Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. | Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certifi ed Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

085010 1200106February 29, 2016 20 Jumada Al Ula 1437 AH

MONDAY

6 40

MORNING MINUTE

To the Council of Oman, 2011

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTYTHE SULTAN

We affi rm the need for these good traits and high values to be instilled in our youth from a young age, at home, in schools, mosques, clubs and other educational and nurturing incubators so it will act as a fence, protecting them from falling into the abyss of intruding ideas that call for violence, extremism, hatred, fanaticism, being opinionated and non-acceptance of others, as well as other extreme ideas and opinions that lead to the tearing up of society, draining its vital powers and leaving it in ruins and utter destruction, God forbid.

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

OMANSurgery gives girl from Oman eyelids

1A two-year-old girl from Oman, born without eyelids due to which her eyes

always remained open, got a new lease of life after an Indian doctor sculpted eyelids, grafting skin from her mother’s ear. >A3

OMANGUtech students make wonder car

2A stronger, lighter and more fuel effi cient car is the weapon of choice

for the students of German University of Technology (GUtech). >A5

WORLDRouhani hails gain in Iran elections

3Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won a strong vote of confi dence and

reformist partners secured surprise gains in parliament in early results from the twin elections. >A15

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

C1Land Rover BAR top America’s Cup World Series Oman

Rain forecast for next three days in OmanREJIMON Kreji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Heavy rains have been reported in northern Oman, said weather enthusiasts.

“Wadis are overfl owing in Su-waiq, Samail, Al Awabi, Ouf, Sha-tan, and other areas,” Bader Ali Al Baddaei, administrator of www.rthmc.net, a local web-based fo-rum that discusses weather in Oman, told the Times of Oman.

The Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) has forecast rain in Oman for the next three days starting from Monday afternoon due to a deep upper air trough.

“Isolated rains and occasional thundershowers associated with

fresh winds and hail are expected over the governorates of Musan-dam, Al Buraimi, and Al Dhahira. It will gradually aff ect Muscat, North and South Batinah, and the Sharqiyah region,” according to the statement. >A5

D E E P U P P E R A I R T R O U G H

Hotline aims to protect children

FAHAD AL GHADANIfahadnews@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A child abuse hotline for young victims, or the public, to report cases of violence or ne-glect to the authorities is to be launched by the Ministry of So-cial Development.

The issue came to the fore dur-ing the last meeting held by Child Protection Committee under Dr. Yahya bin Mohammed Al Hinai, Director General of Family De-velopment at the Ministry of So-cial Development.

The meeting, which discussed the achievements made in ensur-ing child protection in 2015 and 2016, approved the Child Protec-tion Line (1100).

Any victim, or anyone who has witnessed the crime, can call and report the matter using the toll free number. The aim of the emergency line will be to provide children protection from abuse, violence and neglect and also provide them psychological and social support. It will also provide legal advice to families.

Riyadh Al Siyabi of the min-istry’s media department said: “The emergency number will be open for everyone to inform the authorities about any child abuse. Once the ministry receives the report, the concerned authorities will proceed to the next step im-mediately.”

The emergency line will pro-vide children protection from abuse, violence and neglect and give them psychological and so-cial support. The child protection line will also provide legal advice to families.

The move by the Ministry of Social Development to establish a child protection line was wel-comed by the public, and several

people have expressed their hap-piness about it. Activists hope that more cases of abuse would be reported as the child protec-tion committee starts receiving complaints.

Welcoming the move, Nasir Al Khamaisi, vice-president of Social Development Committee at the Majlis Al Shura, said this would help better protect Oman’s children. “Such a move shows the government’s care for its children. Children are the future of the country, and there must be clear laws and regulations, which can protect them,” said Al Khamaisi.

He added that the public should positively respond to the move and spread awareness regarding it. “Many such cases could have been avoided if such a hotline existed before,” noted Al Khamaisi.

Last October, Sheikh Moham-med bin Sa’ayid Al Kalbani, Min-ister of Social Development, had issued a ministerial decision to establish a committee to prevent child abuse in the governorates. Called the Child Protection Com-mittee, it receives reports from individuals or the public regard-ing any cases of child abuse or violence against children.

Lawyers and social activists have been urged to assist in for-mulating new Child Law regula-tions, following a series of child deaths caused by negligence of adults. The Child Law was adopt-ed in early 2014.

Welcoming the

child protection line,

people have said

that children are the

future of the country

and they need social

and psychological

support for their

proper growth

REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: In India, there is a saying that weddings are made in heaven, and now, for the affl u-ent Indians, the Sultanate – one of the safest countries with innate beauty is a haven for those who want to tie the knot in style.

Since 2014 until January this year, seven big fat Indian wed-dings have taken place, according to an Indian representative of the Oman tourism ministry.

A fi ve-star hotel general manag-er has said that six more weddings are likely to be held this year. “The growth rate has been phenomenal as we have seen a positive growth in less than two years. Two high-

profi le weddings have already taken place in early 2016, with one being held in the Al Bustan Palace and second in Millennium Hotel. The hotels and destina-tion management companies are currently working on enquiries for weddings for the next season i.e. October–December,” Lubaina Sheerazi, India’s representative of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, said in an exclusive email interview to Times of Oman.

Recently, the glitzy wedding of Sasha Rawal, sister of Bolly-wood’s leading fashion designer Kunal Rawal, with Samarth Ba-jaj, scion of a prominent business family from Hyderabad, was a grand aff air at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.

In January, the Al Bustan Pal-ace was fully occupied for an-other big fat Indian wedding for a couple of days. “Beautiful loca-tions, authentic Arab culture, and pleasing locals are the three main aspects, which attract those look-ing for wedding destinations in Oman,” said Al Bustan general manager Katrin Herz.

“Oman is gaining popularity as a wedding destination in Asia. Six more big fat weddings are likely to take place in 2016,” Katrin said, adding that the drop in oil prices has aff ected the hotel industry in the region, and hotels are looking to diversify their activities such as by hosting grand weddings as one of the ways to cushion the downturn. >A4

P O S I T I V E G R O W T H

Staff Reporter

MUSCAT: Times of Oman has been named as one of the best digital media houses in the Middle East.

Our  timesofoman.com  scored a number successes in the WanIfra (World Association of Newspa-pers and News Publishers) Middle East Digital Awards, taking two gold honours and three silver.

These awards are the most pres-tigious competition in the industry for publishers to benchmark their digital off erings in the region. The competition drew innovative pub-lishers from all over the Middle East who submitted their digital media campaigns and content to see where they stack up against their peers.

Times of Oman relaunched its digital off ering in July, 2015 and

our new desktop, tablet and mobile sites were highly praised.

Best in Tablet Publish-ing:    Gold Award: Judges rated our tablet off ering the best in the region.

Best in Data Visualisa-

tion:  Gold Award: Judges loved our Omani Dress microsite.

Best News Website:  Silver Award: Judges said our site was very appealing and gave great val-ue to the readers plus highlighted our audience growth.

Best Mobile News Ser-vice:  Silver Award: Judges hailed the growth in mobile traffi c and praised its design and func-tionality.

Best Reader Engage-ment:  Silver Award: Judges hailed our use of video as well as our cross platform strategy, our audience growth and our social media.

Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong said: “These awards are fantastic recognition for a lot of hard work which has gone into improving our news service on-line, both by our team in Oman and our technology partner Layout International. We’ve grown into the single biggest online news site in Oman by a signifi cant margin. Our site was read nearly 40 million times in 2015 and 2016 is already off to a great start. >A5

W A N I F R A M I D D L E E A S T D I G I T A L A W A R D S

is the toll free emergency line for

providing protection to children against abuse

and neglect

1100

Times bags top honours at digital media awards

Picture:www.rthmc.net

GRAND WEDDINGS: Since 2014 until January this year, seven big fat Indian weddings have taken

place. – WeddingSutra

Sultanate choice venue for big fat Indian weddings

NOBLE WORK: Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read Campaign has been promoting the love of reading to children in

Oman since 2007.

A2 M O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

OMANA two-year-old Omani girl, who was born without eyelids due to which her eyes always remained open, received a new lease of life after an Indian doctor sculpted eyelids, grafting skin from behind her mother’s ear.

Surgery gives little girl eyelids >A3

Fair calling book lovers in Muscat

DEEBA HASANdeeba@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Once again, it’s time to pop a can of soda, pick up a fa-vourite title, curl up on the couch and just read. It is time to become completely immersed in the habit of reading, as the Muscat Interna-tional Book Fair has begun at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, and has again proven to be a real treat for book lovers, es-pecially Arabic language readers.

Hundreds of book sellers and publishers from the GCC and be-yond are taking part in the fair, with over 250,000 titles,which in-clude 100,000 new books.

Sakina Al Lawati, an avid read-er, had been saving up for this fair for the last two months because she wanted to buy as many books as she could lay her hands on.

“I developed the habit of read-ing only about a year ago, and I must say that reading has helped me so much, with thinking better and changing my opinion about so many things. I saved up for this fair because I knew that I will be able to fi nd my favourite books here, as I don’t normally fi nd them at bookshops in Muscat.”

Promoting local authorsMeanwhile, Humaid Al Amri, an Omani fi lmmaker, was able to publish his fi rst book,entitled ‘Scenes from Omani Cinema’, with its launch at the fair, and has received tremendous response.

“On the fi rst day of the launch, so many people came to me and asked me lots of questions about the book and about Omani cin-ema. They were really keen about getting to know as much as they could about the history of cinema in Oman. Also, because there are not as many books on fi lms in Oman, people were anticipating this launch so they might gain more information on the subject,” said Al Amri.

Perfect launch platformAl Amri has published a thousand copies of the book in its fi rst edi-tion. “I think the Muscat Interna-tional Book Fair was the perfect platform to launch my book, since it is the only festival for reading in Oman, and this time it is even big-ger. I hope that more people will come and buy my book, which is priced at a minimal OMR3.”

Mohsen Al Hudhaili, an ar-chitect and a resident of Mus-cat, who is originally from Alge-ria, was able to launch his fi rst book,entitled ‘Risha al Asfoor’, a story for children about a boy who

loves birds at the fair. “The book was published by ‘Dar Al-Hadaiq’, a popular publishing company from Lebanon which specialises in children’s books, and I have been able to sell 50 copies of the book, as of now,” noted Al Hudhaili.

“There is a huge demand for good quality children’s books at the fair, and I am happy to contrib-ute towards the cause.” Al Hud-haili is also planning to write more books, after this fi rst success.

Major attractions this year include halls for cultural events and a corner for children’s pro-grammes and events. There is also an application for smart phones, to allow users to view ac-tivities at the fair.

The fair continues until March 5, and will be open to the public from Wednesday, running from 10 am until 10 pm. On Fridays, the fair will be open from 4 pm to 10 pm. There are 650 participants, which include publishers from 27 countries, compared with 441 publishers from 24 countries last year, and is spread over 8,550 sqm.

Visiting times set aside only for students are from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday, February 29, and Wednesday, March 2.Visiting times just for women and female students are from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, March 1, and Thurs-day, March 3.

Major attractions

at the Muscat

International Book

Fair this year include

halls for cultural

events and a corner

for children’s

programmes

and events

Charity book shop promotes reading with aff ordable booksDEEBA HASANdeeba@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A substitute for expen-sive bookstores in Oman, the ‘Let’s Read’ bookshop by Dar Al Atta’a, is a pioneering eff ort in promot-ing the reading culture by off ering used books at very aff ordable pric-es- such as OMR1 for paperbacks and OMR2 for hardbacks.

This cost was further reduced to OMR1 for hard backs and 500 baizas for paperbacks at a recent book sale held at the Qurum Com-mercial Centre (QCC), where scores of book lovers from all age groups and nationalities gathered in large numbers to buy their fa-vourite titles.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Jane Jaff er, initiator of the Let’s Read campaign, said there is a lack of reading habits in the country, while this campaign encourages the love of reading by providing easy access to inexpensive, but good books.

“We are very happy to see the number of people coming to the book sale. By buying books here, you are able to purchase a lot of books because they are less expen-sive and, at the same time, you are

helping promote the cause of read-ing,” said Jaff er.

Simi, an expat visitor, was de-lighted as she purchased several books for her seven-year-old-child. “There are some wonder-ful books here, I think it’s a great initiative which builds the reading culture, as a lot of people are not reading books here, especially in this age of technology.”

While looking for books, Simi came across some classic titles and decided to buy them for her child. “Its my fi rst time here, and I think it’s an amazing initiative. Oman lacks proper libraries and proper outlets where you can aff ord good books. They are very expensive, so this is a very nice initiative for book lovers, and I think they are doing great in the age of electron-ics where everybody reads books on screen and books are becoming archaic,” added Simi.

The Let’s Read campaign opened its fi rst bookshop in the country last year at the Al Qurum Complex. This was Oman’s fi rst charity bookshop, and has books for both children and adults. Lo-cated at 116, fi rst fl oor, the shop is open daily from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm. Sales proceeds

are used to support Maktabati, Oman’s fi rst mobile library, which travels around the country visiting schools and festivals. Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read Campaign has been promoting the love of reading to children in Oman since 2007. The campaign’s committee achieves its aims in a variety of ways, by setting up play rooms, libraries and read-ing areas in hospitals, schools and nurseries. They also organise teen and children’s book clubs.

Haitham, another young expat, bought a number of titles and said he was glad he came. “I bought a few books from another bookshop in Muscat for a very high price, almost four times the cost here. I now feel like I should have just bought books from here and not gone to the other store because it’s so aff ordable here and we are sup-porting a noble cause.”

It is clearly not possible to run the bookshop without enough do-nors and volunteers, so the book-shop requires donations of books whenever possible. If members of the public are interested in donat-ing books or volunteering at the bookshop or at any of its activities, information can be obtained at the shop at the Al Qurum Complex.

D A R A L A T T A ’ A

CATCH THEM YOUNG: Children at the Muscat Book Fair.

A3

OMANM O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

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world with us

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Surgery gives little girl eyelids

RAHUL DASrahuldas@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A two-year-old girl from Oman, who was born with-out eyelids due to which her eyes always remained open, received a new lease of life after an Indian doctor sculpted eyelids, grafting skin from behind her mother’s ear.

Speaking to Times of Oman, Dr Sunil Vasani, an Ophthalmic plas-tic surgeon in Mumbai, said, “Im-agine a scenario wherein you are unable to close your eyes. It feels akin to some torture routines de-picted in Hollywood fi lms wherein clips are placed in the victims’ eyes, and the poor soul is deprived of all sleep.”

Icthyosis is a genetic condition in which the patient’s skin is un-able to retain moisture and subse-quently shrivels.

Meera Rashid was suff ering from icthyosis, and her eyes have been open since birth. She did have lashes but were stuck to her

eyebrow. “Her parents, in despair after rushing from pillar to post, arrived in Mumbai in India,” Dr Vasani recalled.

It was then a taxi driver of Mum-bai who brought them to a hospi-tal, Eyes R Us, at Kemps Corner, Mumbai. “This is simply because the taxi driver had a child with eye-lid problems that had been treated by me,” the doctor noted.

“The plight of the child triggered tears in most of my staff ,” says Dr Vasani who is trained in Ophthal-mic Plastic Surgery at University of California.

“We decided to accept the chal-lenge,” said doctor Vasani.

Mother’s skin“The best skin grafts are those that are from the patient’s own body, but little Meera did not have a cen-timetre of skin on her body. The parents were urged to donate skin as the next best choice. I opted to take the skin from the back of the mother’s ear.

“It was a good match, otherwise I would have to go to a skin bank,” stated Dr Vasani.

Two little eyelids were then sculpted during a marathon sur-gery using the parent’s skin and the child’s own muscle and glands. “After surgery, the child is recover-ing well, her eyes are fi nally clos-ing suffi ciently, and she is sleeping well,” said the doctor.

Dr Vasani claimed that major advancements in plastic surgery are now off ering much more ben-efi ts to the people.

“We have constructed artifi cial eyes to such level of authenticity that you would not be able to iden-tify which is real or fake. When pa-tients come back to us, saying we are getting married or getting a job, this is when you feel a deep sense of satisfaction,” said the doctor.

After surgery, the

child is recovering

well, her eyes are

fi nally closing

suffi ciently, and she

is sleeping well, said

Dr Sunil Vasani

the surgeon who

sculpted the eyelids

Top US college delegation discusses entrepreneurship with SQU academicsTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Advisory board mem-bers of one of the top entrepre-neurship colleges in the United States interacted with Sultan Qa-boos University (SQU) academ-ics to learn about the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship being promoted here.

The International Coopera-tion Offi ce at the SQU received members of the Babson College’s advisory board, who visited the university to gain an insight into the entrepreneurship culture of its students and the entrepre-neurship education being off ered at the university.

Babson College is a private business school in Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA, established in 1919. Its central focus on entre-preneurship education has made it to the top entrepreneurship col-lege in the United States.

The advisory board members of Babson College interacted with a group of academics from SQU who spoke at length about the university’s activities in pro-moting the culture of innovation

and entrepreneurship among its students.

The panel included His High-ness Dr Adham Al Said, Dr Said Al Muharrami, and Dr Shahid Al Balushi from the College of Edu-

cation, Dr Rashid Al Yahyai from the College of Agricultural & Ma-rine Sciences, Dr Salim Al Harthy from the Academic Innovation Assistance Programme, and Dr Mahmood Al Kindi from the Col-

lege of Engineering. The SQU conducts several courses and activities to expose its students to entrepreneurship and innova-tion, so that they can start their own companies and businesses in future with the support of the government, which promotes small and medium enterprises launched by youngsters.

The courses in entrepreneur-ship and innovation off ered at SQU focus on idea generation, opportunity assessment, creative thinking methods, intellectual property protection, and business plan development.

Babson College also off ers master’s degrees in business administration, accounting, en-trepreneurial leadership, and management.

Often referred to as the “En-trepreneur’s College,” Babson is known for immersing its students in the entrepreneurial lifestyle and culture. Babson College has consistently appeared on the U.S. News & World Report rankings as the number one college in entre-preneurship education for nearly three decades.

B A B S O N C O L L E G E

EXCHANGE OF VIEWS: Babson College is a private business

school in Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA, established in 1919. Its

central focus on entrepreneurship education has made it the top

entrepreneurship college in the United States. – Supplied photo

Engineers discuss soil improvementTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Latest developments in the fi eld of geotechnical en-gineering problems and soil im-provement were discussed at a workshop held at Sultan Qaboos University.

Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Hinai, Sec-retary General of the Research Council (TRC), served as patron at the opening ceremony of a workshop, entitled “Problematic Soils and Ground Improvement”.

Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of SQU, and a number

of experts and engineers in the construction sector in the Sultan-ate, as well as academics from the College of Engineering, attended the event.

The workshop was organised by the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at the College of Engineering, in collab-oration with TRC and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

During the workshop, experts, scientists, and engineers special-ising in geotechnical engineering from the public and private sec-tors in the Sultanate, discussed

the latest achievements and de-velopments in this fi eld, and prac-tical solutions to problematic soil in the region in general and the Sultanate in particular.

Dr. Mohammed bin Yousef Al Aghbari, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Ar-chitectural Engineering, said the workshop was the outcome of much research, scientifi c papers and fi eldwork in geotechnical engineering.

“Urban expansion and giant vi-tal projects in the Sultanate face a lot of geotechnical problems and

soil characteristic problems. The scope of this fi eld of engi-

neering in the Sultanate prompt-ed us to organise the workshop, which attracted more than 16 speakers who are specialists in this area. The main aim of the workshop is to enrich the back-ground of Omani engineers in this fi eld”, he said.

More than 220 Omani engi-neers attended the workshop. The chief guest later opened an exhibi-tion of geotechnical engineering projects and companies working in this fi eld.

S Q U W O R K S H O P

A4 M O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

OMAN 20,000hotel rooms will be available

in Oman in three- to fi ve-star

category hotels by 2020.

Omani culture, growth highlighted at Lithuania’s Vilnius Book Fair

Times News Service

MUSCAT: For the second year in a row, Oman particpated in the Vilnius Book Fair showcasing the country’s culture, history, top tourism attractions, and economic achievements, which over the past several decades, have transformed Oman into a modern nation.

“After last year’s huge success, when the Omani stand was visited by thousands, including President Dalia Grybauskaitė and Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius, we did not have the slightest of doubt that our participation in the exhi-

bition should become a tradition,” said Boleta Senkienė, the Honor-ary Consul of Oman in Lithuania.

Oman was the fi rst Arab nation to take part in the Vilnius Book Fair, the largest annual book show in the region.

The Sultanate’s pavilion in-cluded several Omani publications with Arabic and English languages in the developmental, cultural, lit-erary, economic and tourist fi elds.

The Omani pavilion also includ-ed 12 book published by the Minis-try of Information, in addition to craft section that highlighted the traditional handicraft and other

sections for the traditional cos-tumes and photos of the Omani na-ture. The pavilion also presented a documentary on the Sultanate’s achievements during the past 45th years of the Blessed Renaissance under the leadership of His Maj-esty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The Sultanate’s participation in this event comes in a bid to en-hance the communication with the world’s countries and to highlight the achievements of the Blessed Renaissance, as well as strength-ening the good relations binding the Sultanate and the friendly Re-public of Lithuania.

As last year, the temporary staff included several specialists from the country’s Information Minis-try to answer questions and hand out presents.

“Oman has been using book shows as a means of introducing their country to a wider world with remarkable success. In this con-

text, Lithuania is important as a potential gateway to the Baltic and Nordic states,” stated Senkienė.

Oman is the only Arab country that has a representative offi ce in the Baltic States.

Mohammed K. Al Busaidi, head of the Minister’s Offi ce at the In-

formation Ministry of Oman who was in charge of the Omani stand last year, had said he did not expect to meet several dozen Lithuanians who had actually been to Oman.

“This surely shows that we need to promote tourism and other bi-lateral ties,” he added.

Business and political relations between Oman and Lithuania re-ceived a boost more than two years ago, after the opening of the Hon-orary Consulate of Oman in Vil-nius at the end of 2013.

Senkienė, the Honorary Consul, has taken part in organising almost ten visits of Omani offi cials to Lith-uania. February 2015 witnessed the fi rst ever visit of Lithuania’s Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius and several dozen Lithuanian business people to Oman.

There are several potentially benefi cial sectors as far as bilat-eral ties are concerned, including e-Government projects in Oman, the exports of Lithuanian food products, student exchange pro-grammes, and medical tourism in Lithuania.

For Lithuanian businesses, Oman is a potential springboard to the entire Gulf region, with 70 mil-lion consumers. -With inputs from ONA

Oman is the only Arab country that has a

representative offi ce in the Baltic States

MODE OF COMMUNICATION: The Sultanate’s participation in this

event comes in a bid to enhance the communication with the

world’s countries. – Supplied photo

Omani institute wins prestigious global certifi cation Times News Service

MUSCAT: National Automotive Higher Institute (NAHI) has be-come the fi rst centre in the Sul-tanate to be approved by United Kingdom’s Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

IMI, an authoritative voice in the global automotive sector, re-cently certifi ed NAHI. Following NAHI’s bid to deliver IMI’s inter-national accreditations, an IMI representative arrived in Muscat to evaluate NAHI, its facilities, employees, and curricula before it emerged as the newest IMI ap-proved centre worldwide.

“Through IMI’s endorsement, we will deliver important oppor-tunities for the national work-force and the domestic industry, particularly talented local stu-dents and motivated profession-als seeking fresh prospects in one of the world’s largest industries,” said Haji Al Balushi, General Manager of NAHI.

The automotive industry provides promising opportuni-ties for career growth based on merits and qualifi cations. It was, therefore, important to globalise the level of certifi cation off ered at NAHI.

IMI’s visit concluded after its evaluation found NAHI to have a sustainable and solid foundation to deliver internationally accred-ited automotive education. The leading local institute received its certifi cation from Adrian Ste-venson, IMI’s visiting External Quality Manager.

Stevenson said, “We expressed our interest in establishing an ap-proved centre in Oman and were inspired when we received such a promising application from the Sultanate’s fi rst specialised automotive organisation. By be-coming IMI certifi ed, NAHI will equip local professionals with the required skills to overcome some of the challenges faced by emerging automotive markets and thereby contribute to the growth of the domestic industry and Oman’s economy.”

Steve Scofi eld, IMI’s Head of Business Development, said, “We are delighted that NAHI has aligned itself with IMI’s global industry benchmarks. With this push to deliver high-quality train-ing in the support of individuals’ and employers’ needs, we have no doubt that NAHI will have a high-ly positive impact on Oman and its automotive industry.”

A U T O M O T I V E S E C T O R

Indian weddingRecently, Millennium Resort Mussanah showcased its leisure, wedding, and corporate facilities at the 23rd edition of South Asia’s Leading Trade Show (SATTE). Held in New Delhi, India, the three-day event attracted over 750 participants from 35 coun-tries and 25 states in India in ad-dition to 30 international and 25 domestic tourism boards.

According to the Indian rep-resentative of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, to make inroads into the Indian wedding industry, they have conducted familiari-sation with exclusive wedding planners since 2013.

“The familiarisations com-prised leading wedding planners from Mumbai and Delhi. We pro-actively pitched stories in maga-zines and undertook focused marketing on the digital platform along with WeddingSutra. Wed-dingSutra.com is the most popu-lar source on wedding planning for Indians around the world,” said the Indian representative of Oman’s tourism ministry.

“We also plan to be present at wedding fairs and exhibitions in the coming years as it will help us reach out directly to the con-sumers. Through such nascent steps, we hope Oman will soon be reckoned as an ideal destina-tion for holding weddings,” the offi cial added.

A few weeks ago, Ahmed bin Nasser Al Meherzi, Minister of Tourism, said that by 2020, or the end of the current fi ve-year plan, there will be 20,000 hotel rooms in three- to fi ve-star category

hotels in Oman, and if the tour-ism sector continues to grow, the Sultanate will achieve this target before 2018.

“The (Oman Tourism) strat-egy includes the construction of 50,000 hotel rooms ‘three-stars and above’ during the next 25 years, with permits to build budg-et hotel rooms, but they will not be listed within the strategy,” the minister had said.

The Oman Tourism Strategy, which has been implemented since the beginning of 2016 af-ter receiving approval from the council of ministers, focuses on several objectives, the foremost of which is boosting domestic tourism, particularly the recrea-tional sector, which the ministry is currently executing.

Al Meherzi said total invest-ments expected for this sector in coming years exceeds OMR1 billion. He added there were sev-eral projects being implemented, while others were issued licenses to be established, and some pro-jects are still under study.

T O U R I S M D E S T I N A T I O N

< FROM

A1

Al Bustan general manager

Katrin Herz.

A5

OMANM O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

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Call to stay alert

The sea will be rough along the coasts of Musandam, with waves reaching a maximum height of up to three meters, and moderate waves are forecast along the coasts of Oman Sea, with waves reaching heights of up to two meters. The PACA has also advised the public to stay alert during the rains and to not cross wadis, to check the weather conditions at sea before undertak-ing any sailing activities, and to fol-low the latest weather updates.

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GUtech-made wonder car set for Shell Eco-marathon

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATIhassan@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A stronger, lighter and more fuel effi cient car is the weapon of choice for its design-ers, a group of German University of Technology (GUtech) students, at this year’s Shell Eco-marathon Asia which kicks off on March 3.

The group, would represent Oman at the 4-day event being held in Manila, the Philippines.

The street circuit in Manila tests the boundaries of fuel ef-

fi ciency and the winners are not measured by speed but on who can design a car that can drive the furthest on one litre of fuel.

“The car is built completely from scratch with extensive use of carbon fi bre, as it is stronger and lighter than aluminum or steel,” said Adhir Kallingapuram, a stu-dent at GUtech while adding that this competition is a great plat-form for engineering students to show their skills and gain knowl-edge. Except for the engine, eve-rything in this year’s car is new.

“With respect to the design, we stuck to the tear drop design like, last year, as it occupies least sur-face area and causes less drag,” Adhir added. Describing the build-ing process, he said that his team

started out by using laser cutting technology to make the endoskel-eton for the mould of the body.

“After assembling the vari-ous laser cut outs we had the endoskeleton of the mould. The mould was then ready after apply-ing foam and many hours of sand-ing to achieve the perfect shape,” the engineering student added.

Adhir, who likes to describe himself as a “petrol head” said that the next step was to apply carbon fi bre to the mould which is quite diffi cult.

“It is the same procedure with the monocoque chassis. Again, to reduce weight every single com-ponent of the car is made out of carbon fi bre except for the engine, wheels, seat harness, side mirrors and the steering wheel,” he said.

Last year GUtech came fi fth at the competition by completing 142.7km on a litre of diesel.

“We hope with our much lighter

and improved car we can score a better position than 5th,” said Mohamed Salman, a member of the team.

The team members are Moham-med Omer, MobashirKabir, Mo-hammad Shiveh. Kesh, Tejas Ja-nardhan, Abdul Aziz Chowdhury, Issa Al Habsi, Mohamed Salman, Mohammed Essam, Navaneeth-Sadasivan, Adhir Kallingapuram, Yousef Dak Al Bab, Aymen El Yat-mi, Azeem Khan.

However, only four students will travel to Manila this year. “Since the competition isn’t a race, but a mileage run and an amazing experience to live, it is a win-win for everyone,” Adhir concluded.

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

Except for the engine,

everything in this

year’s car is new

HIGH HOPES: GUtech team with

their wonder car. – Supplied photo

PAEW reviews preparations for Sohar plant maintenanceMUSCAT: Maintenance work for the desalination plant in the Wilayat of Sohar will continue for three days from March 7 to March 9 as per the schedule de-cided by the authorities.

The Executive Emergency Committee of the Public Au-thority for Electricity and Wa-ter (PAEW), held a meeting at PAEW building on Sunday to identify the preparations to be taken by PAEW while Sohar Power Company will be con-ducting the planned annual maintenance.

The meeting was held in the presence of Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Mahrouqi, Chair-

man of the PAEW. During the meeting, the preparations and precautionary measures to be taken were discussed to ensure there is no shortage of water sup-ply in the governorates fed by the station.

Since the plant is the main source of water supply in the North and South Al Batinah and Al Buraimi Governorates.

The maintenance will be con-ducted during this period due to reduced water demand com-pared to summer, reducing the likelihood of water shortages in the governorates served by the station.

The meeting reviewed the re-

ports of the sub-committees and plans that will be implemented to deal with any shortage of wa-ter in the governorates fed by the station.

Alternative water sources will be used during the period of maintenance which have proved very eff ective in previous times, such as the use of the wells of PAEW and the use of reciprocat-ing pumping from Barka desali-nation plant.

The meeting also stressed the need to ensure the quality of the water wells and to set fi eld teams to work around the clock to en-sure the availability of water and to face any emergency. -ONA

T H R E E - D A Y W O R K

Pact signed for teaching German

MUSCAT: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Ministry of Education and the German Goethe Institute at the Ministry yesterday to promote and develop cooperation in the fi eld of teaching German language in the Sultanate’s schools. -ONA

S C H O O L S

Staff Reporter

MUSCAT: Nama Group, an elec-tricity holding company, launched its new customer service pro-gramme for its electricity distri-bution companies in Oman.

According to the Nama Group offi cials, the new service pro-gramme has been developed to of-fer a wide range of services to its customers.

“Through this programme, our customers can understand the services being delivered by us,” Ghada Al Yousef, Executive

Manager for Group Communica-tion and Sustainability at Nama Group, said on the sideline of the launch of their customer service programme.

Customers’ journeyProjects have been selected on the basis of a review of the customers’ journey starting from obtaining a new connection, meter read-ing, billing, and collection, in ad-dition to handling inquiries and complaints. The programme will also boost customer communica-

tion channels, which are assessed against an annual customer satis-faction survey. “Our programme’s objectives are to improve customer experi-ence in electricity distribution services, reduce the cost per cus-tomer, and to boost customer sat-isfaction across all our delivery channels,” Engineer Abdullah Said Al Badri, CEO of the Muscat Electricity Distribution Com-pany, said on the sidelines of the launch of their customer service programme.

During the event, Nama group also revealed their new bill lay-out, which will come into eff ect from 1 March.

“The new bill layout provides additional information to enable customers to gain a better under-standing of their consumption,” said Sheikh Mansoor Al Hinai, Vice President of Distribution and Supply.

“Customers can know their current and previous month’s consumption, in addition to being able to view the period covered between each reading,” he added.

Meter readingHe also said that the distribution companies will continue the me-ter reading services through their contractors as the accuracy of the bills is highly dependent on the correct meter readings.

The Nama group has also de-veloped an application, which can be accessed via smartphones and computers. According to offi -cials, the application will help the customers to know how the con-sumption is calculated.

“Customers have to give some basic information to generate the bill to know how the consumption is calculated, and it can be used in both Arabic and English lan-guage” said Ghada.

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OMANM O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

Our programme’s objectives are to improve customer experience in electricity distribution services, reduce the cost per customer, and to boost customer satisfaction across all our delivery channelsEngineer Abdullah Said Al Badri, CEO of the Muscat Electricity Distribution Company

Savour French cuisine

at Chedi Muscat event

Times News Service

MUSCAT: French gastronomy will be celebrated at The Chedi Muscat as it announced tak-ing part in the culinary event “Gout de France” also known as “Good France”.

The global event will simul-taneously take place on March 21, 2016, over fi ve continents with the participation of 1,000 selected chefs.

The project is supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Aff airs and International De-velopment as well as celebrated French chef, Alain Ducasse. Chefs of every kind will cele-brate the excellence and diversi-ty of French cuisine on the same evening as they delight diners with a specially crafted menu.

