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Muscat airport phase 1 take off on December 14

REJIMON Kreji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Phase 1 of the Mus-cat International Airport will begin operations on December 14, tweeted Minister of Trans-port and Communications Ahmed Mohammed Salem Al Futaisi on Saturday.

“New runway, control tower and civil aviation headquarters will be opened on December 14,” the minister, tweeted in his official Twitter account.

The new runway, which is four kilometres long and 75 me-tres wide, will be able to taxi the A380 airbus.

The Air Traffic Control Tower is 100 metres tall and the new civ-il aviation headquarters will have all advanced facilities required in the aviation sector.

“It is great news for the bright future of Oman. I am sure now more international airlines will focus on flying to Oman as the airport will be equipped to han-dle more passengers,” said Renny Johnson, a senior official at Me-zoon Travels, which is the general service agent (GSA) for 11 airlines in Oman.

“As the airport is expanding we are in talks with two more airlines to be their GSAs. Moreover, our offline airlines are considering operating direct flights to Muscat after the expansion. Feasibility

studies and discussions related to this are going on,” added Renny.

The new airport is designed on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Service Level A standards to accommodate pas-sengers. Offering the best over-all experience to travellers, the airport has an initial capacity to cater to 12 million annual passen-gers which can be increased from time to time.

The airport handled 8.31 mil-lion passengers and recorded 81,244 aircraft movements in 2013. The cargo handled during

the year was 102,040 tonnes. Ac-cording to the Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA), the to-tal passenger traffic, including transit and transfer passengers, through Muscat International Airport has increased by 7 per cent to 5,106,159 until July 2014.

“That part of the project which constituted the main contracts one and two (MC I and II), is nearly complete,” PACA offi-cials had said, while adding that Salalah’s new airport is also pro-gressing well. It is 85 per cent complete. >A6

Built as per IATA

standards, the state-

of-the-art airport

will handle more

passengers and cargo

and provide more

comfort to travellers

Water crisis in Mabella to be over soonFAHAD AL GHADANIfahadnews@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: In what is welcome news for Mabela residents, the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) said on its offi-cial Twitter account recently that the Mabella areas would receive regular water supply soon.

The tweet says that since many residents had raised their con-cerns regarding water crisis in the area, the PAEW clarifies that their problems would be resolved in the next few days.

The news elicited positive reac-tions from the public.

“This news is like a relief from pain,” said Saeed Al Bahri, a Mab-ela resident. He said he had bought a new house two years back in Ma-bella, but could not live in it due to water problems. >A6

W E L C O M E N E W S

MUSCAT: December 6, 2014: Bank Muscat, the flagship finan-cial services provider in the Sul-tanate, has won the coveted Sul-tan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-Government 2014.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Ex-ecutive, received the Best Public eService award for the bank’s elec-tronic channels at the event held under the patronage of H.E Dr. Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, said: “Bank Muscat is proud to win the 2014 Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-Government. The bank’s elec-tronic channel services comple-ment the government’s efforts in creating a digital society and pro-viding electronic services which spell convenience and security to customers. We thank the In-

formation Technology Author-ity (ITA) and the government for promoting and recognising key developments and contri-butions to eGovernance, which motivates innovative initiatives benefiting all.”

In 2012, Bank Muscat mBank-ing won the Best Public Mobile Service award when the Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-Government was opened for the first time for private sector organisations.

With the largest e-channel network in Oman, innovations adopted by the bank are char-acteristic of the network of 445 ATMs and 174 cash deposit ma-chines (CDMs), mBanking, inter-net banking, point of sales (PoS) machines and the Call Centre, offering 24/7 banking assistance to citizens, residents and visitors.

ATM/CDMs form a pillar of customer service and Bank Mus-

cat can proudly claim that its larg-est network of ATMs and CDMs spread across the country is the preferred choice. Being a mem-ber of OmanSwitch and GCC-Net, customers from any bank in Oman, the GCC countries and from around the world can use Bank Muscat ATMs for their cash requirements.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa said: “Bank Muscat is committed to investments in state-of-the-art technology to further increase efficiency, improve customer ser-vice and support the growth plan.

“The bank lays emphasis on competitive channels and new products to cater to various sec-tors. Bank Muscat enjoys an edge in hi-tech products and services, including electronic payment and web-based services, in tune with the banking requirements of a young, tech-savvy generation.” >B1

S U L T A N Q A B O O S A W A R D F O R E X C E L L E N C E I N E - G O V E R N M E N T 2 0 1 4

COVETED AWARD: AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, received the Best Public eService award

for the bank’s electronic channels. – Supplied picture

Bank Muscat eChannel wins Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-Government

A4

Call for curbs on cyclists, bikers

OMANFlyover near Stars Cinema opens

2Motorists, who pass through Ruwi, got a gift on Friday evening with

the opening of a flyover near Stars Cinema. >A6

REGION Two hostages die in rescue attempt

3A US journalist and a South African teacher held by militants in Yemen

were killed along with some of their captors. >A7

OMANSubsidy cuts may push petrol prices

1The tightening of fiscal budget planned for 2015 would mean higher fuel

prices for our cars, bigger utility bills, higher phone tariffs. >A2

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

Private sector draws citizens with better salaries and perks

REJIMON Kreji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A push for nationali-sation and better salary packag-es in the private sector for Om-ani nationals have resulted in a larger number of citizens joining the private sector, government data reveals.

According to the National Cen-tre of Statistics and Informa-tion’s (NCSI) latest data, a 6.5 per cent increase was witnessed in the number of nationals working till the end of October when compared to the same period last year.

Moreover, this year, till the end of October, 193,593 nationals were working in the private sec-tor (insured), while the number of nationals during the same pe-riod in 2013 was 181,860.

Currently, 150,512 Omani men and 43,081 Omani women are

working in the private sector, informs NCSI’s latest data.

Quitting public sector“Increase in salary and other benefits have made the private sector more attractive. Many people are even quitting the gov-ernment sector and are joining the private sector. There is not much difference in government and private jobs. In fact, the pri-vate sector jobs are becoming more beneficial for employees in many ways,” Ahmed Hamoud Al Shabibi, managing director of Al Shabibi Global LLC, told the Times of Oman.

“Recently, one of my friends who was working on a senior post in a ministry department, took voluntary retirement and joined a private firm,” he said.

“According to him, the new job is more promising,” Ahmed Ham-oud added. >A5

6 . 5 % J U M P R E C O R D E D

MAJESTIC: The new runway, which is four kilometres long

and 75 metres wide, will be able to taxi the A380 airbus.

Source: National Centre of Statistics and Information Graphics

Omanis join the private sector

0

100

200

October2013

October2014

181,860 193,593

100,000

to 39%

Cut of expats jobsin private sector

33%

Expatriate jobs go to nationals

and as a result

Men

Women

150,51277.7%

43,08123.3%

ADVERTORIAL

A2 S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

OMAN If the Ministry of Finance follows the Shura Council’s recommendation of cutting the defence budget by 5 percent, then the government would save about OMR75 million in the 2015 budget.Sunday Beat

Subsidy cuts may push petrol prices, utility and phone bills

The tightening of Oman’s fiscal budget planned for 2015 would mean higher fuel prices

for our cars, bigger utility bills, higher telephone tariffs and expatriates may have to pay tax for the remittances.

Majlis Al Shura is putting pres-sure on the government to go into austerity measures to tighten the Sultanate’s financial belt to rein in spending that has been increasing at an average rate of 7 per cent per year in the last five years. The Ministry of Finance is currently making a difficult decision to stick to its plans to increase spending by 4 per cent to OMR15 billion in 2015. If financial planners want revenues to go up by 7 per cent to OMR12.5 billion next year, then that will push up the budget deficit to OMR2.5 billion, up from OMR1.8 billion estimated this year. This estimate is assuming that Oman will pump out crude oil at an average of 990,000 barrels per day and if oil prices stay at $85 per barrel in 2015.

