Two-year expat ban rules now stricter - E

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FROM THE WORDS
OF HIS MAJESTY
THE SULTAN
On the occasion of the
inauguration of the Sultan
Qaboos Grand Mosque, 2001
‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’
The mosque continued to play a role as a source of learning and thought
throughout the Islamic arena during the Golden Age of Islam and had a
powerful influence on the life of the community. It was not merely a place of
worship, but also a school of major importance which played a leading part in
spreading learning and culture. It was on this basis that we decided to make
this blessed mosque a centre of culture and thought that, with God’s good
grace and assistance, would contribute to the revival of the Islamic heritage
– God willing – and highlight the civilized values of the Muslim nation while
modernising its approach to dealing with Islamic affairs and issues.
TUESDAY, January 19, 2016 / 9 Rabi Al Thani 1437 AH
timesofoman.com
F O R D O I N G NAT I O NA L D U T Y
HM confers Oman Civil Order
MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan
Qaboos bin Said conferred Oman
Civil Order “Third Class” on Dr.
Moosa bin Ja’afar bin Hassan,
Advisor to the Sultanate’s permanent delegation to UNESCO,
in appreciation from His Majesty
the Sultan for his role in carrying out his national duty. The
order was handed over by Sayyid
Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of
Royal Court, when he received
Dr. Moosa on Monday. -ONA
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Two-year expat ban
rules now stricter
Now expats, who
M A D I NAT A L I R FA N U R B A N C E N T R E
Omran to develop largest
mixed-used urban centre
leave Oman, will not
be allowed back to
work for two years,
even if they have
Times News Service
completed contract
MUSCAT: Following the directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Oman Tourism
Development Company (Omran)
is designing Madinat Al Irfan
Urban Centre, Oman’s largest
mixed-used urban development.
On completion, it will become
a leader of smart and sustainable
city technology and a benchmark
for all future urban developments
across Oman. The company has
already done rigorous masterplanning for the project.
Highlighting key aspects and
latest progress of Madinat Al Irfan’s concept master plan, Omran
hosted an executive briefing on
Monday, bringing together senior representatives from Oman’s
public and private sectors.
The executive briefing is one in
a series of ongoing public and private consultations hosted by Omran, involving high-level stakeholders, business community
leaders and industry partners.
The special event was attended
by Dr. Omar bin Abdul Munim
Al Zawawi, special advisor for
External Liaison to His Majesty
the Sultan, Dr. Mohammed Al
Zubair, adviser for Economic
TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES
OMAN
Suspicious transaction
1
The ROP received more
than 260 complaints for
‘suspicious transactions’. >A3
and have a No
Objection Certificate,
says an ROP official
FAHAD AL GHADANI
REJIMON K
fahadnews@timesofoman.com
reji@timesofoman.com
Omran’s Chairman, Dr. Ali bin
Masoud Al Sunaidi.
Planning Affairs to His Majesty
the Sultan, Omran’s Chairman,
Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi,
senior Government officials and
senior members of the public and
private sector.
Set to become the largest
mixed-use
development
in
Oman, the Madinat Al Irfan Urban Centre will be developed over
three phases and will be geared to
complement the predicted population growth and trend towards
urbanisation in the greater Muscat region. >A5
MUSCAT: If you leave your job
and leave Oman, you won’t be
coming back to work for two years
... even if you have a No Objection
Certificate (NOC).
That was the stark message
from a top Royal Oman Police
(ROP) official on Monday after a
number of companies contacted
Times of Oman saying the rules
had been tightened.
According to the official, it now
makes no difference whether employees complete their contract
or not, they will be simply denied
clearance to work inside Oman
for the two-year period regardless of service or possession of an
NOC from their ex-employer.
1 1 I N T E R NAT I O NA L B A N K S
Oman borrows $1b to
plug in budget deficit
Times News Service
OMAN
Need for local doctors
2
Oman’s need for local
physicians is increasing
consistently. >A5
MARKET
Investment potential
3
Iran’s 2nd solo exhibition
to offer vast investment
opportunities. >B1
MUSCAT: Oman’s government
on Monday signed a $1 billion
loan agreement with 11 international banks, including two
regional banks, to partly fund
an OMR3.3 billion deficit in the
state budget.
This is part of a major plan of
the Ministry of Finance to meet
the state budget’s deficit through
a medium-term financial plan.
Of the total estimated deficit of OMR3.3 billion for 2016,
OMR600 million will come from
net grants, OMR900 million from
foreign borrowing, OMR300
million from domestic borrowing, and OMR1.5 billion from
general reserves.
Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi,
minister responsible for financial
affairs, said the participation of
such a large number of banks reflected the trust of global banking
institutions in the strength and
resilience of Oman’s economy
and its positive outlook.
Overseas markets
“It is better to borrow from overseas markets than depend on
domestic market for funds since
it will not affect local liquidity.
It will bring more international
currencies, which can be used in
the future,” said Mustafa Ahmed
Turquoise
water woos
tourists
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company
Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for
Financial Affairs.
Salman, chairman and chief executive officer of United Securities. “We suggest the government
borrow from the overseas markets faster, without any delay in
taking advantage of interest rates.
Libor rate is still cheaper. Also,
there is a demand in the market to provide loans to Oman,”
added Salman.
The loan facility was oversubscribed to the extent of $1.28
billion. Salman also noted that
interest for overseas loans could
be around 3 per cent, which is
cheaper than the recent sovereign sukuk (Islamic bond) rate of
3.5 per cent. >A5
A6
“The immigration department
has stressed that the NOC letter is
not valid anymore in this matter.
Any expatriate worker who leaves
Oman has to spend two years
abroad before joining another
company in Oman,” a top official
at ROP told Times of Oman.
“However, if he has plans to join
the same employer, he can do it
without waiting for two years,”
the official added.
According to the official, the
decision was taken based on Article 11 of the Immigration Code,
which states that an expatriate
worker who leaves Oman has to
spend two years abroad before returning to Oman.
Confirming the new develop-
ment, Faisal Al Wahaibi, a public
relations manager at a private
company in Muscat, said he was
denied visa for a new expatriate
recruit by the immigration office
even though he had the NOC.
“I went yesterday to the immigration department to apply for
a visa for an expatriate who left
Oman a couple of months ago. But
unfortunately, it was rejected,”
said Al Wahaibi.
He added that the news was a
shock for him and other public
relations officials (PROs) at the
department.
“At least, the ROP could have
announced the new rule in media
or maybe sent an official letter to
companies,” Al Wahaibi said, adding the official informed him that
the decision came into effect from
the beginning of this month.
Meanwhile, Nabil Nasir, another public relations official with
a company, said he also experienced a similar situation.
“My request was also rejected
even though I showed the officer
there the NOC letter,” Nabil said,
adding that the certificate is not
valid anymore now.
“We have expected something
to be there in this matter at the
beginning for this year but this
is quite hard for companies,”
said Nabil.
He added that at the end of last
year, the immigration department
had asked for the signing of NOC
letter in the presence of old and
new employers.
“It was technically difficult for
us. But at least it was possible to
transfer an expat from a company
to another without losing a clearance,” said Nabil. >A6
A2
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
OMAN
If Omani students go to India, they will
become familiar with India and its culture
and they come back as ambassadors of India
Indra Mani Pandey, India’s ambassador to Oman
‘Oman-India academic
ties need to be boosted’
India’s Ambassador
to Oman Indra Mani
Pandey has called
for more educational
exchanges between
the two countries
NHRC
Book published on human
rights in Royal Speeches
MUSCAT: A book under the title
‘Human Rights in Royal Speeches’,
was published by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The 103-page book includes
speeches of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on different
of occasions.
The book analyses the noble
meanings related to human rights
in those speeches which played a
role in the building of this nation,
cemented pillars of equality and
integrated the rights and obligations principle as well as protected
them on this dear homeland.
In the introduction of the book,
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Riyami, member of the State Council and Chairman of NHRC, said
that since 1970, His Majesty’s
speeches include royal hints about
the importance of citizenship. He
added that on many occasions, His
Majesty gave royal directives to
citizens to protect their rights and
maintain them as they form the
base for the Omani development.
The book highlights the Human
Rights Declaration’s articles that
are compatible with His Majesty
the Sultan’s speeches. -ONA
E D UC AT I O N
MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON
Indian school principals
set to share views, ideas
mobinmathew@timesofoman.com
MUSCAT: Educational exchanges between the Sultanate and
India should be encouraged, said
India’s ambassador to Oman.
“We should encourage Omani
students to join Indian universities or colleges; we like educational exchanges between Sultanate
and India,” Indra Mani Pandey
told the Times of Oman.
“If Omani students go to India,
they will become familiar with India and its culture and they come
back as ambassadors of India,”
he added.
He was sharing his thoughts on
the sidelines of the inauguration
of the Indian Education Exhibition on Monday. According to the
ambassador, these kind of exhibitions help parents choose their
children’s future.
“One of the major concerns of
every parent when their children
complete their schooling is that
which college or university they
should go to. These exhibitions
are making that easy for parents,”
the Ambassador said.
More than 21 universities from
India are participating in the exhibition, which is taking place at the
Haffa House Hotel.
Some of the leading participants are Anna University,
Manipal University, Thapar
Staff Reporter
INDIA CALLING: Parents can visit the stalls at the exhibition centre between 3:45pm and 9:45pm.
The exhibition will conclude on Tuesday. – OK Mohammed Ali
More than 21 universities from India are participating
in the Indian Education Exhibition, which is taking
place at Haffa House Hotel
University, SDM Society, SRM
University, Hindustan University,
Datta Meghe Medical Science
University, D.Y. Patil University,
KJ Somaiya Group of Institutions, Vishwakarma Institute of
Technology, MVJ Institutions,
NITTE University, Sona Engineering College, Ramdeo Baba
Engineering College and Jain International School.
All the participating institutes
are recognised by the AICTE,
UGC and respective government
bodies in India.
According to the Anna University spokesman, engineering
courses still have a huge demand
in India and a lot of people are
opting to go for different streams
of engineering. Lynx Ads, Muscat, World nation Expo, Oman
and Indus Trade fairs India have
sponsored the exhibition for
the 11th consecutive year.
“This is the 11th consecutive
year that we are organising such
an exhibition,” Lijihas Ussain, organizer of the exhibition said.
“Visitors will get an opportunity to interact with the faculty/
officials of leading educational
institutions, get updated information on fee structure, eligibility
criteria and programmes that are
currently in high demand, few of
the institutions are also offering
spot admissions,” he added.
The exhibition has been cosponsored by Manipal University,
India and organized by WNE, Indus Fairs and Events (India) Pvt.
Ltd, and Lynx, Muscat.
Parents can visit the stalls at
the exhibition centre between
3:45pm and 9:45pm. The exhibition will conclude on Tuesday.
MUSCAT: Students, as well as
principals of Indian schools in
Oman, are likely to benefit from
the annual principal conference
that helps schools share their
views and ideas. The 28th edition
of the conference will be held at
the Hormuz Grand Hotel, Seeb
from January 20 to 23.
According to M P Vinoba, principal of Indian School Ibri, the
conference helps principals gain
more ideas and deeper insight into
the CBSE’s initiatives.
“It (conference) helps us to
share and exchange ideas and expertise among the Indian schools
in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation
Council) and it helps us in future,”
Vinoba said.
He is also the convener of the
Oman Chapter of CBSE Schools
and will be speaking on the sidelines of a press conference that
will announce the Annual Principal Conference.
The
four-day
conference,
themed “Beyond the Horizon”
will be attended by more than 100
principals from the GCC, and will
have a series of sessions involving
eminent speakers, who have a vast
experience in various fields of education. They will deal with topics,
such as “Leading a value based organization,” “School administrator or School CEO,” “Excellence in
Education” etc. during the conference.
“We also want to showcase
the hospitality of Oman and the
unity of the Oman chapter for the
guests,” the convener said.
According to other principals,
who gathered at the press conference, the annual meet would help
them learn a lot and become acquainted with the best practices
followed by other chapters that
they too can adopt.
They also said the conference
would act as a good platform to
share their thoughts and views.
Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani,
Minister of Education, will be the
chief guest at the opening ceremony on January 20 and the guest
of honour will be Indra Mani Pandey, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate.
EDEXCEL
Bangladesh school students
come out with flying colours
TOP SLOT: His Highness Sayed Mohammed bin Salim bin Ali Al Said, ambassador and chief of Pro-
tocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate, gives away the awards. – Supplied photo
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Two students of Bangladesh School Muscat (BSM)
have secured the first position in
the Edexcel Country Ranking in
Economics and Accounting respectively.
Another BSM student stood
second in the Edexcel World
Ranking in Bengali. Twenty
eight students from the school
secured the top 10 Middle East
ranks jointly for the June 2014 to
2015 session.
His Highness Sayed Mohammed bin Salim bin Ali Al Said,
ambassador and chief of Protocol,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Sultanate gave away the awards
to the students on the occasion of
the 45th Victory Day celebration
of Bangladesh.
The Edexcel authorities had
sent the details of the rankings
to the school authorities and also
awarded Academic Excellence
Medals and Certificates. In the
Bengali language, 11 students
secured seven of the top 10 positions, excluding the first, third
and eighth in the global rankings.
Naima Jahan, student of BSM
secured the first position in the
Sultanate, in the country rankings
in Economics, and at the GCE
AS Level. Arfadul Alam Kayes
secured the first position in the
same ranking in Accounting at
the IGCSE O Level. Meanwhile,
Shaidul Isalm secured the second
position in the world rankings in
Bengali Language at the IGCSE
O Level.
World ranking
In the world ranking, Asif Mohammed Pervez secured the
fourth position, Pujita Roy came
in fifth, Shah Md. Talha Tanvir
Rahman was sixth, Meem and
Jinia Sultana were seventh, Sadia Nujhat Khan was ninth and
Pushpa Rani secured the tenth
position in Bengali language.
In the Middle East overall qualification ranking, Meem, Akter
Sadia Sharmin and Akther Shirin secured the fourth position
jointly; Tariq Amna, Shah Md.
Talha Tanvir Rahman, Jannatun Naiyem, Arif, Shaidul Islam,
Lakhy Rani Das, Zunayed Habibe,
Samiha Abdur Rahim , Razia Sultana and M A Faiyaz stood fifth;
Amzad Homaira, Tawaz Tasmia,
Joyram Shil, Taslima Yeasmin
and Shirin Sultana came in sixth;
Shahadat Hossain, Abdul Ahad,
Jannat Akter, Jenat Khanam,
Mohammed Helal and Mohammed Shakawat Hossain secured
the seventh position.
On her outstanding achievement, Naima Jahan thanked the
Almighty Allah and the teachers,
though she said she was a little
disappointed for not securing the
top position in the global rankings. She is hoping to achieve that
in the next examination.
“At first, I would like to thank
the Almighty Allah for giving me
such an honour. I am grateful to
my teachers and my parents for
their continuous support and
guidance. Standing first in the
Sultanate is not enough, I want
to secure the first position in the
world rankings. Next time, I will
try my best to achieve that. Insha
Allah.” Jahan said.
The school also organised a
special award ceremony at the
MP Hall of the school to honour
the awardees, where it gave away
medals and certificates to the outstanding students, along with the
Edexcel medals and certificates.
Iftakher ul Hasan Chowdhury,
chairman, Board of Directors,
Bangladesh Schools in the Sultanate congratulated awardees
for their tremendous achievements and flying the school’s flag
high. He also thanked the teachers for their enormous effort and
dedication.
Mohammad Alam, father of
Arfadul Alam Kayes, thanked
everyone and expressed his appreciation on this great accomplishment.
“My son stood first in the whole
Sultanate in a fierce competition
amongst so many international
students. What else can be better
for a father? I am proud of my son.
Lots of thanks to BSM,” said the
proud father.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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ROP REPORT
Increase in suspicious
transaction complaints
HAMDA AL BALUSHI
MUSCAT: More than 260 complaints about “suspicious transactions” were received in 2014 by
the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
A financial report of the ROP
said it had received 265 complaints about “suspicious transactions” during 2014, while in
2013, it was only 254.
“Banks and money exchange
companies came first, where they
reported around 260 complaints,
which comprised 98 per cent
of the total complaints,” the report added.
DECISION
Team to identify
health services
finance options
Times News Service
MUSCAT: A team to identify best financing options for
healthcare services and increasing the resources of the
health ministry is being set up.
Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al
Saidi, Minister of Health has issued the decision to establish a
team for developing a proposal
that shows the best financial options and alternatives for supporting and covering the provision of health care services and
also means and ways of increasing the financial resources of the
Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health had
adopted an investment approach, rather than the traditional approach for health
financing. In this regard, it had
established a new directorate
within the organisational structure of the Ministry for Health’s
investment and financial alternatives that dealt with setting
policies and future strategies.
Among the complaints, 231
cases were referred to the public
prosecution, 290 were discontinued by the unit, 171 were discontinued by the public prosecution,
279 were referred to the tax unit
and five referred to the court.
The report pointed out that 24
cases were of money laundering
and other related criminal activities, followed by seven cases
of violation of Omani Penal Code
and five for violating labour laws,
were reported.
The reports showed that four
cases were also recorded for
violating banking laws, three for
violating the commercial register
and trade laws and two for violating non-government organisation
(NGO) laws.
Five countries cooperated
with the Sultanate in the field
of money laundering and counter-terrorism during the year
2014, compared with four in
2013, according to an ROP financial report.
The report also added that the
number of “suspicious transactions” reported to the ROP was
1,001 between 2010 and 2014,
out of which more than half took
place between 2013 and 2014.
OMAN
A3
A4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
For detailed coverage log on to www.timesofoman.com
ROP IN DRIVE TO RAISE
AWARENESS ON DRUG
ADDICTION DANGERS
The ROP is distributing informative material
among visitors to Muscat Festival, in which
various aspects of drug abuse and the
important role of the family, school, media
and the society in drug prevention, treatment
and rehabilitation, have been emphasised
ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI
elham@timesofoman.com
MUSCAT: “Life is wonderful…
Don’t spoil it with drugs.” This is a
motto written on the side of a bus
parked at the Muscat Festival in
Al Amerat Park, where representatives of the Royal Oman Police
(ROP) can be seen providing information to visitors about drug addiction. In a laudable initiative, several
sections are displayed in the bus,
featuring various types of chemical,
natural and industrial substances.
The bus also provides a platform
for visitors to get to know some of
the methods used by drug smugglers for drug trafficking, as well
as some of the items that can give
parents a clue about possible drug
abuse by their children.
Some sections also show the
harmful impact of drugs on different body organs, including the liver,
kidneys, heart, brain and skin.
Informative material
Informative material is being distributed among visitors, in which
various aspects of drug abuse and
the important role of the family, school, media and the society in
drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation have been emphasised.
In the brochures, it has been
mentioned that drug abuse not only
affects the addict, but the family
and society, as well. People are advised to keep good company, resist
peer pressure, avoid smoking and
refrain from taking any substances that they do not know about
when offered.
Parents are advised to act good
role models, keep a watchful eye on
their children, explain the devastating effects of drug abuse to them pa-
tiently and seek help from experts
when necessary.
The ROP’s brochures also discuss the smokeless varieties of tobacco and their harmful effects, as
well as abuse of psychotropic substances. People have been warned
that abusing drugs for pleasure,
ecstasy and amusement will lead to
addiction.
Volatile solvents
In one of the brochures, the issue
of addiction to sniffing volatile solvents has been discussed, which
may be less known to the public.
It says that sniffing volatile solvents in petrol, glue, paint, spray
and shoe polish is rampant among
teenagers and youngsters in
many societies and has become a
global menace.
These solvents and gases are a
set of chemicals, which are merely
used for industrial and domestic
purposes. It is very hard to identify
their lethal effects, but their abuse
may have an immediate impact on
an addict’s body and mind.
Sniffing these gases is an unusual behaviour and their abuse
may cause swift poisoning without
the addict being aware of it. These
materials affect many organs in the
human body, notably the liver, kidneys, bone marrow and the neurological system.
According to ROP, most teenagers using these solvents do so
without their parents’ knowledge.
If parents find out that the child is
sniffing solvents, they should remain calm and explain its harmful
effects and get help from experts if
necessary.
Parents are advised to monitor any changes in their children,
notably an increase in bad breath,
lethargy, lack of concentration and
rashes around the mouth.
DOING GOOD WORK: In the
brochures being distributed by
the ROP, it has been mentioned
that drug abuse not only affects
the addict, but the family and
society, as well. – Talib Al Wahibi
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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OMAN
‘Oman needs more local doctors’
GRADUATES ALL: White Coat Ceremony for final year B.Pharm students, held under the patronage of Dr Mohammed Hamadan Al Rubaie, Director General of Pharmaceutical Affairs and Drug Control, Ministry
of Health, saw 133 students receiving white coats, marking their entry into practical training in Pharmacy. –AR Rajkumar
While the need for physicians that come from
among the local community is on the rise, the
Sultanate does not have enough of them, said
the vice dean of Oman Medical College
Staff Reporter
MUSCAT: Oman’s need for local
physicians is increasing consistently even as the country lacks
sufficient number of such medical
professionals, Dr Yaseen Moosa
Malallah Al Lawatia, Vice Dean
of the Oman Medical College, emphasised at the White Coat Ceremony of the institution.
“Need for physicians that come
from among the local community
is on the rise but the Sultanate has
insufficient number of Omani physicians,” Lawatia told the Times of
Oman at the ceremony.
White Coat Ceremony for final
year B.Pharm students, held under the patronage of Dr Mohammed Hamadan Al Rubaie, Director
General of Pharmaceutical Affairs
and Drug Control, Ministry of
Health, saw 133 medical students
receiving white coats, marking
their entry into practical training
in Pharmacy.
They were cloaked by Vice Dean
Dr. Yaseen Moosa Malallah AlLawatia and Professors Dr. Alka
Ahuja and Dr. A.R. Mullaicharam.
“Our graduates have strived
hard to reach these academic
standards; our courses are challenging and are periodically reviewed by the West Virginia University,” Lawatia said.
Highly competent
“Our pharmacy graduates are
highly competent and a majority of
them qualify in the licensing exam
conducted by the MOH,” he added.
“The institutions of higher
learning are the major providers of
a nation’s knowledge, knowledge
work-force and innovative technologies,” Dr. Mohammed Hamdan Al-Rubaie said in his address
to the guests at the ceremony.
He stressed that the pharmacist
of today is required to be profes-
G O S H TA TA S H I G A M T I C H I
Indian drama draws big crowd
made many contemplate their
own situation.
What added an edge to the conflict was the “Parlekar” in Sanjay
(the very special strain seen in the
typical Marathi middle class living in the Vile Parle (E) area). His
home, neighbourhood, time-tested values, social ideas and middle class job are like his security
blankets. Tear them away and you
draw blood.
Times News Service
MUSCAT: If you were looking for
an evening of laughter, then you
may have missed something.
Indian drama “Goshta Tashi
Gamtichi,” which was performed
at the Indian Social Club’s (ISC’s)
multipurpose hall this weekend,
proved to be a huge hit among the
Indian community.
The play is the story of a father–
son duo, separated by the generation gap. The mother as usual is
caught up between the father and
the son and tries to delicately balance the trio, and forms the crux
of the story.
Organised by the Marathi wing
of the ISC, popularly known as
4M-Muscat Marathi Mitra Mandal–was praised by one and all.
The success of such an award
winning Marathi play in India
and the world over certainly took
forward the long tradition of contemporary performing arts culture in the western Indian state of
Maharashtra in India, the organisers said.
The play marked the theatre
NEW TAKE: The play is the story of a father–son duo, separated by
the generation gap. – Supplied photo
acting debut of television actor
Shashank Ketkar and first time
director Mangesh Kadam, who is
seen as an actor.
Leena Bhagwat also played a
pivotal role in the play.
The play was produced by Sonal Production and Natyasuman
and recently completed its 250th
show at Mumbai, on January 3.
NEW URBAN CENTRE
E D UC AT I O N
< FROM
A1 Master developer
Oman officially appointed Omran
as the master developer for the
project in 2014, and is currently
in the process of transferring the
land to Omran.
The briefing follows the inaugural stakeholder event held
in October last year. Since then,
Omran has met community leaders, educational institutions, and
representatives from student
bodies, who were briefed on the
new urban centre and had the
opportunity to expand their understanding of the social impact
of the Madinat Al Irfan development, while discussing common
future goals for social and community growth.
Commenting on the importance of the event, Saif Al Hinai,
executive director of the Madinat
Al Irfan Project noted, “Meeting with stakeholders and presenting the vision of Madinat
Al Irfan is a critical part of our
overall development philosophy,
one which fosters transparency
and constructive dialogue between stakeholders, investors,
specialists and community leaders. Through this collaboration,
we gain stakeholder support, and
generate greater levels of participation from our partners in the
business community in order to
achieve our goals.”
“Over the course of these engagements, we have been encouraged by the high levels of interest
from private sector investors and
partners involved in shaping the
future of Madinat Al Irfan, a project which forms the cornerstone
Generation gap
The story is as old as the hills, and
draws upon the theme of generation gap. The deep divide between Sanjay Dikshit (Mangesh
Kadam), a middle class Marathi
Manus, and Kunal (Shashank
Ketkar) his abrasive, with-it-son
and his mother Vasanti (Leena
Bhagwat) acting as the bridge
for growing the tourism and realestate sectors in the Sultanate,”
added Saif Al Hinai.
During the event, government
officials and senior members of
the business and finance community were briefed on the key
components of the Madinat Al Irfan draft master plan, the first of
which was the Oman Convention
and Exhibition Centre Precinct.
The elements currently under construction within the first
phase include a 22,000 square
metre flexible column-free exhibition centre scheduled for
completion in the fourth quarter
of this year.
The centre has been sub-divided into five halls large enough to
fit two football pitches. The Convention and Exhibition Centre
will also include one of the largest
state of-the-art auditoriums in
the Middle East with an orchestra pit housing 3,200 seats.
The precinct will also include
the five-star JW Marriott Hotel
and a four-star Crowne Plaza that
are currently under development
and available for private equity
shareholding. Omran also announced seven plots available for
investment. These plots will be
fully serviced with key utilities
(including water, electricity, sewage treatment, high speed internet, etc) available for hospitality,
residential, commercial, and leisure development. As a key catalyst for tourism and urban development, Omran plans to designate
the Madinat Al Irfan urban centre
as a special development zone.
Honour for Oman
GENEVA: Oman has been
elected president of the International Bureau of Education
(IBE). Represented by Ministry
of Education, Oman took part
in the 65th session of the Council of IBE, held in Geneva from
January 13 to 15. The Sultanate
was represented in the session
by Dr. Hamoud bin Khalfan Al
Harthy, Undersecretary of Ministry of Education for Education and Curricula. -ONA
BORROWING
< FROM
A1 Good
position
Also, Oman’s debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio (a
common parameter used for
measuring the indebtedness of
a country) is around 4 per cent,
which is quite low when compared to most economies in the
world, Anil Kumar N., senior
vice-president, Asset Management, the Financial Corporation
(FinCorp) earlier told Times of
Oman. The country is in a comfortable position to raise funds
from overseas markets. The government will be in a better position to borrow funds from wherever it is cheaper and available
The agreement was signed on
behalf of the Sultanate’s government by Darwish bin Ismail Al
Balushi, Minister Responsible
for Financial Affairs. - With inputs
from Oman News Agency
Very popular
Mangesh, Leena and Shashank
proved why this show has remained on the top. 4Ms’ first
event of the year 2016 got an overwhelming response and was attended by more than 350 people.
The audience also appreciated
the efforts of all committee members for their hard work and for
bringing them such a beautiful
play. PNG Jewellers were the lead
sponsors, along with Al Turki, Al
Nisar, Khana Khazana, MK trading, Al Riyam Signs and the Al Eaman Dental Clinic.
The organisers also thanked
Dilip Kumar for the sets.
sionally competent, pro-active and
prepared to undergo the process of
rapid metamorphosis to acquire
skills useful in advancing the pharmacy practice.
“With the advent of strong and
highly specific therapeutic agents
and emergence of a wide spectrum
of drug delivery systems, the pharmacist of today is required to keep
pace with the rapid changes taking
place in the practice of pharmacy,”
he added.
Pharmacist’s oath
Raid Mahmood Al Sabri, Director
of Pharmacy & Medical stores of
Khoula Hospital, administered the
pharmacist’s oath to the students
at the ceremony.
On behalf of the final year students, Ghada Khalifa Said Al Amri
delivered a vote of thanks to parents and teachers. She recalled
the journey that had brought them
this far in their academic life and
vowed to strive to do their country
and families proud in the future.
Khulood Mohammed Rashid Al
Fannah Al Araimi and Mohiuddin
P Mohammed Ali, directors, Oman
Medical College and Dr Saleh Mohamed Al Khusaiby, Dean, Oman
Medical College were also present
at the ceremony, along with the
special guest.
The programme ended with a
vote of thanks by Dr. P. Jayasekhar,
Professor and Chair, Pharmacy
Programme at OMC.
A6
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
OMAN
This decision was taken by the ROP and has
nothing to do with the Ministry of Manpower
Said bin Naser Al Sadi, advisor
to the Minister of Manpower
Key Iron Age
site of eastern
Arabia found
TURQUOISE WATER WOOS TOURISTS
The turquoise water of Wadi Dayqah and Quriyat beach acts as a
catalyst for local as well as foreigners. Tourists come rushing to
these locations to enjoy the tranquillity as well as the grand hospitality offered by the Sultanate. - Photo: Zheng Tan
The historical
importance of Salut
is directly linked to
the beginning of the
history of Oman
A M E R I C A N A S S O C I AT I O N
Top honour
for SQU
professor
MUSCAT: Professor Nicolas Woodhouse from Sultan
Qaboos University (SQU)
received Avicenna (Ibn Sina)
Award for excellence service
from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists – Gulf branch, in recognition of his outstanding
contribution in the field of diabetes and endocrine glands.
The award was handed
over to him at the fourth annual meeting for the Gulf
branch and the third clinical
conference for the American
Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Professor Nicolas is the
professor of endocrinology and diabetes at Internal
Medicine Department at
the College of Medicine and
Health Sciences in SQU. He
is associate professor of metabolism operations in man
and clinical biochemistry
in pathology department at
Sheffield University. -ONA
MUSCAT: With the support and
supervision of the office of the
Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs, an Italian
expedition from the University of
Pisa has continued its work at the
archaeological site of Khor Rori
“Sumhuram,” Al Baleed, and Wabar, in the Governorate of Dhofar.
The Italian mission was invited
in 2004 to conduct a preliminarily study of what has now been
confirmed as be the Salut Ancient
Castle and Village, at Buhla in the
Governorate of A’Dakhiliya.
The historical importance of
Salut is directly linked to the beginning of the history of Oman;
and thus related to the early arrival
of the Arab tribes from other parts
of Arabia. The site also provides
early evidence of the Aflaj system
in the Omani peninsula.
This work resulted in a site that
is now a prominent landmark in
the area and can be safely visited
and understood by tourists.
The scope of the IMTO’s involvement in Salut has gradually widened over the years, and
in 2010, an investigation into
the Early Bronze Age tower site
(ST1; roughly 2450-2100/2000
BC), located some 300 meters to
the northwest of Hisn Salut, was
started. Extensive excavations
continued until late 2015, bringing to light a complex monumental
water management system.
Here, a remarkably dense scat-
MAJOR FIND: The site also provides early evidence of the Aflaj
system in the Omani peninsula. – ONA
ter of Iron Age shreds had already
been recorded, as well as the presence of buried large stone walls.
Recently, an Iron Age stamp seal
and occasional stone vessels fragments were collected from the surface of this area.
Excavations at the northern
edge of this terrace revealed that
it contains a substantial stone
wall that also comprises an occasional megalithic. More importantly, this wall does not seem to
be just a containment wall for the
aforementioned large terrace, but
is rather the actual fortification
wall closing the settlement to the
north. Its western end was in fact
discovered, and ancient stratigraphy was unearthed against its
southern face.
The actual seat of Salut’s main
settlement area, directly connected with Hisn Salut, and prominent
among the other smaller sites was
located during previous surveys
conducted by the IMTO.
This development allowed
the team to name the site as
Qaryat Salut Alathariyah, “Salut
Ancient Village.”
The importance of this discovery can hardly be overestimated.
What the team appears to be facing is, especially when considered
together with Hisn Salut, is the
most impressive Iron Age complex discovered so far in the whole
Eastern Arabia.
Besides, the presence of the intact, Iron Age surfaces at least in
the part of the settlement located
on the plain has already been verified. The stratigraphy along the
hill slopes probably suffered from
more impacting erosion, but original floors were anyhow discovered
at least on the lower terraces, and
indications about the presence of
water drainage devices collected.
A project for protecting the
site from runoffs occurring after heavy rains was drafted and
has already been partially realized with the erection of the site’s
perimeter wall.
Moreover, a few tombs crowning the crest of Jabal Salut, that
is, the hill that faces Hisn Salut to
the northeast, were fully excavated
and philologically reconstructed,
as well as a small, likely Late Iron
Age (650-300 BC), shrine that had
been erected directly above a cluster of dismantled tombs.
After bringing these fundamental projects to an end, in December 2015, investigations were relaunched in the proximity of Hisn
Salut, on the remaining slopes of
the hill that hosts it and its surroundings. -ONA
UPGRADE
ITA signs deal to provide latest
Microsoft software technology
MUSCAT: For providing 90 government organisations with the
latest Microsoft software solutions and technologies, the Information Technology Authority (ITA) introduced the Microsoft
Licence Agreement 2015-2018 for
the government entities.
The agreement is in cooperation
with ITA, Microsoft Corporation
and Exceed IT Services, which is
the company responsible for implementing the agreement.
The event was held under the
patronage of Dr. Salim Sultan Al
Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA, in the presence of Sheikh Saif bin Hilal Al
Hosni, Business Development
Manager for Microsoft Oman and
Fawzi bin Hamed Al Harrasi, CEO
of Exceed.
Dr. Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi,
CEO of ITA said: “This agreement
is very important to the government entities in Oman where
necessary licences for Microsoft software used at the government institutions help the ongoing efforts against cybercrimes
and electronic piracy as per the
international conventions.”
This event highlights the recent
renewal of Microsoft Licencing
Agreement, which seeks to upgrade Microsoft licencing for the
government institutions. The upgrade includes 36,000 windows
operating systems and office applications to the latest versions.
Around 90 government entities
are participating in this in which
they will get benefits divided into
different categories including: entrepreneurship, capacity building,
and business development. -ONA
TWO-YEAR BAN
A1 ‘It’s ROP directive’
< FROM
Said bin Naser Al Sadi, advisor
to the Minister of Manpower,
said that this has gone out of
their hands.
“This decision was taken by
the ROP and has nothing to do
with the Ministry of Manpower,”
said Al Sadi. “We can talk about
the work rule but for entrance
and exit from the country comes
under the ROP and we can’t interfere,” he added.
It means that the only way an
expat employee can join a new
company is if he stays within
Oman and his previous employer
is prepared to lose the clearance
from his quota of expat staff by
granting an NOC.
“It is shocking to hear this. We
were expecting that in 2016, the
government will ease the NOC
regulations. But they have tightened it. It is a worrisome situation,” Mohammed Sanuallah, a
Bangladeshi expatriate, said.
An Indian expatriate also
sounded the same concern.
“Now, expatriates will be stuck
in Oman. There are no choices.
Have to stay back whatever may
be the conditions at the workplace in terms of salary and other
conditions,” Shameer PTK, the
Indian expat, said. He also added
that his company official who
went to the immigration department also confirmed the ROP is
denying visa even if there is NOC
or release letter.
A migrants rights activist said
that the NOC already unduly restricts workers’ mobility, making
it difficult for workers to leave
their jobs. It means they will be
unable to return for two years,
and many who have paid high recruitment costs would be forced
to continue working in less than
favourable conditions.
“This new policy is even more
regressive and makes little sense
if Oman wants to attract experienced workers. Barring workers
who know the country and its
economy, re-entry is simply bad
for productivity and efficiency,”
Rima Kalush, editor at migrantrights.org and a migrant rights’
activist, said.