French-born Executive Chef at The Chedi Muscat Sébastien Cassagnol will be leading the event with his expert culinary team at the award-wining The Beach Restaurant, with a menu

that is sure to please the palate. Born in the south of France

and raised in a typically tradi-tional French culinary back-ground, Cassagnol’s cooking philosophy and style has evolved over 16 years of international experience, having worked in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Lebanon, and Indonesia, to name a few. In ac-cordance with the guidelines from “Gout de France,” the menu will comprise a traditional French aperitif, a cold starter, a hot starter, fi sh or shellfi sh, meat or poultry, a French cheese (or cheeseboard), and a chocolate dessert, all paired with French vintages and digestifs.

Highlights from the French-inspired menu include local ingredients such as an entrée of Omani prawns served with vegetable pot-au-feu, followed by a main course that includes grilled tuna steak with rata-touille garnished with black olive foam.

“ G O U T D E F R A N C E ”

3 projects of

Omani students

bag awards

LONDON: Three projects of Om-ani students bagged top prizes in the contest ‘The Best Science Stu-dent Project’ out of 17 scientifi c projects presented at the Univer-sity of Brunel in London.

Dawood bin Ahmed bin Ham-oud Al Mahrooqi (PhD student in Petroleum Engineering at the Imperial College) won the fi rst place for his project ‘Understand-ing the rate of water injection in the ionic carbonate rocks’ as one of the methods used to enhance oil recovery using electro-kinetic measurements.

Mohammed bin Nasser bin Saif Al Oufi from the University of Sur-rey won the second place for his project on ‘Osmosis way to provide low-salinity water for water injec-tion into oil reservoirs’.

Juma bin Obaid Al Nahdi, Bachelor student of mechanical engineering at the University of Liverpool came third for his pro-ject: “Designing and manufac-turing the next generation of the transistor’.-ONA

U N I V E R S I T Y O F B R U N E L

New services launched for power customersObjectives of

Nama Group’s new

programme are to

improve customer

experience in power

distribution services,

and boost customer

satisfaction CUSTOMER CARE: Projects have been selected on the basis of a

review of the customers’ journey starting from obtaining a new

connection, meter reading and billing. -OK Mohammed Ali

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REGIONM O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

Militiamen clash with palace guards in Aden

ADEN: Yemeni militiamen clashed with soldiers guarding the presidential palace in the southern Yemeni city of Aden on Sunday, a local offi cial and residents said, in a rare confrontation between the previously allied forces.

A local offi cial said the attackers, affi liated with a local militia called the Popular Southern Resistance, sought an audience with top offi -cials inside the palace over unpaid medical bills for guards wounded in an attack there last month.

Six guards were killed and several were wounded in the attack on Jan-uary 28 at the Maashiq palace in the crater district, for which IS claimed responsibility. “They wanted to discuss compensation for those killed and paying the medical bills for the wounded... When the guards blocked them, a gun battle erupted involving light and medium weap-ons,” the offi cial said. — Reuters

R A R E C O N F R O N T A T I O N

Aden airport to reopen in weeksDUBAI: Aden airport is expected to reopen fully for commercial traffi c within weeks, Yemen’s in-formation minister said, a move that would shore up confi dence in the ability of President Ab-drabbo Mansour Hadi’s govern-ment to control the volatile city.

The southern port has been gripped by violence since Hadi supporters, backed by coalition forces, seized it from Houthi forc-es in July. The airport has oper-ated only sporadically since then, amid constant security fears.

The minister, Mohammed Qo-bati, told Reuters the airport was being guarded by local fi ghters recently incorporated into a new

Yemeni army which Hadi had been rebuilding since July.

“We have done preliminary re-furbishment work on the airport from outside, and now we are working on maintenance work inside the terminal,” Qobati told Reuters by telephone.

“We expect the work to be com-pleted within weeks and we hope that commercial fl ights would re-turn then,” he added.

The United Nations says near-ly 6,000 people have been killed in the fi ghting, which began after the Houthis advanced on Aden, where Hadi had been based. Hun-dreds of thousands have been dis-placed. — Reuters

C O M M E R C I A L T R A F F I C

Syria truce largely holds onsecond day despite violations

BEIRUT/GENEVA: Cessation of hostilities in Syria appears to be mostly holding for a second day despite accusations of violations and air strikes in Aleppo province.

Syria’s opposition will stick to the cessation of hostilities despite what they said were 15 violations by Syrian government forces on

Saturday and more breaches on Sunday, a spokesman for the High Negotiating Committee (HNC) said. “The decision is to remain quiet, not to do anything, and I be-lieve they will stick to the truce,” Salim Al Muslat said.

“Yesterday was the fi rst day people can really go out and walk in the streets.”

Late on Sunday, in a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Syria’s opposition said continued violations by the Syrian govern-

ment and its allies of a US-Russia truce deal would make the re-sumption of UN-backed negotia-tions “unattainable”.

The opposition also said viola-tions would undermine “inter-national eff orts to guarantee the continuation of the truce and will lead to the collapse of the UN-adopted political process.

Syrian military sources deny vi-olations. “The goal of accepting the temporary truce is to..help in im-plementing humanitarian articles of UNSG concord 2254. However, the lack of progress in this would push us to look for other ways to protect Syrian people. So there must a fi rm security council posi-tion on this before its too late.”

On Saturday a Syrian military source denied the army was vio-lating the truce after insurgents reported operations against them in several areas.

The opposition is waiting for

answers about how the cessation of hostilities in Syria, which came into eff ect at midnight on Friday, is being monitored, he said, and it was unclear how truce violations were to be punished. There was also no map with a common un-derstanding of where the various fi ghting groups are, he said.

“Until this moment we did not really get any answers,” he said. “This really worries us because we don’t know how to deal with any violations and what are the areas that should not be targeted.”

He said the United States should inform the HNC, and should have involved them before backing a UN resolution on the cessation of hostilities.

Muslat also blamed the United States for not insisting the HNC was mentioned specifi cally in the resolution, which paves the way for a round of peace talks in Ge-neva on March 7. — Reuters

Syria’s opposition

will stick to the

cessation of

hostilities despite

what they said

were 15 violationsBREAK TIME: Syrian rebel fi ghters from the Failaq Al Rahman bri-

gade, take a break as they hide inside a building on the frontline

against regime forces in eastern Ghouta region. – AFP

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INDIAM O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

You will bring a privilege notice on insinuation in what she has stated. If one would have to bring a privilege motion on insinuation, then not even a single Congress leader would have dared to stay in Parliament

M. J. Akbar, BJP spokesperson

Man kills 14 family members in Thane, commits suicide

THANE: In a macabre incident, a 35-year-old man allegedly killed 14 of his family members, includ-ing his parents, wife and children among whom were two infants, by slitting their throats after sedat-ing them and then committed sui-cide early on Sunday, police said.

Seven children, the youngest

being his three month-old daugh-ter, six women and the father of the accused, lay dead in a pool of blood. The body of the man, Has-nen Anwar Warekar, was found hanging with a knife in his hand at his family’s ground plus one-storey house in Kasarvadawali area here, they said, adding that one of the family members, who survived the gruesome incident, has been admitted to hospital.

Thane’s Joint Commissioner of Police Ashutosh Dhumbre said Hasnen had called his three sisters and their children from Koparkhairne in Navi Mumbai and Mahapoli near Bhiwandi for a ‘get-together’, which he used to host frequently.

Hasnen, a commerce graduate who used to prepare Income Tax-related documents with a Char-tered Accountant fi rm in Navi

Mumbai, is suspected to have off ered them drinks laced with sedatives following which he slit their throats.

According to police, Hasnen of-fered prayers at around 3am at a mosque near his house. After re-turning home, he slit the throats of his family members one-by-one and then committed suicide by hanging himself. At around 5-5.30am, the lone survivor of the incident, Hasnel’s 22-year-old sis-ter, Subiya Sojef Burmal, shouted for help from the window of the house, following which the neigh-bours gathered there and broke-open the window grill and pulled out the injured woman and ad-mitted her to hospital. They also alerted the police. “

“Hasnen slit the upper part of this sister’s throat, she survived the attack and screamed for help. The survivor’s in-laws, who were in the neighbouring house, heard her cries and tried opening the door, but it was locked from in-side. The in-laws broke open the grill of a window on the ground fl oor and entered the house. It was then that the police was alerted of the incident,” Dhumbre said.

The 14 bodies with throats slit were found lying on the ground on fi rst fl oor and blood was seen

everywhere in the house owned by the accused’s family where they had been living for the last 10 years, police said.

Besides, Hasnen’s body was found hanging from the ceiling with a knife dangling in his right hand, they said.

Dhumbre said the Hasnen’s mobile phone and laptop have been seized to get clues regarding the murders.

“Prima facie evidence sug-gests that the accused bolted all the doors of the house and mur-dered his family while they were asleep with a knife. The accused then hung himself after killing his family. There were three rooms in the house, while he was in a room with his wife and two daughters on the fi rst fl oor, his parents and sisters were in separate rooms on the ground fl oor,” Dhumbre said.

While property dispute was suspected to be the reason behind the murders, the police offi cer said at this stage the motive could not be stated with certainty.

He said blood samples, viscera and food samples collected from the house will be sent for foren-sic testing. The bodies, mean-while, have been sent for post-mortem to Thane Civil Hospital, police said. - PTI

The 14 bodies with

throats slit were

found lying on the

ground on fi rst fl oor

and blood was seen

everywhere in the

house owned by the

accused’s family

where they had been

living for the last 10

years, police said

GRUESOME KILLINGS: Police inspecting the house where a

35-year-old man Hasan Warekar (inset) allegedly killed 14 of his

family members and then committed suicide in the Kasarwadavli

area in Thane on Sunday. - PTI

Naveen elected

BJD president

for seventh term

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minis-ter of east Indian state of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik was on Sunday formally declared elected as BJD president for the seventh consecu-tive term.

Announcing Patnaik’s elec-tion as the regional party’s chief, returning offi cer Pratap Keshari Deb said as many as 80 state ex-ecutive members have also been elected with the completion of organisational poll process which had commenced in the last week of December. The announcement of Patnaik’s election was a mere formality as he was the lone candi-date to fi le nomination papers for the post.

Patnaik is the founder president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which came into being after the death of Biju Patnaik in 1997. The party’s organisational elections are held every three years. - PTI

O D I S H A

BJP questions move

to bring privilege

motion against Smriti

NEW DELHI: BJP on Sun-day defended Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani who is under attack over her statement on Rohith issue, saying the Opposition has “no ground” to move a privilege mo-tion against her as it is based on mere “insinuation”.

BJP spokesperson M. J. Akbar lashed out at the Congress, ac-cusing it of “doing politics” over a tragedy and “using lies to mis-lead” public on the issue to divert attention from the fl ak it is facing after Rahul Gandhi joined the JNU protesters.

“You will bring a privilege no-tice on insinuation in what she has stated. If one would have to bring a privilege motion on in-sinuation, then not even a single Congress leader would have dared to stay in Parliament,” he told reporters. BJP said Irani’s state-ment on the issue in Parliament

was based on offi cial account that the police gave at that time.

“It pains me even more that in-stead of grief bringing all of us to-gether, some political parties, es-pecially Congress, have become so cynical that they want to play politics even on tragedy.

“They are doing politics and are openly using lies of the most shocking kind in order to expand or they hope they will expand or regain their disappearing sup-port base. There is so much in this country to do politics about. Must we also do politics about such tragedies,” Akbar said.

He said it was hoped that po-litical class and parties will work together to fi nd a solution on the issue instead of doing politics.

Leaders of various parties in-tend to bring a privilege motion against Irani in both the Houses over her statement on Rohith Ve-mula suicide case. - PTI

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

Naveen Patnaik

A9

INDIAM O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

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Ready for budget exam: Modi

NEW DELHI: “I have an exam to-morrow,” Prime Minister Naren-dra Modi said on Sunday referring to presentation of General Budget in Parliament as he gave a pep talk to motivate students appearing for board exams for which he even roped icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Vishwanathan Anand.

Modi said he was “full of con-fi dence” ahead of his “examina-tion” by 1.25 billion people, a trait which he wanted students to em-ulate when they appear for their

examinations for Class X and XII starting Tuesday.

In his monthly radio pro-gramme Mann Ki Baat, he empha-sised that students should appear for the exams with a “positive approach” having free and calm mind without any anxiety. He also asked parents not to put pres-sure on them. In this context, he cited his example in the context of presentation of Budget which all the countrymen closely monitor and analyse.

“Friends, your exams are start-ing. I too have exam tomorrow. The country’s 1.25 billion people

are going to take my examination,” the Prime Minister said, while pointing out that Budget is being presented on Monday.

“But you must have seen how healthy I am feeling, how full of confi dence I am. Let my exams take place tomorrow and yours day after and may all of us suc-ceed so that the nation succeeds...Move ahead with a free mind, without any tension of success or failure,” he said in his 35-minute programme.

To lay stress on a positive and tension-free approach, Modi roped in Sachin, Anand besides

Bharat Ratna scientist C. N. R. Rao and spiritual leader Murari Bapu, whose messages were played dur-ing the programme.

They gave their own examples of how they approached their exams in their respective fi elds, keeping tension aside.

Underlining that “positive ap-proach” and “positive frame of mind” help in all aspects of life, the prime minister talked about himself and said when he comes across some issues which he is not familiar with, he concentrates to deal with them.

“Sometimes I feel tension with-in. Then I feel that I should relax a bit so that I feel good. So I have developed my own technique. I do some deep breathing. I take deep breath three times, fi ve times. It may take a few seconds but my mind becomes ready to deal with the situation with a calm mind. This may be my experience but this may help you too,” he told the students.

Modi, a practitioner of yoga, also referred to this art and men-tioned how it helps in improving concentration and strengthen-ing inner peace. To motivate the students, the prime minister also invoked Thomas Alva Edison, who invented electricity, and J. K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame, saying their success had possibly come after many failures.

“There is success in failure too” if there is a positive approach, he

said, while asking students to have dedication, determination and diligence to achieve success.

Giving example of Sachin, Modi asked students not be burdened by expectations of others but set their own targets with “free think-ing, free mind and independent capability”.

He told students that nobody can stop them if they set out to break their own records. The stu-dents should link their eff orts to achieve big goals like Sachin and even if the targets are not achieved, do not be demoralised but try harder, Modi said.

Sachin, in his message played during the programme, said, “I understand that exams are start-ing in a few days. Many of you must be tense....I want to say that your thinking needs to be posi-tive, then positive results will follow. So be positive. God will give you good results... Write the exams with free mind and results will be good.”

He said there will be many ex-pectations of the students from their parents, teachers, fam-ily members and friends who all will keep enquiring about their preparations and their expected percentage. “I will only say that you yourself set your targets and don’t come under pressure of ex-pectations of others. Work hard but set a realistic achievable tar-get and try to achieve it,” said the cricket icon. - PTI

Friends, your exams

are starting. I too

have exam tomorrow.

The country’s 1.25

billion people are

going to take my

examination, Modi

said while pointing

out that budget is

being presented

on Monday

Rahul, Kejriwal

among 9 booked

for sedition

HYDERABAD: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, CPI(M) General Secretary Sita-ram Yechury are among nine per-sons who have been booked on se-dition charges in connection with the Jawaharlal Nehru University row, police said on Sunday.

An FIR has been registered against Rahul, Kejriwal, Yechury, Congress leaders Anand Sharma and Ajay Maken, CPI leader D. Raja, JD(U) Spokesperson K.C. Tyagi, JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and JNU research scholar Umar Khalid on the order of a court here, based on a complaint fi led by lawyer Janardhan Goud.

“It is a court-referred matter. Following the court’s directive, a case under section 124A of the IPC (sedition) has been registered on Sunday against nine persons, in-cluding Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Ke-jriwal, Sitaram Yechury, Kanhaiya Kumar and others,” Saroornagar Police Station Inspector S. Lin-gaiah said on Sunday. The court has posted the matter for hearing on March 4. In his petition, Goud said Rahul and other leaders, de-spite being aware that Delhi Police had registered a case against Kan-haiya on charge of sedition had visited JNU campus and know-ingly supported them and hence it “amounted to sedition”. - PTI

J N U R O W

REACHING OUT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home

Minister Rajnath Singh at Kisan Kalayan Rally in Bareilly on

Sunday. - PTI

A10

PAKISTAN M O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

DIPLO ROCKS ISLAMABADUS DJ Thomas Wesley Pentz, known by his stage name

Diplo, performs in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on

Saturday (top); Concertgoers cheer during the musical

event (bottom). — AFP

Census to start as army assures more soldiers

ISLAMABAD: Just before a scheduled meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), the military has assured the govern-ment it will review the number of troops it can commit for monitor-ing population census, rekindling hopes the much-awaited head-count could begin with a slight delay.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar took up the matter with the mili-tary brass at the General Head-quarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Saturday, offi cials said.

Later in the day, the minister called offi cials of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), which is responsible for holding cen-sus, asking them to go back to the drawing board.

“The minister directed the PBS to chalk out a revised action plan for holding the census, incorpo-rating the changes discussed in the meeting, in consultation with other stakeholders,” said a hand-out issued by the fi nance ministry after the meeting.

Chief Census Commissioner Asif Bajwa, who has lately come under pressure for not thinking out of the box, would now meet the director general military oper-ations (DGMO), said offi cials. Dar asked him to consult the military

brass in light of his GHQ meeting.The holding of census is on top

of the agenda of the CCI which is meeting on Monday after a hiatus of almost a year. CCI’s last meet-ing was held in March, last year. The CCI – the highest constitu-tional body on matters jointly controlled by the Centre and the provinces – had authorised the federal government to start the census from March 2016.

Offi cials said the military au-thorities have now assured that they would consider increasing the fi gure. However, the number will be still far less than 375,000 initially demanded by the PBS.

The offi cials said that despite fresh commitments, it would be diffi cult to start the census in

March. If the military signifi cant-ly increases the fi gure, chances are that the exercise could begin in April, they added. However, a fi nal decision about the exact timing would be taken after the meeting between the chief census commissioner and the DGMO, which is also scheduled for Satur-day evening.

The fi nance minister directed that after his GHQ meeting, an updated action plan be prepared by Sunday evening, so that it could be shared with the members of the CCI for consideration in its up-coming meeting. Dar said it was the government’s resolve to hold the census in a befi tting manner while ensuring its credibility and transparency. — Express Tribune

The holding of

census is on top of

the agenda of the

Council of Common

Interests which is

meeting on Monday

after a hiatus of

almost a year

The General Headquarters has committed 100,000

troops, which is about one-fourth of the initial

requirements pitched by the Pakistan Bureau of

Statistics to monitor and supervise the census and

maintain law and order during the exercise

Acid attack on woman in LahoreLAHORE: Days after the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Protection of Women Against Violence Bill, unidentifi ed men attacked with acid a 22-year-old woman in Lahore’s Harbans Pura neighbourhood late on Saturday night.

Unidentifi ed men broke into

the house of Amina Bibi and threw acid on her, sources told The Express Tribune on Sunday. The attackers managed to fl ee after the assault. Later, Amina’s family members rushed her to the Services Hospital in Lahore where her condition was said to be critical. — Express Tribune

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Record-breaking South Korean filibuster runs beyond 100 hours

SEOUL: South Korean opposition lawmakers seeking to block a gov-ernment-backed “anti-terrorism” bill pushed their record-breaking fi libuster into a sixth straight day of speeches in the parliamentary chamber on Sunday.

The fi libuster began on Tues-day and had continued around the clock for more than 115 hours by Sunday afternoon, making it the world’s longest, according to the Kyunghyang Shinmun newspaper.

The marathon fi libuster eas-ily surpassed a 58-hour session by 103 members of Canada’s New

Democratic Party in 2011.By Sunday afternoon, 23 law-

makers had spoken for an average of fi ve hours each in opposition to a bill they believe will threaten per-sonal freedoms if passed.

Many carried boxes of docu-ments to the podium at the National Assembly, some wearing sneakers.

Earlier this month, President Park Geun-hye’s offi ce called for parliament to pass the stalled se-curity bill, part of tough action taken by her government amid heightened tension with North

Korea following its test launch of a long-range rocket this month and its fourth nuclear test last month.

The opposition wants the re-moval of a provision in the bill that would give South Korea’s intelli-gence agency authority to monitor private communications.

Lawmakers from the conserva-tive ruling Saenuri party, which controls 157 of the assembly’s 293 seats, have expressed dismay that the speech-making is caus-ing other bills to be delayed ahead of parliamentary elections due in April. - Reuters

The fi libuster began

on Tuesday and had

continued around the

clock for more than

115 hours by Sunday

afternoon, making it

the world’s longest

Afghan policeman ‘aiding’ Taliban killed, 30 others detained by armyLASHKAR GAH(Afghanistan): A policeman was killed and a fur-ther 30 were detained in a joint operation between Afghan troops and US forces last week against police suspected of supporting Taliban insurgents in embattled Helmand province, Afghan offi -cials said on Sunday.

Reports of fi ghting between police and soldiers add to the up-heaval in the southern province, long a stronghold of the insurgen-cy, where the military has aban-doned several outposts.

The NATO-led coalition and the Afghan government are trying to overhaul security forces and reverse insurgent gains there.

The incident on Friday was in Sangin district, the scene of some of the heaviest fi ghting in Afghan-istan’s long war, Helmand police chief Abdul Rahman Sarjang said.

“Army forces detained the po-lice and took them to the military corps in Helmand,” Sarjang said.

“An investigation is ongoing.” The acting Sangin district po-

lice chief, Mohammad Nabi, was among the detainees, Sarjang said. Nabi was acting in place of the district’s offi cial police chief, Mohammad Dawood, who is re-covering from injuries. Sarjang would not elaborate on the rea-son for the operation, but a senior Afghan army offi cial in Helmand said that the army and US advis-ers suspected the police of pro-viding weapons and ammunition

to the Taliban and that they had planned an eventual surrender to the insurgents.

“During our investigation we found some evidence they were helping the Taliban and we were afraid they may submit the dis-trict to the Taliban,” said the Af-ghan army offi cer.

“We launched a joint operation with Americans and detained all of them.” The full extent of Amer-ican involvement was not clear and a spokesman for the US mili-tary in Kabul declined to confi rm any details. The coalition recently deployed several hundred more troops to Helmand in an eff ort to increase security for the advisers helping Afghan forces.

US air strikes have also played an important role in trying to blunt Taliban off ensives. Almost 100 Af-ghan army offi cers were removed or reassigned in Helmand in re-cent months and the army aban-doned its outposts in several of the most hotly contested districts to redeploy elsewhere. - Reuters

J O I N T O P E R A T I O N

MARATHON SESSION: Choi Kyu-sung, a member of the main op-

position Minjoo Party of Korea speaks at the National Assembly in

Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday. - Reuters/Song Won-young/News1

The NATO-led coalition

and the Afghan

government are trying

to overhaul security

forces and reverse

insurgent gains there

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Agenda for humanityBan Ki-Moon

The number of persons that are de-pendent on humanitarian aid has now become higher than ever since

the founding of the United Nations. The number of warring parties who do not ab-stain from violating international humani-tarian law has increased. More resources than ever are necessary to meet the human-itarian needs, which increase starkly. How-ever, we are also facing a greater shortage in funding than ever.

For this and many other reasons, I invite you to attend the fi rst World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on 23 and 24 May. I call upon world leaders, international organisa-tions and others to give more support and to increase the donations for those who ur-gently need it. There is no time to waste.

Climate change aff ects the lives of every-one on our fragile planet. Violent confl icts that appear to be chronic, the intensity of violence, crimes crossing national borders, the increase in inequality; these are all fac-tors which devastate the lives of millions of men, women and children and disturb the stability in these regions.

The number of persons who were forced to fl ee from their homes is greater than ever since the World War II.

The number of those who need hu-manitarian help around the world exceeds 125 million. If we would gather them in one country, it would be the eleventh big-gest country in the world and among the fastest growing.

These complex challenges today cross borders. No country or organisation can overcome them on its own. We need to build trust in the ability of national, regional and international organisations to confront these challenges.

We have to understand that our shared humanity should form the basis of our poli-cies and give direction to our fi nancial deci-sions. Before the start of the summit, I have prepared an agenda for humanity in the framework of change and accountability. It consists of fi ve main responsibilities.

First, leaders have to concentrate their eff orts to fi nd political solutions to avoid confl icts and to end them. These confl icts are the greatest impediment on human de-

velopment, because of their huge economic and human costs. We have to move from managing confl icts to countering them.

Second, countries have to adhere to rules that defend humanity. This means comply-ing with international humanitarian and human rights laws and halting attacks on civil targets. It also means abiding by na-tional and international justice and ending the practice of escaping punishment.

Third, we must not neglect anyone and fi rst, we have to reach out to those who are displaced. This means changing the lives of the weakest groups, including people who live in confl icts and poverty and those whose lives are exposed to natural dangers and rising sea levels. Forced displacement must be tackled and more opportunities to fi nd a safe haven should be off ered in a legal and organized way. Women and girls must be empowered and good education for all must be guaranteed. There is no way of real-ising the goals of sustainable growth when these groups are not reached. World leaders agreed upon these goals last September.

The fourth main responsibility is off ering aid to end the need. We need to close the gap between humanitarian work and develop-ment work. We also need to investigate con-fl icts instead of waiting them to happen. We need to improve local leadership and skills in order to limit aspects of weakness. We have to empower people and local commu-nities in their persistence in confronting crises, as they are the ones responsive to it.

Fifth, we need to invent smart ways of mobilising funding. This will demand di-versifying and widening of resources and using a wider set of funding tools. I pro-posed a new international funding plan with the World Bank to determine ways of funding in response to continuing crises.

The Agenda for Humanity presents ba-sic instruments and strategic transitions the world needs in order to alleviate hu-manitarian needs and to realise sustainable growth. I call upon world leaders to attend the World Humanitarian Summit and to at-tach importance to improving sustainable human progress, respectable life and safety for all. - Exclusive to Times of Oman

Ban Ki-Moon is the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Air fares have nothing to do with crude pricesThis refers to the report ‘Fares for summer fl ights to India from Oman spike despite low crude prices’ (February 28). There is noth-ing surprising here and it has nothing to do with the oil price change,

as it is always the trend that summer is the best opportunity for airlines to adjust any fi nancial implications they face in rest of the year. Irrespective of which region people travel, summer is the time when most people opt for holidays especially families mainly due to closing of educa-tional institutions. Even six months back when enquired about the price for June the fare diff erence was quite clear, whereas the price for February was less than half of the summer price. This issue has been debated on several occasions and airlines have their own justifi cations for this increased fare and make the best use of the crowded holiday season. Since almost all the airlines follow a similar approach on fi xing the fare during the busy holiday seasons or the so called low seasons passengers from the GCC countries become the ultimate

victims. Unfortunately, the low paid workers in the region, who do not understand the justifi cations of the airlines, are the worst hit and rectifying this requires a collective eff ort by governments and authorities concerned. — Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

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Qatabi back home after APU meetingMUSCAT: Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, president of the Maj-lis Al Shura, and the delegation accompanying him returned yester-day from Abu Dhabi after taking part in the 38th session of the Arab Parliamentary Union which concluded yesterday. Upon arrival he told Oman News Agency that the session was a complete success whether politically, economically or socially, noting that it had come out with decisions and recommendations which refl ected the goodwill of the participating delegations to enhance solidarity and stimulate joint Arab action in the light of the rapid changes and challenges facing the Arab nation. He praised the UAE Federal National Council for suc-cessfully hosting the event.

45BC: The fi rst Leap Day is recognised by proclamation of Ju-lius Caesar. Under the old Roman calendar, the last day of February was the last day of the year.

1856: Hostilities in Russo-Turkish War cease.

1868: British PM Benjamin Disreali forms his fi rst cabinet.

1968: Jocelyn Burnell discovers the fi rst pulsar.

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US courts might have protected falsehood by saying that it’s too

hard to tell truth from lies, or that punishing lies will deter some true

speech. These are instrumental reasons to protect falsehood.

But the doctrine now increasingly treats falsehood as inherently

worthy of protection

NOAH FELDMAN

For US working class, cutting health-care costs would mean

badly eroding one of the last islands of opportunity in an

otherwise storm-tossed labour market. Fewer of those jobs would

be available, and they would not pay as well. That is apt to be

unpopular

MEGAN MCARDLE

Shinzo Abe’s economy strategy has enabled Japan to stay on a

reasonably positive path in highly uncertain times, with the economy

showing signs of steady recovery from its decades of stagnation. Since taking offi ce in 2012, 1.5 million jobs have been created,

and unemployment rate has fallen from 4.6 per cent to 3.3 per cent

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Aid workers warn of Zika, dengue outbreaks in cyclone-ravaged areas of Fiji.

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SourceNational Centre for Statistics and Information

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TOTAL WATERPRODUCTION

IN THE SULTANATEFrom August to October 2015,

in thousand cubic meter

August September October

29,462.7 28,343.5 29,594.5

Photo: Faisal Al Aufi

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WORLDM O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

REVELRY AT LEBANON SKI RESORT A Lebanese woman jumps into freezing water during a contest at the Lebanese ski resort of Kfardebian (known as Faraya) northeast of Beirut on Sunday. — AFP

Up to 70,000 migrants may get trapped in March: Greece

ATHENS: The number of refu-gees and migrants trapped in Greece may reach 70,000 in com-ing weeks, Greece’s migration minister said on Sunday, adding that a NATO plan to crack down on smugglers could limit migrant fl ows signifi cantly.

Greece has been inundated with refugees and migrants after border shutdowns through the Balkans, stranding thousands in the coun-try in the past ten days.

“We estimate that we will have a number of people trapped in our country which will be between 50,000 and 70,000...

I believe in the coming month,” Migration Minister Yannis Mou-zalas told Greek Mega TV. About 22,000 migrants and refugees were already in Greece, he said.

At Idomeni, a small community on Greece’s northern border with Macedonia, a Reuters witness saw dozens of people walking towards the frontier to join an estimated 6,000-7,000 more at a makeshift camp where many pitched tents.

Last week, NATO envoys set out how ships already deployed in the Aegean, including Turk-ish and Greek vessels, will pass intelligence and reconnaissance information to Turkish and Greek coastguards and to the European Union border agency, Frontex, as well as returning to Turkey any migrants crews rescue. — Reuters

L I M I T S O N M O V E M E N T

IS militants launch attacks in Iraq; suicide blasts kill 70

BAGHDAD: IS militants at-tacked Iraqi security forces on the western outskirts of Baghdad on Sunday in their largest assault near the capital for months, while two suicide blasts within the city district killed 70 people.

Suicide bombers and gunmen in vehicles and on foot launched the attack on Abu Ghraib at dawn, seizing positions in a grain silo and a cemetery, and killing at least 17 members of the security forces, offi cials said.

Fighting was still raging at the silo site on Sunday evening, secu-rity offi cials said.

Security offi cials blamed IS, and a news agency that supports the group said it had launched a “wide attack” in Abu Ghraib, 25

km (15 miles) from the centre of Baghdad and next to the interna-tional airport.

Iraqi forces backed by US-led coalition airstrikes have driven IS back recently in western Anbar province and are preparing for an off ensive to retake the northern city of Mosul, but the militants are still able to strike in Baghdad and other cities outside their main ar-eas of control.

Later on Sunday, two suicide bombers riding motorcycles blew themselves up in a crowded mo-bile phone market in the Sadr City district, wounding more than 100 people in addition to the dead, po-lice and medical sources said.

A Reuters witness saw pools of blood on the ground with slippers, shoes and mobile phones at the site of the blast, which was sealed off to prevent further attacks.

In a statement circulated on-line, IS said two suicide bombers had carried out the attack.

Baghdad-based security analyst Jasim Al Bahadli said Sunday’s at-tacks suggested it was premature to declare that IS was losing the initiative in Iraq.

“Government forces must do a better job repelling attacks launched by Daesh (IS). What happened today could be a setback

for the security forces,” he said.In Abu Ghraib, a curfew was im-

posed as a regiment of Iraq’s elite counter-terrorism forces was mobilised to retake the silo and prevent the militants approaching the nearby airport, security offi -cials said.

Army and police sources said the militants had attacked from the nearby IS-controlled areas of Garma and Falluja, driving Hum-vees and pickup trucks fi xed with machine guns.

The Amaq news agency said Iraqi forces had been forced to re-treat from several locations.

But the Iraqi security sourc-es said the militants had been pushed out of a police station and several army positions and had dug in at the cemetery and the silo, part of which was set on fi re.

Iraqi army helicopters began bombarding IS positions in the silo and the cemetery, a military statement said.

Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan said at least 20 militants had been killed so far in the government’s counter off ensive.

Fighters from the Hashid Shaa-bi, a coalition of militias, were mo-bilised to Abu Ghraib to reinforce regular government forces in the area, said Jawad Al Tulaibawi, a local Hashid commander.

Powerful cleric Moqtada al-Sadr also called on fi ghters loyal to him to be on alert to protect Bagh-dad. — Reuters

Suicide bombers and

gunmen in vehicles

and on foot launched

the attack on Abu

Ghraib at dawn,

seizing positions

in a grain silo

and a cemetery

DEADLY ATTACK: People gather at the site of suicide blasts in Baghdad’s Sadr City on on Sunday. - Reuters

Air strike targets IS convoy in Libyan city

TRIPOLI: Aircraft attacked a convoy carrying suspected IS militants near the northwestern Libyan town of Bani Walid early on Sunday, an offi cial said.

No group claimed responsibil-ity for the attack though both the United States and Libyan govern-ment forces have launched air strikes on extremists in recent months. Three huge explosions rocked the area around dawn, the member of Bani Walid’s municipal council told Reuters.

People living in Ras Al Tbel, about 80 km south-east of Bani Walid, had seen the same convoy of up to 15 vehicles carrying the markings of IS over the past two days, the offi cial added.

It was not immediately clear if the convoy was hit.

Political chaosExtremist groups have taken ad-vantage of political chaos to ex-pand their presence in Libya and fi ghters loyal to IS have taken control of the coastal city of Sirte, about 260km east of Bani Walid.