In this predicament, the government may well decide to base its budget at a safe level of $70 per barrel when it unveils the fiscal figures next month. But that would mean looking for alterna-tive ways to pay for the high civil service salary bills, development projects, health and education sectors. Minister of Finance Darwish Ismail Al Balushi said last month in his address to the Majlis Al Shura that he wanted the private sector to take a leading role to become a main source of revenue to the state and generate jobs. His statement may well echo the Majlis Al Shura’s recommendation of introducing a remittance tax of 2 per cent on expatriates. It will affect about 2 million expatriates who are send-ing home nearly OMR3 billion annually. However, the govern-ment would raise about OMR65 million a year from remittances.

Al Balushi, in the same ad-dress to the Shura, said out of 60 government-owned companies, 17 are making losses. It means Oman may raise up to OMR5 bil-lion if loss making state-run com-panies are sold off to the private sector. The sell-off would also cut down a substantial bill of keeping these low performing companies going. If the Ministry of Finance follows the Shura Council’s recommendation of cutting the defence budget by 5 per cent, then the government would save about OMR75 million in the 2015 budget. In 2013, Oman had the highest defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP in the Middle East, at 11.3 per cent, according to the Stockholm International

Peace Research Institute (SI-PRI). London-based intelligence and defence consultancy IHS Janes noted in a report earlier this year that the Sultanate se-curity budget had seen a growth of over 30 per cent between 2011 and 2013.

A further OMR1.5 billion would be raised from increas-ing the royalty fees of telecom-munications companies, hike of fuel prices to petrol stations, gas, electricity and water bills as well as charge energy tax to LNG ex-ports. The government may also consider imposing environment tax to industries such as the ones operating in Sohar Industrial Zone and increase real estate taxes (rental and purchases of properties) from current 3 per cent to 5 per cent. Other existing taxes such as the corporate, mu-nicipality and hospitality charges may be hiked to help boost the treasury department.

Cutting down on project spending may be in the minds of the financial planners as they are finalizing the 2015 fiscal budget. The railway project, Duqm Refinery, new roads, hotels, gas and crude oil explorations might be down sized. It will definitely mean tightening the wage purse in the civil service to freeze employment for a while and cut down travels by government officials to seminars and confer-ences abroad.

The Minister of Finance has already hinted that high expendi-ture in the wake of declining oil revenues make it very difficult to continue the expansionary fi-nancial policy. To strike a balance between erratic and unpredict-able oil revenues and expenditure is not only a challenge for next year’s budget but for many more to come. The government must simply find other sources to balance its finances now that it is evident oil income cannot any-more sustain economic growth.

saleh@timesofoman.com

COMMENTARY

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

SUNDAYBEAT

Finance Minister Al Balushi, in the same address to the Shura, said out of 60 government-owned companies, 17 of them are making losses

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

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Proxy vote, e-ballot for NRIs likelyREJIMON Kreji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Non-Resident Indians will have the opportunity to cast their votes in upcoming elections as the Indian government weighs “additional alternative options” to assist NRI voters.

A proposal to extend proxy vot-ing and e-postal ballots to NRIs is under consideration by the gov-ernment, members of the lower house of the Indian Parliament were told during its last session.

Indian Law Minister D V Sad-ananda Gowda said a committee set up by the Election Commission (EC) to explore other modes of vot-ing for overseas (NRI) electors has recommended voting by e-postal ballot papers and proxy voting as

“additional alternative options”.“The Supreme Court has asked

the government to submit its re-sponse to the said report. The mat-ter is under consideration of the government,” the minister said in a written reply.

“Section 60 of the Representa-tion of the People Act, 1951, pro-vides for facility of proxy voting to the members of the armed forces and members of the force to which the provisions of the Army Act, 1950 apply. But there is no provi-sion for e-voting in the RP Act,”the minister added.

Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath recently said that if the proposal is approved, NRIs would then be electronically sent paper ballots to be “physically” returned to poll authorities after being

marked. He noted that the law will have to be amended to allow the transmitting of such ballots.

“The committee is of the view that e-postal ballots, where blank postal ballots are transmitted elec-tronically to NRIs and returned by post, can be employed after validation of the process and pilot implementation in one or two con-stituencies, and later scaled up for parliamentary elections, if found feasible, practicable and meeting the objectives of free and fair elec-tions,” according to the EC report given to the SC.

The 50-page report, titled ‘Ex-ploring Feasibility of Alterna-tive Options for Voting by Over-seas Electors’, was prepared by a 12-member committee led by Vi-nod Zutshi, Deputy Election Com-

missioner. The report was written following a public interest litiga-tion filed in SC against the “inher-ent inequality” created by Section 20(A) of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, which insists on the physical presence of an NRI in his local constituency at the time of voting. The EC prepared the report following a directive from the apex court, while dealing with a petition filed by Shamsheer VP, a Dubai-based NRI from Kerala.

The court had asked the poll panel to favourably consider granting these rights to NRIs.

“It is a very positive move. Our aim is to secure voting rights for the NRIs. Both methods suggest-ed by the EC can be implemented without much delay. And we are confident that the EC will be able

to easily handle voting proce-dures for 10 million NRI voters,” Shamsheer VP told the Times of Oman during a telephone inter-view from India.

According to the provisions of the RP Act, a person who is a citi-zen of India and has not acquired citizenship of any other country, and is otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter and is absent from his place of residence in In-dia owing to employment, educa-tion or otherwise, is eligible to register as a voter in the constitu-ency in which his place of resi-dence in India, as mentioned in his passport, is located.

Recently, the election body of the south Indian state of Kerala also urged Keralites to register online to vote.

If the proposal

is approved,

the NRIs

would then be

electronically

sent paper ballots

to be ‘physically’

returned to the

election authorities

after being marked

‘Indian tax returns need to be signed’REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Any tax returns and final accounts that are filed but are not duly signed or stamped will be deemed as incomplete from January 1 next year, a circu-lar issued by the Secretariat Gen-eral for Taxation (SGT) has said.

“According to the SGT, tax returns and final accounts sub-mitted by some taxpayers and auditors are not signed by au-thorised signatories or appro-priately stamped. From next year onwards, such returns and accounts filed without proper signatures and stamps will be pe-nalised,” Manjot Singh Chug, Ex-ecutive Director at Business Tax Advisory Services in Ernst and Young, said.

The SGT circular said that tax payers should ensure that tax re-turns are duly approved and the signature of both, the authorised signatory (the principal officer)

and the official company stamp. “Prepare information and details required to be enclosed with tax returns, together with the origi-nal copy of final accounts ap-proved by a competent auditor (with official stamp of the audi-tor). “Ensure that all pages of all documents are signed and stamped by the taxpayer prior to their submission to the SGT. As a result, such non-compli-ance may lead to the application of penalties set out in the In-come Tax Law No. 28/2009,” the circular added.

T A X R E G U L A T I O N S

A government circular said that tax payers should ensure that returns are stamped

A4 S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

OMANCall for curbs on cyclists, bikers

FAHAD AL GHADANIfahadnews@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Following the arrest of two motorcyclists who robbed a worker at a petrol station in Shinas, the public has asked for stricter control on motorcycles in the Sultanate.

However, college student Fawaz Al Farsi said this was the only case out of hundreds of motorcyclists, especially outside Muscat. “In Shi-nas and Nizwa, motorcycles have become one of the main means of public transport,” said Al Farsi.

He added that numerous young-sters without a licence ride motor-cycles on the main road.

“The authorities concerned, in-cluding the Royal Oman Police and municipalities, must find a solu-tion to this issue. It really bothers citizens and residents,” said Al Farsi, while adding that in Muscat two or three routes could be slot-ted for motorcyclists that make would make it easier to control.