Earlier the ROP had said that
if the expat leaves the Sultanate,
then the former employer would
not lose his clearance and the
new expat can enter the Sultanate and join the new company
without the need of spending two
years outside Oman.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
A7
REGION
M A D AYA
Five starve
to death in
besieged
Syrian town
GENEVA: Five people have
starved to death in the last week
in the Syrian town of Madaya,
where a single biscuit sells for $15
and baby milk costs $313 per kilo,
despite two emergency United Nations aid deliveries to the besieged
town, a UN report said.
Local relief workers have reported 32 deaths of starvation in
the past month, and last week two
convoys of aid supplies were delivered to the 42,000 people living
under a months-long blockade.
Dozens more people need immediate specialised medical care
outside Madaya if they are to survive, but aid workers from the U.N.
and Syrian Arab Red Crescent
have managed to evacuate only 10
people, the report said.
“Since 11 January, despite the
assistance provided, five people
reportedly died of severe and acute
malnutrition in Madaya,” said the
UN humanitarian report, published late on Sunday.
UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon said on Thursday Syria’s
warring parties, particularly President Bashar Al Assad’s government, were committing “atrocious
acts” and he condemned the use of
starvation as a weapon of war in
the nearly five-year-old conflict.
The United Nations says there
are some 450,000 people trapped
in around 15 sieges across Syria,
including in areas controlled by
the government, IS militants and
other insurgent groups.
The UN made seven requests in
2015 to bring an aid convoy to the
town, and got permission to deliver aid for 20,000 people in October,
the report said.
After several more requests, the
Syrian government allowed a lifesaving aid delivery on January 11
and another on January 14.
About 50 people left the town
on January 11, the report said. The
UN has asked Syria to allow the
evacuation of a number of others
needing immediate care. — Reuters
Iraqi troops searching for
3 ‘kidnapped’ US citizens
The US State
Department said it
was working with
the Iraqi authorities
to locate Americans
reported missing,
without confirming
they had been
kidnapped
BAGHDAD: Security forces in
Baghdad were hunting for three
US citizens who Iraqi lawmakers said on Monday had been
kidnapped, which, if confirmed,
would make them the first Americans abducted in the country
since US troops withdrew in 2011.
Unknown gunmen seized the
trio from a private apartment
on Friday in the capital’s southeastern Dora district, said Mohammed Al Karbouli, who sits
on parliament’s security and
defence panel. It was not immediately clear if their motives were
political or criminal.
Iskandar Witwit, deputy head
of the same panel, gave a similar
account citing senior security officials who said the civilians had
been taken from the district’s Sihha residential complex.
Majority sect militia fighters, seen as a bulwark in the fight
against IS militants, have a heavy
presence in that part of the predominately minority sect district.
Witwit said the three were
employed by a private company
and two of them also have Iraqi
citizenship.
Dora was a bastion of the in-
WIDENING CONFLICT
Rocket fired from
Syria kills one
in Turkish city
ANKARA: A female school employee was killed and a female
student wounded on Monday
when a rocket believed to have
been fired from Syria struck a
school in southeastern Turkey,
the local governor’s office said.
Turkish army radar showed
shots were fired into the border
province of Kilis from IS outposts
inside Syria, military sources operating in the area told Reuters,
adding that the army had retaliated “in kind”.
The wounded student was taken into surgery.
Two other rockets, also believed to have come from Syria,
landed in an empty field next
to the school, the governor’s
office said.
Shocked women, children
Footage broadcast on the website of the Hurriyet newspaper
showed what appeared to be
a body lying by the door of the
school in Kilis town, the provincial capital, as shocked women
and children were escorted from
the building.
Kilis is on the edge of a roughly
100-km (60-mile) strip of Syrian
border territory controlled by IS.
Turkish towns in the region
Turkish towns in the region
have frequently seen
artillery fire spill over
during Syria’s civil war,
about to enter its sixth year
have frequently seen artillery fire
spill over during Syria’s civil war,
about to enter its sixth year.
Turkey’s armed forces have responded in kind.
As well as suffering spillover
from the war, NATO member
Turkey, part of the US-led coalition against the extremists, has
become a target for IS.
A suicide bombing last week
in Istanbul, blamed on the group,
killed 10 German tourists.
Bombings in Ankara and the
border town of Suruc last year
killed more than 135 people.
Turkish tanks and artillery
bombarded IS positions in Syria
and Iraq in the days after last
Tuesday’s bombing in Istanbul,
killing almost 200 fighters, Prime
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
said. — Reuters
VIGILANT: Iraqi security forces inspect a car at a checkpoint on the main road from Baghdad’s central Jaderiyah district to Dora on the
southern outskirts of the Iraqi capital on Monday. — AFP
surgency against the 2003 USled invasion that toppled Saddam
Hussein and the site of intense
sectarian bloodletting that peaked
around 2006-07.
Federal police now run most
checkpoints there.
The capital of Iraq has seen a
proliferation in recent years of
well-armed criminal gangs that
carry out contract killings, kidnappings and extortion.
Iraqi police set up extra checkpoints in Dora on Monday and
sent out helicopter search parties.
Two Iraqi army helicopters
were seen hovering over the dis-
Two Iraqi army helicopters were seen hovering
over the district, while police vehicles patrolled
the streets, residents said
trict, while police vehicles patrolled the streets, residents said.
The US State Department said
on Sunday it was working with
Iraqi authorities to locate Americans reported missing, with-
out confirming they had been
kidnapped.
The Iraqi government has
struggled to rein in the militias,
many of which fought the US military following the 2003 invasion
and have previously been accused
of killing and abducting American
nationals. Iraq has seen a series of
abductions of foreign nationals in
recent months.
At least 26 Qatari hunters kidnapped last month in the southern
desert by unknown militants have
not yet been found. In September,
18 Turks taken in Baghdad by an
armed group were released following several weeks in detention.
Extremists militants of IS have
maintained a limited presence in
Baghdad, regularly claiming bomb
attacks against majority sect
neighbourhoods. — Reuters
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
A8
I take pride in our culture and civilization, however, when it comes to a healthy
comparison, the Indian universities do not have any significant global presence. The
main reason for this could be the lack of interest in innovative thinking and research
Ram Naik, Uttar Pradesh Governor
INDIA
PAT H A N K O T AT TA C K
YOUNG BRAVEHEARTS
Children, who will be honoured with National Bravery Awards 2015, pose for a group photo during a press conference in New Delhi on Monday. Fifteen-year-old
Gaurav Kawduji Sahastrabuddhe from western Indian state of Maharashtra, who sacrificed his life while saving his four friends, and 24 other young bravehearts
will be given the National Bravery Awards this year for their extraordinary courageous feats. Sahastrabuddhe will be awarded with ‘Bharat Award’, the highest
of the National Bravery awards, which his parents will receive on his behalf along with the parents of 13-year-old Shivansh Singh, also to be awarded posthumously for sacrificing his life in a valiant effort to save his friend from drowning in Saryu river. The children will receive their awards from Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on January 24 and will also participate in Republic Day parade. - PTI
Delhi court
allows lie
detector test
on Punjab cop
NEW DELHI: A court here on
Monday allowed a National Investigation Agency (NIA) plea for a
lie detector test on Punjab Police
officer Salwinder Singh in connection with the attack at the air force
base in Pathankot.
Court sources said that during
in-camera proceedings, district
judge Amar Nath directed the NIA
to conduct the polygraph test on
Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh within three days.
The NIA earlier told the court
that Singh’s statements on his alleged abduction were inconsistent
and the lie detector test was required to ascertain the truth.
Questioned
The NIA had questioned Singh
as he was suspected of helping
the terrorists who attacked the
Pathankot air base on January 2.
The police officer had claimed
that he along with his friend Rajesh
Verma and cook Madan Gopal was
abducted by four or five heavilyarmed terrorists near Kolia village
in Punjab prior to the attack on the
airbase. Seven security personnel
were killed in the attack. All six terrorists suspected to have crossed
over from Pakistan also were shot
dead by the security forces in the
counter-offensive. - IANS
SUKMA
Naxal leader
killed in police
encounter
RAIPUR: A Naxalite commander
carrying a reward of Rs 100,000 on
his head was killed in an encounter with police in insurgency-hit
Sukma district of eastern Indian
state of Chhattisgarh this morning, police said.
The
‘black
uniform-clad’
Naxalite, identified as Kartam
Deva, was gunned down in the
encounter that took place in the
forest near Burumapad village,
Sukma District Superintendent of
Police D. Shravan said over phone.
A joint team of District Police
Force and Special Task Force had
been sent for patrolling in the Kistaram police station area based on a
tip-off. When the team was moving in the forest under Burumapad
village, the Naxals attacked the police personnel, he said.
Retaliation
In retaliation, the policemen also
fired at the ultras.
The face-off continued for some
time after which the Naxals fled
from the area, Shravan said.
Later, during a search of the
spot, police found the body of the
Naxalite. Four loaded guns, detonator and other material were recovered from the spot.
The horns and skin of a deer
were also seized from the place,
the SP said.
The deceased Naxalite was a
Jan-militia platoon commander
and carried a reward of Rs100,000
on his head, he said.
The police force is deployed in
the area and a search is on for the
Naxals, he added. - PTI
Pranab: Falling standards of
higher education ‘alarming’
President Pranab
Mukherjee regretted
that now universities
or institutions of
higher learning
in India are not
up to the mark
GREATER NOIDA: President
Pranab Mukherjee on Monday
expressed concern over the falling standard of higher education
in the country even though he said
the proliferation of private sector
has led to greater access.
“Some private institutions have
ably complimented the efforts of
the public sector institutions in
meeting the high demand for the
tertiary education of our society,”
Mukherjee said after inaugurating
the Shiv Nadar University here.
He added that private institutions account for about 60
per cent of students enrolled in
higher education.
Stating that there were only 20
universities in 1950, Mukherjee
said on Monday there are 712 universities in the country and the
number of colleges has increased
ONE FOR THE ALBUM: President Pranab Mukherjee with UP Governor Ram Naik and industrialist and
philanthropist Shiva Nadar at a function to inaugurate the Shiv Nadar University and award the first
HCL Grant, at Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. - PTI
from 500 to more than 36,000.
“Though (private sector) proliferation has led to greater access,
its negative fallout on the standards is alarming. Its declining
quality for standard, particularly
in the areas of higher learning...
“... if not reversed quickly, we will
land ourselves in a scenario of
having a large number of people
with degrees but not enough manpower with proficiency to meet
the emerging requirement of our
industrial and other sectors,”
Mukherjee said.
He cited the example of ancient
Indian universities like Nalanda,
Takshashila, Vikramashila and
said that in the past, India has led
the world in creating standards in
the field of higher learning, and
institutions in the country should
strive for the same again.
“Almost like a parrot in all edu-
cational congregation, I draw the
attention of audience, not one or
two years, but almost 1,800 years,
India led international community in the area of higher learning.
“Universities like Takshashila,
Nalanda, Vikramshila... attracted
the brilliant minds in the form of
students and teachers,” President
Pranab Mukherjee said.
He regretted that now universities or institutions of higher learn-
ing in India are not up to the mark.
“We must come up to the international standards. The Nadar
University, which has impressive
infra, should be able to replicate
these achievements,” he said.
The president said that two Indian institutions, for the first time
in 2015, have been ranked in the
list of top 200 universities prepared by internationally reputed
rating agencies.
“I am happy that at least these
two institutions have come up and
I have no doubt that many more
will join,” he said.
Meanwhile, the president announced the winner of a Rs50
million grant from the Rs100
crore fund of HCL Foundation
to support NGOs and individual
social leaders.
He gave the award to NGO ‘Going to School’ a charitable trust by
former communications consultant at UNICEF Lisa Heydlauff.
Also present, Uttar Pradesh
Governor Ram Naik said private
universities co-exist with public
universities and fill the gap of infrastructure and investment deficit experienced in higher education sphere in the country.
“I take pride in our culture and
civilization, however, when it
comes to a healthy comparison,
the Indian universities do not
have any significant global presence. The main reason for this
could be the lack of interest in innovative thinking and research,”
Naik said. - PTI
I N K AT TA C K
AAP fears attack on Kejriwal, blames police for lax security
NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi
Party on Monday alleged that the
ink attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was part of a
“big rehearsal” to possibly “physically harm” him in future and that
deliberately lax security was being
provided to him by Delhi Police.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader
Ashutosh claimed that “not a single” security person escorted the
Delhi Chief Minister, who comes
in Z-plus category, during his recent train journey from Punjab to
the national capital after addressing a public rally there.
“I can see a method or a pattern
here. There’s a deep conspiracy
and it’s a well known fact that
Delhi Police directly reports to
the Prime Minister’s Office and
not the Home Ministry,” he told
reporters at a press conference at
Deputy Chief Minister Manish
Sisodia’s residence.
“The attack signals that the incidents are part of a big rehearsal.
The conspiracies are being tested
time and again. One also needs
to look at the kind of hate being
whipped up against Kejriwal by
BJP and RSS,” he said.
He said that the attack, where
a young woman threw ink at Kejriwal in a public rally on Sunday
was not only “shameful” but also
serious as India has had a history
of assassinations of top leaders
including former prime ministers
Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
“After assessing the threat perception, Centre itself gave Z-plus
security status to the Delhi CM.
We did not ask for it. Then how
could a woman get this close to the
CM and throw stuff at him? They
can’t claim that they were caught
unawares,” AAP’s Delhi Convenor
Dilip Pandey said.
Bhavna Arora, the woman, who
claimed to be a member of the
Punjab unit of Aam Aadmi Sena,
was later detained by police and
whisked away to Model Town police station for questioning.
A case was also registered.
Reacting sharply to the incident,
Sisodia on Sunday said the BJP
was conspiring to attack Kejriwal
and the entire Cabinet because
they cannot stand the success of
the odd-even scheme and AAP’s
popularity among the masses.
Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay rejected the allegations and
insinuated that the incident could
have been “stage managed” while
Delhi police said the charges were
“misconceived and unfounded”.
Echoing Sisodia’s allegations,
Ashutosh said the attack could be
seen as an attempt to cause “physical harm” to Kejriwal.
“The fact that it may have been
an attempt to kill him can’t be ruled
out.” He alleged that the security
was scant at Kejriwal’s recent rally
at Punjab’s Muktsar and very few
Delhi Police personnel accompanied him. “Not a single policeman
escorted him during his return
journey in train,” he claimed.
Pandey demanded that the Centre and the police hold “account-
able” those responsible behind the
“lapse” in the Z-plus arrangements
as part of which “22 policemen are
to escort the CM.”
“A red alert was sounded after
the Pathankot attack. This is the
readiness of police during a red
alert? Was any personnel from
Delhi Police been held accountable? This is clearly vengeful,”
Pandey said.
On Aam Aadmi Sena, Ashtosh
said, “RSS and BJP have a history
of propping up such organisations.
We need to look at the kind of hate
being whipped up against Kejriwal
by them.”
Arora, a resident of outer Delhi’s Rohini sub-city, came quite
close to the lectern when Kejriwal was delivering his speech at
the Chhatrasal Stadium, waved
some papers towards him and then
threw ink at the Chief Minister.
There were ink stains on Kejriwal’s cheeks and some others
standing close to him were also
seen wiping off the liquid. - PTI
DETAINED: Policemen try to control a member of Aam Aadmi Sena
after she splattered Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal with ink while protesting against alleged CNG scam, at a ‘thanksgiving’ rally following the success of his government’s odd-even scheme at Chhatrasal Stadium, in New Delhi on Sunday. - PTI
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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INDIA
India, Israel set to enhance
coordination on terrorism
It was emphasised
that the region
around India and
around Israel are
both in turmoil. That
there were special
circumstances posed
by terrorism that
required coordination
between the
two countries
OCCUPIED
JERUSALEM:
Contending that India and Israel
face challenges of terrorism, the
two countries on Monday agreed
to intensify coordination to deal
with the menace as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
met top Israeli leadership and discussed a wide-range of bilateral
and regional issues.
Swaraj, who is on her first visit
to West Asia as the External Affairs Minister, called on President
Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and
other top leaders.
“It was emphasised that the
region around India and around
Israel are both in turmoil. That
there were special circumstances
posed by terrorism that required
coordination between the countries, especially between India
and Israel,” an official here said,
sharing details of the meetings.
“It was agreed that the exchange of information (between
the two countries) will continue
in the future,” he added.
JOINT STATEMENTS: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and Indian External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj deliver joint statements during their meeting in the occupied Jerusalem on
Monday. - Reuters
Swaraj said she hopes get an assessment of the situation in the
region and identify areas where
the two sides can cooperate.
She said, “India attaches the
highest importance to the full development of bilateral ties with
Israel. Our bilateral cooperation
has grown in a number of areas
over the past two decades but the
potential of our relations are
much more.”
Netanyahu, who also heads
the Foreign Ministry, said that
there has been a great flowering
of relationship and friendship
between the two countries in the
recent years.
“I take special pleasure in welcoming you here and sending my
regards to my good friend and
colleague Prime Minister Modi.
The expression of this growing
relationship has been in the visit
of the (Indian) President, the first
ever by an Indian Head of State,”
he told Indian external affairs
minister.
He said the two countries are
intensifying their contacts and
cooperation in fields such as science and technology, cyber, defence and agriculture.
“India and Israel are at the cutting edge of so many innovations
and by working together we can
do a lot more for our people and
the world,” he said, adding that Israel admires India and view it as a
great friend.
Emphasising on the importance attached to India by Israel, he said his country is putting “special effort towards
buildingaspecialrelationshipwitha
special country”.
President Rivlin pushed for a
boost in bilateral economic ties
during his meeting with Swaraj
and said the two partners should
DALIT RESEARCH SCHOLAR
Protests over Dalit student’s
suicide as minister booked
PROTESTS: Police detain a girl student during a protest against the Ministry of Human Resource
Development in New Delhi on Monday, over the suicide of a PhD scholar Rohith Vemula at University of Hyderabad. - PTI
HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI:
The protests over suicide of a Dalit
research scholar rocked University of Hyderabad while police
booked central minister Bandaru
Dattatreya and three others for
abetment of suicide and also for
violations of the SC/ST act.
A day after Rohith Vemula
hanged himself in a university
hostel room, protests broke out
on the campus of the central university and echoed in the national
capital, where students tried to
lay siege to the office of Union
Human Resources Development
Minister Smriti Irani.
Police used water canons and
arrested several students as they
broke the barricades.
The protesters, carrying pictures of B.R. Ambedkar and raising anti-government slogans,
clashed with police.
The central ministry constituted a two-member committee to
probe the suicide. The panel will
submit report in two days.
Irani, while expressing sympathy with the student’s family,
declined to comment on the incident. She merely said the ministry had no administrative control
over the central universities.
The varsity campus in Hyderabad remained tense since
morning when police used force
to take possession of Rohith’s
body, which the students had
locked in a room and were insisting should be visited by Vice
Chancellor Appa Rao.
Policemen in riot gear used batons to disperse the slogan-shouting students and arrested eight of
them before shifting the body to
Osmania Hospital for autopsy.
The 28-year-old, a second
year research scholar of science,
technology and society studies
department, was found hanging
in his friend’s room in the hostel
on Sunday.
He was one of the five students
expelled from the hostel and
barred from all facilities except
their classrooms following a clash
with leaders of Akhil Bharatiya
Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
The students belonging to
Ambedkar Students Union (ASU)
had been staging protest on the
campus for last 15 days against
this “discrimination” and “social
boycott”. Hailing from a poor family in Guntur district of Andhra
Pradesh, Rohith, in his six-page
suicide note, said no one was re-
sponsible for his suicide.
“I always wanted to be a writer.
A writer of science, like Carl Sagan. At last, this is the only letter I
am getting to write,” he wrote.
His mother Radhika along with
students and leaders of various
Dalit groups staged a sit-in on the
campus, demanding that the vice
chancellor come to them and explain why her son was suspended.
A Joint Action Committee
(JAC) of various student groups
blamed growing influence of
right-wing groups on the campus
for the incident.
A JAC leader said nine Dalit
students have committed suicide
during last five years.
They held central minister
Bandaru Dattetreya, the vice
chancellor, ABVP leader Sushil
Kumar and Vishnu responsible
for the suicide.
A case for abetment of suicide
and for violation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled
Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)
Act was booked against the four
in Gachibowli police station on a
complaint by a student.
A police officer said that they
will take further action after investigation. - IANS
A9
quickly finalise the Free Trade
Agreement (FTA).
“It is important that we work to
open a FTA between Israel and India — there can be no better way to
celebrate 25 years of our relations,
which we will mark next year,”
Rivlin told Swaraj.
Free trade agreement
An Israeli team is currently in India for preliminary talks on Free
Trade Agreement to ensure that
whenever the delegations meet in
full strength all related issues can
be addressed with clarity and special attention is being paid for the
revival of the talks, a few rounds of
which have already been held, an
Indian official here said.
“We are both looking to the future. We know very well the challenges we face, at time same time,
we must realise the opportunities.
“Our friendship is defined by
our working together for a better
future for our peoples — in security, but also in cyber, hi-tech,
medicine, agriculture and water,”
the Israeli president said.
Swaraj told him that IndoIsrael bilateral ties that are wide
ranging have been growing “from
strength to strength”.
She hoped that the bilateral relationship that is so far concentrated around too many areas of
defence and agriculture would
expand to other areas which are
emerging, especially water, sanitation and in the field of education
in particular.
“We have the volumes and you
have the technology”, she said,
urging Israel to participate actively in the clean Ganga, smart cities,
digital India and Make in India
initiatives.
Netanyahu, who has met Modi
twice in the past year and a half,
has said that “sky is the limit”
that can be achieved between
the two sides with “limitless”
potential.
The Israeli Prime Minister
has in the past said that his Indian counterpart has told him
that New Delhi needs Tel Aviv to
achieve major developmental projects outlined by him.
Israel’s Minister of Infrastructure Yuval Shteinitz, Deputy Foreign Minister Tsipi Hotovely and
Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon
also called on Swaraj to discuss
ways to take forward bilateral cooperation.
Lawmaker Tzipi Livni, a former
foreign minister, also called on
Swaraj. Swaraj will be meeting the
Indian community in Israel.
There are four groups of Indian
Jewish communities in Israel
with a strength of approximately
80,000. Her visit comes barely
three months after the historic
visit of President Pranab Mukherjee, the first by an Indian Head of
State to Israel, and aims at encasing on the goodwill generated by
that visit. - PTI
B J P L AW M A K E R
‘Will win even
if I contest as
independent’
Shatrughan Sinha
KOLKATA: Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha
on Monday asserted he can win
elections even if he contests as an
independent candidate and admitted he has been getting “feelers”
from other parties for long.
The Patna Sahib MP, who was
sidelined by the BJP in the recent
Assembly polls in Bihar, also said
he gave his opinions whenever the
prime minister or the party did a
good or bad thing and was never
“disgruntled or sulking”.
“Since I am a good man in politics, I have been getting feelers
from other parties for ages. That’s
why I have been saying I don’t have
any problem,” Sinha said here.
“I have been winning by a record
margin. Even if I contest as an Independent, it would not be a problem because a lot of people will
support me,” he said.
Sinha had won the 2014 Lok
Sabha polls by a margin of over
264,0000 votes.
He had often taken potshots
at the party for the way it conducted the campaign in Bihar and
even went on to term the grand
alliance’s victory as “victory of
democracy”.
“I could see the writing on the
wall. I tried to make everyone understand through various means
including Twitter. I also heard that
they could remove me from the
party. I said no problem you could
as you were in a decision making
body, but they didn’t remove me,”
he said. - PTI
A 10
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
PAKISTAN
Court acquits Musharraf of
Baloch leader Bugti murder
In late 2006,
Pakistani forces
killed Nawab Akbar
Khan Bugti and
dozens of other
rebels at a hideout
in Balochistan’s
rugged mountains
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan General
Pervez Musharraf, who came to
power in 1999 in a bloodless coup
against current Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif, was acquitted on
Monday of the murder of a separatist leader in 2006, removing
one of several cases against him.
Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti led a
tribal campaign to win political
autonomy for Baochistan, Pakistan’s biggest province.
He was killed in a battle between tribal militants and government forces in the restive province in 2006.
But on Monday, an anti-terrorism court in the provincial capital,
Quetta, acquitted him.
“We aren’t satisfied with the
judgment and will challenge it in
court,” Sohail Rajput, the lawyer
for Bugti’s family, told reporters
outside the court.
Musharraf ordered a military crackdown in Balochistan
in late 2005 after being targeted
by a rocket attack while visiting
the province.
In late 2006, Pakistani forces
killed Bugti and dozens of other
rebels at a hideout in Balochistan’s
rugged mountains.
Musharraf has also been
charged in connection with the
2007 assassination of prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the murder of a prominent cleric since
returning to Pakistan from exile
in 2013. — Reuters
SUCCESSFUL DEFENCE: Pakistani former interior minister, Aftab Sherpao, third right, leaves the court after a hearing in Quetta on Monday. A Pakistani court acquitted former military ruler Pervez Musharraf over the 2006 killing of a Baloch rebel leader, one of three legal
cases he faced after returning from exile, lawyers said. — AFP
REPRIEVE: In this photograph taken on November 14, 2014, Pakistan’s former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf smiles
during an interview with AFP in Karachi. - AFP/Asif Hassan/Files
FORMER MINISTER
SETBACK: Pakistani lawyer for the family of late Baloch rebel
leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, Sohail Rajput, centre, speaks after a
hearing in Quetta on Monday. — AFP
BLOCKED IN 2012
Telecom body
directive
to unblock
YouTube
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
on Monday issued directives to all
internet service providers (ISPs)
to remove viewing barriers from
YouTube, the most popular videostreaming website.
The website’s Pakistani domain
has already been online for the
past couple of days as part of a trial
run, a PTA official said.
“They have blocked the unwanted content which was the main
point of contention and it has been
solved,” the official said on the condition of anonymity as the authority is yet to issue a formal statement
in this regard.
The YouTube ban had been a
dilemma for PTA, which has been
credited for contributing to the
expansion of telecommunication
and internet services in Pakistan
over the years.
“We acted as a messenger in this
case. You do realise the sensitivity of the matter. So we did what
government told us to do,” the official added.
The lifting of the ban comes after almost three and a half years as
the popular video-sharing website
was blocked in the country in September 2012 after a low-budget
movie containing sacrilegious
content sparked furious protests
around the world.
At the time, the country’s top
court ruled the site should be
banned until a way is found to
block all blasphemous material. Google had removed the
movie following a US court order
but its shorter versions are still
available online.
Educational tool
Last week, a Supreme Court judge
had remarked that the YouTube is
an educational tool and it should
not be mixed up with other sites
containing objectionable content.
“As far as objectionable material
is concerned, technical experts
must address this issue,” Justice
Faez Isa, a member of a two-judge
bench, said while hearing a petition seeking a permanent ban on
YouTube and abolition of obscenity. — Express Tribune
CONTROVERSY
Zardari aide Asim’s After criticism, android game based on
remand extended Peshawar school massacre taken down
by 10 more days
KARACHI: An accountability court on Monday further extended the physical remand of
former federal minister Dr Asim
Hussain for ten days over his alleged role in illegal appointments
and award of contracts in the Sui
Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
The NAB had obtained custody
of Asim on December 11 in connection with an inquiry regarding misuse of authority in allotment of plots and encroachment
of state land for Dr Ziauddin
Hospital Trust, fraud with public
by running a charity hospital on
commercial basis, kickbacks and
commission through fertiliser
cartel for illegal curtailment and
money-laundering.
Deteriorating health
While prosecution requested for
an extension of 14 days, Asim’s
lawyer opposed the request stating that 145 days have passed but
the prosecution has not been able
to prove anything against his client and that his medical health is
deteriorating as cited in a medical report submitted previously.
Administrative Judge Saad
Qureshi extended Dr Asim’s
physical remand till January 27
and directed relevant authorities to take the accused to a psychiatrist and if recommended, he
should be shifted to a hospital.
On January 5, the court extended the physical remand of
the former federal minister by
two weeks.
Harbouring terrorists
Asim, chairman of the Sindh
Higher Education Commission
and a friend of former president
Asif Ali Zardari, is facing charges
of abetting and harbouring terrorists at his family-owned hospitals in Karachi.
After spending 90 days in the
custody of paramilitary Rangers, who detained him on August 26, he was handed over to
the Karachi police for further
interrogation.
The police, however, relieved
him of the charges and got him
released, sparking a tussle between the federal and provincial
governments. — Express Tribune
LAHORE: Following a barrage
of criticism, the Punjab IT Board
has taken down an android game
based on the 2014 attack on the Peshawar Army Public School, conceding it was made in “poor taste”.
Punjab IT Board Chairman Umar
Saif, in a tweet, confirmed that the
game has been removed.
The Punjab IT Board released
the first-person shooting game titled ‘Pakistan Army Retribution’
around the anniversary of the
brutal attack, in which 146 people,
mostly schoolchildren were killed.
The game re-enacts the events
of December 16, 2014, with the
player assuming the role of a soldier and leading his team into the
school premises. The ultimate task
for the player is to neutralise the
terrorists.
Developers, however, seemed to
have missed the mark in aiming
to honour the army soldiers who
participated in the operation, with
many calling out the game for being insensitive and in poor taste.
The IT Board took down the
game on Monday from Google Play
Store. A message now appears saying the content is not available in
your country yet. — Express Tribune
MASS KILLING: Ambulances carrying schoolchildren make their way from the Army Public School
that came under attack by Taliban gunmen in Peshawar on December 16, 2014. Taliban gunmen in
Pakistan had taken hundreds of students and teachers hostage in a school in the northwestern city of
Peshawar, and killed many. — Reuters file photo
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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ASIA
JA M A AT - U L - M UJA H I D E E N
FIRST SNOWFALL IN TOKYO
People walk along a street covered with snow as they head to a subway station in Tokyo on Monday. Tokyo had its first snow of the season amid cold temperatures, with snowfall reaching six centimetres (2.4 inches) in downtown areas. — AFP
Bangladesh
jails five rebels
for 10 years
DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh
on Monday jailed five militants of
a banned extremist group for 10
years over bombings in 2005 that
formed part of a series of blasts
across the country.
The
Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen
group set off nearly 500 bombs
almost simultaneously on a single day in 2005, including the
capital Dhaka.
Subsequent suicide attacks on
courthouses by its militants killed
25 people and injured hundreds.
Five members of the Jamaat-ulMujahideen group were convicted
and sentenced for the explosions
in the southeastern district of
Rangamati, court inspector Mominul Islam said.
“Six militants were charged
with the bombings,” he told Reuters by telephone.
“And five of them were convicted and sentenced to 10 years in jail,
while one was acquitted.”
The group, thought to have been
lying low since six of its top leaders
were hanged in 2007, is blamed for
a spate of recent attacks, including
the bombings of a Shi’ite shrine
and the shooting of three foreigners, two of whom died.
Last year, four bloggers and a
publisher were killed in Bangladesh, amid a rise in extremist
violence in which liberal activists,
members of minority sects and
other religious groups have been
targeted. — Reuters
D E L AY E D E L E C T I O N S
Afghanistan
parliamentary
poll to be held
in October
KABUL: Afghanistan will hold
postponed parliamentary elections in October, the top election
official said on Monday, after last
June’s deadline to choose a new
assembly was missed because of
political squabbling.
Parliament’s five-year term expired last June, but elections were
postponed because of security
fears and disagreements on how
to ensure a fair vote after a bitterly disputed presidential election
in 2014.
President Ashraf Ghani issued a
decree last year extending parliament’s mandate until a vote could
be held, a decision criticised by
Afghans, who questioned whether
the extension was legal.
Worsening security
If the elections go ahead as
planned, they are likely to be held
against a backdrop of sharply
worsening security, with the Taliban trying to build on their campaign last year that included the
brief capture of the northern city
of Kunduz.
The elections will be held on October 15, Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani,
the head of the election commission, told a press conference
in Kabul. — Reuters
Peace summit bid to bring
Afghan Taliban to talks
Afghanistan,
Pakistan, China and
US diplomats held
talks as Taliban
forces have stepped
up their campaign
in the last year to
topple the Kabul
government
KABUL: Afghanistan, Pakistan,
China and the United States sat
down to talks on Monday aimed at
laying the ground for a negotiated
end to almost 15 years of war between US-supported government
forces and Taliban insurgents
now firmly on the offensive.
Taliban forces have stepped up
their campaign in the last year
to topple the Kabul government,
which has struggled since most
foreign troops left at the end of
TOUGH TASK: Afghanistan, Pakistan, United State and China’s delegations at a meeting in Kabul,
Afghanistan, on Monday. — Reuters
2014. High-profile suicide attacks
and Taliban territorial gains in
Helmand province have underlined how far Afghanistan remains from peace.
The Taliban, who now control
or contest more territory than at
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Manila planning tracking
system for civilian flights
MANILA: The Philippines plans
to install a $1-million satellitebased system to track commercial
flights over the disputed South
China Sea, after China landed its
first test flights this month on a
reef it built in the Spratly islands.
China’s increasing military
presence in the Spratlys has
stirred fears it could lead to an
air defence zone the country controls, which would escalate tension with other claimants, and
the United States, in one of the
world’s most volatile areas.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to
have huge oil and gas deposits, but
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Taiwan and Vietnam also have
claims in the sea, through which
about $5 trillion in trade passes
every year.
“In the absence of a radar in the
area, the system will help track
aircraft movements, enhancing
safety and security,” said Rodante
Joya, a deputy director-general of
the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines.
Joya said the Philippines would
install the $1.05-million surveillance system on the island of
Thitu, calling it by its Philippine
name of Pagasa, to track about
200 commercial flights through
the area each day.
Blind spots
The area in the South China Sea is
among the blind spots in the Philippines’ airspace, he added.
The Philippines and Vietnam
protested against China’s test
flights on the Fiery Cross reef this
month, saying Beijing might impose an air defence identification
zone, restricting flights by commercial airlines over the South
China Sea.
On January 7, China warned a
small civilian plane carrying Philippine aviation officials who inspected Thitu, where the surveillance equipment is to be set up
this year, as their craft flew near
Beijing’s man-made island.
“The foreign ministry has been
informed about the reported incident involving our civil aviation
team,” presidential spokesman
Herminio Coloma told reporters,
adding that the foreign ministry
was expected to make a statement
on the matter.
The Philippine civil aviation
agency has limited radar coverage and the military is expected
to sign a deal this year for three
aerial radars to detect airspace intrusions as far as 250 miles (402
km) away, beyond the exclusive
economic zone.
Joya said the agency was waiting for approval from security
and foreign affairs officials as the
tracking system, or automatic dependent surveillance broadcast
system, as it is called, is to be located on a military base in a disputed area.
Seven civil aviation radar
stations will also be added, he
said. — Reuters
any time since they was ousted by
a US-led intervention in 2001, will
not attend the talks.
Representatives from the four
countries met in Kabul to revive
a peace process that collapsed
last summer.
Any further delay by the Taliban
“to come to the table for talks now
will further isolate them in the
eyes of the Afghan people”, Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani said in his opening remarks.
The ultimate goal of the diplo-
matic manoeuvring is to get representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban into direct
negotiations.
A previous round of talks took
place in Islamabad a week ago.
A suicide bomber who killed
13 people in eastern Afghanistan
and a rocket which landed near
the Italian embassy in Kabul on
Sunday were a reminder of what
is at stake.
“The talks are strategically important for everyone involved, but
are unlikely to go anywhere right
now,” said S.Chandrasekharan, director of the South Asia Analysis
Group.”The Taliban are making
gains and the army is on the defensive. Until there is a stalemate,
the talks are unlikely to succeed.”
Afghanistan’s chief negotiator said last week Monday’s talks
would focus on creating a plan
to persuade the Taliban to give
up violence.
A statement on a Taliban website on Saturday did not rule out
joining talks but rejected US .involvement, saying the country
was to blame for a war that has
killed hundreds of thousands
of Afghans.
“On the other hand, they take
the first row among peace negotiators,” the statement said. — Reuters
A12
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High expectations from new Indian schools board team
I refer to the story, Five members elected to Indian Schools board of
directors (January 17 ). This time we saw a very transparent election at the Indian School Muscat (ISM) depicting our strong values
of democracy. Having said that, there are
huge expectations that the newly elected
members would help restore the pride and
honour of this great educational establishment. For many years we have seen
the quality going down in ISM but now
the onus is on the new board members
to come clear on a new plan to take this
establishment to greater heights in Oman
Scan this QR code
and nurture students who can lead our
to send letters to the
nation and aboard with great values.
