, banks had ample liquidity, result-ing in low interest. A couple of Om-ani banks started off ering personal loan for nationals below 4 per cent. But banks would not be able to continue such a low rate, if money market situation is tightened.

If the government

continues borrowing,

bank liquidity will

be tightened and

the lending rates

will not remain at

the same level

ACWA Power, Mitsui group get fi nancing for Oman power plant

Times News Service

MUSCAT: A consortium in-cluding ACWA Power and Ja-pan’s Mitsui has secured fi nanc-ing for the $630 million Salalah 2 power scheme in Oman, the Saudi Arabian company said.

The pair, along with local partner Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding Co, won the contract in March to construct a 445MW gas-fi red power plant at Raysut in the southwest of the Sultan-ate, according to a Reuters re-port. Under the proposal, the consortium will also acquire Dhofar Generating Co, which owns and operates an existing 273 MW gas-fi red plant.

Banks supporting the loan were Standard Chartered, Sum-itomo Mitsui Trust Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, Mizuho, Bank Muscat and Bank Dhofar, the statement added.

ACWA and Mitsui will each take a 45 per cent stake in the project while Dhofar Interna-tional Development and Invest-ment Holding will hold the re-maining 10 per cent.

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Bank Nizwa ‘open to merger, acquisitions’

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Bank Nizwa, the fi rst Islamic bank in Oman, remains open to potential mergers or ac-quisitions, its chief executive offi cer said, despite withdraw-ing from a proposed tie-up with United Finance.

Several fi nancial services com-panies are in talks about possible merger and acquisitions activity in Oman, encouraged by a fi nan-cial regulator keen to limit the

number of lenders in a country where around 18 banks serve a population of 4 million, said a Re-uters report.

But in an apparent setback

for consolidation efforts, talks on a possible takeover bid by Al Omaniya Financial Services for United Finance have bro-ken down and will not progress further, the two companies said on Monday.

Three-way battleThe move could open the door for Bank Nizwa, which in May backed out of a potential merger with United Finance.

National Bank of Oman, the other contender in the three-way battle, in June withdrew its inter-est in buying United Finance.

No reasons were given at the time for the withdrawals of inter-est, but Bank Nizwa has hinted that it might still be interested in a tie-up with United Finance. “We remain open to the possibility of a merger or acquisition,” Jamil Al Jaroudi, the CEO of Bank Nizwa, told Reuters, indicating he was speaking generally.

“If we fi nd an opportunity that speeds up the growth in the geo-graphic footprint and product off ering of Bank Nizwa we are

willing to consider it.” Bank Ni-zwa, which started operations in 2013, has a market capitalisation of OMR94.5 million, according to Thomson Reuters data.

In a move that would create Oman’s second-largest bank, Bank Sohar and BankDhofar said last month they had entered into a non-binding agreement on a proposed merger.

The Central Bank of Oman has also approved the merger of Oman International Develop-ment and Investment Company (Ominvest) and Oman National Investment Corporation Hold-ing (ONIC). ONIC shares were delisted from the Muscat Secu-rities Market on Thursday and Ominvest was due to start listing new shares as part of a capital increase after the merger, it said on Wednesday.

The move could

open the door for

Bank Nizwa, which

in May backed out of

a potential merger

with United Finance

Infra Oman in October

MUSCAT: Oman Infrastruc-ture Exhibition ‘Infra Oman’, organised by Al Nimr Expo, will start on October 5, under the auspices of Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Hraibi, chairman of the Tender Board.

The three-day exhibition comes at a time the Sultanate is implementing major projects in diff erent fi elds.

Infra Oman Exhibition, at which more than 200 local and foreign companies will take part, provides an ideal platform for decision-makers at the pub-lic and private organisations in the fi eld of infrastructure, real estate development and consul-tancy offi ces.

Many local and international investors are expeted to attend the exhibition and get acquaint-ed with products and services off ered by various fi rms. - ONA

EXH I B I T I ON

Examine composite stones before purchase: MinistryTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Trade and Industry Ministry called on consumers to know more about the composite stones, scrutinise them well to make sure of their quality ahead of purchase.

Nasser bin Ashraf Al Balochi, head of the department of check-ing valued stones at the Directo-rate General for Specifi cations and Measurements said that the composite stones are made of combining together parts of two stones or more (natural or arti-fi cial stones). These composite stones are mostly produced by mixing a higher-fi nancial value precious stone with another low-er-fi nancial value one.

Al Balochi explained that there are many reasons to manufacture such kind of composite stones, including the enhanced dura-bility of fragile stones such as opal which constitutes the ba-sic component in producing the composite stones.

Despite the fragility of these stones like opal, they are expen-sive due to their elegant appear-ance. Usually, a slice of Black Opal

is fi tted behind an Opal stone to increase its durability, he added.

The possibility of fi nding out precious stones used in manufac-turing composite stones is a dif-fi cult issue for the ordinary buyer and needs an expert, he asserted.

Adhesive layer “With the advancement of means of manufacturing such stones, the ordinary consumer faces a problem in scrutinising them. However, we advise the buyer to check on the stone from the side to make sure that there is no ad-hesive layer or a diff erence in the

degree of brightness of the up-per part than the lower part,” the ministry offi cial said.

“The process of checking the composite stone is made in a specialist lab that possesses the technical and technological pos-sibilities, and this is the best way to avoid being cheated. The con-sumer must get an offi cial invoice from the shop to keep his right in the future,” he said.

Al Balochi said that the com-posite stones is important be-cause they require a special treatment when cleaning and re-shaping in the future.

ADV I SORY

Jamil Al Jaroudi, the CEO of

Bank Nizwa. – File photo

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com [email protected]

BEWARE: The possibility of fi nding out precious stones used

in manufacturing composite stones is a diffi cult issue for the

ordinary buyer and needs an expert, an offi cial said. – Supplied photo

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Construction contracts in Gulf region could cross $194 billionTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Total value of contract awards this year in the Gulf region could reach over $194 billion, ac-cording to a report, titled GCC Construction Industry – Trends and Challenges for 2015.

However, it is $2 billion down compared to last year, but lower oil prices will mean building ma-terials and transport costs will fall and that will fi lter down to contract values.

Construction in the GCC will increase in value despite a slight dip in the overall contract awards this year, according to the man

behind the region’s biggest con-struction event.

Andy White, the vice president of DMG events ME, the company responsible for The Big 5 Inter-national Building & Construction Show in November, said, “A lot has been said about how oil prices might aff ect construction markets. But each of the GCC nations has continued to invest heavily in infra-structure, housing, and healthcare.”

“Kuwait has more than trebled its contract awards this year, the Saudi government has made it clear that it will continue to in-vest, and the UAE has revealed more spectacular projects. The

GCC Secretariat General has also announced that the Gulf Rail network is meeting construction deadlines and is on track to meet its 2018 deadline,” White said.

Show in DubaiThe show at Dubai World Trade Centre is the biggest and most popular in the Middle East and North African (Mena) region and regularly attracts thousands of participants. Last year the show had more than 80,000 participants from 147 countries

Citing a report published by Ventures Onsite for The Big 5 he said: “The Big 5 in Dubai is a main

focus for suppliers to the region from across the world. Major infra-structure projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have and will con-tinue to drive diversifi cation, but what we’ve also seen is large-scale investment being sustained across Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.”

In preparation for stead-ily increasing demand for certifi ed equipment, building materials, and expertise, The Big 5 will in-crease in size again in 2015. This year, the show will fi ll the brand new hall space at World Trade Centre with a section called The Big 5 Focus. “The Big 5 is the global meeting place for the construction

sector and The Big 5 Focus has been designed to make it even eas-ier to fi nd certifi ed products that are available locally,” said White.

Nathan Waugh, who is DMG events’ portfolio director for the two shows, said: “The global con-struction equipment market is forecast to reach $241 billion by 2020 and growth in the Middle East is a major part of this fi gure.

“With 36,000 global visitors at-tending Middle East Concrete and PMV Live last year, we’re excited by the chance to work with exhibitors in showcasing what promises to be a spectacular range of vehicles, heavy machinery, and concrete.”

G C C C O N S T R U C T I O N

Nizwa, Sumail attract massive investments

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Al Dakhiliyah gov-ernorate of Oman has attracted OMR27.59 million worth invest-ment from 2,874 fi rms in the last 17 months, according to a press statement.

The number of commercial registrations in A Dakhiliyah Governorate between January and May this year was 992, with a total investment of OMR15.33 million, while the region has at-tracted OMR12.26 million invest-ment from 1,882 newly-formed fi rms last year. Most of these in-vestments are within the Nizwa and Sumail industrial estates.

Abdullah bin Saif bin Abdullah Al Chendodi, director of the com-merce and industry department of in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate said that 12 industrial businesses have been registered in the last year with investments estimated

at OMR6.87 million, and addi-tional 14 industrial businesses have been registered during the last fi ve months of 2015, with OMR14.46 million investments.

He pointed out that the number of industrial licences in the last year amounted to 92, with invest-ment value of OMR 3.23 million. Additional 60 industrial licenses have been registered during the period from January 1 to May 30.

IncentivesAl Dakhiliyah Governorate pro-vides several incentives to en-courage investments in the vari-ous industrial and commercial sectors thanks to the legislation that govern and facilitate invest-ment procedures. It also makes great eff orts to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the governorate.

The government is working to develop its activities in vari-

ous industrial and commercial fi elds and services by supporting the young Omani entrepreneurs and helping them build their ca-reers, enhance their skills and talents, and fi nd new opportuni-ties. The development plans and programmes refl ect the govern-ment’s interest in diff erent sec-tors. The government provides various means of support to en-able such sectors to perform their vital roles in the Oman’s economy.

The role of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is to support the private sector and enables it to contribute to the de-velopment of the Omani economy through the creation of an envi-ronment that encourages invest-ment in all areas.

Also, the The Invest Easy web portal helped speed the issuance of commercial registrations, which refl ects the eff orts to facili-tate services to investors.

Al Dakhiliyah

governorate

has attracted

investments worth

OMR27.59m from

2,874 fi rms in the

last 17 months

Electricity production in the Sultanate logs 13% growthMUSCAT: Total production of electricity and water in Oman re-corded a signifi cant increase at the end of June 2015.

The total electricity production increased to more than 15,290 GW, achieving growth of 13.8 per cent, compared to the production re-corded in 2014.

The same applies to the water sector in which the production grew to exceed 106.6 million cubic metres with an increase of 10.6 per cent.

The Governorates of North and South Al Sharqiyah recorded the biggest rate in the production level increase compared to the levels re-corded in 2014. The increase level in these two governorates reached 167.3 per cent. The total produc-tion till June reached 2,433.7 GW per hour, compared to the produc-tion recorded during the same pe-riod of 2014, which reached 910.3 GW per hour.

The total electricity production in the Governorates of North and South Al Batinah, in addition to the Governorate of Al Dhahirah, reached 7,687.1 GW per hour. It is the highest percentage recorded at

the governorates’ level, logging an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to the fi gures recorded during the same period of 2014 during which the three mentioned governorates produced 7,448.9 GW per hour.

Dhofar governorateThe total electricity production in the Governorate of Dhofar reached 1567.8 GW per hour with an in-crease of 8.4 per cent compared to the production recorded during the same period of 2014.

The total electricity production in Governorate of Muscat reached 2,720.9 GW per hour, falling at a

rate of 6.5 per cent compared to the production recorded during the same period of 2014, when it had reached 2,910.6 GW per hour.

The net electricity production of the Sultanate till the end of last June 2015 reached 14,812.7 GW per hour; compared to the fi gures recorded during the same period of 2014; which reached 12,909.4 GW per hour with an increase rate of 14.7 per cent.

This production includes the procurement of Oman Power and Water Procurement Company and the procurement of the Rural Ar-eas Electricity Company.

The statistics indicated that the biggest net production of elec-tricity was recorded in the Gov-ernorates of North and South Al Batinah; in addition to the Gov-ernorates Al Dhahirah. The net production recorded in these gov-ernorates at the end of last June reached 7,379.6 GW per hour, compared to the net production recorded during the same period of 2014, which reached 7,139.1 GW per hour with an increased rate of 3.4 per cent.

P O W E R S U P P L Y

DEVELOPMENT: The number of commercial registrations in Dakh-

iliyah Governorate between January and May this year was 992,

with a total investment of OMR15.33 million. - Supplied photo

Sezad to organise

seminar in Dhofar

SALALAH: Special Econom-ic Zone Authority in Duqm (Sezad) will organise an aware-ness seminar on Wednesday at Oman Chambers of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) branch in Dhofar Governorate under the theme ‘Investment Opportuni-ties in Sezad’.

The seminar comes as part of the joint eff orts of Sezad and OCCI to promote the invest-ment opportunities in Sultan-ate. The seminar is the seventh of a series of seminars that start-ed this year in Musandam.

Sezad seeks to communicate with businessmen at the diff er-ent governorates and encourage them to start their projects in the Sultanate and benefi t from various incentives. - ONA

I N V E S T M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S

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Qais Al Khonji: The voice ofentrepreneurship in Oman

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Some people are born entrepreneurial, others are en-couraged to become one. Qais al-Khonji is someone who was born with the spirit of an entrepreneur; he is determined to ensure that Omani youngsters and existing SME owners have every opportu-nity to succeed as their own boss. By doing so, he hopes to secure the economic future of his country of birth. Even as a youngster, Qais Mohmood Al Khonji knew his des-tiny was to create his own identity (rather than eventually fall back on the family fortunes at the Al Khon-ji Group and spend his life making

board decisions). Going it alone, he felt, would not only challenge him, but allow him to get to know him-self inside and out.

Hence, at the ripe young age of 32, he turned his back on a lu-crative corporate banking career (and, fi nally, his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot) and set about forming his own company – being his own boss, as it were.

So worthwhile and life-enhanc-ing did he fi nd it that now he’s lob-bying with the government and the private industry in Oman to allow others to tread a similar path.

Today, aged 36, and with two successful companies – Quais United Enterprises Trading and Genesis International – already under his belt, Al Khonji is keen to see an infrastructure in the land of his birth that will not only nurture and educate a school-age entre-preneurial mind, but also provide favourable conditions and more fi -nancial help for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Spotting opportunities Oman is a country where huge global enterprises in the oil and industry make up at least half of its GDP. And it’s here, where the entrepreneur – whose EOR (En-hanced Oil Recovery) Lab Servic-es company is fi rst such in Oman that no longer has to outsource the service – reckons that small and medium-sized companies could particularly excel.

In fact, there’s a ready-made market for entrepreneurs right there, he insists. What Al Khonji means is that large companies which are fi nancing the oil and gas

industry but don’t have the techni-cal know-how, would like entre-preneurs to approach them with ideas. It’s a sector Al Khonji would like the government to concen-trate on far more than it currently does when it comes to supporting young entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, what the govern-ment has been intensely focusing on in recent years, is their Omani-zation programme which encour-ages large corporations and public sector bodies to hire Omanis (at the expense of jobs fi lled by for-eigners). They do this by insisting they meet a particular quota.

In a promising move, however, this has recently been widened so that those same government bod-ies and huge private fi rms have been encouraged to give non-es-sential areas of business to entre-preneurs. Training and mentoring of new start-ups has also been ini-tiated. Meanwhile, Oman Vision 2020 is a strategy aimed at boost-ing industrialisation and encour-aging more private investment in the economy and jobs market. At

present the jobs market sits at a relatively high unemployment rate of 8% in a country of just 3.2 mil-lion individuals.

Inspiring entrepreneurismBut what about education in schools? Al Khonji is particularly vocal on this. Granted that the government is already funding programmes for entrepreneurship aimed at school-age youngsters, it’s however not focused enough, he insists.

He adds: “It’s not really about how much money the govern-ment is prepared to put in to edu-cate school pupils; rather it’s what they’re doing to encourage the students to learn. What’s the use of investing, let’s say, 100,000 for instance, and it being spent on pro-grammes which neither inspire nor enthuse their target audience?

“Ideally what we need is a plan with a realistic time-frame and a strategy that we know is going to work. Ultimately, there has to be a vision. Let’s start with a pilot pro-ject fi rst and see what we achieve from that. We can then build on the rest.” The main problem with teaching entrepreneurism in schools, he says, is that it’s not an easy subject to teach in a theoreti-cal manner. “It’s not an art or a sci-ence,” says Al Khonji (whose back-ground is in business information systems). “Because of this, it has to be taught using case studies and practical examples.

“Assign the pupils – in grades 10 to 12 – projects and tell them what they need to accomplish. In doing so they will learn the essentials for business such as ‘the importance

of cash fl ow,’ ‘that patience can pay off in the end’ and ‘the neces-sity of believing in your product or service.” In April this year, the Oman Ministry of Higher Educa-tion (OITE) launched its fi rst ever Oman Higher Education Sum-mit. Titled ‘Entrepreneurship and Higher Education,’ the two-day conference was aimed at encour-aging young graduates to venture along their own path rather than one already formed by government or private industry. In other words, they were encouraging school leavers to consider working for themselves. Academics were the target audience, along with train-ers and policy makers in youth entrepreneurship.

Service sectorAs the best kind of entrepreneur, Al Khonji is a man who believes in learning from his mistakes. His fi rst company, which imported goods from China to Oman, failed. This he attributes to the fact he didn’t have a smart enough mar-keting strategy and the Omani market wasn’t big enough (there were too many global brands to compete with).

He also believes it’s easier for entrepreneurs to kick off in the service sector. The reason, for this, he explains is down to customi-zation, i.e., the ability to make a service your own by adding some-thing to make it distinct.

“That way you have control over your business,” he says.

Offi cial projections show that tourism in Oman is set to expand over the next few years – thanks, in particular, to improved infrastruc-

ture in the country’s transport in-dustry. This includes expansion and development of major ports at Salalah, Duqm and Sohar, as well as improvements at two in-ternational airports – Muscat and Salalah. It means Oman is also be-coming a key logistics player in the Middle East.

But getting back to the oil and gas industry that we mentioned earlier (as well as manufacturing) – Al Khonji believes these are the sectors in which to provide a ser-vice industry. Why? Well, one rea-son – and it’s a big one – is that the country’s industrial sector, espe-cially petrochemicals, is set to ex-pand rapidly over the coming years and up to the end of the decade.

Although he admires the ef-fort the Omani Government has already put in to encourage entre-preneurship (especially within the past few years), Al Khonji admits he will probably never stop lobby-ing them. One of his pet projects is to see a separate tender board for SMEs so that they don’t have to compete on same level with large corporate fi rms, and which will prove far fairer to the smaller busi-nessman/woman. In the mean-time, he is already a director of the government-funded Sharakah project. Created vide a Royal de-cree back in 1998, this is designed to educate and encourage Omani entrepreneurs. And it certainly seems to be keeping to its word. In May this year, for instance, it an-nounced funding for 21 colleges and universities to take part in its entrepreneur programme, and 700 students (or would-be entrepre-neurs) benefi tted.

Today, aged 36, and

with two successful

companies – Quais

United Enterprises

Trading and Genesis

International –

already under his

belt, Al Khonji is

keen to see an

infrastructure in the

land of his birth

Qais al-Khonji. — Supplied picture

Microsoft cleared of patent infringement in US courtNEW YORK: Microsoft avoided a potentially costly setback to its mobile phone business on Friday as the US International Trade Commission (ITC) declined to block the import of its devices in a longstanding patent dispute.

The decision rejected a rul-ing in April by a US trade judge who found that Microsoft had in-fringed two InterDigital Inc wire-less patents, and recommended an import ban.

The commission’s action is good news for Microsoft, which has been struggling to compete with Apple and Samsung Elec-tronics devices. The Redmond, Washington-based company has captured just three per cent of the smartphone market in the United States and globally, according to recent estimates.

Quarterly lossMicrosoft last month posted a re-cord quarterly loss as it took a $7.5 billion charge on its handset busi-ness, which it bought from Nokia last year.

InterDigital’s Chief Executive Offi cer William Merritt said in a statement that the decision was disappointing but would have limited impact “given the decline of the Nokia mobile device busi-ness under Microsoft’s control and its limited market position.”

A Microsoft spokesperson said the company was “grateful the Commission stopped Inter-Digital from trying to block our products.” InterDigital stock was down three per cent after hours on Friday.

The two companies are at odds over how much InterDigital should be able to charge to license

its patents, which are considered essential to cellphone technology.

Infringing its technologyWilmington, Delaware-based In-terDigital fi rst accused Nokia in 2007 of infringing its technology for optimising a cellphone’s pow-er to connect to a network.

In April, the US trade judge ruled that Microsoft used In-terDigital’s patents, considered standard in the industry, but re-fused to pay for a license to them.

An import ban would have af-fected any Microsoft phone using 3G cellular technology, including its Lumia smartphones.

After reviewing that ruling, the commission said on Friday that Microsoft did not violate the

patents, but it did not address the issue of fair licensing for essen-tial patents. Earlier this month, Microsoft sued InterDigital in Delaware federal court, claiming InterDigital violated US antitrust law by breaking promises to off er licenses on reasonable terms.

Companies frequently sue both at the ITC, which has the author-ity to block the import of products that infringe a US patent, and in district court to win monetary damages. — Reuters

M O B I L E P H O N E B U S I N E S S

BIG RELIEF: Microsoft last month posted a record quarterly loss

as it took a $7.5 billion charge on its handset business, which it

bought from Nokia last year. — Bloomberg fi le picture

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com [email protected]

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Lincoln MKX: Luxury that takes you places

MUSCAT: Making a mark in the luxury automotive segment, Lin-coln has exhibited its desire to off er some of the fi nest products that would become benchmarks of luxury.

The Lincoln MKX stands out for its industry-fi rst customer-fo-cused technology, uncompromised craftsmanship, top safety ratings, best-in-class horsepower and ex-cellent fuel economy. Besides that it’s stylish, with a chrome exterior and plenty of wood, aluminium and leather present inside, says a

press release. In Oman, Lincoln vehicles are

brought you by Arabian Car Marketing Co.

The Lincoln MKX is a fi ve-pas-senger crossover SUV. The MKX is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 engine that generates 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque.

A six-speed automatic trans-mission handles the shifting du-ties. An experience of the Lincoln MKX will almost certainly re-veal its civilised ride quality and hushed interior at highway speeds,

including its secure handling and precise steering, both of which make it easy to manoeuvre.

While inside the Lincoln MKX you will notice how well appoint-ed the cabin is with handsome stitching and real aluminium accents making the MKX a nice place to be in. Of more signifi -cance is the MyLincoln Touch interface that comes standard in every MKX. It comprises of two driver-confi gurable informa-tion screens, one elegant central touchscreen and a comprehen-sive voice control system.