Western offi cials say they are discussing air strikes and special forces operations in Libya against the group.

US aircraft attacked a suspected IS training camp on the outskirts of the western Libyan city of Sa-bratha this month, and launched two more air strikes against ex-tremist commanders in Libya last year. — Reuters

T O W N O F B A N I W A L I D

New documents cast shadow over Lech Walesa’s pastWARSAW: Newly-publicised documents have revived claims Lech Walesa, the giant of Poland’s struggle to overthrow commu-nism, was a secret police inform-ant in the 1970s - allegations still fuelling an old feud among post-communist leaders.

Poland’s ruling conservatives, led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, have leapt at the opportunity to ques-tion Walesa’s independence from the communist-era police after he became Poland’s fi rst democrati-cally elected president between 1990 and 1995.

His defenders say that whatever the authenticity of the documents, they do little to undermine the re-cord of a man who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983.

Walesa, 72, has said a batch of fi les found last week at the house of a late communist interior min-

ister was fabricated, and denied he ever spied on fellow dissidents, an accusation he has faced repeatedly over two decades.

Codename ‘Bolek’The new fi les contain a handwrit-ten document signed “Lech Wale-sa” which includes a pledge to co-operate with the secret service. It mentions the codename “Bolek”, long ascribed by critics to Walesa.

Other documents include typed descriptions of conversations with Bolek in which he describes the mood among workers in the Gdansk shipyard where Wale-sa was working at the time and where the Solidarity movement originated.

There are invoices, apparently signed by “Bolek” for cash received in return for information.

Scans of the fi les have been pub-

lished in the Polish press. Some of the documents appear to have been written by secret police offi -cials and some by Walesa.

Against the Polish NationPoland’s Institute of National Re-membrance (IPN), a state agency tasked with investigating crimes “against the Polish Nation” from World War II until the collapse of communism, has said the docu-ments in its possession are au-thentic, meaning they did origi-nate from the secret service.

Forensic testing of the docu-ments, including of handwriting purported to be Walesa’s, is under way. Walesa’s critics argue the fi les put into question not only Walesa’s standing as a hero of the eff ort to end communist rule but also raise doubts about whether the country ever succeeded in fully shaking off

the infl uence of pre-1989 commu-nist offi cials.

“The (Walesa) legend probably cannot be defended any more,” Foreign Minister Witold Waszc-zykowski told public TV.

“We need to ask historians whether these issues linked to Lech Walesa and maybe others... may have served as obstacles in the 1990s in terms of taking important decisions about state security.”

Antoni Macierewicz, defence minister, went further, saying the fi les proved that post-communist Poland was a product of the secret police and not of democratically-elected institutions.

“The legend of Lech Walesa is ending. He will disappear into the past just as he deserves,” Maciere-wicz said. “This issue shows the real truth behind (post-commu-nist Poland).” — Reuters

B A T C H O F F I L E S

CONTROVERSY: Protesters attend an anti government protest in

Warsaw, on Saturday. Thousands of Poles were chanting “We will

defend democracy!” and “Lech Walesa!” as they rallied in Warsaw

to protest moves by Poland’s three-month-old conservative govern-

ment that they say undermine freedoms and the constitution. - AFP

A14

GLOBAL EYEM O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

GERMANY: People stand on a bridge at the Jadebusen (Jade Bay) in Dangast on the North Sea coast, northwestern Germany, on Sunday. — AFP/dpa/Julian Stratenschulte

TURKEY: Tourists wearing local costumes pose for a selfi e with beehive houses in the background in Harran, a major ancient city of

Upper Mesopotamia, Turkey, on Sunday. — Reuters

ECUADOR: The Tungurahua volcano spews fumes and lava on Saturday in Huambalo, Ecuador, aff ecting neighbouring parishes with

ashfall. — AFP

COLORADO: A general view of the fi eld of play before the Stadium

Series hockey game between the Colorado Avalanche and the

Detroit Red Wings at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, on Saturday. —

AFP/Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

CANADA: Outdoor shinny hockey action during the 7th Annual

Lake Louise Pond Hockey Classic on the frozen surface of Lake

Louise on Saturday in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. — Tom Szczerbows-

ki/Getty Images/AFP

GEORGIA: John H Nemechek, driver of the #8 farbe technik Chev-

rolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck

Series Great Clips 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday in

Hampton, Georgia, United States. — Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images/AFP

NEW YORK: The sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty in New York’s

Harbor as seen from the Brooklyn borough of New York, United

States, on Saturday. — Reuters

A15

WORLDM O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

Egyptian lawmaker attacked in Parliament

CAIRO: Egyptian lawmaker Tawfi k Okasha was attacked in parliament on Sunday, with one colleague hurling a shoe at him and others demanding he be sus-pended after he invited the Israeli ambassador for dinner.

Egypt was the fi rst of a hand-ful of Arab countries to recog-nise Israel with a United States-sponsored 1979 peace accord, but Egyptian attitudes to the country’s neighbour remain icy.

Israel has an ambassador sta-tioned in Cairo but Egyptian offi -cials make a point of keeping their distance and the embassy has been the focal point of protests in the past. Okasha, a television present-er and lawmaker known for court-ing controversy, hosted the Israeli ambassador Haim Koren for din-ner at his home in the northeast-ern Dakahlia province last week. He made the invitation live on his television show.

OutrageThe move sparked outrage in the media and in Egypt’s parliament, sworn in last month, with several lawmakers demanding Okasha be dismissed from parliament and one colleague, Kamal Ahmed, hurling his shoe during the session in a fi t of anger. The speaker threw both Ahmed and Okasha out of the session, according to the parlia-ment website.

Over 100 parliament members have also signed a statement seen by Reuters rejecting normalisa-tion of ties with Israel and de-manding an investigation into Okasha’s actions.

Okasha told local media before the opening of Sunday’s session that he had done nothing wrong since Egypt enjoys full diplomatic relations with Israel.

Koren confi rmed to Reuters that he and his staff had a three-hour dinner meeting at the Egyptian lawmaker’s home on Wednesday evening. — Reuters

I S R A E L I E N V O Y I S S U E Rouhani hails election wins

TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani won a strong vote of confi dence and reformist partners secured surprise gains in parliament in early results from elections.

Election results on Sunday showed moderates and reformists dominating both elections in Teh-ran, and making signifi cant gains elsewhere in the country. Full re-sults are expected to be released in coming days.

While gains by moderates and reformists in Friday’s polls were most evident in the capi-tal, Tehran, the sheer scale of the advances there suggests a legisla-ture more friendly to Rouhani has emerged as a distinct possibility.

A loosening of control by the hardliners who currently domi-nate the 290-seat parliament could strengthen his hand to open Iran further to foreign trade and investment following last year’s breakthrough nuclear deal.

A reformist-backed list of can-didates aligned with Rouhani was on course to win all 30 parliamen-tary seats in Tehran, initial results released on Sunday showed. Top conservative candidate Ghola-mali Haddad Adel was set to lose his seat. “The people showed their power once again and gave more credibility and strength to their elected government,” Rouhani said, adding he would work with anyone who won election to build a future for the industrialised, oil-exporting country.

The polls were seen by analysts as a potential turning point for Iran, where nearly 60 per cent of its 80 million population is under 30 and eager to engage with the world following the lifting of most sanctions. “Based on the votes that we have so far it looks like the principalities will lose the major-ity in the next Majlis (parliament) shy of 50 per cent. The reformists gained 30 per cent and independ-ent candidates did better than before, gaining 20 per cent,” said Foad Izadi, an assistant professor at the Faculty of World Studies in Tehran University.

Principlists, otherwise known as hardliners, hold 65 per cent of the outgoing parliament and the rest is divided between reformists and independents who tradition-ally support Rouhani.

Izadi said the reformists’ strong lead was prompted by Rouhani’s success in reaching a nuclear agreement between Iran and in-

ternational powers, the removal of most of the punitive sanctions that had strangled the country’s economy over the past decade and restoration of relations with the West. “It is a sweeping victory for Tehran but for other cities it is not yet clear cut. It is beyond expecta-tions,” he added.

Etemad, a reformist newspa-per whose managing-editor Elias Hazrati won a seat in Tehran, has chosen the fi rst headline of “clean up in the parliament.”

“The next parliament will be like no other parliament in the history of Iran as no politi-cal faction will have the abso-lute say,” the newspaper said on its front-page.

Millions crowded polling sta-tions on Friday to vote for parlia-ment and the Assembly of Ex-perts, which selects the country’s highest authority, the supreme leader. Both bodies have been in the hands of hardliners for years.

Rouhani and key ally and for-mer President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani were leading the race for the Assembly of Experts with most votes counted, and appeared to be sure of winning seats, early results released on Saturday showed.

Rafsanjani, in a message, said on Twitter on Sunday that no one could resist the will of the people.

“No one is able to resist against the will of the majority of the peo-ple and whoever the people don’t want has to step aside,” the mes-sage said. Meanwhile, Revolu-tionary Guards said the winners of Friday’s elections would pro-tect the country against foreign enemies, and the high turnout was evidence of broad popular support of the ruling system.

“There is no doubt that the elec-tion winners will do their best to protect Iran’s dignity, power and independence; resolve the main issues for society and the people;

and defeat the global arrogance by their awareness and wisdom,” the Guards said in a statement carried on the Tasnim news agency.

Two prominent hardliners were on course to be elected with lesser scores in the experts assembly race: Ahmad Jannati was in 11th place and the assembly’s current chairman, Mohammad Yazdi, was 15th. Conservative Mohammad-Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi appeared unlikely to win a seat, according to partial results.

A breakdown of the results had independents on 44, reformists on 79, and hardliners on 106, the tally showed. A number of seats will be decided in run-off s in late April because no candidate won the required 25 per cent of votes cast. Eight of the initial winners were women. Analyst say the large number of independents may be signifi cant as they could cooper-ate across ideological lines with Rouhani’s government. — Reuters

Former president

Akbar Hashemi

Rafsanjani in a

message on Twitter

said that no one

could resist the

will of the people

Scandals likely to foil Spanish PM’s bid to retain powerMADRID: When Jose Luis Penas recorded fellow councillors alleg-edly taking bribes from business-men a decade ago, it marked the start of a series of corruption scan-dals that have engulfed Spain’s ruling party and could thwart its chances of retaining power.

The secret recordings in Ma-drid’s Majadahonda municipal-ity controlled by the People’s Party (PP) culminated in a High Court investigation into allegations the party’s top brass had a slush fund bankrolled by friendly businesses. Four senior former PP politicians are among 40 suspects awaiting trial. Since the beginning of the so-called Gurtel investigation in 2007, there have been a string of other graft inquiries into the PP,

with the latest ones implicating the party’s leadership in Madrid and Valencia this month.

Penas said he knew Gurtel - in-vestigators’ code name for the case - would be big when he made the audio recordings, but had never imagined it might reach the upper echelons of the conservative party.

“I didn’t know how deep the cor-ruption would go,” Penas, who left the party after the scandal erupted, told Reuters in an interview in the community centre he now runs.

“From Gurtel came everything.”The PP denies any senior party

offi cials were involved in any cases of alleged corruption, including Gurtel. It says only a tiny number of its politicians are corrupt, and that it is tackling the problem.

But the political cost has never-theless been high for the party and its leader, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Public anger at the PP was a factor in its failure to win a parlia-

mentary majority in a December election. Since then, its attempts to form a governing coalition have fl oundered, snubbed by rivals who say they will not work with a party tainted by corruption scandals.

Should no other party succeed in forming a coalition, as most politi-cal analysts expect, another elec-tion will be held this year. While the PP is still expected to win the most votes, opinion polls suggest it will again fail to gain a majority.

According to a poll last week in right-wing newspaper El Mundo, the centre-right party would actu-ally lose votes and parliamentary seats, with many of those surveyed blaming corruption and Rajoy’s inability to cobble together a coali-tion. Acknowledging the damage,

PP lawmaker Andrea Levy said earlier this month the corruption allegations “shamed and embar-rassed” the party’s members and voters. “The people that have done these things should neither repre-sent the PP nor should they be poli-ticians,” said the 31-year-old, one of the party’s newest and youngest faces. “They should be expelled from politics,” she told a Spanish radio station. Fernando Jimenez, a political scientist at the University of Murcia and contributor to an annual EU anti-corruption report, said worse could be yet to come for the party. “Most likely new cases of corruption will continue to erupt,” he said. “I don’t think the PP’s vote has bottomed out, it could fall quite a lot more.”

He said the party was losing support due to perceptions among voters that it was shielding those implicated in scandals, something denied by the party’s leadership.

“The PP is a family and when one member suff ers the party shelters and hides them,” he said. “But this strategy was born in an era when corruption was not a great concern for people.” Times have changed. Corruption is now Spaniards’ sec-ond biggest worry behind unem-ployment. When Rajoy assumed offi ce in December 2011, just 6 per cent of people said corruption was a major concern, in a survey by of-fi cial pollster the Sociological Re-search Centre (CIS). Over the last year the fi gure has reached as high as 60 per cent. — Reuters

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

16 miners trapped in Arctic coal mine pronounced deadMOSCOW: The 26 miners who were trapped in a Russian coal mine above the Arctic circle have died and rescue operations have been halted after a third blast un-derground killed several rescue workers, emergency services said on Sunday.

The miners were trapped on Thursday after a sudden leak of methane gas caused two blasts that led parts of the Severnaya mine in Vorkuta to collapse.

President Vladimir Putin or-dered a government commis-sion to be set up to look into the incident at the mine operated by Vorkutaugol, a subsidiary of Sev-erstal. “The circumstances in the aff ected part of the mine did not allow anyone to survive,” Russia’s Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov said in televised com-ments after visiting the mine. “In the underground space where the 26 miners were, there are high temperatures and no oxygen.”

Denis Paikin, Vorkutaugol’s technical director, concurred with Puchkov’s assessment.

The Emergencies Ministry said

on its website that underground rescue operations had been halted after a third blast early on Sunday killed six people. A Sever-stal spokeswoman confi rmed to Reuters that six people had died in Sunday’s blast and that fi ve of them were rescue workers. The total death toll from the accident now stands at 36 people.

The episode is the latest in a long line of accidents in Russia’s coal mining industry and is likely to raise fresh questions about

how strictly safety rules are being followed. Poor safety standards were blamed for an explosion at the Ulyanovskaya coal mine in the southern Siberian region of Kemerovo in March 2007. The Ulyanovskaya disaster claimed the lives of miners in Russia’s worst mining accident since the 1991. The head of the Komi re-public, where the Vorkuta mine is located, has declared a three-day mourning period in the republic starting from Sunday. — Reuters

R U S S I A

RESCUE EFFORTS: Mine rescuers are seen at the Severnaya coal

mine in Vorkuta, Russia. – Reuters/Press Service of Russian Emergencies Ministry

HISTORIC VERDICT: Iranian journalists work in a press room at the Interior Ministry as they follow the preliminary results of the parlia-

mentary and Experts Assembly elections on Sunday. – Reuters

IN TROUBLED WATERS: Prime

Minister Mariano Rajoy. – Reuters

A16

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‘NICE’ WAVES CRASHING AT SHOREPeople watch waves crashing onto the shore of the Mediterranean sea in Nice, France, on Sunday. — AFP

Hillary secures big win in South Carolina primary

COLUMBIA: Fresh off a runaway win in the South Carolina primary, Democrat Hillary Clinton turned her sights to a possible match-up with Republican front-runner Donald Trump in the November 8 presidential election.

Without mentioning Trump’s name, the former secretary of state made it clear on Saturday she was already thinking about taking on the real estate mogul whose recent string of victories made him the favourite to be the Republican nominee for the White House race.

Trump’s campaignHillary shot down Trump’s cam-paign slogan of “Make America Great Again” and his plans to build a wall on the US-Mexican border.

“Despite what you hear, we don’t need to make America great again. America has never stopped being great,” she told supporters

in her victory speech in South Carolina, pausing for applause then adding, “but we do need to make America whole again.”

“Instead of building walls, we need to be tearing down barriers,” said Hillary, who would be Ameri-ca’s fi rst woman president.

Hillary said she was not taking anything for granted after crush-

ing Democratic rival Bernie Sand-ers on Saturday by 48 points and likely setting herself up for a good “Super Tuesday” night on March 1, a key date in the nomination battle. But if Hillary and Trump win big on Tuesday as polls sug-gest, the chance of a general elec-tion match up between them in-creases, adding another twist to

a presidential campaign that has defi ed convention as US voters vent frustration over economic uncertainty, illegal immigration and national security threats.

A Trump-Hillary election would embody the outsider vs. establishment battle in American politics. Trump has never been elected to public offi ce, while the former fi rst lady has been a player in Washington for decades.

South Carolina Democratic voter Teri Faust, 59, said Hillary would be better able to take on Trump than Sanders, a US senator from Vermont. “Bernie wouldn’t stand a chance against him. Hillary is strong,” said Faust, who met Hillary when she came

to her church two years ago and again on Hillary’s fi rst campaign trip to the state when she held a roundtable for minority women business owners.

South Carolina was Hillary’s third victory in the fi rst four Democratic contests, raising more questions about whether democratic socialist Sanders will be able to expand his support be-yond his base of predominantly white liberals.

Exit pollsExit polls showed Hillary winning big in the state with almost every constituency. She won 9 of every 10 black voters, as well as women, men, urban, suburban, rural, very liberal and conservative voters. Sanders was ahead among vot-ers between ages 18 and 29, and among white men.

When asked which candidate they thought “can win in Novem-ber,” an overwhelming 79 per cent said Hillary, with only 21 per cent putting their faith in Sanders to defeat the eventual Republican nominee. Sanders, who has ener-gised the party’s liberal wing and brought young people to the polls by attacking income inequal-ity and Wall Street excess, needs a breakthrough win in a key state in the next few weeks to keep his hopes alive.

“He’s got to pull off a surprise against Hillary soon or he won’t have time to recover,” said Phil Noble, a longtime Democratic ac-tivist in South Carolina.

He said Sanders’ momentum in South Carolina “fell off the table” after Hillary’s solid victory in Ne-vada on February 20. — Reuters

Former secretary of

state said she was

not taking anything

for granted after

crushing Democratic

rival Bernie Sanders

on Saturday

by 48 points

Snake hunters bag 106 pythons in eff ort to control predatorFLORIDA: Snake hunters stalked the invasive Burmese python in the Florida Everglades this year, capturing 106 of the predators in the state-sponsored “Python Chal-lenge,” including one measuring 15 feet (4.6 metres), offi cials said on Saturday.

The challenge, which ran from January 16 to February 14, is similar to other hunts of problem species, such as Texas’ campaign against other animals, which are blamed for agricultural damage, and Michigan’s targeting of the in-vasive Asian carp fi sh.

It is unclear exactly how many Burmese pythons are slithering around the Florida Everglades, since they are masters of stealth, but they number at least in the thousands, said Florida Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Carli

Segelson. Still, state offi cials are hopeful that hunts such as the one they sponsored can keep the snake in check. Florida is aiming to erad-icate the species from the wild to protect native mammals, birds and reptiles in the Everglades.

The pythons, which are native to Asia, arrived in Florida as pets, and some of them escaped into the wild and quickly reproduced.

On Saturday, offi cials honoured the Python Challenge’s top hunt-ers, at a ceremony in Davie. Bill Booth and his team won the grand prize of $5,000. They removed 33 snakes, including the 15-footer, which weighed in at 125 pounds (56.7 kg), wildlife offi cials said.

The state has trained partici-pants in how to capture the snakes: Pin their heads to the ground with a hook, grab their bodies and bag

them. “We fought this thing for 20 minutes and I didn’t think we were going to get it out of there,” Booth, speaking at the ceremony, said of his team’s largest snake. “But we had to get it out alive for the chal-lenge and that’s what we did.”

All the snakes caught in the challenge were eventually killed, but in many areas state rules called for the snakes to be turned in live, Segelson said. The state’s preferred method for killing the pythons is to drive a bolt into their brains. The 106 pythons caught this year far surpasses the haul of 68 from a similar hunt Florida sponsored in 2013, Segelson said. It has not been determined if a Py-thon Challenge will be held next year, but state offi cials encourage the killing of pythons apart from the competition, she said. — Reuters

F L O R I D A , U N I T E D S T A T E S

China plans to launch second space lab

BEIJING: China will put a sec-ond space laboratory in orbit in the third quarter of this year, state news agency Xinhua said on Sun-day, part of the country’s plan to have a permanent manned space station in service around 2022.

Advancing China’s space pro-gramme is a priority for Beijing, with President Xi Jinping calling for the country to establish itself as a space power. Tiangong (Heav-enly Palace) 2 is expected to be docked with a cargo ship, Tianzhou 1 (Heavenly Vessel) which is sched-uled to be launched in the fi rst half of next year, Xinhua said. China also plans to launch Shenzhou 11 spacecraft, which will carry two astronauts on board, in the fourth quarter of this year to dock with Tiangong 2, the Xinhua report said.

Xinhua, citing an unnamed spokesperson for the space pro-gramme, said China was expected to complete by 2020 an orbiting space station, to consist of a core module and two attached laborato-ries. The fi rst space lab, Tiangong 1, was launched in 2011, and has been working well, said Xinhua.

China’s space programme must still master launching cargo and fuel via space freighters and recy-cling air and water for extended manned missions, state media have said. — Reuters

A M B I T I O U S P R O G R A M M E

Erdogan saysdoes not respect court ruling on journalists

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday he did not respect or accept a consti-tutional court ruling that the de-tention of two journalists from a leading opposition newspaper had violated their rights.

Can Dundar, editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet, and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul were released pending trial on Friday after the constitutional court ruling.

Their arrest last November, after Cumhuriyet published video foot-age purporting to show the state intelligence agency helping send weapons to Syria, drew interna-tional condemnation and concern about media freedom in Turkey. “I will remain silent to the decision the court has given. But I don’t need to accept it, I want to make that clear. I don’t obey or respect the decision,” Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul before leaving on an of-fi cial visit to West Africa.

“This has nothing to do with press freedom. This is a case of spying,” he said.

The two were charged with in-tentionally aiding an armed ter-rorist organisation and publishing material in violation of state secu-rity. Cumhuriyet published pho-tos, videos and a report last May that it said showed intelligence of-fi cials transporting arms to Syria in trucks in 2014. Despite their re-lease, the two journalists are fac-ing possible life sentences at a trial due to start on March 25 and are banned from leaving the country.

Erdogan, who has cast the newspaper’s coverage as part of an attempt to undermine Turkey’s global standing, has said he will not forgive such reporting. — Reuters

O P P O S I T I O N N E W S P A P E R

BIG CATCH: A previously captured 13-foot Burmese python is taken out of a bag by Captain Shawn

Meiman, left, and ‘Python Dave’ Liebman for the press to view before a state-sponsored snake hunt, in

the Everglades, Florida on in this January 17, 2013 fi le photo. – Reuters Files

EXPANDING SUPPORT: US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a primary

night rally in Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday. – AFP

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TREASURY BILLS ISSUEDA tender of government treasury bills, issue number 441, was held at the Central Bank of Oman. The total value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to OMR15 million, for a maturity period of 91 days, from February 24 until May 25, 2016. — ONA

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Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages plans expansion in regionTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Aujan Coca-Cola Bev-erages Company, one of the lead-ing beverage players in the Middle East and North Africa, confi rmed that it is on track with its growth plans across the region and re-affi rmed plans to build further manufacturing facilities across its jurisdictions.

Speaking on the sidelines of Gul-food last week, TolgaSezer, chief executive offi cer, Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company, said: “

“Despite political and economic disruption over the past few years,

the regional beverage market has continued to grow, and we expect this to continue. For Aujan Coca-Cola, an increasingly youthful population across Middle East and North African (Mena) region, together with opportunities for new categories and fresh con-sumer-focused innovations, mean signifi cant growth prospects,” TolgaSezer, chief executive offi cer, Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Com-pany, said, on the sidelines of the recently concluded Gulfood.

“To fully leverage these op-portunities, Aujan Coca-Cola has put in place a robust, fi ve-year

growth strategy to drive profi t-ability and retain our position as a world-class, regional beverage operator. By evolving our strategy, we are able to identify opportuni-ties and avenues that allow us to grow without being constrained by product categories and geogra-phies,” he added.

Aujan Coca-Cola is the author-ised manufacturer and distributor of Rani and Barbican brands and the licensed manufacturer in the Middle East forVimto.

In 2015, Aujan Coca-Cola kicked-off its pre-announced in-vestment project in Egypt.

M A N U F A C T U R I N G F A C I L I T I E S Middle East key growth market for yacht makers

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Leading fi gures within the yacht manufacturing industry will outline their pre-dictions for growth in the Middle East market, at the 10th Middle East Yachting Conference, to be held on Monday, ahead of Dubai International Boat Show.

Superyacht Builders Associa-tion (SYBAss) director of opera-tions, Robert van Tol, and Rob-erto Zambrini, chief executive offi cer of Italian yacht builder Mondo Marine, will provide an overview and forecast of the re-gional superyacht market, as part of a panel discussion during the conference.

Middle EastA separate presentation by Udo Kleinitz, secretary general of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMA) will also discuss the importance of the Middle East within the global context.

“The 55 per cent ‘propensity to buy’ for the Middle East is the highest of all the regions,” said Robert van Tol. “This percentage is based on historic ownership of

superyachts versus the number of UHNWIs (ultra high net worth in-dividuals) at that time, but it also means that if there is an increase in the number of UHNWIs in the Middle East, then 55 per cent of them are likely to buy a supery-acht. Therefore this region will always remain very important.”

Yachting conferenceThe annual Middle East Yachting Conference brings together glob-al experts and industry authori-ties, as well as boating enthusi-asts, to address the latest trends, technologies, plans and regula-tions aff ecting the marine leisure sector in Dubai and beyond. The theme for 2016 will be ‘Invest-ing for the future, defi ning future strategies’. Topics for discussion include the region’s waterfront projects, maritime legislation and laws, the maritime community’s aspirations, and navigation at lo-cal and regional levels.

“Yachting has become an inte-gral part of the luxury lifestyle in the Middle East, and it touches on many areas: manufacturing, sales, design, and has also had a signifi -cant infl uence on how cities in the region have grown, with so many

large-scale sea front development projects planned,” said Nabeel Farhat, editor-in-chief of ‘Word of Yachts & Boats’ magazine, who will be moderating the panel dis-cussion on superyachts.

“The conference is an oppor-tunity to discuss matters of mar-ket and lifestyle, and talk about the future of the industry, but also bring important issues such as rules and regulations into the conversation.”

Conference sessions will in-clude presentations in important regional issues, including from DCMA on the fi rst-of-its-kind Dubai Maritime Sector Strategy, and from TASNEEF on marine classifi cation systems in the UAE. The Dubai Maritime Sec-tor Strategy guides the city’s growth as a leading global mari-time centre, with the sector esti-mated to provide 4.6 percent of the city’s GDP and 3.3 per cent of its employment.

Region’s 55%

ultra-wealthy buy

superyachts, the

highest proportion

of any global market,

says a survey

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Oman Insurance wins UAE awardTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Oman Insurance Com-pany has been awarded the 2016 Finance Awards for Insurance Solutions Provider of the Year – UAE. The award is presented by Corporate LiveWire and aims to honour the business achieve-ments in Financial Services, Tax and Accountancy.

The Corporate Livewire Fi-nance Awards is a leading global awards programme which recog-nises growth and strong perfor-mance in the fi nancial industry. Outstanding performance, con-sistent results and innovation were the key qualifying criteria for Oman Insurance Company to win this esteemed award.

Commenting on this achieve-ment, Christos Adamantiadis, chief executive offi ce of Oman In-surance Company, said “We are delighted to receive the award and see this as a validation of our posi-tion as an insurance market leader in UAE.”

“We will continue to constantly outperform the market and bring innovative insurance solutions that help our clients to protect their

wealth and wellbeing,” he added.Oman Insurance Company was

established in 1975 and is one of the leading insurance providers in the Middle East. Oman Insurance Company has operations across Emirates in the UAE as well as in Oman, Qatar and a subsidiary in Turkey. Oman Insurance Compa-ny also owns a medical third-party administrator in Iraq operating under the name of ‘Support Man-agement Services’.

Oman Insurance provides a wide range of insurance solutions for individuals and enterprises in life, medical and general insurance.

H O N O U R Ooredoo to bring Xiaomi smartphones to Oman

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Bringing market-leading devices to customers and smartphone enthusiasts in Oman, Ooredoo has signed an exclusive one-year distribution deal with Xiaomi, the third largest smart-phone maker in the world.

Under the terms of the agree-ment, Ooredoo will be the fi rst mobile provider in the country to off er Xiaomi handsets, renowned for their cost-eff ectiveness and high-functionality.

Starting from March 10, Oore-doo customers will be able to pur-chase four of Xiaomi’s best-selling and fl agship products including

the Redmi 2E, Redmi 2 Note, Mi 4i, and Mi 4i Note Pro. Ranging from only OMR50 to OMR200 in price, the Chinese manufacturer’s sleek, aff ordable and reliable de-vices have made it one of China’s largest smartphone makers as well as one of the fastest growing companies worldwide.

Johan Buse, chief commer-cial offi cer at Ooredoo, said, “At Ooredoo, we aim to bring the latest devices to our customers and with Xiaomi, we have found a partner that puts the latest technology at their fi ngertips at fantastic value for money. The global success of the brand is a testament to the quality of the

high-performance products Xi-aomi off ers, making them per-fectly suited to our discerning customers in the Sultanate. With handsets designed to be feature-rich and aff ordable, Xiaomi has

proven to be more than capable of standing alongside iPhone and Samsung devices as a market-leading lifestyle brand.”

Ooredoo networkOoredoo will be introducing the new devices in multiple phases, with the Xiaomi hero devices ex-pected to be launched in the fi rst quarter of 2016.

The exclusive handsets will be available for purchase from any of Ooredoo’s 40 stores across the Sultanate.

Ooredoo has invested heavily in its network to provide its custom-ers with an enhanced mobile data and voice experience.

Now covering 99 per cent of the population, Ooredoo’s mod-ernised network, today ensures that its customers have 3G/3G+ capabilities across the Sultanate as well as a signifi cant and rapidly expanding 4G footprint.

Ooredoo has signed an exclusive

one-year distribution deal with the

Chinese manufacturer, the third largest

smartphone maker in the world

Johan Buse, chief commercial

offi cer at Ooredoo. – Supplied photo

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com haveyoursay@timesofoman.com

Total value of outbound travellers in GCC estimated at $64 billion: Survey Times News Service

MUSCAT: Value of outbound travellers from the Gulf Coopera-tion Council (GCC) has been esti-mated at $64 billion, according to a study conducted by Frost & Sul-livan and Insights Middle East for Amadeus.

The study further estimated the average spend in GCC coun-tries for inter-regional travel at $4,980 and for international busi-ness travel at $9,920.

These statistics clearly refl ect the immense potential for busi-ness and meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) travel from the region.

Business tourists in the GCC comprise one in three of all tour-ists in the region. This is a high number when compared to the worrying statistics that suggests only 2 per cent of global exhibi-tions take place in the Middle East, according to the same study.

The meetings, incentives, con-ferences, and events (MICE) mar-ket has grown rapidly in the GCC and particularly in Dubai, which in 2015 held nearly 27 per cent market share of the $1.3 billion MICE GCC market.

Outbound travel from the Mid-dle East, according to United Na-tions World Tourism Organisa-tion (UNWTO)’s 2015 tourism highlights, numbered approxi-mately 37 million people for 2014 and accounted for 3.3 per cent of the global outbound market.

Speaking of luxury travel, ac-cording to a study by 2014 online survey conducted by YouGov, the average spend by luxury travellers from the Mena region is $8,310 while the average length of the trip is 5.1 nights. However, for sustained growth in the coming years, challenges that both the MICE and luxury travel sectors for both inbound and outbound travellers need to be addressed.

“We truly think that the easiness of access via direct airline connec-tivity is key. Time is too important for people and changingfl ights 3 times is not acceptable for busi-ness travellers,” noted Mikael Lambotte, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München, and Jason

Warren, Conference & Touring.

SecurityThis is true for both inbound and outbound GCC business tourists, as well as luxury tourists. Chang-ing attitudes and requirements for more experiential, cultural, and sightseeing tours rather than the previously strong preference for shopping, are also challenges that MICE, hospitality and travel sectors are facing.

“Furthermore, security plays an important role as travellers should always feel secure while meeting or discovering a new city,” noted Lambotte and War-ren. Security concerns are not isolated to GCC countries only, but are indeed a global issue for MICE, travel and hospitality

industry personnel.When it comes to luxury travel,

the challenges are more intense. Keeping in line with global chang-ing tastes and attitudes, luxury travellers too are looking for more value for their money. While this does not necessarily mean cheap-er, it does mean more benefi ts such as personalisation, simpli-fi cation, and seamless services. Another challenge in luxury trav-el is the changing nature of group travel, where multi-generational travel is now becoming the norm.

Luxury travel marketSpeaking on the luxury travel market from the GCC, Lambotte and Warren agreed that market “Has been growing over the past 10 years and should keep grow-

ing the next 5 years. Every year the demand in Munich has been increasing by 5 per cent in the luxury sector.”

However, competition from emerging and developing market further complicates the land-scape for MICE and luxury travel. The fourth annual MICE Arabia Congress provides a huge advan-tage for participants by “focusing the attendance of qualifi ed corpo-rate decision makers and MICE agencies,” noted Aishvarya Gu-hagarkar of Switzerland Conven-tion & Incentive Bureau.

“The choice for suppliers to pre-select the buyers they want to meet and vice-versa ensures good quality one -to-one pre-arranged meetings. In addition, the speak-ers and panelist share real time insights, current trends and ex-change of ideas,” she added

“At the fourth edition of the MICE Arabia Congress, the trends and challenges in the in-dustry will be discussed, in ad-dition to other crucial subjects,” said. Sidh N. C., director, QnA In-ternational speaking on the agen-da of the conference.