Readers’ Forum,
— Lateef Shahdad, Qurum heights
containing not more
than 200 words with
full name, address
and telephone
number, may be sent
by e-mail (akhtar@
timesofoman.com).
Delivery of food on cycle not the
ideal mode in scorching summer
This refers to the news story, An ecofriendly way of delivering food packets
(January 17). Delivery of food packets on
bicycle is a novel idea, though not new, as
it’s practised across the world. Replacing motorbikes for delivery of food is worth economically and is
eco-friendly as well. However, how fast they reach the customer is a
concern. While it’s a good mode of transport for delivery of food in
the winter season, it would not be ideal for the summer. The safety
of the rider also should be a concern. — P. A. Jacob, Ruwi
NEW INDIA
ASSURANCE
“Insure with
New India and
be secure”
Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
MAHATMA GANDHI
THOMAS FRICKE
The climate agreement that world
leaders reached in Paris last month
has been widely celebrated for
establishing the ambitious target
of limiting the increase in global
temperature to well below 2º
Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
But the agreement is just one step,
albeit an important one.
bit.ly/lowcarbonfuture
T
here is some temptation to assign the blame
for the current setback to Asia’s development as an economic powerhouse to the
sudden and unexpected downturn in the rate of
growth of the Chinese economy. In its 13th FiveYear Plan adopted by the Chinese Communist Party in October 2015 that will become operational in
March this year, Beijing has lowered its sights.
It is now projecting the rate of GDP growth at
seven per cent a year in the 2016-2020 period
compared to close to the almost 10 per cent a year
it was able to sustain for three decades from 1980
to 2010. There are several authoritative voices
from among China watchers who believe that the
rate of growth may be even lower, perhaps closer to
five per cent a year.
China’s economic travails have been communicated through commodity markets and through
the country’s imports of parts and components.
For instance, China had emerged as a large market
for Apple products. The company assembled its
popular iPads and iPhones from the components
imported mostly from East Asia.
Such a slowdown is not happening without delivering shocks to the entire Chinese economy.
The world — and that includes the authorities
in Beijing — has recognised that the old model of
economic development that had resulted in increasing the size of the Chinese economy 35-fold
between 1980 and 2010 will no longer work.
Once called the East Asian miracle by the World
Bank, this model had a number of components.
Four of these were of particular importance.
The all-powerful state provided direction to entrepreneurs, both private as well as those operating in the large public sector. The entrepreneurs
used low-wage labour to produce low-priced goods
in quantities far in excess of domestic demand.
The state worked with the involved entrepreneurs to find external markets for the surpluses
produced by their enterprises. The result of this
approach was a large trade surplus that created
enormous foreign exchange reserves for Beijing.
Given the very high rate of domestic savings,
the state did not need the accumulated foreign
exchange reserves for development. They were
saved. At one point, China had $4 trillion in foreign
exchange reserves. Most of these were parked in
the United States, a significant amount in the form
of US Treasury Bills. This model would have continued to produce results had the Western economies not been hit by what has been called the Great
Recession of 2008-09.
This resulted in a sharp downturn in the rate of
economic growth in the West. The market contraction that resulted saw a major decline in Asian exports. Unlike a number of recessions following the
end of the Second World War, the one in 2008-09
was not V-shaped, a sharp contraction followed by
a sharp expansion. Instead, it is most likely to be Ushaped, a contraction followed by a long period of
low growth and then recovery. Some analysts fear
that this may turn out to be a W-shaped recession,
two downturns before a modest recovery settles in.
The Great Recession came at the time when
demographic developments had begun to take a
heavy toll on the economies of the West. The rapid
ageing of populations in most of Europe and in Japan was changing the age-profile of populations in
significant ways. Germany, with a median age of 47
years, was the world’s oldest population.
This may be one reason for Berlin spreading the
welcome mat for the million young refugees that
arrived in 2016 from Syria and Afghanistan seeking asylum and work.
This ageing was the result of sharp declines in
human fertility in these countries accompanied by
major advances in health sciences that prolonged
life. Each year added to life expectancy increases
the demand for services such as health care and
welfare for the aged and the ageing. Already, services account for 86 per cent of America’s Gross
Domestic Product. The markets in rich societies, therefore, cannot accommodate increasing
amounts of cheap manufactures from large Asian
economies. China and other large Asian economies
will have to find other determinants of economic
growth. China is attempting to do this in three different ways: by increasing domestic demand for domestically produced goods, by encouraging the flow
of non-manufacturing wages into family incomes,
and by diverting its large construction industry to
invest in building infrastructure outside its borders.
Beijing expects to invest as much as $400 billion in
two dozen countries in building this infrastructure
in the next five to 10 years. - Express Tribune
CLIPPINGS
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
JANUARY 2001
ROWAHI: Fisheries sector is a cornerstone of progress
MUSCAT: Dr Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Rowahi, minister of agriculture and fisheries, opened the three-day international conference on
fisheries, aquaculture fish-farming and environment in the northwest Indian Ocean at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) yesterday. In
his opening speech the minister said, “fisheries were a cornerstone
of our food security and a springboard for economic development.
They were a useful and sustainable resource if they were properly
managed.” He added that successive development plans had focused
on developing the fisheries sector and increasing its contributions to
the economy.
PICTOGRAPH
FOREIGN SCHOOLS
IN THE SULTANATE
2010
36
2011
37
2012
39
2013
40
2014
43
TODAY IN HISTORY
INVITATION TO WRITERS
We invite our readers
to write articles on topics
related to Oman. The articles
should not exceed 800 words.
Send us your article along
with your picture to
akhtar@timesofoman.com
1937: Howard Hughes flies from Los Angeles to New York in
seven hours and 22 minutes.
1945: The Red Army captures Lodz, Krakow, and Tarnow.
1947: The French open a drive on Hue, Indochina.
1950: Communist Chinese leader Mao recognizes the Republic of
Vietnam.
0
Source
National Centre for Statistics and Information
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
A13
SPECIAL
EURO FATE
‘LINKED’ TO
MIGRANT
CRISIS
EU Chief Executive Jean-Claude
Juncker echoed German Chancellor
Angela Merkel in warning that the
central economic achievements of
the common market and the euro are
at risk from incoherent, nationalistic
reactions to migration and other crises
DESPERATE: Migrants and refugees walk on a snow covered street after crossing the Macedonian border into Serbia near the village of Miratovac on Sunday. More than one million migrants reached Europe in
2015, most of them refugees fleeing war and violence in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, according to the United Nations refugee agency. - AFP
BRUSSELS/BERLIN: Is this
how “Europe” ends? The Germans,
founders and funders of the postwar union, shut their borders to
refugees in a bid for political survival by the chancellor who let in a
million migrants. And then — why
not? — they decide to revive the
Deutschmark while they’re at it.
That is not the fantasy of diehard
Eurosceptics but a real fear articulated at the highest levels in Berlin
and Brussels.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, her
ratings hit by crimes blamed on
asylum seekers at New Year parties
in Cologne, and EU chief executive
Jean-Claude Juncker both said as
much last week.
Juncker echoed Merkel in warning that the central economic
achievements of the common market and the euro are at risk from incoherent, nationalistic reactions to
migration and other crises.
He renewed warnings that Europe is on its “last chance”, even if
he still hoped it was not “at the beginning of the end”.
Merkel, facing trouble among
her conservative supporters as
much as from opponents, called
Europe “vulnerable” and the fate
of the euro “directly linked” to resolving the migration crisis — highlighting the risk of at the very least
serious economic turbulence if not
a formal dismantling of EU institutions. Some see that as mere scare
tactics aimed at fellow Europeans
by leaders with too much to lose
from an EU collapse — Greeks and
Italians have been seen to be dragging their feet over controlling the
bloc’s Mediterranean frontier and
eastern Europeans who benefit
from German subsidies and manufacturing supply chain jobs have
led hostility to demands that they
help take in refugees.
Germans are also getting little
help from EU co-founder France,
whose leaders fear a rising antiimmigrant National Front, or the
bloc’s third power, Britain, consumed with its own debate on
whether to just quit the European
club altogether.
So, empty threat or no, with efforts to engage Turkey’s help showing little sign yet of preventing
migrants reaching Greek beaches,
German and EU officials are warning that without a sharp drop in arrivals or a change of heart in other
EU states to relieve Berlin of the
lonely task of housing refugees,
Germany could shut its doors,
sparking wider crisis this spring.
With Merkel’s conservative allies in the southern frontier state
of Bavaria demanding she halt the
mainly Muslim asylum seekers
ahead of tricky regional elections
in March, her veteran finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble delivered
one of his trademark veiled threats
to EU counterparts of what that
could mean for them.
“Many think this is a German
problem,” Schaeuble said in meetings with fellow EU finance ministers in Brussels. “But if Germany
does what everyone expects, then
we’ll see that it’s not a German
problem -- but a European one.”
Senior Merkel allies are working hard to stifle the kind of parliamentary party rebellion that
threatened to derail bailouts which
Many think this is a
German problem. But
if Germany does what
everyone expects, then
we’ll see that it’s not a
German problem —
but a European one
Wolfgang Schaeuble
Germany’s finance minister
kept Greece in the euro zone last
year. But pressure is mounting for
national measures, such as border
fences, which as a child of East
Germany Merkel has said she cannot countenance.
“If you build a fence, it’s the end
of Europe as we know it,” one senior conservative said.
“We need to be patient.” A senior
German official noted that time is
running out, however.
“The chancellor has been asking
her party for more time,” he said.
“But ... that narrative ... is losing the
persuasiveness it may have had in
October or November. If you add in
the debate about Cologne, she faces
an increasingly difficult situation.”
He noted that arrivals had not
fallen sharply over the winter
months as had been expected. “You
can only imagine what happens
when the weather improves,” he
said. Merkel and Juncker explicitly linked new national frontier
controls across Europe’s passportfree Schengen zone to a collapse of
the single market at the core of the
bloc, and of the euro. Both would
ravage jobs and the economy.
“Without Schengen ... the euro
has no point,” Juncker told a New
Year news conference on Friday.
Historic national resentments
were re-emerging, he added, accusing his generation of EU leaders of squandering the legacy of the
union’s founders, survivors of
World War II.
Merkel has not suggested -- yet
-- that Berlin could follow neighbours like Austria and Denmark in
further tightening border checks
to deny entry to irregular migrants.
But she has made clear how Europe
might suffer. “No one can pretend
that you can have a common currency without being able to cross
borders relatively easily,” she said
at a business event last week.
In private, German officials
are more explicit. “We have until
March, the summer maybe, for a
European solution,” said a second
German official. “Then Schengen
goes down the drain.”
A senior EU official was equally blunt: “There is a big risk that
Germany closes. From that, no
Schengen ... There is a risk that
the February summit could start a
countdown to the end.”
The next summit of EU leaders
one month from now follows meetings last year that were marked by
agreement on a migration strategy
as well as rows over failures to implement it.
Of the 160,000 asylum seekers
EU leaders agreed in September to
distribute among member states,
fewer than 300 have been moved.
Berlin and Brussels continue to
press for more distribution across
Europe. But few place much hope
in that -- one senior German official calls it “flogging a dead horse”.
EU leaders’ hope is for help from
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
Berlin is pressing for more EU
cash for Ankara, beyond an agreed
3 billion euros, which Italy is blocking. Some Germans suggest simply
using German funds to stem the
flow from Turkey. EU officials say
it is too early to panic. Arrivals have
fallen this month, UN data show
them running in January at half the
3,500 daily rate of December. — Reuters
MISERABLE CONDITIONS: Aerial view of a makeshift camp as containers (rear) are put into place to house several hundred migrants living in what is known as the ‘Jungle’, a
squalid sprawling camp in Calais, northern France, on Sunday. — Reuters
‘Turkey
efforts not
enough to
stem influx’
BERLIN: Greek
President Prokopis
Pavlopoulos said
Turkey was not doing
enough to reduce the
number of migrants
arriving in Europe and
accused Turkish port
officials of helping
people smugglers.
Turkey reached a
deal with EU officials
late last year to keep
more refugees inside
its borders and stop
them travelling on.
Thousands fleeing
civil war in Syria have
made the perilous
journey from Turkey,
across the Aegean Sea
to Ankara’s long-term
regional rival Greece,
many of them dying on
the way. “I greatly fear
that Turkish people
smugglers are getting
support from the authorities,” Pavlopoulos
said in an interview
with the Sueddeutsche
Zeitung published on
Monday. “In particular,
the port authorities act
as if they don’t notice
anything. There are
cases in which smugglers have supposedly
been helped.
We have evidence
for this,” he said.
Turkish officials
were not immediately
available to comment.
Turkey says it is
doing what it can to
contain the movement
of migrants and curb
criminal smuggling
gangs while accommodating more than
2 million Syrian
refugees. Pavlopoulos
said Greece was still
prepared to contribute
towards the $3.27 billion pledged by the EU
to Turkey to help care
for Syrian refugees as
long as Ankara fulfilled
its obligations.
“Up to now Turkey
has not delivered,”
Pavlopoulos, who
is due to meet with
German Chancellor
Angela Merkel later on
Monday, told the paper.
The European Commission said earlier
this month it was far
from satisfied with
Turkey’s containment
of migrants. — Reuters
A 14
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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People feed seagulls by the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday. — Reuters
Raul Castro
Castro to visit
France on
February 1
PARIS: Cuban President Raul
Castro next month will make the
first visit to France by a Cuban
head of state since his brother in
1995 as he tries to carve out a larger role for the Communist-run nation since improving ties with the
United States.
French President Francois
Hollande in May became the first
Western president to visit Cuba in
more than 50 years and has been
positioning his country to capitalise on the thaw in relations.
France was Cuba’s main creditor and last month as part of a
deal between Cuba and the 15 rich
creditor nations of the Paris Club it
agreed to annul $4 billion in debt.
Confirming the visit on February
1, Hollande’s office said “it marked
a new stage in the strengthening of
relations between the two countries.” — Reuters
P E AC E N E G O T I AT I O N S
Xi to visit Riyadh,
Tehran in attempt
to defuse tensions
BEIJING: China intends to retain
a balanced stance in the Middle
East, a senior Chinese diplomat
said on Monday, as President Xi
Jinping prepared to leave on an
unusual visit this week to Saudi
Arabia and Iran.
Ties have worsened between
two countries since Saudi authorities executed cleric Nimr Al Nimr
on January 2.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister
Zhang Ming told reporters China
was not taking sides.
“If the Middle East is not stable,
I’m afraid the world can’t be very
peaceful. If a country or a region is
not stable, it cannot realise development,” he added.
“China firmly supports regional
countries individually exploring a
development path that suits their
national conditions.”
A Chinese president has not visited Saudi Arabia since 2009 when
Hu Jintao went, and Jiang Zemin
was the last Chinese president to
visit Iran, going in 2002.
Meanwhile, in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Pakistan Army Chief
General Raheel Sharif met Saudi
Arabia’s deputy crown prince and
defence minister, Mohammed bin
Salman, upon arrival in Riyadh
on Monday.
Raheel stressed the need for
opening up the communication
channel between Saudi Arabia and
Iran, the sources added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif held consultations with Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques King Salman
bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, Radio Pakistan reported.
The “prime minister reiterated the people of Pakistan would
always stand with the people of
Saudi Arabia against any threat to
the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom.”
“King Salman acknowledged
and appreciated the sincere sentiments of the Pakistani people and
leadership,” a Ministry of Foreign
Affairs statement said. — Agencies
MOROCCO
Rebel linked to Paris
attacks arrested
RABAT: Moroccan authorities
have arrested a Belgian national
of local origin directly linked to
the attackers who carried out the
Paris shootings and bombings in
November that killed 130 people,
the government said in a statement on Monday.
The interior ministry gave only
the suspect’s initials in Arabic
and said he fought in Syria with
Al Nusra front before joining the
IS extremist group. The suspect,
whose initials could be translated
to J.A. or G.A., was arrested on
January 15 in the city of Mohammedia, the statement added.”He
went to Syria with one of the suicide bombers of Saint Denis,” it
said. Investigations showed that
during his stay in Syria he has
built solid ties with IS leaders
including the ringleader of the
Paris attacks. — Reuters
Iran vows to carry on
missile programme
The United States
imposed sanctions
on 11 companies
and individuals on
Sunday for supplying
Iran’s ballistic
missile programme
in a move delayed
by over two weeks
so as not to endanger
the release
of US prisoners
DUBAI/ROME: Iran on Monday
said new US curbs on the Islamic
Republic’s ballistic missile programme were illegitimate, vowing
to continue developing its conventional military deterrent.
The United States imposed
sanctions on 11 companies and individuals on Sunday for supplying
Iran’s ballistic missile programme
in a move delayed by over two
weeks so as not to endanger this
weekend’s release of US prisoners. The new measures also came
after the lifting of far more comprehensive nuclear sanctions.
“The Islamic Republic will respond to these aggravating and
propagandistic measures by pursuing its legal missile programme
stronger than before and developing its defensive capabilities,” a
foreign ministry statement said.
DIALOGUE: A handout picture provided by the office of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is sitting on the right, shows him meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency chief Yukiya Amano,
left, during their meeting in Tehran on Monday. — AFP
Iran conducted a ballistic missile test in October, which the
United Nations called a breach
of a resolution prohibiting the
country from developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear
warheads.
Conventional payload
Iran insists the missile was designed to carry a conventional
payload. Foreign ministry spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari blasted Washington’s weaponry sales.
Hardline newspapers Kayhan
and Vatan-e-Emrooz splashed the
news on their front pages, crowding out a triumphal speech by
President Hassan Rouhani, who
on Sunday hailed the lifting of the
nuclear sanctions. “Sanctions are
back!” ran the Kayhan headline.
The article pointed out that
Tehran’s top authority, Supreme
Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,
had said new sanctions under any
pretext would constitute a breach
of the nuclear deal.
Meanwhile, according to a diplomatic source Rouhani will visit
Italy and France next week on his
first trip to Europe since the lifting of sanctions.
The source said Rouhani would
be in Italy on January 25-26 and
leave for Paris on January 27.
On his first day in Italy he will
meet the country’s president,
prime minister and business leaders. He is scheduled to meet Pope
Francis on the second day, the
source said.
The visits were originally due
to take place in November but
were cancelled after the attacks
by extremist militants in Paris.
Meanwhile, Russia Helicopters
hopes to deliver military helicopters to Iran now that sanctions
have been lifted on the Islamic
Republic, TASS news agency reported on Monday, citing the Russian firm.
“The lifting of sanctions gives
an opportunity to provide the Iranian side new helicopters,” TASS
quoted the company. — Reuters
CRACKDOWN ON OPPOSITION LEADERS
Maldives rejects Amal Clooney’s criticism on democracy
COLOMBO: Maldives Foreign
Minister Dunya Maumoon on
Monday rejected international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney’s
criticism that democracy was
“dead” in the Indian Ocean island.
Clooney, the international
lawyer acting for jailed former
leader Mohamed Nasheed, last
week used a high-profile interview with US news channel NBC
News to condemn President Abdulla Yameen’s administration in
the Maldives.
Nasheed, who was the Maldives’ first democratically elected
president, is serving a 13-year
sentence on terrorism charges for
the alleged abduction of a judge
after a rapid trial last March in
a case which drew international
criticism.
Clooney, in an interview with
NBC, had said her client’s case
showed that democracy is “dead in
the Maldives”.
Defending the Maldives, popular for its pristine beaches, scuba
diving and high-end tourism, Foreign Minister Maumoon told Reuters that Clooney had “spun a compelling tale” but it was not true.
“My appeal to the rest of the
world is to have a good understand-
ing and not be persuaded purely by
charm-filled Amal Clooney when
she goes and gives some of these
stories,” she said.
Nasheed permitted to leave
Maumoon’s comments came as
Nasheed was permitted by the
Maldives government to leave
Male and fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he is likely to stay for
some time before leaving for surgery in Britain, party sources told
Reuters.
There had been some confusion over whether the government
would grant him permission to
travel or not, as Nasheed refused
to nominate a guarantor, someone who could face criminal prosecution if Nasheed does not return
to Maldives.
Nasheed was ousted in disputed
circumstances in 2012 for ordering the arrest of a judge.
His conviction was condemned
by United Nations, the United
States and human rights groups as
being politically motivated.
In her NBC interview, she said:
“Every opposition leader is either behind bars or being pursued
by the government through the
courts.” — Reuters
TARGET: In this photograph taken on November 10, 2013, former
Maldivian president and presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed
speaks to the press in Male. — AFP PHOTO/Ishara S. KODIKARA / FILES
A 16
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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UK plans to expel migrants
who fail English test: PM
British Prime
Minister David
Cameron said some
migrants to Britain
who cannot pass
an English test
within 2-1/2 years
of arriving may not
be allowed to stay,
in a move aimed at
fostering greater
integration by
Muslim women
PARLEYS: Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with women attending an English language class during a visit to the Shantona Women’s Centre in Leeds, Britain on Monday. - Reuters
LONDON: Some migrants to
Britain who cannot pass an English test within 2-1/2 years of
arriving may not be allowed to
stay, British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Monday in
a move aimed at fostering greater
integration by Muslim women.
Cameron said there were
190,000 British Muslim women
who spoke little or no English
and Britain needed to take on the
“backward attitudes” of some men
whom he said exerted damaging
control over their wives, sisters
and daughters.
“Someone can move to here
with very basic English and
there’s no requirement to improve
it over time. We will change that.
We will now say: if you don’t improve your fluency, that could affect your ability to stay in the UK,”
Cameron wrote in an article for
the Times newspaper.
“This will help make it clear to
those men who stop their partners
from integrating that there are
consequences.” The government
will invest £20 million ($28 million) in English classes for women
in isolated communities, and from
October this year will begin testing
those who have come in to Britain
on a spousal visa to check if their
language skills have improved.
Cameron said while there was
no direct causal link between poor
English language skills and extremism, those who were not able
to integrate into British society
were at risk of being more susceptible to extremist ideologies.
“Separate development and accepting practices that go against
our values only emphasise differences and can help prompt the
search of something to belong to,”
he wrote. But his comments were
criticised by Muslim groups, who
said the British leader was “denigrating” Muslims rather than
working with communities to
help tackle extremism.
“The Prime Minister David
Cameron and his Conservative
government are once again using
British Muslims as a political football to score cheap points to appear
tough,” said Mohammed Shafiq,
secretary general of the Ramadhan
Foundation.
“Rather than focusing on the
positive contribution of our faith
and community he focuses on the
extreme minority of issues which
clearly is not representative.”
Shuja Shafi, secretary general
of the Muslim Council of Britain
said Cameron’s efforts will “fall at
the first hurdle” if he were to link
language skills and better integration to security, and to single out
Muslim women.
“Muslims are only one third of
the minority population. Reports
suggest a significant proportion of
immigrants from Eastern Europe
struggle with English,” Shafi said
in a statement. - Reuters
LEBANON
Geagea to
back rival
Aoun for
presidency
BEIRUT: Lebanese Christian
politician Samir Geagea will back
his rival Michel Aoun for the presidency on Monday, local media reported, an apparent break with his
allies that aligns him with a civil
war era enemy.
Media cited Melhem Riachy, a
media official in Geagea’s Lebanese Forces Party, as saying Geagea would state his support for
Aoun’s candidacy at a news conference later on Monday.
The move boosts Aoun’s chances of filling the presidency that has
been vacant for 20 months, but
does not guarantee him the post.
Beyond his existing allies, among
them Hezbollah, Aoun needs the
backing of other groups to secure
the necessary parliamentary backing. The Lebanese president, who
must be a Maronite Christian, is
elected by parliament.
Geagea’s move was a rare show
of unity in a Christian community riven by political divisions
for years. Geagea and Aoun took
up arms against each other in the
1975-90 civil war in the so-called
“war of elimination”.
Geagea’s move may also kill off
an initiative tabled by his ally the
Sunni leader Saad Al Hariri that
would have resulted in another
Maronite politician, Suleiman
Franjieh, becoming head of state
in a power-sharing agreement.
Aoun and Geagea, head of the
two largest Christian parties in
Lebanon, both opposed the Hariri
initiative. Aoun is part of the rival March 8 alliance that includes
Hezbollah and the influential
Amal Movement led by Parliament
Speaker Nabih Berri. - Reuters
STUDY
Oceans heat fast, even with slower warming at Earth’s surface
OSLO: The amount of heat soaked
up by the oceans has surged in the
past two decades in a sign of worsening global warming despite a
slowdown in temperature rises
at the Earth’s surface, a US study
showed on Monday.
The trend of warmer oceans,
blamed on man-made emissions
of greenhouse gases, is pushing
fish stocks towards the poles, damaging coral reefs and nudging up
world sea levels because water expands as it heats up.
The report, examining ocean
temperatures to depths of more
than 2,000 metres (6,500 ft), found
that “half of the total global ocean
heat uptake since 1865 has accumulated since 1997”.
The year 1865 is taken as the
start of wide use of fossil fuels.
And more than a third of the
surge in heat in the oceans since
1997 was at depths exceeding 700
metres — a part of the ocean rarely
studied, the scientists wrote in the
journal Nature Climate Change.
“We expect that the deep ocean
will absorb an increasing amount
of heat,” lead author Peter Gleckler, of the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory (LLNL) in California,
told Reuters in an email.
Man-made emissions
The increase in the oceans’ uptake of heat has coincided with a
puzzling slowdown in the pace of
temperature rises at the Earth’s
surface since the late 1990s, even
as man-made emissions of heattrapping gases have kept rising.
That slowdown may now be
over with record temperatures in
2015 and 2014. Understanding
ocean heat “is vital to improving
projections of how much and how
fast the Earth will warm and seas
rise in the future,” LLNL wrote in
a statement. Most of the extra heat
from man-made global warming
ends up in the oceans.
The scientists said it was hard
to judge the role of ocean heat in
what the United Nations panel of
climate scientists calls a “hiatus”
in surface warming, which had
heartened those who doubt big
man-made impact on the climate.
“The ‘hiatus’ is a surface phenomenon. The Earth is still warm-
ing, and the oceans have been taking up the bulk of that heat,” Matt
Palmer, a climate scientist at the
British Met Office Hadley Centre
who was not involved in the study,
wrote in a statement.
John Shepherd, of the University of Southampton, said it was
unclear if the extra heat absorbed
by the oceans would return to the
atmosphere or stay in the depths.
“It’s certainly not a cure for climate change, nor any reason to be
less concerned with it,” he said in a
statement on ocean warming.
Last month, almost 200 governments agreed a deal in Paris meant
as a turning point from fossil fuels, blamed for causing more heat
waves, downpours and rising sea
levels. - Reuters
GLOBAL WARMING: Picture shows giant tabular icebergs surrounded by ice floe drifting in Vincennes Bay in the Australian Antarctic
Territory on January 11, 2008. Last month, almost 200 governments agreed a deal in Paris meant as a turning point from fossil
fuels, blamed for causing more heat waves, downpours and rising
sea levels. - AFP file photo
B
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TU ES DAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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Iran offers huge investment
potential as sanctions lifted
Centre. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Ali bin Masoud Al
Sunaidy, Oman’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, and, from the
Iranian side, by the deputy minister of industry, mining and trade,
the ambassador and a number of
other Iranian officials.
Around 70 Iranian
companies active
in various fields
have registered to
participate in this
year’s exhibition,
which will be
held at the Oman
International
Exhibition Centre
A large section of
the exhibition will
be dedicated to the
automobile industry,
featuring Iranian
manufacturers of vehicle,
tyre and spare parts
Ali Akbar Sibeveih
Iranian ambassador to the Sultanate
ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI
elham@timesofoman.com
MUSCAT: A vast array of opportunities for trade and investment,
especially in the car industry, will
be presented at Iran’s second solo
exhibition, which will be held in
Muscat from January 26 to 30.
This year’s exhibition will be
held in a totally different environment considering the lifting of
the economic sanctions on Iran,
Ali Akbar Sibeveih, the Iranian
ambassador to the Sultanate, told
Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.
One of the matters of concern in
Iran’s first solo exhibition in Muscat last year was the restrictions
on financial transactions with Iran
which has been resolved now, the
official said after the announcement of the ‘implementation day’
of the nuclear agreement reached
between Iran and global powers.
According to the ambassador,
around 70 Iranian companies
active in various fields have registered to participate in the exhibition, which will be held at the
Oman International Exhibition
Auto industry
Sibeveih said that a large section of
the exhibition will be dedicated to
the automobile industry, featuring
Iranian manufacturers of vehicle,
tyre and spare parts.
In addition to Iran Khodro, a
leading car manufacturer in Iran
and the Middle East, a number of
other Iranian car manufactures
will put their products on display
at the exhibition, he added.
The ambassador said that a
more diverse range of products
will be showcased this year with
the participation of companies
involved in various fields such
as steel and cement production,
foodstuff,sanitary ware, household
products and medicine.
Trade priority
Sibeveih highlighted the numerous opportunities for economic
cooperation between Iran and
Oman after the lifting of the sanctions and said that Oman is Iran’s
priority in trade as it stood by Iran
during the time of hardship as
a ‘loyal’ and ‘brotherly’ country.
Even if any Western firm is interested in entering Iran’s market, the
embassy would try to help it invest
in and trade with Iran via Oman in
a demonstration of Iran’s ‘loyalty’
to the Sultanate, he stated.
He invited Omani companies,
ministries and public to visit the
exhibition and witness the technological and industrial advances
made by Iran under the sanctions.
Outcomes
Sibeveih explained that Iran’s first
solo exhibition in Muscat received
positive feedback from the visitors and led to the development of
plans for cooperation in many sectors such as technology, foodstuff
and carpet industries.
He added that last year, around
90 companies took part in the
exhibit and the biggest outcome
of the event was the cooperation
agreement between Iran Khodro
and the Oman Investment Fund
for setting up units for the assembly of certain Iranian-manufactured cars and production of spare
parts in Duqm.
A number of regional and East
African countries have also expressed interest in importing Iranian products through Oman, the
ambassador said.
CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN
Central bank
issues treasury
bills worth
OMR17 million
MUSCAT: A tender of Government Treasury Bills, issue number 557, was held at the Central
Bank of Oman (CBO) this week.
Total value of the Treasury
bills amounted to OMR17 million, for a maturity period of 364
days, from January 20, 2016 until January 18, 2017. The average
accepted price reached 98.380
for every OMR100, the minimum accepted price arrived
at 98.200 per OMR100 whereas the average discount rate
and the average yield reached
1.62445 per cent and 1.65137 per
cent respectively.
The Treasury Bills are shortterm highly secured financial
instruments issued by the CBO
on behalf of the government,
which helps the licensed commercial banks to gainfully invest their surplus funds, with
added advantage of ready liquidity through discounting
and repurchase facilities (Repo)
offered by the Central Bank.
Furthermore, Treasury Bills
promote the local money market by creating a benchmark
yield curve for short-term interest rates. Additionally, the Government (MOF) may also resort
to this instrument whenever
felt necessary for financing its
recurrent expenditures. — ONA
S H I P YA R D A C T I V I T I E S
Oman Drydock unveils ambitious plans for this year
Times News Service
MUSCAT: On the back of a very
successful performance in drydockings, conversions and repairs
in first half of 2015, Oman Drydock
Company (ODC) has unveiled its
action plan for the year 2016.
This year the company plans to
further extend its range of activities that include offering specialist services like complex painting,
retrofitting, modification, restructuring and the installation of Ballast Water systems, ODC deputy
CEO Dr Ahmed Al Abri, said. “We
will also be targeting the industrial
and offshore sectors for steel fabrication works,” he added.
ODC is one of the biggest ship-
yards in the world and is based in
Duqm, Oman’s new ports and logistics hub.
During July to December 2015
the shipyard completed work for
various clients like Maran, Dynacom, SCI, Springfield, PIL, Mercator TMS, Synergy, Gulf Marine,
Oman Shipping, Gas Cat, Maersk,
CMA, Exmar, NYK, Red Sea and
Sea Traders.
Vessels worked on at the shipyard included Very Large Crude
Carriers (VLCCs), crude oil tankers, container ships, LNG and LPG
carriers, chemical carriers, bulk
carriers, as well as dredgers, ROROs and barges.
“We are immensely proud of the
work done in the last six months.
The wide range of contracts show
world-class skills, facilities and
expertise that we have,” Dr Al Abri
said.
In October 2015 ODC completed our third major conversion
of an ore bulk oil (OBO) ship into
a VLCC for Springfield this year.
These massive conversions are
right at the cutting edge of shipyard engineering employing 500
men and deploying the considerable expertise of our Korean partner DSME.
The conversion works entailed
removing bulkhead covers and installing new swash bulkheads and
making the vessels multi-functional for more efficient loading.
Between the three conversions we
fabricated close to 120 blocks between 50 and 80 tonnes. This enabled us to build in larger portions,
reducing on time and cost. We believe this track record in conversions sends a powerful message
to the shipping industry and can
catapult us further into the multibillion global conversion industry,
he said.
Dr Al Abri said that the company
aims to further increase its activities in the LNG sector by utilising
the knowledge and expertise of
our partner DSME. “With world
class facilities and geographical
location we strongly believe we are
one of the most advanced and best
equipped yards in the world for
LNG tankers,” he said.
FIRM COMMITMENT: The shipyard completed work for various
clients between July and December, 2015. — Supplied picture
B2
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
MARKET
BANKING
Australian
bank values
its UK unit
at $3 billion
SYDNEY: National Australia
Bank (NAB), the country’s biggest
lender by assets, has valued its
UK unit, Clydesdale Bank, at up to
A$4.3 billion ($3 billion), according to initial public offering (IPO)
pricing terms.
The indicative pricing range was
quite wide at 175-235 pence per
share or a A$3.2 billion valuation
for the unit at the lower end. But
Bell Potter analyst TS Lim said NAB
may have to settle for even less, given declines in share markets.
“What they’ve put out is aspirational,” he said. “It could fall below,
mainly because of market dynamics, but we won’t find out until
everything has been locked and
loaded.” NAB, which bought the
business in 1987, said it planned to
quit the 177-year-old British bank
in 2014 after facing a consumer
backlash over methods used to sell
loan insurance.
Public share offer
It is planning to sell 25 per cent of
the unit in an initial public offering
and spin off the rest to its shareholders. The unit’s shares are slated to be listed on the London stock
exchange on February 2 after final
pricing on the same day.
The Australian lender also said
it may choose not to proceed with
IPO or proceed with a smaller offering, in which case it would retain some ownership in the bank.
Australia’s major banks are feverishly raising cash by issuing
shares and selling non-core business units after new rules require
them to have a greater amount of
cash in reserve as a buffer for their
loan books. In October, NAB sold
80 per cent of its life insurance
unit to Japan’s Nippon Life Insurance for about $1.65 billion.
Earlier in 2015, it sold U.S.based Great Western Bank for
A$1.5 billion. Clydesdale said last
week that trading in the three
months to December was in line
with expectations. - Reuters
Sohar Islamic to lend finance to
Muscat Hills property buyers
Bank Sohar’s Islamic
banking window
signed a deal with
Muscat Hills to
provide financing
solutions to Omanis,
GCC nationals
and expatriates to
purchase property
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Sohar Islamic, Bank
Sohar’s Islamic banking window,
recently signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) with
Muscat Hills to provide preferential Sharia-compliant financing
solutions to Omani citizens, GCC
nationals and expatriates as well,
interested in investing in freehold
office or residential property developed and built by the company.
The signing ceremony, which
took place at the Bank Sohar head
office in MBD, was attended by
Rashad Ali Al Musafir, acting chief
executive officer; Salim Khamis Al
Maskari, DGM and head of Sohar
Islamic, representing Bank Sohar;
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: Sohar Islamic’s construction and home
finance programme is fully compatible with Islamic Sharia law
and provides Islamic finance solution.- Supplied picture
and Sayyid Al Rawy Qais Al Said,
chief executive officer and chairman, representing Muscat Hills.
Flexible solutions
Commenting on the MoU, Rashad
Ali Al Musafir said, “The signing of this MoU between Muscat
Hills and Bank Sohar allows us to
forge a mutually beneficial strategic partnership between our two
institutions. It is also in-line with
our strategy for Sohar Islamic that
aims to reach out to a broader client base; offering our innovative
yet flexible Sharia-compliant financial solutions to customers
looking to purchase property at
Muscat Hills.”