Both rows of seating in the Lin-coln MKX off er spacious accom-modation. The backseat is notable for being able to seat three adults in reasonable comfort, thanks in part to the standard reclining rear seatbacks. The rear cargo area

measures 32.3 cubic feet. Flip down the rear seatbacks, though, and the maximum capacity ex-pands to a solid 68.6 cubic feet.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless igni-tion/entry, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors (driver side and interior), dual-zone automatic climate con-trol, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats (with power lumbar support), driver memory functions, a tilt-and-tele-scoping steering wheel and manu-ally reclining second-row seats.

Electronic features include voice commands (SYNC), Blue-tooth phone and audio connec-tivity, the MyLincoln Touch in-fotainment system (includes a confi gurable instrument cluster and a central 8-inch touchscreen), Navigation & DVD Headrest.

Safety is a key Lincoln MKX fea-ture. Standard safety equipment for the MKX includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction con-trol, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and rear parking sensors.

The Lincoln MKX stands out for its

industry-fi rst customer-focused technology,

uncompromised craftsmanship, top safety

ratings, best-in-class horsepower and

excellent fuel economy

Majid Al Futtaim staff set to develop next big innovationDUBAI: With the UAE set to be-come one of the most innovative nations in the world by 2021, Majid Al Futtaim is empower-ing its own employees to get creative when it comes to im-proving customer experience and come up with the company’s next big innovation.

Having already created some of the region’s most iconic con-cepts, Majid Al Futtaim is this week hosting a group of more than 80 employees, from its busi-nesses across the region, to take part in an Innovation Challenge in Dubai, says a press release.

CreativityA wave of creativity is already washing over Dubai and accel-erating the Emirate towards the diversifi cation of its economy. Innovation is at the heart of Dubai’s exciting future, help-ing it to maintain its competi-tive advantage in the region and forming a vital part of its growth plan, as recognised by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak-toum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In the retail sector, a culture of innovation has been present for over 20 years and has helped Dubai to become the sec-ond most important retail desti-nation in the world.

Majid Al Futtaim’s history of innovation in customer ex-perience has supported Dubai to become a retail powerhouse, providing an excellent example of the importance of innova-tion within the UAE’s public and private sectors. The Innovation Challenge is the fi rst of its kind in Dubai and enables Majid Al Futtaim to promote innovation internally and play an active role in the UAE’s vision to cultivate innovation from the ground up.

Ahmed Galal Ismail, chief ex-

ecutive offi cer at Majid Al Fut-taim Ventures said: “The UAE’s innovation strategy is set to sup-port economic prosperity and private sector businesses have an opportunity to make a signifi -cant impact in the development of new innovations. At Majid Al Futtaim, innovation in customer experience lies at the heart of what we do and drives our busi-ness forward. We foster a work-place that incentivises, empow-ers, encourages and rewards innovation at all levels.”

Organised in conjunction with VentureScout, a company which specialises in working with large companies to implement internal and external innovation, the In-novation Challenge requires em-ployees to submit ideas, big and small, that can be developed into a new product or service which will improve customer experi-ence across Majid Al Futtaim’s business portfolio.

The challenge will begin with a three-day Hackathon, where em-ployees will present their ideas to a panel of judges. With 1300 written submissions received, the judging panel selected just over 80 entries to take part in the Hackathon. During the fi rst day the top ideas will be selected and teams formed around those ideas.

The fi nalists are given 48 hours to refi ne their ideas before they present for three minutes to the judging panel at the end of the third day. A few days after the Hackathon, the best two ideas will then be selected and both teams will attend a fi ve-week innovation lab in London start-ing in October, where they will further develop their ideas. In November, the teams will pre-sent their innovations, with one selected to become Majid Al Fut-taim’s next great moment and be awarded AED 250,000.

I M P R O V I N G C U S T O M E R E X P E R I E N C E

Lexus RC F V8: World’s fi rst heartbeat coupe

MUSCAT: Constantly taking huge strides in its ambitions to develop and introduce the fi nest in luxury automotive technology Lexus has made a huge impres-sion on in the hearts of its cus-tomers the world over.

Lately in Australia, Lexus has developed the world’s fi rst vehicle to display a heartbeat on its exteri-or in a demonstration of advanced technology and the connection between man and machine, says a press release.

The Japanese luxury marque collaborated with creative agency M&C Saatchi to produce a one-off RC F V8 coupe that integrates a series of technologies to display a person’s heartbeat in the vehi-cle’s bodywork. The fi rst stage of the system works by transmit-ting the heartbeat of a connected person from a heart rate monitor to a bespoke electrical system in the RC F.

The on-board system captures and processes the data before sending an electric charge through

the RC F’s body panels that are painted in electroluminescent paint developed by US-based spe-cialist Lumilor.

This innovative paint fi nish glows when the electrical charge runs through it and displays the person’s heartbeat via a real-time animation sequence.

Sean Hanley, Chief Executive, Lexus Australia, said the heartbeat car comes in the wake of other in-novative brand activities in 2015 and an ongoing commitment to the development of high performance Lexus F vehicles.

“This latest concept follows oth-er innovative projects we have de-veloped this year including smart outdoor advertising billboards that respond to the car you’re driv-ing and our fantastic new Lexus hoverboard,” Hanley said.

“These activities underline the new, bold way we are behaving across all areas of the Lexus busi-ness. The heartbeat car also links to another key part of our brand — high performance vehicles — via

our F brand, and the emotional response a person gets from a machine like the RC F coupe,” Hanley added.

Hanley also emphasised that Lexus’ dedication to luxury would not waver. “No matter the inno-vative technology we display and bring to market, our commitment to delivering the ultimate luxury customer experience remains the foundation of the Lexus brand,” concluded Hanley.

Encouraged by innovation, the process to create a Lexus vehicle is unique within the automotive industry. Taking inspiration from fi elds as diverse as the fashion in-dustry, architecture, the arts and medicine, each vehicle is painstak-ingly crafted to meet Lexus’ exact-ing standards.

In Oman every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefi ts and privileges such as six years unlim-ited extended mileage protection and Lexus Prestige Club Card that off ers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.

I N N O V A T I V E C R E A T I O N


THE VIDEOW W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M

MUSCAT: Pakistan Social Club Oman’s Youth Talent Wing organ-ised a colourful musical evening in connection with the 69th Inde-pendence day of Pakistan, at Ma-jan Hotel Continental, recently.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan to the Sultanate of Oman, was the chief guest at this largely attended family ori-ented function. Mian Muham-mad Munir, chairman and A. H. Raja, vice chairman, Muhammad Zaeem Akhtar, general secretary, Ch Muhammad Abbas, Finance secretary and other directors of PSC Oman, Muhammad Adnan Shahzad, chairman of PSM BoDs and prominent Omani business-man Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah were also present among the guests, who were warmly welcomed by Waseem Abid, head of PSC Youth Talent Wing and his team, says a press release.

The function began with Qari Sanaullah reciting a few verses from the Holy Quran and Abid

Mughal presenting a Naat.Usman Majeed sang a national

song while Umair Mahmood highlighted the importance of gaining independence.

DocumentaryImran Fazal played a documen-tary about Pakistan, Ammar Akbar introduced PSC’s Talent Youth Wing. Eng. Mohammad Ali Fareedi, Imran Sheikh and Rana Shaukat Ali presented a musical programme and won in-stant appreciated.

Safdar Hussain and Saqib Us-man conducted a quiz programme about Pakistan.

Shields were presented to the performing artists and cer-tifi cates were given to the Youth Talent Wing team as a token of appreciation.

Raja, who was honoured with the title of role model for PSC’s Youth Talent Wing by its head Waseem Abid, addressed the gathering and asked the com-

munity to encourage Pakistan’s talented youth to develop the soft image of Pakistan abroad.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan, praised the eff orts of PSC’s Youth Talent Wing for organising such a beautiful na-tional event and encouraged his countrymen to organise more lit-erary and cultural events in the Sultanate of Oman.

National Anthems of Oman and Pakistan were played be-fore the cake cutting ceremony, which was followed by vote of thanks by Iftikhar Ahmad and a delicious dinner.

The event was sponsored by Ittfaq Travel & Tourism, Syed Fayyaz Group of Companies, Al Liusie Trading Establishment, Hotpot Restaurant, PIA, Meerath Restaurant, Rahat Computer Ser-vices, Karwan International, Al Ravi Restaurant , Inspire Travel & Tourism, Pakistan Spicy Village Restaurant , Pakistan Restaurant and Fazli Wadood Company.

M U S I C A L E V E N I N G

PSC Youth Talent Wing celebrates Pakistan I-Day

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Nissan unveils exciting seasonal off ers on its wide crossover range

MUSCAT: Nissan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles introduces brand new seasonal off ers on crossover models until October 16. Its exclusive vehicle promotions are enticing and one-of-a-kind promising unlimited benefi ts to valued patrons.

Nissan has a heritage of show-casing some of the most amaz-ing benefi ts for its customers by introducing unique off ers on its prestigious line-up of vehicles. In an eff ort to make Nissan vehicles aff ordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, says a press release.

What’s on off er? Auto enthusiasts can now avail ex-citing benefi ts on Nissan’s crosso-ver range of vehicles as their sea-sonal off ers include cash gift up to OMR500, free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic main-tenance only), free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient fi nancing options. Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual

requirement from in-house Auto Finance team.

Interactive social media Customers can also get unlim-ited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of its homes or offi ces. Simply visit Nissan Oman’s Facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sban-issanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

The Nissan crossover range provides customers with a com-prehensive product line-up and an opportunity to choose from Nissan Pathfi nder 3.5L, X-Trail, Murano and the Juke.

Nissan Pathfi nder 3.5L The vehicle comes with 3.5L V6 Engine, 254hp along with 20’’ al-loy wheels, remote engine starter, rear view monitor with bird’s eye view and family entertainment system. The Nissan Pathfi nder 3.5L is set to defi ne what the next generation SUV should off er: per-fect off -road capability (i-Auto 4WD system), dynamic design, class-leading comfort, thoughtful technology, and a rewarding driv-ing experience.

The Pathfi nder 3.5L comes with

thoughtful technology throughout the interior, starting with Nissan’s advanced, class-exclusive Around View Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree im-age of the area around the vehicle. The instrument panel includes Advanced Drive-Assist Display (standard on every model), fea-tures a 4.0-inch LCD colour dis-play, and utilises 3D-eff ect graph-ics to relay key information right in front of the driver. The instru-ment panel includes a large mul-tifunction center IT display, avail-able Nissan navigation system, streaming audio via bluetooth and rear view monitor.

Nissan X-Trail With a 2.5L, 4 cylinder engine, 170hp. The Nissan X-trail comes in 5 and 7 seater, 4x4 variants. the vehicle features safety options like dual airbags, ABS + EBD +BA + VDC and Brake LSD. For dynamic control, the vehicle features hill start assist + hill descent control, front fog lamp with chrome fi nish-er (only 4WD), intelligent key with push start button (only 4WD) and Xtronic CVT (Continuously Vari-able Transmission). The X-Trail adopts Nissan’s advanced elec-tronic four-wheel drive system, all

mode 4x4i controlled via a rotary switch on the centre console, it of-fers a choice between two-wheel drive, auto mode or lock off ering permanent four-wheel drive.

Nissan Murano With a 3.5L V6 Engine, 256hp – The Nissan Murano comes with Xtronic CVT with 6 speed manual mode, intelligent key with push start button, cruise control and dual sunroof. The mighty Mura-no’s entertainment features 6 CD changer with MP3 and iPod con-nectivity. Further the vehicle com-prises 18” alloy wheels, xenon head lamps, rear spoiler, leather seat, ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, TCS, dual air-bags, front / rear parking sensor.

The second generation Nissan Murano made in Japan features a whole range of refi nements and en-hancements designed to keep Nis-san’s popular, fl agship crossover SUV ahead of the growing number of ordinary entries in the segment.

Nissan Juke Made in Japan, the Nissan Juke’s turbocharged engine delivers seri-ous boost when required, The Nis-san Intelligent Key allows drivers to unlock the door with a tap of a button on the door handle.

The Nissan Jukes comes in 1.6L engine and the vehicle’s features LED signature front and rear lights and comes with a sports bike inspired console with 17” al-loy wheels, power windows, ABS, EBD and brake assist, dual air-bags – the Juke’s safety features are unbeatable.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a cockpit oriented cabin dominated by a centre con-sole design inspired by a motorcy-cle fuel tank. Finished in a distinc-tive high gloss colour – metallic red or grey – the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practical-ity is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

A decade of promise Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultan-ate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a na-tional network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its lega-cy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for

money to each of its customers.

Nationwide presence Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive importers and distribu-tors of all Nissan vehicles in Oman, has its Nissan showrooms spread across the Sultanate. Their show-rooms are strategically located all across the country in Muscat, So-har, Sur, Salalah, Shinas, Samail, Ibra, Ibri, Nizwa, Buraimi, Barka, Bahla, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Seeb, Ma-belah, Sinaw and Bidaya. This goes to show that Nissan Oman has been successfully growing in oper-ations and is consistently spread-ing its network throughout Oman.

Dependability For every customer purchasing a Nissan vehicle, it is the begin-ning of a fulfi lling experience as Nissan’s top class after sales ser-vice makes sure every customer is happy and satisfi ed. Nissan’s after sales service provider for all Nissan cars in Oman ensures cus-tomers get the advantage of fac-tory trained expertise and genuine Nissan replacement parts always. Customers can expect reliability and assistance, which will help re-tain Nissan’s performance and re-sale value for years to come.

In an eff ort to make

Nissan vehicles

aff ordable and

accessible to all,

Suhail Bahwan

Automobiles has

taken up this unique

initiative

ISG student performs Arangetram

MUSCAT: Amidst the scram-bling schedule of academics, it is really asking for a lot from stu-dents to pursue their passion for performing arts.

Ananya Ananthan, an academi-cally brilliant student of Grade X in Indian School Ghubra (ISG), has indeed proven that you can always make time to work on your dreams. Ananya performed her maiden solo performance (Arangetram) of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical art form re-cently at Al Falaj Hotel, Muscat. She is a student of Guru Premila Ramesh, Director, Orbit Training Centre for Performing Arts (Nrity-anjali), for the past nine years, says

a press release. Premila is a disciple of the fa-

mous dancing duo, Padma Bhush-an Shri Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan, and continues her training to this day under G. Nar-endra and K. Mahalakshmi of Avigna Dance Ensemble, Chen-nai who were the choreographers of Ananya’s dance items as well as the chief guests for the even-ing. Papri Ghosh, Principal of In-dian School Al Ghubra and Prem Maker, Managing Director, Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives and a patron of this art form, were the guests of honour.

Ananya was indeed privi-leged to have the support of very

gifted group of musicians from India, who complemented her performance extremely well. Premila conducted the Nattu-vangam; vocalist was Debur Sri-vaths and on the Mridangam was Vedakrishnaram. Violinist for the evening was Padma Shankar and Devarajan was on the fl ute.

Informative videoA very informative introductory video on this classical art form, showcasing the performances of Ananya and her Guru Premila, added much value to the evening’s performance.

Addressing the audience, the chief guests Narendra and Ma-

halakshmi applauded Ananya’s very expressive performance of the complicated pieces choreo-graphed by them. Complimenting Ananya’s parents, Ananthan and Vidya, for having encouraged her Ananya to pursue one of India’s most known cultural art form, they asked members of the audience to provide similar support to their children as well. Ananya’s perfor-mance was highly commended by the entire audience.

Orbit Events Management ably managed the event.

The colourful costumes, lights, sound and the stage set up re-ceived special mention and com-mendation from the audience.

M A I D E N P E R F O R M A N C E

ENT department at Kims Oman off ers excellent servicesMUSCAT: With the keenness to provide the community with the best medical care, the ENT department at Kims Oman Hos-pital (KOH), a 50-bed hospital equipped with excellence in healthcare delivery, is recog-nised to deal with the most com-plex diseases of the ear, nose and throat through special medical care and treatment which has been conducted by a team of spe-cialised doctors and staff who are internationally qualifi ed and ex-ceptionally trained to manage the normal, mild as well as the most complex ENT cases.

The team is led by Dr Srini-vas Bapu K. R., Specialist-ENT, MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (Otorhi-nolaryngology), who is experi-enced with a focus on the diagno-sis and treatment of endoscopic sinus surgeries, tympanoplasty in addition to conducting micro-ear surgeries-mastoidectomy. Dr Bapu is also specialised in Ossicu-loplasty, phonosurgeries in addi-tion to conducting microlaryngeal surgeries, says a press release.

“Early diagnosis is of a primary importance in any medical speci-ality which needs to be supported with competent medical staff and latest equipment. Our ENT department at KIMS Oman Hos-pital is well equipped with highly qualifi ed practitioners as well as the state-of-the-art equipment,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, chief op-

erating offi cer of KOH.Kims is committed to provide

world-class health care services with care, compassion and cour-tesy to its patients at an aff ord-able price.

H E A L T H C A R E

Our ENT department at

KIMS Oman Hospital is

well equipped with highly

qualified practitioners as

well as the state-of-the-art

equipment

Dr Hussam AkoumChief operating officer of KOH

Dr Srinivas Bapu K. R.

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Renault Symbol: Perfect family sedan with attractive features

MUSCAT: The Renault Symbol is a status-enhancing yet aff ordable family sedan.

Its modern design and attrac-tive equipment package, combined with its low fuel consumption make the new Renault Symbol the perfect sedan for families look-ing for value for money along with status and style. Competitive ad-vantages such as roominess, boot space, modern equipment and engine displacement ensure it has everything required to make it a hit with customers in the region, says a press release.

‘Smart from every angle’Symbol is packed with topnotch

technology and innovation. It of-fers an enjoyable ride, signifi cant power while maintaining low lev-els of fuel consumption. It is fi tted with an automatic gearbox and a 1.6L16V engine; placing it among the highest size of engines avail-able on the B Sedan segment. The compact sedan off ers as well spa-cious interior with seating for fi ve adults, a 510 litres bootspace, and the possibility to increase it up to 1,257 litres with the rear bench-seat folded.

The new Renault Symbol also off ers plenty of safety features. It is equipped with front driver and passenger airbags, driver seatbelt unlock alarm, ISOFIX attach-ments for child seats, three points rear seatbelts with three rear headrests in addition to a central locking system and a speed sen-sitive door lock. It also boasts as standard front fog lights, daytime running lights, and most impor-tantly an antilock braking systems.

To top it all, Renault Symbol will be available in various colours to

satisfy all customer preferences and desires. It comes with the new Radio Arkamys 3D Sound CD/MP3/USB and Bluetooth, steer-ing wheel controls, a cruise control and speed limiter. It is also fur-nished with an automatic air-con-ditioning system that was tested to meet the challenges of the region’s harsh climate conditions.

The new Media Nav multime-dia system also gives easy access to highly practical features thanks to it 7” touchscreen: GPS, audio streaming music, as well as access to your phonebook and call history thanks to Bluetooth.

This new car in the Renault line-up has been specially designed to meet the needs of customers who want an elegant, spacious, low-maintenance family car. Mod-ern equipment specifi cation and engine range ensure it has all the ingredients to make it a hit with customers in the region.

Main assets Engine: The 1.6L 16V engine is

among the highest size of engines available on the B Sedan category.

Bootspace: The bootspace has a capacity of 510 Litres, therefore placing the new Renault Symbol as the best-in-class choice for luggage transport in its category. In addition, the capacity can be increased to 1,257 Litres with the rear benchseat folded.

Technology: The new Radio Arkamys 3D Sound CD / MP3 / USB is available with factory fi tted Bluetooth and steering wheel con-trol as standard from the fi rst PE equipment level.

The new Media Nav multimedia system off ering 7” touchscreen, GPS and audio streaming music comes along with the top of the range LE grade.

Standard features for the fi rst PE level include:

• Front driver and passenger airbags

• ISOFIX attachments for child seats

• Front fog lights and daytime running lights

• 3D Sound by Arkamys CD/MP3/USB and Bluetooth + steering wheel control

• 3-point rear seatbelts + 3 rear headrests

• Keyless entry system + speed sensitive door locking

• Air-conditioning • Front electric windows• Beige upholstery• 1/3 – 2/3 folding benchseat • Chrome interior door handles • Exterior body coloured bump-

ers & door handles• Height adjustable steering

wheel Additional equipment on the SE

mid-range model: • Trip computer• Automatic air-conditioning• Front electric windows with

driver one-touch control• Rear electric windows• Electric door mirrors• Cruise control and speed limiter• Leather steering wheel• Height adjustable driver’s seat• Exterior body coloured door

handles + chromeThe top-of-the-range LE model

includes:• 15” NEPTA alloy wheels • Rear parking sensors • MEDIA NAV multimedia sys-

tem with 7” touchscreen and GPS

A world class brandThe Renault principle of safety is outlined in four basic points: Prevent, correct, protect and edu-cate. Renault provides equipment that performs auxiliary tasks automatically to promote the re-sponsibility of drivers by warn-ing them when they are not in a position to control their vehicle or when they put themselves in a position of potential danger. For example, the visual and audible seatbelt reminders and tyre pres-sure monitoring. The inherent handling and braking qualities of a vehicle are fundamental fac-tors of its overall dynamic, active safety and accident avoidance performance. Moreover, Renault is also known to have the maxi-mum number of Euro-NCAP Five Star rated models globally.

SBA is largely committed to sup-porting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major em-phasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class af-ter-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 80 outlets – showrooms, service cen-tres and parts outlets, SBA has fur-ther built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

Its modern design and

attractive equipment

package, combined

with its low fuel

consumption make

the new Symbol the

perfect sedan for

families looking for

value for money along

with status and style

Bank Sohar sponsors international e-Commerce ConferenceMUSCAT: Bank Sohar recently sponsored the third e-Commerce Conference, which focused on ar-eas related to cybercrime.

The event was conducted at the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah and was organised by the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with the Middle East Centre for Social Studies and Consultancies. The conference brought due attention to the fi eld of combating IT crimes and its im-portance in a world where there is a growing reliance on the Internet, says a press release.

The conference, which took place recently, was held under the auspices of Issa bin Hamad Al Azri, undersecretary at the Min-istry of Justice, and was attended by a number of offi cials from both;

government and private sector. Attending the event on behalf of Bank Sohar was Amur Said Al Amri, senior chief manager of the Salalah branch.