However, in the interiors the situation is totally different and needs more focus from the au-thorities. There was another inci-dent where a motorcyclist caused a fire at a petrol station which forced the public to demand a ban on refuelling by motorcycles without registration numbers.

“Such motorcyclists can cause severe loss of life and damage to public property,” said Hussein Ali, working in the private sector.

On the other hand, the chair-man of the State Council an-

nounced recently on Oman Tel-evision that the Council was studying the new Traffic Law af-ter it had been referred to them from the Shura Council.

Following an increasing number of accidents and two-wheelers re-lated deaths in Oman over the last 10 years, motorcycles with engine capacity below 70cc are likely to be banned in the country. This rul-ing is likely to be included in the amendments to the Traffic Law.

“The suggestion to include this rule in the amended Traffic Law was made because of the large number of accidents caused by moped riders. Besides, they pose a great risk to motorists as well as pedestrians,” said a member of the Majlis Al Shura.

According to ROP figures, more than 300 bicycle and motorcycle-related accidents were registered last year. The figures also show that these accidents left 177 riders dead and 2,684 injured in 2,609 ac-cidents from 2004 to 2013.

As per the available statistics, in 2013, motorcycle accidents caused 15 deaths and injuries to five peo-ple in the Muscat governorate alone. The Batinah region regis-tered 81 motorcycle and bicycle accidents which left 12 dead.

A member of the Majlis Al Shura said that once the new Traffic Law is approved, legal action would be taken against offenders.

The ROP has already issued

numerous statements asking cy-clists and motorcyclists to abide by traffic laws and remain alert on the road.

It may be recalled that the Ministry of Commerce and In-dustry had earlier announced its decision to ban the import of motorcycles with engine capac-ity under 70cc ban to avoid ac-cidents and make the Sultanate’s roads safe for drivers. The ban had come into effect on January 1, 2014.

Ali Al Bahri, working in the pri-vate sector, welcomed the sugges-tion of the legal committee of the Majlis Al Shura to impose a ban on these two wheelers.

“The main cause of motorcycle accidents is the lack of awareness on road safety among young rid-ers,” said Al Bahri.

He added that the imposition of a ban will reduce accidents on Oman’s roads and save many lives.

“The younger generation ig-nores safety regulations and this ignorance leads to accidents,” said Al Bahri. He added that there are many riders on the roads without valid licences.

The current law for buying a motorcycle in Oman comes under Article 49/1 of the Traffic Law. The article states that riders with-out a valid motorcycle licence can be punished with imprisonment of up to three months and fines of up to OMR300.

More than 300

bicycle and

motorcycle accidents

were registered last

year. The figures

also show that such

accidents left 177

riders dead and 2,684

injured in 2,609

accidents from

2004 to 2013

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Every evening Azaiba beach is occupied by families picnicking there, but they are invariably disturbed by youngsters driving and drifting in cars or quad bikes.

Mazin Al Riyami, a local from Azaiba said, “It is really annoying to go to the beach and not be able to spend a peaceful time with your family. Some of the drivers are drifting.

“This is not acceptable and we urge Royal Oman Police (ROP) to ensure the safety of people there.’’

Huzaim Al Manei shared Mazin’s concerns about the safety of people. “Not only cars, but quad bikes are also making us very uncomfortable with the loud noise they make and the reckless riding. I hope there is a clear and strict law to prevent any incidents and people will be allowed to relax on the beach.”

Times of Oman talked to one of the four- wheeler drivers on the beach. He claimed he had no idea about any rule prohib-iting driving there. He enjoyed doing that, especially in the evening and he was aware of

people sitting around. “I like to drive my 4-wheel

drive on the beach. To me it’s fun, and I test my driving skills on the sand, but I am aware of people sitting or walking on the beach. I don’t have any inten-tion of annoying them,” he said.

“Quad bikes are prohibited in Oman,” a source at the ROP told Times of Oman.

“The police will seize any type of two-wheelers on the beaches and will make the offender sign a final pledge that ensures legal action in case of any future breach,” he added.

A spokesperson of the Muscat Municipality talked to Times of Oman about this annoying practice.

“We have received a number of complaints regarding Azaiba Beach, and with the help of signboards, the number of complaints has decreased. However, cars are only allowed to park on the side of the beach when there is a shortage in parking space but not to drive around and drift on the beach. This habit is worrying families there and it is making them uncomfortable,” he said.

Azaiba residents flay ‘quad nuisance’

DANGER SIGNALS: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has an-

nounced its decision to ban the import of motorcycles with engine

capacity under 70cc ban to avoid accidents. –Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

It is really annoying to go to the beach and not be able to spend a peaceful time with your family. Some of the drivers are drifting

Mazin Al RiyamiAzaiba resident

The younger generation ignores

safety regulations and this ignorance

leads to accidents

Ali Al Bahri, Private sector employee

DON’T DROP DEAD DROP YOUR PHONE

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‘BEAT DIABETES’ WALKATHON HELD The Ministry of Health, Oman Diabetes Association and the

Landmark Group, organised the fifth annual ‘Beat Diabetes’

walkathon on Friday. The two-kilometre walk was held in

Qurum Natural Park.—OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

Weapons, ammunition seized in DhofarTimes News Service

MUSCAT: A GCC national alleg-edly involved in smuggling weap-ons was arrested by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) in the wilayat of Al Mazyoonah in the Dhofar governorate.

A vehicle loaded with weapons was intercepted at Mazyoonah checkpoint, but when the accused failed to stop, the ROP personnel chased, caught and arrested him.

A total of 105 conventional weapons, besides Kalashinkov as-sault rifles and some bullets were found in the vehicle.

Kidnappers nabbedThree people were arrested on charges of kidnapping and looting

in the wilayat of Sohar. The victim belonging to an Asian nationality, reported to the Sohar police sta-tion that some unidentified people had robbed him at night. The three accused had snatched his wallet that had some cash and bank ATM card. They then kidnapped him and drove him to an under con-struction house but he managed to escape. The miscreants were arrested by the ROP.

Infiltrators nabbedA total of 102 infiltrators of Arab and African nationality were de-ported by the Dhofar Police last week. The infiltrators had entered the country via the Mazyoonah and Sarfait border posts as well as through the Omani coast.

S E C U R I T Y M E A S U R E S

ARMS CACHE: A total of 105 conventional weapons, besides

Kalashinkov assault rifles and some bullets were recovered from

the vehicle intercepted at the Mazyoonah checkpoint.–ONA

Government plans to push private sector

According to the NCSI data, the number of nationals working in the private sector till September end, compared with what it was at the beginning of this year, had ris-en by 6.1 per cent when compared to the same period in 2013. It saw 0.4 per cent growth in one month.

“The temporary ban expatriates joining certain job categories in the private sector and bringing the private sector job benefits at par with the government sector jobs has also led to added momentum,” Ahmed added.

In February this year, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, the minister of manpower, had said that intensified efforts were made last year by the government to regularise the labour market, up-date its legislation and provide job opportunities for citizens so that they can contribute more towards the development process

According to the ministry plan, the percentage of foreign em-ployment in the country’s private sector is supposed to be cut from 39 per cent to 33 per cent and as a result, more than 100,000 expa-triate jobs are supposed to go to the nationals.

Recently, while addressing the Majlis Al Shura, the Sultanate’s finance minister said the govern-ment has plans to push the private sector to come up with plans to employ more nationals in order to reduce the public expenses.

“Public expenses in the an-nual budget are expected to reach OMR15 billion in 2015. We have plans to employ more nationals in private sector as a solution to re-duce these,” Darwish Al Balushi, Sultanate’s Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, said.

The minister also mulled a freeze on jobs in the government

sector for the first three months of 2015 due to a fall in revenue even though there are no plans to reduce salaries or stop annual increments.