Sohar Islamic’s construction
and home finance programme
is fully compatible with Islamic
Sharia law and provides a comprehensive Islamic finance solution. This product is distinguished
with its affordability and flexible
terms which offer financing for up
to 80 per cent of the property value, with a repayment period of up
to 25 years at competitive profit
rates and quick processing time.
In addition, preferential profit
rates are also provided to customers for the first and second year
along with the facility to takeover.
If required, instalment deferment
options are also available for the
convenience of the customer.
Among the benefits of this programme is that the beneficiary
is not required to pay any early
payment charges if the dues are
repaid after one third of the tenure. The customer can also avail
of bundled solutions with a preapproved auto finance limit.
The programme also offers quick
processing and co-financing and
joint customer financing facilities.
Commenting on the partnership, Sayyid Al Rawy Qais Al Said,
said, “The location of our properties at the Muscat Airport Heights
make them extremely desirable,
especially given their future potential and other upcoming developments in the area. This is clearly reflected in the demand we have
seen for our properties.”
Finance options
“Through this partnership with
Sohar Islamic we will be able to
offer our clients a broader range
of financial options. Their home
finance solutions are amongst the
best in the market and will no doubt
be a value proposition for those of
our customers looking for a Shariacompliant financing for their new
home or business,” he added
The new property, under the
management of Muscat Golf
Course Projects and developed
by Muscat Hills Development,
encompasses a land area of 10,195
square meters and 68 per cent
built-up area, totalling 24,324
square metres. Situated in close
proximity to the airport, the seven-floor development, named
‘Muscat Hills Office Tower’, will
encompass freehold office space
and hotel apartments that will be
made available to both national
and expatriates.
Corporate finance
“Our Islamic Construction and
Housing Finance solution is one
of comprehensive range of banking solutions covering a wide array of retail and corporate financing needs. Each and every one of
these products are developed to
the highest standards of international Sharia-compliance and
include automobile finance, term
deposits, savings and current
accounts,trade finance and treasury services and more,” added
Salim Khamis Al Maskari.
Sohar Islamic - Bank Sohar’s
Islamic Banking Window was
launched in 2013. All products
and services offered by Sohar Islamic that include Retail and Corporate adhere to the highest level
of Sharia compliance, and are specifically designed to meet certain
key criteria including a complete
segregation of funds; stand alone
and independent branches, separate sales staff, a strong Sharia Supervisory Board and Sharia Audit
and Compliance unit; committed
management; and the application
of the world’s best Islamic banking software.
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FOREX MARKET
India spends $2.8b to prop up rupee
Don’t litter a beautiful
country like OMAN.
Ensure proper disposal
of garbage.
MUMBAI: India’s central bank
governor Raghuram Rajan oversaw the biggest jump in currency
reserves among major developing
nations and he’s not afraid to use
them to help the rupee.
In a sign of intervention, the
holdings fell $2.8 billion in the two
weeks ended January 8 to $326.4
billion. Rajan may spend up to $20
billion in 2016 to anchor the rupee
around 65 per dollar, according to
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
estimates. A survey of strategists
sees the currency holding steady
this quarter, while options signal
just a 36 per cent chance it will
breach the record low of 68.845
per dollar by March 31.
“We continue to expect the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to intervene to protect the rupee in case
of an emerging-market selloff,”
said Indranil Sen Gupta, a Mum-
bai-based economist at Bank of
America Merrill Lynch.” Rajan
has followed an extremely consistent foreign-exchange policy.”
The rupee slumped to the lowest since September 2013 last
week as China’s market turmoil
sparked a global selloff, reviving
memories of the currency’s tumble to the unprecedented low in
August that year.
Rajan said when China weakened the yuan last August that he
would use reserves to stem rupee
swings and wrote in a January 6
opinion piece for Project Syndicate that nations need to avoid
‘beggar-thy-neighbour policies’
such as competitive devaluations.
Under Rajan’s leadership, currency reserves have swelled from
a three-year low in September
2013 as he spurred dollar inflows
by offering discounted currency
swaps to banks. The stockpile
climbed 11 per cent last year, the
most in the Bric (Brazil, Russia,
India and China) group of the four
largest emerging markets. The
two-week decline is the steepest
for such a period since September
2015, central bank data shows.
Sovereign debt
Rupee-denominated sovereign
debt returned 8.1 per cent last
year and 16.5 per cent in 2014, the
best performance among major
Asian markets for both the periods, Bloomberg Indexes show, as
sliding Brent crude prices helped
slow inflation and improve public
finances for India, a net oil importer. Global holdings of local
government and corporate notes
increased by Rs505 billion last
year after surging Rs1.67 trillion
in 2014, with asset managers such
as Pacific Investment Management and PineBridge saying they
plan to buy more of the securities.
Renewed concern that China is
headed for a hard landing has triggered losses in developing-nation
stocks and exchange rates this
year, with the rupee sliding 2.1 per
cent since December 31. Worries
about the health of Asia’s largest
economy cast a pall over investors
worldwide as policy makers in
Beijing fight to prevent a vicious
cycle of capital outflows and currency weakness that saw the yuan
slide to a five-year low earlier this
month.
The Indian currency’s onemonth implied volatility, a gauge
of expected swings used to price
options, has surged 111 basis
points in January, set for its biggest monthly increase since August. - Bloomberg News
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
B3
MARKET
AUTOMOTIVE
Renault sees
sales growth
accelerating
on new vehicles
PARIS: Renault forecast deliveries to grow at a faster pace in 2016
than last year as the carmaker expects more buyers to be lured by
new models such as the Kadjar
sport utility vehicle.
Deliveries rose 3.3 per cent to
2.8 million vehicles in 2015, bolstered by 10 per cent growth in Europe, the French carmaker said on
Monday in a statement. Renault
forecast industrywide demand for
new vehicles will grow 1 per cent
to 2 per cent this year.
Refreshed lineup
Backed by a refreshed lineup, “our
growth will accelerate in 2016 and
we will improve our positions in
all our regions,” Thierry Koskas,
Renault’s executive vice president
for sales and marketing, said.
Renault has come under scrutiny after it revealed last Thursday that offices in France were
searched by government fraud investigators as part of a probe into
vehicle emissions.
Scandal
The shares plunged 10 per cent
that day amid fears the carmaker
could become embroiled in a Volkswagen-type scandal.
France’s Environment Minister
Segolene Royal sought to downplay the concerns, saying no fraudulent systems have been found on
Renault cars, and shareholders
and employees should ‘rest easy’.
Renault shares declined 0.2 per
cent to 75 euros at 9:21am in Paris.
The company has lost about 3 billion euros in value since the search
was made public. - Bloomberg News
Middle East linked values
of mergers touch $56 billion
Mergers and
acquisition values in
The value of announced merger and acquisition
transactions with any Middle Eastern involvement
reached $56.2 billion in 2015, 13 per cent more than
the value registered during the same period in 2014
and marking the best annual period since 2008
2015 showed a rise of
13 per cent compared
to 2014, marking the
best annual period
since 2008, says a
study by Thomson
Nadim Najjar
Reuters
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Value of merger and
acquisitions (M&A) with Middle Eastern involvement reached
$56.2 billion in 2015, a growth
of 13 per cent compared to 2014,
thus marking the best annual period since 2008, according to a
study by Thomson Reuters.
Releasing the annual investment banking analysis for the
Middle East region, Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of
intelligent information for businesses and professionals, said that
outbound M&A drove activity, up
34 per cent from 2014 to reach
$35.2 billion, the highest annual
total since 2008.
Overseas acquisitions from the
United Arab Emirates accounted
for 46 per cent of Middle Eastern
Managing director, Mena, Thomson Reuters
outbound M&A activity, while acquisitions by companies based in
Qatar and Saudi Arabia accounted
for 36 per cent and 10 per cent,
respectively. Domestic and interMiddle Eastern M&A decreased
16 per cent year-on-year to $11.3
billion, it said in a research note.
Inbound M&A also saw a
marked increased, up 29 per cent
to $5.4 billion. Healthcare was the
most active sector, accounting for
24 per cent of Middle Eastern involvement M&A.
Largest deal
The largest deal with Middle
Eastern involvement during the
year was the $11.1 billion acquisition of South Africa-based Mediclinic International by Al Noor
Hospitals Group. Morgan Stanley topped the full year 2015 an-
nounced any Middle Eastern involvement M&A league table with
$18.4 billion in advisory credit.
Nadim Najjar, managing director, Mena, Thomson Reuters,
said: “The value of announced
M&A transactions with any Middle Eastern involvement reached
$56.2 billion during full year 2015,
13 per cenrt more than the value
registered during the same period
in 2014 and marking the best annual period since 2008.”
On the other hand, Middle
Eastern investment banking fees
reached $636.4 million during full
year 2015, 16 per cent less than
the value recorded in the full year
2014 and the lowest annual period
for investment banking fees in the
region since 2012.
“Middle Eastern equity and
equity-related issuance totalled
$5.7 billion during the full year
2015, a 50 per cent decline from
2014 and the slowest annual period for equity capital markets
issuance in the region in two
years. Middle Eastern debt issuance reached $6.2 billion during
the fourth quarter of 2015, a significant increase compared to the
value raised during the previous
quarter,” Nadim Najjar added.
Equity capital markets
With respect to equity capital
markets, 11 initial public offerings (IPOs) raised $2.6 billion and
accounted for 45 per cent of full
year activity in the region. Followon and convertible offerings accounted for 17 per cent and 38 per
cent, respectively, the study said.
Aabar Investments raised $2.2
billion from a convertible offering
in March, the largest equity offering in the region during the year.
HSBC took first place in the full
year 2015 Middle Eastern ECM
ranking with 16.5 per cent market
share, it said.
As for the investment banking
fees, fees from completed M&A
transactions totalled $213.1 million during full year 2015, a 4 per
cent increase compared to a year
ago and the only investment banking product in the region to see a
year-over-year gain.
M&A fees
M&A fees accounted for 33 per
cent of the overall Middle Eastern investment banking fee pool,
the highest annual share since
fee records began in 2000. Equity capital markets underwriting
declined 33 per cent compared to
last year, while syndicated lending
fees totalled $278.6 million, down
16 per cent from 2014. Fees from
debt capital markets underwriting declined 33 per cent year-onyear to $59.1 million.
HSBC earned the most investment banking fees in the Middle
East during full year 2015, a total
of $62.9 million for a 9.9 per cent
share of the total fee pool and up
2.1 wallet share points compared
to a year ago. HSBC also topped
the completed M&A fee rankings,
while Nomura was first for DCM
underwriting.
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25-YEAR AGREEMENT
Saudi firm signs
deal for power
project in Jordan
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Saudi Arabia’s ACWA
Power, which has presence in
Oman in the form of independent
power projects, has signed a 25year power purchase agreement
with Jordan’s National Electric
Power Company (Nepco) for the
485 mw Hussein CCGT independent power project.
The plant will be located in
Zarqa industrial area, 40km
north-east of Jordan capital Amman, and will replace Jordan’s
first thermal power station — the
Hussein Thermal Power Station,
which has been operating since
1975 and has recently been decommissioned.
The project, with a total investment cost of $460 million, uses
GE Energy’s 9E turbines and
runs on natural gas as the primary fuel, and light diesel oil as the
secondary fuel. Shandong Electric Power Construction Corporation III will be the engineering,
procurement and construction
contractor for the project, while
the operations and maintenance
will be undertaken by Central
Electricity Generating Company
of Jordan.
Hussein CCGT project is an important project for ACWA Power
in Jordan. This transaction goes
a long way in demonstrating our
commitment to the socio-economic development of Jordan
and in supporting Nepco through
provision of electricity reliably at
the lowest possible cost in Jordan.
The government of Jordan is to
be commended on its approach to
stimulating private investment in
the energy sector and for ensuring that adequate new capacity is
brought to line to feed growing social needs and economic activity,”
said Paddy Padmanathan, president and chief executive officer of
ACWA Power.
Rise in power demand
Thamer Al Shahran, managing
director of ACWA Power, said:
“We are pleased to build up on
our presence as one of Jordan’s
largest power generators, in supporting Jordan’s increasing demand for power and a balanced
fuel mix by rehabilitating Hussein with a much more efficient
plant and more importantly ensuring that there was no effective
loss in jobs due to the decommissioning of the old plant.”
“We are proud to have offered
an extremely competitive solution to Nepco with a tariff that
is among the lowest witnessed
in Jordan’s conventional power
sector in the last decade. This
transaction is yet another example where we could successfully
push the envelope in order to offer the best value for money solution to our offtakers,” said Rajit
Nanda, chief investment officer
of ACWA Power.
ECGA OF OMAN SETS CREDIT LIMIT OF OMR2.13 MILLION
Export Credit Guarantee Agency (ECGA) of Oman, at its first executive committee meeting under the chairmanship of Said bin
Saleh Al Kiyumi, chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has adopted credit limit of OMR2.13 million. The share
of the approved credit limits for domestic markets amounted to about OMR505,000 while the approved credit limits for Omani
no-oil export market amounted to OMR1.63 million. — Supplied picture
B4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
MARKET
OMAN STOCKS
MUSCAT
SECURITIES
MARKET
INDICES
Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff %
MSM30 Index ........................................ 4,981.71 .............. 4,943.72 ................... 4,981.57 .................. 4,948.48................. 33.09 ................... 0.67
Financial Index .....................................5,891.44 ...............5,808.71 ................... 5,891.40 ................... 5,808.71................. 82.69 ................... 1.42
Industrial Index ................................... 6,522.55 .............. 6,484.32 ...................6,494.63 ................... 6,518.85............... -24.22 .................. -0.37
Services Index ...................................... 2,866.27 ...............2,859.10 ................... 2,864.71 ................... 2,861.63....................3.08 ................... 0.11
MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................819.00 .................. 815.89 .......................815.99 .......................817.40...................-1.41 .................. -0.17
Trading Summary
Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded
11,433,603.................. 3,229,272 .....................845 ...............15,292,343,555................ 19 ........................9 .................... 12 .........................40
SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 18
ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE
REGULAR MARKET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
– Times file picture
OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,444,123 ......207,990...................146 ............0.140 ........... 0.146 ...........0.140........... 0.144 ............. 0.137............ 0.007............. 5.109 ................0.145 .............. 0.145...................0.146...................21,610,800 .........0.100
OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 266,104 ............44,617..................... 53 ............0.163 ........... 0.170 ...........0.163 ............0.168 ............. 0.163............ 0.005............. 3.067 ................0.170 ..............0.169...................0.170...................33,600,000.........0.100
OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............22,214 ............... 1,777........................5 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.080........... 0.080 .............0.078 ........... 0.002.............2.564 ................0.080..............0.080...................0.084 ...................7,200,000 ..........0.100
MSM index
ends higher
OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,632,764 ......652,575......................81 ........... 0.400...........0.404 ...........0.394........... 0.400 .............0.390 ............0.010 .............2.564 ................0.400............. 0.400...................0.402 .................916,729,039 ........0.100
OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 190,900 ........... 42,887......................15 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.224 .......... 0.225 .............0.220 ........... 0.005............. 2.273 ................0.224............. 0.222...................0.224 .................301,659,806........0.100
OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 243,104 ............13,424.....................44 ............0.055 ........... 0.056 ...........0.055........... 0.055 .............0.054 ............0.001 ............. 1.852 ................0.056..............0.056...................0.057...................15,948,935 .........0.100
OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 100,272 ............18,495........................6 ............0.181 ........... 0.185 ...........0.181 ........... 0.184 ............. 0.181............ 0.003............. 1.657 ................0.185 ..............0.164................... 0.181 ................. 262,206,650 .......0.100
OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 326,102 ........... 42,393........................9 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.130........... 0.130 .............0.128............ 0.002............. 1.563 ................0.130 ..............0.130...................0.134..................187,387,200 ........0.100
OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................64,550 ...............4,534......................13 ........... 0.069 ...........0.072 ...........0.069........... 0.070 .............0.069 ............0.001 ............. 1.449 ................0.070..............0.070...................0.071...................12,250,000.........0.100
OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 249,597 ...........64,843.....................20 ........... 0.250 ...........0.264 ...........0.250........... 0.260 .............0.257 ........... 0.003..............1.167.................0.263............. 0.260...................0.263 ...................5,460,000 ..........0.100
OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 452,326 .........202,643.....................20 ........... 0.444 ...........0.450 ...........0.444 .......... 0.448 .............0.444 ........... 0.004............. 0.901 ................0.446..............0.446...................0.488..................247,682,016 ........0.100
OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH..................................................5,000 ............. 11,859........................3 ........... 2.350 ........... 2.375 ...........2.350........... 2.370 .............2.350 ........... 0.020............. 0.851 ................2.375..............2.350...................2.375..................226,233,552 .......1.000
OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 398,316..........250,142......................21 ........... 0.624 ...........0.628 ...........0.624........... 0.628 .............0.624 ........... 0.004............. 0.641 ................0.628..............0.624...................0.628..................408,792,976........0.100
OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 100,100 ............18,704......................12 ............0.186 ........... 0.188 ...........0.186 ............0.187 ............. 0.186.............0.001 ............. 0.538 ................0.188 ..............0.180...................0.188..................126,203,949 .......0.100
OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 100,131 .............18,705......................12 ............0.186 ........... 0.188 ...........0.186 ............0.187 ............. 0.186.............0.001 ............. 0.538 ................0.188 ..............0.180...................0.188..................133,593,986 ........0.100
OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ................................... 9,977 ............... 1,736........................2 ............0.174 ........... 0.174 ...........0.174 ............0.174 ............. 0.174............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.174 ..............0.170...................0.180...................17,400,000 .........0.100
Oman Textiles was Monday’s top gainer, up
OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................5,000 ..................600........................1 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120........... 0.120 .............0.120 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.120.............. 0.110...................0.120...................11,404,800 .........0.100
10 per cent, while the top loser was Sharqiyah
OM0000001822............UNITED POWER ................................................................. 117 .................. 298........................1 ........... 2.550 ...........2.550 ...........2.550........... 2.585 .............2.585 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.550............. 2.500...................2.550....................2,068,000..........1.000
Desalination, down 5.15 per cent
OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 1,020,882 .......128,881..................... 30 ............0.126 ........... 0.127 ...........0.126........... 0.126 .............0.126............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.126 ..............0.126...................0.130...................36,622,029.........0.100
OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 110,000............ 50,380........................5 ........... 0.458 ........... 0.458 ...........0.458........... 0.458 .............0.458 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.458..............0.420...................0.458.................. 151,539,701 ........0.100
OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA .....................................................100 .....................66........................1 ........... 0.660 ...........0.660 ...........0.660........... 0.660 .............0.660 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.660..............0.594...................0.660 .................105,600,000 .......0.100
OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................. 10,136 ...............3,458......................17 ........... 0.340...........0.342 ...........0.340 .......... 0.342 .............0.342 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.340............. 0.340...................0.354................... 17,955,000 .........0.100
MUSCAT: Cautious buying in
banking stocks lifted the MSM30
Index to 4,981.57 points, a gain
of 0.67 per cent. The MSM Sharia index declined 0.17 per cent to
close at 815.99 points. Bank Nizwa was the most active in terms
of volume while Omantel led in
traded value.
Oman Textiles was Monday’s
top gainer, up 10.00 per cent
while the top loser was Sharqiyah
Desalination, down 5.15 per cent.
A total number of 845 trades
were executed on Monday, generating a turnover of OMR3.22 million
with 11.4 million shares changing
hands. Out of 40 traded securities,
19 advanced, nine declined and 12
remained unchanged.
At the session close, Omani
Investors were net buyers for
OMR494,000 while GCC & Arab
Investors were net sellers for
OMR353,000 followed by Foreign Investors for OMR140,000
worth of shares.
Financial Index posted a sharp
rebound of 1.42 per cent to close
at 5,891.40 points. Al Anwar Holding, Bank Muscat, Al Sharqia In-
OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................12,000 .............23,760........................6 ............1.980 ........... 1.980 ...........1.980........... 1.980 .............2.000 ...........-0.020 ........... -1.000 ...............1.980..............1.800...................1.975 ..................188,100,000........0.100
vestments, NBO and Ahli Bank
gained 5.11 per cent, 2.56 per cent,
2.56 per cent, 2.27 per cent and
1.66 per cent respectively. United
Finance and Oman & Emirates
Holding declined 1.71 per cent and
1.23 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index declined
0.37 per cent to close at 6,494.63
points. Oman Textile, Construction Materials, Galfar Engineering and Gulf International Chemicals advanced 10.00 per cent,
3.57 per cent, 1.85 per cent and
1.17 per cent respectively. Al Anwar Ceramics, Voltamp Energy
and Oman Flour Mills declined
4.00 per cent, 1.41 per cent and
0.49 per cent respectively.
Services Index was relatively
stable at 2,864.71 points, up 0.11
per cent. OIFC, Sembcorp Salalah, Phoenix Power, Ooredoo and
Al Batinah Power gained 3.07 per
cent, 0.85 per cent, 0.78 per cent,
0.64 per cent and 0.54 per cent
respectively. Sharqiyah Desalination, Omantel and Shell Oman
Marketing decreased 5.15 per
cent, 1.02 per cent and 1.00 per
cent respectively. — United Securities
OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 565,040 ......... 819,953..................... 53 ............1.450 ........... 1.455............1.450 ............1.450 ............. 1.465............-0.015 ........... -1.024 ...............1.450 ..............1.450...................1.455 ................1,087,500,000 ......0.100
OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING............ 30,000 .............. 2,400........................2 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.080........... 0.080 ............. 0.081............-0.001 ............-1.235................0.080............. 0.000...................0.084 ................... 9,750,000 ..........0.100
OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ..................................................... 10,095 ...............4,239........................7 ........... 0.420 ...........0.420 ...........0.412 ........... 0.420 .............0.426 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.408 ...............0.412 ..............0.412...................0.420 ..................25,410,000 .........0.100
OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................79,245 ............... 9,130......................14 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............0.113 ............0.115 ............. 0.117 ............-0.002 ............-1.709................0.114 ...............0.115................... 0.117 ................... 35,737,968 .........0.100
OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 1,041,968 ......300,458......................12 ........... 0.285 ...........0.292 ...........0.280 .......... 0.288 .............0.300 ...........-0.012 ...........-4.000 ...............0.280............. 0.280...................0.292 ..................85,309,540.........0.100
OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .................................. 5,500 ............ 25,300........................6 ........... 4.600...........4.600 ...........4.600 .......... 4.600 .............4.850 ...........-0.250 ............-5.155................4.600 ............ 0.000...................4.590 ..................44,988,994 ........1.000
.............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 8,495,663......2,966,245................ 617 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
PARALLEL MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................
OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING ...........................................578 ..................203........................2 ........... 0.352 ...........0.352 ...........0.346........... 0.352 .............0.320 ............0.032............10.000 ...............0.346..............0.346...................0.352.................... 2,112,000 ..........1.000
OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ....................27,000 .................. 783........................2 ........... 0.029 ...........0.029 ...........0.029........... 0.029 .............0.028 ............0.001 ............. 3.571 ................0.029..............0.028...................0.029 ...................2,465,000 ..........0.100
OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,664,849 ...... 107,063..................... 38 ........... 0.063 ...........0.065 ...........0.063........... 0.064 .............0.063 ............0.001 ............. 1.587 ................0.065..............0.065...................0.066...................96,000,000 ........0.100
OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 982,393 ..........127,795................... 159 ............0.128 ........... 0.133 ...........0.128........... 0.130 .............0.129.............0.001 ............. 0.775 ................0.132 ...............0.131...................0.133..................190,138,190 ........0.100
OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 128,167 ...............5,902........................8 ........... 0.047 ...........0.047 ...........0.046........... 0.046 .............0.046 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.046..............0.046...................0.048 ................... 5,750,000 ..........0.100
OM0000003083 ...........AL KAMIL POWER .............................................................100 .....................31........................1 ............0.310 ........... 0.310 ...........0.310........... 0.312 .............0.312............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.310 ............. 0.000...................0.310...................30,030,000.........0.100
OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................10,000 ..................630........................1 ........... 0.063 ...........0.063 ...........0.063........... 0.063 .............0.063 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.063..............0.061...................0.063...................63,000,000 ........0.100
OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .................................................25,100 .............10,259........................8 ........... 0.408 ........... 0.410 ...........0.408........... 0.408 .............0.410............-0.002 ........... -0.488 ...............0.410 ..............0.410...................0.000 ................. 64,260,000 ........0.100
.............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,838,187 ......252,665...................219 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................
OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ........................52,285 ................5,751........................3 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.110............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.110 .............. 0.110...................0.200 ..................33,302,402.........0.100
OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 .....................30,589 .............. 2,906........................3 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.095 .............0.095 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.095...................0.100...................30,795,353 .........0.100
OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ........................................... 16,879 ............... 1,705........................3 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.101 ............0.101 .............0.103............-0.002 ........... -1.942 ...............0.101 .............. 0.101...................0.110 ...................32,283,910 .........0.100
.............................................SUM: .................................................................................... 99,753 .............10,362........................9 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 3........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
STOCK MARKETS
ENERGY
Asian shares decline to 2011 levels on Shell exits Abu Dhabi’s
oil price plunge, weak economic data Bab gas project as oil
TOKYO: Asian shares slid to
their lowest levels since 2011 on
Monday after weak US economic
data and a massive fall in oil prices stoked further worries about a
global economic downturn.
Spread-betters expected a subdued open for European shares,
forecasting London’s FTSE to
open modestly higher while seeing Germany’s DAX and France’s
CAC to start flat-to-slightlyweaker.
Crude prices faced fresh pressure after international sanctions
against Iran were lifted over the
weekend, allowing Tehran to return to an already over-supplied
oil market.
Brent oil futures fell below $28
per barrel, touching their lowest
level since 2003.
“Iran is now free to sell as much
oil as it wants to whomever it likes
at whatever price it can get,” said
Richard Nephew, program director for Economic Statecraft,
Sanctions and Energy Markets at
Columbia University’s Center on
Global Energy Policy.
MSCI’s broadest index of AsiaPacific shares outside Japan fell
to its lowest since October 2011
and was last down 0.5 per cent.
Japan’s Nikkei tumbles
Japan’s Nikkei tumbled as much
as 2.8 per cent to a one-year low. It
has lost 20 per cent from its peak
hit in June, meeting a common
definition of a bear market.
The volatile Shanghai Composite index initially pierced through
intraday lows last seen in August
before paring the losses and was
last up one per cent. It was still
down 17 per cent this month.
On Wall Street, S&P 500 hit a
15-month low on Friday, ahead of
Monday’s market holiday.
price fall takes its toll
DUBAI: Royal Dutch Shell exited a natural-gas project in Abu
Dhabi as the decline in energy
prices deepens.
Europe’s biggest oil company
won’t develop the Bab sour-gas
reservoirs with state-run Abu
Dhabi National Oil Co., or Adnoc, Shell said on Monday in an
e-mailed statement. The project
“does not fit with the company’s
strategy, particularly in the economic climate prevailing in the
energy industry,” it said.
HIGH VOLATILITY: Japan’s Nikkei tumbled as much as 2.8 per cent to a one-year low. It has lost 20
per cent from its peak hit in June, meeting a common definition of a bear market. — Bloomberg file picture
THE BIGGER PICTURE
„
Nikkei hits 1-year low, enters bear market
„
Concerns about recession continue to mount globally
„
Spread-betters see subdued open for European
shares
„
Oil plunges 2% after Iran sanctions are lifted
„
Copper gains breather as China tries to stabilise yuan
“The fact that US and European shares fell below their August lows, failing to sustain their
rebound, is significant,” said
Chotaro Morita, chief fixed income strategist at SMBC Nikko
Securities. “We are coming to a
stage where we need to consider
the risk of recession in the global
economy,” he said.
An unexpected drop in retail
sales and the third consecutive
monthly fall in industrial output
in December added to the lat-
est indication that US economic
growth braked sharply in the
fourth quarter.
Following that data, the Atlanta Federal Reserve’s closelywatched GDPNow forecast model
showed the US economy is on
track to grow 0.6 per cent in the
fourth quarter, slowing sharply
from 2.0 per cent growth in the
third quarter.
Investors further cut back their
Fed rate hike expectations, with
short-term interest rate futures
pricing in only one rate hike by the
end of year, compared with two
hikes priced in at the start of year.
Outside the United States, the
economic outlook appeared even
bleaker, with the energy and raw
material sector hit the hardest as
China’s massive investment-led
economy slows down.
MSCI’s emerging stock index
has dropped to 6-1/2-year lows.
Delaying projects
Energy producers are cancelling or
delaying projects, taking billions of
dollars of write-downs and cutting
thousands of jobs as the crude-price
slump forces them to trim spending.
About $380 billion of investments
have been deferred to early next decade as companies go into survival
mode, according to industry consultants Wood Mackenzie.
Shell’s exit from the sour-gas
project follows its decision last year
to abandon drilling in Alaska after
failing to find commercial qualities
of oil. The company also shelved
the Carmon Creek oil-sands project in Canada in October.
Adnoc picked Shell as its partner
at Bab in 2013, giving the AngloDutch company a 40 per cent stake
in the onshore field about 150 kilometres (90 miles) southwest of Abu
Dhabi city. The project was scheduled to begin gas sales in 2020.
Sour gas typically contains high
amounts of hydrogen sulphide,
which needs to be removed before
the fuel can be burned. That process can drive up costs.
Shell’s relationship with Adnoc remains “very good,” Andrew
Vaughan, Shell’s vice president for
– Bloomberg file picture
Shell’s relationship with
Adnoc remains very good.
We are still interested in
the Adco concession
Andrew Vaughan
Shell’s VP for Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Syria
Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Syria, said
in an interview in Abu Dhabi. “We
are still interested in the Adco concession,” he said.
Shell said in November that
talks continued with Abu Dhabi
about taking a stake in Abu Dhabi
Co. for Onshore Petroleum Operations, a unit of Adnoc focused on
onshore oil fields. — Bloomberg News
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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ROUND-UP
Bank Muscat lines up attractive
personal finance offerings at MF
Aimed at simplifying and enhancing
convenience to help customers meet their
financial requirements, Bank Muscat is
offering personal finance at 4.5 per cent for
Omanis and 5 per cent for expatriates
MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in
the Sultanate, in step with its ‘Let’s
Do More’ vision and commitment
to partnership in enhancing banking services, has lined up attractive
personal finance offerings coinciding with Muscat Festival (MF),
Oman’s tourism and cultural
showpiece, being held from January 14 to February 13 in Al Amerat
Park and Naseem Garden.
A never to be missed opportunity for citizens and residents, the
range of unique offers available
only coinciding with Muscat Festival include special interest rate on
personal loans; 6 months payment
holiday on home loans, a conveni-
ent facility for vehicle finance and
quick disbursement, and special
offers include free Al Jawhar Platinum Credit Card for a year for each
customer in privilege banking who
apply for banking facilities, says a
press release.
Abdullah Tamman Al Mashani,
deputy general manager – Institutional Sales & Product Development, said: “Coinciding with
Muscat Festival, Bank Muscat is
delighted to complement the celebratory mood in Oman with an exclusive range of personal finance
offerings. In step with responsible
banking, the focus of Bank Muscat is clear – create a sustainable
financial platform for the nation
and people and thereby contribute to the country’s progress and
development. Committed to supporting economic growth and sustainable development, the bank
utilises every opportunity to reiterate partnership in building the
nation by creating opportunities
for individuals and businesses to
grow and prosper.”
Aimed at simplifying and enhancing convenience to help
customers meet their financial
requirements, Bank Muscat is offering personal finance at 4.5 per
cent for Omanis and 5 per cent for
expatriates. The exclusive opportunity reiterates the bank’s commitment to extending the helping
U P G R A D AT I O N
hand to fulfil the financial needs
of customers. This is the first time
a finance offer of this kind with a
range of add-on benefits is being
made available to the largest banking family in Oman. What is noteworthy, is that these rates are valid
for the entire tenure of the loan, so
that customers do not face any unexpected surprises regarding the
instalment and tenure, thus maintaining full transparency.
The attractive baituna home
finance at 4.25 per cent provides
customers the unique option to
buy their dream home and start
repayment after six months. Committed to extending all possible
support to achieve the objective
of a ‘home for every family’, especially youth, the attractive baituna
home finance offer with repayment holiday is positioned to give
a boost to the real estate sector and
benefit citizens across Oman to
fulfil their dream homes.
baituna facilitates access to
prime residential projects in
Oman as all leading property developers are associated with the
bank. The attractive features of
baituna home finance include low
interest rates with maximum loan
tenure up to 25 years for Omani
MEC hosts 16
students from
South Korea
MUSCAT: Middle East College (MEC) is hosting 16 students from Hanyang University,
South Korea to participate in
MEC Winter School 2016.
The student delegates are in
Oman to attend the MEC Winter School programme which
commenced recently, says a
press release.
The 26-day programme
comprises short courses, extracurricular activities, language
classes in English and Arabic,
exploring Islamic culture in
Oman’s context and field trips
to industrial and tourist destinations in Oman. Moreover,
the South Korean students are
scheduled to conduct workshops on Korean culture and
Korean language.
It is worth mentioning that
MEC has International Exchange partnerships with various educational providers from
across the globe.
9001:2015. Faisal Al Said will be
speaking about Ithraa’s journey as
the first government organisation
in the Sultanate to be certified in
ISO 9001.
Participants can expect an intensive and interactive session
with a case study on transitioning from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO
9001:2015.
There will also be sharing of lessons learned in various industries,
specific to the region. The targeted
audience comes from organisations that are currently certified as
well as those which are planning to
be certified in the near future.
Marwa Ali Al Kharusi, an entrepreneur and founder of the company, said: “I was intrigued when I
was told that one of the significant
changes in the standard is replacement of the clause ‘management
responsibility’ to ‘leadership’ and
that the role of the ‘management
representative’ has been removed.
Since ISO 9001 is the world’s leading quality management standard
and people are keen to know about
the revision, we decided to offer
the programme.”
Abdullah Al Jufaili, general
manager of Sharakah, will also be
sharing Sharakah’s story in implementing the ISO 9001 standard. “We very much value the
importance of applying best practices and abiding by international
standards. When the new management took over in 2011, one of our
first priorities was to implement
quality standards and many consultants advised us to go for ISO
9001:2008.
“We are delighted that we have
been certified and we are in the process of upgrading to ISO 9001:2015,”
said Al Jufaili.
alizz takes part in I Tech Exhibition
MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank had
recently provided funding support to I Tech Exhibition 2015,
inaugurated by His Highness
Sayyid Taimur bin Asaad Al Said.
The exhibition was organised
by Muscat Expo, which took place
at the Oman International Exhibition Centre for three days.
The exhibition attracted a great
number of visitors highlighting
the latest ICT products and services, hi-tech gadgets; consumer
electronics, and state-of-the-art
technology across all sectors,
with unique and exciting interactive and innovative launches, says
a press release.
Commenting on the exhibition,
Aisha Al Kharusi, chief marketing
officer of alizz Islamic bank said:
“The support of the exhibition
comes as the bank’s objective to
contribute and participate in various exhibitions held in the Sultanate. The partnership between
alizz Islamic and other institu-
PROPERTY EXPO
The exhibition attracted a
great number of visitors
highlighting the latest ICT
products and services,
hi-tech gadgets and
innovative launches
tions seeks to provide various
supports as the bank’s role is not
just limited to being an economic
institution, but goes beyond that
to provide support and assistance
to the various events and exhibitions.”
The bank is proud of its partnership with distinctive communities
to achieve the aspirations of its
members by providing banking solutions compatible with the provi-
sions and principles of the Islamic
Sharia law that meets their needs
and financial requirements such
as finance residential and auto finance and personal finance.
On another occasion, alizz Islamic bank also supported and
participated in the Open Day that
was organised by Oman Diabetes
Association. The event was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid
Muhanna bin Asaad Al Said and
was held at Al Amal Club in Ghala.
Commenting at the event Aisha said: “We are pleased to be
hands on with Oman Diabetes Association and raise awareness on
educating our community on the
dangers of the chronic disease.
alizz Islamic bank continues to
strengthen its role in social responsibility towards the community through the provision of support and care and participation
of various activities and events
that aim to increase community
awareness in all aspects.”