Commenting on the bank’s sponsorship of the conference, Rashad Ali Al Musafi r, Acting CEO of Bank Sohar said: “With readily available Internet access,

together with the increased us-age of smart devices, our reliance on online platforms and services in recent years has increased ex-ponentially. Such platforms may also be a source of concern and risk as they are prone to cyber-attacks; as a matter of fact, nearly 500,000 cyberattacks were carried out in 2014 alone according to a

2015 research paper by the RSA Anti Fraud Command Center, a substantial increase of 11 per cent year-on-year. Whilst technology is constantly evolving and improv-ing to combat such attacks, confer-ences such as this are vital towards raising awareness. As a bank that takes the threat of cybercrime very seriously, we are glad to have

sponsored such a ground-breaking conference and look forward to supporting and encouraging more in the future.”

Focused on cybercrime, the con-ference provided a detailed over-view of the nature and characteris-tics of cybercrime. It even touched upon ways in which to detect them and protect ones IT infrastructure

and e-transactions on them. Fur-thermore, the conference went on to discuss strategies that could be used to raise awareness on the risks of cybercrimes. The event concluded with an honouring ceremony where Bank Sohar was honoured by the Middle East Cen-tre for Consulting & Social Studies for being sponsors of the event.

In addition to being an ardent supporter of raising awareness on fi nancial crime and its prevention, Bank Sohar also maintains the highest level of security for cus-tomers using its online services and facilities, in line with global standards. These include the very best in security systems to ensure data privacy and security such as Verisign Digital Certifi cates, 128 bit Encryption, Virtual Keypad, Two levels of passwords, etc.

C Y B E R C R I M E

ahlibank picks daily winners

MUSCAT: ahlibank announced the names of the MyHassad daily prize draw winners.

Wisam Mohammed Saleem Abdul Khaliq from Avenues Mall branch, Salim Said Al Bakhet Fa-dhil from Salalah branch, Said Nasser Saif Al Yahmadi from Barka branch, Badar Khalfan Hu-maid Al Siyabi from Al Khuwair branch and Abeer Abdulwahab Abdulla Al Siyabi from Barka branch were the lucky winners of OMR1,000 each for the week.

MyHassad savings account continues to successfully satisfy the existing customers and at-tract new ones.

MyHassad Saving Scheme was introduced in July 2008 as an extension of the Bank’s tradition of product innovation. Open-ing MyHassad Saving account is simple and easy. Customers need

only to open their MyHassad ac-count with OMR100 for their chance to win OMR1,000 in the next working day’s draw hence their chance to “open today and win tomorrow” continues. Fur-ther enhancements in March 2009 allows customers to partic-ipate in the OMR10,000 monthly draw, by maintaining a minimum OMR250 during the month.

Eff ective from June 2010 cus-tomers can also transfer their salaries to MyHassad saving ac-count and will be eligible to enter in the daily, monthly draw as per the balance maintained. This highlights the commitment of the bank to its long-term MyHassad account holders.

As one of the leading banks in the Sultanate, ahlibank pledges to provide innovative, effi cient and secure products and services.

M Y H A S S A D D R A W

Majan Electricity welcomes Summer Centre delegation

MUSCAT: A delegation of Al Ja-man Summer Centre (Wilayat of Saham) visited the green building of Majan Electricity Co. recently.

During their visit, they saw the building facilities and were briefed about power saving tech-nologies used in the building, says a press release.

CooperationThis visit refl ects the coopera-

tion between Majan Electricity Company and the students of Al Jaman Summer Centre through organising power saving lectures and visits to the company green building in order to enhance their knowledge about energy saving and the new technologies used for energy saving in the green buildings.

Gifts were distributed to the students at the end of the visit.

B R I E F I N G

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Top builders booked for Home FairMUSCAT: The focus of this year’s India Home Fair, which is sup-ported by India’s largest home loan bank HDFC, is the presence of re-puted builders from Tier III cities from India. The annual two-day exhibition, showcasing projects from leading developers from In-dia, will be held at Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat from September 4, says a press release.

To help Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the Sultanate to own their dream properties, all the major builders from India have been selected. Furthermore, the added attraction of this year’s In-dia Home Fair is the presence of builders and developers from Tier III cities such as Nagpur, Lucknow Calicut and Panaji.

“These builders are catering to

customers who prefer the local style. For the benefi t of customers who go for design and class, these builders have a large number of projects which are already com-pleted or are nearing completion. Moreover, all the major builders, who have a presence in all the states in India, are also taking part in the exhibition. On its part, HDFC will make available a hassle-free loan

facility at the exhibition venue. We have only chosen those builders who have proved their mettle in the market,” said Abhimanyu Kukreja, Oman Country head of HDFC.

The organisers are planning to open a help desk at the exhibition venue for the benefi t of customers from the interiors of Oman.

“Often, NRIs living in the interi-ors do not benefi t from real estate

exhibitions held in Muscat. We have arranged special programmes for NRIs staying in places like So-har, Nizwa, Ibri, Ibra and others. Our aim is to help the visitors from interiors to select right properties within their reach,” said Lijihas Hussain, director of Molecules International, which is organising the property exhibition along with World National Exhibitions.

India Home Fair

will be held on

September 4 and 5

at Al Falaj Hotel

Piaget’s fl agship store 7 Paix continues to inspire

DUBAI: More than just a bou-tique, the 7 Paix off ers a unique and contemporary rendezvous place of elegance and warmth that all are invited to experience in their own way. Since 1874, the Maison has cultivated a passion for sharing the Piaget spirit nour-ished by the symbiosis between the Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie crafts that are the fun-damental part of the company, says a press release.

“To transform dreams into re-ality in order to off er creations that are perfectly in osmosis with their time is part of Piaget’s DNA. Today, that is the raison d’être for 7 Paix. This is not about having the umpteenth fl agship store, but about an extraordinary place in tune with a passionate, exciting Maison,” said Philippe Léopold-Metzger, CEO, Piaget.

It is here, at 7, Rue de la Paix, that Haute Couture was born,

under the scissors of Charles-Frédéric Worth. Opened in 1858, his luxurious salons became the epicentre of fashion where in-ternational jetsetters gathered. The story continues today with Piaget. Spread over 510m2 and created by architect Christine Querlioz from Atelier Sasha, this third millennium sanctuary of-fers its guests a succession of wonders through rooms designed like those of a stately home.

B O U T I Q U E

Nissan’s UEFA Champions League partnership goes global

DUBAI: Following a success-ful fi rst year as the offi cial au-tomotive sponsor for the UEFA Champions League, Nissan’s partnership has been extended into all global territories for the next three seasons up to 2017-18.

The announcement of the deal came ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw held recently and will see Nissan activations - such as TV broadcast sponsorships around live UEFA Champions League matches - taking place across a further 40+ countries includ-ing Brazil, China, Japan and the USA from this season, says a press release.

Once again, fans will be at the heart of Nissan’s partnership as it looks to engineer unexpected moments of fan excitement to enhance their experience of Eu-rope’s most prestigious football competition. Starting this sea-son, Nissan will also have the exclusive rights to off er fans the opportunity to be a Centre Cir-cle Carrier, off ering over 1,300 children across European ter-ritories the chance to get even closer to the action and their footballing heroes.

This money can’t buy experi-ence will see them become part of the opening ceremony, carry-ing the iconic UEFA Champi-ons League emblem on to centre of the pitch ahead of each match in front of a worldwide TV audi-ence of millions.

Roel de Vries - Corporate vice president, head of Marketing and Brand Strategy for Nissan said: “Our aim from the start of the partnership was to give fans an engaging and exciting expe-rience of the UEFA Champions League. We constantly strive to innovate across our whole busi-ness and with the partnership now being truly global; we can off er even more people the op-portunity to get involved with our brand throughout the sea-son. Whether through our am-bassadors, the activations and competitions that we will host or the exclusive chance to join the players on the pitch at every match with our Centre Circle Carrier activity, we’ll give people more access to one of the world’s greatest sporting competitions.”

In addition to the Centre Cir-cle Carrier activation, people across the globe will also be able to have their say on some of the greatest moments from this sea-son’s UEFA Champions League through Goal of the Week.

The competition enables fans to vote on their favourite goals from every match week for the chance to win a range of prizes from offi cial match balls, tickets and even an opportuni-ty to go to the fi nal in Milan on May 28, 2016.

In conjunction with the Champions League Group Stage draw that was held on Thursday, Nissan will be off ering two pass-es to a lucky fan to watch their favourite team in every Cham-pions League fi xture this season.

C O R P O R A T E S U P P O R T

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SECTIONC S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

BOLT STRIKES AGAIN AS FARAH AND EATON SHINEUsain Bolt’s third sprint gold and Mo Farah’s unique “triple double” shared the spotlight with Ashton Eaton on Saturday as the American thrilled the World Athletic Championships with a record-breaking decathlon win. >C3

Bahrain bag title, Oman miss out on medal despite win over UAEMUSCAT: Bahrain overcame a stiff resistance from Kuwait to clinch the title with an all-win re-cord while Oman narrowly missed out on a podium fi nish at the cur-tains came down on the GCC Un-der-18 Volleyball Championships on Saturday.

In the fi nal round matches of the round robin league played at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (SQSC), Bahrain thwarted a late challenge from Kuwait for a 25-21, 25-19, 17-25, 25-15 victory to take the crown. Bahrain had defeated all other competitors, including the hosts to lay their hands on the coveted trophy.

Meanwhile, Oman were un-lucky not to bag medal despite

fi nishing with nine points, same as Kuwait and Qatar. In their fi nal match, Oman defeated the UAE in straight sets 25-20, 25-16, 25-21 while Qatar accounted for Saudi Arabia 25-16, 25-23, 25-22.

However, Kuwait and Qatar fi n-ished with better set diff erence of four against Oman’s three.

Kuwait were eventually award-ed the silver thanks to their victory over Qatar in their earlier match. The latter had to settle for bronze.

Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Aff airs, pre-sided over the fi nal day’s proceed-ings and handed over the trophies in the presence of GCC Volleyball Organising Committee and Oman Volleyball Association offi cials.

V O L L E Y B A L L

CHAMPS: Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Aff airs, presents the winners trophy to Bahrain after they clinched the GCC

Under-18 Volleyball Championship title with a victory over Kuwait at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Saturday. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

Oman outlast Saudi Arabia to emerge GCC U-17 champions

MUSCAT: The Sultanate junior squad overcame formidable Saudi Arabia via penalties to emerge the winners at the GCC Under-17 Football Championship in the Qatar on Saturday.

In the fi nal played at the Aspire Academy in the Qatari capital of

Doha, both teams played with cau-tion, rather than allout agression and failed to open their account during the regulation time.

In the ensuing shootout, howev-er, it was four-time winners Saudi Arabia who blinked fi rst as Oman went on to seal the match with

5-3 scorline and with that second their title.

The Sultanate had won their fi rst crown way back in 2001 and they came close winning the sec-ond one in 2013 but fumbled in the fi nal when they were beaten by the UAE in a penalty shootout.

On Saturday, however, they kept their cool to in the shootout against the Saudis.

Yacoub Al Sabahi-coached Omanis kept their and once the Mohammed Al Khamisi converted the fi rst penalty they grow in con-fi dence. When Abdulaziz walked

into to take Suadi Arabia’s fi rst spot kick, Omani goalkeeper You-suf Al Sheedi stayed alert and that proved crucial for Oman.

Mohammed Al Qaidi, Yousuf Al Malki, Sanad Al Araimi and Samar Al Zaibi all scored with their attempts as the Sultanate

squad went on to win the match and the trophy.

Yousuf Al Sheedi, who had an outstanding tournament under Omani bar, was later rewarded with the best goalkeeper award and it was came as an icing on the cake for the jubilant Omanis.

In the shootout, it was

four-time winners

Saudi Arabia who

blinked fi rst as Oman

went on to seal the

match with 5-3

scorline and with

that their second GCC

under-17 crownDESERVING WINNERS: Oman team celebrate with their trophy after defeating Saudi Arabia 5-3 via

penalties in the fi nal of the GCC Under-17 Football Championship in Doha on Saturday. – Karim Jaff ar

BEST GOALIE: Oman custodian Yousuf Al Sheedi receives the best

goalkeeper award. – OFA

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Pujara’s comeback ton keeps India in control

COLOMBO: Cheteshwar Pujara marked his recall with an unbeaten century after Sri Lanka’s Dham-mika Prasad ripped through India’s batting in the decisive third and fi nal Test in Colombo on Saturday.

The tourists, who resumed at 50 for two after a rain-curtailed open-ing day, moved to 292 for eight by stumps on the second day at the Sinhalese Sports Club with Pujara holding fort on a watchful 135 not out. Pujara, who had been dropped for India’s last four Tests across Australia, Bangladesh and the on-going series, may not have played this match too if both regular openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan had been fi t.

The 27-year-old grabbed the chance to notch up his seventh Test century that has so far in-cluded 13 boundaries. Fast bowler Prasad bowled superbly to take four wickets in the innings, in-cluding two off successive balls on either side of the lunch break that reduced India to 119 for fi ve.

Number nine batsman Amit Mishra came to India’s rescue with a defi ant 59 during an eighth-wick-et stand of 104 with Pujara which boosted the total.

“Tough wicket”“This is defi nitely one of the tough-est wickets I have played on,” said Pujara. “It’s a challenge to bat on it because you have to keep de-fending to survive and wait for the loose ball.

“I tried to keep things simple and play my natural game. It was

important to play the ball from close to the body because a few guys got out playing it away from the body.”

Pujara said encouraging words from Indian batting great Rahul Dravid motivated him when he was out of the playing XI.

“Rahul told me there was noth-ing wrong with my technique and that I was batting well,” said Pu-jara. “He told me to stay calm and a big one could some soon.”

Just 15 overs had been bowled in the 75 minutes of play possible due to rain on the opening day af-ter India had been sent in to bat on a greenish pitch under overcast

conditions. When play resumed under bright skies on the second day, the tourists were restricted to 22 runs in the fi rst 15 overs by some accurate bowling by the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli sur-vived a torrid opening over from Prasad in which he was lucky to escape a loud shout for leg-before off the second ball and was beaten by the fi nal ball of the over.

Kohli added four runs to his overnight score of 14 when Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, who replaced Prasad at the bowl-ing crease, had his counterpart caught behind by Kusal Perera.

“Enjoyed bowling” Pujara added 55 for the fourth wicket with Rohit Sharma (26) and 54 for the sixth with debutant wicket-keeper Naman Ojha (21).

Prasad had Rohit Sharma caught in the slips off what became the fi -nal delivery of the morning session and then trapped Stuart Binny leg-before with the fi rst ball on resump-tion. Prasad said it was a delight to be able to bowl on a helpful surface.

“I am enjoying bowling on it, but you have to make sure you don’t get carried away,” he said.

Prasad conceded Sri Lanka had let the advantage slip, but hoped India’s innings will end early on Sunday. “We had them seven down for 180, but then came the cen-tury stand between Pujara and Mishra,” he said. “That put us back a little, but I think we can get back into a good position if we take the remaining wickets early.”

The series is locked at 1-1 after Sri Lanka won the opening Test in Galle by 63 runs and India drew level with a 278-run win in the sec-ond match at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Monday. - AFP

India, who resumed

at 50 for two after

a rain-curtailed

opening day, moved

to 292 for eight by

stumps on the second

day with Pujara

holding fort on a

watchful 135 not out

India 1st innings:L. Rahul b Prasad 2C. Pujara not out 135A. Rahane lbw Pradeep 8V. Kohli c Perera b Mathews 18R. Sharma c Tharanga b Prasad 26S. Binny lbw Prasad 0N. Ojha c Tharanga b Kaushal 21R. Ashwin c Perera b Prasad 5

A. Mishra st Perera b Herath 59I. Sharma not out 2Extras (lb-2, w-3, nb-6, pen-5) 16Total (8 wkts, 95.3 overs) 292Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-14, 3-64, 4-119, 5-119, 6-173, 7-180, 8-284.Bowling: Prasad 23.3-4-83-4 (nb-3), Pradeep 22-6-52-1 (w-3), Mathews 13-6-24-1, Herath 25-3-81-1, Kaushal 12-2-45-1 (nb-3).

S C O R E B O A R D

KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE: India’s Cheteshwar Pujara hits a boundary during the second day of their

third and fi nal Test match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday. – Reuters

OSA approves decision to send 12 Omani swimmers in GCC Aquatic Games in Doha

MUSCAT: The Oman Swim-ming Association (OSA) board members held their fourth regu-lar meeting for the year under the chairmanship of association chief Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kishry.

The board reviewed the agenda and approved the minutes of the

last meeting and reviewed the fol-low up report on the decisions of the earlier meeting. The meeting has also reviewed and approved the minutes of the meeting of the executive offi ce of OSA.

The meeting has also approved Oman’s participation in the 25th

GCC Aquatic Games to be held in Doha from September 1 to 4 with the participation of 12 swimmers in the various categories.

The board has also approved the recommendation of the National Teams Committee on providing the fi nal prospect by the technical

body of the national swimming teams for the participation in the GCC Games scheduled to be held in Damam, Saudi Arabia from Oc-tober 19 to 25. Meanwhile, the OSA organised a ceremony on Thurs-day to honour the Omani swim-mers who excelled during the year.

B O A R D M E E T I N G

Marquez claims pole for British MotoGPLONDON: Defending world champion Marc Marquez rode his Honda to pole position for Sun-day’s British MotoGP at Silver-stone on Saturday as he continues his quest to catch championship leaders Jorge Lorenzo of Spain and Italian Valentino Rossi.

The 22-year-old Marquez, who also won the 2013 world title, picks up the 28th pole position of his career with a track record time while Lorenzo on a Yamaha will start from second spot on the grid with fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, on the second Honda, completing the front row.

Marquez smashed his record lap time from 2013 as he blazed around the legendary circuit in 2min 0.234sec under clear skies that made for perfect racing on

softer option tyres. Rossi was fourth fastest and leads the sec-ond row alongside Spain’s Pol Es-pargaro on a Yamaha-Tech3 and British teammate Bradley Smith.

Lorenzo and Rossi top the world standings on 211 points with Marquez on 159 heading into the 12th of 18 races that com-prise the 2015 season.

In Moto2 qualifying, British rider Sam Lowes also set a lap record as he raced his Speed Up to pole position in the second category.

Lowes, 24, the Supersport world champion in 2013 was third fastest in qualifying for the third time this season as he out-raced Spaniard Alex Rins and Frenchman Johann Zarco, both on Kalex bikes. - AFP

M O T O R S P O R T

ON POLE: Honda rider Marc Marquez of Spain waves after the

qualifying session for the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone

Race Circuit on Saturday. – Reuters

Brighton rope in Manu

AMSTERDAM: Dutch winger Elvis Manu has joined English Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion from Feyenoord, the clubs said on Saturday.

The 22-year-old winger, who still had two years to run on his contract with the Rotterdam-based team, has signed a three-

year deal with Brighton who lie second in England’s second tier after four matches of the season.

“We are really pleased to have brought in another off ensive op-tion, and what Elvis will bring us is a diff erent type of striker,” Brighton manager Chris Hughton told the club website. - Reuters

F O O T B A L L

C3


Lightning Bolt strikes again as Farah completes ‘triple double’

BEIJING: Usain Bolt’s third sprint gold and Mo Farah’s unique “triple double” shared the spotlight with Ashton Eaton on Saturday as the American thrilled the World Athletic Championships with a record-breaking decathlon win.

This time Bolt shot down not only Justin Gatlin but the cavalry too, anchoring rampant Jamaica to a fourth successive 4x100 metres world relay title as the US sprint-ers imploded in Beijing.

Meanwhile, Farah became the fi rst man to win back-to-back world distance doubles and Eaton broke his own decathlon world record on a pulsating penultimate evening at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

Any faint hopes the Americans had of ambushing Bolt’s latest treble attempt went up in smoke when Tyson Gay’s fi nal handover to Mike Rodgers was deemed il-legal and they were dramatically disqualifi ed to give hosts China a sensational silver. But even the an-ticipation of more Bolt fi reworks

took a back seat as iron man Eaton retained his world title in style af-ter wringing every last drop of en-ergy from his shattered body.

“It’s an awesome result,” said Ea-ton. “How many more points can I get? I don’t know, but you can bet your ass I’m going to try to get more!”

Not to be outdone, Jamaica’s women retained their world crown in the 4x100m, with Britain’s Fa-rah winning the 5,000m to make it three distance doubles in a row, including the London Olympics.

Bolt put on a typically electric display at the Bird’s Nest, where he shot to fame at the 2008 Olympics, leaving Rodgers for dead on the last leg as Jamaica won in 37.36 seconds.

‘Geez, I’m getting old’ After completing yet another in-dividual sprint double in the 100 and 200m earlier this week, Bolt roared home after team-mates Nesta Carter, Asafa Powell and Nickel Ashmeade safely negoti-ated the fi rst three legs.

The USA weren’t so lucky and they were disqualifi ed after Tyson Gay’s bungled handover to Rodg-

ers strayed outside the baton-passing area, promoting a disbe-lieving China to second.

“I saw the mess at 300m and was glad we were not in it,” said Bolt after claiming an astonishing 11th world title. “It’s called pressure. They won the world relays (earlier this year) and the pressure was on them. I told you I would come back here and win.”

The Jamaicans have now won all world and Olympic sprint titles since 2008.

Eaton produced a lung-busting last lap in the 1,500m to set a new world record — the fi rst of the championships — by improving his previous mark to 9,045 points, and then collapsed to the track with his face contorted in agony as the crowd rose to acclaim him.

“I had fi ve-and-a-half hours sleep last night,” said Eaton after running the 1,500m in four min-utes, 17.52 seconds to ensure the world record. “In the hurdles it was hard to get over (hurdles) nine and 10 and I thought ‘Geez, I’m get-ting old’. In the 1,500m I was hav-ing doubts I could run that fast.

“Where do you fi nd that inner strength? I don’t know, but you’ve got to dig deep.”

‘Incredible’ double Elsewhere the irrepressible Farah broke Kenyan Caleb Ndiku’s brave resistance with an electrifying burst in the home straight to win in 13 minutes, 50.38 seconds.

It was an astonishing seventh successive victory in the 5,000 or 10,000m at a world champion-ships or Olympics for the Briton, who indulged in some celebra-tory shadow boxing with the silver medallist as the two rivals congrat-ulated each other.

“It takes a lot of energy to win that way,” said Farah, who reeled in Ndiku over the last lap before his devastating late kick. “I never pan-icked. You have to believe in your-self and it felt amazing, incredible, to do the double.”

Double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who had already won the individual gold, anchored Jamaica to victory in the women’s 4x100 metres in a cham-pionship best 41.07. The Americans took silver in 41.68 and Trinidad and Tobago the bronze in 42.03.