The fourth annual MICE Ara-bia Congress will take place from March 1 to 2 in Dubai.

T R A V E L & T O U R I S M

GROWTH OF MICE MARKET: The meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) market has

grown rapidly in the GCC and particularly in Dubai, which in 2015 held 27 per cent market share of

the $1.3 billion MICE GCC market. – Bloomberg News

Changing attitudes and requirements for more

experiential, cultural, and sightseeing tours rather

than the previously strong preference for shopping,

are also challenges that travel sector are facing

Gulf countries face $94b debt crunch on oil slump: HSBC DUBAI: Gulf Cooperation Coun-cil (GCC) countries may struggle to refi nance $94 billion of debt in the next two years as the region faces slowing growth, rising rates and rating downgrades, according to HSBC Holdings.

The GCC states have to refi -nance $52 billion of bonds and $42 billion of syndicated loans, mostly in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, HSBC said in an e-mailed report. The countries also face a fi scal and current account defi cit of $395 billion over the period, it said.

Expectations that these funding gaps “will be part fi nanced through the sale of sovereign United States dollar debt will complicate eff orts to refi nance existing paper that matures over 2016 and 2017,” Si-mon Williams, HSBC’s chief econ-omist for the Middle East, said in the report.

“With the Gulf acting as a sin-gle credit market, the refi nancing challenge will likely be much more broadly felt” and “compounded by tightening regional liquidity, ris-ing rates and recent downgrades,” he said.

GCC states, which collectively produce about a quarter of the

world’s oil, are taking unprece-dented measures to shore up their public fi nances as crude prices struggle to rebound from the low-est levels in 12 years.

Some of these GCC countries have also been hit by a series of rating cuts, while billions of dol-lars have been drained from the region’s banking system.

Sovereign debtGulf countries have about $610 billion outstanding in FX-denomi-nated bonds and syndicated loans, HSBC said. This includes fi nan-cial and corporate debt, as well as sovereign debt, mainly in the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, it said.

HSBC is confi dent that the funding gaps will be covered and expects a “raft” of foreign sover-eign bond issuance to fund budget defi cits. Any new issuance will have to compete with upcoming refi nancing needs, the bank said.

Almost half of the maturities due in the next two years are in the banking sector, HSBC said, “suggesting any increase in costs at refi nancing could quickly feed through into a broader monetary tightening.” – Bloomberg News

S U R V E Y

REFINANCING BONDS: The GCC states have to refi nance $52 billion

of bonds and $42 billion of syndicated loans, mostly in the United

Arab Emirates and Qatar, HSBC said. – File photo

Foxconn, Sharp extend takeover talks

TOKYO: Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology Group and Sharp worked through the weekend to salvage their proposed $6 billion deal with one potential outcome being a revision to terms the Jap-anese’s board approved just last week, according to people famil-iar with the matter.

Bankers and lawyers are going through a list of Sharp liabilities that could exceed 300 billion yen ($2.6 billion), a last-minute stumbling block in Foxconn’s ef-fort to take control of the strug-

gling Japanese company, ac-cording to the people, who asked not to be identifi ed as the talks aren’t public. It’s too early to tell whether Foxconn will lower the value of its off er for Sharp or change its bid in some other way, said the people.

Any material change to the of-fer would require Sharp’s board to vote again on the Foxconn pro-posal, the people said.

Foxconn has made it clear it was surprised by the latest infor-mation from Sharp. — Bloomberg News

$ 6 B I L L I O N D E A L

B4

MARKETM O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

MUSCATSECURITIES MARKET

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

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

OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 807,627 ......... 133,697..................... 60 ............0.167 ........... 0.167 ...........0.163 ............0.166 ............. 0.152.............0.014 ..............9.211.................0.163 .............. 0.162...................0.163 ................... 15,776,640 .........0.100

OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 1,512,889 .......251,318..................... 60 ............0.163 ........... 0.169 ...........0.163 ............0.166 ............. 0.158............ 0.008 ............. 5.063 ................0.168 .............. 0.166...................0.168 ...................48,248,069.........0.100

OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 444,224 ...........53,918........................8 ............0.120 ........... 0.123 ...........0.120 ............0.121 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.004 ............. 3.419 ................0.123 ..............0.122...................0.123 .................. 24,200,000 ........0.100

OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 372,420 ........... 35,688..................... 30 ........... 0.094 ........... 0.097 ...........0.093........... 0.096 .............0.093 ........... 0.003 ............. 3.226 ................0.095 ..............0.094...................0.095....................5,648,949 ..........0.100

OM0000001962 ............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................10,000 .................. 610........................ 1 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.061 ........... 0.061 .............0.060 ............0.001 ............. 1.667 ................0.061 ..............0.059...................0.062 ..................12,636,234 .........0.100

OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE .............. 699,760 ......... 139,046..................... 46 ............0.201 ........... 0.201 ...........0.197 ........... 0.199 ............. 0.196............ 0.003 ..............1.531 .................0.197 .............. 0.196...................0.197 ...................39,800,000.........0.100

OM0000001087 ............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 146,944 ........... 34,876......................13 ........... 0.237 ........... 0.238 ...........0.237 ........... 0.237 .............0.237 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.237 ..............0.236...................0.237...................23,700,000 .........0.100

OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ...............10,000 ...............2,230........................ 1 ........... 0.223 ........... 0.223 ...........0.223........... 0.223 .............0.223 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.223.............. 0.193...................0.223 ................... 7,486,433 ..........0.100

OM0000001483 ............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 845,000 .........222,235......................14 ........... 0.263 ........... 0.263 ...........0.263........... 0.263 .............0.263 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.263..............0.261...................0.263 .................352,606,796 ........0.100

OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .........................................................................1,659 .................. 766........................ 1 ........... 0.462 ........... 0.462 ...........0.462........... 0.466 .............0.466 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.462..............0.462...................0.480 .................257,633,525 ........0.100

OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 141,105 ............ 25,360......................15 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.179 ........... 0.180 ............. 0.180 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.180 .............. 0.179...................0.180 ................... 27,013,500 .........0.100

OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 276,994 ........... 83,033..................... 30 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.292........... 0.300 .............0.300 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.300 ............ 0.300...................0.302 ...................6,300,000 ..........0.100

OM0000002168 ............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................ 40,000 .............11,200........................ 1 ........... 0.280 ...........0.280 ...........0.280 .......... 0.280 .............0.280 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.280............. 0.280...................0.285...................82,939,831 .........0.100

OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 265,281 ........... 38,480......................31 ............0.145 ........... 0.148 ...........0.144 ............0.145 ............. 0.145............ 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145 ................... 18,110,204 .........0.100

OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 529,884 ........... 90,078......................16 ............0.169 ........... 0.170 ...........0.169 ........... 0.170 ............. 0.170............ 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.170 .............. 0.167...................0.180 ..................242,256,144 .......0.100

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 155,000 ........... 20,150........................3 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130 ........... 0.130 ............. 0.130............ 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.130...................0.132 ...................40,399,442 .........0.100

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 118,935 ............ 82,303........................6 ........... 0.692 ........... 0.692 ...........0.692 ........... 0.692 .............0.692 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.692 ..............0.680...................0.692..................450,453,407 .......0.100

OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 507,929 ..........215,727..................... 64 ........... 0.424 ........... 0.426 ...........0.424........... 0.424 .............0.426 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.469 ...............0.424..............0.424...................0.426 ................. 971,732,781 ........0.100

OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ...................................................... 105,200 .........104,266..................... 27 ........... 0.992 ........... 0.992 ...........0.980........... 0.992 .............1.000 ...........-0.008 ........... -0.800 ...............0.988 ..............0.980...................0.988..................198,400,000 .......0.100

OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ....... 10,385 ............. 17,655........................2 ............1.700 ........... 1.700 ...........1.700 ............1.700 ............. 1.720 ............-0.020 ............-1.163 ................1.700 .............. 1.700................... 1.720 ..................117,300,000 ........0.100

OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 211,758 ............ 32,877........................8 ............0.156 ........... 0.156 ...........0.155 ............0.155 ............. 0.157 ............-0.002 ............-1.274................0.155 .............. 0.154................... 0.155 ................. 223,423,200 .......0.100

OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 38,000 ............... 2,774........................7 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.073 ........... 0.073 .............0.074 ...........-0.001 ............-1.351 ................0.073 .............. 0.071...................0.073....................2,190,000 ..........0.100

OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL ...............................................40,876 ............... 2,931........................6 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.071 ........... 0.072 .............0.073 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.370................0.072 ..............0.072...................0.073...................12,600,000 .........0.100

OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 100,282 ........... 40,935......................12 ........... 0.408 ........... 0.410 ...........0.408........... 0.408 ............. 0.418............-0.010 ........... -2.392 ...............0.408..............0.406...................0.408 ..................21,420,000 .........0.100

OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 502,366 ............29,786..................... 35 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.059 ........... 0.059 ............. 0.061............-0.002 ........... -3.279 ...............0.060..............0.059...................0.060 .................. 17,108,858 .........0.100

OM0000001822 ............UNITED POWER ..............................................................1,514 .............. 4,984........................3 ........... 3.300 ...........3.300 ...........3.150 ........... 3.290 .............3.425 ...........-0.135 ........... -3.942 ...............3.150 .............. 3.150...................3.300 ...................2,632,000 ..........1.000

.............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,896,032 ...1,676,924...................500 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......26........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET ................................................................................................................................................................................. OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED ..............................................8,000 ................1,815........................4 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.225........... 0.227 .............0.220 ........... 0.007 ............. 3.182 ................0.225............. 0.220...................0.230 .................. 17,479,000 .........0.100

OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .......................................... 500 ...................192........................ 1 ........... 0.384 ........... 0.384 ...........0.384........... 0.386 .............0.386 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.384..............0.374...................0.384 ................... 2,316,000 ..........1.000

OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 100,000 ............. 3,200........................5 ........... 0.032 ........... 0.032 ...........0.032........... 0.032 .............0.032 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.032..............0.032...................0.033....................2,720,000 ..........0.100

OM0000001590 ............MUSCAT FINANCE .................................................... 300,000 ........... 39,000........................9 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130 ........... 0.130 ............. 0.130............ 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.129...................0.130 ................... 32,710,401 .........0.100

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................97,300 ...............6,595........................7 ........... 0.068 ........... 0.068 ...........0.067 ........... 0.068 .............0.068 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.068 ..............0.068...................0.070.....................5,114,144 ..........0.100

OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 458,173............ 32,072..................... 10 ........... 0.070 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070........... 0.070 .............0.070 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.070..............0.069...................0.070................. 105,000,000 .......0.100

OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................35,000 ............... 1,985........................4 ........... 0.057 ........... 0.057 ...........0.056 ........... 0.057 .............0.057 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ................0.056 ..............0.056...................0.057...................57,000,000 .........0.100

OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ........................................................ 71,081 .............10,072......................15 ............0.143 ........... 0.143 ........... 0.141 ........... 0.142 ............. 0.143............-0.001 ........... -0.699 ............... 0.141 .............. 0.141...................0.142 ..................207,689,407 ........0.100

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 233,500 ............13,350......................14 ........... 0.058 ........... 0.058 ...........0.057 ........... 0.057 .............0.058 ...........-0.001 ............-1.724 ................0.057 ..............0.056...................0.057.................... 7,125,000 ..........0.100

OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ............................ 489,506 ............48,991..................... 10 ............0.104 ........... 0.104 ...........0.100 ........... 0.100 .............0.104 ...........-0.004 ........... -3.846 ...............0.100 .............. 0.101...................0.103 ...................10,000,000 .........0.100

.............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,793,060 ....... 157,271..................... 79 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......10........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ...................................................................................................................................................................... OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ...................... 115,000 .............13,455........................5 ............0.117 ........... 0.117 ............ 0.117 ............0.117 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.002 ............. 1.739................. 0.117 ...............0.115................... 0.117 ...................35,421,646 .........0.100

.............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 115,000 .............13,455........................5 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME .................................................................. VOLUME ..... TURNOVER ............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE ......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % ............. LAST PR .....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP .PAR VALUE

O M A N S T O C K S

INDICESIndex .................................................High .................Low ..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff %MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,389.09 ...............5,383.56 ................... 5,383.56 ...................5,388.34 .................. -4.78 .................. -0.09Financial Index .....................................6,655.95 .............. 6,644.39 ................... 6,648.08 ...................6,649.30 .................. -1.22 .................. -0.02Industrial Index ................................... 6,632.29 .............. 6,604.79 ...................6,604.95 ...................6,629.26 ................-24.31 .................. -0.37Services Index ...................................... 3,058.80 ...............3,047.59 ................... 3,055.22 ................... 3,042.75 ..................12.47 ................... 0.41MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 837.89 ..................836.48 .......................836.48 .......................837.89 ...................-1.41 .................. -0.17

Trading SummaryVolume ................ Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up ............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded9,804,092 ....................1,847,650 .....................584 ................ 16,380,155,011 .................. 8 ......................12 .................... 17 .........................37

MSM index ends lower

MUSCAT: MSM30 Index de-clined 0.09 per cent to close at 5,383.56 points. MSM Sha-ria Index ended at 836.48 points, down 0.17 per cent. Renaissance Services was the most active in terms of volume as well as turno-ver. Port Services remained Sun-day’s top gainer, up 9.21 per cent while United Power was the top loser, with a loss of 3.94 per cent.

A total number of 584 trades were executed on Sunday, gen-erating turnover of OMR1.84 million with 9.80 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, eight advanced, 12 declined and 17 remained un-changed. At the session close, GCC & Arab Investors were net buyers for OMR91,000 fol-lowed by Omani investors for OMMR25,000 while Foreign Investors stayed net sellers for OMR116,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index down by 0.02 per cent to close at 6,648.08 points. Global Financial Invest-ment, Gulf Investment Services and Al Madina Investment in-creased by 3.42 per cent, 3.23 per cent and 1.67 per cent respec-tively. Oman Takaful, Al Madina Takaful , Al Batinah Develop-ment and Bank Sohar declined by 3.85 per cent, 1.37 per cent, 1.35 per cent and 1.27 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index at 6,604.95 points, down 0.37 per cent. Dho-far Cattlefeed was the only gainer and was up by 3.18 per cent to close at OMR0.225. Galfar En-gineering, Al Maha Ceramics, Oman Fisheries and Raysut Ce-ment declined by 3.28 per cent, 2.39 per cent, 1.72 per cent and 0.80 per cent respectively.

Services Index advanced 0.41 per cent to close at 3,055.22 points. Port Services, Renais-sance Services, Al Suwadi Power and OIFC increased 9.21 per cent, 5.06 per cent, and 1.53 per cent respectively. United Power,

Al Maha Petroleum and Pheonix Power declined 3.94 per cent and 1.16 per cent respectively.

Saudi stocks rally Stocks across the Middle East advanced after China’s cen-tral bank governor highlighted scope for further policy stimu-lus in the world’s biggest com-modities user.

Tadawul All Share Index rose 1.6 per cent to 6,073.90 at 2:17pm in Riyadh, poised for the highest level since January 11. Dubai’s DFM General Index gained 1.7 per cent and Qatar’s QE Index climbed 0.8 per cent. Abu Dhabi’s ADX General Index advanced for the fi rst time in three days. Ku-wait’s SE Price Index rose 0.7 per cent, extending gains for a fourth day, the gauge’s longest winning streak since November.

“The world seems to be a bet-ter place this week,” said Sal-eem Khokhar, the head of fund management and equities at the asset management group of Na-tional Bank of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ biggest bank. “Comments from China’s central bank governor, in terms of combating currency specula-tion, were positive because it’s important for long-term stabil-ity in demand for oil.”

Stocks in Saudi Arabia, whose biggest trading partner is China, were led by Saudi Basic Indus-tries Corp., one of the world’s biggest petrochemicals manufac-turers by sales. The company’s shares were headed for the high-est close in about two months.

The Bloomberg GCC 200 In-dex, which tracks 200 of the largest companies in the region, gained 1.3 per cent to the strong-est level since January 7. Egypt’s EGX 30 Index rose 1.2 per cent to the highest level in three weeks on 75 per cent of the 12-month full-daily average trading vol-ume. — United Securities/Bloomberg News

Port Services remained Sunday’s top gainer,

up 9.21 per cent while United Power was the

top loser, with a loss of 3.94 per cent

Citigroup faces fraud suit from creditors, investors of Mexican oil services fi rmNEW YORK: Citigroup was sued for fraud by investors and creditors of a bankrupt Mexican oil services fi rm over claims they were harmed by a loan scheme that also led the bank to cut 2013 profi t by $235 million and fi re at least a dozen people.

Citigroup’s loans led to the 2014 collapse of the Mexican fi rm, Oceanografi a, and caused Dutch lender Rabobank, with investors and creditors, to lose at least $1.1 bil-lion, according to the lawsuit fi led on Friday in Miami federal court. Rabobank and other investors sepa-rately fi led a negligence suit in Unit-ed States’ Delaware state.

Citigroup’s Mexican subsidiary, Banamex, made short-term loans to Oceanografi a, which did work for state-run Petroleos Mexica-nos, or Pemex. In turn, Pemex repaid the bank. Citigroup chief executive offi cer Michael Corbat said in February 2014 that $400 million of accounts receivable from Oceanografi a were fraudu-lent. He said the bank was work-ing with Mexican authorities and would fi nd out “who perpetrated this despicable crime.”

Rabobank and the investors claim Citigroup conspired with Oceanografi a to accept falsifi ed work estimates even as the oil services fi rm became increasingly dependent on cash advances to survive. Those Citigroup loans propped up Oceanografi a, while Pemex repaid the bank with mil-lions of dollars in interest, accord-ing to the complaint.

“Intentional misconduct on the part of Wall Street banks — in-cluding Citigroup specifi cally — is far from unfamiliar,” according to the complaint.

“Yet again, greed and dishon-esty have victimised blameless businesses and investors.”

Mark Costiglio, a Citigroup spokesman, and Manuel Gon-calves, a spokesman at KPMG, both declined to comment on the lawsuits. Quinn Emanuel Urgu-hart & Sullivan, the law fi rm that fi led the lawsuit, provided cop-ies of the complaint. The fi ling couldn’t be independently con-fi rmed in court records.

SEC probeCitigroup has said in regulatory fi lings that it’s cooperating with an investigation by the US Secu-rities and Exchange Commission and a Justice Department request for information about the fraud. The SEC inquiry has included re-quests for documents and witness testimony, the bank said in a fi ling on Friday.

Mexican authorities placed Oceanografi a in bankruptcy and

later charged several Citigroup employees with crimes, accord-ing to the complaint. None of the creditors who sued have collected money through the bankruptcy, according to the complaint.

The complaint includes claims that the bank violated the Rack-eteer Infl uenced and Corrupt Organisation Act and engaged in fraud while breaching its fi duci-ary duty. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Seven shipping companies and service providers, including Blue Marine Technology Group, were among those that sued, as well as nine bondholders, including Ash-more Investment Advisors.

The short-term lending accel-erated rapidly, according to the complaint. In 2009, Oceanogra-fi a’s revenue was $288 million and Citigroup made $70 million in

cash advances. By 2012, the com-pany had revenue of $920 million, yet was “almost entirely depend-ent on cash advances,” taking $450 million from Citigroup.

Cash advancesOceanografi a’s cash advance re-quests were subject to a two- step approval process by Citigroup to verify that documents submitted accurately refl ected the terms of its contracts with Pemex, ac-cording to the complaint. In at least 166 cash requests, Citigroup didn’t satisfy either step, failing to detect falsifi ed documents, ac-cording to the complaint.

In February 2014, Citigroup contacted Pemex to discuss the cash advances and learned about Oceanografi a’s phony supporting documentation, according to the complaint. - Bloomberg News

L E G A L R E C O U R S E

IN TROUBLE: Citigroup’s loans led to the 2014 collapse of the Mexican fi rm, Oceanografi a, and

caused Dutch lender Rabobank, with investors and creditors, to lose at least $1.1 billion, according

to the lawsuit. – File photo

Buff ett defends 51% owned 3G Capital as Berkshire logs profi tNEW YORK: Warren Buff ett has used his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders to launch vigorous defences of an aggressive private equity partner and a ma-ligned mobile home unit, as his con-glomerate recorded robust profi ts.

The world’s third-richest person and a revered investor, Buff ett also injected himself into the conten-tious 2016 United States presiden-tial campaign, lambasting candi-dates who talk down the nation’s economic future as ‘dead wrong’ — an apparent jab at Republicans and frontrunner Donald Trump.

Buff ett, who is backing Demo-cratic candidate Hillary Clinton, also raised a political issue dear to Democrats in his widely-read letter by calling climate change a “major problem for the planet,” although not one for Berkshire’s future.

Buff ett, 85, also made no men-tion of who might succeed him at Berkshire, which he has run for a half-century, and in passing said he expects to be around at age 100.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based company reported a record full-year profi t of $24.08 billion, up 21 per cent, while operating profi t rose 5 per cent to a record $17.36 billion. Fourth quarter profi t was up 32 per cent, and operating profi t rose a larger-than-expected 18 per cent.

Berkshire owns 90 businesses in areas such as insurance, railroads, energy, food, apparel and real es-tate. Buff ett himself is worth $62.1 billion, Forbes magazine reported.

3G, ClaytonBut he has critics, and spent about 10 per cent of his roughly 18,000-word letter defending 3G Capital, a Brazilian fi rm in which Berkshire owns 51 per cent of Kraft Heinz,

and Berkshire’s Clayton Homes mobile home unit.Many share-holders questioned Buff ett’s com-patibility with 3G, an aggressive cost cutter led by Brazilian billion-aire Jorge Paulo Lemann.

Berkshire and 3G teamed up in 2013 to buy H.J. Heinz and last year merged it with Kraft Foods.

- Reuters

C O R P O R A T E

For 240 years it's been

a terrible mistake to bet

against America, and

now is no time to start.

The babies being born

in America today are the

luckiest crop in history

Warren Buffett CEO, Berkshire Hathaway

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COMSECTION

E- IMESTECH STUFF

BIBM PAID $1.3B TO BUY CLEVERSAFEInternational Business Machines (IBM) paid more than $1.3 billion in cash last year to acquire closely held Cleversafe, adding data-storage software that works for both public and private cloud- computing systems. The deal, which IBM announced in October without disclosing terms, was the company’s largest in 2015, according to a fi ling on Tuesday. — Bloomberg News

M O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

SLOW DOWNENJOY THE RIDE

T E C H U P D A T E S

Microsoft to buy Xamarin in latest mobile cloud pushMicrosoft said it agreed to buy startup Xamarin in the tech giant’s latest move to attract more software engineers to write programs using its cloud services. Integrating Xamarin into Microsoft’s Visual Stu-dio will improve developers’ ability to build mobile applications across Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android and Microsoft’s Windows by making it easier to share code among the diff erent operating sys-tems, Scott Guthrie, Microsoft’s executive vice president of cloud and enterprise, wrote Wednesday in a blog post. The terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive offi cer, has been working to bolster the company’s mobile capabili-ties as part of a broader push to sell more cloud services to rein-vigorate growth. He has been focused on adding tools that would allow developers to build apps for multiple platforms. That way, Microsoft can sell its cloud services to programmers who aren’t just building for its Windows operating system and better com-pete with the likes of Amazon.com. “The combination of Xamarin, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Team Services, and Azure provides a complete mobile app dev solution that provides everything you need to develop, test, deliver and instrument mobile apps for every device,” Guthrie said. The partnership between San Francisco-based Xamarin, founded in 2011, and Microsoft goes back several years: some of Xamarin’s technology has already been integrated into many of Microsoft’s services, Guthrie said. The tech giant considered an acquisition or investment in Xamarin in 2014, peo-ple with knowledge of the issue said at the time. — Bloomberg News

HP shares decline as earnings

outlook fail to off set PC slump

Google’s DeepMind forms health

unit to build medical software

HP shares fell after off ering little insight into how it will overcome the globally de-pressed market for comput-ers and printers as it released earnings that were just in line with analysts’ estimates. In its fi rst full quarterly report as a standalone company, HP executives spoke of diffi cult markets and said job cuts announced earlier need to be accelerated. The stock declined 4.4 per cent to $10.34 at the close on Thursday in New York, making it the third-worst performer in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. The shares have dropped 13 per cent this year. HP Chief Executive Offi cer Dion Weisleris trying to navigate the challenges of shepherding his new company as demand wanes for key hardware products. While last November’s separation from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is supposed to give him the fl exibility and control to pursue cus-tomers, the company still needs to fi nd ways to bolster profi t and sales. Profi t before certain items in the second quarter, which ends in April, will be 35 cents to 40 cents a share, HP said Wednesday in a statement. That compares with an average estimate of 39 cents, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. — Bloomberg News

Google’s DeepMind Technologies, an artifi -cial intelligence company owned by the Web-search provider, is pushing into medical technology as it seeks to apply its expertise to health care. DeepMind has built a reputation for creating cutting-edge self-learning software and is pitting its technology against the world’s best player of Go, a complex board game played in Asia, in a match next month. The London-based subsidiary has teamed up with the Imperial College London and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust through an endeavour called DeepMind Health. The new division of about 15 people will grow “substantially,” said Mustafa Suleyman, who co-founded DeepMind. The company has also hired two physicians to work within its organization to help guide research and development. One of those doctors is Dominic King, co-creator of the technology behind Hark, a UK health-care startup acquired that is being bought by DeepMind as part of its push into medical technology. Hark has created a task-manage-ment smartphone application for clinicians. “At the moment we’re focused on building trust with clinicians and designing stuff hand-in-hand with doctors and nurses,” Suleyman said. Eventu-ally, DeepMind wants to bring its machine-learning technology to health care. DeepMind Health built a piece of software called Streams, which lets clinicians view medical results faster, in a pi-lot project with the Royal Free Hospital. — Bloomberg News

Inside Microsoft’s new machine learning tools

DINA BASS

Jennifer Marsman recent-ly tested a lie detector of her own design on her boss at Microsoft. Do you work for the best com-

pany in the world, she asked. Yes. Oops! According to the software, that was probably a fi b. Will she get a promotion this year? Yes! This time her manager was most likely telling the truth.

No, Microsoft isn’t getting into the law-enforcement game. Mars-man, 37, is a “principal developer evangelist,” whose job is to tirelessly advocate for machine learning—a form of artifi cial intelligence that uses data to make predictions about everything from quarterly sales to when a cow will get pregnant.

The lie detector, cobbled together from algorithms and a 14-pronged headset that measures brain waves, is a kind of party trick Marsman deploys to show software develop-ers how to use Microsoft’s Azure Machine Learning tools. Boisterous and known to spout Harry Potter references, Marsman plays a crucial role for a company that was early to machine learning but is now com-peting with Google and Amazon to commercialise the technology.

The stakes are high. In the com-ing years, machine learning will change the world—making com-puters exponentially smarter and helping companies cut costs, fi gure out where to invest and a whole lot more. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Anurag Rana describes the technology as “one of the biggest dif-ferentiators for software companies for years to come.” Without it, he says, “you’re not going to be able to sell your product.”

Though Microsoft has been working on machine learning for at least 20 years, divisions like Offi ce and Windows once harnessed its predictive qualities only sparingly. “The reaction of many people there was ‘We know how to do things, why are you questioning my views with your data,’” says Pedro Domingos, a University of Washington computer

science professor who wrote a book on machine learning called The Master Algorithm.

Microsoft truly embraced the technology when it started Bing in an attempt to catch up with Google. Satya Nadella ran engineering and technical strategy for the search division before becoming chief ex-ecutive offi cer two years ago and has been sprinkling machine learn-ing like fairy dust on everything his company touches. “Microsoft is now in this place where they have machine learning very deeply em-bedded,” Domingos says. “They’re investing a lot in making machine learning less Wild West.”

Like Google and Amazon, which have both used the technology to improve their own products, Mi-crosoft is weaving machine learn-ing into its own operations. This isn’t simply about helping the company save money and function better; the more Microsoft uses the technology itself, the easier it is to explain and sell. “Custom-ers are confused,” says Joseph Sirosh, lured from Amazon in 2013 to oversee engineering for Microsoft’s machine learning ef-forts. “Cutting through that noise has been a bit of a challenge. It has been also hard for our own fi eld and sales people to go talk to cus-tomers and educate them about all the use cases.”

CFO Amy Hood’s fi nance de-partment has come to rely on algo-rithms—using them to help fore-cast sales and how many licenses the company will sell in a given period. “It turns out to be very, very accurate for that application,” Sirosh says. “Amy Hood is a big fan of this. She can sleep nicer know-ing that a machine learning model predicted her quarter.”

Microsoft also uses algorithms to predict how many servers it needs to buy for its rapidly ex-

panding datacenters and to help salespeople predict which clients to focus attention on. Even the company’s older products, like the accounting software it acquired in 2002, are getting a machine learning facelift, Sirosh says. Mi-crosoft’s Cortana Analytics Suite lets customers build some of these tools in-house.

Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, 25, is a data cowboy—he chose his own ti-tle—on the Azure Security Data Sci-ence team. He uses machine learn-ing algorithms to predict suspicious behaviour on Microsoft’s networks. Security teams are already pretty good at fi nding an attack once they know what they’re looking for; Ku-mar has to fi nd them before anyone has that information.

To train his algorithms to recog-nise malicious behavior, he feeds

them actual attacks by Microsoft’s Red Team of internal hackers paid to break into the company’s networks as well as threat reports coming in from Microsoft’s security center. That allows him to build models that can recognise real exploits.

All kinds of companies and in-dustries are already using Micro-soft technology. Japanese farmers are tracking cows, which walk more when ready to conceive, so they can inseminate the cow at the optimal moment. An Australian wine com-pany is using similar algorithms to predict grape yields. A hospital about an hour from Microsoft is using Azure tools to help fi gure out which cardiac patients are most likely to require re-admission. Nor-way’s eSmart Systems uses Azure Machine Learning to forecast en-ergy grid usage and turn down home heating when demand is high.

Matt McIlwain, a managing di-rector at Madrona Venture Group in Seattle, says Microsoft’s ma-chine learning is as good or better than rival technology. But he says Microsoft still suff ers from the perception that it’s playing catch-up. “How do people fi nd out that Microsoft has really cool machine learning capabilities that they can use?” he says. “They’ve got to get their story out there.”

That’s where Jennifer Marsman comes in. She travels the world demonstrating her lie detector and sparking conversations about po-tential uses for machine learning. Medical applications come up a lot. People have asked about using the technology to predict seizures, monitoring the elderly at assisted living facilities and deciding wheth-er a football player injured during a game should go to hospital or back onto the fi eld.

Says Marsman: “I have the cool-est job in the company.” — Bloomberg News

Lie detector, cobbled

together from

algorithms and a

14-pronged headset

that measures brain

waves, is a kind of

party trick deployed

to show software

developers how to

use Azure Machine

Learning tools

Microsoft is now in

this place where they

have machine learning

very deeply embedded.

They’re investing a lot

in making machine

learning less Wild West

Pedro DomingosComputer science professor

B6 M O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

ROUND-UP

Kahlil Gibran play ‘Rest Upon The Wind’ rescheduled on May 4 and 5

MUSCAT: The life and times of Kahlil Gibran, the highly ac-claimed poet, writer, painter, and philosopher of the Middle East or-igin, will be recreated in the Lon-don West End English play Kahlil Gibran Rest Upon The Wind.

Written and directed by cel-ebrated actor and playwright Na-dim Sawalha and produced by Ali Matar, the magnum opus Kahlil Gibran Rest Upon The Wind is brought to Oman by NPA Events. It will be an artistic and spiritual voyage that delivers Gibran’s most powerful message of love, peace, brotherhood and unity, says a press release.

Rescheduled to May 4 and 5 from March 16 and 17, at the Oman Auditorium, Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz Carlton Hotel, the specially designed sets will transport the theatre afi cionados to the very heart of Boston in the United States of America of the 19th and 20th centuries. There Khalil Gi-bran wrote his timeless classic The Prophet, the 1923 best-selling book which was translated to over 40

languages and sold over 140 mil-lion copies worldwide.

An enthralling mélange of drama, introspection and soul-searching discovery, Rest Upon The Wind chronicles Gibran’s life from the time he migrated from Lebanon to the United States of America as a 12-year-old with his family. The play revolves around his struggle to survive, of those who helped him along the way, and his warm family relationships.

First staged in the West End of London at the Tristan Bates Thea-tre in 2011, Rest Upon The Wind has been popular the world over with several shows in New York. In Dubai, the play was a sell-out for fi ve consecutive nights, as well as the one-time show in Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

The brilliant castEleven original members of the play will be fl ying down from Lon-

don especially for the play. Among them, the acclaimed, six-member cast with rich theatre experience will add a spark of brilliance to the proceedings. Fanos Xenofós, will essay the role of Kahlil Gibran while Lara Sawalha will enact the character of Michelline. Dina Mousawi plays Gibran’s sister Miryanna. Stephanie Ellyne por-trays the role of Mary Elizabeth Haskell, a respected headmistress 10 years Gibran’s senior – after meeting at his fi rst art exhibition of his drawings in 1904 in Boston at Day’s studio, the two became lifelong friends.

Nabil Elouahabi, a versatile British Moroccan actor, dons the role of the Ottoman Ambassador and Zak Sawalha plays Salim, an Armenian steward in Boston.

The original music score by award winning composer Jules Deering, the breathtaking visuals, the outstanding performances of the cast, the brilliant onstage pro-jection by Eva Auster, the stage and production management by Nicola Doningthorn, are all sure

to make this spectacular presen-tation an unforgettable one for a long, long time to come.