AUTOCARE
Salim Associates organises roadshow
MUSCAT: Salim Associates, one
of the leading builders and developers in Kerala, India organised a
three-day exclusive expo showcasing their hotel apartment project in
Guruvayur and customised villas in
Thrissur, at the Haffa House Hotel,
Al Buraimi Hall recently.
The road show of their project in
Oman was officially inaugurated
by Neelu Rohra, Second Secretary
(Community Welfare), Embassy
of India by lighting the traditional
Kerala lamp. Neelu in her opening
address wished Salim Associates
every success in their new hotel
apartment project and highlighted
the importance of investment in
the real estate market especially
in Guruvayur, says a press release.
While welcoming the guest
and the audience, R. A. Salim,
managing director of Salim Associates, explained their 27 years
of successful growth in the property market.
“Our current project Nandanam
Habitat Hotel Apartment with 4
star hotel facilities offers a unique
customers. The low interest rate
is a big attraction to avail the best
home finance deals in the Sultanate. Citizens and residents can
obtain easy and convenient credit
approval across the bank’s 137
branches and dedicated baituna
centres in the Sultanate.
The Sayyarati auto finance
available at low interest rates
starting from 4 per cent is an opportunity for customers to buy the
latest 2016 models. Customers can
also avail of 1 year short-term loan
facility at 3% which can be used
for meeting the down payment requirements of the vehicle/dealer.
Sayyarati financing is available for
up to eight years for new and used
vehicles, along with the lowest
monthly payment option, on-thespot approvals and motor insurance with low premiums.
Notably, customers are also not
required to furnish post-dated
cheques, making Sayyarati the
easy, convenient and completely
hassle-free way to own a new car.
Payment instalments are automatically debited from customer
account on a monthly basis. Customers can visit any auto dealership or Bank Muscat branches to
avail Sayyarati finance.
WINTER PROGRAMME
SUPPORT
Alhuwiya ISO 9001:2015 Transition
Programme to be held on February 2
MUSCAT: Under the patronage
of His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin
Turki Al Said, director general of
Investment Promotion at Ithraa,
Alhuwiya International Management Consultancy will be hosting
a programme in Muscat on February 2 at Crowne Plaza Muscat, as a
response to the official publication
of the ISO 9001:2015 recently.
It will be led by Colin Macnee,
UK delegation leader at ISO/TC
176 (the ISO technical committee
responsible for Quality Management and Quality Assurance) and
secretary of the ISO 9001:2015 update, says a press release.
The one-day programme will
cover the key changes to the ISO
9001 standard, its impact to government institutions, private entities and practitioners and what
organisations need to do to transition from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO
B5
opportunity to the investor to get a
monthly income by renting out the
apartment on a daily rental basis
and it will definitely turn out to be
a continuous source of income to
the investors who own this hotel
apartment project, considering
the large number of yearly footfall of Guruvayur pilgrims. These
apartments provide 4 star facilities including, swimming pool,
health club, snooker club, wed-
ding hall, multi cuisine restaurant
on the roof top and such unique
facilities to you. Additionally, you
can have a relaxed holiday on your
own hotel premises with these facilities, when you visit Guruvayur,”
said Salim.
Dijesh, marketing in charge,
in his vote of thanks explained
elaborately the unique features of
the hotel projects and requested
the prospective investors to uti-
lise this opportunity which is at
its right time to invest. Dijesh, a
flawless orator, briefed the audience on 27 years of Salim Associates' success story and the name
and fame it has grabbed among its
NRI clients from UAE, Bahrain,
Qatar, Oman and other Middle
East countries.
The ceremony was also witnessed by some of its existing happy customers from Muscat.
Dijesh announced that Salim
Associates is planning to proceed
with the road show of their projects in the whole Middle East
and later on to South East Asian
countries, European countries and
American continent as well.
The welcome ceremony to the
guest by Hema Malini and group in
the traditional Kerala attire added
more colours to the inauguration,
said Dijesh. Salim expressed his
whole hearted appreciation to the
Muscat Keralites and requested
them to invest right now, for a
bright stay back home, in Kerala,
India.
Primewell offers three
years warranty on tyres
MUSCAT: Primewell tyres has
introduced a three-year warranty on its tyres from the date
of its manufacture. The warranty
covers any tyre failures due to a
substantiated defect in materials and/or workmanship, says a
press release.
After damage assessment by
the representatives or authorised persons, the compensation
amount is calculated by the degree of wear, applying the system
called ‘Remaining Tread Depth’.
Scenarios that are not covered by
this exclusive warranty are the
road hazard injuries like a cut,
snag, bruise, impact damage or
puncture to the tyre. Issues like
improper mounting of the tyre,
tyre or wheel imbalance as well
as damages through use of unmatched rim size and improper
tube and/or flap are also not covered under the warranty.
Other concerns when the war-
ranty is not applicable are when
the tyre is repaired or retreaded
or there is a human element of
error involved, such as improper
tyre storage, misapplication, improper maintenance like overloading or improper inflation
pressure. The passenger car and
light truck tyres with less than
1.6mm of tread depth remaining,
or truck and bus tyres with less
than 2.0mm of tread depth remaining also do not fall into the
warranty. Uneven or rapid wear
due to vehicle mechanical malfunction or rough driving style as
well as sound related issues are
not considered in the warranty.
Eint Automotive, a successful
division of the WJ Towell Group
has been an industry leader in
the autocare aftermarket segment. Primewell is the exclusive
department dedicated to the sale
and service of the world-class
tyre Eint Automotive hold.
B6
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
ROUND-UP
Bank Muscat raises 2016 al Mazyona
prize money to record OMR10 million
His Highness Sayyid
Faris bin Fatiq Al
Said unveiled 2016
al Mazyona Savings
Scheme and picked
the winners of 2015
al Mazyona year-end
prize draw
MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in
the Sultanate, sprung a surprise
with the biggest prize money of
OMR10 million for 2016 al Mazyona Savings Scheme.
His Highness Sayyid Faris bin
Fatiq Al Said unveiled 2016 al
Mazyona Savings Scheme and
picked the winners of 2015 al Mazyona year-end prize draw offering
OMR1.5 million at the ceremony
attended by senior bank officials
and the media.
Reaching out with a powerful
call for savings, Oman’s flagship
savings scheme has increased the
prize money to OMR10 million in
2016 compared to OMR9 million
in 2015. As on date, al Mazyona
Savings Scheme guaranteeing
more for everyone to share is the
biggest prize money in Oman and
the region, says a press release.
The highlights of 2016 al Mazyona Savings Scheme include aspirational prizes of OMR1 million
at the end of year and high value
prizes for different segments, including women, children, youth
and high saving customers. Adding
excitement to festivals and national celebrations, the 2016 savings
scheme rewards customers with
special prizes. al Mazyona continues to be the only savings scheme
to recognise and reward loyalty for
customers based on their association with the bank. They can also
win a bonus salary every month for
transferring salary to the bank.
The enhanced prize money will
be shared by more winners as customers from all regions are guaranteed to win prizes ranging from
OMR1,000 a week to OMR10,000 a
month, OMR100,000 every quarter
and OMR500,000 at the end of year
which is open to all customers.
asalah Priority Banking customers have chances to win
OMR50,000 monthly prizes,
OMR250,000 quarterly prizes,
and a jackpot OMR500,000 yearend prize.
Prizes reserved for al Jawhar
Privilege Banking customers include OMR25,000 monthly prizes
and OMR50,000 quarterly prizes.
A special prize draw offering
OMR10,000 each for winners
from 14 regions will be held in celebration of Eid Al Adha in July. An
exclusive draw for Zeinah women
customers coinciding with Omani
Women’s Day is another highlight
in which 10 customers will be rewarded with OMR10,000 each. On
the occasion of the National Day, a
special draw will be held offering
OMR10,000 each for 10 winners.
Notably, al Mazyona has reintroduced salary transfer prizes which
is back by popular demand. Thirty
customers transferring a minimum
monthly salary of OMR500 are
eligible to win an additional salary every month. There is no cap
on the salary amount and this will
truly be a bonus salary for the winning customers.
Details of Oman’s flagship savings scheme offering bigger prizes
for more winners were unveiled to
the media at the bank’s head office.
Said Al Badai, Group DGM –
Branches, said: “Continuing with
the tradition of rewarding customers, Bank Muscat is proud to
sustain the biggest prize money
in Oman and the region. During
the past 2 decades, al Mazyona has
rewarded numerous customers
and enriched their lives. Big prize
money is not the only attraction
of al Mazyona, which is designed
to transform the lives of prudent
savers. The scheme is targeted to
accommodate all nationalities and
segments, including ladies, youth,
children, high savings balance customers and salary account holders,
thereby inculcating a strong savings habit among citizens who will
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SCHEME
„
Biggest prize money in Oman and the region.
„
Guaranteed winners in all regions.
„
Exclusive prizes for ladies, children, youth and high
saving customers.
„
Double-Your-Salary scheme.
„
Big boost to inculcating savings culture in Oman.
be responsible for the future development of Oman.”
Abdullah Tamman Al Mashani,
Deputy General Manager – Institutional Sales & Products Development, said: “At a time when
expectations on financial rewards
and incentives are low due to prevailing economic situation, Bank
Muscat is proud to further elevate
the unique al Mazyona experience.
The bank understands customer
expectations and al Mazyona 2016
scheme continues to reflect innovative customer segmentation
based on two principles - region
and demographics – ensuring
a higher winning chances to all
customers across the Sultanate,
including ladies, youth, children
and high savings balance customers. The 2016 al Mazyona scheme
offers exciting weekly, monthly,
quarterly, special and year-end
prizes. Winning with al Mazyona
has never been simpler as customers are not required to block their
money for long or wait for a long
time to win big prizes.”
Al Mashani added: “al Mazyona
customers have plenty of reasons to smile throughout the year,
thanks to the new scheme that offers winning chances for customers in all regions.
With OMR10 million, al Mazyona offers the biggest prize money
in the savings scheme history in
Oman and the region.”
Win OMR1,000 every week:
With 30 weekly prizes, including
two for Zeinah women customers,
reserved for every region, customers have a very good chance to win
OMR1000 with just a minimum
balance of OMR100. Customers
get one chance for every OMR100
balance.
Women customers are eligible
to participate in the other prize
draws in addition to the two weekly prizes exclusively reserved for
them by becoming a Zeinah account holder.
Win
OMR10,000
every
month: Customers maintaining
a minimum balance of OMR1000
get a chance to win OMR10,000
every month. For every OMR1000
balance, customers are entitled
to 10 winning chances. In all, 28
monthly prizes, are reserved for
customers covering all the regions.
The more the balance, higher the
winning chances.
Win and celebrate during
festivals and National Day:
Customers maintaining a minimum balance of OMR1000 get a
chance to win OMR10,000 each
to be distributed to 14 customers during Eid Al Adha. Similarly
10 Zeinah customers can win
OMR10,000 each on Omani Women’s Day and 10 customers can win
OMR10,000 each on National Day.
Year-end prizes OMR1 million: The grand OMR1 million
year-end prizes will be shared by
two winners, including 1 reserved
exclusively for asalah Priority
Banking. Customers maintaining
a minimum balance of OMR1,000
are eligible for the grand prize draw
offering OMR500,000 each. Customers get 10 chances for every
OMR1,000 balance. The higher the
balance, higher the chances to win.
asalah Priority Banking
customers: The asalah Priority
Banking customers maintaining a
minimum balance of OMR30,000
are eligible to participate in all al
Mazyona prize draws, in addition
to exclusive draws earmarked for
them. The high savings balance
customers have exclusive monthly
prizes of OMR50,000, quarterly
prizes of OMR250,000 and yearend prize of OMR500,000.
Privilege Banking: Al Jawhar
Privilege Banking customers
maintaining a minimum balance
of OMR10,000 in their savings accounts are eligible to participate in
all al Mazyona prize draws, in addition to exclusive monthly prizes
of OMR25,000 and quarterly prizes of OMR50,000.
Zeinah account holders: Targeted at Zeinah women customers
maintaining a minimum balance
of OMR100, al Mazyona offers two
weekly prizes of OMR1000 each,
in addition to an exclusive Zeinah
draw coinciding with the Omani
Women’s Day offering a total of
OMR100,000 to be shared by 10
winners.
Children’s account holders:
By maintaining a monthly balance
of OMR50, al Mazyona Children’s
account holders get a chance to
win 20 monthly prizes of OMR100
each. al Mazyona children’s account holders are also eligible for
other al Mazyona prizes by maintaining a minimum balance of
OMR100.
Shababi account holders:
Youth customers opening a Shababi account with just OMR10 get
a chance to win OMR300 every
month. In all, there will be 30 winners every month in the youth category. Shababi account holders are
also eligible for other al Mazyona
prizes by maintaining a minimum
balance of OMR100.
Double-Your-Salary scheme
The ‘Double-Your-Salary’ entitles
customers maintaining a salary
account with the bank to win a free
bonus salary every month. There
are no pre-conditions attached to
the scheme, except that the salary must be transferred to any
Bank Muscat branch in Oman. All
customers who transfer their salary to Bank Muscat get a chance
to double their salary through the
bonus salary prize. While custom-
ers may earn their salary only once
a month, with Bank Muscat they
have a chance to win an additional
bonus salary every month.
The prize scheme is open to
all customers with a minimum
monthly salary of OMR500. For
instance, a customer whose salary
is OMR500 can win an additional
salary prize of OMR500 whereas
another customer whose salary is
OMR3000 can win back an equivalent bonus salary of OMR3,000
and so on. In all there will be 30
winners every month who will
gain a bonus salary with al Mazyona savings account.
Reward for loyalty: A continuing attraction is that the winning chances get multiplied by the
number of years customers are
associated with al Mazyona savings scheme. For example, if a customer has been saving for 5 years,
his chances of winning get multiplied by 5 times and similarly if he
has been maintaining al Mazyona
savings account for 20 years, his
chances get multiplied 20 times
and so on. This benefit is unique
only to al Mazyona savings scheme
holders and no other bank offers
this, as on date.
Certification and validation
of al Mazyona draw: In order to
maintain the tradition of providing complete transparency of the
scheme, al Mazyona prize draws
will be tested and certified by accredited external auditors.
Bank Muscat pioneered this
proactive step and is proud to continue this tradition in Oman for
communicating good governance
and transparency. Over the years,
al Mazyona has succeeded in inculcating a strong savings culture
in Oman. The objective of al Mazyona is to create a lifetime change
for winners and allow them to invest the prize money in things that
will make a lasting difference and
the well-being of their families.
The underlying principle of the
scheme is that the greater the deposit balance and longer the relationship, the higher the chance of
rewards. Customers can win more
by saving more with Bank Muscat.
The flexible scheme makes regular saving easier and is available
across the largest network of 137
branches in Oman.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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ROUND-UP
PROMOTION
Rasasi Perfumes has
New Year offers for
customers in Oman
MUSCAT: Rasasi Perfumes is
giving its Omani customers the
perfect opportunity to enjoy a
fragrant start to the New Year.
The region’s leading perfume
brand has announced an array of
offers and complementary gifts
on purchases to celebrate 2016,
says a press release.
“Rasasi Perfumes is delighted
to celebrate the beginning of 2016
with an array of great deals and
offers for its valued customers.
We had a phenomenal 2015 and
we are ringing-in the New Year
with a renewed pledge to serve
our customers better.
“Our customers in Oman appreciate our selection of alluring scents and we are now offering some of the best deals on
our popular perfumes, including
the premium range, as a way of
expressing our gratitude,” said
Salim Kalsekar, managing director, Rasasi Perfumes.
Rasasi’s New Year promotion
Atana Hotels honours
Dar Al Atta’a employee
The 2015 Dar
Al Atta’a Employee
of the Year Award
was presented to
Ahmed Abdul Aziz,
finance manager
MUSCAT: In line with its corporate philosophy of giving back to
the community, Atana Hotels has
joined hands with prominent charity organisation Dar Al Atta’a in
honouring the winner of the Dar Al
Atta’a Employee of the Year 2015.
Under this collaboration, Atana
Hotels will be providing two nights’
stay full board at Atana Musandam
complete with dhow cruise and
mountain safari to the winner and
his family. Also, they will be getting
a Muscat-Khasab return ticket,
sponsored by Khimji’s House of
Travel, says a press release.
The 2015 Dar Al Atta’a Employee of the Year Award was presented to Ahmed Abdul Aziz, finance
manager. Aziz has worked for the
charity organisation for seven
years and is known as an honest
and well-respected team player,
dedicated to the cause of helping
the underprivileged in the Sultanate of Oman.
Starting as a part-time accountant at Dar Al Atta’a in 2009, Aziz
has worked his way up through the
ranks by taking proactive initiative
to identifying problems and devis-
ing solutions. Aziz is responsible
for ensuring that all donations are
accounted for, audited and properly distributed, and he is always
willing to put in extra time to work
with the team of volunteers on various initiatives.
Appreciating Atana Hotels’ support, Maryam Al Zadjali, chairperson of Dar Al Atta’a, said: “This initiative by Dhiaffa and Atana Hotels
will certainly boost our employees’
confidence and motivation. Due to
our limited resources we are not
able to provide the staff at Dar Al
Atta’a with the same kind of privileges that their counterparts in other companies receive. This initiative is an amazing gesture by Atana
and we look forward to many more
collaborations in the future.”
Outlining Atana Hotels’ social
responsibility vision, Pascal Eppink, managing director of Dhi-
affa, a subsidiary of Omran which
manages Atana Hotels, said: “We
are delighted and proud to be
part of the Dar Al Atta’a network
and we have committed to taking
our cooperation further. In 2016
Atana Hotels will be part of Dar Al
Atta’a’s quarterly as well as yearly
employee motivational initiatives
by sponsoring hotel stays and relaxation packages for the winners.”
Aziz in his note of thanks said:
“I would like to thank Atana first
of all for their trust in Dar Al
Atta’a and also the board members of Dar Al Atta’a for selecting
me for the award. Working with
my colleagues at Dar Al Atta’a is
like working with own family and
it is great to support such a noble
cause. This award will only motivate me to work even harder to
contribute towards taking Dar Al
Atta’a to greater heights.”
includes special offers on its exquisite Oriental range including
popular products and premium
range La Yuqawam and Boruzz.
Customers can benefit from the
complimentary gifts and amazing
deals on the highly desired Boruzz
fragrances and gift sets. The collection was nominated as the top
perfume launch of 2015 by a number of prestigious publications
and received wide recognition as
the most desirable perfume collection by regional fashionistas.
PROFESSIONAL SET-UP
OmanAd gears up for
event management
MUSCAT: Oman Advertising
Agency (OmanAd), one of the
leading agencies in advertising,
media and publishing industry in
Oman, is all set to cater to the requirements of governments and
corporates in their event management and exhibition stall designing and fabrications.
With focus on providing superior services and client satisfaction above all the experience of
managing numerous events under
their belt; clients can rest assured
that their events and exhibitions
are being managed by professionals, says a press release.
With the help of 3D designs,
cutting edge AV equipment and
experienced fabrication and event
management team OmanAd offers venue booking and arrangements, creative backdrops, stages,
sound and lighting systems, on-
line interpretations, marketing
collaterals, corporate give aways,
photography, videography, press
coverage which can turn your
business, corporate and entertainment events like product
launch, seminars, conferences,
workshops and trainings, board
meetings, road shows, motivational and team building events,
corporate and networking gathering, staff gathering, family gathering into a memorable affair.
“Our specialised event production division works hand-in-hand
with you to understand your vision, mapping out your specific requirements and provide the most
fitting solutions. We will partner
with you to plan a successful event
tailor made within your budget
and can be contacted at info@
omanad.net,” states Mohammed
Ayoob, GM of the agency.
H E A LT H C A R E
Kims Oman provides exclusive orthodontic treatments
MUSCAT: Dr Sivaram Subbiah,
Specialist Orthodontist at Kims
Oman Hospital recently composed a medical study including
a detailed and comprehensive research on orthodontic treatments
and procedures, its advancements,
types and advised age group. These
treatments are being efficiently
delivered at Kims Oman Hospital,
says a press release.
“Orthodontic treatment not only
helps in the ideal arrangement of
the teeth but also helps to treat
the position of the jaws in growing
teens,” said Dr Sivaram Subbiah.
He addressed the changes and
advances in orthodontic treatments which include the size of
the braces as what is used nowadays are much smaller and more
comfortable to the patient than before. Also, advanced wire technology which has greatly reduced the
forces placed on teeth resulting in
less discomfort to the patients.
One of the more recent advancements is the development of tem-
porary anchorage devices (TADs).
TADs are mini-implants that can
be placed in the mouth in conjunction with braces and have allowed
orthodontists to correct certain
bite issues that were previously
considered impossible without
surgery. Additional advancement
is the use of 3-D imaging and Xrays. Moreover, elastic rubber
bands used to hold the wire onto
the braces come in a variety of colours. Kids can choose the colour
of their elastics, allowing them to
have more personal involvement
in the experience.
With regard to types of braces, Dr
Subbiah mentioned several types
which have been changed over the
years. For example metal brackets
are smaller, smoother, more refined
and more comfortable than they
used to be. Metal braces are still the
mainstay, but other types include
clear ceramic braces and aligners,
such as Invisalign. Furthermore,
when braces are removed the patient is given a retainer to help keep
the teeth from moving back to their
previous position.
Dr Subbiah stressed the importance of getting an orthodontic treatment. “There are several
risks of not getting orthodontic
treatment as crooked teeth can
be more difficult to keep clean
making you more prone to tooth
decay and gum disease. The goals
of orthodontic treatment are to
provide a perfect bite, ideal function of teeth and to create a beautiful smile.”
B8
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
ROUND-UP
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Star-studded mega International
Mushairah to be held on Jan. 28
A great collection
of top Urdu poets
from India, Pakistan,
USA, UK, Japan and
other countries is
sure to attract the
cream of Urdu-loving
communities in Oman
SHAHZAD RAZA
shahzad@timesofoman.com
MUSCAT: A galaxy of top Urdu
poets from around the world will
be the highlight of the first ever
International Mushairah in Oman,
being organised by Alpha Events
Oman, one of the leading event
management companies in the
Sultanate, at 8pm on Thursday,
January 28 at Al Falaj Hotel.
Presented by Ittfaq Travel and
Tourism and Double Road Tyres
of Best Ittfaq, the Mushairah will
be participated by legendary poets like Anwar Masood, Popular
Meeruthi, Abbas Tabish, Wasi
Shah and a host of prominent poets from various parts of the world.
Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi,
adviser to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will be the
chief guest, while Syed Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan to
the Sultanate of Oman, will be the
guest of honour. In another first,
Mian Muhammed Munir, presenter of the International Mushairah,
who is also chairman of Pakistan
Social Club-Oman, will honour
Anwar Masood with the first ‘Muscat Urdu Adab Award’ along with a
gold medal.
Times of Oman is the media
partner of this grand literary event.
A great collection of world renowned Urdu poets and poetesses,
who are sure to attract the cream
of Urdu-loving communities in
Oman, will be flown in participate
in the International Mushairah.
Anwar Masood: Legendary
poet Anwar Masood has no parallels in the genre of humorous
poetry, which becomes twice as
effective when he delivers it in his
own inimitable style and complete
mastery in both Urdu and Punjabi
languages. Recipient of several
national and international awards
and author of many bestselling
books, Anwar is considered one of
the biggest draws at any Mushairah in the world. With a perceptive
mind and a sharp sense of humour,
Anwar can be both entertaining
and instructive at the same time.
He has also penned many masterpieces of Punjabi poetry too, like
Ambri and Bunyan.
Popular Meeruthi: The most
TOP PERFORMER
prominent Indian poet of humour
and satire Popular Meeruthi’s
funny poetry is a source of delight
and infotainment. He is also considered a symbol of success in any
Mushairah he attends all over the
world. He has been blessed with
an extraordinary ability to make
people laugh with his humorous
poetry. Popular has huge following
in Oman too, and his unique way of
recitation adds to the appeal of his
irresistible poetry and presence.
Abbas Tabish: Leading Urdu
poet and the king of modern Ghazal, Abbas Tabish is perhaps the
hottest property in the Urdu poetry world today. Holder of “State
Medal of Excellence”, Abbas is
equally popular in Pakistan and
India. He has inspired thousands
of fans with his extraordinary and
incredible creativity with words
and verses worldwide. His recently published book Ishq Aabaad is
selling like hot cakes.
Wasi Shah: Immensely popular among the younger generation,
Wasi Shah is one of the most famous poets from the subcontinent
with dominant romantic shades
celebrating love and life. Wherever
Urdu is spoken and understood,
Wasi Shah is not only known but
loved too. His books sell like hot
cakes, for he has become the ultimate name in beautiful, emotionfilled Urdu poetry. As an outstanding and eminent poet, writer and
TV anchor, Wasi Shah is an established crowd puller in his country
and abroad with countless prestigious awards to his credit.
Super eight
Widely reputed, noted and senior
Urdu poets and poetesses including Sarwat Zahra (UAE), Rehana
Qamar (USA), Ambreen Haseeb
Ambar (Pakistan), Khalid Sajjad
Ahmed (Kuwait), Arshad Meena
Nagri (India), Amir bin Ali (Japan)
and Adnan Baig (UK) will complete the dream lineup on stage.
“With such a huge star cast,
International Mushairah of the
highest order promises to be a
smashing hit,” said Fahad Awais
Munir, managing director of Alpha Events Oman. “This familyoriented grand literary evening,
will be absolutely free to the audience”, he added.
Fabulous gifts and prizes will
be distributed among the audience. Further information can be
had from Qamar Riaz (98985106),
prominent local poet and a member of the organising team.
‘DOUBLE DARE BOX’
Discover a new favourite with
Pizza Hut’s latest innovation
Higer brand focuses on safety, reliability
MUSCAT: Higer, an award-winning Chinese automotive brand,
has won wide appreciation in
Oman because of its impressive
range of vehicles that deliver good
performance and efficiency.
Its quality product range comprises buses, coaches and pick-up
trucks that boasts of high standards of safety and reliability, says a
press release.
A senior spokesperson of Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the sole
distributor of the Higer range in
Oman, said: “Higer’s unimpeachable reputation of safety and durability makes it the perfect vehicle
for Oman. Higer is trusted for its
commitment to research and innovation and this trust is reflected
in its global popularity — be in Europe, America, Africa, the Middle
East or South East Asia. Higer has
also made its way to China’s Top
500 Most Valued Brands, becoming the fastest growing company
in China’s bus industry. Safety is
Higer’s primary concern, whether it is of children in our secure
school buses or of adults in our
pick-up trucks and coaches.”
In order to enhance product development and make vehicles more
robust and dependable, Higer has
established an advanced customeroriented R&D process and imported
and integrated the most advanced
safety technologies to protect both
drivers and passengers.
The Higer pick-up has a new
generation look, and is a high-grade
Higer’s unimpeachable
reputation of safety and
durability makes it the
perfect vehicle for Oman.
Safety is Higer’s primary
concern, whether it is of
children in our secure
school buses or of adults
in our pick-up trucks
and coaches
Senior spokesperson
Towell Auto Centre
light duty vehicle. Available at a
starting price of just OMR4,749,
Higer pick-ups have gained popularity because of their durability
and strength. The Higer pick-up
has enhanced interiors, and is
available in single and double cabins. The powerful 2.2 litre 4 cylinder engine, 5 speed manual trans-
mission is ideal for long drives. Its
remote control key, power windows, 3 point seat belt, rear parking sensor, and plush interiors ensure comfort.
In addition to being sturdy, the
Higer pick-up truck is economical
to maintain, making it the superlative choice to transport heavy
loads across long distances.
The Higer Star School bus is the
only school bus in Oman to have
an Anti-lock braking (ABS) system. The ABS system allows the
wheels on a motor vehicle to maintain tractive contact with the road
surface according to driver inputs
while braking, preventing the
wheels from locking up and avoiding uncontrolled skidding.
Since its launch in 1998, Higer
has built a reputation of safety and
reliability, and has become one of
the top suppliers for buses worldwide. Its safety features give peace
of mind to parents and school authorities alike.
MUSCAT: Pizza Hut is tempting
pizza aficionados in Oman with
the launch of the ‘Double Dare
Box’.
The innovative pizza box has
two sliding compartments and
includes one old-favourite pizza
and one new creation. The new
creation is from a range of signature pizzas launched as part of
the ‘Double Dare Box’ promotion,
says a press release.
This limited time offer is available for takeaway or delivery,
presenting customers with the
opportunity to place an order for
‘something nostalgic’ from their
list of all-time favourite pizzas
and ‘something new’ from the
exciting new signature creations.
Commenting on the launch of
the ‘Double Dare Box’, Vivek Pande, CEO, Khimji Ramdas Lifestyle
Group, said: “The ‘Double Dare
Box’ allows customers to experience something new without having to let go of their old favourites.
After a series of trials and incorporating customer feedback we
have come up with six new pizza
creations.”
The six signature creations include Sweet Chick, Bacon Bomb-
shell, Garden Party, Lamb-licious,
Carnivore and Pepperoni Primo
and are available in pan, classic,
thin n crispy and stuffed crust.
“The only thing bigger than a
pizza is two pizzas. The two sliding compartments of the ‘Double
Dare Box’ house two sumptuous
pizzas making it a perfect meal
to be enjoyed with family and
friends.
The ‘Double Dare Box’ not only
satiates our customers’ need to
devour their personal favourites
but also allows them to discover
pizzas with brand new toppings
and flavour profiles. This latest
product innovation is in line with
our commitment to constantly
present our valued customers
with unique and memorable food
experiences,” stated Yogesh Shah,
general manager, Khimji Restaurant Division.
The ‘Double Dare Box’ comes
with a 2.25 litre Pepsi bottle making it the perfect meal for the entire family.
SPREADING HAPPINESS
omanoil’s Farah Campaign rolls into 2016
Perfect for tourism needs
Higer has an extensive range of 50
seater coaches. Its coaches have
been used prolifically to travel
from Muscat to Salalah and Dubai.
Perfect for tourism needs, Higer’s
coaches are safe and comfortable
and ensure a quiet and smooth
ride. By being the sole representative of Higer in Oman, TAC has
strengthened its commitment to
provide superlative products and
services to the country.
MUSCAT: Spreading joy, optimism and inspiration, Oman Oil
Marketing Company’s (omanoil)
nationwide happiness campaign
has successfully transformed the
lives of people across the length
and breadth of Oman.
Designed to share the brighter
side of life and connect with local
communities, the company’s team
of special Farah ambassadors travelled to fuel stations in the Governorates of Muscat, Al Batinah,
Al Sharqiyah, Ad Dakhliyah, and
Dhofar, showering customers with
fun, personalised service and gifts,
says a press release.
Adding to the campaign’s success are two #omanoil_farah
YouTube ads that have gone viral,
receiving over 49,000 views with
a collective watch time of 480
hours. Social media photos and
videos of the Farah ambassadors
Muhammad Al Hanae, Waheed
Al Balushi and Mohammed Al
Balushi have also been receiving
wide acclaim as they are liked and
shared ten thousand times over.
Al Moatasam Al Amri, Farah
Campaign Manager, said, “Farah
is all about bringing joy to customers, seeing them smile, and
giving them a feel-good experi-
ence they can share with others.
The responses we have received
have been remarkable, from the
thousands of views our videos
have garnered to the immense
support we have received on social media. People recognise that
this campaign is not just about
showing how good it is to be
happy, it is also our unique way of
giving back to the community and
saying ‘thank you’.”
Kicked off in late 2015 under
the theme ‘Feel Good’, the campaign stemmed from the company’s desire to create joyous memories and see its customer’s smile.
C
WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM
TU ES DAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
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SECTION
INDIA TO GET
FULL-TIME
COACH
AFTER
WORLD T20:
THAKUR
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>C8
Top duo make hay in Melbourne
as ‘fixing’ cloud casts a shadow
As the sun shone and
more than 70,000
fans streamed
through the gates at
Melbourne Park, the
great and the good
of tennis officialdom
filed into a room
in the bowels of
Rod Laver Arena to
defend their record on
battling corruption
MELBOURNE:
It was very
much business as usual for Novak
Djokovic and Serena Williams at
the Australian Open on Monday,
even if allegations of widespread
match-fixing cast a shadow over
the opening day of the year’s first
Grand Slam.
As the sun shone and more than
70,000 fans streamed through the
gates at Melbourne Park, the great
and the good of tennis officialdom
filed into a room in the bowels of
Rod Laver Arena to defend their
record on battling corruption.
On the pristine blue showcourt
only a few metres away, however,
first Williams, then Djokovic gave
notice that they had no intention
of relinquishing lightly the dominance they exerted over tennis
last year.
Williams had not completed a
set since her dream of winning all
four grand slams in one year was
dashed in the U.S. Open semifinals
in September, yet she proved far
too strong for Italian Camila Giorgi in their first-round match.
Dispelling any doubts about
her fitness and form, the 34-yearold American moved freely on
the troublesome knee that forced
her to quit the Hopman Cup midmatch two weeks ago.
“It’s great. It was an hour and
43 minutes and I didn’t feel it
at all,” the six-times Australian
Open champion said after her 6-4,
7-5 victory.
“Okay, I haven’t played in a long
time, but I have been playing for
30 years ...”
Djokovic, who also won three
Grand Slams last year, has been
far more active than Williams in
recent months but has not been
beaten since August, a run that
PERFECT START: Serena Williams of the US celebrates after victory in her women’s
singles match against Italy’s Camila Giorgi on Day One of the Australian Open. – AFP
EASY OPENER: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his first round
match against South Korea’s Hyeon Chung. – Reuters
Djokovic admits indirect fixing approach, questions betting sponsors
MELBOURNE: World
number one Novak Djokovic
said a member of his staff was
approached about fixing a
match early in his career, and
he questioned whether betting
companies should be allowed
to sponsor big tennis tournaments. The reigning Australian
Open champion was speaking
after the sport was rocked by
allegations that the authorities
had failed to deal with widespread match-fixing.
Djokovic said that as far as
he was aware there was no
longer a problem with what he
described as a “crime in sport”
at the top level of tennis, but
added that he had once been
approached indirectly to throw
a match. “I was not approached
directly, I was approached
through people that were with
my team,” he said, after cruising
never looked like ending in his
115-minute clash with South Korean teenager Chung Hyeon.
Elder statesman
The 28-year-old played very much
the elder statesman after the 6-3,
6-2, 6-4 victory, complimenting
his 19-year-old opponent on his
game but advising him to come
through his opening match at
the tournament against South
Korean teenager Chung Hyeon
on Monday. “Of course, we
threw it away right away. The
guy that was trying to talk to me,
he didn’t even get to me directly.
There was nothing out of it.
“Unfortunately, there were
some, in those times, those
days, rumours, some talk, some
people were going around. They
were dealt with. In the last six,
seven years, I haven’t heard
anything similar.”
$200,000 offered
In 2007, Djokovic said an approach had been made offering
him $200,000 to throw a match
at the St Petersburg Open in
Russia, a tournament he did not
ultimately play in.
The 28-year-old Serb said
that although he was confident
back and try again when he had
more experience.
“A nice opening match with real
Australian summer conditions,”
said Djokovic after embarking on
his quest to match Roy Emerson’s
record of six Australian Open
crowns. “You try to stay composed,
not get carried away by heat. Of
course, there were some long ex-
there was no longer a problem
at the top level, he could not
speak for further down the tennis rankings.
Djokovic was also asked
about the propriety of betting
companies being sponsors of
major tennis tournaments, even
if there had never been allegations that such companies were
involved in any wrongdoing.
William Hill became the first
“official wagering partner” of the
Australian Open last year, and
this year advertisements for the
British bookmaker adorned the
three main showcourts at Melbourne Park for the first time.
Critics, who say the relationship sends out the wrong
message, have called on Tennis
Australia to end it, and Djokovic
said there should at least be a
debate. “Well, this is a subject
for discussion, I think, today
changes that got both of us a little
bit short on air.
“But I think physically I was
really good on the court. I managed to play the best tennis when I
needed to.”
Finding that extra gear when
required is one of the factors that
have helped Roger Federer to 17
grand slam singles titles but the
and in the future. It’s a fine line.