An advisory body to the Sultan-ate’s government has suggested spending cuts and tax increase, including a levy on liquefied natu-ral gas exports, to cope with the hit that state revenues have been tak-ing due to the plunge in oil prices.

The Sultanate has run a budget surplus so far this year but the slide of the Brent crude oil price to around $80 a barrel in recent months, from levels of around $115 in June, promises to push it into deficit next year unless oil re-bounds sharply.

Assuming an average oil price of $80 next year and no additional steps to boost revenue, the govern-ment is likely to post a deficit of OMR3.05 billion ($7.9 billion).

M A N P O W E R

‘Gas leak triggered

Orpic fire accident’

FAHAD AL MUKRASHIfahad@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A gas leak was the reason behind the fire that broke out in Oil Refinery of Mina Al Fahal on Thursday.

A Civil Defense official told Times of Oman, that the naphtha gas leakage from one of the pipes linked to the tanks in Al Fahal Port, resulted in the blaze.

Water tankers and fire fight-ers rushed to the site and doused the flames within two hours. Five people suffered medium injuries in the incident and they have been admitted to the hospital.

Oman Oil Refineries and Pe-troleum Industries Company (Orpic) said that there was no im-pact of this incident on fuel sup-plies to the local market, nor was there any adverse impact on the surrounding environment.

Four die in road mishapMeanwhile, four people were killed and another sustained seri-ous injuries in a road accident in the wilayat of Suwaiq on Friday. The accident occurred when two trucks collided with each other. Of those killed, one was an Oma-ni national and three belonged to Asian nationalities.

M I N A A L F A H A L

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Grand pipe organ resonates at ROHM

SARAH MACDONALDsarah@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: The annual Pipe Or-gan Concert at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) was a fantastic evening of music that showcased diverse sounds of the grand pipe organ.

The concert, conducted by Aus-

trian maestro Rupert Huber, fea-tured British soloist Ian Hockley, the Bavarian Radio Choir, Italian organist Franz Comploi, and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra.

It included organ solos, an a cap-pela choral piece, and several piec-es for that combined the organ, chorus and orchestra.

Ian Hockley’s solo performances

showcased the magnificent instru-ment on its own. The first piece, JS Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D Ma-jor BWV 532, is not only a beauti-ful piece, but it reveals just how many different sounds and tones the organ can produce.

At times Hockley’s hands and feet were all racing up and down the keyboards and pedals, creating sounds that were like a symphony just with the organ.

The second, Marcel Dupre’s Variations on a Noel, is an adven-turous, spirited piece that includes 10 small parts based on the same theme. At at times it sounded like

circus music, at times more sub-dued, so each piece introduced new moods.

The highlights of the concert were definitely the two pieces that included the pipe organ, played by Franz Comploi, the choir and the symphony all together. The first was Johannes Brahms’ Schick-salslied “Song of Destiny” Op. 54, which was originally written for chorus and orchestra; however, this arrangement featured the organ, too.

The addition of the pipe organ resulted in a richer, amplified or-chestral sound. The pipe organ wasn’t always distinguishable, but its notes blended in with the sym-phony instrument, enriching the piece. It was the kind of moving music that one can be completely spellbound by, when the only thing

that matters in the world is the music and nothing else.

The final piece, which also fea-tured the pipe organ, choir and symphony, was Alexander Boro-din’s Polovetsian Dances, from the opera Prince Igor.

Though not everyone would be familiar with the title and compos-er, the music would have been rec-ognisable to many, as it has been adapted for pop-culture, such as the song Stranger in Paradise.

Truly impressive!This version, also arranged to in-clude organ, was truly impressive! Again the pipe organ amplified the orchestral music, which, when combined with the powerful voic-es of the choir, created a very stir-ring, dramatic performance. The audience was thrilled, and gave

it an immediate standing ovation with loud cheers.

Conductor Rupert Huber, a na-tive of Austria, deserves a mention as well, since he was absolutely de-lightful to watch. Bursting with ex-citement, he bounced up and down with the music. At the end of the pieces he didn’t just walk off the stage, he actually scampered.

Clearly his enthusiasm was in-fectious, as the ROSO musicians performed beautifully under his baton, sounding the best they have in a long time.

While most of the time the audi-ence sees the organ at the back of the stage, the Pipe Organ Concert was a wonderful chance to hear it played, so hopefully there will be more than one concert featuring the pipe organ in future seasons at the ROHM.

The highlights of the Pipe Organ Concert

were definitely the two pieces that included

the pipe organ, played by Franz Comploi, the

choir and the symphony all together

MESMERISING SHOW: The concert, conducted by Austrian maestro Rupert Huber, featured British soloist Ian Hockley, the Bavarian Radio Choir, Italian organist Franz Comploi, and the Royal Oman Symphony

Orchestra. -Photos– Khalid Al Busaidi, ROHM

Asila village a top spot for tourists

JAALAN BANI BU ALI: Its moderate climate and fresh air throughout the year, particularly in the summer when the tempera-tures drop, make it an ideal desti-nation for tourists.

Located near the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, Asila coast-al village is one of the most beauti-ful tourist villages in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali in South Sharqiyah Governorate.

The village is 55 kilometres from the centre of the wilayat to the east, and shares a border in the south with Niyabat Al Ashkharah and in the north by Al Suwaih, Al Hadda, Al Bander and Al Jadeed, in addition to Al Ruwais, Al Khu-ba and Al Daffa. Asila is also 75 kms away from the Niyabat of Ras Al Hadd.

It derives from both the smell and breeze that flow through the alleys in its neighbourhoods, dis-tinctive for their modern yet dis-tinguished architecture.

It is famous for its abundant

Islamic platforms, in addition to a number of historic forts, rising among the mountains.

The village is one of the famous destinations visited by tourists from within and outside Oman.

Asila village is characterised by its golden beaches, filled with beautiful shells, where the vil-lagers and foreigners indulge in different sporting activities,

the most famous being fish-ing, swimming and windsurfing among others.

Fishing occupationThe population of the village, ac-cording to the 2010 census, was 4,000. Fishing is the main pro-fession in the village and an im-portant source of income for the villagers. Fishermen in Asila and

the neighbouring villages play an important role in providing do-mestic and overseas markets with various types of fish.

Asila beach was an impor-tant marina in ancient times for various merchant ships that car-ried goods and dried fish to East Asian and African countries, as well as to the Indian Ocean Rim countries. -ONA

B E A U T I F U L V I L L A G E

MODERATE CLIMATE: Asila village is located near the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, and it

derives from both the smell and breeze that flow through the alleys in its neighbourhoods. – ONA

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Flyover near Stars Cinema opened for motoristsSTAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT: Motorists, who pass through Ruwi, got a gift on Friday evening with the opening of a flyover near Stars Cinema.

On Friday evening, the fly-over near Stars Cinema was opened for traffic for people travelling towards Wadi Ka-bir from Lulu in Darsait.

On November 23, the fly-over was partially opened for motorists travelling to-wards Darsait.

“People going to Wadi Ka-bir side from Darsait can now use the flyover. It has eased the traffic congestion,” Bind-hu, a motorist, said.

Due to the road expansion work, motorists heading to Wadi Kabir had to use the narrow, congested road run-ning alongside the flyover.

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Al Khoudh residents urge regular water

“Living in Mabella currently is dif-ficult. I have a family of nine and it is hard to depend on water tank-ers,” said Al Bahri.

Saif Al Harthi, another Ma-bela resident, echoed Al Bahri’s thoughts. “This news comes af-ter years of dealing with the cur-rent situation in Mabella,” said Al Harthi, adding that Mabella resi-dents have urged the authorities concerned on numerous occasions to solve the water supply issue.

Hearing this news, a number of Al Khoudh residents have now urged PAEW to provide regular water supply to the sixth plot there.