Animated movieAshok Suvarna, executive direc-tor of NPA Events, said: “Seeing the popularity of Kahlil Gibran in the Middle East, we are staging two back-to-back shows to meet the demand. Moreover, we are also planning to screen the animated movie based on Kahlil Gibran’s masterpiece The Prophet. Highly acclaimed across the world, this animated movie is directed by Roger Allers (director of Lion King) and is produced by famed actress Salma Hayek. She has also recorded the voice over along with superstar Liam Neeson. This pri-vate screening, with a red carpet welcome, will be exclusively for all the sponsors and their invites.”

The magnum opus Kahlil Gi-bran Rest Upon The Wind brought by NPA Events, known for their ‘Wow’ presentations, is a play not to be missed for the theatre enthu-siasts of Oman.

Rescheduled to May

4 and 5 from March

16 and 17, at the

Oman Auditorium,

Al Bustan Palace – A

Ritz Carlton Hotel, the

specially designed

sets will transport the

theatre afi cionados

to the very heart of

Boston in the United

States of America of

the 19th and 20th

centuries

VLCC customer shares her inspiring weight-loss journeyMUSCAT: Here is an inspiring journey of a 47-year-old Omani woman, who has embarked on a mission to reduce her extra kilos and get healthier at the VLCC.

Sheikha Saleem Al Harthy lost 18kg in six months without any crash diets, hunger suppressants, or surgery, says a press release.

‘’I believe that my mission has been accomplished. It is nothing but VLCC, the premier beauty, slimming and preventive health-care brand in the Middle East, which encouraged me to embark on this fruitful journey. VLCC’s scientifi c slimming methods helped me achieve my goal, and of course, my determination played the pivotal role,’’ says Sheikha.

Today, at 58.8kg (BMI: 25.2), Sheikha is energetic and enthu-siastic. At the time of marriage in 1995, Sheikha weighed 55kg. After giving birth to her three children, especially after the second deliv-ery, she started gaining weight – until she weighed 79kg.

‘’In 2008, at 79kg weight and 154cm height, I was too tired and lazy. Finding excuses for every-thing was my routine. Overweight was the villain. Friends and fam-ily members were worried about my laziness. I felt like all alone. One day, I decided to do something about my laziness and overweight. I heard about VLCC from the me-dia, and there I started my weight-loss journey,’’ Sheikha added.

‘’To the surprise of many, within three months with VLCC, I lost 24kg, and weighed 55kg. How-ever, due to my unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle, I started gain-ing weight again, and gradually in

2015, I reached 77kg.’’‘’In March 2015, weighing over

77kg I rejoined VLCC. I started feeling the diff erence, and I found that losing weight is not a night-mare, as I lost 3kg per month. At present, at 58.8kg I am so happy, and my target is 55kg. Today, the word ‘laziness’ is not in my life dic-tionary. I don’t feel like a feather, but more than that I sleep peace-fully, and feel very healthy. I like cycling, swimming, walking, bad-minton, aerobics, etc. I enjoy get-ting up early in the morning, and go for a morning walk. I feel so happy and my colleagues are impressed with my body weight. Never give up as your determination is more important than anything else,’’ says Sheikha.

Sheikha used to avoid vegeta-bles, and was fond of more fruits and fruit juices. As fruits contain sugar, her weight and fat started increasing day-by-day. With the

VLCC diet-plan, her eating habits have been modifi ed, and drinking enough water has become a rou-tine today.

Sheikha’s determination has in-creased tremendously.

She feels like learning all kinds of dance forms. Walking an hour daily, and swimming in weekends have further modifi ed her life-style. Now she advises her friends and colleagues to follow healthy eating habits.

“Indeed, the credit goes to VLCC and its team of experts. I can eat anything today because I am also burning out calories under the guidance of VLCC. I changed my eating habits, and controlled sweet intake. One must always keep an eye on food choices. It is an amaz-ing feeling to be healthy and live in right weight. Yes, I have an iron will. My energy levels are high, and I am a more cool and much happier woman today,’’ Sheikha added.

I N S P I R I N G S T O R Y

Annual sports day at Al Injaz

MUSCAT: Al Injaz Private School, Al Ansab, held its annual sports day for the Grades V to XI recent-ly. Mohammed Amur Rashid Al Malki, who has represented Oman in track and fi eld events in various international arenas, attended the occasion as the chief guest, says a press release.

He praised the enthusiasm and sportive spirit of the students and the eff orts of the school to en-thuse sports and academics.

The students presented drills and track events. Medals and tro-phies were awarded for individual and team winners. The best house trophy went to the Green House.

Al Injaz, Ansab, follows the IGCSE and bilingual curriculum and has classes from Kindergar-ten to Grade XII. Admissions are open for 2016-17.

A T H L E T I C M E E T

ISC, Salalah AGM on March 25

SALALAH: Indian Social Club (ISC), Salalah will hold its annual general body meeting (AGM) on March 25 at the Sultan Qaboos multipurpose hall of the club from 10am onwards.

All bona fi de members of the club have been requested to at-tend the meeting. All members should carry their identity cards or membership receipts issued by the club, says a press release.

A N N U A L G E N E R A L B O D Y M E E T I N G

Geepas launches ‘Shop and Win’ promotionMUSCAT: Geepas, leading consumer electronics brand, launched a 3-month ‘Shop and Win’ car promotion all across Oman giving customers a chance to take home three Toyota Co-rolla cars and brand new Geepas home appliances.

Group brands, Royalford, pro-viding premium tableware and kitchenware, and Clarkford, exclu-sive brand of fashionable watches, have also teamed up together to be a part of the promotion. Custom-ers can enter the promotion upon purchasing products from ranges across all three brands, says a press release.

With every spend of OMR10 on Geepas/Royalford/Clarkford products, customers get a chance to receive one raffl e coupon to enter the ‘Shop and Win’ pro-motion, and be close to winning three brand new Toyota Corollas along with top-of-the-line range of Geepas refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, cooking rang-es, vacuum cleaners, etc.

The promotion runs from March 1 until May 31 and will be activated all over Oman including Salalah. More than 1,200 outlets

from all over Oman will be partici-pating in the promotion providing exciting off ers to customers over its wide range of products. The raf-fl e draw date is set on June 10.

Nizar T. N., director of Op-erations, Western International Group, parent company of Geepas, Royalford and Clarkford, said: “We have received tremendous support from our loyal customers in Oman and it gives us immense pleasure

to be able to provide for them. This promotion is a celebration of the love and support of our customers and we wanted to give them back through this massive promotion. We hope it has a positive impact on our customers.”

“Geepas has an extended range of quality electronic products. With this promotion, we aim at making Geepas a household name at every home across Oman,” says

Sajeer K. T. K., country sales manage, Oman.

Geepas is a part of Western In-ternational Group and has one of the world’s largest electronics product portfolios with over 1,500 products in entertainment prod-ucts, home appliances, kitchen appliances, lighting devices and personal care gadgets.

Royalford, another brand un-der Western International Group, off ers premium tableware and kitchenware that are made from the fi nest raw materials. Clarkford is the brand that deals with fash-ionable stylish watches for men, women and kids.

Western International Group is a diversifi ed conglomerate com-prising several verticals and busi-nesses that spread over more than 86 countries.

Built over last 30 years, and with a workforce of more than 11,000 employees, they own and man-age several popular brands across varied categories with strong pres-ence in GCC, South Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Geepas, the fl agship brand has been awarded Superbrand Award for 2016, for a consecutive second year.

R A F F L E D R A W

Attractive off ers at B.young storeMUSCAT: B.young store located at the Oman Avenues Mall has announced an exciting off er ‘Buy 2 and Get 3rd Free’ on all items in the store. In addition to this they also have ‘Shop and Win’ off er.

These off ers are sure to be a shopper’s delight: ‘Buy 2 and Get 3rd Free’ will give custom-ers an opportunity to save more, whereas ‘Shop and Win’ allow customers to take home excit-ing prizes such as 50” LED smart TV’s, Philips air fryer, garment steamer, etc, says a press release.

The store is constantly striving

to provide best service to its cus-tomers, and these schemes are sure to be attractive.

B.young label off ers value for money and luxury for less. B.young is all about the crea-tion of great fashion styles. With b.young, you have the perfect opportunity to express your own personality through new and fresh styles all year around. B.young is the popular brand of Denmark based DK Company. DK Company has renowned and popular brands like B.young, Fan-sa, ICHI, Blend and Cream.

P R O M O T I O N

This promotion is a celebration of the love and support

of our customers and we wanted to give them back

through this massive promotion. We hope it has a

positive impact on our customers

Nizar T. N.Director of Operations, Western International Group

B7M O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

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RECRUIT

All-new Chrysler 200 now comes to Oman

MUSCAT: Chrysler, being one of the preferred brands in the Sultan-ate, has revolutionised the market for mid-size sedan with the grand entry of its all-new 2016 Chrysler 200 sedan, adding the element of premium luxury options while still scoring high on the value for mon-ey quotient.

Dhofar Automotive’s plethora of luxurious Chrysler vehicles combined it with their expert services, once again establishes its stand as one of the prominent leaders in the industry.

Renowned since 1925, for engi-neering excellence and innovation,

the new 2016 Chrysler 200 sedan off ers a pleasurable experience for the driver as well as the passengers. With an eye on design, this beauti-fully crafted car sports a simple but elegant style and off ers an ex-hilarating driving experience with state-of-the-art and easy-to-use technology, says a press release.

A high priority area for all Chrysler vehicles, the Chrysler 200 also has a panel of 60 advanced safety and security features that connects passengers and driv-ers. 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited is powered by the new 2.4-litre MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine that produces 184hp, 173 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers excellent fuel economy, features a simple, elegant

design, world-class craftsmanship, fuel economy estimated at 6.53 L/100km highway and standard features not typically found on a mid-size sedan - segment-exclu-sive nine-speed automatic trans-mission, state-of-the-art electronic shifting with rotary dial, electronic park brake with Safe Hold and an innovative centre console with sliding cup holders and concealed charging/media centre and centre pass-through.

The new 2016 Chrysler 200 C sedan comes refi ned with a few additional variants, modifi cations and upgrades. It is packed with bi-function halogen projector head-lamps; rear backup camera. It also comes with 8.4-inch Connect me-

dia centre with navigation and 7 speakers, premium 7-inch full-col-our driver information display in-strument cluster, remote start and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls to name a few.

The 2016 Chrysler 200 is de-signed, engineered and built with pride in Michigan. With a major investment of more than $1 billion, FCA US Sterling Heights (Michi-gan) Assembly Plant sports an all-new paint shop using leading-edge technology, a new, fully robotic body shop and an upgraded assem-bly area, setting the stage for the world-class craftsmanship found in the all-new 200.

The 2016 Chrysler 200 provides drivers and passengers a beauti-fully crafted car with an elegantly simple style, an exhilarating driv-ing experience, state-of-the-art and easy-to-use technology, It’s the mid-size sedan for customers who have earned a little luxury in their life, but demand value for their money.

For Oman, the 2016 Chrysler 200 comes in two models - 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited with the new 2.4-litre MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine and 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 for the premium Chrysler 200C.

The new 2016

Chrysler 200 sedan

off ers a pleasurable

experience for the

driver as well as the

passengers

Expert ophthalmologist

joins Kims hospital

MUSCAT: Kims Oman Hospital welcomed Dr Sheeja Susan John at the hospital’s ophthalmology department.

Dr Sheeja Susan John is a Pro-fessor of Ophthalmology from Christian Medical College, Vel-lore, India. After completing her MS and Diploma in Ophthal-mology from Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India, she was awarded the Diplomate of the National Board (DNB Ophthal-mology). She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, UK, and she underwent further training in the sub-specialities of Uveitis and Medical Retina in reputed hospitals in the USA and Austral-ia, says a press release.

With more than 14 years of experience in ophthalmology, Dr Sheeja is an expert practitioner in surgical procedures on the an-terior segment of the eye, and in performing laser procedures of both anterior and posterior seg-ments of the eye. Dr Sheeja’s area of expertise includes the diagno-sis and treatment of infl amma-tory diseases of the eye, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the back of the eye, such as diabetic retinopathy.

“Every diabetic patient should

have a dilated eye examination once a year to screen for diabetic retinopathy – a complication of diabetes that aff ects the retina or the back of the eye,” said Dr Sheeja. “Diabetic retinopathy is a silently blinding disease, and patients often have good vision till the disease reaches a very ad-vanced stage, when they can have sudden, severe visual loss due to bleeding and other complications in the eye. Severe, irreversible visual loss can be prevented by detecting the disease in the early stages, when it can be treated ef-fectively with laser or injections into the eye,” she explained.

“I am very pleased to welcome Dr Sheeja Susan John into Kims Oman Hospital’s family. I am con-fi dent that Dr Sheeja will be a valu-able addition to the hospital’s dis-tinctive medical standards,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, COO of KOH.

A P P O I N T M E N T

Al Madina Insurance appoints Usama Al Barwani as acting CEOMUSCAT: Al Madina Insurance, Oman’s fi rst Takaful provider, an-nounced the appointment of depu-ty CEO, Usama Al Barwani as the acting CEO and Ajay Srivastava as the new COO.

Gautam Datta, the current CEO of Al Madina Insurance, will be taking up a new assignment with an associate company based in Abu Dhabi, after serving as CEO of Al Madina Insurance for six years, says a press release.

“I wish Usama and Ajay the very best in their new portfolios and their support has been im-measurable in my tenure. It was a great opportunity to be part of the Al Madina Insurance team, and I will always be proud of what we have achieved. I thank the board, my peers and the team for all their support and wish the company a bright future,” said Gautam Datta.

Usama Al Barwani, a postgradu-ate diploma holder in HRM in In-formation System Management and Education, is a certifi ed Islam-ic Specialist in Islamic Insurance and a certifi ed Compliance Offi cer. He has over 22 years of experience in HR and administration. He was one of the key people involved in the meetings held with special-ists in Sharia consulting services with respect to transforming the

company’s activities into a Takaful based insurance. He has been in-strumental in steering the com-pany ahead as Oman’s fi rst Takaful provider and has been an integral part of its innovative off erings.

“This is a new role and a chal-lenging and inspiring one to take the company to new heights. I look forward to working together as a team and setting new benchmarks for Al Madina Insurance and con-tinue to uphold our industry-lead-

ing status,” said Usama.Ajay has been appointed as COO

of Al Madina Insurance. He has been with the company for seven years and serving currently as the general manager, commercial. His appointment is aimed at strength-ening the technical operations of the company and an eff ort to provide a higher level of customer service. He has a Bachelor’s De-gree in Law and is an Associate of Insurance Institute of India with over 27 years of insurance expe-rience in the Indian and London insurance markets. He has been responsible for introducing inno-vative products and developing the Al Madina range of products.

“This is an exciting and challeng-ing time for the company and in this new role, we hope to raise our oper-ational excellence and continue to deliver innovative products for our customers,” said Ajay.

“Gautam Datta has been a key fi gure in our company’s success and we wish him well as he takes up the next chapter in his career. We wish him the very best and we welcome our new acting CEO, Usama Al Barwani and new COO Ajay Srivastava and wish them the very best in their new roles,” said Dr Mohammed bin Ali Al Barwani, chairman, Al Madina Insurance.

N E W R O L E

New baggage policy provides greater

benefi ts to Kuwait Airways customers

MUSCAT: Kuwait Airways has announced changes to ‘Baggage made simple’, its baggage policy under which all its routes will operate on a piece concept basis, says a press release.

The new policy means that cus-tomers are entitled to one or two bags, depending on their class of travel. Customers fl ying fi rst class will now have increased allow-ance for two pieces of baggage at 32kg maximum weight per bag ie, total 64kg compared to total 40kg allowance off ered earlier.

Customers fl ying business class will now have increased allow-ance for two pieces of baggage at 23kg maximum weight per bag ie, total 46kg compared to total 30kg allowance off ered earlier. Simi-larly, customers fl ying economy class to/from USA will now have allowance for two pieces with maximum weight of 23kg per bag and customers fl ying economy class to all other destinations will have allowance for one piece with maximum of 23kg. Nevertheless, as a promotional off er, economy class passengers travelling other than to/from USA, will receive one extra piece of baggage with maxi-mum weight of 23kg until April 30. The increased allowance of two pieces of 23kg each bag in econo-

my will benefi t customers to enjoy 46kg of allowance instead of 20kg off ered earlier.

Further, as part of baggage pol-icy change, the cost of excess bag-gage charge is also cut by allowing more weight at less cost. Custom-ers fl ying with excess baggage will now be charged on extra piece basis. The fi rst excess bag with maximum of 23kg will be charged OMR45, the second excess bag with 23kg will be charged OMR80 and the third excess bag with 23kg will be charged OMR130.

The new excess baggage charges per bag upto 23kg will be benefi cial to customers carrying excess bags as the cost of buying an additional 23kg piece of baggage to many sec-tors is cut by 60 per cent and above. For example, the current excess baggage rate per kilo from Muscat to Manila is charged OMR7.300 per kg and the cost to carry 23kg of baggage will be OMR167.900.

Whereas, under the new piece concept policy, the excess baggage charges will be OMR45 only for the fi rst excess bag of 23kg.

Members of Kuwait Airways loyalty programme will also ben-efi t from the new policy as Oasis gold members will now receive an extra bag of 23kg to all online des-tinations. Further, infant also will get a free baggage allowance one piece 10kg.

The changes in baggage policy will provide greater benefi ts to customers fl ying Kuwait Airways.

Kuwait Airways currently op-erating four fl ights a week from Muscat to Kuwait and will be adding 5th frequency with ef-fect March 27 giving convenient connections beyond KWI to In-dia, Sub Continent and Far East. Further, Kuwait Airways is also off ering special promotional fares to various destinations valid for travel from Muscat until May 31.

B O U Q U E T O F B E N E F I T S

B8

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Nissan partners with top cricket stars

MUSCAT: Nissan announced a new line-up of cricket talent in sup-port of its partnership with the In-ternational Cricket Council (ICC).

Indian batting star Rohit Shar-ma, West Indian all-rounder Andre

Russell and New Zealand captain Suzie Bates will all help the Japa-nese car manufacturer bring crick-et excitement to fans, starting with the ICC World Twenty20 in India from March 8, says a press release.

“Nissan is absolutely delighted to welcome this illustrious line-up to the Nissan team as ambassa-dors,” said Roel deVries, corporate vice president and global head of marketing and brand strategy for Nissan. “As genuine performers in

the shorter form of the game, these players consistently deliver on the big stage. We look forward to working together to bring cricket-ing excitement to fans worldwide, starting with the ICC World T20.”

In addition to an advertising

campaign, Nissan’s cricket am-bassadors will be active on social media across the tournament, sup-porting other fan focused initia-tives such as Nissan Play of the Day and sharing great cricket content.

Rohit Sharma said: “I’m thrilled to work with Nissan on their part-nership with the International Cricket Council. The ICC World T20 is very special to me and takes a tremendous amount of hard work and innovation to win. It remains one of the most exciting cricket competitions in the world and I’m looking forward to sharing that with the fans.”

Sharma, Russell and Bates join South African bowling legend Dale Steyn and rising star Kagi-so Rabada in the Nissan cricket

family, who were recently an-nounced as Nissan cricket am-bassadors in their home country for the next year.

“I am thrilled to be among some of the top athletes in the world that are associated with Nissan as a brand ambassador,” Dale Steyn said. “Nissan’s partnership with cricket will expose and inspire more young players to the game both interna-tionally and on home soil.”

The eight-year sponsorship deal with the ICC comprises all tour-naments for the period 2016 to 2023. It builds upon Nissan’s sport sponsorship portfolio that already includes the UEFA Champions League, City Football Group and the Rio 2016 Olympic and Para-lympic Games.

Indian batting star Rohit Sharma, West Indian

all-rounder Andre Russell and New Zealand

captain Suzie Bates will all help Nissan bring

cricket excitement to fans starting with the

ICC World Twenty20 in India from March 8

Bank Muscat Open Day evokes strong responseMUSCAT: Giving a major thrust for micro and small businesses in Oman, an exclusive Open Day hosted by Bank Muscat to provide special discount on najahi busi-ness credit facilities has evoked strong response.

The two-day event organised by the Retail Enterprises depart-ment was held across fi ve najahi centres in Bank Muscat head offi ce at Airport Heights and branches in Ruwi Rex Road, Al Khuwair Souq, Seeb Souq and Barka Souq, says a press release.

The fi rst-of-its kind fi nance of-fer for micro and small businesses came in line with the bank’s ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in strengthening the role of micro and small busi-nesses to play an important role in diversifying the Sultanate’s economy and creating job oppor-tunities for Omani youth.

The Open Day reiterated the bank’s commitment to extend-ing the helping hand to micro and small businesses to fulfi l their fi nancial needs. In step with re-sponsible banking, the focus of Bank Muscat is clear – create a sustainable fi nancial platform for the nation and people and thereby contribute to the coun-try’s progress and development.

Facilitating fi nancial inclusion, Bank Muscat najahi products and services have created a bench-

mark, helping micro and small businesses to overcome hurdles and chart successful ventures with proper planning, fi nancial discipline and prudent manage-ment. Early on, Bank Muscat identifi ed the opportunities and challenges faced by this vital seg-ment to develop a relevant suite of products and services.

Securing credit without col-laterals and accessing innova-tive banking services have been hurdles faced by micro and small businesses. The specially designed najahi products mainly include credit facilities without collater-als to develop and grow micro and small businesses. With najahi, Bank Muscat fulfi ls the primary need of fi nance for the micro and small business segment.

The najahi suite of products in-clude the value added najahi Cur-rent Account, najahi Flexi Loan to

support working capital, business expansion and other business needs; najahi Business Credit Card; najahi Contractors Loan to help complete contracted jobs; najahi Contractors Bill Discount-ing to get immediate funds after completing contracted jobs and Najahi PoS Receivables fi nancing for customers who use PoS ma-chines for their sales.

The value added najahi Current Account off ers diff erentiated ser-vices, including Business Debit Card, branded cheque book, pri-ority queuing at branches, free ac-cess to Maktabi Business Centres and online banking services.

Serving micro and small busi-ness customers across the Sul-tanate, the network of najahi centres are also located in Sala-lah Corporate branch, Buraimi branch, Nizwa Firq branch, Sohar Main branch and Sur branch.

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Land Rover BAR reign supreme

MUSCAT: The fi rst ever Ameri-ca’s Cup event held in the Middle East was hailed a storming success by sailors and spectators alike fol-lowing two days of intense battle in Muscat.

The world’s media descended on the Omani capital for the fi rst Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event of 2016 and expectations were high for an exciting event.

The arrival in Oman on Thurs-day of the America’s Cup trophy, sailing’s oldest prize, was marked with a grand welcoming ceremony at Muscat International Airport attended by a host of dignitaries including Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Under-Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Chairwoman of Oman Sail.

It is the fi rst time the trophy, also known as the ‘Auld Mug’, has ever visited the Middle East in the 165-year history of the America’s Cup.

And after two days of nail-biting action under Muscat’s blue skies

that saw Land Rover BAR claim a dramatic last-minute victory, the fi rst ever Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman was given a resounding thumbs up.

Sir Ben Ainslie praised Oman as a world-class venue and also com-mended Oman Sail’s work to reig-nite the country’s maritime herit-age and inspire youngsters to take up the sport.

“We’ve had a great weekend of racing here in Oman – it’s always a pleasure to come here,” said four-time Olympic gold medallist Ainslie.

“There is such fantastic support for sailing and in particular youth sailing to get youngsters out on the

water. Conditions have been great for racing and to bring the Ameri-ca’s Cup here is very special for the event and for Oman.

“It was tricky racing in the light winds but it actually proved for re-ally exciting competition.

“There was a lot of place-changing that you might not get in stronger winds. It was a whole new challenge for the sailors to deal with. I love Oman — I’ve been here twice now and it’s a great country. Muscat has proved to be a fantas-tic venue for the America’s Cup and hopefully we can come back again soon.”

Glenn Ashby, skipper of overall

series leaders Emirates Team New Zealand, was in agreement with his rival as to the top-notch sailing Muscat dealt out.

“It was fantastic sailing today and yesterday here in Oman,” he added. “We had some tricky, shifty breeze and the racing was really close. As a team we’ve really en-joyed coming here to Oman – the racing has been brilliant, and so has the hospitality. We’ve had a great time and hopefully we’ll be back here again in the future.”

Dominant displayLand Rover BAR went into the second of two days of racing on

top following a dominant display on Saturday when they won two of the three races in light airs.

A slightly stronger breeze of around 10 knots greeted the teams today on what was dubbed ‘Super Sunday’ because of the double points on off er.

A slow start from Ainslie’s crew allowed Emirates Team New Zea-land to rocket ahead and extend their lead all the way to the fi nish line to claim the fi rst race win of the day. Canny tactics saw Land Rover BAR scrap back into second place ahead of Dean Barker’s Soft-Bank Team Japan.

Desperate to avenge a fi fth-place

fi nish in race 1, Jimmy Spithill’s ORACLE TEAM USA fl ew out of the starting blocks in Race 2 as the teams traded blows in front of crowds of spectators.

They saw off a late challenge from Groupama Team France, with Adam Minoprio at the helm in place of injured skipper Franck Cammas, to pick up maximum points. With ORACLE TEAM USA getting an early jump on the fl eet in the sixth and fi nal race of the ACWS Oman it looked all over for Ainslie’s men when they were penalised at the start along with Artemis.

But the Brits fought back thanks to some bold calls by tactician Giles Scott to fi nish the race in third behind Groupama Team France and ORACLE TEAM USA.

The result handed the fi rst ever ACWS Oman title to Land Rover BAR by just two points.

Their spectacular win makes them the fi rst team to win two ACWS events, having won in Portsmouth, UK, last year.

It also puts them just one point behind second-placed ORACLE TEAM USA on the overall ACWS leaderboard. Emirates Team New Zealand continue to lead the series by six points going into the next round in New York in May.

Results:Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman overall results: Land Rover BAR — 8, 10, 10, 18, 14, 16 — 76 points; ORACLE TEAM USA — 9, 6, 9, 12, 20, 18 — 74 points; Emirates Team NZ — 10, 7, 5, 20, 16, 12 - 70 points; Groupama Team France — 5, 8, 7, 10, 18, 20 — 68 points; SoftBank Team Japan — 6, 9, 6, 16, 10, 14 - 61 points; Artemis Racing - 7, 5, 8, 14, 12, 10 - 56 points

Overall World Series results: Emirates Team New Zealand – 192; ORACLE TEAM USA – 186; Land Rover BAR – 185; SoftBank Team Japan – 161; Artemis Racing – 161; Groupama Team France - 150.

Sensational racing

set to a backdrop

of Oman’s stunning

coastline rounded off

the inaugural Louis

Vuitton America’s

Cup World Series

Oman on Sunday

as Sir Ben Ainslie’s

Land Rover BAR team

snatched victory

THRILLING WIN: After two days of nail-biting action, Land Rover BAR claimed a dramatic last-minute victory. – ISMAIL AL FARSI / Times of Oman

India will be tough to beat in World T20, says Smith

SYDNEY: Australia skipper Steve Smith is determined to se-cure the one major international cricket trophy his country has never won but thinks India are going to be tough to beat when they host the World Twenty20 next month.

The Australia squad, world champions in 50-overs cricket and number one in the Test world rankings, fl ew to South Africa on Sunday morning to prepare for the March 8-April 3 tournament.

Their best result in the fi ve previous versions came when they reached the 2010 fi nal, how-ever, a 3-0 drubbing by India in a recent Twenty20 series has given them plenty of food for thought.

“On any given day in T20 crick-et any side can be dangerous, an individual can take a game away from you,” Smith told reporters at Sydney airport.

“(But) I think India in Indian conditions are going to be very tough to beat. They’re a very good side as we saw out here in the three Twenty20s we played in Australia so I think they’re going to be right up there.”

No Australian cricket captain goes into a tournament or series believing victory is impossible, though, and captain Smith is no exception.

“It’s one that’s alluded us, the T20 World Cup, and it would be great to win that trophy, that’s our goal,” Smith added.

“It’s going to be a tough tour in India, in conditions that are foreign to us. But it’s really ex-citing and I think we’ve got the squad to give that tournament a real shake.”

Deprived of the advantage that their pace bowling brings them on home soil, Australia will look more to the batting line-up to make the diff erence in India - even if Smith is not yet sure how it will look.

“I’m not really sure of the make up of our top three or four yet, ob-viously, there’s a lot guys who that fi ll those position,” Smith said.

“We’ve got three games to have a look at that before the World Cup. We’ve got some very de-structive and talented batters up the top of the order that we can choose from.”

Smith said all four injury con-cerns - Aaron Finch, Shane Wat-son, James Faulkner and Nathan Coulter-Nile - were “tracking well” and should be in contention to feature in the three matches in South Africa.

Australia get their World T20 campaign underway against New Zealand in Dharamsala on March 18. - Reuters

C R I C K E T

Bangladesh stun Sri Lanka MIRPUR: Bangladesh produced a superb all-round performance to outclass Sri Lanka by 23 runs in their Twenty20 International clash of the Asia Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Sunday.

Batting fi rst, the hosts posted 147 for 7 in 20 overs, thanks to Sab-bir Rahman’s 54-ball 80. In reply, Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and managed only 124 for 8 in 20 overs.

Al Amin Hossain (3 for 34) and Shakib Al Hasan (2 for 21) were the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers.

Challenging targetChasing a challenging target of 148, the defending World T20 champions didn’t start well as they lost experienced batsman and opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (12) in the fourth over itself.

His opening partner Dinesh Chandimal (37) and incoming batsman Shehan Jayasuriya (26) held on to help team’s score past the 70-run mark.

But Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan claimed the wickets of Chandimal and Jayasuriya respec-tively in two successive overs to have them in trouble at 78 for 3 in 12th over.

From there on, no Sri Lankan batsmen were able to score as some tight bowling and wickets at

regular intervals helped the hosts stun their opponent.

Earlier opting to bat, Bangla-desh too struggled at the start losing both openers Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar inside three overs.

But incoming batsman Sabbir played a commendable innings striking three sixes and ten bounda-ries to help the hosts cross the 100-run mark. He was well supported in the other end by Shakib (32).

But with the wicket of both Sab-bir and Shakib, Mahmudullah (23 not out) came in to notch up couple of boundaries to help team cross 145-run mark.

For Lanka, Dushmantha Cha-meera (3-30) was the pick of the bowlers. - IANS

A S I A C U P 2 0 1 6

BANGLADESHMohammed Mithun lbw Mathews 0Soumya Sarkar c Mathews b Kulasekara 0Sabbir Rahman c Jayasuriya b Chameera 80Mushfi qur Rahim run out 4Shakib Al Hasan c Chandimal b Chameera 32Mahmudullah (not out) 23Nurul Hasan c Mathews b Chameera 2Mashrafe Mortaza run out 2Extras (b-1, w-2, nb-1) 4 Total (7 wkts, 20 overs) 147Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-26, 4-108, 5-123, 6-140, 7-147.Bowling: A. Mathews 3-0-8-1; N. Kulasekara 4-0-44-1; T. Perera 1-0-14-0; S. Jayasuriya 3-0-21-0; R. Herath 4-0-24-0; T. Dilshan 1-0-5-0; D. Chameera 4-0-30-3 (nb-1, w-2).SRI LANKAD. Chandimal c Taskin b Mahmudullah 37

T. Dilshan c Soumya b Shakib Al Hasan 12S. Jayasuriya st Nurul b Shakib Al Hasan 26A. Mathews c Shakib b Al Amin Hossain 12T. Perera lbw Mustafi zur Rahman 4T. Siriwardana c Sabbir b Mortaza 3D. Shanaka c Mushfi qur b Al Amin 14C. Kapugedera (not out) 12N. Kulasekara c Soumya b Al Amin Hossain 0D. Chameera (not out) 1Extras (w-3) 3Total (8 wkts; 20 overs) 124

Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-76, 3-78, 4-85, 5-92, 6-102, 7-116, 8-117.Bowling: Taskin Ahmed 3-0-19-0; Al Amin Hossain 4-0-34-3; Shakib Al Hasan 4-0-21-2 (w-1); Mustafi zur Rahman 4-0-19-1 (w-1); Mashrafe Mortaza 3-0-17-1 (w-1); Mah-mudullah 2-0-14-1.

S C O R E B O A R D

COMPLEMENTING EACH OTHER: Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, right, and Sabbir Rahman cheer each

other during the Asia Cup Twenty20 international cricket match against Sri Lanka. – AP/PTI

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Muscat CT defeat Sinha by eight wickets

MUSCAT: Muscat CT recorded an easy eight-wicket victory over Sinha in a Muscat Pharmacy and Stores-sponsored Premier Di-vision match at the Ministry of Sports Aff airs ground on Saturday.

Batting fi rst, Sinha CT were bowled out for 193 in 45.3 overs. Dhammika Premadasa top scored with 65 runs. Badal Singh claimed four wickets for Muscat CT.

In reply, Muscat CT scored 196 for two in 22.1 overs. Aman Shar-ma and Vamsi Ram scored 85 and 64 not out respectively.

Brief scores: Sinha 193 in 45.3 overs (Dhammika Premadasa 65; Bad-al Singh 4/29) lost to Muscat CT 196 for 2 in 22.1 overs (Aman Sharma 85). Points: Muscat CT – 3, Sinha – 0.

Al Maddah winIn an Enhance-sponsored D Divi-sion match, Al Maddah defeated Carillion Alawi by three wickets at the Municipality Ground I.

Batting fi rst, Carillion Alawi were bowled out for 159 in 19.4 overs. Abdul Rahman claimed four wickets for Maddah. In reply, Al Maddah scored 162 for seven in 19.2 overs. Nikhil Kadave top scored with 53.