Honestly it’s on a borderline, I
would say,” he said.
“Whether you want to have
betting companies involved
in the big tournaments in our
sport or not, it’s hard to say
what’s right and what’s wrong.
“One of the reasons why tennis is a popular and clean sport
is because it has always valued
its integrity,” he added.
William Hill defended its association with Tennis Australia.
“Close partnerships between
regulated and licensed betting
operators like William Hill and
sporting bodies are part of the
solution to integrity issues, not
part of the problem,” said group
director of security, Bill South,
in a statement.
Tennis Australia did not
have an immediate comment to
make. - Reuters
Swiss barely needed to move out of
first in his opening match against
Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.
The 34-year-old’s 6-2, 6-1, 6-2
victory set him on a path he hopes
will end with a first title in one of
the sport’s majors since he triumphed at Wimbledon in 2012.
His next hurdle is Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov, who might as
well have “tricky” appended to his
name. “Dolgopolov is a different
player, a different level,” Federer
said. “He’s got the fitness, the power, the speed, tennis IQ, all that. It’s
going to be a big challenge.”
Maria Sharapova was the other
former champion in first-round
action on Monday and she too
eased past a younger challenger,
beating Japan’s 21-year-old Nao
Hibino 6-1, 6-3. With 128 players
playing on the courts around Melbourne Park, there were bound to
be upsets, on grounds of reputation if not current standing.
American Sloane Stephens, a
semi-finalist at Melbourne Park
three years ago, had a very bad day
at the office and was sent packing
by Chinese qualifier Wang Qiang.
Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki suffered a similar
fate at the hands of Kazakhstan’s
Yulia Putintseva, while Sam Stosur, the former U.S. Open champion, made her now traditional early
exit from her home grand slam.
Nearly all the big names were
grilled about their reaction to the
match-fixing report, which broke
a couple of hours before play started and had echoes of the stories
which created turmoil last year at
the governing bodies of world soccer and athletics.
“I think it’s always a disappointment when stories come out like
this just before the big event, because it does detract,” ATP tour
chairman Chris Kermode said.
“(But) I think it will be seen
that tennis is in a very, very good
place ...” - Reuters
H O C K E Y F E S T I VA L
UTSC gearing up to host Starcare Cup Gulf hockey fiesta
Sports Reporter
MUSCAT: The United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC), in association with the Oman Hockey Association, is gearing up to organise
the Starcare Cup Gulf Hockey Fiesta at the Sultan Qaboos Sports
Complex on February 26.
The fiesta, which is mainly
sponsored by Starcare Hospital,
is the first of its kind hockey event
to be organised in the Sultanate
that will see participation of teams
from all GCC countries.
The UTSC officially announced
the launch of the regional hockey
extravaganza during a media event
organised at the Hotel Haffa House
on Monday in the presence of Oman
Hockey Association (OHA) General
Secretary Mohammed Redha Taqi
Al Lawati and Starcare Hospital
CEO Dr Mohammed Naseem.
Speaking on the occasion, UTSC
representative Sharzina Raffi said:
“Over the years we have been conducting several sporting events,
including cricket and football. But
hockey has been our main sport in
which we were able to organise a
number of events and successfully
involve all the hockey lovers.
“But this Starcare Cup Gulf
BIG EVENT: United Thalassery Sports Club official Sharzina Raffi, right, speaks as Oman Hockey Asso-
ciation General Secretary Mohammed Redha Taqi Al Lawati, centre, and other officials look on during the
official launch of the Starcare Cup Gulf Hockey Fiesta at Hotel Haffa House. – JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman
Hockey Fiesta is entirely different from what we have hosted so
far. It’s a bigger event that has attracted a lot of interest from teams
and hockey enthusiasts of all
GCC countries.
“It’s for the first time hockey
teams of all GCC countries will be
coming to Oman. So it’s a huge re-
sponsibility. We are working hard
to have all arrangements in place.
We are hoping to organise a very
successful event,” she added. “We
are also hopeful of getting Asian
Hockey Federation’s recognition
for the event. AHF CEO ‘Dato’
Tayyib Ikram during his recent
visit to Oman has promised to give
the event an official recognition.
The formalities are under way and
once they are completed we are
hopeful of getting the AHF recognition for our event,” she added.
Star attraction
India’s star goalkeeper and vicecaptain Parattu Raveendran
Sreejesh will be the chief guest at
the Fiesta.
“We are delighted to announce
Indian star Sreejesh will be the
chief guest at the event,” she added.
“We would like to thank our
main sponsors Starcare Hospital
as well as the Oman Hockey Association, without whose support
it would not have been possible
for us to organise an event of such
magnitude,” she said.
The UTSC official also thanked
S.A.S. Naqvi, the former Oman
national hockey coach and OHA
consultant, and Team Coorg for
their continued support to the
UTSC activities. Giving the details
of the Fiesta, Event Director Salih
Thatcher said: “This event has a lot
of significance as it is for the first
time we will be hosting teams with
expatriate as well as the local citizens from all six GCC countries.”
“We will be hosting teams from
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE. In all there will
be 12 teams, including six local
teams, one of which will be Oman
Veterans squad,” he said.
“We are expecting a large turnout of local hockey lovers as well as
those from outside for the daylong
event, which will start at 8 a.m.
and will last 8 p.m.,” he added.
A ‘dream’ event
Speaking on the occasion, Starcare Hospital CEO Dr Mohammed
Naseem described the Fiesta as a
‘fantastic initiative’.
“By no means it’s a small tournament. It’s a huge event that has
the potential to feature in the list
of global hockey events in the near
future. As an organisation in the
forefront of making efforts to encourage the community to living
a healthy life, Starcare is delighted
to support the Gulf Hockey Fiesta,” he said.
Meanwhile, famous hockey personality S.A.S. Naqvi said: “It has
been my dream to have Gulf Cup
of hockey. But I would like to thank
UTSC for hosting a hockey event
with involvement of all GCC countries. Hopefully, one day the Gulf
Cup of hockey will come into existence and I wish Oman will host a
Gulf Cup of hockey.”
While congratulating the UTSC
for their commitment to hockey,
he said: “I have no doubt that Starcare Cup Gulf hockey fiesta will be
a memorable event for only hockey
lovers of Oman but all the GCC
countries.”
C2
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
SPORTS
FOOTBALL
OFA, Ministry of Education
discuss plans for girls
football programme
MUSCAT: The Oman Football
Association (OFA) held a meeting
with a committee from the Ministry of Education (MoE) to discuss
plans to launch a grassroots football programme for girls.
The Ministry of Education Committee comprised Aisha Al Jabri,
a sports activities specialist at the
MoE, Aliya Al Zeedi, who is with
the directorate for curriculum development at the MoE, and Munira
Al Ghassani, who is part of the Private Schools Department at MoE.
The OFA was represented by
Khalid Al Lahori, head of Develop-
ment and Education in the Technical Department, and Basma Mohammed, Events Officer from the
Commercial and Communications
Department. During the meeting,
the officials discussed plans for
a football festival for schoolkids,
coaching courses for Physical Education Teachers as well as topics
pertaining to the development of
football for schoolgirls.
The OFA officials also met with
the head of sports in GuTech to
conduct a beginner football course
for girls and futsal coaching course
which will start in February.
SCAN THIS TO
INSTANTLY
INSTALL
WHATSNEWS
Pacer Tait recalled to
Australia’s T20 side
The 32-year-old,
who last played
for Australia at the
2011 World Cup, has
shown impressive
form in the country’s
domestic T20 ‘Big
Bash’ tournament
CRICKET
Gayle smashes 12-ball 50
MELBOURNE: West Indies batsman Chris Gayle smashed 50 from
12 balls for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League on
Monday to match India’s Yuvraj
Singh’s record for the fastest half
century in Twenty20 cricket.
Left-hander Yuvraj achieved
the feat against England in a group
match at the inaugural World
Twenty20 in 2007 in South Africa,
smashing fast bowler Stuart Broad
for six sixes in one over.
Stay ahead of
the curve with
WhatsNews
Opening batsman Gayle plundered 21-year-old Adelaide Strikers bowler Greg West, playing his
second T20 match, for 27 runs in
the first over and hit the last four
deliveries for six. His seventh maximum took Gayle past his half century as he deposited spinner Travis
Head over the long-on boundary.
Head dismissed him five deliveries later for a 17-ball 56 with
Gayle caught by wicketkeeper Tim
Ludeman from a top edge. - Reuters
BACK IN THE SQUAD: Shane Watson, left, and Shaun Tait.
MELBOURNE: Explosive paceman Shaun Tait is in line for his
first international in five years
after being named in Australia’s
17-man squad for the three-match
Twenty20 series against India.
The 32-year-old, who last
played for Australia at the 2011
World Cup, has shown impressive
form in the country’s domestic
T20 ‘Big Bash’ tournament.
“Shaun Tait returns on the basis that he is the quickest bowler
going around in Australia at the
moment and he offers us that explosive option if we choose to use
it,” selector Rod Marsh said in a
statement on Monday.
All-rounder Shane Watson was
snubbed for the ongoing one-day
series against India but has been
named in the T20 squad for the
matches in Adelaide (January
26), Melbourne (January 29) and
Sydney (January 31).
The matches form Australia’s
last auditions for the World T20
championship in India, which
starts in March, and off-spinner
Nathan Lyon has also been given a
chance to push his case.
Lyon, long overlooked for limited overs duty, joins leg-spinner
Cameron Boyce and spin-bowling
all-rounder Glenn Maxwell among
the slow bowling options.
“Our choice of Nathan Lyon
comes off the back of good form in
the KFC BBL and we decided the
time is right to have another look
at him in the shorter forms of the
game,” Marsh said.
Former T20 skipper George
Bailey and Mitchell Marsh have
been omitted from the Aaron
Finch-captained squad.
Surprised Watson eyes World T20 spot
SYDNEY: Australian allrounder Shane Watson admitted his call up to the squad for a
home T20 series against India
has come as a “pleasant surprise” after he was overlooked
for the ongoing ODI series
against the same opponents.
Since his final appearance in
September, Australia have preferred Mitchell Marsh to Watson, who retired from Tests
after last year’s Ashes series
in England, for the all-rounder
slot in the one-day team.
The 34-year-old, once
the golden boy of Australian
cricket, conceded that he may
never be picked for the 50-over
format again after he failed to
earn selection for the fivematch series against India that
the hosts currently lead 3-0.
“It is a pleasant surprise,”
Test skipper Steve Smith and
swashbuckling batsman David
Warner will only play the opening
match as they prepare for the New
Zealand tour starting in February.
Australia also made two changes to their one-day squad for the
remaining two matches against
India after taking an unassailable
3-0 lead in the series.
Watson told reporters on
Monday, indicating his form
for Sydney Thunder in the Big
Bash League had contributed
to the call up. “It came down
to me really wanting to play
for the Thunder and doing
well for them over this BBL,
and whatever happened from
there with the Aussie side of
things I wasn’t worrying about
it at all anymore.
“After being dropped from
the one-day squad, I knew that
my international days were
probably nearly over. So it’s
nice to get that surprise and
get that call from (chief selector) Rod Marsh yesterday.”
Watson’s rise to prominence after a poor start in the
BBL forced selectors to take
notice and he could also be in
line for a spot in Australia’s
Lyon has been named in place of
paceman Joel Paris, with Warner
recalled at the expense of Usman
Khawaja after missing matches
for the birth of his second child.
One-day squad: Steve Smith
(capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Scott Boland, James Faulkner,
Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun
squad for the World Twent20
in India, starting in March.
Watson said he worked
with former South Africa allrounder Jacques Kallis, who
also plays for Thunder, made
a few adjustments and has felt
good about his batting again.
“It’s very nice to still be one
of the old guys even though I
don’t feel that old. Thirty-four
didn’t seem that old when I was
playing but it is nowadays with
the amount of cricket that’s
being played,” added Watson,
who has been a regular feature
in Indian Premier League .
“That would be the goal
(World T20) that’s for sure.
It’s nice to know I’ve had a lot
of experience over in India,
playing a lot of IPL tournaments and having some success over there as well.” - Reuters
Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Matthew Wade.
T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt),
Scott Boland, Cameron Boyce, James
Faulkner, John Hastings, Travis
Head, Nathan Lyon, Chris Lynn,
Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Kane
Richardson, Steve Smith, Shaun
Tait, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade,
David Warner, Shane Watson. - Reuters
AL AROUBA STAY TOP, FANJA RALLY TO HOLD MUSCAT
Al Arouba defeated Salalah by a 3-1 margin in week 14 action of the Omantel Professional
League at Sur Sports Complex on Monday. The victory helped defending champions Al
Arouba take their points tally at the top of the table to 28. Fanja fought back from a goal
down to hold Muscat to a 1-1 draw at Seeb Sports Stadium and maintain their second place
with 24 points. At Salalah Spots Complex, hosts Dhofar played out a goalless draw with Al
Shabab. Dhofar are now in third with 23 points, same as Suwaiq, who were also involved in a
0-0 draw with Al Nasr at Sohar Sports Complex. Al Nasr (22) are in sixth behind Sohar (22).
Al Musannah, who defeated Al Nahda 3-1, occupy the seventh place. — ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
C3
SPORTS
C O M M E N TA RY
Umesh Yadav is disgusting,
but why isn’t anyone
telling him the truth?
Under-pressure Dhoni
gets board’s backing
T
he most ridiculous
moment at Melbourne
was when Umesh Yadav gathered the ball at square
leg and denied himself a great
opportunity to run Glenn
Maxwell out. A direct hit
would have ended Maxwell’s
innings, giving India a chance
to win as Australia were 36
runs still behind, with just
three wickets and 32 balls left.
Still, even when everyone
merrily roasts Yadav and Co
and MS Dhoni happily scapegoats the fall guys, it’s not out
of place to pose the question:
are the Indian bowlers getting
just deserts for their misdeeds
or are they sitting ducks for the
big shots who failed to do what
they are fabulously paid for?
Yadav got the breakthrough
for his team off the first ball of
the eighth over with a perfect
delivery that forced Aaron
Finch to edge, but the next
ball to Steve Smith, the new
batsman, was a wide down
the leg side. An extra run, an
additional ball and a waste of
opportunity to put pressure
on the new guy at the crease,
all right, but was it the first
time he was doing something
like that? Absolutely not.
Yadav had done it before.
He has a disgusting focus
on leg stump which, in an
ODI game, offers batmen an
opportunity to play their shot
and there is always a risk of
conceding a wide.
At Melbourne, Yadav began
his next over with a good
delivery pitched outside off
stump that beat Shaun Marsh
as he tried to drive, and you
hoped he would test and
tempt the batman with a few
more of the similar stuff. That
never happened.
Whose job is it to tell the
bowler when he is not bowling to plan? On the field, obviously, it’s what a captain does:
getting the guys to stick to
plan. There’s no point blaming
the bowler at the news conference after losing the match
for sending down two balls
in a row down the leg side,
both of which were patted to
the fine leg boundary, for the
simple reason that the joker
in the 33rd over comedy was
Yadav. He should have been
made aware of, and warned
against, his foolish indulgence
a long time before that stupid
double trouble.
Off the field, it’s the responsibility of the coach to get
the team to deliver, so Indian
team director Ravi Shastri is
just as responsible as Yadav
and other wayward bowlers
swirling over the
and sloppy fielders for the
Indian failure.
Indian fast bowlers are not
world class. But are the guys
managed well to get the best
out of them? It’s convenient
to blame the lack of resources
for poor performances, but
what’s happening right now
is pathetic management of
the available resources. You
need the skill and build of a
Mitchell Johnson to get the
ball to travel at speeds above
145kmph fairly consistently
to put fear in the mind of batsmen, but you only need a bit of
discipline and commitment to
stick to a good line and length,
which is common. Skill is
inborn, discipline is acquired.
The Australian bowlers are
lucky to get away with their
performances. Conceding
300-plus runs in back-to-back
matches, and nearly 300 in
the third one, on their home
turf was poor by any yardstick.
The Indian bowlers’ inability
doesn’t look just as horrible if
the facts and figures from both
sides are put alongside on a
common canvas.
The difference between the
two teams is not in the playing
eleven, but in the backroom
staff. That’s where the Australians cocked a snook at the Indians. Darren Lehmann and his
team did their work well to draw
a winning strategy and Smith
and his boys executed the plan
on the field. That’s team-work.
It’s time India got to think
a bit unconventionally.
Ideas such as one of the top
batsmen scoring a century,
the rest of the guys batting
around him, the guy lasting
until the final over, waiting for
the death overs to accelerate or make up for the overs
wasted, etc. etc. might not
work always. There was an
Indian century in all the three
matches, but the Australians
got to their targets without
anyone scoring a century in
the big run chases in the two
of the three games.
Finding out how they did it
is some homework for Shastri
and his team.
The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and
opinions expressed in the article are
solely those of the author and do not
reflect those of Times of Oman
CRICKET
PROMOTION: BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur, right, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, second right, former Indian cricketer
and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar, second left,
and UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Karin Hulshof during the launch of ICC’s CSR initiative ‘Cricket for Good and Team
Swachh’ campaign, in association with UNICEF and BCCI. – AFP
India will get full-time coach
after World T20, says Thakur
NEW DELHI: BCCI secretary
Anurag Thakur on Monday said
the Indian cricket team will have
a full-time coach after the World
T20 and the high-profile advisory
committee comprising Sachin
Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Saurav Ganguly will have a say in the
appointment. Thakur also threw
his weight behind under-fire
skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni,
as the team slumped to three successive losses in the ongoing fivematch ODI series in Australia.
“There has been a demand for
a full-time coach for a long time.
We had decided that Ravi Shastri will be the Team Director till
the World T20. We do not want
to do anything between the season but we also need to decide on
the future. We will be playing 13
Tests next season. Like a team is
selected series to series, we need
to have full-time coach,” Thakur
Uncapped
Bumrah
to replace
Shami in
T20 squad
Speculation has been
responded to a query from PTI
on the sidelines of an ICC promotional event here.
Thakur did not get into the
details about whether the BCCI
would continue with Shastri,
only hinting that even the former
India all-rounder could be considered for a long-term role.
“The decision will be taken in
consultation with the Advisory
Committee (Tendulkar, Laxman
and Ganguly). We might decide
on a coach even before World
T20 but the announcement will
only happen post tournament.”
Asked about what can be expected of the senior players like
Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh
and Ashish Nehra — all three are
part of T20 squad, Thakur was
cautious. “Let them go and play.
I am sure they would also want
their performance to do the talking,” he said. - PTI
future of the 34-yearold who quit Tests in
late 2014 but remains
in charge of the team
in shorter formats
NEW DELHI: Mahendra Singh
Dhoni’s job as India’s limitedovers captain is safe despite the
team’s third successive one-day
series defeat, the country’s cricket
board (BCCI) said on Monday.
Speculation has been swirling
over the future of the 34-year-old
who quit Tests in late 2014 but
remains in charge of the team in
shorter formats.
The recent results, however, have
not really enhanced the reputation
of the man who led India to virtually every honour across formats.
Under him, India lost their first
ODI series in Bangladesh in June
last year and went down to a visiting South African team in October.
On Sunday, Dhoni’s men succumbed to their third successive
defeat in Australia who took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match
series, chasing down big totals in
Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne.
While some pundits believe
Test captain Virat Kohli should
take over the limited-overs duties as well, BCCI secretary
Anurag Thakur insisted Dhoni
was the right man to lead India in
shorter formats.
“The kind of performance we
have had from Dhoni and the team
under him in the last eight-nine
years, I think it’s unfair to question his leadership after just one
series,” Thakur told reporters.
“Dhoni is one of the most successful captains of the country.
Under him, we won the World Cup
in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI).
Team India rose to number one
both in Tests and ODIs under his
leadership.
“Unfortunately we lost all three
matches so far, and we’ve noticed
our bowling limitations too, not
being able to defend big totals.
“It’s a concern and the selectors
and team management would assess the performance keeping the
Asia Cup and the Twenty20 World
Cup in mind,” Thakur said.
Dhoni himself felt more than his
captaincy, the team needed to look
at the grey areas and how to fix
If you are getting a chance to play for your country,
irrespective of the situation, it isn’t unfair.
As captain that’s what you have to
communicate to these youngsters
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
India Captain
them. “It’s not about the leader. I’m
there (now), somebody else will
come later,” the stumper-batsman
said after the loss in Melbourne.
“What is more important is to
see the areas we are lacking in,
the departments which have to
improve when it comes to shorter
formats.”
‘Brave youngsters’
The likes of Barinder Sran and
Manish Pandey are going through
a trial by fire n just their debut series but Dhoni feels there is nothing unfair about putting them up
against a rampaging Australia as
the team needs a ‘brave’ bunch of
youngsters going forward.
The youngsters have not quite
made a resounding impact but
by Dhoni’s own admission, it is
too early to judge them on performance. Sran has been decent in his
three outings so far, bagging three
wicket in the process.
Pandey came in to bat at 276 for
4 with four overs left in the Brisbane ODI. Despite his IPL showings, he is not a slam-bang cricketer and yet had to go for it, managing
6 runs off 5 balls in the end.
“If you are getting a chance to
play for your country, irrespective of the situation, it isn’t unfair.
As captain that’s what you have
to communicate to these youngsters,” said Dhoni in Melbourne,
the venue of the third ODI.
“There is a lot of scrutiny and
players who tend to bat at Nos. 5
or 6, they tend to think of surviving
till the end and show off as if they
are hitting, remain not out in the
end and are happy with it. That’s
not the kind of culture you want in
the team,” he added.
Dhoni said the exposure so far
may not be a clear indication of
their talent but their character is
certainly revealed. “When it comes
to these youngsters, Pandey in the
last game and today with Mann
and Dhawan, there was no hesitation of playing a big shot. When
you play tough games, it gives you
more experience than playing just
a normal ODI. This is what has
happened with them. You can’t
really judge their performances
because they have only batted
12 to 15 balls. But you can judge
their character based on those
few deliveries.”
“That is something you have to
encourage, and at the end of the
day the captain and the selectors
have to look at that specifically.
Because it tells you a lot about the
character of these individuals, and
you want brave people in the side.
Winning and losing keeps happen-
MUMBAI: Fast bowler
Jasprit Bumrah will replace injured Mohammed
Shami in India’s squad
for the three Twenty20
internationals against
Australia, the country’s
cricket board said on
Monday. The 25-yearold has not played
international cricket
since finishing as India’s
second-highest wicket
taker at last year’s World
Cup with 17 victims.
Shami underwent
surgery in March and was
named in the squad for
the limited-overs series in
Australia, only to be ruled
out again with a hamstring injury. The 22-yearold Bumrah sprung to
prominence playing for
the Mumbai Indians
franchise in the Indian
Premier League and is the
joint-highest wicket-taker
in his country’s domestic
Twenty20 competition
this season. - Reuters
ing, but you want good characters
in the side,” the skipper added.
While it was about scoring a few
more runs in the first two games,
much about the defeat in the third
ODI was to do with fielding. At the
same time the bowlers weren’t left
alone either.
“If you see the squad for this series, it is a relatively inexperienced
bowling lineup. Ishant Sharma has
played a lot of international cricket
but he is not someone who has been
consistently part of the format.
Umesh Yadav has been on and off
and there are others who have made
their debuts here,” said Dhoni.
“So we have to assess right now
is how good the individuals are
and what are they doing and what’s
their rate of development. I have
always said that you have to groom
youngsters. We won’t find the
complete product and we have to
groom them, make them play and
you will that they will service the
team for a long time.” - Reuters, PTI
C4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
SPORTS
Team Delft Challenge to race in SATT
The team, composed
of a group of young
Dutch students, is
set to go head to
head on February
14 in Dubai to face
a unique sailing
challenge, spanning
730 nautical miles in
the GCC in 15 days
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE: Team Delft Challenge will be competing in the EFG Sailing Arabia – The
Tour for fourth year. – Supplied photo
MUSCAT: Team Delft Challenge
has announced they will race the
offshore sailing event organised by
Oman Sail, EFG Sailing Arabia –
The Tour (SATT). The team, composed of a group of young Dutch
students, is set to go head to head
on February 14 in Dubai to face a
unique sailing challenge, spanning
730 nautical miles in the GCC in 15
days. Their meticulous preparations
ahead of the start, involving months
of training, show enthusiasm levels
running at an all-time high.
Wouter Sonnema’s young team
decided after coming fourth last
year that they would dispense with
professional help on board and ‘do
the race on our own’ in order to get
more out of their EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour experience.
“We will have to manage our
own difficulties and challenges,”
said skipper Sonnema who is studying Civil Engineering at Delft
University of Technology.
“We have therefore had a more
PREMIER LEAGUE
intense preparation this time
which started soon after the 2015
race. We have competed in several Farr 30 one-design races in
Sweden with the Farr30 Youth
Challenge, who have become our
partners. It was set up by Pierre
Gronberg who is just 17 of age.
In September, we sailed his boat
back to our home port Scheveningen where we have been training
ever since.
“In addition, we have each been
sailing together with different
coaches and trying to increase our
knowledge on all needed areas so
hopefully we can compete this
time without a professional coach
or sailor and achieve the same result as last year. Like many of the
young adventurous teams in EFG
Sailing Arabia – The Tour, the new
route poses only opportunities
rather than threats. “The whole
team is looking forward to the new
route,” added Sonnema.
“In the past three years, we have
had two different routes, both
challenging in their own way. This
year the route will bring all of the
challenges from together from
those years into one big new test,
especially the long leg since it will
require continuous concentration,
accurate preparations and a great
spirit. We are looking forward to it!
“Due to the coefficients allocated to every leg however, we have to
stay focussed till the end - the last
leg will be counted double and is
likely to influence the final results.
Staying focused till the end will
be a key factor but we have been
training hard on that.”
Training aside, Team Delft
Challenge will rank as one of the
favourites for a podium place simply because between them, they
have racked up so much experience though in widely different
disciplines. Coen Bouhuijs, Stijn
Seuren and Jochem Nonhebel
have raced J22s and bigger yachts
as have Jurjen Streng and Marcel Ceelen who returns after two
year absence. Gronberg, Jelger
Rozendaal and Sonnema all came
up the ranks through Optimists,
Lasers and now Farr 30s.
“EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour
is a great sailing race which brings
challenging conditions and good
teams both professionals and amateurs,” Sonnema continued.
“For us as a student team, it is
great to race against professional
and amateur teams at the same time
because it makes us to sail as fast as
possible during the whole race. We
also learn a lot while racing and observing the other teams, always trying to improve ourselves.”
Crew List: Jelger Rozendaal, Coen
Bouhuijs (project manager), Jochem
Nonhebel, Jurjen Streng, Stijn Seuren,
Marcel Ceelen, Pierre Grönberg,
Wouter Sonnema (skipper).
JUNIOR CRICKET LEAGUE
Facile wins for Raha, Assarain
MUSCAT: Raha defeated Sinha
by 45 runs in a Muscat Pharmacy
and Stores-sponsored Premier
Division cricket match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground during the morning session on Friday.
Batting first, Raha put on 148 for
five in 20 overs. Shahid Naseem
top scored with 50.
In reply, Sinha were restricted
to 103 for seven in 20 overs. Adnan claimed a two-wicket haul
for Raha.
Brief scores: Raha 148 for 5
in 20 overs (Shahid Naseen 50)
bt Sinha CT 103 for 7 in 20 overs
(M. Adnan 2/21). Points: Raha - 3;
Sinha CT – 0.
OCT Muscat A beaten
In another Premier Division
match, Assarain eased to a ninewicket victory over OCT Muscat
A at the Ministry of Sports Affairs
ground during the morning session on Friday.
Batting first, OCT Muscat A
were bowled out for 114 in 45.5
overs. Ahmed Raza and Shiju
claimed four and three wickets
respectively for Assarain. In reply,
Assarain raced to 115 in 13 overs
for the loss of just one wicket. Naseem Khushi and Arun Poulose
scored 66 not out and 37 not out
respectively.
Brief scores: OCT Muscat A
CT 114 in 45.5 overs (Ahmed Raza
4/26) lost to Assarain 115/1 in
13 overs (Naseem Khushi 66 n.o.;
Arun Poulose 37 n.o). Points: Assarain - 3, OCT Muscat A – 0.
WINNING START: Assarain team pose for a group photo after their win over OCT Muscat A.
CHAMPIONS: The Indian School Muscat team pose for a group photo along after winning Under-16
Division title.
ISM emerge U-16 champions
MUSCAT: Indian School Muscat
(ISM) defeated Pakistan School
Muscat (PSM) by four wickets
to emerge the champions of the
Under-16 Division tournament at
Municipality Ground I on Saturday. In the final of the Al Turki Enterprises-sponsored tournament,
PSM batting first, were bowled
out for 126 in 20 overs. Ubaid top
scored with 40 runs. Vikram and
Vrishabh claimed three and two
wickets respectively for ISM.
In reply, ISM scored 129 for six
in 20 overs. Paritosh and Vikram
scorerd 23 and 21 runs respectively. Manzoor ad Usama claimed
two wickets each for PSM.
Brief scores: PSM 126 in 20 overs (Ubaid
40; Vikram 3/14) lost to ISM 129 for 6 of 20
overs (Paritosh 23, Vikram 21; Usama 2/25).
ISM B down PSM
In a U-13 Division match, Indian
School Muscat B (ISM B) defeated Pakistan School Muscat
(PSM) by 43 runs at the Municipality Ground III during the afternoon session on Friday. Batting
first, ISM B scored 200 for four
of 20 overs. Zaheer top scored
with 71. In reply, PSM scored
157 for seven in 18 overs. Ahmed
top scored with 42. Viraj claimed
three scalps for ISM B.
FINE TON: Mohammed Rayyan
of Gulf Cricket Centre.
Brief scores: ISM B 200 for 4 in 20 overs
(Zaheer 71) bt PSM 157 for 7 in 18 overs
(Ahmed 42; Viraj 3/31). Points: ISM B – 2,
PSM - 0.
GCC too good for BOC
In another U-13 Division match,
Gulf Cricket Centre (GCC)
eased to an eight-wicket victory over Bosher Olympic Centre (BOC) at the Municipality
Ground III.
Batting first, BOC scored 190
for three in 20 overs. K.K. Rajan
and Shreyas R. scored with 40
and 45 not out respectively. Shounak claimed two wickets for GCC.
In reply, GCC scored 191 for
two in 19.2 overs. Rayyan scored a
fantastic unbeaten 135.
Brief scores: BOC 190 for 3 in 20 overs
(K.K. Rajan 40, Shreyas 45 .o.; Shounak
2/13 ) lost to GCC 191 for 2 in 19.2 overs
(Rayyan 135 n.o). Points: GCC – 2, BOC - 0.
ISWK beat MCCC A
In another U-13 Division match,
Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir
(ISWK) posted an easy ninewicket victory over Muscat Cricket Coaching Centre A (MCCC A).
Batting first, MCCC A scored 86
for seven in 20 overs. Arjun Dhiman top scored with 22 runs. In
reply, ISWK raced to 89 for one in
6.3 overs. Aman Preet top scored
with an unbeaten 41 for ISWK.
ISM A beat MCCC C
Meanwhile, ISM A defeated
MCCC C by nine wickets in another U-13 Ddivision match.
Batting first, MCCC C scored
106 for five in 20 overs. Aayan
Khan claimed four wickets for
ISM A. In reply, ISM A scored 107
for one in 9.4 overs.
Azam Ali top scored with an
unbeaten 59.
Brief scores: MCCC A 86 for 7 in 20
overs (Arjun Dhiman 22) lost to ISWK
89 for 1 in 6.3 overs (Aman Preet 41 n.o).
Points: ISWK – 3, MCCC A – 0.
Brief scores: MCCC C 106 for 5 in 20
overs (Abhas 26; Aayan Khan 4/15) lost to
ISM A 107 for 1 in 9.4 overs (Azam Ali 59
n.o). Points: ISM A – 3, MCCC C - 0.
ABBASS, SUFYAN STARS
OF OCT SEEB’S VICTORY
Abbass Abdulaziz Al Balushi and Sufyan
Mahmood played stellar roles as OCT
Seeb recorded a 64-run victory over
Design United Engineering in a Oman
Cricket-organised B Division match
recently. Abbass top scored with 98 runs
and Sufyan Mahmood claimed four wickets to bundle out Design United.
C
LIFESTYLE
SECTION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
Dining
FLAVOURS
WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM
FROM
THE NILE
ST O RY S WAT I DA S G U P TA
‘P
lanning to go to Egypt?
Don’t forget to take a sip
of Karkede. You will fall
in love,” the staff from
the embassy of Egypt in
Muscat had said while he
handed over my passport and the necessary
travel documents. This was way back in the
year 2009, when I was literally over the moon
at the thought of being able to visit the land of
the Pyramids.
Food was perhaps the last thing on my
mind and I was taken aback by his statement.
An Egyptian going ga ga over a beverage more
than their heritage, history, and most of all
the most sought after Pyramid, was quite unexpected.
Nevertheless besieged with history, I landed in Cairo a few days later. While I waited to
go on a cruise down the River Nile, I was welcomed by a purplish drink.
“Welcome to Egypt. This is Karkede and
you must try this,” said the cordial staff at the
lobby. He endorsed the drink in almost the
same enthusiasm as the staff at the Egyptian
embassy in Muscat had done and I could not
say no. I embarked on an Egyptian food voyage, with history in heart and a glass of Karkede. Karkede is hibiscus tea made out of dried
red hibiscus flowers boiled in water and in
which sugar is added. “The unique feature of
this drink is that you can have it both hot and
cold,” he added.
He also told about Egyptians’ love for this
drink, which was sold at almost every nook
and corner of the city. It was also known to
be a preferred drink of the pharaohs, he said.
During my four days cruise, while I got plenty of time to seep into history, each time the
cruise docked at a particular historical site, I
also realised that when it comes to their food,
When it comes
to food, the portions reveal
an inclination towards
generosity. Never expect
small portions if
you are in Egypt
the portions reveal an inclination towards
generosity. Never expect small portions if you
are in Egypt and that’s exactly the lesson that
I mastered right on the first day itself.
While the meals, be it breakfast, lunch or
dinner, in the cruise had plenty for us to choose
from catering to different palates of different
regions, it was natural for most of the tourists
to be drawn towards Egyptian cuisine.
Egyptian cuisine caters to all types of palates and even if you are a vegetarian you will
have plenty of choices. On the first day, a cotraveller recommended us to try Taameya. Being a complete novice on Arabian cuisine dur-
ing those days, it never occurred that Taameya
was actually falafel, a popular snack in Egypt.
It was followed by Koshari, a famous street
food made of rice, lentils, fried onions, and
pasta and coated in a thick tomato sauce. It’s
an all-time Egyptian favourite. It was not all.
The next few days at the cruise, food was novel in all aspects as we were introduced to the
authentic Egyptian cuisines. From exquisite
dishes like Hamam Mahshi; small pigeons
stuffed with rice and wheat and then roasted,
and Mouloukhiya; a stew cooked with chicken
or lamb chunks flavoured with coriander
and garlic, to the famous ones like Baladi or
vegetable salad, Dolma; stuffed vine leaves
and Ummaali, the most sought after dessert.
We also had milk cake called Aziaiya and
Sheikalama, almond coconut cookie. While
Egyptian cooking is mostly done by baking,
grilling, sautéing, and smoking, the spreads
each day made it evident that Egyptians are
ardent meat and fish lovers. They are liberal
while using spices and seasoning, and that is
reflected in their choice of food.
Like other Middle Eastern cuisine, in
Egypt too, no meal is considered complete
without bread that is usually made with a
mixture of whole meal and white flour.
And if you are in Cairo, while there are
plenty of up market eateries don’t miss the
food sold in the streets at the heart of the city.