There was an upset when Ma-rina Arzamasova of Belarus beat defending champion Eunice Sum to win the women’s 800m in a nail-biting fi nish, clocking 1:58.03 to pip Canadian Melissa Bishop and Sum at the line. Poland’s Piotr Malachowski broke his major title duck by winning the men’s discus gold with a throw of 67.40m, while Russian world indoor champion Maria Kuchina won the women’s high jump after clearing 2.01m.

In the morning, Matej Toth cap-tured Slovakia’s fi rst ever world championships gold with a crush-ing victory in the men’s 50 kilome-tres walk. - AFP

This time Bolt shot

down not only Gatlin

but the cavalry too,

anchoring Jamaica to

a fourth successive

4x100 metres world

relay title as the US

sprinters imploded

in Beijing

BATON BUNGLE: Mike Rodgers, bottom left, of the US receives the baton from his teammate Tyson Gay outside the exchange area as Usain Bolt, second right, of Jamaica races away after receiving the baton

from his teammate Nickel Ashmeade during the men’s 4x100 metres relay fi nal at the World Athletic Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing on Saturday. – Reuters

TWO GREATS: Usain Bolt, left, of Jamaica hugs 5000m gold winner

Mo Farah of Britain after the presentation ceremony at the World

Athletic Championships in Beijing on Saturday. – Reuters

NEW RECORD: Ashton Eaton of the US poses for photographs next

to the result board after winning the men’s decathlon at the World

Athletic Championships in Beijing on Saturday . – Reuters

C4


‘It’s my moral responsibility to remember great Dhyan Chand’MUSCAT: Even as the whole of India celebrated National Sports Day on Saturday marking the birth anniversary of hockey wizard Ma-jor Dhyan Chand, right here in Oman there is one person who has been associated with the legend-ary Indian hockey player.

SAS Naqvi, the former Oman national hockey team coach and technical adviser of the Oman Olympic Committee, tries to recall his association with the hockey legend. Here is a brief text of his reminiscences

“August 29 is celebrated by India as the National Sports Day. I have great reminiscences of Dada Dhy-an Chand from the playing days which had commenced in 1949. That was the start of the golden era of Indian hockey.

“I am proud to mention that iI

was introduced to Dada Dhyan Chand in 1953 at Delhi during a hockey tournament which named after the great man himself ‘Dhyan Chand Hockey Tournament at the National Stadium.

“It was the fi nal match between the Western Railways Bombay vs Kirkee United from Poona, if I remember correctly the Western Railways team won by 3-1 margin.

“After keenly watching the match, Dada Dhyan Chand com-plemented the winning team and then mentioned about my performance.

“He said ‘a new talent has been discovered who is a short build young S.A.S. Naqvi at the out-side-right position’.

“Thus a new foundation of friendship was established which carried on till 1979.

“He had an outstanding quality to sport the new talents and en-courage them. I was most lucky to be spotted by him in a major tour-nament and the media had given big coverage.

“It was a regular aff air that Dada Dhyan Chand used coach of the Services XI at various tour-naments, which provided several opportunities to meet him and learn from the fi ne points of the game. Being a military man he was too disciplined in the matter of individual training.

“He was most respected person-ality and a very popular fi gure in all circles and had great following not only in hockey circles but also among the common people.

“His greatness was that he re-mained humble in spite of his status.

“I feel privileged to mention that

Dada Dhyan Chand had laid the foundation for my coaching career. In 1976 Dada had approached the Railways Sports Control Board to depute me for the NIS Patiala training and that time he was the chief coach of NIS.

“I was nominated in 1976 for the MIS Patiala training by Railays Sports Control Board and from then on it has been a magnifi cent road for success for me — I went on to be nominated as the coach of Indain Women’s World Cup team that went to Madrid 1978 and pre-Olympics in Moscow (1970).

“I feel it is my moral responsi-bility to remember him and pay my sincere tribute to the greatest hockey player on August 29. I have many other reminiscences with Dada but I will never forget that he used to call “Maulana”.

H O C K E Y

REMEMBERING THE LEGEND: A fi le photo of SAS Naqvi, right, with

Major Dhyan Chand, second right, Kishanlal, left, and Ahsan Jafri.

ISC Kachchi Wing to organise Box Cricket tourney on September 4MUSCAT: Indian Social Club (ISC) Kachchi Wing will organise a ‘7-A-Side Box Cricket Tourna-ment – Challenge Your Basics’ at the Muscat Club in Al Wadi Al Ka-bir on September 4.

According to the organisers, the aim of the event is ‘to focus and improve the basic cricketing skills and techniques for the improve-ment of performance level in this dynamically growing sport’.

“The tournament would be of great benefi t to all the participat-ing teams and players as the event will be organised before the start of the Oman Cricket League 2015-16 season,” the organisers said.

On the sidelines of the tourna-ment, the organisers will also host a workshop on basics of cricket and how to make most of it.

The workshop, a 30-minute af-fair, will be held after the second semifi nal. And it will be conducted by Oman national team players, a former Oman captain, a member each from Oman Cricket Disci-plinary Committee and Umpiring Committee.

“This workshop will hopefully provide an all-round informa-

tion about different aspects and departments of cricket,” the or-ganisers said.

“There will also a special sur-prise for all the budding cricketers from one of our support sponsors. This special surprise gift would certainly help the youngsters to enhance their cricketing skills. We request all the youngsters to kindly spend a couple of hours (6 pm to 8 pm) to make the most of this opportunity.”

The main Box Cricket tourna-ment will have 12 teams, who will be divided into four groups. The first phase would be played in the league format, after which the group toppers will qualify for the semifi nals.

The entries will be accepted on fi rst come fi rst serve basis. For fur-ther details contact Pranav Mehta (9247 0544).

Kachchhi Wing’s convener Hemlata Jesrani, meanwhile, said: “ISC Kachchhi Wing always pro-motes new talents. We organise a variety of events with the valuable support of our sponsors, members and committee members”.

Kachchi Wing President Suren-

dra Bhai Joshi added: “Cricket is a very simple game when we do the small, correct things together as a team. These small correct things are the basics. We wish to help all growing and budding children, in all aspects of life, so that they are ready for those big opportunities.”

Srinivasan, Head of Umpiring Committee at Oman Cricket, said: “This is a great initiative and I am sure this will bring in more cricket enthusiasts to understand and ponder over the fundamentals and basics of the game. I am extremely thankful to the organisers, espe-cially Pranav Mehta and Mrs. Jes-rani for considering me to be a part of what will be a very novel and unique evening.”

Former Oman captain Hemal Mehta, who is now a member of the Disciplinary Committee, said: “I am happy and feel honoured to be part of this wonderful idea of sharing values, basics of cricket and discipline among cricketers. I am thankful to Kachchhi Wing for considering me for this event. With Oman team qualifying for the World T20 championship, it’s the right time to create more

awareness and generate interest among kids and adults alike.”

Oman national team star Ajay Lalcheta said: “This is an innova-tive idea of diff erent type of cricket game. Since the basic knowledge is very important, this will be ideal way to teach the new comers.”

His teammate Zeeshan Sid-dique said: “Youngsters often see the highlights of great centuries on TV. But they are never shown the basics which helped the bats-man to get started initially. Strike rotation, picking gaps and quick singles are some of the main ways to release pressure.”

Amir Kaleem, another member of the national team, said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to share and contribute towards the de-velopment of young and talented cricketers. To improve ones game, one has to work hard at the nets, with full focus on your basic bat-ting and bowling techniques.

“The gaps during sessions could always be used to fi elding upgrades. But all of this enhances only with personal fi tness being at the peak, on which one has to personally work hard.”

G T E A T I N I T I A T I V E

Shangri-La set to tee off at NBO Golf Classic Grand Final for third year

MUSCAT: For the third year in succession, the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, which will be held at the Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat, will partner with Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa (“Shangri-La”).

As part of the sponsorship agree-

ment, Shangri-La will provide catering for the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in the VIP pavilion, which overlooks the Arabian Sea and the course’s 18th hole, across the four day tournament, between November 4 and 7.

Dignitaries and distinguished guests invited to Almouj Golf at The Wave will be able to experi-ence high-quality Challenge Tour golf action while dinning.

The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final marks the climax to the Eu-ropean Challenge Tour season where the top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings will com-pete for not only the prestigious tournament title, and a prize fund of €375,000, but also one of the coveted spots on next season’s European Tour on off er for the top 15 ranked players following the conclusion of play.

Ahmed Al Musalmi, CEO of the National Bank of Oman, com-mented: “We are delighted to wel-come back Shangri-La Barr Al Jis-sah Resort & Spa as a Supporting Sponsor of the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final for the third year. Last

year’s tournament was hugely re-warding for everyone involved and is already an established week on Oman’s sporting calendar.

“We anticipate that this year’s tournament will be even bigger than the inaugural edition and will help to cement Oman’s place on the world map of international sports.”

Mark Kirk, General Manager, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa said: “It is with great pleas-ure Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Re-sort & Spa is returning to support the tournament for its third con-secutive year. We strongly support the goal for developing Oman as a sporting destination, particularly a golfi ng destination, and there are already a number of courses cater-ing for all abilities which encour-age tourists to experience all that the Sultanate has to off er.

“We delight in the knowledge that by partnering with the Euro-pean Challenge Tour at Almouj Golf we will, once again, be show-ing our support to promoting the sport to international audiences and look forward to an exciting tournament ahead.”

The NBO Golf Classic

Grand Final marks

the climax to the

European Challenge

Tour season where

the top 45 players

on the Road to

Oman Rankings will

compete

DEAL DONE: National Bank of Oman CEO Ahmed Al Musalmi, left, with Mark Kirk, General Manager of

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa at Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat. – Supplied photo

Sai Saran, Pranav, Subramanian and Yash advanceMUSCAT: P. Sai Saran, Pranav Vinod, R. Subramanian and Yash Tanna have advanced to the last four stage of the men’s A sin-gles at the Annual Table Tennis Tournament organised by the In-dian Social Club Muscat and co-sponsored by Muscat Insurance Services (MIS) and Oman United Insurance Company (OUIC).

Sai Saran, the top seed de-feated Sagayaraj S 11-6, 11-7, 11-4 while second seed Pranav Vinod outlasted Percy Pereira in the longest game of the tournament.

Longest gameAfter winning the fi rst two games, Pranav found the going tough as veteran Percy Pereira made Pra-nav work hard for every point before going down fi ghting in the longest game of the tournament. Pranav advanced to the semifi nal after outlasting Percy with a 11-4, 11-7, 21-19.

In another quarterfi nal action of the same event, R. Subrama-nian rallied from a game down to

upset third seed Simon Joseph 10-12, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 and fourth seed Yash Tanna advanced to the last four with a 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9 victory over Anoop Bheda who had earlier coasted to a 11-9, 11-6, 11-1 victory over Sanjeev Vyas and Percy Pereira overcame Waheed Sattikar 11-5, 11-5 9-11, 11-3 while Sagayaraj S. defeated Subramanian N with a convinc-ing 11-3, 11-0, 11-5 margin.

The father-son team of Wa-heed and Armaan Sattikar advanced to the final of the family doubles after two back-to-back victories.

Waheed and Armaan fi rst de-feated the team of Kavineeshwar and Priya 11-7, 11-4, 11-6 and fol-lowed it up with a fi ne 11-5, 11-5, 11-6 triumph over Anoop and Tanu Bheda.

In other matches of the family doubles, Anoop and Tanu Bheda beat Kavineeshwar and Priya 11-8, 11-3, 11-5 and R. Subramanian and Lakshmi defeated Joseph Johnny and Neil 11-6, 11-4, 11-5.

I S C T A B L E T E N N I S

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OFA to organise Therapist Course for medical staff of OPL clubsMUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) Technical Di-vision and Medical Department will be organising the OPL Club Therapist Course at Eastin Hotel from August 31 and September 1 as part of the ongoing OFA/OPL Club Education programme.

The medical staff at the OPL Clubs will spend two days with OFA lecturers, Harry Brooke, Head of Sports Medicine and Sci-ence, and Ahmed al Shukali, Sen-ior Physiotherapist. The course modules are the footballers body, anatomy, physiology, immedi-ate Injury management, work-ing with children and emergency medical situations in football.

The OFA have been investing considerably in improving the medical operations of football across Oman, and work with their Medical Partner Badr al Samaa to provide medical cover across many games now in the OPL.

Harry Brooke who has been lead-ing much of the progress is confi -

dent this is another positive step.“You can never be satisfi ed with

the work that you have done, there is always more we want to achieve. But this is another good step as we encourage clubs to educate their own staff and their own clubs.

“My thanks must go to the OFA Executive, Chairman and CEO of OFA and OPL who have been very

supportive in this area, and to Jim Selby (OFA Technical Director) and all the Technical team at the OFA, as well as Badr al Samaa for their continued support and pro-fessionalism.”

The course is a further step in the continuing eff orts of the OFA, as they work to support the clubs of the OPL to help them support

their players. The next step will see the OFA take the same course to the other league clubs and then take the OFA Community First Aid to the wider communities with the support of the clubs.

In 2016, the OFA Medical De-partment will run the Club Thera-pist 2 course which will build on the foundations of this fi rst week.

F O O T B A L L

Oman’s Optimist sailors compete with world’s best

MUSCAT: Oman’s top fi ve Op-timist sailors have been pitting against the best young sailors in the world at the 2015 Optimist World Championships in Dzi-wnow, Poland, which started last Wednesday and is scheduled until September 4. With 275 competi-tors from 85 countries, the two-week challenge off er competitors the opportunity to hone their skills on and off the water with competitive racing, social events and technical workshops.

Oman’s National Optimist Squad, all members of Oman Sail’s National Youth Programme-spon-

sored Omantel and Oman Ship-ping Company, was selected after a series of trials and training camps.

The team comprises Zakhariya Al Wahabi, two times national Op-timist champion and Marwan Al Jabri. Samiha Al Riyami, currently the only girl in the Omani squad and the youngest ever athlete to represent the Sultanate at the Asian Games in South Korea last year, will compete against 54 other girls after 38 of the 58 competing countries fi elded female talents.

Jihad Al Hasani, just 11 years old and the smallest athlete of the 290 sailors attending the event

and Al Motasem Al Farsi are also looking to measure progress alongside some of the most talent-ed emerging sailors in the world.

“This is a benchmark event for us which will give us the chance to see where we stand compared to the rest of the world,” com-mented Marina Psichogiou, Oman Sail’s Youth Programme Manager who is attending with AbdulAziz Al Shidi, Oman’s Opti-mist National Coach.

“We have been here for a week now and we are happy with how the team is settling in. The train-ing has gone well — conditions were similar to the ones we had at our training camp in Greece in June. Quite windy, with big waves but it is colder here.”

Racing started on Friday and was followed by two more days of Championship fl eet races.

Performance in prospectiveWith such a big international con-tingent, the prospect of winning medals is small for the talented Omani youngsters but with a qualifying series of 12 races, with each individual racing in every

race, it is an opportunity to put performances and programmes into perspective, explained Psichogiou.

“This is the fi rst Optimist World Championships for Oman and we look like a professional team and have been complimented on how well organised we are and what a great development programme Oman Sail is running.

“We are certainly diff erent to the other teams with a diff erent approach but we have never been here before so it is very hard to say where we will end up. We will not be last.”

The Team Racing Champion-ships will be from August 30 to 31 followed by another series of Championship fl eet races. The fi -nals will be held on September 4h and will be followed by a closing and prize-giving ceremony.

Oman’s results (as of Au-gust 28): Al Moatasem Hamood Hamdan Al-Farsi 105; Samiha Nayel Abdullah Al Riyami 137; Jihad Salim Darwish Al Hasani 169; Marwan Khalifa Khamis Mubarak Al Jabri 193 and Zaka-riya Sulaiman Ali Al Wahabi 193.

With 275 competitors from 85 countries, the

two-week challenge off er competitors the

opportunity to hone their skills on and off the

water with competitive racing, social events

and technical workshops

HONING THE SKILLS: A member of Omani squad taking part in the 2015 Optimist World Championships in Dziwnow, Poland. – Supplied photo

this is another good step as we encourage clubs

to educate their own staff and their own clubs

Harry BrookeHead of Sports Medicine and Science at OFA

Indian eves hockey team qualifi es for Olympic Games after 36 yearsNEW DELHI: Indian women’s hockey team will return to the Olympics after a long gap of 36 years as it qualifi ed on Saturday for next year’s Rio Games, cour-tesy England making it to the fi nal of the ongoing EuroHockey Cham-pionships in London.

England’s semifi nal victory over Spain, coming after the Nether-lands’ win over Germany in the oth-er semifi nal in the European Cham-pionships freed one quota place as both the fi nalists have already quali-fi ed for the Olympic Games.

India took the quota place on the basis of its fi fth-place fi nish in the women’s Hockey World League Semifi nals in Antwerp, Belgium last month.

International Hockey Federa-tion (FIH) confi rmed that Indian women’s team has qualifi ed for the Rio Games.

“India qualifi ed after England defeated Spain in the semifi nals of the Unibet EuroHockey Champi-onships in London, which ensured that the only teams — The Neth-

erlands and England (as Great Britain) — who can now win the event have already qualifi ed for Rio through the Hockey World League SemiFinals,” the FIH said in a statement.

“The winner of the EuroHockey Championships will qualify for the 2016 Olympics as European continental champions, open-ing up a further qualifi cation spot which India secure as the team who ranked highest at the Hockey World League SemiFinals not al-ready qualifi ed,” it said.

Indian women’s team now join nine other teams, who have already qualifi ed for 2016 Rio Games — Korea as Asian Games champions, Argentina as Pan Am Games champions and Great Brit-ain, China, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the USA through the Hockey World League Semifi nals. Indian wom-en’s hockey team last featured in an Olympics in the 1980 Moscow Games, where they fi nished at a re-spectable fourth position. - PTI

L O N G G A P

Villarreal to ready sign Suarez from Barcelona

MADRID: Villarreal have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign midfi elder Denis Suarez on a four-year deal, with Barca retaining the option to buy the 21-year-old back, the La Liga clubs said on Saturday.

Suarez, who came through Celta Vigo’s academy before spend-ing two years at English Premier League side Manchester City, had been on loan at Sevilla as part of the agreement that brought Croatia midfi elder Ivan Rakitic to Barca.

“Suarez was originally due to stay in Andalusia for two years, through to the summer of 2016, but is now headed for (Villarreal), with Barca maintaining the option to repurchase the player at the end of the season,” Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es).

“The Catalan club also has a sec-ond option to repurchase him at

the end of the 2016-17 season and a right to fi rst refusal should it not exercise (the second purchase op-tion),” they added.

Suarez was given the chance to show off his attacking fl air at Sevilla and became a fi rm favour-ite with the home fans. His drib-bling and passing skills made him key part of the side as they swept to a second consecutive Europa League title and qualifi ed for the Champions League.

A jewel in Celta’s youth ranks, he was chased by a number of top Eu-ropean clubs before he joined City in 2011 aged 17. But City’s spending on expensive talent from outside the club meant opportunities for young players were scant and after a couple of seasons in which he made only a handful of fi rst-team appear-ances he signed for Barca. - Reuters

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Rio 2016 organisers ‘extremely concerned’ over sick sailorBERLIN: Organisers of the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics said on Saturday they were “extremely concerned” after German sailor Erik Heil fell ill following his third place at the test event there.

Heil, who is being treated in a Berlin hospital for several infec-tions, said he was convinced they were caused by the polluted waters, piling more pressure on organisers to secure the safety of the athletes at next year’s Olympic sailing, swimming and triathlon events.

“We were extremely concerned when we learned of the hospital admission of athlete Erik Heil,”

organisers said in a statement sent to Reuters. “We immediately con-tacted the German Sailing Asso-ciation (DSV) for information.

“Rio 2016 is in contact with the DSV and reiterates that it is our priority to assure the health and well-being of all athletes.”

Heil’s case has been taken up by the German Olympic Sports Con-federation (DOSB), which said it was escalating the matter to Rio organisers and the international sailing federation (ISAF).

The Brazilian city will be the fi rst South American host of the summer Games and is struggling

to clean up the waters in which athletes will compete.

“We are also following, together with the ISAF, the work developed by the (Rio) State Government so that measures... to improve the

quality of the water in Guanabara Bay are completed on time, assur-ing good conditions for the com-petition lanes during the Rio 2016 Games,” Games organisers said.

Heil, who won third place along

with Thomas Ploessel in the 49er class last week, was told by the Berlin hospital treating him that he had been infected by multi-re-sistant germs.

SuperbacteriumBiologists last year said rivers leading into the bay contained a superbacterium resistant to anti-biotics that cure urinary, gastroin-testinal and pulmonary infections.

When Rio bid to host the Games, the city said it would cut the amount of raw sewage fl owing into the bay by 80 percent.

However, it has since admit-

ted that it is unlikely to meet that target, saying earlier this year that the amount of sewage treated be-fore reaching the bay had risen from 17 to 49 percent. Pressure has mounted on Games organis-ers with Buzios, a beach resort and popular watersports destination a few hours from Rio, campaigning to replace Guanabara Bay for next year’s Olympic sailing.

It has organised a media visit this weekend to show it has the in-frastructure and water quality nec-essary to host the event despite as-surances from organisers that the events would not be moved. - Reuters

P O L L U T I O N

Heil, who is being treated in a Berlin hospital for

several infections, said he was convinced they were

caused by the polluted waters

Advocaat stands fi rm at Sunderland

LONDON: Dick Advocaat in-tends to stay at Sunderland until the end of the season despite be-ing this season’s betting favour-ite to be the fi rst Premier League coach to be sent packing.

The veteran Dutchman was a surprise choice to replace Gus Poyet as Sunderland boss in March on a short-term deal with the club facing relegation.

He managed to keep them up and then signed a one-year con-tract to lead the northeast club during the 2015-16 campaign.

But the early stages of the new season have been tough with Sunderland managing just one point from their fi rst three games.

“Crazy” spendingOn top of that, Advocaat has been vocal in his criticism of the club’s recent transfer activity saying he is suff ering because of “crazy” spending on “lower than average” players in the past.

The former Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven, Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg coach, however, insists he will ride out the storm.

“I never said that I will quit this club. I hope I can stay until the end of the season,” Advocaat told a press conference ahead of the Black Cats’ league encoun-ter at Aston Villa on Saturday, as quoted by several national newspapers.

“Honestly. This is a great club, I really mean that. I have been at many great clubs but this is a re-ally special one.”

Slow startAdvocaat on Friday signed Swe-den international midfi elder Ola Toivonen on a season-long loan from French side Rennes, and is adamant Sunderland can bounce back from their slow start to the season.

“I have had a good talk with the president and also the play-ers this week. The team will be there for me,” he added.