Brief scores: Carillion Alawi 159 in 19.4 overs (Milind Paresh 38; Abdul

Rahman 4/35) lost to Al Maddah 162 for 7 in 19.2 overs (Nikhil Kadave 53; Davinder 2/24). Points: Al Maddah – 2, Carillion Alawi - 0.

GME down Falcons In an E Division match, Global Money Exchange (GME) posted a 49-run win over Enhance Falcons at the Municipality Ground III.

Batting fi rst, Global Money Ex-change scored 171 for six in 20 overs. Rahul Rajeev and Amal Raj top scored with 74 and 62 respec-tively. Nathar Al Balushi claimed four wickets for Enhance Falcons. In reply, Enhance Falcons were bowled out for 122 in 17.3 overs. Jerrin claimed three wickets for Global Money Exchange.

Brief scores: Global Money Ex-change 171 for 6 in 20 overs (Rahul Ra-jeev 74; Nathar Al Balushi 4/10) bt En-hance Falcons 122 in 17.3 overs (Jerrin George 3/24). Points: Global Money Exchange – 3, Enhance Falcons - 0.

Kairali beat OCT Muscat BIn F Division match, Kairali eased to a seven-wicket victory over be-tween OCT Muscat B.

Batting fi rst, OCT Muscat B were bowled out for 129 in 19.1 overs. Mohammed Moshin and Fa-had Hamsa claimed four and three wickets respectively for Kairali. In reply, Kairali scored 133 for three in 13.4 overs. Praveen Kumar top scored with an unbeaten 55.

Brief scores: OCT Muscat B 129 in 19.1 overs (Mohammed Moshin 4/10) lost to Kairali 133 for 3 in 13.4 overs (Praveen Kumar 55 n.o). Points: Kairali – 3, OCT Muscat B - 0.

Easy for Prime TradingIn a G Division match, Prime Trad-ing registered a 35-run win over RK Group. Batting fi rst, Prime Trading were all out for 146 in 20 overs. Gireesh Nair top scored with 52. Muneer Ahmed claimed fi ve scalps for RK Group.

In reply, RK Group were bowled out for 111 in 18.1 overs. Jobi Abra-

ham and Sreelal claimed four and three wickets respectively for Prime Trading.

Brief scores: Prime Trading 146 in 20 overs (Gireesh Nair 52; Muneer Ahmed 5/13) bt RK Group 111 in 18.1 overs (Jobi Abraham 4/19). Points: Prime Trading – 3, RK Group - 0.

Trust Oilfi eld shineIn another G Division match, Trust Oilfi eld defeated Al Rehwan by 53 runs. Batting fi rst, Trust Oilfi eld scored 207 for seven in 20 overs. Shamsudeen Irfan top scored with 63. Shihab and Shanid claimed two scalps each for Al Rehwan. In reply, Al Rehwan scored 154 for nine in 20 overs. Sanooj top scored with 51. Jinesh Scaria claimed fi ve wickets for Trust Oilfi eld.

Brief scores: Trust Oilfi eld 207 for 7 in 20 overs (Shamsudeen Irfan 63) bt Al Rehwan 154 for 9 in 20 overs (Sanooj 51; Jinesh Scaria 5/37). Points: Trust Oilfi eld – 3, Al Rehwan - 0.

Madan stars for RAHRCIn an H Division match, RAHRC recorded a four-wicket victory over Al Ansari. Batting fi rst, Al

Ansari scored 168 for seven in 20 overs with Sajid Tanwar top scoring with 50. Manoj Varghese and Prathik Vedak claimed two wickets each for RAHRC. In re-ply, RAHRC scored 169 for six in 16 overs. Madan Pagar top scored with 72. Sajid Tanwar claimed fi ve wickets for Al Ansari.

Brief scores: Al Ansari 168 for 7 in 20 overs (Sajid Tanwar 50; Manoj Varghese 2/28) lost to RAHRC 169 for 6 in 16 overs (Madan Pagar 72; Sajid Tanwar 5/31). Points: RAHRC – 3, Al Ansari - 0.

Big win for NBO In another H Division match, Na-tional Bank of Oman (NBO) routed Axis Group for a massive 153-run win. Batting fi rst, NBO scored 219 for three in 20 overs. Siddharth Oza and Ramesh V. top scored with 65 and 61 runs respectively. In reply, Axis Group were bundled out for 66 in 9 overs. Khurram Bilal and Mozzam Ali claimed three and four wickets respectively for NBO.

Brief scores: NBO 219 for 3 in 20 overs (Siddharth Oza 65, Ramesh V. 61) bt Axis Group 66 in 9 overs (Moz-

zam Ali 4/27). Points: NBO – 3, Axis Group - 0.

Majees defeat Trust DoosanIn an I Division match, Ma-jees B defeated Trust Doosan by fi ve wickets. Batting fi rst, Trust Doosan were bowled out for 135 in 18.4 overs with Sajeev KS top scor-ing with 40. Arjun Rajesh claimed four wickets for Majees B. In reply, Majees B scored 136 for fi ve in 13.4 overs. Manumon top scored with an unbeaten 88.

Brief scores: Trust Doosan 135 in 18.4 overs (Sajeev KS 40; Arjun Rajesh 4/20) lost to Majees B 136 for 5 in 13.4 overs (Manumon 88 n.o). Points: Ma-jees B – 3, Trust Doosan - 0.

Al Hail B better ONEICIn another I Division match, Al Hail B defeated ONEIC by four wickets. Batting fi rst ONEIC scored 168 for three in 20 overs with Kamal Haider top scoring with 62 runs. In reply, Al Hail B raced to 171 for six in 15.5 overs. Anayat Allah top scored with 50.

Brief scores: ONEIC 168 for 3 in 20 overs (Kamal Haider 62) lost to Al Hail B 171 for 6 in 15.5 overs (Anayat Allah 50). Points: Al Hail B – 3, ONEIC - 0.

Hydrotech rout QBGIn a J Division match, Hydro-tech posted a four-wicket victory against QBG. Batting fi rst, QBG were bowled out for 89 in 17.1 overs. Shahid Sharif top scored with 43. Neil Paily claimed four wickets for Hydrotech. In reply, Hydrotech scored 90 for six in 13.4 overs. Taimur Khan top scored with 28. Suman Chandra claimed four scalps each for QBG.

Brief scores: QBG 89 in 17.1 overs (Shahid Sharif 43; Neil Paily 4/12) lost to Hydrotech 90 for 6 in 13.4 overs (Taimur Khan 28; Suman Chandra 4/21). Points: Hydrotech – 3, QBG - 0.

Batting fi rst, Sinha

CT were bowled out

for 193 in 45.3 overs.

In reply, Muscat CT

scored 196 for

two in 22.1 overs

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F DIVISION: Kairali celebrate their win over OCT Muscat B. G DIVISION: Prime Trading after their win over RK Group.

Al Yam Enterprises lift Corporate Cup

MUSCAT: Al Yam Enterprises defeated Auditors XI by six wick-ets to clinch the Corporate Cup at the Republic Day of India Al Yam Cricket Cup organised by ISC Bho-jpuri Wing at Ahli-Sidab Ground.

Auditors XI, after electing to bat fi rst, scored 65 for six in the al-lotted eight overs. Omar Sarfaraz scored a quickfi re 28 off 15 balls with the aid of three sixes. He was well supported by Saud Haroon 19. For Al Yam, Zaheer claimed two wickets in two overs.

In reply Al Yam raced to a six-wicket win in just seven overs. Ashwin smashed 14 off just fi ve balls with the aid of two huge sixes.

He was well supported by Wasim Ahmed 30. For Auditors XI, cap-tain Alkesh Joshi took two wickets.

Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey presided over the day’s proceedings and handed over the trophies. He also presented me-mentos to Mahmud Raza , Head of Sales & Marketing of National Mineral Water, Arun Kumar Pan-dey, MD of Al Yam Enterprises LLC, Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, GM of National Stone, Manish Mishra, GM of National Life Insurance and Mohammed Nayaz, Partner of EY.

The tournament was sponsored by Al Yam Enterprises LLC, Na-tional Stone LLC, Oman Phone,

National Mineral Water,Ernest Young, Sea Pearls Gold and Dia-mond Jewellery, Muscat Pharma-cy – Pocari Sweat , ABT Technol-ogy LLC, Al Faisal, National Life and General Insurance Company SAOC, Gulf Cricket Centre Mus-cat, Raha Poly Products LLC, Al Khaleej Cold Stores United LLC, Al Saigh Jewellery, Noor and Sons Company and Air India.

Individual honours: Man of the series – Wasim Ahmed (Al Yam); Man of the match: Zaheer (Al Yam); Best bowler: D N Mishra (Al Yam); Best bats-man: Omar Sarfaraz (Auditors XI); Best all-rounder: Ashwin Lobo (Al Yam); Best fi elder: Saud Haroon (Auditors XI).

C R I C K E T

SENSATIONAL: Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, left, cel-

ebrates after scoring a goal against Arsenal during their Premier

League match at Old Traff ord on Sunday. – Reuters

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SPORTSM O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

SMARTEN UPDRIVE SAFE

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVEAs MS Dhoni hit Wa-hab Riaz through the covers for a blis-

tering boundary in the 16th over of the Indian innings to register a fi ve-wicket win over Pakistan with 27 deliveries to spare, and as the Indian skipper coolly picked up a LED stump as a keepsake, one man standing just outside the boundary line pounced on the ball as it raced past the rope.

It wasn’t one of the hyper Indian fans in the stadium who rushed forward from his seat in the gallery to cel-ebrate the magical moment. This one was no ordinary fan of India or cricket. He is the biggest, loudest and most vociferous fan of In-dian cricket at the moment.

His name is Virat Kohli.After strolling out into the

middle as early as the third ball of the Indian innings af-ter Rohit Sharma was cut to a sorry, zero size by Moham-med Amir’s vicious, mon-strous pace and sly, sneaky swing, and staying at the crease until nearly the end of the innings to take the team singlehandedly within just eight runs of a famous victory, you normally would expect a batsman who was unfairly sent back to the dressing room by an umpir-ing error just one run short of his well-deserved half century to put his feet up on a dugout chair, biting his nails in disgust.

Dejected he was, of course, but that was not going to stop him from watching and rel-ishing every bit of the sweet moments being unfolded. Sweeter would it have been had Dhoni sent the ball fl ying over the rope, but the Indian skipper, who ‘walked’ three runs off the previous ball, was obviously not in the best of shape to spice up the mood of the crowd.

Seldom have we seen Kohli smile his way back to the pavilion when he got out, fair or foul, but when the fi nger of the umpire went up to an lbw appeal after a Mohammed Sami delivery took an inside edge of his bat before hitting him on the thigh, Kohli wasn’t his usual angry, upset, irritated self.

The smile that played on his lips as he walked back to the dressing room was wry, sure, but it was seasoned with a heavy dose of satis-faction. The team, at that stage, required just 8 runs off 35 deliveries, with six wickets in hand.

It was time to smile af-ter taking on the Pakistani speed merchants with cau-tion at fi rst and taming them with smarts as it got going on a wicket that had pace and bounce and off ered de-ceptive swing.

The Indian bowlers were good, though they were nothing as delightfully and

dangerously explosive as Amir was. The diff erence between the two teams was the brilliance of one man. If Amir did consume Kohli too in the four overs he was al-lowed, the Saturday script at Mirpur would have looked diff erent from what it even-tually turned out to be.

Kohli had expressed his appreciation for the come-back man Amir even before the Saturday match. After watching the youngster ripping through the Indian top-order sending Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina back to the pavilion in his fi rst two overs giving away just three runs, the appreciation from Kohli was spot on.

If it’s rare for a batsman to praise your rival, a bowler, in the middle of a risky, un-fi nished business, it’s rarer still when the occasion is an Indo-Pak encounter and the heroes of the story are two young prospects who could perhaps give a new twist to the sporting folklore of the region in the years to come.

To that end, it was pleas-ing to hear from Kohli that he had congratulated Amir on his brilliant bowling during the course of the match itself, and amusing to spot Kohli and Amir arms around the shoulders just after the match.

The scoreboard shows that India won the match by fi ve wickets in 15.3 overs, but the real match was about the 16 balls that spanned from the fi rst to the seventh over. That was exactly the number of deliveries Kohli had faced from Amir, from 0.3 overs to the last ball of the seventh over.

Fifteen runs were added to the Indian scoreboard off the 16, and those little but precious runs amid a very close lbw shout, pokes, prods and edges that fetched two singles, a wide bouncer that sailed over the wicketkeep-er past the rope to add fi ve more in extras, two exqui-site fours off the second and third ball of the fi nal Amir over, and then the three dot balls played as if paying re-spect to the bowler, summed up the short story of the Pak fi ghtback and the smart tale of the Indian determination.

If this is just the begin-ning, the more the merrier.

The writer is a freelance con-tributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not refl ect those of Times of Oman

The more the merrier: Kohli-Amir ‘bhai-bhai show’ spices up the duel

C O M M E N T A R Y

Al Khabourah stun Suwaiq to reach HM’s Cup semis

MUSCAT: Al Khabourah upset two-time champions Suwaiq to book their place in the semifi nals of His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship on Sunday.

In their quarterfi nal second leg match played at the Sohar Sports Complex, Al Khabourah

defeated Suwaiq 2-1. The teams had played a goalless draw in their fi rst leg match played at the same venue on February 15. On Saturday, Saham and Rustaq sealed their berths in the semi-fi nals with crucial victories over Muscat and Salalah respectively.

F O O T B A L L

Spurs beat Swansea, United edge ArsenalLONDON: Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to achieve a cru-cial 2-1 home win over lowly Swan-sea City in the Premier League at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Italian striker Alberto Pa-loschi, signed from Chievo in the January transfer window, scored his fi rst goal for the Welsh club to give them a half-time lead.

Substitute Nacer Chadli equal-ised with 20 minutes left and full-back Danny Rose scored the win-ner seven minutes later.

Seeking a fi rst league title since 1961, second-placed Spurs are now two points behind surprise leaders Leicester City with 11 games to play.

Meanwhile, teenager Marcus Rashford followed up two goals on his Manchester United debut in midweek with another double plus an assist as Louis van Gaal’s team beat Arsenal 3-2 at Old Traff ord.

The 18-year-old local man struck twice in three minutes in the fi rst half to undermine third-placed Arsenal’s title challenge.

Former United striker Danny Welbeck pulled one goal back but Rashford set up Ander Herrera for United’s third before Mesut Ozil reduced the defi cit.

The result left Arsenal fi ve points behind leaders Leicester City while United returned to fi fth place above West Ham. - Reuters

F O O T B A L L

C4

SPORTSM O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

Team Coorg clinch top honours at Gulf Hockey Fiesta for Starcare Cup

MUSCAT: Team Coorg Oman clinched the top honours at the Gulf Hockey Fiesta for Star-care Cup organised by United Thalessery Sports Club (UTSC) in association with Oman Hockey Association (OHA) at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Baush-er on Friday.

In an exciting fi nal of the Asian Hockey Federation-recognised event, Team Coorg defeated Qatar Wanderers 4-1.

The eventual champions two quick goals through Kavan and Pradhan Somanna to take 2-0 lead

just fi ve minutes into the match. Pradhan struck his second

and team’s third goal in the 14th minute and a minute later Omani player Ali Salim made it 4-0.

Qatar Wanderers managed to pull one back in the 16th minute.

Earlier in the semifi nals, Qatar Wanderers edged King Khan Hock-ey Club of Dubai for a 1-0 win while Team Coorg defeated UTSC 4-2.

A total 12 teams, including sev-en from outside Oman, took part in the event, which was offi cially inaugurated by Indian Ambas-sador Indramani Pandey by hit-

ting the ball to PR. Sreejesh, the Indian hockey team vice-captain and goalkeeper, who fl ew in from India to preside over the event as the chief guest.

Later, the prize-distribution cer-emony was graced by OHA’s former chief Dawood Al Raisi, present gen-eral secretary Mohammed Redha Taqi Al Lawati, popular hockey

personality SAS Naqvi, Starcare Hospital vice-chairman C.M. Na-jeeb, CEO Dr Mohammed Naseem, ISD President Abdul Rahim, Indian School Muladha Principal SI Sher-

iff , Mohammed Riaz LLC Chair-man Mohammed Riaz, Aziz of Al Jadeed Exchange, Oman hockey veterans Mohammed Shambeh Al Raisi and Abdulrahman.

The best goalkeeper award went to Ahmad Alam, a former Pakistan goalkeeper and Olympian. Best de-fender award was claimed by Ali Salim of Team Coorg. Future player award went to Geroge Extel of Bah-rain Hungry Humoours while Juni-ad of Qatar Wanderers was adjusted the man of the tournament award.

During the ceremony, a raffl e draw was conducted which saw several gifts presented includng two gold coins of eight grammes each, return air ticket to Sharjah and two return tickets to Mumbai. Starcare Hospital were the main sponsors and the other sponsors were Mo-hammed Riaz LLC, Al Jadeed Ex-change, Majan Distrubters, Food-lands Restaurant, Lynx, FAP, Al Nahla Solutions, Times of Oman and Gulf Madhyamam.

In an exciting fi nal of the Asian Hockey

Federation-recognised event, Team Coorg

defeated Qatar Wanderers 4-1

FCC lift HCC Winter Cup

MUSCAT: FCC defeated OEC by 10 runs to lift the 8th Holiday Cricket Club Winter Cup.

In the seven-overs-a-side fi nal, FCC batted fi rst and scored 55 runs. In reply, OEC were restrict-ed to 45 runs.

Earlier the semifi nals, OEC defeated AKCT by four wickets while FCC recorded a 42-run win

over Ruwi Kings. Adnan of FCC was adjudged the man of the tour-nament, his teammate Irfat won the best batsman award, Rana of OEC was the best bowler, Ibrahim Kutty of Ruwi Kings was the best wicketkeeper and Santhosh of SS Friends was the best young talent of the tournament.

Ajay Ganti, CEO of SARCO, and

Imran Kazi, General Sales Man-ager of Genserv, presided over the prize-giving ceremony and hand-ed over the trophies.

Al Seeb Technical (SARCO) LLC, General Engineering Servic-es LCC, Shamel International In-dustries EMD Division and Ram-nik B Lal Kothary were the main sponsors of this tournament.

CR I CKET

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

GearSECTIONC L I F E S T Y L E

Site InterfaceThe ebay has a very user-friendly design. All things fall in a proper manner, with all the elements catching the user’s eye. All the relevant information – from user account to product categories – is neatly organised and easily accessible. The pages are not overcrowded, and the blue high-lighted tone is quite pleasant to the eye.

It’s just the opposite on Amazon. The user interface is quite hectic, with an overdose of scrambled information. For a new user, it could be quite a confus-ing experience going through the site. The bright orange highlight design also somewhat pinches the eye. However, Amazon scores above ebay in the prod-uct search feature. Putting even incor-rect or misspelled name brings about the relevant product results. On ebay, you have to put in the exact name, or else, the search engine would display no results.Ebay: Amazon:

Product InformationIt’s ebay again which is ahead, with de-tailed and precise information of the product. From the seller ratings, to product location, to shipping details and product condition: everything is clearly mentioned in an organised pattern, moving from one aspect to the other, such that nothing misses the eye. The product information is highly precise, including the shipping charges.

On Amazon its mostly a mess. You

have to look out for pieces of info here and there. Even to check seller’s ratings, you need to click on the seller’s name and then it will open in a separate win-dow. The most annoying however, that the users may fi nd, is the absence of the product condition description (whether it is new, used, or new with defects and so on), and a common generalised prod-uct description page for any particular product from multiple sellers, with all the sellers mentioned on the right side of the page. Ebay on the other hand has exclusive pages from diff erent sellers for any particular product, which makes the product description more exclusive of that product. The description layout is also pretty much confusing on Amazon.

The shipping info is a disaster on Am-azon, which announces ‘free shipping’ irrespective of the buyer’s location, while the fact is that the free shipping is in most cases available only within the USA. Much to the annoyance of buyer, the truth emerges only when the billing comes inclusive of shipping charges in case of international orders, while fi nal-ising the purchase, resulting in unneces-sary waste of eff ort on part of the buyer, who may then fi nally cancel the order.

On ebay the shipping info is exact, automatically syncing with the buyer’s location mentioned in the address, and specifying the calculated shipping rates accordingly.Ebay: Amazon:

Payment OptionsThe ebay has Paypal, that’s a knockout punch to Amazon, and then ebay accepts all the payment methods that Amazon does including net banking, and credit and debit cards. However, certain coun-try specifi c Amazon pages like Ama-zon.in don’t accept many international cards. With ebay payment is never a has-sle. Amazon might be on par with ebay in payment option in the USA with many more options including emi (ebay also off ers the same), but for international buyers, ebay is more smooth. Both off er buyer money protection.Ebay: Amazon:

Shipping Amazon leaves ebay behind by a mile in shipping. While ebay does not have its own shipping channel, leaving the ship-ping always and entirely on the seller, Amazon has its own Amazon shipping for products that fall under ‘Amazon ful-fi lled’ category.

While the shipping is rarely delayed beyond the specifi ed date on ebay, Ama-zon delivers the product much before the stipulated date of delivery. Also, on ebay, often sellers from certain countries like China, Hong Kong, and certain European countries, post a very long delivery date, and may take even a month to deliver sometimes.

However, ebay having a more interac-tive interface, it allows buyers to negotiate

or request with the seller directly in case the seller is not shipping to the buyer’s country: a feature absent on Amazon.Ebay: Amazon: Dispute ResolutionBoth ebay and Amazon facilitate re-turns in case the buyer is not satisfied with the purchase; however ebay pro-vides significantly more options for proper buyer grievance addressal.

The biggest advantage on ebay is that the customer has the option of directly contacting the seller and ebay regarding a dispute.

The procedure is highly interactive, with ebay assisting the buyer step by step, while also explaining what, when, and how to do, and what would be the possible out-come. Amazon does not have the option of contacting the seller or even Amazon itself directly. All the buyer can do is go through the quite artifi cial procedure having very limited options; mostly only refund.

Another big feature of ebay grievance ad-dressal is that if the wrong product is sent to the buyer, and the seller doesn’t respond quickly within the stipulated time to the buyer’s request, the buyer gets to keep the product and is fully reimbursed as well. Same happens if the product does not reach the buyer by the stipulated deadline, the buyer can instantly demand full refund, and may also keep the product when it arrives. Ebay: Amazon:

exact, e buyer’s

ddress, and hipping rates

zonstipuloften seChina, Honcountries, posand may take esometimes.

However, ebaytive interface, it a

Story Faisal Mohammed Naim

s of info here eller’s ratings, seller’s name separate win-

owever, that nce of the

hether and

d

Payment OptiThe ebay has Ppunch to Amazoall the paymentdoes includingand debit catry specizon.in card

Ebay vs Amazon

THE BUYINGWARS

ConclusionBoth the sites are unmatched in their product diversity and excellent cus-tomer service. Though Amazon is rated above ebay by most, but it is only because they take the local US operations into consideration more. Also, almost all the reviews and opinions are created from the sellers’ perspective. For internation-al buyers, ebay is more convenient with a pleasing user interface, more accurate details, and easy payment options.

TOO Verdict: With Paypal assur-ance, and a very detailed dispute resolu-tion centre, shopping is a more carefree jolly-go-round experience on ebay. —faisal@timesofoman.com

Which is your favourite shopping hub? Pundits and critics

rate Amazon higher than ebay, but that’s largely from the

sellers’ perspective. Here we are pitting each against the other

on various crucial parameters, which also includes a buyer’s

perspective. Let’s see who emerges as the winner.

FIND-IT-ALLC6 M O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

Dhuhr 12.24pm

Asr 3.45pm

Maghrib 6.15pm

Isha 7.25pm Fajr (Tomorrow) 5.14am

PRAYER TIMINGS

CITY CINEMAContact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.netfacebook.com/citycinemaoman

SHATTIKings of Egypt – 3D (Adventure) 12+Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler3:30, 9:00 & 11:30PMKings of Egypt – 2D (Adventure) 12+Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler6:30PMDead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) 12+Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin3:00, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:45PMColonia (Mystery / Suspense / History) 15+Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin5:15, 9:30 & 11:45PMBarbie: Spy Squad (Animation | Family) TBCVoice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh5:45PMZoolander 2 (Comedy) 12+Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz3:45 & 7:15PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALLDead Pool – 2D (12+) Action | Sci-Fi |Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin3:35, 6:55, 9:30, 11:45 PMGold Class – 6:15 PMKings of Egypt – 2D (12+) AdventureCast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster12:00, 4:30, 9:00, 11:30 PMGold Class –3:30, 8:30, 11:00 PMZoolander 2 – 2D (12+) ComedyCast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz2:30, 7:30 PMBarbie: Spy Squad – 2D (TBC) Animation Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh2:05 PMAlvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (PG) Animation | Adventure | ComedyVoice Overs: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg12:15, 5:40 PM

PANORAMA MALLKings of Egypt (Adventure, Fantasy) (MX4D)Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler3:30, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 PM; (12+)Kings of Egypt-3D (Adventure) (12+)Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler4:45, 7:00, 9:15, 11:45 PMKings of Egypt-3D (Adventure, Fantasy) (12+)-VIP LOUNGECast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler3:30, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 PMZoolander 2-2D (Comedy) (12+)Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz3:00, 5:00, 7:15 PMUnnatural-2D (Action, Horror) (15+)Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn5:30 PMColonia-2D (Drama) (15+)Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, Michael Nyqvist3:15, 9:15, 11:30 PMDead Pool-2D (action, Adventure) (12+)Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin2:30, 7:15, 9:30, 11:30 PM

AZAIBA Dead Pool (2D) (Action |Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin3:30, 6:30, 11:45 PMFitoor (2D) (Hindi) (Romance| Drama) (12+) Cast: Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Tabu3:00, 6:15 PMKings of Egypt (3D) (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler3:00, 6:15, 9:00, 11:30 PMNeerja (2D) (Hindi) (Biographical) (PG12) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azami2:45, 5:15, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30 PMKanithan (2D) (Tamil) (Action ) (TBC) Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa8:45 PMAction Hero Biju (2D) (Mal) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith9:00 PM

RUWIScreen 1Neerja (Action / Biography) –PG12Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani

3.30, 9.30 PMTere Bin Laden Dead or Alive (Comedy) –PG12Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda, Ali Zafar6.30 PM

Screen 2Tere Bin Laden Dead or Alive (Comedy) –PG12Cast: Manish Paul, Pradhuman, Mia Uyeda 3.45, 9.45 PMNeerja (Action / Biography) –PG12Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi6.45 PM

Screen 3Fitoor (Romance / Drama) –12 +Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Katrina Kaif, Tabu3.45, 9.45 PMSanam Re (Romance / Drama) –12 +Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Yami Gautam, Urvashi Rautela6.45 PM

SUR

King of Egypt - 3D (Action | Adventure) (12+)

Cast: Gerard Butler, Brenton Thwaites4:45, 7:10, 11:30 PMAction Hero Biju (Mal) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith10:30 PMUnnatural (Action | Horror) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn5:00, 8:45 PM.The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice7:00 PMDead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin9:30 PM

SOHARDead Pool– 2D (Action/Sc-Fi) (12+)Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin2:45, 6:45, 11:30PMKings of Egypt-2D (Adventure) (12+)Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster2:45, 9:45PMKings of Egypt– 3D (Adventure) (12+)Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster3:30, 9:00, 11:30PMThe Benefactor – 2D (Drama) (15+)Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning, Theo James5:00PMZoolander 2– 2D (Comedy) (12+)Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz3:00, 7:15PMUnnatural – 2D (Action/Horror/Thriller) (15+)Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn5:00, 11:55PMColonia– 2D (Mystery/Suspense) (15+)Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl2:30, 9:30, 11:45PMTrumbo– 2D (Biographical) (PG12)Cast: Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren4:45PMNeerja– 2D (Biographical) (PG12)Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi6:45PMKanithan– 2D (Action/Thriller) (PG)Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa,8:45PMMiruthan– 2D (Action/Romance) (15+)Cast: Jayam Ravi, Lakshmi Menon, Kali Venkat7:15PMAction Hero Biju – 2D (Action) (PG12)Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith

9:15PM

BURAIMI

Dead Pool (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Moreno Baccarin, T.J. Miller7:05, 9.30, 11.30PMZoolander 2 (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz. 5.15, 7.30PMUnnatural (Action | Horror| Thriller) (15+) Cast: James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn9.50PM The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice5.30, 11.45PMKings of Egypt (3D) (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler4.30, 9.05, 11.30PMAction Hero Biju- (Mal) (Action) PG12Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith

7.15PM

SALALAH

Kings of Egypt (3D) (12+) (Action )Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster11:30, 8:55, 11:30PMKings of Egypt (2D) (12+) (Action )2:15PMDead Pool (2D) (12+) (Action | Sci-Fi)Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin12:00, 2:25, 6:30, 11:55PMThe Faith of Anna Waters (2D) (15+) Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice4:15PMThe Benefactor (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning4:45PMColonia (2D) (15+) (Mystery / Suspense) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl2:00, 6:35, 11:35PMZoolander 2 (2D) (12+) (Comedy) Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz11:45AM, 4:30PMNeerja (2D) (PG12) (Hindi | Biographical) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi6:40PM Action Hero Biju (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anu Emmanuel, Devi Ajith9:05PMKanithan (2D) (TBC) (Tamil) (Action)Cast Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa8:45PM

CINEMA SCHEDULE 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

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

Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340

International Medical

Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5

Kims Oman Hospital 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency 24760123

Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128

MBD 24799077

Al Khuwair 24478818

Magrabi Eye and

Ear Hospital 24568870

Muscat Private Hospital 24583600

Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment

Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666

Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000

AIRLINE OFFICES

Muscat Airport Flight information

(24 hours) 24519456/24519223

Aeroflot 24704455

Air Arabia 24700828

Air France 24562153

Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732

Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128

British Airways 24568777

Cathay Pacific 24789818

Egypt Air 24794113

Emirates Air 24404400

Ethiopian Airlines 24660313

Gulf Air 80072424

Indian 24791914

Iran Air 24787423

Japan Airlines 24704455

Jazeera Airways 23294848

Jet Airways 24787248

Kenya Airways 24660300

KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737

Kuwait Airways 24701262

LOT Polish Airlines 24796387

Lufthansa 24796692

Malaysian Airlines 24560796

Middle East Airlines 24796680

Oman Air 24531111

Pakistan International

Airlines 24792471

Qatar Airways 24771900

Qantas 24559941

Royal Jordanian 24796693

Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485

Singapore Airlines 24791233

Shaheen Air 24816565

SriLankan Airlines 24784545

Swiss International

Airlines 24796692

Thai Airways 24705934

LISTINGS

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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 Sohar 15:45 Daily

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 Nizwa 10:20 Daily

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

10:00 Salalah 23:30 Daily

19:00 Salalah 07:40 Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

06:00 Marmul 16:50 Daily

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102)

15:00 Dubai 07:00 Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201)

06:00 Sohar 08:30 Daily

06:00 Dubai 11:30 Daily

13:00 Sohar 15:30 Wed,Thur

13:00 Dubai 18:30 Wed,Thur

15:00 Sohar 17:35 Daily

15:00 Dubai 20:55 Daily

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)

07:00 Sohar 08:55 Daily

07:00 Ruwi 11:40 Daily

13:30 Ruwi 20:20 Daily via Ibri

13:00 Sohar 14:55 Daily

13:00 Ruwi 17:40 Daily

13:00 Sohar 19:20 Daily

17:00 Ruwi 22:15 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

07:00 Ruwi 10:25 Daily

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

06:00 Nizwa 08:40 Daily

06:00 Ruwi 11:00 Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

15:40 Nizwa 17:55 Daily

15:40 Ruwi 20:20 Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

06:00 Ruwi 10:45 Daily

14:30 Ruwi 19:00 Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

12:30 Fahud 13:15 Daily

12:30 Ruwi 17:30 Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

07:00 Ruwi 19:50 Daily

10:00 Marmul 13:15 Daily

10:00 Ruwi 22:30 Daily

19:00 Ruwi 07:30 Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

06:00 Marmul 16:30 Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

15:00 Salalah 07:00 Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201)

07:30 Sohar 10:50 Daily

07:30 Ruwi 13:40 Daily

13:00 Sohar 16:15 Thur-Fri

13:00 Ruwi 19:10 Thur-Fri

15:30 Sohar 18:45 Daily

15:30 Ruwi 21:35 Daily

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

@SOHAR @AZAIBA

Trumbo– 2D (Biographical) (PG12)Cast: Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren, Diane Lane4:45PM

Dead Pool (2D) (Action |Sci-Fi) (12+) Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller3:30, 6:30, 11:45 PM

BAHJA CINEMAFilm information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

Kings of Egypt (Adventure / Fantasy)Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler2.00, 5.30, 9.30 & 11.55 PM CP No: 341 (12+)The Faith of Anna Waters (Horror)Cast: Matthew Settle, Elizabeth Rice7.45 & 11.55 PM CP No: 342 (15+)Colonia (Drama / History / Romance)Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, Michael Nyqvist2.00, 6.00 & 10.00 PM CP No: 343 (15+)Zoolander 2 (Comedy)Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz4.00 & 8.00 PM CP No: 344 (12+)Barbie Spy Squad (Animation)Voice Overs: Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh, Jenny Pellicer4.15 PM; CP No: 345 (PG)

STAR CINEMAFilm information 24791641 / 24786776

Website: www.isurf.co.om

Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anu Emmanuel 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema Main Kanithan (Tamil) (Com \ Act) Cast: Atharvaa & Catherine Tresa 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema –2 Neerja (Hindi) (Act\ Drama) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi6:45 PM Cinema-4Pavaada (Mal) (Com\ Act) Cast: Prithviraj & Miya George3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Aarathu Sinam (Tamil) (Act) Cast: Arulnithi & Aishwarya Rajesh 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -3Next Change: Puthiya Nitamam (Mal) on 3rd

March; Pokkiri Raja (Tamil)

Programmes are subject to change

@PANORAMA MALL

Kings of Egypt (Adventure, Fantasy) (MX4D) (12+)Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler3:30, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 PM

WEATHER

290

Maximum

230

Minimum

TEMPERATURE

90-50%RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

WITH LOVE

LIFESTYLEC7M O N DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

A watch is never just a watch. More than your timekeeper, it is your pride that you wear on your wrist. Any watch you buy is a premium watch, simply because

you love it. You never buy a watch for the need of it; at least not these days, when every other thing around you is doing the job (your smartphone is more than enough for time telling). You buy it for the love of it, and what you love com-mands your utmost attention, no matter what others may think of it.