“With PAEW announcing wa-ter supply to Mabela, we would like to know where we stand,” said Ali Abdullah, a resident of Al Khoudh.

He added that the project to in-stall a water supply network in the area has taken more than two years to complete. Many residents who bought land by paying more than

OMR55,000 are upset that they do not even receive basic amenities.

“Some residents have sold their properties and left,” complained Ali, while adding that the residents of the sixth plot in Al Khoudh have to depend on water tankers.

“We are not comfortable with that. They have been exploiting the situation and raising the price of water as per their convenience,” explained Ali.

Residents blame the authorities for having delayed the project.

“I don’t know why they are tak-ing so long to complete the pro-ject,” said Saoud Al Salmi, another resident. It is unbelievable that a place in Muscat, which is the country’s capital, lacks such a ba-sic amenity, he added.

Water distributed by PAEW’s increased to 10 million m3 in 2013 compared to the previous year when strong efforts were made to ensure that water enter-ing the distribution system was accurately recorded.

L A C K I N G A M E N I T Y

< FROM

A1 Future plans

Further expansions planned in three subsequent phases will boost capacity to 24, 36 and 40 million passengers as and when the demand increases.

Some of the new facilities and features at the new airport are a state-of-the-art Passenger Ter-minal Building, two runways, more than 7,000 parking spaces, dual 3-lane access road and im-pressive landscaping along the access and at the entrance to the airport and new Passenger Terminal Building.

The new passenger termi-nal building is designed in an aesthetic way, allowing light to travel through large spaces.

The design is based on 12 million annual passengers, with a net floor area of 340,000 square metres, giving passen-gers ample space. These ele-ments have all been carefully considered in order to provide passengers with the highest standards of comfort.

I M P R E S S I V E L A N D S C A P E

< FROM

A1

A US journalist and a South African teacher held by al

Qaeda militants in Yemen were killed alongside 10 of their

captors during a rescue attempt by US and Yemeni forces

Two hostages die as rescue bid fails >A7

A7

REGIONS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

Two hostages die as rescue bid fails

SANAA: A US journalist and a South African teacher held by al Qaeda militants in Yemen were killed alongside 10 of their cap-tors during a rescue attempt by US and Yemeni forces, senior officials said on Saturday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Al Qaeda militants killed Luke Somers, 33, and an-other foreign national hostage during the rescue operation, which he said was only approved because of information that their lives were at imminent risk.

Obama’s statement“The callous disregard for Luke’s life is more proof of the depths of AQAP’s (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) depravity, and fur-ther reason why the world must never cease in seeking to defeat

their evil ideology,” US President Barack Obama said in a state-ment.

He said he had authorised the attempted rescue and said the United States would “spare no effort to use all of its military, in-telligence and diplomatic capa-bilities to bring Americans home

safely, wherever they are located”.Somers was moved from the

scene of the rescue attempt but died later from his wounds, a sen-ior official in the Yemeni presi-dent’s office said. Relief group Gift of the Givers said South Af-rican teacher Pierre Korkie was killed in the operation.

“We received with sadness the news that Pierre was killed in an attempt by American Spe-cial Forces, in the early hours of this morning, to free hostages in Yemen,” it said in a statement on its website. -Reuters

US President Obama

said he authorised

the attempted rescue

in Yemen

A file video grab from a propa-

ganda video released by Al

Malahem Media on Thursday

purportedly shows US hostage

Luke Somers, 33. – AFP

This undated picture provided

on Saturday by the Gift of the

Givers charity group shows

South African Pierre Korkie.

– AFP

There was no new information about three other hostages,

a Briton, a Turk and a Yemeni, who had previously been

held alongside Somers and Korkie,

Yemeni security official

IS seizes part of key air base in SyriaBEIRUT: Extremists from the IS group seized part of the key regime air base at Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria in fierce fight-ing on Saturday, a monitoring group said.

“IS mounted a dawn attack on Deir Ezzor military airport and entered several areas as fierce clashes unfolded” between the extremists and regime forces there, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The assault began with a sui-cide bomber targeting the main gate, followed by an artillery bombardment, the Britain-based group said in its statement. -AFP

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INDIAS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

Terrorists tried to attack Indian democracy: Modi

HAZARIBAGH/PANAJI: A day after terror strikes rocked the Indian-administered Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said terrorists tried to at-tack Indian democracy but brave jawans sacrificed their lives pro-tecting the country’s security.

The prime minister also paid tributes to martyrs who laid down their lives while fighting militants.

“Terrorists tried to attack the democracy of India. But the brave jawans sacrificed their lives pro-tecting the country’s security,” he told an election rally here.

“I pay my tributes to Jharkhand’s brave son Sankalp Kumar Shukla and other brave jawans who sac-rificed their lives. Sankalp Kumar Shukla’s martyrdom will be re-membered by future generations in the state,” he said.

Kashmir Valley was on Friday rocked by four attacks by mili-tants from across the border, who stormed an army camp in Uri leav-ing 11 security personnel includ-ing Lt Colonel Sankalp Kumar dead and killed two civilians in Tral. The attacks and gun battles with security forces left in all 21 people dead. Among them was a top commander of terror outfit LeT and seven militants.

Modi, who will be holding a rally in Srinagar city on Monday, had condemned the terror attacks as “desperate attempts” to derail the atmosphere of hope created by the increased voter turnout and saluted the soldiers who laid down

their lives for the nation. Mean-while, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said the government is determined to continue its fight against terrorism and their perpe-trators in Jammu and Kashmir.

Condemning the strikes as

“cowardly”, he said the sacrifices made by security personnel will not go in vain.

“We (will) continue our fight against terror and their perpetra-tors,” Parrikar tweeted on Friday.

“I condemn this cowardly act

and assure that their(security personnel) sacrifice will not go in vain,” he said.

“I salute the soldiers and offic-ers who sacrificed their lives while protecting our motherland,” the minister said.

US condemns terror attack“The United States strongly con-demns Friday’s terrorist attacks in Kashmir, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, military, and police personnel,” a senior State Department official said.

The Kashmir Valley was on Fri-day rocked by four terror attacks by militants from across the bor-der who stormed an Army camp in Uri leaving 11 security personnel including a Lt Colonel dead and killed two civilians in Tral.

“The United States remains firmly committed to working in close partnership with India to de-feat terrorism in all its forms,” the State Department said in a state-ment on Friday.

“Our hearts go out to the fami-lies of those affected by this de-plorable attack,” it said.

The US has said on Friday that its policy on Kashmir has not changed and it is for India and Pa-kistan to decide on the pace and scope of peace talks between them.

Policy has not changed“Our policy on Kashmir hasn’t changed.We still believe that the pace and the scope and character of India and Pakistan’s dialogue on Kashmir is for those two countries to determine,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters.

“We are concerned about any violence in Kashmir,” she said.

“Of course our embassies in both places have raised these types of incidents with their re-spective host governments and certainly encouraged both to continue working together on the issue,” she said in response to a question. -PTI

Prime minister

terms the terror

attacks as ‘desperate

attempts’ to derail the

atmosphere of hope

created by the high

voter turnout in the

state elections

HUGE CACHE: Army displays huge cache of arms and ammunitions recovered from the militants who

attacked the army camp, in Uri on Saturday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Condoling the death of security personnel and civilians in the terror attacks in Kashmir Valley, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that these “destabilising attempts need to be crushed with resolve”.

“I salute the martyrs of the armed and police forces and convey my deepest condo-lences to the families of the ci-vilians killed in the deplorable and deliberate terror attacks in

Jammu and Kashmir,” Rahul said in a statement.

He further said that these destabilising attempts, being escalated from across the border in Pakistan, need to be crushed with resolve.

“And the Congress Party stands firm with the people of the state and government agencies in their efforts to counter terror and terrorists,” he said. They came just three days after a 72 per cent voter turnout was registered in the

second phase of incident-free Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in a rerun of record polling in the first phase.