“We did it last year (avoid relegation) and we will do the same again. That is the feeling I have now — and we know how to do it with the players.” - AFP

F O O T B A L LPalace stun Chelsea as slick Man City set club record

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho suff ered only his second Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge as Crystal Palace clinched a shock 2-1 win over the spluttering champions on Saturday.

Mourinho was taking charge of his 100th home fi xture in Eng-land’s top-fl ight, but Palace en-sured that milestone won’t be re-membered with any fondness by the Portuguese coach as they in-fl icted his fi rst league loss on home soil since Sunderland’s victory in April 2014.

It was the latest setback for Mourinho’s side, winners only once in their fi rst four matches and already languishing eight points behind leaders Manchester City, who extended the last 100 percent record in the top tier with a 2-0 win against Watford at Eastlands.

Just seconds after clearing a Gary Cahill header off the line, Mali forward Bakary Sako struck at the other end, sweeping high into the net from Yannick Bolasie’s cross to give Palace a 65th minute lead.

Colombia’s Radamel Falcao looked to have rescued a point for Chelsea when the on-loan Monaco striker headed in a Pedro Rodri-guez cross for his fi rst goal for the Blues in the 79th minute.

However, parity was short-lived as defender Joel Ward headed home from Sako’s cross in the 81st minute to give second placed Palace their fi rst win at the Bridge since 1982.

Raheem Sterling’s fi rst goal for City since his £49 million ($75.4 million) pre-season switch from Liverpool broke Watford’s stub-born resistance in the 47th minute as the England winger stabbed in Bacary Sagna’s cross.

Fernandinho bagged City’s sec-ond goal in the 56th minute, the Brazilian lashing home after a one-two with David Silva to seal a club record 10th successive league win dating back to last season.

Liverpool were beaten for the fi rst time this season as West Ham’s 3-0 victory gave the east

Londoners their fi rst league tri-umph at Anfi eld since 1963.

After 42 fruitless visits to An-fi eld, the Hammers, who have al-ready won at Arsenal this term, took the lead in the third minute.

Martin Skrtel’s poor headed clearance fell at the feet of Aaron Cresswell and his low cross was prodded in by Manuel Lanzini, a 22-year-old Argentine midfi elder on loan from Al Jazira.

Slaven Bilic’s team doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Mark Noble side-footed home af-ter Reds defender Dejan Lovren carelessly allowed Lanzini to seize possession. A dismal day for Liver-pool was completed when Brazil-ian playmaker Philippe Coutinho was sent off for his second booking in the 56th minute.

Referee Kevin Friend also sent off Noble in the closing stages for a lunging tackle, but there was still time for Diafra Sakho to complete Liverpool’s embarrassment with a third goal in stoppage-time.

Indiscretion Arsenal clinched their second league win of the season as Fabri-cio Coloccini’s own goal gifted the Gunners a scrappy 1-0 success at 10-man Newcastle.

Although they were below their best again, Arsene Wenger’s team got back on track at St James’ Park with the help of hot-headed New-castle striker Aleksandar Mitro-vic’s latest indiscretion.

The turning point came in the 16th minute when referee Andre Marriner sent off Mitrovic after the Serbia international needless-ly stamped on Francis Coquelin’s ankle as he stretched in a failed at-tempt to reach a loose ball.

Wenger’s team eventually took advantage of their numerical su-periority in the 52nd minute when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s low drive beat goalkeeper Tim Krul via a defl ection off Coloccini.

Leicester left it late to rescue a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth thanks to Jamie Vardy’s 86th minute penalty

after the hosts went in front through striker Callum Wilson’s 24th minute acrobatic overhead kick.

Sunderland remain without a league win despite a battling 2-2 at Aston Villa.

Yann M’Vila put Sunderland ahead in the eighth minute but Scott Sinclair equalised from the penalty spot three minutes later.

Sinclair struck again in the 41st minute, yet Sunderland drew level through Jeremain Lens in the 52nd minute.

West Bromwich Albion won 1-0 against nine-man Stoke at the Bri-tannia Stadium.

Stoke forward Ibrahim Afellay was sent off for slapping Albion midfi elder Craig Gardner before Charlie Adam was dismissed after catching Craig Dawson.

Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon headed Albion in front in fi rst half stoppage-time with his fi rst goal since his £12 million club record move from Zenit St Petersburg. - AFP

It was the latest

setback for

Mourinho’s side,

winners only once

in their fi rst four

matches and already

languishing eight

points behind leaders

Manchester City, who

extended the last 100

percent record in the

top tier with a 2-0

win against WatfordMATCH-WINNER: Crystal Palace’s Joel Ward, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal against Chelsea in the

Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. – Reuters

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

HealthSECTIONC L I F E STY L E S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

For emergency or preventive cardiac care, contact:

Al Hayat Hospital: +968 2200 4000Badr Al Samaa Hospital: +968 2479 9760

AN EARLY ENCOUNTER WITH HEART

DISEASE

THE INCIDENCE OF HEART DISEASE

IN OMAN HAS BEEN INCREASING STEADILY

OVER THE PAST DECADE.

JUNK FOOD,

BY HUBERT VAZ

LACK OF ACTIVITY,

AND

STRESS

SMOKING,

AMONG YOUNG PATIENTS

(THOSE BELOW 40)

ARE THE

MAIN CAUSES.

LIFESTYLEC8 S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

Forty-two-year-old David D’Souza (name changed), an expatriate working for a popular retail chain in Muscat, broke out in a cold sweat as he experienced excruciating chest pain one morning in his offi ce at Darsait. After being rushed to a nearby hospital by his colleagues, an exam revealed blockages in his arteries for which he underwent angioplasty to save his life. Thankfully, David survived and was determined to reverse his heart condition, making immedi-ate amendments to his food habits and taking up regular exercise to protect his heart.

There are many young individuals, both Omani and expa-triate, who, like David, end up in cardiology departments of diff erent hospitals in Oman each day. The fact is, the inci-dence of heart disease among those in their thirties and for-ties has signifi cantly escalated all over the world chiefl y due to lifestyle choices.

According to veteran cardiologist in Oman, Dr K.P. Ra-man, founder and head of the Al Hayat Hospital, at Al Ghubra, “heart disease occurs due to hereditary factors as well as environmental factors, but the incidence of heart disease among the younger generation currently is due to the faulty lifestyle they follow. Bad eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle and addictions like smoking are the main causes of heart disease and it is in the hands of every young person to take steps to avoid these in order to protect his or her heart.”

He further explained that “a faulty lifestyle which is marked with little or no exercise or physical activity, consumption of harmful junk food, and addictions, gives rise to disorders like obesity and diabetes which are associated with high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which are con-tributory factors for developing heart disease. And, if there is a history of heart disease in the family, the risks get com-pounded. The solution, therefore, is quite obvious to young individuals who’d like to stay clear of heart disease.”

Senior cardiologist at the Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi, Dr Benny Panakkal expressed grave concern over the issue say-ing “heart disease among young patients in Oman has become a very serious issue. Every day, we see patients in their 30s or 40s, and the youngest person treated by me after a heart attack was just 24 years old.”

He further said, “During my 13 years in Oman, I have seen the number of young patients with heart disease (expa-triates) signifi cantly rising, the common causes being smok-ing and stress. The incidence of heart disease among Omanis has also been quite high, obesity and diabetes being the com-mon causes. Therefore, consuming rich food, lack of activ-ity, smoking, and stress cause a range of lifestyle diseases (obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) leading to heart disease at an early age. Those who can overcome these have little risk, unless they have a genetic abnormality of the heart.”

Junk Food/Processed FoodDr Raman expressed concern that, in Oman, people are fond of the easily available and the so-called “cheap and tasty”, fast food rather than fresh veg-etables and other foods. Often packages are also marked with the phrase ‘No Cholesterol’, however, the fact is that these foods contain trans-fats which are very harmful to the heart. Trans-fats are produced from vegetable oils which are hydrogenated by manufacturers to increase its shelf life. Hydro-genated vegetable oils are the key source of trans-fats which can give rise to heart disease. Also the repeated use of the same oil for frying in fast-food outlets renders it utterly harmful. Obviously, if you avoid fast-food and pro-cessed foods and consume more fresh foods, you decrease your chances of developing heart disease.

Physical InactivityPhysical inactivity is also considered a major risk factor for heart disease since it can also cause high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. In Oman, people are used to using their cars to go everywhere, in-stead of walking, even for short distances. Also, spending long hours watch-ing television or using play-stations instead of indulging in sports and other physical activity is a contributory factor for heart disease.

Physical activity: Controls body weight, and reduces the risk of adult obesity. This further reduces the risk of heart disease/diabetes. Strengthens and develops bones and curbs the risk for osteoporosis in adulthood. Makes an individual more confi dent and sharpens mental abilities. Leads to improved cardiovascular health as it reduces stress levels and increases the amount of good cholesterol in the blood.

SmokingCigarette and tobacco smoking increase the risk of heart disease and pe-ripheral vascular disease (disease in the vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs). Nicotine in cigarette smoke narrows the blood vessels and reduces the fl ow of blood, thereby putting an added strain on the heart. Be-sides nicotine, other chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide present in cigarette smoke are also harmful to the heart.

Dr Benny points out that smoking causes a condition called Atheroscle-rosis which refers to damage to the inner lining of the arteries, besides lead-ing to development of blood clots and constriction of arteries, which are the three major causes of heart attack. By stopping smoking one can reduce the risk of developing a heart attack by 50 per cent, he said.

StressYoungsters in Oman reel under stress for various reasons including emo-tional disturbances, lack of sleep, work pressures and job insecurity, sepa-ration from family members (expatriates as well as locals who have homes in the interior), the extreme climate, fi nancial dilemmas, and many other domestic/professional problems. All this gives rise to hypertension and lays stress on the normal functioning of the heart. For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure goes up and some even tend to overeat (inviting obesity) or indulge in smoking (another contributory factor). Also chronic stress exposes the body to unhealthy elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

The ‘Stressors’ (triggers for stress) could be in the form of minor prob-lems at home/workplace, major changes in lifestyle or a combination of both. The key to managing stress, therefore, is the ability to identify stress-ors and devise ways to release the tension caused by them.• The most common stressors that aff ect most people include:• Death of / separation from a loved one• Confl icts in personal relationships• Work pressures/unemployment• Relocation/domestic dilemmas• Financial insecurity/concerns

FIGHT THE FOUR FACTORS THAT CAUSE HEART DISEASE

For emergency or preventive cardiac care, contact: Al Hayat Hospital: +968 22004000Badr Al Samaa Hospital: +968 24799760

LIFESTYLEC9S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

Eat Sardines to Prevent Heart DiseaseSardines, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, are said to be helpful in preventing heart diseases, besides strengthening bones and building the immune system. The omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines (Eicosapen-taenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid) break down bad LDL choles-terol in the body, besides breaking down arterial plaque which blocks arteries and increases blood pressure. By clearing the plaque, these fatty acids also help in controlling blood pressure.

Back stretchStudies show that 80 per cent of people around the world experience back pain at some point in life. Many back pain patients fi nd it most painful fi rst thing in the morning. Try a simple stretching back exer-cise that can increase mobility and decrease discomfort. While lying on one’s back, pull both knees to the chest while simultaneously fl exing the head forward until a comfortable stretch is felt in a balled-up position. It really brings in good relief.

Here are a few simple, time-tested foods, techniques,

and remedies to try, and a bit about why. Have you tried any of these

tricks? How did you like them? Do you have a favourite remedy of

your own? Tell us about it at [email protected]

TryWhy

DECODINGDOCTOR

Hubert Vaz chatswith Dr Hussein Al Saadi,Public Health Specialist,Al Hayat International Hospital Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a po-tentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Several types of sleep ap-nea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Dr Hussein Al Saadi, Public Health Specialist, Al Hayat International Hospital, provides some key insights:

Why does OSA happen?OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much

to allow normal breathing. When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in and breathing may be inadequate for 10 to 20 seconds. This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood.

How do I know if I have OSA?If you have experienced symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snor-ing, witnessed apneas, abrupt awak-enings accompanied by shortness of breath or a dry mouth/sore throat/chest pain, morning headache, diffi culty con-centrating during the day, mood changes such as depression/irritability, diffi culty staying asleep (insomnia), high blood

pressure, besides job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.

What are the chances thatI will have OSA?If you are overweight, have a large neck (neck circumference more than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women), hyper-tension, have a narrowed airway, chronic nasal congestion, suff er from diabetes, are male (2:1), have darker skin, are below age 35, have a family history of sleep apnea, are a smoker, consume alcohol.

What is the treatment of OSA?There are various treatment options, like:•• Positive airway pressure: The most com-

mon type is called continuous positive airway pressure CPAP, a machine deliv-ers air pressure through a piece that fi ts into the nose or is placed over the nose and mouth while you sleep to reduce the number of respiratory events as you sleep.

•• Mouthpiece (oral device): An alternative therapy for some people with mild or moderate OSA.

•• Medications/Surgery: Surgery is usu-ally considered only if medication/other therapies haven’t been eff ective.

•• Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS): It involves use of an implantable device which senses when a person stops breathing during sleep and stimulates muscles in the airway to keep it open.

BR I E FS

Women in male-dominated offi ces undergo high stressMost women working in male-dominating occupa-tions are prone to high levels of stress that can trigger poor health in them, a study has found. Negative workplace social climates encoun-tered by women in male-dominated occupations may be linked to later negative health outcomes for these women, the researchers from Indiana University noticed.

“We fi nd that women are more likely to experience ex-posure to high levels of inter-personal, workplace stress-ors,” said Bianca Manago, doctoral student in sociology.Chronic exposure to social stressors is known to cause vulnerability to disease and mortality through dysregu-lation of the human body’s stress response.

New device detects urinary tract infec-tions in an hourA team of researchers in Germany and Ireland has developed a new device that dramatically cuts the time to detect bacterial species that cause urinary tract infections — a major cause of sepsis.

“In our pilot study, we were able to identify Escherichia coli (more com-monly known as E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis — two species known to cause urinary tract infec-tions — within 70 minutes, directly from patients‘ urine samples,” explained Ulrich-Christian Schroder from Leibniz Institute of Technol-ogy in Germany.

The speedy diagno-sis marks a tremendous reduction in the wait time compared to the lengthy lag — often 24 hours or more — associated with methods routinely used to identify bacteria and diag-nose urinary tract infec-tions today. The lab-on-a-disc platform uses Raman microscopy, a modern optical detection method.

This medical diagnostics device is designed to harness centrifugal force to capture the tiny bacteria directly from patients’ samples of bodily fl uids...in this case, urine, the study said. -IANS

Eat Lettuce, Sleep WellApart from being a great ingredient in your salad bowl, especially for those on a weight loss programme, one of the traditional uses of lettuce in Unani medicine was its use as a sleep inducer. Research shows that lettuce has a depressant chemical which has sedative eff ects. This particular chemical acts by blocking the excitatory signal processes of muscular and neural tissues and so it was often used as a home remedy for controlling anxiety.

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FIND-IT-ALLC10 S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

ROYAL OMAN POLICE

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999

General Directorate of

Passport and Residence 24569603

Directorate General

of Customs 24521109

Traffic violations inquiries 24510228

Public Relations Admin 24560099

EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Afghanistan 24698 791/4

Algeria 24605 593

Bahrain 24 605 074/133

Bangladesh 24 698 660

Brazil 24640100

Brunei 24 603533

China 24 696782

Cyprus 24 699815

Egypt 24 600 982/411

France 24681 800

Germany 24835000

India 24684500

Indonesia 2469 1050

Iran 24 696 944/7

Iraq 24603642

Italy 24693727

Japan 24 601 028

Jordan 24692760/1/3

Kazakhstan 24 692418

Kenya 24 697664

South Korea 24 691490

Kuwait 24 699628

Lebanon 24 693208

Libya 24603466

Malaysia 24698329/643

Morocco 24696152/3

Nepal 24696177

Netherlands 24603706

Pakistan 24603439

Palestine 24601312

Philippines 24605335

Qatar 24 691 153/2/4

Russia 24602894

Saudi Arabia 24601705

Senegal 24694139

Somalia 24697977

South Africa 24647300

Spain 24691101

Sri Lanka 24697841/2

Sudan 24697875

Switzerland 24603267

Syria 24697904

Tanzania 24601 174

Thailand 24 602684/5

Tunisia 24603486

Turkey 24697050/1/2

UAE 24400000

United Kingdom 24609000

United States 24643400

Yemen 24600815

PHARMACIES

Round the clock

Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24782666

Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi 24702542

Salalah 23291635;

Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra 24503585

Muscat Region

Apollo, Al Hamriya 24787766

Muscat, A Seeb Market 24421691

Muscat, Al Khuwair 24485740

Muscat, Al Hail South 24537080

Dhofar Region

Muscat, Al Nahdha Road,

Salalah 23291635

HOSPITALS

Al Amal Medical & Health Care

Centre 24485052

Atlas Hospital

Ruwi 24811743/

Ghubra 24504000

Al Musafir Specialised

Medical Clinic 24706453

Hatat Polyclinic LLC,

Ruwi 24563641

Azaiba 24499269

Sohar 2683006

Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2

Al Massaraat Clinic &

Laboratory 24566435

Al Makook Medical

Coordinance Centre 24499434

Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780

Capital Polyclinic 24707549

Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic,

Ruwi 24799760/1/2

Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740

Ceregem National Raak 24485633

Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217

Elixir Health Centre 24565802

Emirates Medical Centre 24604540

1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274

Hamdan Hospital 23212340

International Medical

Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5

Kims Oman Hospital 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency 24760123

Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128

MBD 24799077

Al Khuwair 24478818

Magrabi Eye and

Ear Hospital 24568870

Muscat Private Hospital 24583600

Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment

Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666

Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000

AIRLINE OFFICES

Muscat Airport Flight information

(24 hours) 24519456/24519223

Aeroflot 24704455

Air Arabia 24700828

Air France 24562153

Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732

Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128

British Airways 24568777

Cathay Pacific 24789818

Egypt Air 24794113

Emirates Air 24404400

Ethiopian Airlines 24660313

Gulf Air 80072424

Indian 24791914

Iran Air 24787423

Japan Airlines 24704455

Jazeera Airways 23294848

Jet Airways 24787248

Kenya Airways 24660300

KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737

Kuwait Airways 24701262

LOT Polish Airlines 24796387

Lufthansa 24796692

Malaysian Airlines 24560796

Middle East Airlines 24796680

Oman Air 24531111

Pakistan International

Airlines 24792471

Qatar Airways 24771900

Qantas 24559941

Royal Jordanian 24796693

Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485

Singapore Airlines 24791233

Shaheen Air 24816565

SriLankan Airlines 24784545

Swiss International

Airlines 24796692

Thai Airways 24705934

LISTINGS

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

CINEMA SCHEDULE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept Destination Arrival Operatingtime time days

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36)

15:00 Quriyat 16:30 Daily

15:00 Sur 18:00 Daily

15:00 Jaalan 19:30 Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 Sohar 08:50 Daily

06:30 Buraimi 11:00 Daily

08:00 Buraimi 14:30 Daily via Ibri


13:00 Buraimi 17:40 Daily

16.00 Sohar 18.35 Daily

16.00 Buraimi 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

17:30 Sinaw 20:50 Daily

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

14:30 Nizwa 16:50 Daily

14:30 Yanqul 19:30 Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)


08:00 Al Araqi 12:30 Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

07:30 Sur 12:00 Daily

14:30 Sur 18:45 Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62)

06:30 Fahud 10:30 Daily

06:30 Yibal 11:15 Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100)

07:00 Salalah 20:00 Daily

10:00 Marmul 20:30 Daily



TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)


SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102)

15:00 Dubai 07:00 Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201)



13:00 Sohar 15:30 Wed,Thur

13:00 Dubai 18:30 Wed,Thur



TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily

07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily

07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept Destination Arrival Operatingtime time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily

05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily

05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)



13:30 Ruwi 20:20 Daily via Ibri





TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)


TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)



TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)



TO SUR (ROUTE 55)



TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

12:30 Fahud 13:15 Daily


TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)





TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)


DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)


TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201)



13:00 Sohar 16:15 Thur-Fri

13:00 Ruwi 19:10 Thur-Fri



FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily

16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily

16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CITY CINEMAContact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.netfacebook.com/citycinemaoman

SHATTI

Hitman – Agent 47 (Action, Crime)(PG12)Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto3:15, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 pmThe Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Action)(12+)Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer5:00, 11:55 pmMission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D)(Action, Adventure) (PG12)Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 5:15 pm Evolution Man (Animation)(3D) PGVoice Overs : Jamel Debbouze, Mélissa Theuriau, Arié Elmaleh1:00, 3:00 pmSouthpaw (Action, Drama)(15+)Cast : Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence1:00, 9:15, 11:45 pmNo Escape (Action, Thriller)(12+)Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson1:30, 7:15 pmPhantom (Action, Drama)(HINDI) PGCast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang3:30, 6:15, 9:00 pm

MUSCAT GRAND MALLHitman: Agent 47 2D (Action, Crime) (PG12)Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto5:00, 9:45 & 11:45PMGold Class : 4:30, 9:15 & 11:15PMSouthpaw 2D (Action, Drama) (15+)Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence12:30 & 9:30PMNo Escape 2D (Action, Thriller) (12+)Cast : Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson10:00AM & 11:55PMEvolution Man 3D (Animation) (PG)10:45AM & 3:15PMPhantom 2D (Action, Drama, Thriller) (PG)

Cast : Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang7:00PMGold Class: 1:45 & 6:30PMWe Are Your Friends 2D (Drama, Music)Cast: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily Ratajkowski 5:15PM (TBC)The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 2D (Action ) (12+)Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer2:45 & 7:15PMMission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D 12:45PM

AZAIBA

Phantom - 2D (PG) Action, Drama, Thriller Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:30 PMHitman: Agent 47 – 2D (PG12) Action, Crime, Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto 12:15, 3:00, 7:15, 9:15, 11:15 PMSouthpaw – 2D (15+) Action, Drama, SportCast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence11:45 AM, 2:00, 5:00, 9:30 PMNo Escape – 2D (12+) Action, Thriller

Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson3:20, 11:55 PMEvolution Man – 3D (PG) Animation 11:45 AM & 01:30, 05:15 PMLoham – 2D (TBC) ActionCast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique4:15, 9:30 PMThani Oruvan – 2D (PG12) Action, RomanceCast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara, Ganesh Venkatraman, 6:40 PMThe Man from U.N.C.L.E. – 2D (12+) ActionCast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer12:45, 7:15, 11:55 PM

RUWISCREEN 1Phantom (Action) – PGCast: Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PMSCREEN 2Hitman Agent 47 (Action/Crimer) – PG12Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah3.45, 9.45 PMBrothers (Drama/ Sports) – 12+Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 6.45 PMSCREEN 3