But if you aren’t and still want to taste
their street food right here in Muscat then a
visit to Kusharina is in order. (Kusharina is
in the Badr al Qurum Building, Ras Al Hamra
Street, in Qurum next to Chez Sushi. They
have no contact number at this time). This
new Egyptian joint serves the finest roadside delicacies of Egypt from their bright,
hip space. Their Koshari is not to be missed.
swati@timesofoman.com
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
C6
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6.45, 8.45, 11.30PM
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4.30PM
Charlie (Malayalam) (Comedy) (PG12)
Cast: Dulquer Salman and Parvathi Menon
10:45PM
The Revenant (Adventure) ( 12+)
Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio & Tom Hardy
6.45PM
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4.45, 9.30PM
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The 5th Wave (2D) (Sci-F) (PG12)
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2:45, 7:00, 9:15, 11:30PM
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5:00, 9:45, 11:45PM
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2:30, 5:45, 11:45PM
Suffragette (2D) (History) (12+)
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff
7:45PM
Norm of the North (2D) (PG12)
Voice over: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham
6:00PM
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Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson
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EVELYN SUZANNE SUMITH
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
C7
LIFESTYLE
RECIPE
SAVOURY
FRENCH TOAST
Ingredients
• 2 eggs
• 4-5 chopped small button
mushrooms
• 2 Kraft cheese slices or
grated cheddar cheese
(4 tbsp)
• 4-5 thinly sliced shallots
• 2 stalks of spring onion
greens
• 1/2 thinly diced red bell
pepper
• Salt as per taste
• 2 bread slices (cut into
halves)
By using some
of these easy
substitutes, you
can turn dessert
from an occasional
splurge, to an
everyday treat
D
enying a sweet tooth
can be difficult if
you are trying to eat
a healthy diet. The
problem is that denying that sweet tooth for too long can
lead to bingeing. A better option is to
find healthier ways that you can enjoy sweets by making desserts with
healthy recipes. Even if you have
some favourite recipes on hand, it’s
easy to make a few changes to make
the dessert a bit better for you. By
eliminating ingredients that are
high calorie and high fat, you can
enjoy healthy desserts that won’t
sabotage your healthy diet. If you’re
not sure where to begin, here are
some tips to help you get started.
Cut Back on Sugar
One of the best ways to make des-
sert recipes healthier is to cut
back on the sugar within the recipes. You can quickly reduce carbs
and calories when you reduce
the sugar in your recipe. You can
usually reduce the sugar by 1/2
without hurting the taste of the
recipe. You can even replace the
remaining sugar with honey or
maple syrup.
Replace Unhealthy Fats
Many desserts contain lots of unhealthy fats. If you replace about
half of the oil, butter, or shortening
with a better option, you can really
make the recipe healthier. Applesauce or mashed bananas make
great substitutions. Your finished
result will still be nice and moist,
but you’ll significantly lower the
fat and calories in the dessert.
KNOW YOUR SPICE
Mahlab
What is it?
This differently fragrant spice
is very unheard of. Also called
mahlebi or mahaleb, it is made
from the stones of a small, black
cherry tree. It is oval in shape
with a finely wrinkled skin and
a cream-coloured interior. The
powdered spice is yellowish, similar to mace.
This spice is generally used in
Middle Eastern cuisine. The flavour is a mixture of sour cherries
and bitter almonds.
History
Mahlab has been in use since
centuries in the Middle East,
especially for flavouring baked
goods. It was occasionally used in
Greece for flavouring cakes, pastries, and bread.
dered and made into a paste with
honey, sesame seeds, and nuts. It
is eaten as a dessert or a snack
along with bread.
This spice can be used both in
sweet and savoury dishes. It can be
used in marinades too.
Cooking with it
Mahlab is used widely in Mediterranean countries and the Middle East, especially Turkey, in
breads, biscuits, sweet cakes, and
pastries. In Egypt Mahlab is pow-
Select and Store
Store in airtight containers. Use a
pestle and mortar. Coffee grinder
can also be used. Mahlab is generally used in very small quantities.
swati@timesofoman.com
Eliminate Extra Ingredients
Sometimes there are ingredients
that are extraneous, which means
you can eliminate them without
a problem. For example, if you’re
making a cake, do you really need
all that icing on the cake? You can
eliminate icing on some cakes and
still have a great taste without all
the calories that come along with
the icing.
Look for Lower Fat
Milk Substitutes
Many recipes call for the use of
whole milk, which adds quite a bit
of fat and calories to the finished
dessert. You can lower the calories
and fat significantly by simply going
with a lower fat milk option, such as
1% milk or skim milk. You may be
able to use low fat non-dairy milks
like soy milk or rice milk as well.
Cut Back on Ingredients
High in Calories
It’s also a great idea to cut back on
the ingredients that are high in
calories to make your desserts a lot
healthier. For example, if you have
a recipe that calls for 11/2 cup of
chopped pecans, cut that back to
1/3 cup only. It won’t hurt the recipe
and you’ll shave off a lot of calories
without affecting the taste.
These are just a few of the substitutions you can make if you want
to start enjoying healthier desserts.
Of course, there are other substitutions you can learn about as well.
Take the time to do some research
to find out more hints that will help
you enjoy sweets without ruining
your healthy diet. —Ellen Gray/Article City
—Oneza Tabish
The contributor is a financial analyst and
banker by profession. As cooking has been her
hobby and passion she launched the Facebook
page ‘What’s Cooking Oman’ — a Facebook
group with more than 6,000 members where
people share their simple yet unique recipes.
Photography: Supplied
Desserts Can Be An Everyday Treat
Preparation
• Whisk the eggs well and
add mushrooms, cheese,
shallots, spring onion
greens and bell peppers to
this. Season it with salt.
• Whisk again really well
till the mixture is nice
and frothy.
• Now dip the bread slices
in this mix and shallow
fry till golden brown.
• Your tasty toast is done
in a jiffy.
• Serve with coffee or tea.
C8
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016
LIFESTYLE
Oats
ONEIENT
ED
INGR
FIVE
S
WAY
Oats have always been the top favourite for breakfast but this versatile food packed with
all the necessary nutrients can be part of our every meal. Use your creativity and come up with some
exciting ways to include them in your diet. Here are five different ways.
Lemony Oats
Oats Soup
Oats Idli
Oats Fritter
Oats Barfi
If you are bored of
the usual morning bowl of
oats then try lemon oats for
a change. Dry roast one cup
of oats. Heat 2tsp oil, and add
½ tsp mustard seeds, 1tsp
split gram dal, 1tsp Bengal
gram, red chilli, curry leaves,
asafoetida, and sauté. Add
turmeric powder, salt, and
little water. Add oats and cook
for 5 minutes. Garnish with
roasted peanuts and a dash
of lemon juice.
If you want a hearty
soup add oats in it. They
are not only filling but also
tasty too. Chop seasonal
vegetables. Heat oil in a pan.
Sauté chopped onions and
garlic. Add the veggies and
the oats and fry for some time.
Add water and boil. Once
done add milk and simmer.
Season it with pepper powder,
oregano, and salt.
Idli is a famous south Indian
breakfast made of rice and dal
batter. For a variation use oats
in place of rice. Dry roast oats
for 3 minutes and powder it.
Heat oil and fry. Add
semolina and fry. In a bowl
take all the ingredients and
add salt, yoghurt, lemon juice,
and water as required and
make a batter. Add fruit salt
and steam them in greased
plates, as done with idlis.
Oats fritter make an
interesting snack. We all love
fritters and adding oats to
them make them a healthier
option. Soak oats for 5
minutes, add gram flour, red
chilli powder, salt, coriander
leaves and mix. Shape it in
small balls and fry the fritters.
When they turn golden brown
and crispy, remove from oil
and place it in paper towel
and drain the oil. Serve hot.
Boil sugar and water
on a medium flame. Add a
pinch of cardamom powder.
When it thickens and gets a
string consistency, add 11/2
cup of powdered oats to it.
Then add 1tbsp of coconut
oil in the mixture and stir.
When the mix becomes thick
transfer the mixture to a
greased tray. Once cool, cut
into desired shape.
D
W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M
T U E S DAY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
SECTION
CONNEC
T H E D A I LY G U I D E
RENT
D2
VACANCY
D4
CARGO
D7
D2
T U E S D AY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com
classifieds@timesofoman.com
Tel.: 24726666
Ext:
413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461
DAILY GUIDE
FOR RENT
*Tourist visa arranged
FLATS FOR RENT
New flats for rent at Darsait near
to ministry of sports, Mumtaz area
the flats include 1 living room, 2
Bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets every
room with split A/C & high Quality
finishing, rent per flat is R.O 340/-.
Interested candidates please
Contact: 00968- 92225523
2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2
bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat
Municipality. Contact: 92584715/
24700120
1000 sqmtrs industrial land for
rent in Ghala suitable for
warehouse workshop etc.
Contact 24700120 / 92584715
1& 2 BHK flats for rent
at Hamriya Wadi Adai, Al Khoud,
Mabela & shop at Al Khoud & land
line Contact: 24834644 GSM
93994401/02/03 3 lines
2BHK modern & spacious flats
with split AC for rent in Qurum
near PDO Gate No.2.
Contact: 94057023
In a Luxury Building
in Al Seeb Market
Near Police station
Call:
99888007 - 99473500
2 BHK flat New Bldg for rent in
Al Amerat.Contact 99353899
New deluxe 1,2,4 bedroom villas,
flats at Darsait near Indian School
and Al Falaj area. Contac: 99369081
500 square meters workshop space,
ready to use, for vehicle repairs, welding and other small industrial units
, Misfah Industrial area block 2 near
Baladiyah camp. Contact: 94030814
Villa for rent 4 spacious bath
attached bedroom private swimming pool Gymnasium (common)
with electrical equipment with free
maintenance secured compound at
Madinat Al Ilam. Contact: 98027975
We have 1 BHK, 2BHK flats in Mabela
7 new building. Contact: 93782735 /
99208033
We have 1BHK / 2BHK flat for rent in
Ghubra, Ghala, Azaibah, Bousher &
Darsait. #93782735 / 99208033
We have Staff accommodation in
Bowshar # 93782735 / 99208033
We 1000 SQM Ware house in Misfa
& 2000 SQM open land for rent in
Misfa near cement factory.
Contact: 93782735 / 99208033
We have 150 SQM offices in Ghubra
main road prime location. Contact:
93782735 / 99208033
3BHK flat for rent in Ghubra.
Contac: 99328070
Store / warehouse for rent 52 sqm
at Maabela Sinaiya.
Contact: 92454170
02 BHK Commercial / Residential
(with split AC) flat at Honda road.
Contact: 99342733 / 99795241
2BHK new bldg for families
Al Khuwair 17/2. Contact: 91403136
Flats shops & store for rent in
Ruwi, MBD area & Honda road.
Contact: 92589235/ 94579531
1000 sqm industrial land with
compound well & two rooms at
Misfah. #99342733/ 99795241
02 BHK residential flat opposite to
Al Nadha hospital.
Contact : 99342733 /99795241
8 BR Villa Shatti Qurum.
Contact: 99024730
Flats shops & store for rent in
Ruwi MBD Honda road. Contact:
92433127 / 97293708
1 & 2 BHK C.B.D & Ruwi.
Contact: 99024730
2BHK flats with split AC available
for rent at Al Khuwair 33.
Contact: 94057023
Warehouse for rent in Ghala Industrial use 1000 sqm , 8m height
with office & A/C with open area
200 sqm near Al Suqri workshop
only R.O 3.5/- sqm.
Contact: 99360453
Flat for rent (Walja) Ruwi 2 rooms,
2 toilets & kitchen for enquiry.
Contact: 95464608 or 95464607
Flats available for rent at Al
Ghubra. Contact 99876576 &
93656672
Flats for rent 2BHK, 1 BHK with
AC new building at Wadi Al Kabir
behind Muscat Bakery.
Contact: 92103604
2BHK flat for rent Darsait near ISM.
Contact: 95158570 / 99102255
Single bedroom flat behind
German Embassy near to Al Nahdha Hospital and single bedroom
flat near to Indian School Al Ghubrah. Contact: 99203954
2 bedroom centrally air
conditioned flat in CBD, Central
Bank area. Contact: 24714625 /
99053493
2 BHK near Khamis shoes Honda
road Junction. Contact: 99737562
2 bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car
park R.O 220/- & 1 bedroom,
kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in
Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331
Brand new Twin Villas in
Mawaleh South 4BR; 2Halls;
External Kitchen and Maids room.
Contact: 99414106
To let rooms in Qurum.
Contact: 99664703
1 BHK near Medical Darsait
R.O 170/- . Contact: 95076261
Commercial / residential flats in a
new building for rent near Muttrah
Police Station residential 1BHK /
2BHK more details.
Contact: 99364735 / 95729711
2BHK Sitting room, 3 bathrooms,
split AC big balcony 300/- R.O in
Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 99324402
T U E S DAY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
D3
DAILY GUIDE
FOR RENT
NEW Flats & Showrooms for Rent
1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at
Muttrah, near Oman flour mills,
10 min. from corniche. equipped with split/
cassette unit ACs, internet points, freeto-air dish connection, CCTV monitored,
basement parking. Rent RO.250/350/450
(Negotiable) per month.
Contact : 99229263; 93221054;
95215289
FOR SALE
FOR RENT
2BHK,
3 washroom Flat with
Split Air Conditioners Near Lulu Darsait
CONTACT :
1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288
Single BHK flat available
in Honda road Ruwi. Contact:
24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448
93202733
Flat for rent in
CBD area - Ruwi
Two rooms and a large hall
Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.
Contact: 99376454
•Office spaces for rent in Al Hail on
the main road On the same building
of Al Khamis Shoes at Al Hail
2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near
Oman house S/ AC.
Contact: 97007934 / 92629232
Flats for rent in Muscat.
Contact: 99262605.
•2 bed room flats in Qurum 29 for
rent next to ABA New building
-split AC - Good location
Contact No:
96177505
Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378
2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets
in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO.
Contact: 99314314
1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.
Contact: 97799175 / 92144045
7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North.
Contact - 96420432
1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- &
350/-. Contact: 97799175
600 SQT commercial flat for rent
opposite Oman flourmill Darsait
more details. Contact:91214849/
99364735
One flats for rent 2 bedroom
all with bath al Ghobrah north near
Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610
3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.
RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 /
97079146 / 95570288
1 bedroom flat at Ruwi Mumtaz
area. Contact : 95282986
FOR SALE
Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at
Muttrah, near Oman flour mills,
10 min. from Corniche.Equipped
with split unit ACs, internet points,
free-to-air dish connection, CCTV
monitored, basement parking.
Rent RO.250/350 per month.
Contact:99229263; 93221054;
95215289
FOR RENT
Flat in Khoud near Mazoon
Mosque with 3 bedrooms, living
room, 3 toilets, RO 250/- with A/C.
Contact 95328147
Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer
near the Kuwaiti Mosque, for more
information. Contact: 99425958
Apartment for rent in Muscat
Sidab beside road ground floor
3 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms.
Guestroom, Kitchen & hall.
Contact: 99277377
Furnished offices in business
center behind Al Burj Hotel Ruwi
with all facilities included.
Contact: 99331181
Fully furnished deluxe villa
behind Khimji Mart Darsait.
Contact: 99331181
1& 2 bedroom apartments available for rent at Ghubra near Grand
mall, 6 bedroom villas available
for rent Al Mouj (Wave) at Al Hail.
Contact: 99833747
FOR HIRE
WANTED
AVAILABLE
BUILDING
FOR SALE
MUMTAZ AREA
(NEAR RUWI HOTEL)
CONTACT - 99353931
Bobcat available for rent.
Contact 97623299
Low bed Trailer (PDO – SPC)
available monthly / daily for Rent.
Contact: 96633970
MV SALE
Ford focus, 2012 model, expatriate driven and fully company
maintained, in good condition.
Contact: 968 97608174
Tucson Automatic 2007 V – 6, net
R.O 1600/-. Contact: 99384640
Used home furniture and household appliances in good condition
for sale. (Else 3bhk can be taken
for rent along with furnitures.)
Contact: 99738104
Big CoffeeShop for sale at Maebeela
South to invest at fast meals and
restaurants. Fully equipped with
all items. Contact us @ # :99377622
Dental Lab for sale Seeb.
Contact: 99826435
Restaurant space for sale or
partnership basis, good location in
Barka area. Contact: 95918538
Volks Wagen Tiguan model 2014
For Sale 13,700 KM only (Low
Mileage) Excellent Condition.
For enquiry call 95438037
Restaurant & Coffee Shop for sale
in Ghala area. For details contact
99072003 / 99299712
Toyota Hiace for sale good condition 2010 model.
Contact 94203204
A well running coffee shop for sale
at Wadi Kabir near KFC.
Contact: 92772825
Mitsubishi Lancer 1.3 L, 2006
model, manual transmission,
Expat driven. Contact: 99741828
Luxury villa for sale at Al Hail
South building area 375m land area
323, 6 rooms, 3 halls, 7 toilets.
Contact 99839898
Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000
km, Full options Number 1 Army
edition.OMR 7200. Contact
-99466773
Beauty Salon for urgent sale in
Azaiba prime location behind
Al Fardan building. With sponsor
and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411
Chaverlet Epica 2004 model
RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205
3Ton Forklift, Special made for
Oman market, Japanese Isuze
C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter,
High amount exhaust, 3m lifting
height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445
BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.
Contact 96364990
Restaurant for sale in Dibba.
Contact: 96446640
Party & Wedding equipment rentals.
Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery,
Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes,
Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound
Systems and spectacular lighting.
Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering
and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound &
Light. ww.tunesoman.com,
E-mail: info@tunesoman.com
IELTS Coaching (academic)
required nearby wadi Kabir area.
Please call on mobile or msg on
Whats up.
Mobile no: 92927880/99012165
ACC. AVAILABLE
Single bedroom flat behind
German Embassy, near Al Nahdha
Hospital. Contact 99203954
Furnished bedrooms for Indian
Executives / couple at Al Ansab.
Contact: 96366282
Furnished room & bath Darsait R.O
140/-. Contact: 93289652
ACC. AVAILABLE
Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for
non-cooking indian bachelor.
Contact - 98805474
Furnished room for Indian in
Al-Khuwair 33. Contact 95234062
Furnished room at Hilat Al Saad
with TV, AC, fridge near main road.
Contact : 95714202
Couple or bachelor room in
Wadi Kabir. Contact: 91165580 /
95264549
Room available Walja. Contact :
95382651 / 95382650
Semi furnished spacious room
with attached washroom separate
entrance near Indian school
Al Ghobrah for non cooking
Executive Indian bachelor.
Contact: 95146361/92657598
Semi furnished separate room for
non-cooking Asian bachelor,
behind Shell filling station,
Ghoubra round about.
Contact: 94263390
Room available now kitchen bath
sharing with lift, dish Wi-Fi near
Mars Al Khuwair rent 120/-.
Contact: 95262516
Fully furnished bedrooms in a
luxury villa at Ansab for
Executives / couples.
Contact: 98458542
Single room for expat Indian
bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.
Water and electricity included.
Contact 98803261
Furnished room in new building for
working Muslim lady/
Muslim couple only. Location AINT,
Darsait. Contact - 99008069
Furnished room with a/bathroom
in Al Khuwair33 for Indian Executive. Call: 95234062
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
*Classified Advertisement
space booking with text,
should be done till 12.00
noon for next day’s
publication.
* Subject to space
availability
D4
T U E S D AY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com
classifieds@timesofoman.com
Tel.: 24726666
Ext:
413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461
Fax: 24812624
DAILY GUIDE
SITUATION
SITUATION WANTED
VACANT
URGENTLY REQUIRE
for a reputed Excellent Grade
Catering Company
1. Arabic Cook
(having experience in the field
of Catering with knowledge in
preparing Oman Cuisines).
Interested candidates may
mail their resume to
mast.ll.oman@gmail.com or
hr@mast-oman.com
SITUATION VACANT
REQUIRED
Auto Electrician cum A/c Mechanic
SALES EXECUTIVE
Candidate must have a minimum 2 to 3 years’ experience in assembly,
installation, maintenance and repairs of automotive refrigeration,
air-conditioning systems and chiller units.
for Workshop
for furniture &
building material,
minimum experience 5 yrs.
He should be well conversant in repair and troubleshooting of electrical
faults and experienced in using computerized diagnostic systems.
Send CV at
Email :
careeroman@yahoo.com
He should be ITI/DME (Auto) qualified.
Interested candidates email cv on
krauto@kr.om or contact on 99440518
FOR COMPANIES SEEKING OMANI EMPLOYEES
ASSISTANT RETAIL MANAGER
• To support GM in developing Muscat based stores
• 5 years past Retail store operations experience
• Omani or Expatriate (must have NOC if moving jobs)
• Omani /GCC Valid Driving License
• Team player & good communicator
• Written & spoken English
Email: recruitment@aflaggroup.com
URGENTLY REQUIRED
We have a batch of skilled Omani candidates in Administration, HR,
Account & Reception ready to join different companies in a month
A leading company in travels & tourism,
accredited by IATA requires:
Sales Executive for Travels & Tourism:
Experience not less than 3 years in one of the travels & Tourism, must
have a driving license.
Sales Executive for Car Rental:
Experience not less than 4 years in one rent a car company, must
have a driving license.
Notes:
- You must determine which position did you applied for it as email subject
- The company will not see at any demand without subject.
Email: nrtvacancies@gmail.com
We will also provide training for Omani candidates as per your need
like Cashier, Teller, HR, Admin, Sales, Stores, Customer service etc.,
• The Institute will identify the potential candidates, interview them and
select the suitable candidates in consultation with your officials.
• The entire cost of training will be borne by the Government. During
training the company will not incur any cost like salaries & training.
• The Institute will train them for a period of 6 to 8 months as per the
program.
• From the date training starts with us, you are fulfilling the omanization
requirement. The candidate will stay at least for a year without leaving the job.
For any queries contact us: 26862210, 93677745 & 93677795
Fax: 26861710 email: ojt@aifas.net, www.aifas.net
A LEADING TRADING AND CONTRACTING COMPANY IS
LOOKING FOR AN EFFICIENT
Wanted
a Structural Supervisor
FEMALE SECRETARY
WITH MINIMUM 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
SHE SHOULD BE FLUENT IN SPOKEN AND WRITTEN
ENGLISH. MUST BE FULLY COVERSANT WITH WORD/EXCEL
PROGRAMMES AND BE PLEASANT/PRESENTABLE.
having experience in steel fabrication
and erection for a well established
fabrication company in Barka.
Candidates should have experience
in Oman & should BE capable to
handle various jobs independently
He should have good experience in
fabrication field with NOC and
driving license.
SALARY ETC….GOOD PACKAGE WIL BE NEGOTIATED
FOR THE RIGHT PERSON.
FAX CV TO 24619102 OR E MAIL; artco@omantel.net.om
ACCOUNT. & FINANCE
Required female Accountant
postgraduate in commerce
email: mailcv7@gmail.com
fax: 24784202
We are looking for
Chief Financial Officer, Male 4045 years old, Bachelor of Science
in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of
experience.
Contact: +968 24702133
Email: admin-dept@daud.om
ADMIN
A well reputed trading company requires Customs Clearance Incharge
(Omani National) for its logistics
division with minimum 3 years
experience in the same field.
Please Send Your C.V. to:
jobsnow2015@yahoo.com
CATERING
Wanted experienced English
speaking Continental Cook
for reputed house in Qurum.
Contact 99466062
DOMESTIC HELP
Looking for housemaid urgently
clearance available good salary
yearly ticket. TEL 24446920 /
99238121, mail: ravi.ztc@omzest.com
DRIVER
Heavy duty driver with valid
Oman Heavy Duty license, with
4 years experience. PDO License
holder preferred. Call: 99221683
Driver available with release.
Contact: 93885404
ENGINEER/TECH/MECH
Please send CV to
jobsteel85@gmail.com / 95412589
Crankshaft Grinding Technician,
Engine block boring Technician, turner required urgently for
immediate appointment. call or
whatsapp 98898273
SALES / MARKETING
IT
Required male Omani / Filipino, 24
– 35 yrs as IT Coordinator. Fluent in
English, to handle all Web Designing
aspects, Mail Campaigns management, Technical Support / Troubleshooting. Contact 91371231
MEDICAL
We require licensed General
Practitioner, General dentist and
male Asst. Pharmacist. Contact
93129219 or CV to
clinicrecruitment2015@gmail.com
Urgently required General Practitioners (male), lab technician,
Staff Nurse & Receptionist (female,
Arabic & English speaking) for a
reputed Medical Centre, Salalah.
Email : hrmdimc2010@gmail.com
Urgently required Lab Technician with MOH license. Attractive Salary with Accommodation.
Contact: 97091664.
Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com
Wanted Driver. Contact: 91025698
Reputed Construction Company
require experienced light Vehicle
Driver. Contact 95526871
ENGINEER/TECH/MECH
Required Maintenance Technician (male - 1) - should have
knowledge of new devices & 3
years Oman experience.
Contact: 94441111 Send CV to
email: gsheild9@gmail.com
Reputed Consultancy office
requires a Mechanical Design
Engineer with minimum 8 years
experience in design of HVAC
systems and plumbing services.
Please send your detailed resume
to: info@designunitoman.com
Urgently Required: Window
Aluminum Manager, Window
Aluminum Engineer and Window
Aluminum Foreman with an experience in Italian Aluminum Doors
and Windows, MUST have NOC
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
Wanted Gynecologist, General
Practitioner, Assistant Pharmacist for immediate appointment.
Contact 97884856/ mail CV to –
sarita_h23@yahoo.com
A reputed medical complex in
Salalah requires to fill the following positions, Staff Nurse & Dental
doctor with MOH license, dataflow
and NOC. Contact: 92728472
High class Medical Center in
Salalah requires good looking
Staff Nurses and medical orderlies, excellent English. Interested
candidates please send your CV to
mdcsalalah@gmail.com
Required experienced Dentist
with MOH license to manage
dental clinic in Muscat.
Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com
Female marketing for medical
centre in Al Khuwair with driving
license. Contact: 99010755
Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com
3 SALESMEN
Requires minimum 3 years experience
and valid Omani driving license.
Interested candidates please
Fax your CV to 24601724 or
Email on saab2803@gmail.com
SITUATION
WANTSIT.WANTED
ARCHITECT
A leading Trading Group is looking for Sales Executive having
experience in construction equipment / building materials with
driving license & release / NOC.
Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net.
om or fax : 24701683
Urgently Required:
Senior Quantity Surveyor
with an experience in building
construction MUST have NOC
and immediately join. Apply, fax
00968–24605955, emails
sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com,
sbeoman@yahoo.com
Civil Site Supervisor for telecom
tower projects across Oman. Send
CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or
call +968 9946 7227
Well reputed
Marble Company looking for
Looking for a foreign staff has
experience in Oman in real estate
field. Contact
Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com
MEDICAL
Wanted female Staff Nurse with
prometric pass/MOH license for a
clinic at Musannah. # 99645150
Urgently required PHARMACIST
with MOH license or Prometric
passed. Attractive Salary with Accommodation. Contact: 97091664.
Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com
Wanted urgently lady Doctor GP
or DGO for immediate appointment. Contact : 99310590
Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com
Urgently required Lab Tech &
Radiologist for medical Center in
ruwi interested candidate kindly
send short CV bmdcsg@yahoo.
com or cont: 95220350
Required female Nurse with MOH
license dental clinic in Al Khuwair.
Contact: 99010755
Email: akdmuscat@hotmail.com
Wanted GP Doctor with MOH
license, job location in Muscat
with good salary and benefits.
Drop your cv at
0careerhr1972@gmail.com.
MISCELLANEOUS
Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies
Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs. Al
Khoudh. Call -91159905 Send CV
to sameer916@hotmail.com
Urgently required for a reputed
company in Oman (Tyre, Battery
& Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver
(Omani)-1no. Required minimum
3-5 yrs experience in the same
field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license
or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to
ashwin@taasintl.org
Contact: (+968)93891700
Required lady photographer for
studio. Contact: 99020458 Email:
mohdautocentre@gmail.com
Store keeper (any nationality) for
multi divisions (house ware, Toys,
sports & foodstuff) must have at
4 years of experience in Oman.
Attractive package will be offer
to selected candidate. Contact:
00968 92802204 Email us your
CVs onto: info@alliusie.com
SALES / MARKETING
Sales Executive required in Muttrah, Muscat Oman experience &
driving license is must.
Contact: 91710453 / 24711695
Email: salesaetOman@gmail.com
Required Salesman for Electronic
& mobile devices (male - 2) should have 3 years Oman experience. Contact: 94441111. Send CV
to email: gsheild9@gmail.com
Marketing Executive required
for tyres & batteries.
Contact: 99020458 Email:
mohdautocentre@gmail.com
Urgently required Sales Executive with experience in printing
press line with driving license.
Contact: 00968 95948142
Email: al_bpp@yahoo.com
An excellent grade company
requires Sales Executive for their
Aluminium division. Min 3 to 5
years GCC experience in the same
field with D/L may kindly send CV to
info@sunubunited.com or
sunubunited@gmail.com
Looking for Sales Executive for
a fiberglass Company in Oman.
Should have 5 yrs experience in
fiber glass / construction field.
Should have valid driving license.
Email : mfbarka1@omantel.net.om,
Contact: 00968 98634898
fax: 26881211
Urgently requires Assistant Marketing Manager & Marketing Executive with experience (preference will be given to Educational
/ Training exp) and Omani driving
License. Mail your CV to:
jobs@aifas.net or call 93677795
An excellent Grade company
requires Foreman / Supervisor for
their false ceiling division. Min 5 to
8 years experience in handling the
projects & execution, kindly send
CV to hrjobs1679@gmail.com
Tyres company seeking for
Sales man, minimum 2-3 years
experience. Send CV to
saeed@liwainvestments.com
20+ years experience Architect
M.B.A 10 years Muscat experience (with NOC) looking for job
opportunity. Contact: 91709408 /
92981814
Architect, Indian Female with 04
years of work experience in Qatar,
Oman & India seeking suitable position. Email: shaazneen.s@gmail.
com, Contact : 96635846
Diploma Architect 3Ds Max
(interior, exterior) AutoCAD seeking
suitable position. Contact 98907341
Email: susuhu009@gmail.com
ACCOUNT. & FINANCE
Urgently requires Assistant
Marketing Manager & Marketing
Executive with experience (Preference will be given to Educational
/ Training exp) and Omani driving
License. Mail your CV to:
jobs@aifas.net or call 93677795 The Arabian Institute, Al Suwaiq.
Accountant / Chief Accountant
24 years experience including
6 years in hotel industry, now on
visit visa seeks suitable placement.
Contact: 92475105
Email: johnkgeorgel10@gmail.com
SKILLED LABOR
Sudanese National Bachelor of
Accounting 7 years experience
electronic accounting and auditing.
Contact: 94872045 Email:
hussainhassan1@hotmail.com
Looking for experienced
construction laborers as a
subcontractor for a villa
construction in Mawaleh.
Contact: 96203333
Immediate Requirements for experienced Tailors (Designer wears,
casual clothing). Please call for
interview 99471085
We are looking for a person who
is expert in cold room, cold store,
duct AC, chiller and other cooling
systems. Contact: 96406340 /
99807720
SECRETARIAL & OFFICE
Experienced Secretary required
for Ruwi office. Must have high
standard of competence in MS
Office suite and excellent Arabic
/ English communication skills.
Send CV and covering Email to
mj-co@omantel.net.om
TOURS/TRAVEL
Travel agency in Ruwi urgently
requires experienced ticketing
staff preferably with IATA
qualification. Contact 95595830
SITUATION
WANTSIT.WANTED
ARCHITECT
Salesman require for building
material with driving license &
10 years working experience.
Fax your C.V 24833043.
(Mustafa Hardware Store)
Architect looking for freelance
work in (design plans and 3dmax).
Contact: 96041201
An excellent Grade company
requires experience Salesman
for indoor and outdoor with Oman
driving license. Mail your CV to
salesppeoman@gmail.com
Architect, Indian Female with 04
years of work experience in Qatar,
Oman & India seeking suitable position. Email: shaazneen.s@gmail.
com, Contact No: 96635846
Female Accountant with 10 years
experience. 93726921
Part time accountant, up to finalization of accounts, looking for job
after 5PM (Location prefers –n MSQ
to AL Hail) Contact: 95694737
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with
13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in
manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all
accounting, finance, banking, L/C,
import, export & finalization seeks
placement. NOC Available.
Call+968-98932752,
mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com
Accounts & finance Indian male
35 years B.Com M.B.A (F) 7 years
experience valid Oman D/L
family visa N.O.C available.
Contact: 93257426 / 95230114
Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com
Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to
finalization. Currently employed
in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:
94122464, cammk13@gmail.com
Part time Accountant with 15 yrs
exp. in Accounts Finance, Tax Audit
Management.Contact: 95857199
Indian lady, bachelor degree in
Preparatory Programme (BPP) and
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom),
completed training course in MS
Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time /
part time job opportunity in Oman.
Contact 92437568, 96795853,
Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com
Part-time accounting, tax report,
auditing & bank loan assistance.
Contact 91720465
T U E S DAY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
D5
DAILY GUIDE
SITUATION WANTED
D.M.E, Indian,
12 yrs experience in Oman,
in Project Estimation,
Execution, Quality & marketing
working as Estimation
Engineer in acid & water
tanker, semi trailor company,
with heavy
driving license & will get NOC,
seeks suitable job in Oman.
EXPERIENCED TEAM TO PROVIDE
TECHNO- COMMERCIAL BUSINESS
SOLUTIONS, FEASIBILITY, ERP WITH
BI TOOLS, ADVISE ON FINANCIAL, HR,
RISK GENERAL MANAGEMENT,
GUIDE STARTUPS RESTRUCTURING,
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.
Contact – 96500729
Email: k.profitoman@ gmail.com
ACCOUNT. & FINANCE
SPECIALIST AVAILABLE
FOR EXPLOSIVE GROWTH IN TERM
OF RESTRUCTURING ALL MODULES OF
BUSINESS WITH 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE,
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, MANUFACTURING,
TRADING, APPLICATIONS,
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.
CONTACT – 93343251 /
profitoman@ gmail.com
ADMIN
DRIVER
Contact - 98968495
ACCOUNT. & FINANCE
Indian male good experienced in
Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in
India & Oman, presently on visit
visa, looking for suitable placement.
Contact 94834687
Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in
commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.
Immediately available.
Contact – 92836216 /
muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com
Indian Accountant professional
with 3 years experience currently
on visit visa looking for suitable job
openings. Contact: 92390604
Email: sachinkokkatt@gmail.com
Indian male 28 MBA & M.Com
finance 5 yrs exp in Accounts &
finance. NOC available seeks suitable placement.
Contact: 93939421
Email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com
Indian male well experienced in
Accounts, ERP Tally9 & Admin in
India and Oman currently on visit
visa looking for a suitable job.
Contact: 94834687
Accountant / account assistant,
BBA, M.Com, Tally, Peach tree on
valid visa in Oman.
Contact : 98269281
Indian male, MBA (finance), 1 year
experience in Oman having Oman
D/L and NOC on visit visa looking
for a suitable job.
Contact 94109375
Indian Male Accountant 10yrs
Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available)
GSM.92564955
Indian male MBA finance 12
years experience in Oman as
Accounts / Admin manger, seeks
suitable placement on visit visa.
Can join immediately. Contact:
96055815 Email: shaikhussain111@gmail.com
Indian male B.Com, MBA with 10
yrs experience (5 yrs in Oman) in
accountant receivable, account
payable, sales collection, credit
control with valid D/L, looking for
suitable placement. NOC available.
Contact: 93240480
ACCA with more than 1year experience in an audit firm looking for a
suitable position in accounts, audit
section in a company, having Oman
driving license. Contact: 98428098
Indian male 34, MBA finance looking for finance / other management
jobs in Sohar have 9 years experience (2 yrs in GCC) with valid Oman
D/L. Contact: 92887936
Email: shaniyas@gmail.com
Presently working as Chief Accountant having 16 years experience in accounts in Oman having
Oman D/L seeking suitable placement, release available.
Contact: 95060390
Indian with more than 30 years
experience in construction accounts (Financial and Cost) and
administration seek suitable
placement (part/full time) in
Oman or UAE. Contact.98598099
Indian male, 27 B.Com, +3 years
experience in Qatar GCC driving
license, interested in Marketing
now on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 92993512
Indian male Accountant looking
for a suitable placement in Salalah. More than 20 years experience in accounting job (up to the
finalization of accounts) 8 years
working experience in Middle
east in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah.
Contact: 91325029
Indian male, Oman 8yrs exp looking for any suitable vacancy for
Accountant / Asst . Accountant /
Office Admin, local release available. Contact: 98492752 Email:
atiquehazique@rediffmail.com
Pakistani male B.Com with accounts experience and Oman driving license seeking for suitable
placement. Contact: 94756263
Indian male, 28, Post Graduate, 6
years exp. in Oman in Sales and
Credit Control , with valid Oman D/L
looking for suitable placements.