Congress spokesperson and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid had on Friday cautioned the Centre against falling prey to “self-complacency” in the state and asked the Modi government to to “stand up a little bit and show the grit and determina-tion”. - PTI

‘Need to crush destabilising attempts with resolve’

Bengaluru, Chennai join ‘100 Resilient Cities’ network

NEW YORK: The two south Indian cities of Bengaluru and Chennai have joined the 100 Resilient Cities network, dedi-cated to helping cities around the world become more resil-ient to physical, social and economic challenges, for dem-onstrating a commitment to building their capacities in tackling 21st century issues.

The two Indian cities were chosen among 331 applications from cities around the world for 100RC network, pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, New York. Each city was asked to present a clear and compel-ling description of their major resilience challenges and how they are approaching and plan-ning for resilience to decrease vulnerabilities.

After the review of the ap-plications, a panel of judges including African Develop-ment Bank President Donald Kaberuka,President and CEO of the Asia Society Josette Sheer-an, and former President of Costa Rica Jose Maria Figueres, recommended the set of 35 member cities. The announce-ment of the incorporation of the 35 new cities was made on December 2 at the Rockefel-ler Foundation’s Urbans Resil-ience Summit in Singapore.

According to the network, Chennai was chosen for devel-oping coordinate disaster re-sponse plans to protect low-ly-ing coastal areas in the face of a high flood risk. On Bengaluru, it said that the city has a strong in-vestment in the tech support in-dustry but disruptions to infra-structure such as those caused by seasonal monsoon flooding can have serious negative con-sequences for industry and the city’s economic stability.

The other prominent cities to join the network include Ath-ens, Barcelona, London, Paris, Amman, Sydney and Boston. - PTI

R E S I L I E N C E S U M M I T

BABRI MASJID DEMOLITION ANNIVERSARYMembers of various organisations stage a demonstration on the occasion of anniversary

of Babri Masjid demolition, in New Delhi on Saturday. The protesters said that by demol-

ishing the Babri Masjid in 1992, several organisations violated the constitution, judiciary,

law and order and harmed the secular character of India on international level. - PTI

Key Burdwan blast accused Shahanoor Alam arrested GUWAHATI: Key suspect in Burdwan blast case and alleged motivational trainer of terror group Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) Shahanoor Alam has been arrested by Assam Police’s Special Operation Unit from his relative’s house in Nalbari district.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Khagen Sarma said Alam was nabbed “af-ter getting an information from a local person”.

Alam was arrested on Friday from Larkuchi village under Mukalmua police station in Nalbari district of Assam. With this, the total number of arrests in Assam in connection with the October 2 blast in Burdwan has gone upto ten.

“We have been after Shahanoor since the blast took place (on Oc-tober 2).Many times, we missed him narrowly. On Friday, Assam

Police’s Special Operation Unit received information about his hideout and accordingly arrested him,” Sarma said.

Alam has been arrested under Indian Penal Code Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 121 (waging, attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against

Government of India). He was produced at the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Kam-rup on Saturday and remanded to 14 days police custody.

One of the prime accused in the Burdwan blast case, Alam has so far been hiding at many places in Assam, Meghalaya and areas along the international bor-der with Bangladesh, but “he has not gone to Bangladesh after the blast”, the DGP said.

Talking about his involvement with the JMB, Sarma said, “He is not an expert in operational train-ing or militant activities in terms of use of arms or weapons. But he is very expert in motivational training and it is more dangerous.”

The top cop said Alam was closely connected with the Burd-wan blast and kept on visiting the place before the incident, besides having a good rapport with lead-ers of JMB in West Bengal and Bangladesh. - PTI

A S S A M

NABBED: Burdwan blast case

accused Sahanoor Alam, left,

being produced at a court in

Guwahati on Saturday. - PTI

A9

INDIAS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

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Aam aadmi should also be able to fly business class: KejriwalDUBAI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sat-urday stoutly defended himself against the opposition’s criticism of him travelling abroad in busi-ness class, saying that it was his dream for India that an ‘aam aad-mi’ should also be able to travel the same way.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Abu Dhabi Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Account-ants of India (ICAI), AAP National Convener, Kejriwal, claimed that “Our dream for India is that ‘aam aadmi’ should be able to travel business class.”

Kejriwal had on Thursday flown business class to Dubai to attend a felicitation event, sparking strong reaction from

the opposition which said his “real face” had been “exposed”. The AAP, however, sprang to Ke-jriwal’s defence, asking whether it was a crime to travel business class, a facility it said was provided by the organisers.

At the seminar, Kejriwal also spoke about India’s changing po-litical landscape and importance of economic development.

“Technology has played an im-portant role in creating jobs in India in recent years and has also helped in deterring corruption,” Kejriwal said.

Outlining the priorities of any government, he said that law and order, ensuring justice and improving and facilitating infra-structure development should be

at the top of the list.He said that if this is done with

good intentions, then the benefits reach the common man otherwise wealth gets accumulated in the hands of a few.

“There is urgent need to in-crease the number of courts to en-sure speedy justice especially in cases related to women,” he said adding that this can be done with-out much hassle.

“Some political leaders have had vested interest in not allow-ing judiciary to become efficient. This is because there have been cases against them and they didn’t want to become victims of such a change,” he said.

Kejriwal said he has plans to make Delhi, the national capital

of India a complete WiFi-city and make greater use of technology in surveillance and to maintain law and order. He said at least 20 new colleges are needed in Delhi to reduce pressure on existing ones and added that education upto 12th class should be free.

The AAP chief is on a five-day visit to Dubai and New York. In New York, he will deliver a lec-ture at the prestigious Colum-bia University and dine with his party supporters. Kejriwal, a former bureaucrat, is known for his simple lifestyle even when he became the Delhi chief min-ister. He said that if governance improves in the country, then things will change drastically. - PTI

D E F E N D E D O P P O S I T I O N C R I T I C I S M

BJP hits out at Congress for ‘doublespeak’

HYDERABAD: Union Parlia-mentary Affairs Minister M. Ven-kaiah Naidu on Saturday attacked the Congress for its “ugly dou-blespeak” in Parliament over Sad-hvi Niranjan Jyothi’s remarks, al-leging that the opposition party was working under pressure from ‘someone’ outside.

“The government rejects with contempt the ugly doublespeak and double-standards of Con-gress and its friends in Parlia-ment. The Congress is unable to digest that it has been relegated to the Opposition benches.It desperately wants power. But it should understand the spirit of the (people’s) mandate and let

Parliament function,” Naidu said.He said the Congress was seek-

ing to derive “vicarious satisfac-tion” by blocking the functioning of Parliament.

‘Assault on constitution’Castigating the Congress for casting aspersions on Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, the Minister asserted that no exter-nal force worked on her.

“Comments on the Speaker are an assault on the Constitution and the parliamentary system. The Congress is insulting the in-stitutions,” he said.

Referring to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the government was stifling the Opposition’s voice, Naidu pointed to the party’s “amazing

and dramatic” protest in Parlia-ment yesterday and said, “you are muzzling your own voice.”

“Even in protest they are bring-ing down the standards,” he said mocking at the way the “silent” protest with black bands tied to the mouths was organized under Gandhi’s leadership.

“We don’t need ‘pravachans’ (preachings) from the Congress about how to conduct public dis-course or maintain standards in public life. It was the Congress that degraded, devalued and de-molished standards in public life.

Even kids conduct themselves well,” Naidu remarked.

The veteran BJP leader asked the Congress to introspect why it lost power and why it continued to lose strength.