The worst villains in your love story with the watch are scratches: even the slightest blemish hurts your pride very much as the scar mocks you staring right into your eyes every time light dances on your beloved’s face.

And no matter how much you might try to protect your timepiece, you could still end up getting one scratch here, a brush there; you can’t fi ght fate after all. And let’s be hon-est everyone who is a watch freak is somewhat of a perfectionist. This means that while we love looking at the watch every now and then, we hate seeing even the slightest scratch or scuff on it.

Matter of fact is if you actually wear the watches in your collection, there’s really no way to avoid the occasional brush with something that’s harder than the case of the watch. The result of these encoun-ters can range from something not much more obvious than a swirl mark to a scratch that seems to overwhelm the rest of the watch.

So what is important is to know how to refi nish your own watches,

rather than deciding to give up on wearing your watches better left safe in the safe (not an exciting proposition — the latter one). You must learn the art of keeping your watch spotless by yourself. Jewel-lers and commercial refi nishing services on the whole do a miserable job that would hardly satisfy you.

You only end up paying dearly amounts, with over or under buff -ing and rather disappointing fi nish in most cases. After all your watch matters only to you, who paid up-front to own it; the probably un-derpaid guy at the watch repair shop would have least regard for it to pay proper attention. His aim is to rather make haste and fi nish the job anyhow.

With a little knowledge, even an absolute novice can easily re-move the most horrifi c scuff s and

scratches and re-create the fi nish their watch used to fl aunt so much in its heyday.

If the scratch or scuff sits on high-polish (mirrored) area of the watch, and isn’t very deep; a Cape Cod Pol-ishing Cloth and a little bit of pa-tience rubbing it softly but fi rmly on the scratched surface will do the job.

Even if the scratch is deeper, a Dremel or roto-tool along with a Deep Scratch Kit will make it go away quickly. If the scratch is on a brushed area (satin finish) like the clasp or outer links of a pre-mium bracelet (like Rolex), then a Satin Refinishing Pad is all that is required.

If the blemish is on a brushed area that’s close to the crown or a pusher or on the bezel or lugs of your watch, then a Satin/Titanium Refi nishing Pen is the best bet since it allows you

to get into much smaller areas. To remove scratches from a

titanium watch, use a Titanium Refinishing Pad or the Satin/Ti-tanium Refinishing Pen. If you own more than one watch, you might want to check out the Ulti-mate Watch Refinishing Kit that gives you absolutely everything you need to refinish any stainless steel, yellow gold, rose gold, plat-inum, or titanium watch. All of these products are easily available at watch service outlets (or online) and cost signifi cantly less than one commercial refi nishing job.

One common mistake to strictly refrain from is using jewellery pol-ishing cloth that’s coated with red rouge, to polish your watch.

Stop worrying too much and en-joy your watches. Flaunt your style on the wrist. — faisal@timesofoman.com

STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIMWATC H O U TAs with all things premium, owning an expensive watch also calls for exclusive

care. Even a most minute scar could very much mar the beauty of your timepiece.

We bring the ins and outs of watch care — how to remove scuff s and scratches

and refi nishing your watch on your own.

With a little knowledge,

even an absolute novice

can easily remove the

most horrific scuffs and

scratches and re-create the

finish their watch used to

flaunt so much in its heyday

LIFESTYLEC8 M O N DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 9, 2 0 1 6

.

Top 10 Future Strategic

Technology Trends US based information technology research and advisory

fi rm, Gartner has identifi ed the top ten strategic

technology trends for 2016 which could revolutionise

the already much advanced digital media across various

platforms, making a signifi cant impact on businesses

The Device Mesh “A mesh of devices extending well beyond traditional mo-bile devices.” – David Cearley

Information of EverythingInformation issues: Isolated, incomplete, unavailable, and unintelligible. The solution: Information of everything.

Ambient User ExperienceA user experience that works across the device mesh, time, and space.

3D Printing MaterialsThere will be steady 3D printing expansions over the next 20 years causing a rethink of as-sembly line 7 supply chain processes.

Advanced Machine LearningDeep neutral nets (make machines appear intelligent). As such machines will autonomously learn to perceive the world.

Adaptive Security ArchitectureThreats have increased, security must improve.

Advanced System Architecture High demand computing requires neuromorphic

architectures which work like a human brain.

Mesh App and Service Architecture Whatsapp design needs lessmonolithic and linear design. Whatsapp design needs to be agile, fl exible, and dynamic.

Internet of Things PlatformsPlatforms constitute the behind the scenes work that is needed to make ‘the internet of things’ and the digital mesh possible.

Autonomous Agents and ThingsMachine learning off ers virtual personal assistants,

autonomous vehicles, smart advisors, and robots.

Source: Gartner.com

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

M O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6

RENT D2

*Classifi ed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication.

* Subject to space availability

*Tourist visa arranged

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifi eds@timesofoman.comTel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

D2 M O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Luxury flat for rent in Bareeq Al Shatti buildingSpacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes,

kitchen appliance. Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable. Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

2 Room, 2 Bathroom, kitchen

cat parking 200 Rails. Contact:

92005298

2 BHK Muttrah near Oman House

with A/Cs. Contact: 95915154

2 BHK A/C split, available near Al

Nahdha Hospital.

Contact: 96987335/99572460

Villa and fl ats for rent in AL Amer-

at (Al Atkeya). Contact: 99425184

Flat for rent in Hamriya.

Contact 99341112

Shop (rent 250/ 400) commercial

/ Residential building 1& 2 bed fl at

(fl at rent 350+ 250) available in

Wadi Kabir (Near Lulu) one bed fl at

200/- Wadi Al Kabir (near Toyota.

Contact: 92325212 /99451168

Flats for rent 2BHK sitting room,

3 bathrooms, kitchen, big balcony

split A/C Wadi AL Kabir 300/-

R.O. Contact: 99324402

Flats in Darsait. 94051789-

97201688

Flats in Wadi Kabir. 94051789-

97201688

Fully Furnished apartments in

Boucher (35). 94051789-97201688

New building offi ce for rent

Muttrah 2nd fl oor. Contact:

99364735/24714791/95729711

Single room with A/C & WIFI

having separate entrance for

non –cooking Indian execu-

tive, near Rawasco, AL Khu-

wair rent 130/- (W& E). Contact

92888691/95397442/97201100

Warehouse at wadi Kabir 300SQM

– 6 MTR, height. Contact: 99711949

Room Al Khuwair R.O 110/-.

Contact: 97799175

Flat with two rooms with window

A/C, with toilets & car parking

way No: 1670 north Al Hail near

Dosteen restaurant 1KM Inside.

Contact: 99238334

2BHK split A/C 320/- monthly & 1

BHK split A/C 250/- Ghobrah south

near Grand mosque.

Contact: 99342661

3 BHK fl ats 2Nos with A/C new

building behind Muscat

bakery opposite Mars supermar-

ket at Wadi AL Kabir. Contact:

99338133/92103604

2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly

& 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly

new building good location Barka

Market. Contact: 99342661

3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/-

Monthly. Contact: 99342661

Flats in Muttrah. 94051789-

97201688

Offi ces in Ghala. 94051789-

97201688

2 Bedroom ground fl oor apart-

ment with sitting & 2 baths + big

kitchen close to Indian School near

to Maya supermarket Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 98011224

Offi ces & Showrooms in Muttrah.

94051789-97201688

Duplex villa in Qurum 29.

94051789-97201688

Offi ces & Showrooms in

Al Khoud.94051789-97201688

1 BHK fl at with split A.C, balcony

near Wadi Adai signal.

Contact: 95042855

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

94051789-97201688

For rent and investment Land

industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842

2 bedrooms fl at for rent in Azaiba

with split ac. 300/ monthly.

Contact- 92447365

Full furniture room for rent for

family monthly 200/- .

Contact: 99251975

Flats in Qurum. Contact

94051789-97201688

Villa is composed of 5 bedrooms

and sitting toilets and 5 living

room, kitchen and Seeb (North

Al Hail). Contact: 91130875

Ghobrah. Big bedroom, bathroom,

huge terrace. Non-cooking Indian

female/male - Manager/Sr. Exec.

Vegetarian non-drinkers only.

Contact 99283938

Wadi Kabir new building 2 bed-

rooms rent. Contact: 99313274

2 BHK fl at behind Nesto hyper-

market with split A/C R.O 220/.

Contact 91642157/97653524

Offi ce space 350 Sqm, C.B.D.

Contact: 99024730

Flat, 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet in

AL Khuwair family bachelors

R.O 160/-. Contact: 95154331

House in Amerat near to Makah

hypermarket with 3 room+ 5 toilet+

hall+ living room+ kitchen.

Contact 98885055/ 92744168

1BHK Flat with spilt A/C near

star cinema 210/-. Contact:

99358589/95570288 /97079146

Flat for rent south Al Mabela.

Contact: 95331177/95230355

2 Bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car

park R.O 200/- & 1 bedroom,

kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in

Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100,

2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O

200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact: 95154331

1B/R apartment executive fully

furnished at AL Khuwair 33 & 5

B/R villa unfurnished at Madinat

Al Ilam & 5 B/R villa furnished at

Madinat Al Ilam. Contact: Atlas

Real Estate & rent a car LLC

24834888/99249069/92888376

/94617563

Email: info@alshahiintl.com

Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair

33 RO.650/- Contact – 91776665

2 BHK fl at for rent Darsait near

Muscat Pharmacy, ISM.

Contact: 95158570

One / two B/R , RES / Comm fl at

near Bank Muscat Bausher directly

from owner. Contact: 92158031

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent. 18

November Street. Near Mars Hyper-

market and The Chedi. Ghobrah -Good

for Commercial or Residential use.

OMR 295/- month. Call 94477222

2 BHK fully furnished fl at at Ruwi

MBD area. Contact – 93211557 /

24814853

Villa in Al-Khuwair 33. Quality

Finishing. Consist 5 Bedrooms, 1

Living room, 3 Lounges, All with A/C,

Kitchen and storage.

Contact: 90665135

1BHK near medical Darsait R.O 180/-

Contact: 95076261

Modern and spacious 4 bedroom

twin villa for rent in Azaiba north

behind Nov 18st with detached

maids room. Contact 99317349

Contact : 24 70 30 60

FOR RENT RUWI :

Ware House - 630 M2SPACIOUS -2 B H K FLATS

& 1 B H KCBD:

SHOWROOM & OFFICE-Mezz.fl oor

DAILY GUIDEM O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6 D3

FOR RENT

FOR SALEADVERTISEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHANGE OF NAME

WAREHOUSE AVAILABLE FOR RENT

IN BALADIA SANAYAH AMIRAT

(Floor area 600sqmtrs and mezzanine of 500sqmtrs)

1100sqmts fully cover warehouse

& staff accommodati onsPlease contact: G.S.M

99417229/92621039

Running shop with paint machine for sale in kadra

- Prime locati on with good daily sales - 260 Square meters- Warehouse facility - Staff accommodati on

BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALE

Interested parti es may call 9322 3382 or mail to cs@mpesllc.com

Steel rack sets (Godown).

Contact: 94521205

Urgent sale of steel scrap only

serious buyers kindly

contact: +968 96725423

for viewing the items.

Scrap for sale to inspection. Con-

tact Mr. Ravi Nair: 99329514

Big shop for sale near K.M Trading

Ruwi. Contact: 99636476

Nursery School for sale. Well es-

tablished Nursery school running

for over 18 years in Muscat with

all Furniture, Play Equipments,

Licenses & Permits for immediate

sale. Whatsapp: 99353017

Email: nurserymuscat@gmail.com

Space for printing press available

at wadikabir with or without

machinery. Contact 99328430

Shop for sale near Oman House,

Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Porta cabin for sale in Misfah.

Contact: 99442438 / 96578789

Tailoring shop for sale Al Khuwair.

Contact: 96500940

Fire rated portacabins and steel

caravans. ContacT: 94058574

Small business for sale in

reputable shopping center.

Contact 97207440

Marble factory for sale

location Misfah. Contact:

99489453/99838439

Commercial fl ats of 3 & 2 BHK

in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street

RO.650/- & 450/- #91776665

Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Flats in WadiKabir. Contact - 94051789-97201688

600 M2 showroom or offi ce in

Bousher in front of Dolphin

complex. RO.3.5 per m2.

Contact 91776665

Fully Furnished apartments in

Boucher (35) Contact - 94051789-

97201688

Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai

compound Al Khoud. RO.475/-

Contact – 91776665

Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in

Al Ghobra North. RO.525/-

Contact – 91776665

Luxury and brand new semi

furnished 2 BHK fl at in Remalbow-

sher. RO.550/- Contact – 91776665

Mini Furnished Apartment in

Qurum. Contact 94051789-

97201688

Spacious 1 BHK fl at in Al Wattaya

with all split A/C’s and parking.

RO.300/-Contact – 91776665

Offi ces & Showrooms in Al Khoud. Contact 94051789-

97201688

Offi ces & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Warehouse at Wadikabir - total

area 3500 sqm - covered ware-

house (500sqm), offi ce,

accommodation (1000sqm), open

area (2000sqm) please

contact: 99273774 - 99202278

Flats for rent at Mawaleh near

Omantel main offi ce opposite Lulu

bandar comprises 3 rooms,

2 toilets and one kitchen OMR

250/- Per month. Contact:

93131497 or 99203435

Shop for rent near Al Nahdha Hospi-

tal. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499

Flats for rent in Ruwi Mumtaz

area 2 bedroom. Contact:

91409667/24291500

Flat for rent in Al Hail

south 2 bedroom. Contact:

91409667/24291500

2 BHK Flats for rent, Muttrah near

Oman house S/ AC.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Concrete Batching Plant for sale

A good running condition, UK Pemat Mixer, 50CBM

Per hour production capacity Plant for sale.Interested parties may

please call Mr Mateen - 92892209

Sreejith - 99478263

1 No. Prado VX 8 SPL A/T (model 2008) KM: 350694

Colour: white pearl (petrol)

1 No. Corolla 1.8 XLI PWR A/T (model 2008) KM: 245071)

Colour: super white

Please send off er to :- desbyrne@omantel.net.om

FOR SALE

ACC. AVAILABLE

Sharing acc. Available near

Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 97242114

Self contained furnished room in

decent villa for rent at

Ghobrah North,

Contact 92595830/24495667.

Furnished room attached bath for

Indian bachelor & lady Wadi Kabir

near Mars hypermarket.

Contact: 96202458/96761960

Bachelor room available in

Al Khuwair. Contact: 95250161

Sharing room partner required for

executive bachelor in Ruwi shar-

ing toilets, including (E& W) WIFI

is available in Ruwi, OPP Karama

hypermarket rent 60/- R.O.

Contact: 92205097/91384654

Execute bachelor room available

behind Kamat restaurant

Al Khuwair for nesses.

Contact 94271085 /92261906

Spacious semi furnished room with

separate bathroom for executive

bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi.

Call: 92273779

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage.

Contact 93687466

Single rooms with kitchen

available at Ruwi. Contact:

91214897/98049288

Furnished bedroom with at-

tached bath and kitchen separate

entrance available for executive

bachelor for R.O 150/- All inclusive

in a villa opp star cinema.

Contact: 99314807

Room with attached bathroom

and sharing kitchen available for

Executive bachelor or small

family at wadikabir

Contact 9304 9849

Room available in Mumtaz area

1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen &

1 room, common bathroom.

Interested please Contact:

92680041 Mr. Altaf

Luxury Apartments in Bousher

(35). 95056808-97201688

Almost new beach/ garden lounge

chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos

can be sent 95865457

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale

at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 /

What`s up No 97290565

Dental clinic for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 92882209/96373097

HD Scaff oldings, Shuttering

Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering

wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift),

Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine,

Steel Fabrication Machinery

(Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding)

including tools for immediate sale:

Contact 99273774/ 99202278

Villas in Al Khoud. 95056808-

97201688

Well established coff ee shop / res-

taurant prime location at AL Khoud.

Contact: 92188777/98700760

Steel Scrap materials for

immediate sale:

Contact 99273774/ 99202278

SALE OF OWNERSHIP OF INSTITUTE A new fully furnished institute with one UK brand

English learning franchise program with study materials at prime location, near City Center,

near Shell Petrol Pump, Mawelah, Muscat. Interested persons contact:

infoduqumoil@gmail.com or call on GSM 92828693

AVAILABLE

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirt-

ing, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery,

Crockery, Glassware, Chafi ng Dishes,

Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound

Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering

and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound &

Light. ww.tunesoman.com,

E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC.WANTED

Accommodation required with

food for 1 month, bachelor for

March month.

Preferably Al Ghobrah area.

Contact: 99335742

WELL FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE & CAMP ACCOMODATION

AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN GHALA INDUSTRIAL AREA

Ideal for workers, staff members Catering facility opti on available

&4WDs/Pick up’s/Heavy Vehicles

are available for sale on as is where is basis.

The vehicles can be inspected at our premises at Ghala.

Contact : 94057473

Flats in Darsait. Contact -

94051789-97201688

Offi ces in Qurum opposite City

Center. Contact 94051789-

97201688

Duplex villa in Qurum 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

WANTED

IELTS Coaching (academic) required

nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call

on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

BUYING

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

Buying cars for cash.Contact:

90202090

GOOD NEWS

Ayurvedic treatment for joint

pain, backache, paralysis, mas-

sage, steambath, obesity, spondy-

litis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic,

18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know

more about Islam, please call:

99425598, 99250777, 99353988,

99253818, 99341395, and

99379133. For ladies: 99415818,

99321360, 99730723

Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

Ayurvedic treatment for back-

ache, paralysis, arthritis etc

& massage, All Season (Vaid-

yaratnam).Contact:24475280 /

95371664 / 92504980

www.siddhayur.com

NRI

Land for Sale. House Plots for Sale

in Athrampuzha, Kottayam very

close to MG University. Please

contact 99412383(Oman) or

00918129917061(India)

New 3 BHK villas in Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu for immediate sale.

Contact: 95264562

Flat for sale Kerala Thiruvanan-

thapuram 3 bed room Flat in cy-

ber Palm (SFS) Area 1860sqf Flat

in cyber gate way, Area 1159.

Cont no +91 99-95-674657,

00968 92967614.

MATRIMONIAL

Hindu Boy -30 Yrs MBA Finance

Graduate working in Muscat seeking

alliance of Hindu girl only.

Contact: 98278401

Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from

widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact: 96059801.

The declaration announces /

waheeda bint laheg bin Said AL

Sesani examines and partner to

trade / solidarity recorded with

the secretariat of the commercial

register of the ministry of trade

and industry (1128732) was in

the process of changing its name

to companies / projects sands

tone for trade / solidarity There-

fore, inform all interested by this

amendment.

M/s.Al Ruqa Ships Service Co. LLC, which is registered with the

Commercial Registry under CR No.

1151229 hereby announces that

it is going to change its commer-

cial name to M/s. Farlin Minerals

Co.LLC. Therefore, all stakeholders

shall be notifi ed of this change.

I Antonio Apolinario Baptista (holder of Indian passport No. F

8093246 ) Son of Apolinario Bap-

tista having permanent residence

in H. NO 17/A, Sanglem Ward ,

Majorda – Goa ( complete postal

address in India ) and presently

residing in P.O. Box 3586, Postal

code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate Of Oman

(complete postal in Oman) intend

to change my name from Antonio

Apolinario Bartista (old name) to

Antonio Baptista ( new name) for

all practical purpose. Any objec-

tion towards my name change

may please be communicated to

Embassy of India, Muscat, diplo-

matic Quarters, AL Khuwair, P.Box

No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi,

Sultanate of Oman.

*Classifi ed Advertisement

space booking with text,

should be done till 12.00 noon

for next day’s publication. *

Subject to space availability

DAILY GUIDED4 M O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6

SITUATION WANTEDSITUATION VACANT SITUATION WANTEDSITUATION WANTED

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifi eds@timesofoman.comTel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461Fax: 24812624

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

DRIVER

MEDICAL

MEDICAL SALES / MARKETING

DRIVER

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

ADMIN

ADMIN

CATERING

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN

ADMIN

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

SALES / MARKETING

Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp

looking job. Contact: 99531802

Required urgently a Legal Consultant/ Lawyer for reputed

law fi rm in Sohar, Muscat. Can-

didates should have 5-7 years

experience as a Legal Consultant/

Lawyer with good knowledge of

Computer & should be fl uent in

English both written & spoken.

Email C V to shejaanil66@gmail.

com or Contact 99153620

between 8am to 1pm & 2pm to

5.30 pm on Sunday to Thursday

Interior designer 4years experi-

ence design and supervision skills

(3D Max AutoCAD Photoshop.

Contact: 95246737

Email: yassalnajjar@gmail.com

Autocad Drafting, part time/

full time, 2D & 3D, Architectural,

Structural, MEP, Shop drawing ,

experienced. Ph: 90189070

AutoCAD draftsman experience 2

years. Contact: 93738335 /95809393

Email: mammoosing@gmail.com

Autocad D/MAN, experienced,

2D & 3D, ARCH, Structural, Revit,

Interior Dwg PH: 93837973

Interior Designer 3 years

experience, AutoCAD 2D & 3D

Max & Photoshop.

Contact number: 99025312

MBA Finance Indian lady 23

yrs currently on visit visa family

resident Oman seeking opportunity

for career enhancement in suitable

fi rms ready to join immediately.

Contact: 99872664 /92651331

Indian male good experienced in

Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in

India & Oman, presently on visit

visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687

Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in com-

merce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/

fi nance fi eld. On visit visa. Immedi-

ately available. Contact 92836216 /

muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELP

DOMESTIC HELP

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Part time Accounting / Data entry

services. Contact: 93477447

Sri Lankan lady experienced in

key accounts, Market Demand

planning & Communications,

Brand/Sales in multinationals

seeks placement in Muscat.

Contact 98250829

Part Time Accounting, Accounts

Finalization as per IFRS, Audit

Preparation, Project Report, Train-

ing for Accountants, Internal Audit,

Accounting System for New

Companies, Contact: 96975454,

email:ibfc.gcc@gmail.com

Accounting Asst, BBA Mcom Tally

Peach Tree ph: 98269281

25 Years/Male Indian/B.com with

2 Years Experience/Seeking Job in

Finance and accounts/Skills Tally

ERP9/SAP-FICO/MS Offi ce. Immedi-

ately Joining.

Contact No: +96897184087

Email: modi_harshal@ymail.com

Indian male Accountant look-

ing for a suitable placement in

Salalah. More than 20 years exp

in accounting job (up to fi naliza-

tion of accounts) 8 years working

experience in middle east in Dubai,

Muscat & Salalah.

Contact - 91325029

Experienced Accountant seeks

suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 96902860

Indian male, 22 yrs B.SC gradu-

ate having computer knowledge

and valid Oman driving license

presently in Oman seeks suitable

placements in accounting fi eld or

offi ce. Contact: 92508069

Chief Accountant 25 years expe-

rienced looking for part/full time

accountant job.

Contact: 95598477/98803439

Sri Lankan Male, Holder of Diploma

in Management Accounting and

Student of Chartered institute of

Management Accountants (CIMA).

Have 3years accounting experience

I am available at Muscat on VISIT

VISA GSM: 90660764

E-mail:insafali92@gmail.com

Indian male 40 yrs knows M.S Of-

fi ce excel & Tally 2 yrs experience

in account & 2 yrs experience in

marketing valid D/L seeks suitable

placement in marketing.

Contact: 92409891

Email: danoman@yahoo.co.in

MBA fi nance with total experi-

ence of 4 years in fi nance opera-

tions (management information

system) sales / Marketing and

retail currently 3 month on visit

visa. Contact: +968 99739330 /

+968 91966020

Email: faiz.faisal3@gmail.com

M.com (fi nance) post gradu-

ate having 3 years experience in

processing, accounting customer

care with multinational companies

seeking suitable placement in

Oman. Contact: 92794845 Email:

sowas.peer@gmail.com

Chartered Accountant - Indian

with 8 yrs + Exp in Finance/Ac-

counts/Auditing in Oman & UAE.

Seeking suitable position in Mus-

cat/Dubai and available immedi-

ately for joining. NOC Available,

urgent available till 29th Feb in

Oman. Contact #: 98707434

Email: casmart007@gmail.com

Indian Male 28, M. Com with 3 yr

Oman exp in Accounts with valid

D/L on visit Visa available to join

immediately. GSM: 94744575.

Email:sidharth673@gmail.com

Jordanian, Senior accountant, 15

yrs experience in Oman fi nance &

accountant. Contact: 92881223

Indian male, B.Com with 6 years

experience as an Accountant,

looking for suitable placement.

Mob: 93903458 ,

Email : Akkandyrijesh@gmail.com

Indian male 25 B.Com (graduate)

2 years experience as accountant

in country club India with ERP ora-

cle r12, tally knowledge. On visit

visa immediately available.

Email: shabi.hyd@gmail.com

Contact- 9042-1161

Accounts fi nance Indian male

35 years B.com MBA (F)

7 years experience tally ERP9

valid Oman D/L family visa.

Contact: 93257426/95230114

Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com

Sri Lankan male 5yrs experienced

in Sales & Accounts, seeking

suitable position with NOC &

DL.Contact:93369940

Indian male MBA (F) with 6 years

of experience as accountant pro-

fi ciency in A/C software like tally,

focus, Sap (FICO) seeking suitable

placement. Contact: 98665219

Email: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp.

in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Re-

lease Available) GSM.92564955

Accounting Assistant, BBA

M.Com, tally, peach tree, can work

on current visa ph: 98269281

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with

13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in

manufacturing, trading & con-

tracting Cos, capable of handling

all accounting, fi nance, banking,

L/C, import, export & fi nalization

seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752,

mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com

Required Smart, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3

years sales experience in building

materials for Omani branded prod-

uct. Omani Driving License and NOC

is must. Apply with photograph to

E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com.

Challenging tyres Omani compa-

nies seeking for Sales Man only

an tyres division sales minimum

2 years experience send CV to

saeed@liwainvestments.com

Urgently required female person to work at the retail shop for imme-

diate appointment.Housemaid with

release may apply. For enquirers

please Whatsapp: 95907300

Required Salesman, Tailor and Barber. Contact: 96964767

Software company is recruiting

minimum 2-3 years experienced

Female Tele Sales Executive. Interested candidates are requested

to send their resume to-

omanerpsales@gmail.com

Required male / female Market-ing person for man power Supply

Company with minimum 3 years

experience with valid GCC / Oman

driving license.

Contact: 97158893 / 94148972.

Kindly send CV at

Email: rastllcmuscat@gmail.com

Required experienced Plumber with knowledge in copper, G. I

pipe and U.P.V.C Drainage work & Electrician knowledge in cable tray,

trunking, cable termination works.

Contact: 24505708 / 92830203

Email: excelgrd123@gmail.com

Required female Accountant postgraduate in commerce email:

mailcv7@gmail.com

fax: 24784202

Required gulf experienced Accountant cum Admin. Contact: +968 24494748,

Email:admin@aljazeeraglobal.com

Accountant with gulf experience

in construction fi eld preferred with

Oman driving license. Interested

candidates send CV to:

Email: omanhari@yahoo.com

Gsm: 95892831/95197615

Pakistani light driver looking job.

Contact 95604741

Light driver. Contact: 96756014

Pakistani male 30 years with

4 years experience in driving

license (Oman) light.

Contact: 97469730

Light vehicle driver GCC li-

cense seeking for job. Contact:

94801679

Looking for job driver 10 yrs exp.

Contact: 99035942

Indian light driver cum house

cleaner. Contact: 96255558

/99415443

20 years embassy experience

male driver looking for job valid

visa available. Contact: 94297820

Light driver for job experience

K.S.A & Oman 9 years.

Contact: 94297563

Looking for job driver K.S.A

7 years & Oman 5 years education

H.S.C. Contact: 93940319

Pakistani male light vehicle

driver looking for job.

Contact: 97690766

Light driver with car.

Contact: 96379697

Looking for job car driver.

Contact: 98388947

Looking for a part-time cook-cum-housemaid in Azaiba.

Call 92450197.

Looking for full-time Housemaid - please call 99385119.

Required Cleaners & offi ce boys. Contact 24707833

Looking for job as offi ce boy. Contact: 94640906 Email:

angelchowdhury515@gamil.com

Housemaid (overseas)

Indian family looking for job.

Contact 99531802

Looking for Indian or Bangla-deshi cook and Porata, Chapatti, maker for restaurant at Misfah.

Contact: 95212017

CATERING

MANAGER/SUPERVI.

MISCELLANEOUS

Civil Engineer with minimum 5/8

years experience with valid Oman

driving license. Contact Interested

candidates send CV to:

Email: omanhari@yahoo.com

Gsm: 95892831/95197615

MEP Engineer minimum Diploma

5 years experience in building

construction and with

driving license.

Contact- Fax- 24478522 /

Email – gh1.careers@gmail.com

Required candidates for following

posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers. Candidates with Omani driving

license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

Wanted driver. Contact: 91025698

Part or full time Driver Required

call us 91120552

Required a driver (light driver).

Contact: 92392979

ENGINEER

REQUIRED PROJECT MANAGER

For an Infra/ Bldg project in Duqm/Oman

Graduate Engineer with 20+ years experience preferably

in Oman/ GCC with valid D/L and transferable visa,

computer literate.

Send CV to Email : omanproject2011@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCERequired Gulf experienced Cleaning Supervisor, with /

without GCC driving license.

Contact: +968 24494748,

admin@aljazeeraglobal.com

SITUATION WANT-SIT. WANTED

28/male/MBA - fi nance/B.Com -

Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/

India experience looking for a

suitable placement.

Contact 90187483

shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

Wanted Marketing Personnel for Construction Company,

visa available. Contact: 95286741

Marketing Managers (girls for

Arabic restaurant) with mini-

mum 5/6 years gulf experience

with valid Oman driving license.

Preferred GCC people. Interested

candidates send CV to:

Email: omanhari@yahoo.com

Gsm: 95892831/95197615

Urgently Required Steel Fabri-cated Products Salesman with

an experience in steel fabrication,

MUST have Oman driving license,

and immediately join. Apply,

fax 00968–24605955, emails

sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com,

sbeoman@yahoo.com

Wanted Nurse for a dental centre in

capital area. Interested may contact

– 93431024 or send CV to –

drasyanaseem@gmail.com

Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately

for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact: 95081010

Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

Indian female (25) M.com Finance,

3 yrs, exp in accounts / fi nance

seeks suitable position in corporate

fi nance / Banking / consulting pur-

chase coordination / Admin. Now

in family visa. Contact: 96953705

Email: prapullasuvarna@gamil.

com

8 years of intensive Oman experi-

ence in procurement & supply chain

management looking for suitable

placement. Contact: 97755488

Indian male (26) diploma, 6 years

experience as offi ce asst & Admin

asst. Now on visit visa looking for

suitable position. Contact: 92600859

Indian male MBA / HR and market-

ing 2 years experience in royal bank

of Scotland looking for opportunities

in banking operating marking and

HR services excellent communica-

tion Kills. Contact: 90661245

Indian male 40years experienced

about 12 years in banking credit

risk department UAE and INDIA

with UAE driving license, on visit

visa looking for suitable

opportunity, please contact

mobile# 91305978

E-mail Hani.leo@gmail.com

15 years of working experience in

Business development in Oman & UAE

& UK , marketing plans and strategies

& importing fi rewoks for festivals &

preparing government tenders , Op-

erations and logistics , importing and

international business trading , CNC

engineering & industrial areas , I have

dual nationality (I can travel abroad

easily without needing visa, for fi nal-

izing business trading NOC available.

Contact: 94123939

Indian male 40 years MBA with 11

years experience in Admin & HR

as HR & Admin manager with valid

Oman license seeking suitable

placement release/ NOC available .

Contact: 97782843

Email: vinodhpkd@yahoo.com

Indian female, Masters in HR, hav-

ing 4 + years Oman experience in

media management and HR, look-

ing for openings in HR, Education,

Admin, Corporate communications.

Contact 98252030

Young Omani male have experi-

ence 12 years as P.R.O , Clerk helper

supervisor Admin supervisor , H.R

Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT

and P.D.O license looking for H.R

position or P.R.O license . Looking for

H.R position or P.R.O part time or full

time. Contact: 95933288

Indian Male, B.Com, MBA with 3

years GCC experience seeks Admin-

istration job in Muscat. Valid Oman &

UAE D/L available.

Visit visa & can join immediately.

Contact: 00968 98896847

mail: tssavad@gmail.com

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+

experience in Administration/HR,

Customer Support, Offi ce Coordina-

tor with good Computer skill, Now on

Visit Visa,looking for suitable posi-

tion.Contact: 90196235

Indian male MBA 33yrs having 10

yrs of exp seeking full time suitable

placement in Administration/ HR/

Operations/ Coordination/

Logistics. Holding valid D/L.

Contact 99054786

Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf

exp in Administration/ HR & Pub-

lic relationship. Fluent in Arabic/

English with D/L. Looking for suit-

able position. Contact - 99897280

Indian male 32 yrs with 9 yrs

experience in MIS & Administra-

tion good knowledge of MS .Offi ce

currently on visit visa looking

for suitable position.

Contact 99815835 Email:

rinumohan.842@gmail.com

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic.