Karachi To Lahore - Urdu(Comedy) – PGCast: Shehzad Sheikh, Ayesha Omer3.45, 9.45 PMBaahubali: The Beginning (Action) – 12+Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka 6.45 PM

SOHARMission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action; 4:30 PMThe Man from U.N.C.L.E. - 2D (12+) Action 2:15, 11:45 PMHitman Agent 47 - 2D (PG12) Action, Crime Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary 3:15, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 PMSouthpaw - 2D (15+) Action, Drama, Sport Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams 5:15, 7:00, 11:55 PMNo Escape - 2D (12+) Action, ThrillerCast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson2:30, 6:30, 9:50 PMEvolution Man - 3D (PG) Animation3:00, 4:45 PMHabib Al Arad - 2D (Arb) (TBC) DramaCast: Faisal Al Omeri & Abdullah Al Torkoman4:30 PMPhantom - 2D (H) (PG) Action, Drama, ThrillerCast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang

8:30, 11:15 PM Loham - 2D (M) (TBC) ActionCast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique9:15 PMThani Oruvan - 2D (T) (TBC) ActionCast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara 6:55 PM

BURAIMI

The Man from U.N.C.L.E – 2D (Action) 7:10PM (12+)Hitman Agent 47 – 2D (Action) (12+)Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah2:00, 3:35, 5:20, 9:45, 11:45PMStung – 2D (Comedy/Horror/Romance) (15+)Cast: Clifton Collins, Florentine, Matt O’Leary2:00, 7:20PMEvolution Man– 3D (Animation) (PG12)Cast: Jamel Debbouze, Melissa Theuriau, Patrice Thibaud3:45, 5:15PMNo Escape – 2D (Action / Thriller) (12+)Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson5:30, 11:45PMPhantom – 2D (Action / Thriller) (PG)Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif2:30, 7:05, 9:00, 11:30PMLoham – 2D (Thriller) (PG)

Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah9:20PM

SUR

Hitman Agent 47 (Action | Crime) (PG12) 09:15, 11:30 PMNo Escape (Action | Thriller) (12+) CP#Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson7:15 PMPhantom (Hindi) (Action | Drama) (PG) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang6:30, 09:00 PMEvolution Man (3D) (Animation) (PG) CP#04:45 PMLoham (Mal) (Action) (TBC) CP#Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique11:15 PMThe Man from U.N.C.L.E (Action) (12+) 04:45 PM

SALALAH

Hitman Agent 47 (2D) (PG12) (Action) 10:45AM, 12:00, 7:00, 10:00, 11:45PMSouthpaw (2D) (15+) (Action/Drama/Sport) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, 2:00, 7:45, 9:40PMNo Escape (2D) (12+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson10:00AM, 3:30, 11:55PMEvolution Man (2015) (Original French Movie) (3D) (PG) (Animation) 10:15AM, 1:45PMPhantom (2D) (PG) (Hindi) (Action/Drama) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang4:15, 8:50, 11:35PMLoham (2D) (TBC) (Malayalam) (Action) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique7:15PMThani Oruvan (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara, Ganesh Venkatraman2:15PMWe Are Your Friends (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily12:30PMMission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 5:25PM (PG12) (Action) The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander11:50AM, 5:05PM

BAHJA CINEMAFilm information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12)Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy5.45 pm CP No: 1953 (PG12)Brothers (Hindi )( Thriller )Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth Malhotra1.30 p.mCP No: 2110 (12+) MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (Action /Adventure) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavil, Armmie Hammer2.00 p.m. & 8.15 p.mCP NO: 2121 (12+)No Escape ( Action/ Thriller ) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson4.15, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.CP No: 2128 ( 12+ )Stung ( Comedy/Romance/Horror ) Cast: Clifton Collins Jr., Jessica Cook, Tony de Maeyer4.00, 6.15, 10.15 & 11.55 pmCP No: 2129 ( 15+ )

STAR CINEMAFilm information 24791641 / 24786776Website: www.isurf.co.omLoham (Mal) ( ACT )Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea & Renji panikkar3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema Main; 6-30 pm at Cinema-2 Thani Oruvan (Tamil) (Act\Drama )Cast: Jayam Ravi,Nayanthara & Arvind Swami6-30 pm at Cinema Main; 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema-2 Kick 2 ( Telugu ) ( Rom/Act)Cast: Ravi Teja & Rakul Preet Singh 3-45 & 6-45 pm at Cinema- 3;Brothers (Hindi) 9-45 pm at Cinema- 3Madura Naranga (Mal) ( Rom/com )Cast: Kunchako Boban, Biju Menon & 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema - 4NEXT CHANGE: Double Barrel (Mal) Programmes are subject to change

3:15, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm 9:15 PM 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

@MGM @SHATTI @SOHAR @RUWI

Hitman – Agent 47 (Action, Crime)(PG12)Cast : Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto

12:30 & 9:30 PM

Southpaw(Action)(12+)Cast : Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams

Loham - 2D (M) (PG) (Action)Cast : Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique

Phantom (Action) – PGCast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr 12.13pm

Asr 3.40pm

Maghrib 6.33pm

Isha 7.45pm Fajr (Tomorrow) 4.30am

WEATHER

36Maximum

290

Minimum

TEMPERATURE

70-75%RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to [email protected]

SHAYAN KHANAugust 30, 2007

ZIYAN SARFARAZ PATEL August 30, 2006

ANGEL JEYARAJ IMMANUEL August 30, 2007

WITH LOVE

LIFESTYLEC11S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

THE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC within Al Harub Medical Centre provides an alternative form of com-plementary health care with long term results that does not require the use of any pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. Individuals of all ages in-cluding pregnant women, children, adults and the elderly can benefi t from chiropractic care which im-proves the function of joints and the nervous system while relieving pain and muscle spasms.

Chiropractic involves diagno-sis, treatment and management of conditions aff ecting the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Chiropractors work on all joints and muscles of the body but concentrate primarily on the spine. Chiropractic care involves a wide range of manipulative, mobi-lisation and soft tissues and tech-niques, designed to relieve tight-ness, pain, numbness, tingling pins and needles and muscle spasms.

Eff ective for AchesThe eff ectiveness of chiropractic care has been demonstrated for decades and is supported by a wide variety of re-

search and medical organisations. It is employed to treat back/neck pain, sports injury, muscle strains, head-aches, Achilles tendon, sciatica, frozen shoulders, whiplash, golfers elbow, arthritis, tennis elbow and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

The treatment begins with a physical examination during which many questions will be asked, some of which might appear irrelevant but are necessary.

The physical exam assesses your vital signs, muscles, joints and nerves. X-rays may be required. You may not receive treatment during the fi rst visit.

The fi rst treatment lasts about 30 minutes and consists of a re-port of fi ndings and therapeutic options will be discussed to estab-lish the best course of care. This is followed by a mini examination of the complaint before treatment is administered.

The session concludes with ad-vice and home tuition on manag-ing pain and mobility.

Tissue ManipulationMost treatments involve manipula-

tion and soft tissue therapy. Manip-ulations are simple, safe and gentle. A fast but gentle thrust is directed through the chiropractor’s hands to a specifi c joint that is dysfunc-tional. On occasion a cracking sound of no real signifi cance may be heard. Treatment often re-sults in a relief of symptoms and a feeling of well-being. However, it is not uncommon to experience temporary discomfort initially.

Therapeutic OptionsAdditional therapeutic options that may be used include mobili-sations, soft tissue techniques, heat, ice, ultrasound, interferen-tial (electrotherapy), activator therapy, ergonomic training and exercises. Each individual will respond differently to treatment, but a significant improvement in symptoms should be experienced within 6-8 sessions.

Contact:(For more details: Al Harub Medical Centre, Al Kharijiya Road, Al Sarooj. Tel: +968-24600750; email: [email protected])

ASK DR. GERRY

F A M I L Y A D V I C E

Dr Gerry D’Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and children’s psychiatry. He has practiced as a specialised psychiatristat Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years.Dr D’Costa off ers his advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman. Send your mental health questions to [email protected]

ALTERNATIVEMEDICINE

By Hubert Vaz

Dear Dr. Gerry,I have always been among the top 3 rank holders of my class and I always used to get good grades but from last year onwards some-thing has gone wrong with me and now I am addicted to songs and movies. My board exam results were not very good. My parents and teachers were shocked and as a result my parents have taken away my phone and they don’t let me watch TV either. They also keep an eye on me. What should I do to get back to my real self and concentrate on my studies? Akshay

Dear Akshay, What are you going to do? I know it may seem harsh that your par-ents have taken away your phone and don’t let you watch TV. You could get angry and resentful to them but would it solve your prob-lem. So where do we go from here?

My advice would be to simplify your life. Remove all the unwanted distraction and concentrate on the one real challenge you have —your studies. Even the fi nest minds cannot achieve anything if they are constantly distracted. Our minds feel bored when we give up these stimulations but that’s where we need to fi ght. We need to face the failure of the past and overcome it. It’s not only about marks and studies but it’s also about facing life. We will all fail sometime in our life but learning to fi ght and overcome it is what gives us strength. Anybody can face success but to learn how to face failure — that is the true measure of personality. Take up the chal-lenge, you were and still are a good student ... get back into the fi ght.

All the best,Dr G

Chiropractic Care

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN

HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

‘Stay awake’ pill may boost brain function: Study

A drug that is used to help people with sleep disorders stay awake can boost cog-nitive functions in healthy people, a new study says.

Researchers reviewed 24 studies on the drug modafi nil, carried out be-tween 1990 and 2015, and found that it appeared to improve cognitive function, RT.com reported.

Some of the studies also showed gains in fl exible thinking, increasing ability to combine information or cope with novelty. The drug didn’t seem to infl uence creativity either way.

However, researchers found that improvement wasn’t seen every time, on every test, or for every per-son. They also found that the studies failed to show any enhancement in the areas of attention, learning and memory.

“What emerged was that the longer and the more complex the task ... the more consistently modafi nil showed cognitive benefi ts,” said study co-author Anna-Katharine Brem from Ox-ford University was report-ed as saying.

The drugs work by in-creasing the brain’s level of dopamine and norepineph-rine to boost concentration and alertness. -IANS

H E A L T H

Chiropractic involves

diagnosis, treatment

and management of

conditions affecting

the muscles, joints,

ligaments, tendons and

nerves. Chiropractors

work on all joints and

muscles of the body but

concentrate primarily on

the spine...

STAY AWAY FROM DISTRACTIONS

LIFESTYLEC12 S U N DAY, AU G U S T 3 0, 2 0 1 5

Children with ADHD may Have Bad Memory Even in AdulthoodADOLESCENTS diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disor-der (ADHD) may perform poorly in memory tests compared to their peers even in adulthood, suggests new research.

ADHD is a disorder character-ised by short attention span, rest-lessness and impulsivity, and is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.

“Memory problems can cer-tainly hold people back in terms of success in education and the workplace,” said lead researcher Graham Murray from the Univer-sity of Cambridge.

Estimates suggest that more than three in every 100 boys and just under one in every 100 girls has ADHD.

Less is known about the extent to which the disorder persists into adulthood, with estimates suggesting that between 10-50 percent of children still have ADHD in adulthood.

The researchers followed 49 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD at age 16, to examine their brain structure and mem-ory function in young adulthood, aged between 20-24 years, com-pared to a control group of 34 young adults.

The results showed that the group diagnosed in adolescence still had problems in terms of reduced brain volume and poor-

er memory function, irrespec-tive of whether or not they still met diagnostic checklist crite-ria for ADHD.

Brain scan showed that the adolescents with ADHD had reduced grey matter in a region deep within the brain known as the caudate nucleus, a key brain region that integrates information across different parts of the brain, and supports important cognitive functions, including memory.

In a memory test, one third of the adolescents with ADHD failed compared to less than one

in twenty of the control group (an accuracy of less than 75 per cent was classed as fail).

Even among the adolescent ADHD sample who passed the memory test, the scores were on average six percentage points less than controls. There were no diff erences in brain structure or memory test scores between those young adults previously di-agnosed with ADHD who still met the diagnostic criteria and those who no longer met them.

The study was published in the journal European Child Adolescent Psychiatry.-IANS

C H I L D C O N C E R N S

F I T N E S S M O V E O F T H E W E E K

SWIMMING During a 30 minute swim you’ll burn

at a recreational pace

90-220kcal

During a 30 minute swim you’ll burn

with vigorous eff ort

220-550kcal

During a 30 minute swim you’ll burn

at a moderate pace

150-370kcal

Calories burned by stroke with moderate eff ort

BREAST STROKE

585 calories/hr


BUTTERFLY

784 calories/hr


FREESTYLE

590 calories/hr


BACKSTROKE

540 calories/hr

It is a great exercise for staying fi t and shedding pounds without any wear or tear on the joints. Though the number of calories burned in a swimming session vary by weight — a 130-pound person burns 590 calories per hour with a fast freestyle stroke, while a 155-pound person will burn 704 calories — the below guide will show you the minimum number of calories you will burn while working on your strokes.

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O MSECTION

CONNECT H E D A I LY G U I D E

D

D4 VACANCY CARGO D7

S U N D AY, A U G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 5

RENT D2

Email: [email protected] classifi [email protected].: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

We have small building for rent in

Bowshar commercial building can

be used as staff accommodation or

store. # 93782735 / 99208033

We have 2BHK in Ghubra 18th

November Street near sea 2 rooms

sitting, hall, Kitchen & 3 bathrooms.

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033

We have fl ats, offi ces, shops, ware-

house, basement for rent in Ghubra,

Al Khuwair, Ghala, Azaiba, Maibela.

Contact : 93329476 / 99208033

We have offi ces for rent in Ghala

brand new building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

Brand new 1, 2 BHK fl ats in

Al Ghubra & Ruwi. Contact: 97616158

Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 120/-.

Contact: 97799175

1BHK Al Falaj. Contact: 97799175 /

92144045

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-. Contact:

97799175

Barka store 100 m2 available.

Contact: 93393967

1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent

in Ghala suitable for warehouse etc.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715

2 BHK fl at in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

3 BHK fl at in Azaiba. Contact

99792181

We have 3BHK fully furnished

villa in Ghubra 18th November near

Automatic Restaurant. Contact:

93782735/ 99208033

We have 2BHK fully furnished

in Bareeq Al Shatti Qurum near

Opera House. Contact : 93782735 /

99208033

New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181

3, 4, 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ghobra.

Contact 99792181

2BHK villa for rent RO: 250/month,

near Galfar Training Institute and

beach in North Al Hail.

Contact 99745628 / 99314242

2000 Sqr mtrs Store in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99792181

D2 S U N D AY, A U G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

2BHK with split A/C in MSQ Opp.

Al Fair. Contact : 96708000

1 BHK with split A/C in Darsait,

opp. Muscat Municipality.

Contact : 96708000

3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall,

Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008

1BHK, Darsait, walking distance

to ISM , neat and clean building,

ground fl oor, OMR 260/- per month

rent Call IQRAR on 99076557

2BHK at Al Khodh 2 rooms,

1hall, 2 bathrooms & kitchen.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

3 bedrooms, 1 hall at Wadi Kabir

near Kuwaiti Masjid.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new fl at available

at Mabela in front of Modern English

School Contact: 96239126

2 BHK Ghubra R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

1,2,3 BHK fl ats. Contact: 92144045

/ 97799175

2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175

House for rent in Sidab 8 rooms, 6

toilets RO 550/-. Contact: 96606679

/ 99856551

2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ

area. Contact 92888063

Darsait next to ISM, 2 bedroom

brand new building R.O 300/-.

Contact: 93393967

4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room,

big compound & parking area. Ideal

for kindergarten or expat tenants

residency. Contact:24566217 /

24564686

2BHK near Indian School Darsait

RO 275/-. Contact: 95094028

Commercial / residential 2 BHK fl at

and 1BHK at Honda road residential

2BHK fl at at opposite to Al Na-

dha hospital. Contact: 99342733 /

99795241

2 BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi

1BHK , Ghubra near Al Maha hotel.

Contact: 99269751

Villa for rent, 4 spacious bath

attached bed room, private swimming

pool, gymnasium (common) electrical

equipment with free maintenance

secured command at

Madinat Al Illam. Contact: 98027975

2 BHK close to Indian School

Kindergarten Wadikabir RO 320.

Contact: 99476728 / 98484415

Spacious 1 BHK fl at opp. Muscat

Municipality Darsait with 2 bath-

rooms available for rent OMR 250

per month direct from owner from

Sept1st onwards. Contact 97785037

For rent if require fl ats for rent in

Wadi Kabir please send me

messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454

Apartments for Rent in Nizwa

behind Nizwa Hospital. 99530985

92513668

Offi ce & retail space available -

Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

3 Bedroom fl at with 3 attached

toilets, split A/C, brand new

available, behind Kims Hospital.

Contact 95225662

Shop/ comm./ Resi building 1&2 bed

fl at available in Wadi Kabir (near

Lulu) one bedroom fl ats 200/- Wadi

Kabir & Misfa land for rent 1000

SQM Al Khuwair 6 bedroom villa

900/- . Contact: 99451168

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026

250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in

Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339

1 BR fl at at Darsait, near ISM.

Contact 99237971 / 99320633

Readymade offi ce space for rent

(100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building,

MBA area Ruwi opposite Center

Point. Contact: 99011352

Furnished room for rent at

Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail,

Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Mut-

trah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300

/ 24813002

250 Sqr mtrs showroom in CBD.

Contact 99792181

Spacious 2BHK Flat with Split

A/c’s behind Sultan Center, Azaiba –

RO.425/- p.m. Contact: 99824803 /

99849325

3BHK well maintained fl at (villa

type) G. fl oor split A/C separate en-

trance, parking, and compound

available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar

Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239,

Villa No. 1839. Contact: 99253125

5000 & 10000 Sqr mtrs in open

Land in Wadi Kabir. # 99792181

Deluxe 1, 2, 3 bedroom fl ats in

Wadi Kabir, Ruwi, Al Khuwair area.

Contact: 24707340 / 95282986

/99472457

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommo-

dation with all spacious rooms in a

villa at Darsait near ISD.

Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

FOR RENT

DAILY GUIDES U N D AY, A U G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 5 D3

FOR RENT

1bedroom attached toilet, kitchen,

family in Al Khuwair RO 140.

Contact: 95154331

1BHK in Darsait, RO 220.

Contact: 99342661

2BHK in Ghubra South 330 R.O

with A/C. Contact: 99342661

2 BHK pent-house having very spa-

cious balcony with sea & city view

RO 325 and 1BHK RO 240, adjacent

to Indian Nursery Darsait.

Contact : 99476728 / 98484415

Flats in Al Khuwair 33 &

Wadi Al Kabir. Contact: 92800007

Pent house for rent 1 sitting,

1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen

RO 225/-, location Al Khuwair, near

DHL Courier. Contact 95620900 /

92976722

Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospi-

tal in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 /

99680499

Flat in Al Khuwair 3 rooms + Majlis

ground fl oor. Contact: 99242119

Shop/ offi ce, near Khimji H.O.

Muttrah. Contact 99233116

2 BHK near Khimji H.O. Muttrah.

Contact 99233116

SELL/BUY

Looking for purchase of a

residential building with minimum

25 unoccupied fl ats in Ghala,

Bousher, Azaiba, Ghubrah.

Contact: 99261522

Used furniture & Electronic items, offi ce & house. Contact: 99834373

/96642500

An Amazing excellent land for sale

in Barka at Al Muraysi attached to

road open from 3 sides and sur-

rounded by houses and commercial

shops and others. Ready for con-

struction to build twin villa for good

investment from owner land size

677. Contact: 91010668

Restaurant For Sale: Excellent Loca-

tion at Al Rustaq on Main Highway.

Next to Qaboos Mosque and High

Court Complex. Contact # 99227861.

Pest control and cleaning building

company for sale with all permit and

offi ce. Contact : 96996938

JCB boom loader 540/170, 17 MTR

2008 model excellent condition.

Contact: 97677133

Fully equipped Beauty Parlor for

sale in Amerat behind Sultan Center.

Contact : 98600130 / 24881211

2BK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti

Mosque. Contact 97007934 /

92629232

Brand new bldg in Walja 1 BHK,

2 BHK & shops. Contact 98218279

2 rooms, 2 toilets, kitchen in

Al Ansab. Contact 94229023

Brand new fl at 2 bedrooms with 1

Majlis, 3 bathrooms, kitchen in South

Ghubra behind Oman oil RO 350/-.

Contact 95367767

Basement available in MBD, Ruwi.

Contact 99713489

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near

Indian Primary School 2 B & 1K.

Contact 92222922

A fl at for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 2

rooms and sitting room and all the

necessary things. Contact: 92277419

Flat 2bedrooms+majlis in Ghubra.

Contact:99242119

4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4

bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis

mart. Contact: 24700120 / 92584715

BHK Flat in Azaiba. Contact 99385835 / 99428143

2BHK & 1BHK fl ats available

in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 /

97500025

Flats shops & stores for rent at

Al Amerat. Contact: 96278724

4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158

I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O.

200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos,

at Wattayya R/A near the mosque-

for Families. Contact 96457757 -

9 am to 7 Pm.

House for rent in Sidab at reasonable

rent. #: 95555162 / 95755953

1 & two bedroom fl ats available for

rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg),

ideal for company staff / families -

bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact 97677170

3 bedrooms villa excellent area at

Mobilah. Contact 99879872

Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953

3 BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balcony,

nr. Al Hassan W/Kabir RO 330/-.

Contact :99384640

Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th.

Contact: 97147240

Flats for rent at Darsait near to

Ministry of Sports.

Interested candidates please

Contact 00968-92225523

Expat leaving bedroom set, fridge,

table, sofa etc. Contact: 93393967

2,560 sq mtrs industrial land in

Wadi Kabir main road, First line on

way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to

make petrol station or hotel. OMR

990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or

95215360

Wall papers, grass carpets sale

& fi xing. Contact: 99834373 /

96642500

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Resi-

dential land in Maabela Phase 5

Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand. Tel:

99333479 or 95215360

Used Fabrication machinery for

sale : Fabrication machinery and

tools in excellent condition for im-

mediate sale. Contact 94652485/

99273774/ 99202278

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in

Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Forklift sale. Contact: 99763831

Shop for sale in Ruwi High street,

Contact 96078411

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in

Misfah, can be changed to Industrial

Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

3 fl oor commercial building in

Muttrah behind Police. Generating

income of OMR 18 Thousand annu-

ally. Neat and well maintained. Built

on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops

on ground fl oor and 6 fl ats. OMR

207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or

95215360

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land

with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479

or 95215360

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

We have complete offi ce furniture

for sale very nice & aff ordable price .