“A desperate Congress is in-dulging in desperate acts. It should understand the spirit of the mandate, come back to Par-liament and fulfil its responsibili-ties. There is a very good agenda.Come, let’s discuss and work to-gether for the welfare of people,” the Parliamentary Affairs Minis-ter appealed.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speak-er Sumitra Mahajan on Saturday said after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement over controversial remarks of Un-ion Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and her apology, the issue should be treated as closed and the House should function as per rules. - PTI

BJP leader Naidu

says Congress

is seeking to

derive ‘vicarious

satisfaction’ by

blocking the

functioning of

Parliament on

Sadhvi’s remarks

COMMUNAL OUTBURST: Union minister Niranjan Jyoti at Parliament House in New Delhi on Friday during the winter session of Parliament. - PTI

There is urgent need to increase the number of courts to ensure speedy justice especially in cases related to women

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP chief

A10

PAKISTAN S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

Top Al Qaeda leader killed in S. Waziristan operation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s mili-tary said Saturday it had killed a senior Al Qaeda leader wanted by the US over a 2009 plot to attack the New York subway system.

“In an intelligence borne opera-tion top Al Qaeda leader Adnan El Shukrijumah was killed by Pa-kistan Army in an early morning raid in Shinwarsak, South Wa-ziristan today,” the military said.

Shukrijumah, one of the FBI’s most wanted terrorists, was hid-ing in a compound in Shinwarsak, northwestern Pakistan, after flee-ing from neighbouring North Wa-ziristan tribal district where the army launched a major operation against militant bases in June, the military said.

“His accomplice and local facil-itator were also killed in the raid,” it added.

Saudi-born Shukrijumah is de-scribed by the FBI as “one of the leaders of Al Qaeda’s external op-erations programme” and is want-ed in connection with an attempt to blow up the New York subway in 2009, as well as for plots con-nected to targets in the United Kingdom. The FBI has a $5 mil-lion reward available for informa-tion leading to his arrest.

Pakistan military spokesman

Major General Asim Bajwa said in a tweet that five “terrorists” were also arrested during the raid.

“The intelligence had been working on the whereabouts

and movements of Shukrijumah for about five to six years,” a sen-ior Pakistani security official told AFP.

Local intelligence official and

residents said that authorities had sealed all entry points to South Waziristan and shut down phone networks before the raid.

The operation started late Friday and residents in Wana, a main town in South Waziristan, some 15 kilometres east of Shin-warsak, heard the gun fire and helicopters’ movements.

Four drones“Two Pakistani helicopters as well as four drones had been fly-ing very low in the area since early morning and then gunfire contin-ued for several hours,” a tribes-man in the neighbouring Azam Warsak village told AFP.

It was not immediately clear if the drones were part of the US’s covert drone programme, which usually target Taliban militants in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

He said that there were also re-ports of militants from the Haqqa-ni network, which is aligned with the Afghan Taliban, in the area where the raid took place.

Analyst Imtiaz Gul said that the

raid against Al Qaeda reflected a shift in Pakistan’s military policy to go after every militant group.

“It means Pakistan army is changing its position on Al Qae-da, on how it views the militant groups,” Gul told AFP.

“This also shows that they are going for an indiscriminate ac-tion against (all militant groups) who are a source of destabilisa-tion, not only in Pakistan but also Afghanistan,” Gul said.

Started as a dishwasherUS investigators told CNN in 2010 that Shukrijumah is believed to have worked his way up into the leadership ranks of Osama Bin Laden’s terror network after starting out as a dishwasher at an Al Qaeda training camp.

The FBI believe he then went to Pakistan’s Waziristan region, and ascended to his current position after two other Al-Qaeda opera-tional leaders were killed in sus-pected US drone strikes.

Shukrijumah moved to Amer-ica as a young child, living in the New York borough of Brooklyn, before moving with his family to Florida in the 1990s, according to FBI investigators.

As an adult, he worked odd jobs and took classes at a local college, including an English course with a professor who remembered his former student when FBI agents came knocking years later.

The semi-autonomous tribal areas that border Afghanistan have for years been a hideout for extremist militants of all stripes -- including Al Qaeda and the homegrown Taliban as well as foreign fighters such as Uzbeks and Uighurs.

Washington pressed Islamabad for years to wipe out the sanc-tuaries in the North Waziristan tribal area, which militants have used to launch attacks on Nato forces in Afghanistan.

The military launched a ma-jor offensive in North Waziristan in June and say they have killed more than 1,100 militants so far, with 100 soldiers losing their lives in the operation. — AFP

In an intelligence

borne operation

top Al Qaeda

leader Adnan El

Shukrijumah was

killed by Pakistan

Army in an early

morning raid in

Shinwarsak, the

military said

BIG SUCCESS: A Pakistani man watches a television broadcasting news of top Al Qaeda leader Adnan

El Shukrijumah, in Islamabad on Saturday. — AFP

It means Pakistan army is changing its position on Al Qaeda, on how it views the militant groups. This also shows that they are going for an indiscriminate action against (all militant groups) who are a source of destabilisation, not only in Pakistan but also Afghanistan

Imtiaz GulAnalyst

Do not link gas pipeline to sanctions, says LarijaniISLAMABAD: Iranian parlia-mentary Speaker Dr Ali Larijani on Friday said Pakistan must not link the multibillion-dollar gas pipeline with economic sanctions on Tehran and stressed that the project could create “lasting secu-rity for our economic interests”.

“Pakistan should not attach the gas project with economic sanc-tions because under the same circumstances we are selling gas to Turkey and other countries,” Larijani told a news conference before wrapping up his two-day trip to Islamabad. During the visit, he called on President Mam-noon Hussain, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Nayyar Bokhari.

Talking to reporters, Larijani in-sisted that the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project was favour-able to Pakistan because it would provide the country access to a reliable source of energy in future.

The Iranian speaker said he was assured by the Pakistani leadership that the project would be completed.

Border tensionsReplying to a question, Larijani made it clear that the recent border tension between Pakistan and Iran could not undermine ties between the two countries. He stressed the need for closer cooperation be-tween the intelligence agencies of the two countries to deal with mili-tant threat in the border area.

“I am confident now that Paki-stan’s intelligence service Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is ca-pable enough and strong enough,” he said. “ISI’s counterparts in Iran are very powerful as well, so if they cooperate with each other, if they connect to each other, they can easily overcome these trivial matters. I am sure such coopera-tion can solve problems in future,” he added.

He also condemned the ac-tivities of the IS and accused the United States of creating the ultra-extremist group which he said was creating fissures within the Islam-ic world. - Express Tribune

S E E K I N G S E C U R I T Y

All votes at constituency should be recounted, Imran tells poll tribunalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan recorded his statement regard-ing the alleged National Assem-bly-122 (NA) rigging in last year’s general polls at a hearing of an election tribunal today, Express News reported on Saturday.

Presenting his evidence, Imran reportedly told the tribunal that all votes at the constituency should be recounted and evidence would present itself.

Speaking to the media after PTI representatives met with Lahore district body and traders’ bodies in Gulberg on Saturday, Imran said that if the government was convinced about the transparency of the elections, it would not be so hesitant about accountability.

“The evidence is in the ballot bags. Why are they so scared of opening them?”

The PTI chief demanded that the government explain why it was hiding behind the stay orders if it was so sure about the outcome of the elections.

The tribunal will decide on Monday, whether the votes will be recounted or not.

Ahead of his arrival at the hear-ing earlier in the day, PTI support-ers gathered at the election com-mission office and chanted ‘Go Nawaz go’ slogans. Pakistan Mus-lim League-Nawaz supporters also arrived outside the office to coun-ter with PTI supporters.

Supporters and unauthorised persons were, however, not al-lowed to enter the election com-mission office.

1970 polls fairAhead of his departure for Lahore, Imran addressed the media and claimed that all elections held in the country, with the exception of the 1970 elections, were subjected to rigging.

“Even those who have won the elections will say that rigging has taken place,” he said, adding that he was hopeful that there would

be justice following the tribunals. During an election tribunal hear-ing on November 29, the judge had requested Imran to present wit-nesses for the alleged rigging in NA-122 in the May 2013 elections.