NOC available. Ph: 9206 6523
14 years of Gulf experience in HR/
Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic
& English with D/L looking for
suitable position, NOC available.
Contact: 95824598
Experienced Light Duty Driver,
Fluent in English, Arabic Well
knowledge of Oman Areas
Seeking Suitable placement
Contact 97950869
28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/
India experience looking for a suitable placement.
shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com
Contact 90187483
Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf
exp in Administration/ HR & Public
relationship. Fluent in Arabic/
English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280
Job for driving. Contact:
98982410
Filipino male with 13 years HR and
Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder. Currently
looking for job in Oman. Interested
employer pls call 97728418.
Indian young smart driver 5
years Oman exp speaking English
Arabic, Hindi looking for job.
Contact: 94524433
8+ yrs exp in Admin & Accounts
(3 yrs in Oman) MBA, Indian female,
seeks placement. #97243806
Accounts & finance: 32 yrs
Indian male (B.Com) having 7 years
Oman experience Oman D/L & NOC
available, looking for suitable placement.# 98093515 / 97494322
Senior Accountant, well
experience & Qualified looking for
part time accounting
after 4 pm.Contact:91126314
Accounts part time services
available to handle all accounts up
to finalization, consulting & audit
works. Contact: 96247295
Chartered Accountant - Indian, 9
yrs + Exp (7 yrs in Oman & UAE) in
Finance, Accounts & Auditing, seeking suitable position in Muscat/
Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC
Available , Contact : 98707434 /
Email: casmart007@gmail.com
Indian male 30 B.Com (Accounts)
exp 6 yrs in East Africa & 1 yr exp
in Oman .NOC available looking for
suitable placement. #: 94613626
Email: sharis.shaheer@gmail.com
Available Indian Graduate (B.Com)
/ CA Final (Appeared) having 3
years practical Auditing & Accounting Experience. Currently in Oman
on Visit Visa. Contact 91418637
Total 24 yrs exp. 15 years served
Oman LLC SAOG, SAOC Contracting, trading manufacturing
company as Finance Commercial
Manager looks after finance logistics, procurement, ERP, oracle, tally
focus internal control implementation B.Com PGDBM, ICWA (Inter).
Contact: 91721545 / 95788723,
Email: manojpanda111@hotmail.
com
Accounting B.Com, 2 years
experience in Indian tally ERP9,
Peachtree, accounting, QuickBooks accounting SMACC , busy
advanced excel PowerPoint E
filing of statutory return visit date
24/12/2015 visit exp 23/1/2015
ADMIN
Indian female Graduate over 6
years experience in Admin operations business support excellent
MS Office skills looking for suitable
job. Contact: 94231020
Indian Female MBA, 3 Year experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.
Contact 98234427,
jkjsmith01@gmail.com
Indian Female, MBA-HR having
8+ experience in Administration/
HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill,
Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235
Indian female 29 MBA (HR) BSc
Oman & India, 3 years exp in
Admin & HR seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95619537
Indian female 27 yrs with 5 yrs HR
/Admin experience seeking suitable
placement with valid Oman driving
license. Contact: 98236033
Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in
media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education,
Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030
CATERING
Having Oman D/L seeking
suitable placement of driver.
Contact: 92789805
Light Driver, 4 yrs exp in Oman.
Contact: 94608755
Looking for driver job 3 years
Oman experience. Contact:
98244078 / 93798802
EDUCATION
Indian female, post-graduate in
English with ten years’ experience
in media and teaching, on visit
visa seeks opportunity in media/
teaching. Contact 91447078,
e-mail graceserene@Yahoo.com
Interior designer Indian male
with 4 years experience / 3Ds
Max, AutoCAD .Now on visit visa
seeking suitable placement.
Contact: 94886507
Email: vizhue07@gmail.com
Indian female B.ED, BCA & IELTS
certified with 6 months Oman exp
in teaching primary students looking for teacher job.
Contact: 97384206
Email: rani_sweet786@live.com
25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation
having 5 yrs ex in character
animation specialized Auto Desk
mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable
placement. Contact: 97917357
DOMESTIC HELP
Maid from Mumbai looking for
house hold work in Al Khuwair only.
Contact: 95896415
Male 26 in looking for Office boy
/ Receptionist job.
Contact 94640906
Looking full time job.
Contact: 99153378
DRIVER
Driver with car available
for part time job.
Contact: 96320385
Indian male seeking office driver
cum admin job having NOC and 5
years experience with valid Oman
driving license. Contact: 97942787
Light driver need job exp 4 years
English & Arabic speaking.
Contact: 94208089
Pakistani female Graduate plus
Post Graduate diploma in logistics
6 years experience in shipping, office administration and customer
service. Fluent English and very
presentable on visit visa.
Contact: 91528567
Light driver Ruwi. Contact:
95779594
DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN
Driver 2 years job visa Indian
male (31 yrs). Contact: 96525311
Indian female 33 years M.Com
B.ED 2 years Asst Acct in Oman 1
year teaching experience in India,
looking for job. Contact: 96283103
/ 99719124,
Email: thekkutt@gmail.com
Pakistani male light driver 10 yrs
in UAE & 1 yr in Oman.
Contact: 93709393
Indian female M.Sc B.Ed Mathematics having 2 years experience
in teaching currently on family
visa. Contact: 96007081
Email: surocs@gmail.com
Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp
looking job. Contact: 99531802
Indian having more than 10
years experience (7 years in UAE)
as project secretary, document
controller, site administrator, site
store keeper on visit seek suitable
placement. Contact 92196001
Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK,
Helper supervisor Admin supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in
H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license looking
for H.R position or P.R.O license,
looking for H.R position or P.R.O part
time or full time. Contact: 95933288
27 years, 1 year experience,
with D/L. Contact: 97369716
Light driver Indian 4 yrs exp in
Oman having own car need job.
NOC available. Contact: 93053917
Light driver looking for job.
Contact: 95219183
Light duty. Contact: 96995762
Driver for suitable job K.S.A 12
years & 4 years in Oman, with
release. Contact: 93885404
Bangladeshi male light driver
exp 14 years need job and visa
transfer, release paper available.
Contact: 99165961
Driver with new car looking for
job.contact: 95873286
Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light
driver 14 yrs of exp, need job &
visa. Contact - 98326656
Driver (light & heavy duty) valid
gulf /Indian) looking job.
Contact: 95175192
ENGG. / TECH./MECH.
Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with
2 and half years experience Indian
male 24 years in visit visa. Contact:
96620482 / + 91 9605423272
Email: bijumonps@gmail.com
Indian male 24, B.Tech Electrical
& Electronics Engineering & P.G
diploma in automation & Scada
with 2 years experience in power
transformer & generator testing and
maintenance, looking for suitable
placement. Contact: 95340253
Email: seanjohnson176@gmail.com
B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years
Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License,
presently on employment visa,
seeks for a suitable placement.
Ready to join immediately. NOC
available. Contact: 92462578
Architect Engineer with 3 years
experience in Muscat looking for
a suitable job Contact: 91262904,
Email: saeedbakayeh@gmail.com
Indian female, BE in EEE having
3yrs exp in Software & 1 yr Experience in Marketing & Admin in
Muscat, looking for suitable
placement. Tel:93422434
ELV Sr. Presales Engineer +7
years experience in UAE, Qatar &
Oman having valid Oman D/L &
NOC. Contact : 93384285
Indian male Diploma Civil Engineer have 1 yr. experience, on
visit visa looking for suitable job
(certificate attested).
Contact: 92667406 / 99210411,
Email : manojgvh@gmail.com
ACCOUNTANT
Indian male with 18 years of
experience in Gulf operations,
accounts, purchase, sales,
Admin & HR, looking for a
Sr. position in a medium size
company.
Contact: 95503646
Contact: 99889396
Email: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com
ENGG. / TECH./MECH.
Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer, Gulf Experience, 3 Year, Immediately available.Contact- 95691800
Email: fasalf@gmail.com
Indian male Electrical Engineer,
having 6 years gulf experience in
designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid
GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942
Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com
Civil Engineer 11 years experience
in construction having driving
license & NOC. Contact: 94194399
Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com
Male 29 years (BE) MEP Engineer
8.5 years of experience in building
construction. Seeking a suitable
job. Contact -95119765/ Email id
jayachandranmep@gmail.com
NOC available
Procurement Engineer (27 years
Single Male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience
(UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in
MEP, Water, Electro-mechanical,
Instrumentation seeking suitable
placements. (Contact 95852033,
hemal1988@gmail.com
Indian male, Mechanical Engineer
having 1year experience, on visit
visa looking for suitable job.
Contact: 97416564,
Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com
Transmission Cable Technician
/ Cable Splicer: Saudi Aramco &
Saudi Electricity Co License Holder.
Experience 5yrs, Age 29yrs, Nationality Pakistani: KSA Valid Driving
License. Immediately Available.
Contact: 92850409 Email: usman0083@gmail.com
Electrical Engineer Indian (29) ,
7 years exp in Oman, 33KV, 11 KV
projects in MZEC & MEDC having
CEP 1 & NOC with D/L.
Contact: 99822373
Need job for experienced mason,
electrician & welder.
Contact: 93015630
Telecom Engineer and HSE
Advisor with 6 years experience
in Oman with PDO requirement,
fluent in Arabic and English with
valid driving license searching for
job. Contact: 96355678
16+ yrs of Techno commercial experience in ELV systems seeking
suitable position in mid management level. Local release available. Contact: 98143907 Email:
mazher2005@yahoo.com
Indian male 22 years, B. Tech in
Chemical Engineering, currently
working as a trainee chemist in
India, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 00968 93214375
or 92739839
Mechanical Engineer male 26 yrs,
with 4 yrs of experience in manufacturing oil & gas retail, brand promoting, marketing, logistics having
valid Omani D/L seeking for
a suitable placement.
Contact: 97098676
Email: ja237le@gmail.com
B.Tech Mechanical Engineer
experience from Singapore India
with CSWIP certificate in holding
for placement. Contact: 98919114
Chemical Engineer MBA holder ITC
certified in supply chain management, ERP familiar 5 years experience. Contact: 94690325 Email:
phahad.hashim@gmail.com
Operating Engineer MBA holder 5
years experience in electroplating
and coating of metals. #94690325
Email: phahad.hashim@gmail.com
B. Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman
in Ministry private sector as Project
Manager, Senior Structure Engineer in consulting office looking for
suitable placement, NOC available.
Contact: 99349578
Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com
5 years of experience in Business
Analyst & Product Management with
Engineering in ECE on visit visa
Contact: 91374247
Indian male, Mechanical
Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for
suitable job. Contact:97416564,
Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com
BE Civil Engr - 5-10 yrs Exp
Diploma Civil Engr - 5-7 yrs Exp
Civil Foreman - 10-15 yrs Exp All
must have valid DL send CV to
jnstpmco@gmail.com
Mechanic Diesel Engines &
Hydraulic, 25 years Experience in
Multinational Companies.
M Arshad 91685048
Indian male, Diploma Civil
Engineer having 2years experience, on visit visa looking for
suitable job. Contact:97376450,
Email:shanavasshaj@gmail.com
Structural steel supervisor / foreman 12 and half yrs Gulf exp fabrication & erection NOC available.
Contact +91 9061761881 /
+91 9446149459
Electrical Engineer: Indian male,
30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience
in industrial automation & utility
maintenance in India (MRF tyres),
holding valid Oman D/L.
Contact 92789995, email :
akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com
Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2
years experience as HVAC design
Engineer, Revit MEP, AutoCAD.
Contact: 90150913 Email:
rahmanmechengg@yahoo.in
Mechanical Engineer 4 years experience (3 years HVAC 10 months
piping stress) knows more than 10
softwares, Indian Muslim (27) job
visa. Contact: 90486758 Email:
afsalhyder@gmail.com
Civil Diploma Engineer cum
Quantity survey male 6 years
experience in Oman valid Oman
D/L. Contact: 93747759 Email:
jaleelvanimalkp@gmail.com
M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering with 2 years of experience, on visiting visa looking for
a suitable job. Contact: 91417949
Email: dannyrangde@gmail.com
HSE Engineer (BE Mech + Dip in
Safety+ NEBOSH + OSHA), 10 yrs
exp, NOC Available, seeking suitable placement: Mob: 97061817
email: jayanammu1977@gmail.com
Indian male 25 years Mechanical
Engineer (2 years experienced)
seeking suitable placement.
Contact: 93655805
Instrument Engineer B.Tech
Indian male, 24 yrs, 1 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks
suitable job. Contact: 92007218
Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com
Omani national, female fresh
Graduated in Civil Engineer seeking a position. Contact : 97760811
Sudanese Structure Civil Engineer 2 years experience resident
Omani license. Contact: 94393880
Mechanical Engineer (UK) 28
years, male having 5 years experience in technical sales and service Engineer, looking for suitable
placement and having valid Oman
driving license. NOC available
immediate avail slit.
Contact: 968 97612297
Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk
Bangladeshi male Diploma in Civil Engineer with D/L 5 years exp, 4
years in Oman has exp. in building
construction seeking a suitable
placement. Contact: 96732988
BE Mech specialization welding
technology 11 yrs quality cont
Engineer by Steel Cons EPL
Installation desalination plant
(Gulf). Contact: 96603299
Sudanese Telecom Engineer,
5 years experience, 3 years in
Oman PMP certificate.
Contact: 93391008 Email:
momen.awadallam@gmail.com
General Manager /
Operations / Commercial /
Procurement Manager
With 8 years of experience
(working in Oman since Jan
2013) is looking for a change.
Experienced in all aspect of
accounting up to finalization
of accounts. Also experienced
in Insurance underwriting and
claim settlement.
NOC will be available
7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in
the field of Building Const. Oil &
Gas Seeking Job.94625598
Senior Telecom Engineer 4 years
experience in Oman valid driving
license MBA project management.
Contact: 95688953
Email: johan.joy@gmail.com
Civil Engineer (Diploma) having
11 years experience in building
construction, looking for a suitable
placement , having Oman driving
license. Noc available.
Contact: 95075365
Email: azharraaz@gmail.com
D6
T U E S D AY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
DAILY GUIDE
Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com
classifieds@timesofoman.com
Tel.: 24726666
Ext:
413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461
Fax: 24812624
SITUATION
WANTED
SIT.WANTED
ENGG. / TECH./MECH.
Procurement Engineer (27 years
single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience
(UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in
MEP, Water, Electromechanical,
Instrumentation seeking suitable
placements. Contact 95852033,
mail: hemal1988@gmail.com
Project Civil Engineer, BSc,
6 years experience in Oman, building construction Fluent Arabic,
English and good Hindi Release and
NOC Available). Tel: 97858589
Indian male, 25 yrs, Diploma in
Hardware & Network Engineering
having 4 yrs experience now in
Oman, on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact 98779754
/ 92720311
Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp
seeks suitable position ina reputed
company. NOC available.
Contact – 96789711
Sudanese Mechanical Engineer
8 years experience HVAC, MEP,
MPM in management.
Contact: 97986890
Automation Engineer, Graduate
Electronics and Communication
Engineer with 2 years of experience in programming testing and
commissioning, troubleshooting
of automation control systems
(PLC, SCADA, HMI) . Installation,
calibration, operation and maintenance of electrical and equipments. Contact: 94469841
Email: sreeharita.181@gmail.com
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
Diploma in Electronics, 2 years
exp in telecommunication.
Contact: 94519571 Email:
telecommunicationvishnumadhull
@gmail.com
Male (23) BE Electrical Engineer
looking for job as Electrical Engineering job experience 6 months
in MEP designing & electrical
designing job. Contact 98209070
Email: punivinlal@gmail.com
Indian female civil engineer B.Tech
having 3 years experience sound
knowledge of software, REVIT STAD
PRO structural detailing currently
on family visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95345591
Civil Engineer diploma holder
having 7 years experience of Site
Engineer with valid Omani D/L
looking for suitable placement.
Contact: 93294965 Email:
hamza.nazeer717@gmail.com
Civil Engineer (BE) having total
5 years experience in building
construction looking for a suitable
placement. D/L available
Contact# 94450270
Sudanese Architectural Engineer
2 years experience in Oman, Revit,
AutoCAD 3Ds max Archicad looking for suitable job.
Contact: 94722356
Email: maya40999@hotmail.com
Diploma in Mechanical Eng
piping system in AutoCAD work,
21+ years experience with Driving
license. Contact: 95267113
Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com
Mechanical Engineer M.Tech
2 years experience HVAC design
& site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD.
Contact: 90150913 Email:
mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im
Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years
in Oman experience Valid Driving
License seeks suitable placement
Phone 97619722
Email – golamrob@yahoo.com
Indian Male 23 years B.Tech
Civil having 2 years experience in
quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656
Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs
experience in international Oil
& Gas company looking for job
Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email:
mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.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
Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman)
currently in Oman seeks suitable.
Contact 96789441
Email: simi5304@gmail.com
IT
Civil Engineer 8 years experience
in Oman as a project engineer for
governmental & private projects.
Contact – 90164912
Mechanical Engineer 6 years Oman
experience in projects , maintenance, materials Indian male with
Omani D/L seeking suitable job.
Contact: 94252769 / 95505471
Email: rami.mech@gmail.com
Diploma in Automobile Engg male
26 yrs, working as Service Advisor
for 2.5 yrs seeking suitable position. Contact: 94744933 Email:
shuhaibmost007@gmail.com
Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian
male 24 years with 1+years Indian
experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/
Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat)
on Visit Visa.
Contact: 92835952. E-mail:
mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com
Road and Construction Engineer
with 5 years exp in Oman.
Contact: 97667113
Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman
with license. Contact: 98975518
Electrical Engineer with 18 years
exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034
Email: shassalih66@gmail.com
HOSPITALITY
Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants
Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of
international exp. MBA in Hotel
Management, specializing in
Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development
with proven records. Seeking for
Challenging positions in reputed
groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business
Head. (NOC available)
Contact: 96059470
IT
Indian male (29) MCA Post
Graduate 4.6 years experienced
skilled in System and Network
administration seeking job in IT
sector now on visiting visa. Contact: 92805363 Email: anukkuttan1986@gmail.com
Sudanese Network Administrator 1 year experience with (MCSA,
CCNA, CCNP) have valid driving
license. Contact: 92394485
Indian female MCA Graduate,
holding valid driving license seeking suitable placement.
Contact: 99466062
Network Engineer degree Computer Science CCNA, MCSA experience NOC. Content: 92346191
Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R2/
R3 Microsoft certified professional MCA & BCA Having 15 yrs
of total exp & 6 yrs of relevant exp
seeking for suitable position. NOC
is available. Contact: 93469493
Email: axcertprof@gmail.com
Indian male IT professional, 3
years experience, CCNA, MCITP,
RHCE have GCC driving license on
visit visa (last date 25th Jan).
Contact: 93311963
Email: sajal035@gmail.com
Indian male 27 yrs Master in
Computer applications currently
in Muscat with Oman driving L/C
seeking suitable placement.
Contact: 93191800
Email: vijilraj60@gmail.com
B.C.A IT, System Support
Engineer 2 years exp visit visa,
Microsoft certification.
Contact: 95492886
Email: samips49@gmail.com
Indian Male, IT System Engineer
having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE,
Linux. Looking for suitable job.
Contact :91272867
GCC experience projects & business Management professional for
IT & ELV systems seeking suitable
job. Contact: 93522472
B.E (CSE) Indian male 2 years
of experience in System and
Network Admin, presently on visit
visa, seeks for immediate placement. Contact: 93832694
Email: bailfupp006@gmail.com
Indian male 26 years BSC IT with
4 years experience currently on
visit visa looking for IT support
job knowledge of networking, programming languages, windows /
Linux environment. Contact: +968
95369856 / 24781651 Email:
mark.tony.alphonso@hotmail.com
10 years Oman experience ICT
Sector, capable of handling large
accounts, looking for suitable
Senior Executive position.
Contact: 98987654
Omani seeking placement 6 years
excellent exp in networking, hardware and software and software.
Contact: 95356166
INDIAN MALE - 29 years - (certified Computer hardware & network
engineer) with six (6) years experience on VISIT VISA looking for
suitable employment in system
network administration
Contact : Mr. SAJEEV KP,
GSM : 94256964
mail ID : saji217@gmail.com
Indian male 23 years , 3 years
experience in IT as Linux Administrator at Wipro Technologies
looking for a suitable placement.
Contact: 92889678
Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com
B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years
Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License,
presently on employment visa,
seeks for a suitable placement.
Ready to join immediately.
NOC available. Contact: 92462578
LOGISTICS
More than 8 years of gulf experience & qualified executive in Air
freight & Sea freight, proven work
experience in logistics coordination, shipment, export and import
Coordination, cross shipments
and client relation etc. Contact:
95149624 / 0097150-3462492
MEDICAL
Nurse (male) Indian available
with 3 years of experience &
cleared prometric 64% & data flow.
Contact: 94035637
Male nurse MOH licensed having
NOC completed BLS, ACLS total 6
yrs exp seeking suitable job, join
at anytime . Contact : 91322744
An experienced Sudanese female
Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517
/97396088
MANAGER
Indian male with more than
14 yrs of experience in Business
development / marketing Oman
D/L looking for managerial position in Business development /
marketing. Contact: 93400177
Logistics All rounder Indian male
23 years experience administration material management, supply
chain, warehouse, purchase, marketing, inventory, accounting, Oman
D/L. NOC available.
Contact: 95980115
The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years
Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very
strong and qualified to bringing
business for civil work Or any
type of the construction work for
many million per year with a good
experience in pricing and collect
payment and cash management of
the company & marketing projects
& investments& tenders & real
estate. Contact 92385033
25 years experienced Supervisor in plumbing & firefighting
available, NOC & driving license.
Contact: 95703680
25 years Gulf experienced
Manager in operations, projects,
properties, holding valid Oman
driving license, with NOC, looking
for suitable opening.
Contact: 91283701
Indian male, with experience in
operations management, information security, purchase & stores
mgmt, hold UAE driving license,
on visit visa, seeks suitable job.
Contact 91904541
Email: naushers@yahoo.com
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
Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman
working as housekeeping
supervisor in star hotel,
seeking for a job NOC available.
Contact – 91753210
MANAGER
MANAGER
MISCELLANEOUS
MBA (marketing) with 17 years
experience in freight forwarding/
logistics industry in GCC & Oman.
Presently working as branch
manager in Muscat. Looking for a
suitable position. Release and NOC
available. Contact: 99856331
MBA graduate having 6 years exp
in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with
PEPSI, India, having international
driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Cont : 95308167,
Email : samir.pag@gmail.com
Chief Accountant , 7 years
experienced (out of 25 years
experience in accounts) worked
in reputed group companies. Currently procuring MBA finance and
having Omani Driving License
seeks suitable openings from
reputed companies.
Contact : 95598477 / 98803439
Purchase MGR / Transport in
charge 9 yrs exp in Oman having
D/L & NOC join immediately.
Contact: 90187891 Email:
mohammedshariff35@gmail.com
MISCELLANEOUS
Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc
Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute
For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for
suitable job. Mobile: 92619048,
Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com
Indian male 25, On Visit Visa MBA
(HR & Marketing) experienced in
Sales, Looking for Suitable Position,
Contact 92788018,
shinemoncherian@gmail.com
Female 31, MBA 4 Years of cross
culture experience in Insurance Sector seeking a suitable
job opportunity Contact Shubha:
97217626/94377477
Shubhanair17@gmail.com
Indian female on visit MBA
(International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers &
Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/
BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586
Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com
Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable
placement. Gsm 98805474
PROJECTS
Indian male 28, MBA, Six Sigma
Green Belt with 6 months experience in Operations in Oman. Looking for Suitable Placement With
Valid D/L & NOC. Contact 92013737.
SALES / MARKETING
Indian male with more than 15
years experience in construction, agriculture, industrial tools,
air coolers & personal protective
equipments looking for suitable
position in sales & marketing valid
Oman D/L. Contact: 92406527
Indian male 26, with more than
4 years experience in Sales and
Marketing having valid GCC
license on visit visa seeks suitable
position. Contact: 92423161
PG diploma in Strategic Management having two years experience
in Marketing and Management
currently on visit visa seeking for
suitable job. Contact : 93406821
Email: sayeedminhaj@gmail.com
Indian male Sales Engineer 18
years experience (pneumatics,
electric, air compressor, garage
equipments etc) including 5 years
Gulf experience currently employed
in Oman with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.
Contact 94425942
Indian 16 yrs sales / marketing
all Oman experience, on visit visa
with D/L. Contact: 90205082
B.Tech Electronics Indian male
experience in Technical & marketing 2 years Oman driving license.
Contact: 98627362 , email :
shah9746099350@gmail.com
Assistant Purchase Manager experience 9 years at Oman in Construction Company skills driving license.
Contact: 98894178 Email: amerfawzy2000@yahoo.com
MBA Graduate (Indian) 2 years
experience in Auto sales & marketing looking for suitable job in automatic industry. Contact: 94676974
Email: dabdulmuqsit@gmail.com
Digital Marketer SEM/SMM SEO.
Contact 93594114
Email: abeyve@gmail.com
Sales Coordinator, BBA MBA
(pursuing) tally on valid visa in
Oman. Contact : 98269281
Indian male, MBA Marketing
having 2.5 years Sales experience
immediately looking for a suitable
position. Contact: 91415145,
Email: shariqs88@gmail.com
Indian female M.Sc in computer
application, having experience in
Muscat looking for suitable placement available to join immediately.
Contact: 94591608
Indian male 7 years experience
in procurement with D/L, UAE &
Oman, transfer available.
Contact: 97085435
Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA
Finance and marketing with IT
skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking
for suitable placement.
Contact : 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com
Indian male 29 yrs having 6 years
Oman experience in hotel industry
& sales looking for a suitable
placement. NOC available having
Oman driving license. #91059015
Email: nidhin.lal86@gmail.com
MBA (logistics and supply chain)
3.5 years freight forwarding experience operations & sales, back
office operation Oman, Yemen &
UAE. Contact: 92549913
Email: jansunil1989@gmail.com
Marketing Communication Coordinator: Indian, M.Com with 20
years Gulf experience in Marketing Communications, ATL& BTL
branding exp. with Oman D/L.
Contact- 93031168
Purchaser having experience in
heavy light vehicle parts for 15 yrs
looking for job, Oman with valid
D/L, NOC available.
Contact 91452832, Mr. Gurunath
Executive Post, Omani Driving
License, MBA 14 years Experience
in Multinational Groups in Sales &
Marketing. M.Z. 96220975
Indian male, MBA 25 Yrs, 1 year
experience in Auditing and 10
Month in sales, currently on visit
visa seeking suitable placement.
Contact: 92054304
34 yrs, Indian male 7 years sales
& marketing exp have valid D/L.
Contact: 99869456
34 yrs, Indian male 9 yrs experience in Oman have valid D/L 2
Yrs sales & marketing experience.
Contact: 99858456
25 years experienced Supervisor in plumbing and firefighting
available, NOC and driving license.
Contact: 95912720
Sales & Marketing Executive MBA
with 3 years experience in sales
looking for suitable placement.
Contact: 91345727.
Indian female (M.Tech in Power
system) having Gulf experience
seeking suitable placement in
Oman, now in family visa.
Contact: 94306164 / 91001194
B.Com male 2 yrs experience in
sales Computer knowledge,
seeking suitable placement.
Contact: 98371144
email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com
30 yr old experienced available
with NOC & Oman driving license
6+years experience in
chemicals Industry.
Contact: 96675065
15 years experienced Indian seeking suitable job in area purchase,
logistics & supply chair.
Contact- 96388496
Email: ranju.uma@gmail.com
5 years experience in Sales
currently looking for a placement.
Contact: 93458869
SKILLED / UNSKILLED
Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter
gulf & Indian exp looking job.
Contact: 95175192
37 years, Indian male, X- Ray
welder 7 years experience, looking
for job on visit visa now. Contact:
91360190 / 98223683
TECHNICIAN /MECH.
Instrumentation & controls
Technician with 2-3 years
experience preferably in water
sector and having valid driving
license call Ph:+968 99450811
Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com
MISCELLANEOUS
Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA,
MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/
networking/ server, valid Omani D/L
seeking suitable placement in IT/
Network/Server support. #92607532
Indian male having 6 Years of
Experience in Oman Having Valid
Driving License working as a
Purchase officer, looking for a
suitable Position, NOC Available.
Contact: 95132564 / 96456071,
E-mail:naji1988@gmail.com
Indian female 22 years 1 year experience in Secretary & Accounting, Tally, looking for suitable job
on visit visa. Contact: 97084473
Email: jumihasin10@gamil.com
Relationship Manager, Indian
male 28 yrs, BBA, MBA 5 year’s
exp, currently working in India
computer skilled. Contact: 0091
974710108 / 95071632
BE Mechanical Engineer / MBA
Indian male 25 yrs, currently
working in Qatar skills MEP designing surveying, Oracle, AutoCAD, SAP. Contact: 97474470866
& C/O in Oman 95071632
Indian male 25 yrs, MBA in marketing on visit looking for a job in
Sales and Marketing.
Contact: 91270215 Email:
nibuvarughese13@gmail.com
Bangladeshi Male, University
MA, 5 years experience in IT sales
& marketing working as sales coordinator in Oman; searching better job. Phone: 91997605, email:
mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com
Indian Male 28yr age having
7year gulf+ Indian experience in
HR/Admin field, looking for suitable placement. Contact:97914340,
Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com
Part- Time Accountant, well experienced senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works,
Finalization, Budgeting available.
Contact : 98803439
Indian male Executive Secretary
having vast experience in admin,
logistics & procurement well versed
with computer seeks suitable
placement. Contact : 99514286,
Email : azimmohd@yahoo.co.in
Sri Lankan Male, 23 years old
with 3 years of Sales experience
and basic accounting knowledge
(AAT and Tally) Seeking for a suitable position. Contact-94864296
LOST
Gannavarapu Venkatalakshmi
has lost Indian Passport No:
H 6890631.
Finder please handover to ROP.
CHANGE OF NAME
We, Kailash Gidwaney (name of
father as per the passport holder
of Indian passport No Z 2676956
and Pratibha Gidwaney (name
of the mother, holder of Indian
passport No. AB 205384) having permanent address in 4/2
Meher Ali Road Circus Evenue
Beniapukur Kol - 17 (W.B) (complete postal address in India) and
presently residing at the following
address in Muscat, P.B No. 07 PC
No. 130, Sultanate of Oman, hereby
solemnly affirm and declare to
change the name of our child miss
/master Rohak Gidwaney (name
as per present passport) , holder
of Indian passport No. K 3690143
date of issue 12/08/2012 issued
at Muscat. The name of our child
will be henceforth known as Rohan
Gidwaney (new name) for all
purpose. Any objection towards
change of name of our minor child
may please be communicated to
Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, PB No.
1727, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of
Oman.
I Mohammed Nijam (holder of Indian passport No. M 7000065) Son
of Niyamat Ali having permanent
residence in Vill & Post Kaymsar
Teh – Fatehpur, Distt Sikar (complete postal address in India) and
presently residing in Post Box No.
3821 PC. 112 Ruwi (complete postal
address in Oman) intend to change
my name from Mohammed Nijam
(old name) to Nijam Khan (new
name) for all practical purpose.
Any objection towards my name
change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat,
Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.
Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi,
Sultanate of Oman.
T U E S DAY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
D7
DAILY GUIDE
SITUATION
WANTED
CARGO
TOURS
TOURS
MATRIMONIAL
Christian Orthodox girl 24 yrs,
BSC MLT working in Government
Hospital Thiruvalla, seeking suitable
alliance from Orthodox family.
Contact: 99734325 / 99898130
Menon / Nair boy 30 years, looking for a girl, preferred from Ottapalam area. Contact: 99505473
Hindu nair age 64, looking for a
suitable girl. #0091 755900189
SITUATION
WANTTOURS
ED
RENT A CAR
Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with
Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain
Marine Tours contact 98029602,
92808636
We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in
Oman. Contact 99839898
DRIVING
TRANSPORTATION
Nair boy 27 years Keralite working in Canada looking for qualified
girl. Contact: 99361442
Transportation.Contact: 99099714
Transportation Al Khuwair.
Contact: 92711421
Indian female, 25 yrs, belongs
to Christian Orthodox family,
B.Sc Nurse presently working in
Bangalore – India, looking for
appropriate spouse. # 99423483
Pick and drop. Contact: 96692774
Transportation. Contact99542393
Transportation. Contact: 91310107
NRI
Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District,
walk able distance to existing
colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price.
Contact – 0091 8686631669
1100 sqft Property for sale opposite to SPFort Hospital, Trivandrum. Contact 91254791,
91 8893226226
Kollam byepass 5-10 cent
for sale. Contact: 96157394
NRI
For sale 142 cents prime land
7 kms from kozhikodu Medical
College Hospital in full or plots
bus route and electricity available. Expected price 2.25 lakhs
per cent negotiable.
Contact person :
Dr. Robins 0091- 9447322230
Jayadas 0091- 9446848957
Transportation available Ruwi to
Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.
Contact: 91103909
Transportation. Contact 99508282
Transportation. Contact:99664703
Al Sharouq rent a car. Contact:
99222617
Silver car, car rental at good rate.
Contact: 96166155/93530540
Transportation. Contact 96173326
Transportation. Contact 94510847
Transportation Contact:99077395
Plot, propeties for sale in
prime location in pune Contact
95272138, (+918390982975)
25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP
specification for monthly rent &
small car with driver. # 99839898
Transportation taxi mini bus.
Contact: 93091106
D8
T U E S D AY, JA N UA RY 1 9, 2 0 1 6
DAILY GUIDE
SITUATION
WANTED
SERVICES
Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com
classifieds@timesofoman.com
Tel.: 24726666
Ext:
413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461
Fax: 24812624
SITUATION WANTED
EDUCATION/CLASSES/TRAINING/COMPUTER/WEBSITE
Spoken Arabic class for Non
Arabic Speakers & English
class for Malayalam Speakers
in Azaiba and Ruwi
• Learn in two months
• Satisfaction guaranteed
Tel: 95244310
IELTS PREPARATION
Target Band 8.0
Classes for Spoken English
TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT
Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed
EAGLES INSTITUTE
92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com
Karate and self defense classes
at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per
month twice a week Monday and
Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM.
CONTACT 98294551
SITUATION
WANTBUSINESS
ED
SERVICES
We Provide Cleaners,
Office boys, Cleaning Contracts,
General cleaning etc.
Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC
Contact : 94277020
A/C maintenance & servicing,
fridge, washing machine & dish
washer repairing, painting &
cleaning services, electrical &
plumbing. Contact: 99447257 /
97014234 / 24504281
We are providing services like
Accounts, Auditing, Tax Reports,
Feasibility Study, Bank Loan
Assistance & L L C Registration
ASAS AUDIT & CONSULTANCY
Contact at 91720465/94319719
Marble Restoration,
Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet
shampooing, maintenance.
Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217
/24788722
*Classified Advertisement space booking
with text, should be done till 12.00 noon
for next day’s publication.
* Subject to space availability
MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION
restore the original shine of
your marble.Contact 24793614/
99314807
House shifting & transporting.
Contact 92490422
Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722
We provide loading unloading
helper for contracting.
Contact: 94777137
Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile
polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning
painting,Plumbing, Electrical,
shifting. Contact Mundhir
Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C.
Contact: 24810137,
99450130
GUARANTEED CLEANING:
Carpet & sofa shampooing,
Contact 99314807/24792998
Split & window A/c servicing &
maintenance. Contact: 93769089 /
95323517
Pest Control Treatments.
Ocean Center LLC.
Contact: 99344723
Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing,
Ocean Center LLC.
Contact: 99344723
House shifting. Contact:
99657644/98518013
Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont
Maintenance services electric,
plumbing and A/C.
Contact: 96524904 / 94285064
Canadian Consultancy company
(recruitment & immigration) is looking for a partner company in Oman.
For contact 00973 39990830
eurogulf.ca@gmail.com,
GOOD NEWS
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 backache, paralysis, arthritis etc
& massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 /
95371664 / 92504980
www.siddhayur.com
WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at
rock bottom price. Contact: http//webviewoman