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033

PDO approved 25 MT Crane, forklift

with boom & bucket 8001G portable,

brackish & sewage tankers &

6 wheel Prime movers are available

for monthly & daily rent

(LCC contractor to PDO).

Contact: 98081969 / 98081699

2BHK close to Indian School kin-

dergarten Wadi Kabir R.O 320/- &

1BHK R.O 250/-. Contact: 99476728

/ 98484415

2BHK Pent house R.O 325/- & 1BHK

R.O 225/- close to Indian Nurs-

ery, Darsait. Contact: 99476728 /

98484415

Offi ce space for rent opposite of

Muscat Carrefour RO 6 per sq mt.

Contact 97700100

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33,

8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with

parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624

Room with toilet in Bowshar.

Contact: 96961306

Flat and show room for rent Al Khu-

wair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and

Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 /

24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563

Room for rent. Contact Farahat

98020768, Hilal: 96541263

House in Muscat, near Muscat

temple. Contact : 97711551

Flat for rent penthouse Al Amerat

Al Mahaj. Contact: 92738298

1 &2 BHK fl ats for rent at Wadi Kabir,

Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud

areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai

Round about. Contact: 24834644,

GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines

3 Bedroom fl at in Wadi Kabeer and

2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953

Fabulous AC fl at at Al Khoud 3 bed-

rooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/-

for rent. Contact: 99334699

Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK.

Contact: 91936034

Bath attached room for rent

Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569

1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in

Misfah Industrial area near to

Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has

Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

DAILY GUIDED4 S U N D AY, A U G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 5

SITUATION WANTEDSITUATION VACANT

Email: [email protected] classifi [email protected].: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DOMESTIC HELPER

ENGINEER

EDUCATION

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

ACCOUNTANT

ADMIN

BEAUTY

Required a House Maid preferably

Muslim for a very reputed Omani

Family in Muscat. Should be able to

speak in Hindi / Arabic.

Contact 95216563

Indian family required full time Indian Housemaid, visa available.

Contact : 93228657

Wanted housekeeper at a Nursery –

Muscat – Amerat, skill and commit-

ment and behavior. Fax: 24700677

Tel: 99085844 /99010504

Email: [email protected]

Require qualify caregiver for an

orderly mother. Contact 99425200

Urgently required Accountant Gulf

experience to handle accounts up to

fi nalization. Contact : 99658756

Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV:

[email protected]

DRIVER

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Required Beautician for a beauty

salon in Muscat (visa available).

Contact: 97605308

Required experienced Hairdressers / full beauticians with

exp in Ghubrah. Contact:97964519 /

94241385

MISCELLANEOUS

MEDICAL

MEDICAL

Urgently required experienced Teachers for Mathematics and Sci-ence (physics) for a reputed bilingual

School in Al Ansab. Send CV to

Email – [email protected] or

Contact - 24585343

A well known private school is in

need of Physics, English, Math-ematics, Science and Kindergarten Teachers. Contact: 96910649

Email: staffi [email protected]

Post Graduate researcher required. Contact 99229700

SITUATION WANTEDSITUATION WANTED

SITUATION

WANTEDSIT. WANTED

K.Design LLC requires “2d & 3d Draftsman” with minimum 3 yrs

experience. Send CV to

[email protected]

DRAFTSMAN

IT

Leading IT Company in search of

computer professionals with hands

on experience in PC & laptop repair.

Send CV to

[email protected]

SALES / MARKETING

SALES / MARKETING

Urgently required Network & Security Engineer with minimum

experience of 5 years, valid driving

license & NOC, the candidate should

have experience in the following

data & voice cabling design struc-

ture, network project management,

Data Center cabling installation,

CCTV & Security Systems installa-

tion, operation, and maintenance.


Leading construction company requires two Civil Engineer with

minimum 5 years site experience in

gulf. require gulf license and NOC.

Send your CV to

[email protected]

MEP Engineer on urgent basis

required for immediate placement.

Please contact [email protected]

Automatic block factory requires qualifi ed Engineer (Electrome-

chanical) degree & diploma to

operate new stationary block

factory. Contact 97092070,

email : [email protected]

Required Foreman (MEP) with 4

to 5 Years experience, for main-

tenance of Building, Having valid

Omani Driving License.

Contact 94422083


Urgently required for leading

company: Civil Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Planning Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Surveyor : 8 yrs experience, Draftsman & AutoCAD : 5 yrs experience. Fax: 24478522,


35 yrs male, MBA Finance with

5 years GCC Accounts & Admin

experience. VDL.NOC available,

looking for suitable placement.

Contact:96763275

Indian male having 5 years of

experience in Oman as accountant

cum offi ce administrator with Omani

driving license looking for a new

placement. Contact: 94173818, email:

[email protected]

Fresher looking for a career

opportunity B.Com good physique,

quick learner English speaking.

Contact: 93368464

Accountant 4 yrs experience looking

for job. Contact 96182302 Email:

[email protected]

Accountant 36 yrs Indian male

10 yrs UAE experience in Accounts,

Insurance currently on visit visa

seeks suitable placement. Contact:

96334958 / 95217432

Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter),

M.Com 8 years experience in Ac-

counting, Auditing with NOC& valid

Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 Email:

[email protected]

Part time Accountant, up to fi na-

lization, looking for job after 5pm

(location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737

Accountant with more than 6 years

experience in SAOG company look-

ing for middle management position.

Strong English/Arabic correspond-

ence. Valid DL. NOC available.

Contact 91116924

Indian CA with 15 yrs exp. working

as Head of Finance for US MNC. NOC

Available - 94047434

Filipino, 29 years, Male, BS Com-

merce major in Financial Account-

ing, 5years experience: Accounts

PAYABLE/RECEIVABLE/PAYROLL,

Excellent Communication/MS

Offi ce/Accounting Software skills.

Contact: 95057206/

[email protected]

Indian male B.Com Graduate 24

years looking for suitable place-

ment. Contact: 97219505

25 years male BBA (Hons) CFAC

ACCA having 3 years experience

as top management operations,

Accounts seeking suitable place-

ment. Contact : 92829595


Young, energetic 24 yrs, ACCA

fi nalist, Advanced diploma in Ac-

counting and business, seeking

suitable placement in accounts, fi -

nance or audit. Contact: 92430152


M.Com female good knowledge in

computer and tally 4 years experi-

ence in accounts and Administra-

tion seeks suitable placement on

visit visa. Contact: 96992431 /

99450130

Accountant Indian male B.Com

7 years experience (Accounting)

fi nance costing, auditing with NOC

& valid driving license seeking

placement. Contact: 96722257


Indian CA 10yrs of Oman experi-

ence in treasury, fi nancial report-

ing, consolidation, ERP implemen-

tation in Trading, construction,

Oil & Gas sectors. NOC available.


GSM: 91310237

Indian 24 years MBA fi nance

2 years experience seeking suitable


Email - [email protected]

Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the

property. Applicant must be Graduate,

possess Omani or GCC driving license.

Having oman market experience.

Apply with NOC. Attractive salary

+commission. Send your CV:

property@ labdmarkmuscat.com

Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation)

Contact# 24480487/24483493

Waterproofi ng technicians required. Contact 92888337

Rig Operator/Technician/Driver/Security Positions in Musandam.

Must have Oil fi eld experience

Good Communication Skills. Please

email your resume in Arabic and

English to [email protected]

Interior design & fi t-out company

based on Muscat Grand Mall looking

for : (part/Fulltime) Project manager , Site Engineer , Site Supervisor CVs to be sent to :

[email protected]

INTERIOR DECORATING

Urgently required for a Medical Centre GP doctor, Gynecologist, Male Nurse, female Nurses, Assis-tant Pharmacist with MOH license,

salary negotiable. Send your CV:

[email protected],

Contact 92681842

Vacancy for lady Doctor on morn-

ing shift for clinic at Ghala with

Without MOH. Contact: 97746296

Dental Surgeon, Orthodontist, Staff Nurses (female) with or without

MOH license for a polyclinic near

Sohar. Excellent salary & commis-

sion. Contact 99006915,

Email : [email protected]

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

12 yrs of Oman experienced Chief

Accountant looking for immediate

placement. Contact 99513082

10+ yrs UAE experienced Fin.

Controller looking for a job change.

Contact 98006226


C.A article ship completed Indian

female presently on visit visa

looks for opening in Sur, fi -

nance/ Audit / Accounts. Contact:

93915733

ACCA and MBA (fi nance) from UK,

3.5 years experience in opera-

tion, holding D/L (Oman) looking

for suitable position ready to join

immediately. Contact : 95575614,


Indian male B.Com looking for

Accounts, indoor sales,

Offi ce Assistant, Store keeper,

Contact - 98295101

Indian Male MBA with Experience

in Accounts, Admin, Sales,

Contact – 91520930

Indian male MBA Graduate 24

yrs, 1 yr. experienced Account-

ant seeking suitable job. Contact:

94083260-

[email protected]

Female (Filipina) Accountant, Audit,

Finance, Bookkeeper, 15 yrs experi-

ence, on tourist visa,

looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96944976,

email: [email protected]

Indian male MBA Finance / HR 1

yr experience in Indian currently

on visiting visa seeks suitable



Certifi ed Public Accountant, Filipino Male 26 years, Bachelor

of Science in Accountancy with

5 yrs. of experience now on visit

visa, Looking for suitable opening.

Contact: +968 91409308 Email:

[email protected]

Accounts fi nance Indian male 35

yrs B.Com, M.B.A tally exp 9.7 yrs

exp 1.5 yr Oman family visa N.O.C

available. Contact : 93257426.


Accountant with more than 30

years experience in both fi nancial

and cost accounting seek part time

assignment in Muscat or Sohar.

Contact 98598099

Part time accountant services

available. Contact:93438100

7 yrs experience as Store keeper

in Pakistan, 2 yrs experience as

Accounts Assistant, B.Com from

Karachi University, MS Offi ce,

operating system 98,2000, XP

professional Windows 7, Internet.

Contact 91235746

Chief Financial Offi cer 16 yrs of Man-

agement exp with MNCs in Pakistan,

expert in fi nancial reporting sap/

oracle implementing & optimization,

Treasury, taxation, team work and

change Management. #91936637


Indian Female Chartered Account-

ant [ACCA] looking for suitable


Indian male, 10 yrs experience, 6

yrs in Oman, with Oman driving li-

cense, having NOC, seeking suitable

job. Contact 96012973

Accountant, Indian male, B.Com,

PGDSE with 12 yrs of experience cur-

rently on visiting visa seeks suitable

placement. Contact 92750853,


A well established organization

in Muscat is looking for an experi-

enced lady Administrative Assistant.

Candidate with around 6 years of

experience and excellent command

of English language is requested to

send CV to:

[email protected]

Experienced Driver with car or

without car. Visa available.

GSM 942 888 63 / 9905 3844

Driver required for a Company, 2 yrs

experience. Visa available. Contact

24479922

Experienced Expat Driver with valid

Oman driving license required imme-

diately for an Omani family in MSQ.

Contact 24607772 / 99054998

Driver heavy duty required urgent-ly for trailer. Oman / GCC experience

must. Those ready for immediate

joining. Contact: 99310859

Business intelligence / Global Mar-keting management specialist with

9 years of experience developing

brand value & managing overall pro-

jects to achieve business objectives

seeking suitable position on family

visit. Contact: 91902154

Accomplished Sales Executives/Telemarketing Executives for

leading Digital Media Enterprise.

[email protected]

Furniture fi eld experienced Salesman with license.

Contact - 99345159, 91398378 ,

E-Mail - [email protected]

A reputed printing & advertising fi rm in muscat urgently requires

male / female sales executives

Contact : 99619552 ,


Required urgently Energetic Marketing executive for acquiring

new customers. Should possess a

Valid Omani DL. Contact 96545020.

Required Marketing Executive. Contact 24816774 / 99020458

Medical CARE Centre, Multi Specialty Clinic, Seeb, requires General Practioner, Medical Lab Technician & Pharmacist. Send CV

at Email : [email protected] or

call 97884856

Urgently Required Experienced GP Doctor, Gynecologist, Female Nurses with MOH license & NOC for

a reputed specialized center based

in Muscat. Please forward your CV

to [email protected]

Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology expe-rience & lab technician. Contact 99310590.


Looking for Outdoor Salesman for

heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015,


IT – pre sales & marketing in Oman

Governmental organizations. Send

CV to [email protected]

Sales Executive Industrial products

: 2-3 yrs of exp. with good commu-

nication & computer skills. D/L is

must. Send resume to

[email protected]

FMCG professional with 18 yrs Gulf

experience in commercial / opera-

tions looking for opening.

Contact 92787747 / 92168401

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

ENGG. / TECHNICAL



DOMESTIC HELPER

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

Male NURSE, FILIPINO, with MOH LICENSE and NOC.

Contact: 94756418


M.Sc Microbiologist, Indian female,

3 yrs experience seeking suitable

placement in Medical Lab food or

water. Contact 92302719

Male Nurse, B.Sc Nursing, experi-

enced, passed prometric exam

PH : 93837973

Veterinary Doctor with 10 yrs

experience, looking for job.

Contact 92533579

BA degree Nursing professional

having excellent looking for suit-

able placement. Contact 92955453

/91213269

SALES / MARKETING

EDUCATION

IT

MEDICAL

DRIVER

DRIVER

ADMIN

DESIGNER

Looking for a job as IT Adminis-

trator having 3 yrs exp in Oman.

Contact : 95850691

Indian female, B.Tech, IT (now in

Muscat on visit visa) with total

2 yrs experience (1.3 yrs in TCS,

India) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 93949541 / 93738083,


B.E (Computer) degree Engineer, complete schooling in Muscat, male,

Indian with 1 yr experience needs

job in software / networking / Java/

Web design or Marketing.

Contact 97136248 / 99313821

Sudanese female IT Tech. Support,

Demographic, English fl uent exp.

11.6 yrs. Contact: 96659392

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

PROJECTS

DRAUGHTSMAN

HOSPITALITY

Senior Sales Engineer 4 years

experience in Oman with D/L, Sales

electrical products PDO OXY supply

liaison with MEP contractors and

consultants NOC available.

Contact: 0091 9895799737


Contact : 99447853

Indian male 8 yrs experienced con-

struction purchase seeks suitable

placement with NOC.

Contact 95621614

A male with 04 years experience &

mobiles marketing in Oman & U.A.E

available with own car

(Camry 2012 model). Interested per-

son can Contact : 968 98512523

PGDM in Marketing & fi nance and

specialization in SCM in Belgium

University, 14 months experience

in cooperative relations looking for

suitable job. Contact: 92050773

MBA (Marketing and HR) Indian

male looking for a suitable job

2 years experience in Oman with a

valid GCC driving license

Contact : 97353936


US, MBA, looking for job in Sales

and Hospitality, 2 years experience

in Oman with driving license and

NOC Currently on notice period.

Contact: 95585345


Indian male with fi ve years experi-

ence of call centre in customer ser-

vice and sales looking for suitable

position. Contact: 90198176

Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs,

2 years experience seeking suitable

placement with Oman D/L.

Contact: 95642740


Post graduate 6+ yrs of experience

in credit controller marketing look-

ing for suitable job, valid Oman driv-

ing license, own car. NOC available.

Contact 95327018

Indian male, MBA, Marketing

having 5 yrs experience in Sales/

Marketing in Oman seeks suitable

placement. D/L & NOC available.

Contact 93815477

Sales man, experienced , knows

arabic , hindi ph : 99506977

Indian male Graduate with 2 yrs

exp in sales advertising, presently

on visiting visa looking for suitable

opening. Contact: 95462921

Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales

with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92055093

MBA, HR & Marketing, Indian, male,

25 yrs, fresher, on visit visa seeks

placement. Contact 94736649 /

98207564,


Diploma holder in Aviation Hospital-

ity & travel management, Indian male

seeking for suitable position, pres-

ently in Oman. Contact 97309707

4 Years experienced (Money

exchange services & Hospitality

services in Oman & India) - Indian

male 27 years, graduate in Hospital-

ity science, fl uent in English, Hindi

& Arabic seeks suitable placement.

Contact 91383167

Autocad Dman , Diploma in

civil, exp, knows 2d, 3d, revit

PH:98195161

NETWORK/NETWORK SECURITY ENGG. Graduate in B.Tech CS. Have 5.3

years of experience in Network and

Security devices. Certifi ed on CCNA,

CCNP, MCITP and CCIE Sec. Written

passed. NOC available. Can join imme-

diately. Contact +974-55297089,

e-mail: [email protected]

WELDER, TIG, ARC, 6G experienced

in GCC PH :95068064

Upholsery / Sofa makers GCC well

experienced, knows Hindi and

Arabic ph :99506977

36 yrs, Indian, male, X Ray, Welder

looking for job, 8 yrs experience in

TIG & ARC Welding, presently on

visit visa. # 91360190 / 91843992

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED

Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company

to handle independently or suitable

placement in good company with

Oman D/L. Contact 93061107

Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in

Oman (BA- Graduate) working as

a project Sales Coordinator, with

Oman D/L, looking for suitable job,

ready to join immediately with NOC,

open for Sales & Marketing also.

Contact 95245057

House maid looking for job.

Contact: 99879576

House maid cum cook Keralite .

Contact: 94297839

Philippina Maid is looking for

Domestic job or Baby seater with

experience on Nursing age and all

work in the house. Call : 96369299

Procurement Manager 25+ yrs ex-

perience Indian with NOC+ D/L seeks


Project Program & Service Man-

agement Indian male looking for

suitable placement having 15 years

of experience. Contact : 9686678027


Supervisor fabrication. 30 years

experienced in oil and gas industry

with thorough knowledge of PDO

procedures. contact 99365694,

92362946, 99208102 email:

tapasroy21@yahoo . com

Supervisor / Forman interior / elec-

trical with Oman driving license.

Contact: 98767559

Indian 22 years male, Mechanical

Engineer, B.Tech has done intern-

ships, born and brought up in Oman

with Omani driving license, seeking

suitable jobs.

Contact: 92791637 Email:

[email protected]

Indian male, 23 years Electrical &

Electronics Engineer having 1 year

experience in Google company need

suitable placement.

Contact: 91118694,


Indian mechanical Engineer 31

yrs, 8+ experience in sales & BD

including GCC, having Oman driving

license & NOC. Contact: 97116858


Indian male 27 yrs BE mechanical

& W/diploma in automobiles 2 yrs

teaching experience in designing

(AutoCAD) seeking suitable position.

Contact: 94183625

Indian male 29 yrs old B.E elec-

tronic & Communication Engg (5 yrs

experience in Oman) with valid D/L.

Contact : 96652145

Electrical Engineer, B.Sc. degree/B.

Tech, 4 years experience. Looking

for suitable placement. Available in

visit visa. Contact: 94739355,


MSC Electronics Female, 24 years,

1 year experience in MR Scan

Testing on visit visa looking for

suitable job. Contact 91111675

28 years male diploma in Civil En-

gineer 6 years experience in Oman

valid Omani driving license seeking

suitable placement.

Contact: 98666735 /90289111


M.A, B.Ed Indian female 27 yrs,

looking suitable teaching profession

having 2 years experience.

Contact: 95838183


ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Driver looking for job, 20 years

experience. Contact: 94795033

Light driving with 6 years experi-

ence in Oman. Contact: 94001751

Driving job. Contact: 99109458

Light duty driver seeks placement.

Contact: 95032692

Light vehicle Driver 5 years of ex-

perience, with Oman driving license

looking for a job. Contact: 97319805

/ 92171166

Light Duty Driver with 2 yrs exp. in

Oman. Contact 96420742

Looking for driving job driving

experience more than 3 years.

Contact: 97459022

Indian driver, 30 years, 8 years in

Oman exp GCC, D/L with NOC.

Contact: 93100297 / 92547440

Driver with car able to do documen-

tation work & documents delivery.

Contact : 95365938

Looking for driver job English, Ara-

bic, and Hindi Lang, 8 years Muscat

experience. Contact: 98802079

Indian male, 24 years Graphic

designer one year experience, B. Sc

Multimedia Animation on visit visa

in Oman, seeking suitable place-


Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR.

joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437

14 years of Gulf experience in HR /

Admin & logistics fl uent in Arabic /

English with D/L looking for suitable

position. Contact: 95824598

Indian, 16 yrs Oman experience in

Admin / Offi ce management and

have D/L. Also have accounting

knowledge. Contact: 99573353

Purchase, Admin Indian male 15 yrs

Gulf experience. Contact: 95435370

32 years male, 11 years experience

in indoor sales graphic designing,

administration events looking for

job. Contact: 98392508

Indian male 27Yrs, Having total

6 yrs of experience in HR/ Admin

looking for suitable position.

Contact 91507099.

Indian male MCA, MSCE 2012 certi-

fi ed and Microsoft Exchange server

administration with experience as

System Administrator (windows)

looking for a job currently in Oman

on visit visa. Contact: 92745708


Purchase, Admin, Indian male, 15

yrs Gulf experience. #95435370

Indian female MBA, 3 Year Experi-

ence in Admin MIS , Family Visa.

#98234427, [email protected]

Female 25, MSc (Wood Science &

tech) MBA HRM, fresher well versed

in English, Hindi and Malayalam,

seeking for suitable placement in

any related industries. #98401389


An Indian lady, MBA in HR &

marketing with 4 yrs experience in

teaching, seeking suitable place-

ment. Contact 91108766 / 97447825

Chartered CIPD HR Professional

having 5 years of experience in

Oman seeking suitable job.

Call +971552071501.

Master degree HRM professional

having excellent experience in fi -

nance and management and having

8 yrs experience looking for suitable

placement. # 92955453 / 91213269

Oman/Qatar experienced Indian lady

available for immediate placement

HR / Admin/ front offi ce/ reception/

document controller/ insurance

coordinator. # 0097470057238

[email protected]

Civil Engineer Pakistani 12 +2 years

Oman experience D/L seeks place-


B.E in Mechanical post Gradua-

tion Diploma in piping Engineering.

Contact : 94786570


Indian job in procurement & con-

tract, have “13” years purchase &

contract experience in infrastructure

& energy sector. NOC is available.

Contact-91237036

25 years experience in Civil Engi-

neering looking for job at

consultancy from for suitable position.

Contact : 97803710

Civil Engineer 7 years experience

in Oman also have vehicle driving

license. Contact: 92480604

Young BA looking for a job as

Secretary / document controller,

typewriting 40 W.PM shorthand also

available. NOC from the present co.

available. Contact: 93085851

Net working & Hardware Engineer

on visit looking for immediate place-


Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp,

seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650

Electrical Engr, female, B Tech

(Elec), experienced in all LV/

HV systems, currently working,

NOC available for local transfer.

phone-92109335

Jordanian Mechanical Engineer, Expertise in Manufacturing, Design,

Steel Work, AutoCad, SolidWork

3D. Nesting/ Plasma Cutting,

Sales. Speaking English & Russian.