Preferably with MOH license or with

Datafl ow & Paramatics pass

Contact: 95388934

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com

Finance-Indian with 7 years expe-

rience in Finance & Accounts up to

fi nalization. Currently employed in

Oman. Having D/L & NOC.

Mob: 94122464,

Email: cammk13@gmail.com

Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA

Finance and marketing with IT

skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Look-

ing for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615,Email-

sajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

Indian female 25 yrs, MBA HR &

Marketing, with one and half years

experience as accountant and

6 months experience in teaching,

now on a visit visa, seeking suitable

position. Contact: 99624044,

mail: np.neethu1@gmail.com.

Accounts part time services

available to handle all accounts up

to fi nalization, on Monthly basis

fi nalization and consulting works.

Contact: 96247295

Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs expe-

rienced as AutoCAD civil drafts-

man (2 yrs experience in Oman)

currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441

Email: simi5304@gmail.com

Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in

Oman PMP certifi cate.

Contact: 93391008 Email:

momen.awadallam@gmail.com

DAILY GUIDEM O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6 D5

SITUATION WANTEDSITUATION WANTED

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Finance / Project/Program Manager ProfessionalQualifi cati ons : MBA, PMP, Six Sigma

Country Exposure Canada & Middle East, Industry Any Nati onality

Canadian, In Person Interview on Sundays

Contact No: 97203531, +923352855176

Indian male, 22 Chemical Engineer

residing in Oman looking for suitable

placement. Contact: 92379181

REVIT (ARCH), Diploma Civil 3yr ,

in visit visa , exp. Salary : 250

PH : 92279784

AUTOCAD D/MAN, diploma civil

engg. 3 Yr , certifi cate attested , in

visit visa , expecting salary :

200 omr. Contact - 99506977

Indian Male, 24, B.Tech with electri-

cal & electronics & PG Diploma in

Automation & Scada with 2 years

KSEB experience is looking for a

suitable position. Contact 95340253

HSE Engineer (BE Mech + Dip in

Safety+ NEBOSH + OSHA), 10 yrs

exp, NOC Available, seeking suit-

able placement: Mob: 97061817;

email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, 7 years experience, valid GCC driv-

ing license, NOC available looking

for suitable job. Contact: 96137008

Email: joshuaruarkfernandez@gmail.

com

HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma

Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over

10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter

(NOC) available), seeking suit-

able placement, Mob:97061817,

Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com

IT Administrator B.Tech C.C.N.A,

M.C.S.A, 5 years experience in GCC,

looking suitable placement.

Contact: 92339064

(+919633836307)

INDIAN Male 25 B.com (gradu-

ate) hold 2 years experience as

accountant with ERP oracle R12,

Tally, focus knowledge. On visit

visa immediately available.

Email shabi.hyd@gmail.com

Contact- 968-9042-1161

Pakistani male 27 years IT En-

gineer computer skill ms offi ce,

excel, word, net working installa-

tion for mating, window, intent and

data curtly, Oman experience

2 years. Contact: 94568628

B.S.C, MSC (IT) 7.4, 1 year Al

Eassa Al Dayssi L.L.C in Bahrain,

4 years Asma computers system

engineer, Chennai 32 age. Content:

+918608247110

Email: samad3301@gmail.com

IT 8 yrs + GCC experience DW/

Business intelligence Sap oracle

data analyst informatica Qlik view

immediately available D/L.

Contact: 94504554

Email: shijasj@gmail.com

Indian male 25 years BSC (C.S)

with basic hardware and software

knowledge seeks suitable place-

ment now on visit visa.

Contact: 92319677

Email: ismabsc@gmail.com

Indian Male, IT System Engineer

having 4 yrs of experience in sys-

tem administration.CCNA,MCSE,

Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867

Indian female, B.Tech graduate,

with one and half years experience

as ‘web developer’ interested in

web development and has experi-

ence working in HTML, CSS, Boot-

strap, JavaScript and Photoshop.

Contact : 9592 7075, e-mail id:

mariarosejacob90@gmail.com

LOGISTICS

IT

MEDICAL

Indian Male, 36 years, over 16

years’ Stores, Logistics and Import

Export, experience with US based

MNC, seeks suitable placement.

Mob: 9822 6568

B.SC civil Engineer, road construc-

tion fi eld with 13 years experience

in Oman. Contact: 92200485

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech Indian

male 5 years experience Indian and

Oman (PDO projects) currently on

visiting visa & NOC available (as per

new rule). Contact: 94258289

Electrical diploma Engineer with

1.5 years experience in AutoCAD

designing for LV constructions and

diesel generator maintenance look-

ing actively for job in Oman.

Contact: 92171858/90595609

Email: nelsondas213@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with

2 and half years experience Indian

male 24 years in visit visa. Contact:

96620482 / + 919605423272

Email: bijumonps@gmail.com

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp

seeks suitable position ina reputed

company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711

Procurement Engineer (27 years

single male with Oman Driving Li-

cense) having 7 years experience

(UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in

MEP, Water, Electromechanical,

Instrumentation seeking suitable

placements. Contact 95852033,

mail: hemal1988@gmail.com

Civil Engineer B.E 12 years ex-

perience with valid Oman driving

license NOC available.

Contact: 93843448

Pakistani male have 2 years

experience as a site supervisor /

Sub Engineer looking for suitable

place/ Job Advance diploma in

construction industry and seeking

employment with visa now on

visit visa. Contact:

0092-3127418676 /91899860

B. Tech mechanical Engineer has

experience in QA/ QC in looking for

suitable placement.

Contact: 96505642

Architect Engineer 8 years expe-

rience in construction fi eld,

designing and supervision

(AutoCAD, Archi CAD, 3D Max).

Contact: 94370767

B.Tech Electronics & comm. Engg

& MBA Degree in operation man-

agement with fi ve years experi-

ence in optical fi ber planning coor-

dination etc. Contact: 94219139

Engineer in 14 yrs experience in

project execution & operation all

kinds of Mech / civil & interior

decoration with license.

Contact: 97070527

B.E .Mechanical Engineer Indian

over 4 yrs of exp in HVAC design

auto cad drafting on visit visa.

Contact 90305596

Email: shaikrizwan330@gmail.com

Pakistani male seeking job site

supervisor (civil) age 24 years

with 2 years experience ( Oman)

valid Oman driving (license ) light.

Contact: 94712273

Electrical Engineer, Indian male

23 years, 2 years experience HV/

LV design experience in Oman

based projects experience on visit

visa. Contact: 99729860

Email: vivekcet888@gmail.com

Indian Male Degree Holder BE (civil) having 11 years of Oman

experience with valid Oman driving

license looking for a suitable job

.NOC available and ready to join im-

mediately. Mobile: 93803950.

Mail:kavinvasi2007@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (B.sc) 5yrs exp. in

const. with Oman D/L.

Contact: 96045025

Email:talal.faroug@gmail.com

Indian male, 36 years, BE (electri-

cal), MBA 12 years exp

(maintenance of electrical equip-

ment, transformer, grid & sail, RSP

exp in India, looking for suitable

job in Oman, please

Contact: 00919437648101 Mail Id:

kushikkumarsahoo@rediff mail.

com

Sudanese civil Engineer three

years experience with NOC.

Contact: 96297316

Email: abdallakoty22@gmail.com

MANAGER

MISCELLANEOUS

B.SC Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman

experience as project manager,

structural Engineer looking for

suitable placement NOC/

LOCAL transfer available.

Contact: 99349578

Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com

BE Mechatronics and robotics

Engg and basic knowledge in

computers and CNC Operations.

multilingual skills age 23, looking

for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92552789

Email: ashwinreghu3@gmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical 75%

B. E mechanical 75% 5 years

Sresenthil Engineer Company

production planning designing.

Contact: +919003612305

Email: prabugn28@gmail.com

Mechtronics Engineer, Indian

male 2 yrs exp in industrial auto-

mation & maintenance, seeking

suitable job. Presently on visiting

visa. Contact – 97315735 /

jithinm717@gmail.com

Sudanese Civil Engineer - 4 years

experience – 98093544

Indian B.E civil Engineer 25 years

experience in gulf looking for a

suitable placement with driving

license noc available.

Contact: 94867039

Aeronautical Engineer 1 year expe-

rience aviation industry/ experience

in quality assuring and technical

service in air India express looking

for suitable position in aviation in-

dustry / fl uent in English . Contact:

9474563 /95128200

Email: fhcpaero@gmail.com

B. SC Building & architectural Engineer male 26 having 2 years

of experience in architectural de-

signing & construction supervision

of building projects currently on

visit visa seeking suitable position

in Muscat. Contact: 95626378

Email: waqasbashir65@yahoo.com

Mechanical Engineer (male) with

2 years experience in project &

production fi eld seeking suitable

jobs now on visit visa.

Contact: 94823009/94223483

Email: jisso.joseph@outlook.com

Structural Engineer, 8 yrs expe-

rienced in fl at slab, post tensioned

& slab-beam multi story building

design & supervision with driving

license. Contact: 98256860

Electrical Engineer B.Tech with

4 years experience in India

available in visit visa looking

for suitable placement. Contact:

94741401/97239852 Email:

sobinthomask05@gmail.com

Indian male 23 years B.E in me-

chanical fresher and have CSWIP

certifi cation on visit visa seeking

employment foe mechanical

jobs as entry level.

Contact 98422072

Email Id: j-joel92@yahoo.com

Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants

Dynamic result oriented hospital-

ity professional with 20 years of

international exp. MBA in Hotel

Management, specializing in Hotel/

Restaurant start ups, concepts &

Franchise development with prov-

en records. Seeking for Challenging

positions in reputed groups as GM/

COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC

available) Contact: 96059470

HOSPITALITY

EXPERT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE For your BPR, guide fi nance &

HR & RM, advise product marketi ng & CRM, appraise IT system for reporti ng & communicati on. Contact: Tel - 96500729

k.profi toman@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer M.Tech

2 years experience HVAC design

& site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD.

Contact: 90150913 Email:

mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

Omani HSE supervisor. Email:

jeebal3000@gmail.com

Indian female civil engineer B.Tech

having 3 years experience sound

knowledge of software, REVIT STAD

PRO structural detailing currently

on family visa seeks suitable place-

ment. Contact: 95345591

Civil Engineer (BE) having total

5 years experience in building

construction looking for a suitable

placement. D/L available

Contact# 94450270

Mechanical quantity surveyor (India male 25 years ) having

3 years experience in India I

Can do any sort of works look-

ing for a suitable placement.

Contact: 94864680 Email:

m.mohamedazik@gmail.com

Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years

old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon)

Mining / Geotechnical Presently

in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 /

acmfaslan123@gmail.com

Electronics and Communication

Engineer (B.E) - Indian male-look-

ing for full time job. Corporate expe-

rience (2 years) - GSM 92916894;

Email: salu.mn555@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years

in Oman as QS. Seeking for part

time job as QS.

Contact- 91507508

Electrical Engineer Indian male

30 years, having 5 years of experi-

ence in industrial automation and

utility maintenance in India (MRF

Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L.

Contact: 92789995 Email:

akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

MEP Engineer 5 years exp in Gulf

driving license NOC.

Contact 97838220

Indian Electrical Engineer Btech,

female 24 seeking job, presently

in oman having 2 year experience

in design and estimation of Ht &Lt

projects. Contact 968 97436557,

Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer with 18 years

exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034

Email: shassalih66@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman

with license. Contact: 98975518

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years

in Oman experience Valid Driving

License seeks suitable placement

Phone 97619722

Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs

experience in international Oil

& Gas company looking for job

Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email:

mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work,

21+ years experience with Driving

license. Contact: 95267113

Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com

Chemical laboratory analysis

acquired knowledge of laboratory

and chemical safety

Sudan university of science and

technology. Contact 90644755

A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech

1st Class (Fashion Technology)

since 2006 in Kerala like to make

change for better. Specialized in

designing, Production Management,

Fashion Art, Grading, Surface orna-

mentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com

Mobile: +919539397097.

Bangladeshi male, University

M.Com, Working as an Accountant

& Administrator in Oman; search-

ing better job. Phone: 94864966

Email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com

A Filipina lady having experience

in call center, airline booking and

reservations, secretarial and real

estate is now looking for a job in

any fi elds. Contact: 93839304

Indian female on visit MBA

(International Business- Market-

ing & Logistics), BE (Computers &

Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/

BW with 1 year experience

seeking for job Contact: 90228586

Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com

Graduate, computer literate, expe-

rienced in sales, credit control,

accounts, Omani D/L ,

seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 98805474

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian

male 24 years with 1+years Indian

experience,(Certifi ed in Staad

Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman

(Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail:

mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in

designing, assembling, commis-

sioning execution etc having valid

GCC license too looking for a suit-

able. Contact: 00968-98052942

Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com

Electrical Testing Engineer (B.Tech) having 7 yrs Gulf expe-

rience expertise in testing pre-

commissioning commissioning of

electrical systems, currently on visit

visa seeks suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 90188231

Civil Engineer 8 years experience

in Oman as a project engineer for

governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

20 years experience in Oman

plumbing Foreman N.O.C

Release available.

Contact: 93054511/95441583

Indian well experienced per-

sonal assistant/executive offi ce

manager/ senior administrator /

commercial executive with license

looking for a change. release letter

available – 99168054

mbkishore@hotmail.com

The Business Development Man-

ager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years

Inside and outside Oman follow-

ing activities: construction(Very

strong and qualifi ed to bringing

business for civil work Or any

type of the construction work for

many million per year with a good

experience in pricing and collect

payment and cash management of

the company & marketing projects

& investments& tenders & real

estate. Contact 92385033

MBA with 18 years of experience in

Procurement, 2 years in Sohar, Oman

driving license with vehicle, looking

for suitable position.M:94047501,

ahmed16071974@gmail.com

The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15

Years Inside and outside Oman

following activities: tenders& real

estate& construction & marketing

projects& investments &

transportation & Marine services&

companies management& develop

business. Contact: :- 92385033

Operations & Accounts Manager

Indian male , 18 years experience in

Oman fi nance, purchase, transport,

sales Admin & H.R looking for

Sr. Position. Contact: 99889396

Email: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com

Indian male, with experience in

operations management, informa-

tion security, purchase & stores

mgmt, hold UAE driving license,

on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541

Email: naushers@yahoo.com

Indian male, Mechanical

Engineer having 1year experi-

ence, on visit visa looking for

suitable job. Contact:97416564,

Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience

Structural buildings marine. Availa-

ble NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil

having 2 years experience in

quantity survey and site manage-

ment looking for suitable place-

ment. Contact:- 95042656

7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in

the fi eld of Building Const. Oil &

Gas Seeking Job.94625598

Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113

Indian male 25 yrs, B.E in Electri-

cal & Electronics,4 and half years

experience in Procurement/

Electrical purchase. Looking for

suitable placement in oman.

contact:vvselvambe@gmail.com,

+91 9894049078.

Indian Male B. Tech, 10+ years

of extensive work experience in

various aspects like Computer

Networking, Technical Support,

Management and Engineering with

good communications, interper-

sonal and technical skills seeks

suitable opportunity. Now in Oman

on Visit Visa GSM : 9489 8009,

Email : bios4u@gmail.com

MEDICAL

Female Biomedical Engineer Be with 4 years experience in India,

Tamil Nadu ( TN MSC) looking for a

job in biomedical hospital Field.

Contact: 92942479 /+918122572471

Indian male Nurse on visit visa

having 8.5 years of experience with

valid parametric ACLS, BLS datafl ow

completed seeking jobs in Muscat.

Contact: 96925790/95579716

Email: libinmvarghese@gmail.com

Indian male Nurse 32 years Oman

parametric and data fl ow completed

8 yrs emergently experience.

Contact: 92463190

Indian female MBA in health care ser-

vice, BSN with MOH license looking for

a job in hospital. Contact: 94876041

Doctor couple MOH license holders

25 years experience required job in

clinic. Contact: 92893243

1Year exp, orthodontist, looking

for job, prefers Barka, ready to give

exam. Contact -94369280

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fi tter

gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordi-

nator 12 years experience in Oman

in reputed companies, seek imme-

diate Employment. Call: 95244761

Male GP Doctor with NOC 6 yrs

experience in Oman for perm/locum

job. Contact : 97746074

Indian Bsc Female Nurse with

6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA.

Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%,

completed data fl ow. Presently in

Muscat in visit visa looking for a

suitable placement.

Contact 94744900, 94742834,

jincyalphonese@gmail.com

An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking

for job. # 96436517 /97396088

Indian male, 6 years of sales expe-

rience in Oman with Oman driving

license, NOC / Release available.

Contact: 95440908

Indian male pluming sanitary

ware & building materials experi-

ence in outdoor sales (9 years)

experience with D/L UAE valid

visit visa. Contact: 98723456

MBA graduate having 6 years exp

in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with

PEPSI, India, having international

driving license permit seeks suit-

able placement. Contact : 95308167,

Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

Indian Male 28 MBA Marketing

with 4 years of experience in sales

with good communication skills

now available in Muscat on visit

visa. GSM 95840153 /

Mail akbarshareef786@gmail.com

MBA (UK) with 2 years experience

in Oman seeks placement in

Business development / sales.

Omani D/L.Contact: 98108979

Indian male MBA (HR manage-

ment) bilingual (Arabic / English)

Oman experience HR & offi ce man-

ager on visit. Contact: 94663657

Indian female having 10 years

experience in logistics & sales

coordinator exp in SAP Ms Offi ce

valid D/L currently on visit visa

looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95251911

Indian male (31 yrs) sales super-

visor, total 9 yrs gulf exp, 4 yrs

in Oman with valid GCC D/L with

NOC, release & transferable visa.

Contact: 94014327 Email:

praveenkotian188@gmail.com

Indian male with 27 years of rich

experience in sales/ marketing

in Oman with driving license and

profi ciency in Arabic language,

seeks suitable placement. NOC

available. Contact: 96725458

Email: ranisadhu@yahoo.com

Indian female, MBA Marketing

with 4 years experience with NOC

& D/L seeks employment with visa.

Contact: 92460623

Indian male 3 years as sales

representative looking for suitable

placements. Contact: 94420033

Email: ssidisking@gmail.com

Indian male 31 years with over 10

years sales & marketing experi-

ence seeking suitable placement

NOC & Oman D/L available in ad-

dition have profi ciency in Arabic

language. Contact: 95760969

Sales Engineer (M.Eng) Canada

fi ve + years Oman market experi-

ence with leading brands with D/L.

Contact: 93985140

Email: jbom628@gmail.com

Indian male, MBA Marketing

having 2.5 years Sales experience

immediately looking for a suitable

position. Contact: 91415145,

Email: shariqs88@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING

DAILY GUIDED6 M O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifi eds@timesofoman.comTel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION WANTED

Pakistani Male having 6 years

Experience Valid Omani Driving

license working as a Transport

Manager looking for a suitable

position. Salary is negotiable.

Mob: +96893363316 / 94202746

mohdnaveed043@gmail.com

Indian Male Accountant I have 2

year better experience in account-

ing fi eld. I can do all my accounts

in Tally and Excel searching for

suitable job. Contact: contact-

subbayan5@gmail.comGSM :

+918098637908, +919087776759

Indian female 23 BA economics

with computer knowledge looking

for the post of Administration dept

or day care or sales please

Contact 96155921 or

Email- fysal.nellaya@gmail.com.

Male Locum Pharmacist with

MOH & Driving License. Avail-

able on request from March to

April 2016; Contact #: +968 9188

5485/+968 9943 8058.

Indian Female, 35years, Bach-

elor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) with

6months experience and BSc &

MA seeking position as Insurance

Coordinator or suitable positions

in pharmacy, pharmacy stores,

hospital, polyclinic & pharmaceu-

tical companies or in front offi ce/

administration offi ce preferably

in hospital. Please contact on

90236481.

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr

with 2 yrs experience in teach-

ing & 14 months in Administra-

tion cum Secretary, Currently

on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702

Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com

Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years

of experience in Sales Field in ship-

ping company in Dubai, looking for

suitable placement. Experienced

working in safety Marine equip-

ment and well versed with MS

Offi ce. Contact: 90182494/

manojmallya999@gmail.com

18 years experienced in Shipping,

ShipChandling& Marine services.

Valied GCC D/L. Languages Known

as English, Arabic, Hindi & Malay-

alam.Now in Visit Visa.

GSM : 9053 5565

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA,

MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/

networking/server support/Indoor

sales, valid Omani D/L seeking

suitable placement in IT/Network/

Server support/Retail sales.

Contact 92607532.

Iraqi Civil Engineer with more

than 30 years experience in (Iraq

and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C.)

is available. Contact No. 96561306

iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com

Female Interior Designer 15

months experience design and

management skills ( 3D Max,

AutoCAD , Photoshop, Illustrator,

Coral Draw (Basic) and Sketch up

(Basic) and well versed with M.S

Offi ce). 24789883

Email: sasd_shirur@yahoo.com,

Indian male 28 years exp as sales

executive & asst accountant. With

valid Oman driving license .lan-

guages known Hindi and English.

Looking for any good job

Contact# 96175176

Indian male AUTO CAD Draughts-

man (civil) 8 years experience, seek-

ing for part time job.#- 99070584 /

email: remluvp@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer (Indian

Male, 24 Years) with three years

experience, looking for suitable

job. Currently on visit visa, ready

to join immediately. # 92175441,

Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com

Male Indian 27, working as

fi nance Offi cer having three years

Oman experience with Driving

license looking for Finance/Audit/

Accounts position. Mob:98097009,

rameesnm@gmail.com

Indian male with three years of

experience in IT as system admin-

istrator seeking for IT administra-

tion job placements. Presently in

Muscat on visit visa. #90664136

email: szuheabikram@yahoo.com

Diploma (Electrical Engineering) from Government polytechnic.

Age 27 years, 6 years Experience

in troubleshooting and managing

and Technical in substation as a

Electrical Engineer. Seek suitable

placement. Contact - 92995899,

MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female

having knowledge of accounts

with Tally looking for full or part

time job. Presently on family visit

visa. Contact: - 96259171. Email: -

bhumicapandya@gmail.com

BS in Civil Engineering Experience: 3 Year (Road Projects)

Omani license: 9 Years. #97427701

Email: hassanrvc1989@gmail.com

Indian Male, total 8+years gulf

experience in Document Controller

/ Coordinator / Secretary. Looking

suitable position. Local release

available. CONTACT: 94524259

EMAIL: madhuppnair@yahoo.com

Mechanical Engineer (Indian

Male, 24 Years) with three years

experience, looking for suitable job.

Currently on visit visa, ready to join

immediately. Contact 92175441,

Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com

MBA / UGC, NET / Male /25 .2

years experience in channel sales

/ relationship management with a

leading Indian telecom company

schooling form Oman Now on visit

visa. Contact: 96914068

Email: mailanasap@gmail.com

Male 38 yrs Graduate 07 years

experience indoor / outdoor

electronic fi eld with D/License &

NOC available (as per new rule).

Contact: 92453375

Indian sales marketing profes-

sional highly experienced in busi-

ness development in ME India and

Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611

B.Com male 2 yrs experience in

sales Computer knowledge,

seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144

email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com

Indian male, Graduate, experi-

enced Sales person (FMCG) with

valid UAE driving license, on visit

seeks suitable position. Contact

92419491 / 94881950,

Email : pranilpp76@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTEDEDUCATION/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

Karate and self defense classes

at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per

month twice a week Monday and

Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM.

CONTACT 98294551

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English

class for Malayalam Speakers in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months• Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Classes for Spoken EnglishTOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT

Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

EAGLES INSTITUTE92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelli-

gence (BI) creation and man-

agement at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SALES / MARKETING

Marine Services / Business

Development having more than 15

Years experience in GCC Countries

with Indian Male with experience

in Operations Management / Sales

and Procurement / Ship Chandling

/ valid GCC Driving License seeks

suitable job. Presently in Oman on

Visit Visa. GSM : 9053 55 65,

Email : rafi .vprc@gmail.com

SITUATION WANT-SIT. WANTED

SALES / MARKETING

Indian female, holds LLB

& Masters in business

administration(MBA),2 yrs oman

experience as HR & Admin, seeks

suitable placement in jobs @

SOHAR. Contact: 96541959

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA,

MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/

networking/server support, valid

Omani D/L seeking suitable place-

ment in IT/Network/Server sup-

port. Contact 92607532.

Indian male 23 years Diploma in

Mechatronic having 3years experi-

ence in production and mainte-

nance department looking for suit-

able placement #+919597008904

(sachin.valappil92@gmail.com)

Indian Male, 26 years, with 7

years of experience in Sales Field

in shipping company in Dubai,

looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety

Marine equipment and well versed

with MS Offi ce. # 90182494

Accountant. Having 6 years

experience in accounts in reputed

companies. Presently working in

Muscat (NOC Available)

GSM. 00968-97010584, Email -

usman7678@yahoo.com

Iraqi civil Engineer with more

than 30 years experience in (Iraq,

U.A.E. and Oman) looking for a job,

(N.O.C.) is available.

Contact No. 95626218

Email- amin.sarim007@gmail.com

Indian male 26, on vist visa, 2+

yrs of experience with UAE D/L,

IATA-FIATA,BBA looking for any

suitable job. Contact 91324567

Assistant Manager – Planning

(B.Tech EEE): Indian Male, over

10 years( 7+ Yrs in Oman & UAE)

of experience in Project Plan-

ning & Scheduling, Liaison &

Coordination, Budgeting and

Client Interaction. Seeking a

suitable Job in Muscat. Contact

– 00971503529608, Email Id:

saravananbe44@gmail.com

Diploma in civil engineering

having an experience 26years

(22years in Oman) experience

in Estimator / quantity surveyor

looking for a suitable placement.

Willing to join immediately

Contact: 96328687.

Indian female, B.Tech graduate,

with one and half years experience

as ‘web developer’ interested in

web development and has experi-

ence working in HTML, CSS, Boot-

strap, JavaScript and Photoshop.

Contact 9592 7075, e-mail id:

mariarosejacob90@gmail.com

Indian Male ,MBA Finance &

Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with

oman D/L & NOC, Hospital Pharma

,Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Market-

ing ,construction A/c & sales ,

93379044

33 year old Filipina with experi-

ence in Teleperformance, Manila

call centre ,now working as Wait-

ress in Qatar seeking suitable post.

Contact 99022484

9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil &

Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughts-

man (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING

LICENSE) seeking job. #90139903

Assistant Manager – Planning

(B.Tech EEE): Indian Male, over

10 years( 7+ Yrs in Oman & UAE)

of experience in Project Plan-

ning & Scheduling, Liaison &

Coordination, Budgeting and

Client Interaction. Seeking a

suitable Job in Muscat. Contact

– 00971503529608, Email Id:

saravananbe44@gmail.com

Bangladeshi Male, University

M.Com, Working as an administra-

tor in Oman; searching better job.

Phone:94864966,

email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com

Bangladeshi Male, University MA,

Working as Sales coordinator cum

Store keeper in Muscat; search-

ing better job. Phone:91997605.

E mail: mohamednazrulislam2@

gmail.com

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA,

MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/net-

working/server, valid Omani D/L

seeking suitable placement in IT/

Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532

Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years

of experience in Sales Field in ship-

ping company in “Dubai” , looking

for suitable placement. Experienced

working in safety Marine equip-

ment and well versed with MS

Offi ce. Contact: 90182494,

manojmallya999@gmail.com

Indian female 25 yrs, MBA HR &

Marketing, with one and half years

experience as accountant and 6

months experience in teaching,

now on a visit visa, seeking suit-

able position. Contact: 99624044,

mail: np.neethu1@gmail.com.

Bangladeshi Male, University

MA, Working as Store keeper in

Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605, email:

mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com

MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female

having knowledge of accounts

with Tally looking for full or part

time job. presently on family visit

visa. Contact :- 96259171. Email:-

bhumicapandya@gmail.com

Indian Male, 27 Years, MBA

Finance pursuing, BCA, 6 years

working in Airline Cargo Opera-

tions, Airline Passenger Ticket

Auditing domain, looking for a

suitable placement, currently on

visit. email: jeevamal89@gmail.

com, Phone:- 91713489

9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil &

Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughts-

man (holding Oman driving

license) seeking job. #90139903

B.Com 5yrs experience good

command on tally, Excel sheet on

family visa. Contact: 98002428

Email: lubnakanwal36@gmail.com

Diploma in civil engineering

having an experience 26years

(22years in Oman) experience

in Estimator / quantity surveyor

looking for a suitable placement.

Willing to join immediately

Contact : 96328687.

Electrical Engineer with 11 years

experience in Electrical Design

(LV&HV) Villas , apartments ,

seek part time jobs.

Contact -91403412

Pakistani Male having 6 years

Experience Valid Omani Driving

license working as a Transport

Manager looking for a suitable

position. salary is negotiable.

mail: mohdnaveed043@gmail.

com, Mob: +96893363316 /

94202746

Light Duty Driver Professional,

Indian male having 5 years of

experience with valid Oman driving

licence.NOC Available. #91652481

Indian male 25 yrs, MBA (Finance,

Marketing), Overall 2 yrs exp in

Accounts/Finance fi eld, On Visit

Visa. Immediately available.

Contact - 92989197/94786544.

abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com

Bangladeshi Male, University MA,

Working as Store keeper in

Muscat; searching better job.

Phone: 91997605,

email: mohamednazrulislam2@

gmail.com

Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics

service engineer. Knowledge in all

type of Electronics items. Looking

for suitable placement.

GSM- 99105043

Highly experienced mechanical/

steel structural fabrication engineer

looking for suitable placement. NOC

available. Contact: 99860714,

hussain20173@gmail.com.

Part- Time Accountant, well expe-

rience senior accountant ,doing all

type of accounting works, Finaliza-

tion, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439

22, Indian BBA graduate, 1 year

experience, presently on visit visa,

looking for suitable placement.

Contact 91881053

Bangladeshi Male, University

M.Com.Working as an Admin-

istrator cum Accountant in

Oman; searching better job.

Phone:94864966,

email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com

Indian male M. Com 10 years of

experience looking for Part time

Job can do fi nalization

Contact 97433387 or

thodaforme@gmail.com

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA,

MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/

networking/server support, valid

Omani D/L seeking suitable place-

ment in IT/Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532.

DAILY GUIDEM O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6 D7

TOURS

TOURS

RENT A CAR

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO &

BP specifi cation for monthly rent

& small car with driver. Contact

99839898

SITUATION WANTEDCARGO

TRANSPORTATION

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with

Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain

Marine Tours contact 98029602,

92808636

We arrange tours & accommoda-

tion at all the beautiful places in

Oman. Contact 99839898

DRIVINGSITUATION WANT-

ED

BUSINESS

SITUATION WANT-

ED

BUSINESS

ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES

Contact Saleh: 96723485

Public relation services (PRO), Formation new

companies, LLC companies, investor visa, business setup,

prepare business & companies accounts, legal

services, representing you and your company.

MV SALE

Nissan pathfi nder 2010 model.

Contact: 94521205

Honda CRV 2009 Dec model rend

for sale 78000 Km full options price

4500/- R.O. Contact: 96530006

Nissan sunny 2013 model, expat

lady driven & well maintained.

Contact: 97100419

Cars for Sale - Mercedes c230

2006 R.O 3600/- Geely Gx2 2015

AT 12400 km R.O 2300/-

Contact: 97312774

Transportation in Muscat area.

Contact: 94297820

Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Khuwair,

Muscat, Qurum, seek

transportation. Contact: 91132238

Transportation. Contact

99508282 /93113534

Transportation. Contact 99508282

From Mabela to Mawaleh for

school student.

Contact: 92757673

Transportation in Muscat.

Contact: 96004045

Transportation. Contact

92015894

Transportation available Ruwi to

Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

Transportation. Contact: 99078967

SITUATION WANT-SIT. WANTED

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer

26 years old (male) with 4 years

experience as Mechanical engineer ,

Sales engineer and Call center agent

seeking suitable placement. Contact:

+968.90644235

Bangladeshi Male, University

M.Com Working as an Administrator

cum Accountant in man; searching

better job. Phone:94864966,

email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com

D8 M O N D AY, F E B R UA R Y 2 9, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDEEmail: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifi eds@timesofoman.comTel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTEDSERVICES

SERVICESWe Provide Cleaners,

Offi ce boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir Nati onal Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

Split & window A/c servicing &

maintenance. Contact 93769089 /

95323517

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing,

Contact 99314807/24792998

All maintenance works such as

plumbing painting masonry inter-

lock fi xing etc. Contact: 91278819

Water proofi ng ABUQABAS-

Contact 99320217/24788722

LEGAL SERVICEAn Indian lawyer Provides all legal

services in company matt ers. Labour issues, contracts, agreements, LLC formati on, legal help for starti ng new business in Oman, Civil, criminal

cases,.service issues.Ibrahim Al Massalhi.legal consultancy

Sarafudheen, LLB, MBA,Legal Advisor

Muscat. GSM: 97351649

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of

your marble. Contact 24793614/

99314807

Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C.

Contact: 99344723

A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge,

washing machine & dish washer re-

pairing, painting & cleaning services,

electrical & plumbing. # 99447257 /

97014234 / 24504281

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

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.

Contact: 24810137, 99450130

House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 /

98518013

House shifting. Contact: 99708138

Pest Control Treatments Ocean Center L.L.C.

Contact 99344723

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing Ocean Center L.L.C.

Contact 99344723

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles

polishing, carpet shampooing,

maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS-

99320217 /24788722

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont

Maintenance services electric,

plumbing and A/C.

Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 / 99210141

Building maintenance. Contact: 96173326

Marble ti les grinding & polishing, Mosaic ti les grinding & polishing,

carpet shampooing, sofa shampooing, pest control treatment & general cleaning

of villa & building.Express Building Cleaning Services.Contact 98480070 / 94134784

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning ti les /

Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

MANPOWER