GSM#90198575/99201710

Indian fresher BE Mechanical

engineer having work in project

of design and development of

biodiesel plant seeks immediate

placement. At present on visit visa.

Mo- 96636035

email - [email protected]

(BS Electronics) Electronics Engi-

neer searching for job experience

with Huawie & HNL as Intern in site

maintenance. Contact: 91803545

A male Civil Engineer with 10 years

experience (03 years in Oman) in

building projects execution, billing,

contractual correspondence &

tendering of projects is available.

The interested person can

Contact: 968 91320917

Indian male 24 years B.Tech com-

puter science & Engg fresher, having

valid Oman D/L fl uent in English &

Hindi, smart & dedicated to work

seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97327551 / 99330159

Indian Mechanical Engineer with

PG diploma in Quality & Manage-

ment, 3 yrs experience seeks place-

ment. Contact: 99493890 mail:

[email protected]

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with

2 years experience in HV AC and

plumbing - nikhilchandpm@gmail.

com ; GSM: 97654489

Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian

male currently on visit visa seeks

suitable placement. # 91702450


Indian Male, IT Support Engineer,

2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experi-

ence. Contact 97311847

B.E in Mechanical Engineering with 2 years experience seeking for

suitable job. Contact 919946739156


B.Tech Electrical & electronics with

1 year experience seeking for suit-

able job. Contact: +91 949788348


Pakistani B.E (Chemical) Engineer

having more than 02 years experi-

ence in process Industry seeks im-

mediate placement in any industry

at present on visit visa. Contact:

94350586 / 97637840

BE Mechanical Engineer, 22 yrs,

Indian male on permanent visa &

valid driving license looking for suit-

able job in Oman. Contact 91652927

/ 99680181,


ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Indian light duty driver. Contact: 94269229

Looking for a job as light driver 3

years experience in Oman, lan-

guages Arabic, Hindi, and English.

Contact 97311715

Driver light. Contact: 94182497

Light duty driver with 3 months

experience requires suitable

placement. Contact: 96409814 /

97384115

Driver available with car.

Contact 96771598

Light Driver. Contact 95779594,

Ruwi

Sri Lankan driver. Contact:

97387112

Indian male, looking for Heavy

Driver job, holding Kuwait driving

license. Contact 98136170

H.T. V Driver, Pakistani experience,

6 yrs, seeks work in company only.

Contact 93985087

Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744

Indian looking for Supervisor,

Safety offi cer, Camp boss or Sales

Executive. Contact 94003617

Management Professional account-

able, responsible for profi table man-

agement can handle the entire op-

erations, HR/Recruitment, Business

development & Sales & marketing &

etc, Great organizational skills with

over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi

Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs)

as General Manager - Publications,

Printing,Media. open to any industry,

can Join immediately w/NOC. Con-

tact : +968 98864706/99574638

Mail : [email protected]

Rent a car Incharge 39 yrs, Indian

15 yrs experience in UAE with UAE

D/L seeks placement in any suitable

post. Contact 99431708

Finance Manager, 22 yrs Oman

experience. NOC available. Contact

91302906 / 91335205

Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA

fi nance with 1and half years experi-

ence as Bank Offi cer in India seeking

suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895


Motivated and energetic male 25

having 4 years of experience in

fi nance with Master’s degree in Eco-

nomics and CAT Certifi ed seeking

opportunity in Accounts/fi nance/

audit in a reputable organization.

Cell no: 00968-94626209

E-Mail: [email protected]

Civil Engineer (B. Tech) Indian fe-

male, 2 yrs exp (1 yr in Oman) seeks

suitable position. Contact: 93911895

Instrumentation Engineer, nearly

4 yrs experience in oil &

gas industry, seeks job in Oman.

Contact 90198210,


Indian male 31yrs BE. Mech. 8 yrs

exp Sales & marketing. Valid D/L

NOC available. Contact : 97116858

Indian male 25MBA having 4years

Gulf experience in Coordination with

contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin

,Backoffi ce) Jobs Ph:95405885

Indian male, B.Tech, Mechanical En-

gineer having 2 yrs experience seek-

ing suitable job. Contact 94768977,

[email protected]

Indian Male, 24, UK Graduate - MSc

(Eng.) Environmental Engineering

and Project Management with B.Eng.

Biotechnology. Holding Valid Omani

Driving License, looking for suitable

placement. Contact +968 99452305

Civil Engineer Pakistani 12+ 2 yrs

Oman exp. Oman D/L seeks place-


Engineer with 3 yrs experience in

Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical

maintained fi eld on visit visa looking

for suitable job. Contact 99191535


Mechanical Engineer, 23 yrs, male,

having knowledge in HVAC seeks

suitable placement.

Contact 95434381, Email :

[email protected]

Sudanese Electrical Engineer.

Email : mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.

com, contact 97452159

Bangladeshi male, BSC Engg in

Civil, total 3 years experience, 2

years in Oman, looking for job.

Contact: 00968 94038642 ;


Pakistani male, Diploma in civil,

total 6 years experience , 4 years in

Oman, with valid D/L, looking for job.

Contact: +968 98568934;

Emai: [email protected]

SUPERVISOR: Indian male site

supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING)

25 years of experience with valid

Oman Driving license,

seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97498809, 93391910


Indian male, Supervisor Electrician

Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC avail-

able. Contact 95057068,

[email protected]

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need

suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.


Indian male, B.Tech, B.Tech (Elec-

tronics) MBA (Marketing) having

1 yr experience as Deputy Manager

Sales in Fortune 100 MNC currently

on visit visa seeks suitable job.

Contact 96967234,


Electrical Engineer, Indian male,

29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in

industrial automation & utility

maintenance in India (MRF yres)

seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92789995, Email :

[email protected]

Btech computer science graduate

2015 passout.. Android application

marketing.. Having good communi-

cation skills and mindset to work in

a team. Contact 91024385

Indian male, 30 yrs, Diploma in

Civil Engineer, 5 yrs exp. at building

construction & consulting company

with Oman driving license. NOC

available seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95989500,

[email protected]

Mechanical Engineer, 2 yrs

experience in Automobile services.

Contact 98182081

Indian Mechanical Engineer (QA/

QC) Engineer with 5 yrs of experi-

ence in oil & gas, mining & manu-

facturing sector, keyskills – NDT,

Welding Inspection, Quality control,

inspection etc. Contact 91176122,


Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC

licence holder seeking a job

mail – [email protected]

Civil Engineer Indian male 10 yrs

exp having Omani D/L looking

for suitable placement. Contact:

94194399 ([email protected])

DAILY GUIDE Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461Fax: 24812624


D6 S U N D AY, A U G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 5

GOOD NEWS

MATRIMONIAL

Seeking alliance for our son from

Muslim families. Interested families

Contact: 99889590

A respectable Sunni Muslim family

from Hyderabad, India invites pro-

posal for their daughter, 26 years,

MSc, very fair. Contact 93671857

Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin,

20 yrs BA graduate from Oman,

good looking homely with good

religious values, seeking alliances

from Muslim professionals,

well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or


Ayuredic massage backache, joint

pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909

Ayurvedic treatment for backache,

paralysis, arthritis etc & massage,

All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact

24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980

www.siddhayur.com

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know

more about Islam, please call:

99425598, 99250777, 99353988,

99253818, 99341395, and

99379133. For ladies: 99415818,

99321360, 99730723

Orvisit:www.islamfact.com



SITUATION WANT-

EDSIT. WANTED

Male, 32 years M.A. English M.SC

psychology and B.Ed in English hav-

ing 4 years experiences in teaching

present company is ready to issue

release letter. Contact : 99869535


Housemaid looking for job.

Cont : 95587492

Filipino (Male), 33 yrs/old, 9 yrs.

experience in marine transportation

(seaman/deck crew), & 3 yrs. in sales

(electronic devices) currently on visit

visa & looking for a suitable employ-

ment. GSM: 94750459

Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in

Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel

fi eld ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical &

Plumber ) N O C available

mob : 95253640 . email =

[email protected]

29 years femaile (MBA-Finance)

with 4 + years experience (India &

Oman) in administration & teaching

seeking suitable placement in an es-

tablished organization. # 96371655.

Senior Accountant Indian male

Graduate CA Articleship completed

18 years of experience currently on

visit visa seeks suitable placement

contact.97498809,93391910

[email protected]

Indian male, 30 yrs, B.Com with

Tally, 8 yrs experience with Oman

driving license experience in Ac-

counts & sales seeks suitable place-

ment. Contact 96470171

Electrical Maintenance Engineer,

29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp.

in reputed companies. Seeking suit-

able placement in Oman.

Contact - 98440637. Mail ID :

[email protected]

Indian male 22 years, Looking for

suitable placement in Hardware and

Networking fi eld, 1 year exp. in india

an have done training in al ameen

computers. With good communica-

tion skill, Qualifi cation is Diploma

in Electronics and Communication.

Contact : - 95632209,95068075,

Email- [email protected]

Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer

science, diploma computer engineer-

ing), 6 yrs. experience , dba oracle

pl-sql , ms sql-server ,ms visual

studio vba, network, Omani Driver

licence language English, Arabic.

Email:[email protected],

Mob:91415886

Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in

Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid

Oman D/L, NOC available. #9719 4864

Having 9+ years exp. in Admin &

HR in reputed companies. Presently

working in Muscat and seeking for

suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email :

[email protected]

WANTED

Indian coca requirement with expe-

rience. Contact: 99209264

AVAILABLE

FOR EXPATS

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting,

Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery,

Glassware, Chafi ng Dishes, Ice Sculp-

tures, to Large Sound Systems and spec-

tacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222

for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for

Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com,

E-mail: [email protected]

From owner plot of land near

Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

MISCELLANEOUS

TOURS & TRAVELS

Five years experience in Travel

fi eld ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA,

Presently working in the Travel

Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star

Hotel in India, looking for a suitable

position in the Middleeast.

pls contact 9470 5767

11 yrs experience in travel fi eld

B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for

Qatar Airways, Sales reservation

ticketing driving license & NOC

available. Contact 92954613

Land Surveyor experience 6 years

in landscape , construction and

roads for contact : 0096895244840,

0096899703488, e-mail:

[email protected]

Indian male 27, looking for suit-

able placement in Piping Design

& Engineering.Having 7 years of

experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar

with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR

ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/

97357143

ACCA Affi liate, Oxford Brookes Bsc,

2.5 years experience in audit, fi -

nance in Big 6 and oil industry, NOC

release available. a.saran891@gmail.

com, 95140445

B.com .5 yrs exp. of oman Looking

for an Accounts job work, preferred

to do from home. Well versed with

TALLY Accounting software.

Contact 95482970

Pakistan Male: 24 years, M.Com

Finance having 2.5 year experience

as a accountant & marketing execu-

tive looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97670816,

e.mail: [email protected]

Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years

in IT Trainer, looking for a better

position in Oman, already working in

Prestigious Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

[email protected]

Civil Engineer Indian 20 years

experience (1 year in Oman) in man-

agement and construction seeks

suitable placement.

Contact: 91718976 ,


Male, 32 years M.A. English M.Sc

Psychology and B.Ed in English hav-

ing 4 years experience in teaching

present company is ready to issue

release letter. Contact : 99869535



in Computer Teacher, looking for

a better position in Oman, already

working in Prestigious Construction

Company. Contact:- 95983711,

[email protected]

ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer ex-

perience, Looking for Structural

Designer, supervisor or site engineer

Position. Iranian male,

Contact: 93696929


ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years expe-

rience, presently working in Oman

as a Senior Accountant with Oman

Driving license. NOC available, seeks

suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

Indian-22 years Male, Mechanical

Engineer, B.Tech, has done intern-

ships, born and brought up in Oman,

with Omani Driving License, seeking

suitable jobs. Contact 92791637.

E-mail:

[email protected]

Civil Engineer Indian 20 years

experience (1 year in Oman) in man-

agement and construction seeks

suitable placement.

Contact: 91718976


in Accounts, IT & Administration,

looking for a better position in Oman,

already working in Prestigious

Construction Company. Contact:-

[email protected]

Indian male 24 years,B. Tech (Elec-

trical & Electronic) having 2 years

working experience as an Electrical

site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482, Email:

[email protected]

Indian male 23 years, B. Tech (Elec-

trical & Electronic) having 4 years

working experience as an Electrical

site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482 Email:

[email protected]

Male, 32, having 7 years experience

in New Car sales and rental. Cur-

rently working for one of the most

reputed Brand in India is seeking a

suitable change.

Contact +91 9045232273

Looking for managerial post (full

time ) ,More than Ten years of

experience in Team Development

,Training ,Planing, Administration,

Sales & Marketing, Advertisement

and Credit Control and Logistics.

Contact 91076608 /+919048648108

NOC available

Sales Representative or Purchase

offi cer. Indian male 31 years,

Looking for suitable placement in

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and

OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 7

years of gulf experience in

FASTENERS and BUILDING MATE-

RIAL. Having a valid D/L.

Contact: 00968 92480985,


BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian

Male having experience in UAE,

India, Oman total 5 years (including

MNC), looking for similar or same

openings.NOC available.

mobile: 92700670,

email:[email protected]

Accounts Head/Manager looking

for job with Gulf Experience (NOC

available). Contact : 94164650.




looking for suitable placement in

construction industries and oilfi eld

industries. Having 7 years of gulf

experience in fasteners and building

material. Having a valid driving

license. Contact: 00968 92480985,





already working in Prestigious

Construction Company. # 95983711.

[email protected]

Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp

in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with

Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864

Indian male MBA fi nance and mar-

keting. Having 2 year experienced in

accounting, looking for suitable job

opportunities. Available on visit can

join immediately. Cont: 94676974


SALES MANAGER (MECHANICAL

ENGINEER)-Over 5 yrs in Oman, with

experience in Industrial Products &

Services with Noc & driving license

looking for the challenging oppor-

tunities. Notice period Ends on 27th

August -2015 . GSM - 95291830

ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years expe-

rience .Presently working in Oman

as a Senior Accountant with Oman

Driving license. NOC available seeks

suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170



Looking for suitable placement in

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and

OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 5

years of gulf experience in FASTEN-

ERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. with

good communication skills.

Contact: 00968 97756269,


INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech

(Electrical & Electronic) having

4 years working experience as an

Electrical site Engineer, currently on

visit visa. Seeking suitable place-

ment. Contact no. 98045482

21 years, B. Com, graduate male

‘fresher’ well versed in English,

Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam with

Driving license looking for a suitable

job. Contact: 96799287

Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having

8yrs. experience in Operation (Ship-

ping & Logistics) currently on visit

visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 97121525

24 years, ACCA affi liate, 2.5 years

of experience in audit, fi nance in

Big6 and oil industry, looking for

suitable placement, NOC release

available. Contact 95140445,


Male available for a part time

accounting & admin job,

Contact:99196621.

INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS, B. Tech

(Electrical & Electronic).Having 2

years experience as Electrical Site

Engineer in Constructions. Done

IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifi cations.

Seeking for suitable placement in

constructions or in any related in-

dustries. Contact no: 98045482/

[email protected]

Indian male, 29 yrs, B.Tech Electron-

ics & Communication Eng. + diploma

in SAP, 7 years professional experi-

ence, looking for a job in Oman /

other GCC countries.

Contact: 0091 973 928 5790,


Indian male MBA fi nance and mar-

keting having 2 year experienced in

accounting. Having good knowledge

in Tally ERP and advanced excel.

Looking for suitable job

opportunities. Available on visit visa

can join immediately.

Contact:94676974,


Mechanical Engineer : Indian , male

23 years, 2 years experience, on visit

visa . Seeking suitable placement.

Contact : +968 91409712 ,


Babar Ali Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years



No need of Visa, already working in

of the Omani Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Advertising/media executive with

15 years gulf experience with oman

driving license. Seeks good opening.

Contact 93031168

Indian Male, 37 Years , B Tech

Graduate Electrical. Having 12 Years

Experience of DCRP Works / Jobs in

Oman with Driving License, Looking

for an suitable opening, NOC Avail-

able. Contact – 92122338, Email -

[email protected]

Part- Time Accountant, well experi-

ence senior accountant ,doing all

type of accounting works, Finaliza-

tion, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439

Indian Female Lawyer having 11

yrs experience presently working in

Oman seeks placement in Legal/HR/

Admin etc. NOC available

Contact-94436960



Working partners required for Farm

Based Trading. Contact: 94151791

Seeking fi nancial investor / partner

for short term Governmental

construction project of 1.5 million

Riyal Omani. Contact : 99881303

New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938

General Investors. Gsm-99674870

SITUATION WANT-

ED

BUSINESS

SITUATION WANTEDSERVICES

Split & widow unit A.C servicing &

repairing. Contact: 99557080

Split & window unit A.C servicing

& maintenance. Contact: 96236476

Window & split unit A.C ser-

vicing & maintenance. Contact

93769089 / 95323517

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of

your marble. Contact 24793614/

99314807

Split window cassette AC

unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621

One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new

companies, LLC companies, Investor

visa, business setup, prepare

businesses & companies accounts,

legal services, representing

you and your company.

Contact: Saleh : 96723485

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile

polishing, pest control & anti-ter-

mite treatment, general cleaning

painting, Plumbing, Electrical,

shifting. Contact Mundhir

Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C.

# 24810137, 99450130

General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC.

Contact: 99344723 / 99357908

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles

polishing, carpet shampooing,

maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS-

99320217 /24788722

Split & window A.C servic-

ing & maintenance. Contact

93769089/95323517

All maintenance & repairs. Contact Rizwan: 99429071,

RMPM Trading.

WEBSITE

WEB, ERP and Business Intel-

ligence (BI) creation and man-

agement at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

COMPUTER

CLASSES

Admission started in a private

school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group

of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and

grade 1 to 4 please register soonest.

Contact: 92088325 /

24799938

A/C Technician, all refrigerator

items, installation.

Contact: 92279370

Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents &

Termites. Ocean Center LLC.

Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

Air condition maintenance split

and window A/C split a/c ducted and

package type units.

Contact: 98667326

General cleaning in buildings villas

all types interior, exterior, polishing

dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble

etc. #94134784 / 98598280

Water proofi ng ABUQABAS-

Contact 99320217/24788722

House shifting & packing. Contact: 99657644 /98518013

A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge,

washing machine & dish washer re-

pairing, painting & cleaning services,

electrical & plumbing. # 99447257 /

97014234 / 24504281

DRIVING

Driver for Automatic Transmis-

sion. Contact: 99040813

NRI

*Classifi ed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication.

* Subject to space availability

TRANSPORTATION

Driver with car. Contact: 94004667

Pick & drop anytime in Al Ghubra.

Contact: 97681599

Transport available in Ghala, Ruwi ,

Ghubra, Al Khuwair & Azaiba.

Contact: 91495819

Transportation. Contact 99664703

Transportation available.

Contact 95570429

Transport. Contact: 95190627

Transportation. Contact: 96538078

Transportation. Contact:98522914

Transportation. Contact 99508282

Transportation. Contact: 98244078

Pick & Drop any time. #97014786

An NRI wants to sell his proper-

ties, in Ernakulam (6 cent villa near

Amrita hospital), Trivandrum (plot

near Kowdiar Palace), Trivandrum

(plot near Kumarapuram Jn.) and

Pandalam (opposite Ayyappa temple

by the side of MC road).

Please call: 94052733 or 94070407

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet

& sofa shampooing, Contact

99314807/24792998

LOST

Single room with AC, balcony and

separate toilet for working women or

non cooking bachelor near Rex Road,

Ruwi. Contact: 92183404

Fully furnished sharing Executive

bachelor at Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99325387

Family sharing accommodation

available in Al Khodh. Contact :

98292798

Separate room with A/c, Small

Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking

Asian bachelor, behind Shell fi lling

station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390

Semi furnished rooms in

AL Khuwair with car parking.

Contact : 92888337

Furnished room for IND EXE

bachelor near Al Khuwair R/A.

Contact : 99659513

Sharing accommodation for Filipina

on Seeb for couple / working ladies.

Contact: 92959251

Fully furnished room with attached

bath for Executive bachelor, behind

Al Meera Hypermarket, Azaiba,

RO 150/-. Contact 99455735

Furnished room for rent at

Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only.

Contact 99251975

Single rooms with attached bath

available at Ruwi.

Contact 98049288 / 8091089

Fully furnished 1BHK with all

household items in Darsait near

Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact :

99378397/99493500

1 bedroom, hall, kitchen & toilet

available for family near ISD Darsait

(Indians only) with wi-fi facility.

RO 150/- per month + Electricity &

Water. Contact 93661570

Sharing accommodation in CBD

area for non cooking Executive

bachelors, wifi free, advance deposit.

Contact 91852710

Sharing accommodation available

for working lady or couples near

Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206

Room for rent with sharing

bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair,

behind Golden Spoon Restaurant.

Contact 92994415

Furnished room for Indian Bachelor

in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in

Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya).

Contact 96761960

Fully furnished room for a decent

expatriate. independent kitchen,

bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

ACC. AVAILABLE

ACC. AVAILABLE

Muhammad Jahangir has lost Paki-

stan passport No AS 8105131. Finder

please handover to ROP.

Abdul Rasheed has lost Indian

passport no K7026187. Finder please

handover to ROP.

Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784

Room attached toilet and kitchen

near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

DAILY GUIDE Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461Fax: 24812624


D8 S U N D AY, A U G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 5

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine

Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

TOURS

Car for rent. Contact: 92516090

Butter cup rent a car competitive

prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

SITUATION WANTEDCARGO

SITUATION WANTEDCARGO

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

Diplomat used car for sale Toyota

Corolla 2010 model, mileage 19,950/-

, price R.O 3500 /- (negotiable).

Contact: Mohamed Azgar 95751844

/ 95863739

Nissan Xterra 2010 Expat owned

90,000 k, clean car.

Contact: 93393967

Sportage, 2013. Contact 99336093

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

HONDA CR-V 2008, purchased

2009, 4WD, Full option, No.1 model,

Cruise control, leather seats, Sun

roof, 1,23,000KMS, OMR 5000/-,

expat leaving, for sale at SOHAR,

Contact Samuel 99108311

Mazda 3,1.6, 2008 Automatic,

accident free, single owner.

Contact: 92030516

Land Cruiser 2012.

Contact 99336093

FOR HIRE

Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly

rent. Contact: 98713900

Times of Oman - August 30, 2015

Documents

Transcript of Times of Oman - August 30, 2015