More than 15 witnesses were presented and their statements were heard.

Plan CWhen questioned about his ‘Plan C’, Imran said that “Plan C has not even begun yet”.

He urged the people of Faisal-abad to join him in his shut-down of the city if they wanted revolu-tion. ”I am telling people to come out with me if they want a revo-lution,” he said.

Imran concluded that if the ju-dicial commission does not carry out proper negotiations, he would continue with his programme.

“Faisalabad will be shut down on Monday. If the people want freedom and justice, they should be willing to make sacrifices,” The Imran said. Imran said that he apologises in advance for any inconvenience that their protest may cause residents.

“There will be no forceful clos-ing of shops or businesses, but we ask the people to join us in this call,” the PTI chief urged.

Imran added that he would be making his way to the city to lead the call for shut down.

During Saturday’s press confer-ence, PTI Punjab President Ejaz Chaudhry informed about surety given by traders and district bar council regarding closure in Fais-alabad on Monday.

On that, Imran announced that both the bodies had decided to join PTI’s call for shut down in the city.

Imran said that if any PTI law-maker, who has submitted their resignation from the assembly, went to the parliament, they will be expelled from the party.

New election body chiefThe PTI chief added that the party held Justice Sardar Raza in high esteem as the newly appointed Chief of Election Commissions (CEC), adding that there was no political party which did not raise allegations of rigging in the 2013 general elections.

The PTI chief claimed that the

recent drop in petroleum prices was due to their protests.

While answering a question regarding allegations made by the government that the PTI protests were hurting the econ-omy, Imran said Ishaq Dar had claimed in August that the econ-omy was doing well, with the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif claiming otherwise.

He added that said that the gov-ernment should first make up its mind and then complain.

NegotiationsAsked about the resumption of talks between the PTI and the government, Imran said that they would pick up negotiations from where they broke off.

While conceding that his party had backed off its demand for the PM’s resignation, Imran insisted that composition of a Joint Inter-rogation Team (JIT) must include representatives of Military Intel-ligence (MI) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

He alleged that the govern-ment was backing out of its earlier agreed stance. — Express Tribune

A L L E G E D R I G G I N G

Speaking to the media after PTI representatives met with Lahore district body and traders’ bodies in Gulberg on Saturday, Imran said that if the government was convinced about the transparency of the elections, it would not be so hesitant about accountabilityON A MISSION: Imran Khan

PML-N lawmaker Askani disqualifiedQUETTA: Balochistan High Court’s Election Tribunal has disqualified Advisor to Chief Minister Balochistan on Fisheries Akbar Askani from the Balo-chistan Assembly.

The judge of election tribunal, Justice Hashim Kakar, has di-rected the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold re-polling in the Kech constiuency, from where Askani was elected as ,e,ber of Provincial Assem-blyon a ticket of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

The court declared PML-N’s Akbar Askani’s election as a member of the Balochistan As-sembly nil and void.

Ruling National Party (NP) leader Akram Dashti had filed a petition in the tribunal and de-manded verification of the votes from www.nadra.gov.pk/

National Database and Reg-istration Authority (NADRA). The court gave verdict in favour of Dashti after verification was concluded by NADRA.

Askani was also the member of the Committee on Industries, Mining mineral development, Labour and Manpower.

Re-election orderedThe Balochistan Election Com-missioner Sultan Bayyazeed said there would be re-election in the entire constituency following the directives of the tribunal.

Two more cases are pend-ing with the tribunal, seeking disqualification of two other members of the assembly. — Express Tribune

B A L O C H I S T A N

Akbar Askani

ANP leader attacked

KARACHI: Less than two weeks after the Awami National Party’s (ANP) District West president was killed, another senior party leader came under attack from militants in the same area in broad daylight on Friday.

Dr Murad Ali Shah, 35, was targeted on his way from his resi-dence in Baldia Town to the ANP office in District West. Shah, a homeopathic doctor, was shot twice by armed motorcyclists, wounding his lungs. His condi-tion was said to be critical. An-other party leader, Sher Khan, who was driving the car, re-mained unhurt in the attack.

The incident occurred in Or-angi Town. “They (the assailants)

had been following the car since we left home. We took shelter near a police mobile, scaring them off, but they returned soon after and opened fire on us,” ex-plained Khan, who retaliated with his own weapon.

Shah is not the only leader from ANP to be attacked by mili-tants. A number of party activ-ists, including two presidents for District West, Dr Ziauddin and Saeed Ahmed Khan, and a general secretary, Haji Hanif Advocate, have lost their lives in targeted attacks.

The slain leaders had been re-ceiving extortion demands and threats from the Taliban. — Express Tribune

I N C R I T I C A L C O N D I T I O N

The intelligence had been working on the

whereabouts and movements of Shukrijumah

for about five to six years

Senior security official

A11

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Additional 1,000 US troops to stay in Afghanistan

KABUL: The United States will keep up to 1,000 more soldiers than previously planned in Af-ghanistan into next year, outgo-ing US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said on Saturday, in a recog-nition of the still formidable chal-lenge from Taliban insurgents. Hagel, officially confirming a change in the US drawdown schedule first reported by Reu-ters, said the additional troops were a temporary measure and did not change the long term time line for withdrawing troops.

He said US forces in Afghani-stan could fall only to 10,800 troops, rather than 9,800 as origi-nally planned. The additional troops could stay until the first few months of 2015, while agree-ments were reached with other coalition partners to fill the gap, Hagel added. “But the president’s authorisa-tion will not change our troops’

missions, or the long-term time-line for our drawdown,” Hagel said during an unannounced trip to Afghanistan. Earlier, Hagel expressed con-fidence in the ability of Afghan forces to defend Kabul following a spike in Taliban strikes. Hagel’s visit followed the bloodi-est year in Afghanistan since the war against Taliban militants began in 2001, and a particularly violent wave of attacks in the cap-ital in the last two weeks. It also came just weeks before the official end of the Nato-led com-bat mission and a sharp reduction in western forces.

Confidence“I have confidence that the Af-ghan security forces have the capacity to defend Kabul,” Hagel told reporters before landing in Kabul, where he discussed secu-rity with Afghan leaders and US commanders. As of early November, some 4,600 members of the Afghan security forces had been killed in 2014,

more than six per cent higher than the same period of 2013. Even as US officials including Hagel praised the accomplish-ments of Afghan forces as foreign troops moved into a support role, the high rate of Afghan casualties is seen as unsustainable. It has also raised questions about their vulnerability when US forces fall to about 10,800 next year. US President Barack Obama’s drawdown strategy has attracted criticism, including from Repub-licans in Congress, who say hard-fought gains made against the Taliban could be lost in much the same way that violence returned to Iraq after the US withdrawal. Hagel, who resigned last week under pressure, warned against drawing comparisons between Iraq and Afghanistan, saying Af-ghans want US forces to stay. “Are there (security) gaps? Are there continued challenges? And threats? Absolutely,” Hagel ac-knowledged, noting Afghanistan would still struggle with “pock-ets” of Taliban resistance. - Reuters

US Defense

Secretary Chuck

Hagel officially

confirming a change

in the US drawdown

schedule first

reported by Reuters,

said the additional

troops were a

temporary measure

BRIEFING: US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel, left, speaks while flanked by Mohammed Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, during a news conference at the Presidential Arg Palace, on Saturday in Kabul. - AFP

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Brace yourself for you are about to be hit with a volley of stats. Ready? According

to figures produced by the Office for National Statistics, 58,220 people aged between 30 and 39 left London between June 2012 and June 2013. It is the highest

number on record. The peak Lon-don-leaving age for men is 36 and for women it is 34.

Where are they headed? Where could possibly be better? Birming-ham. Yes, Birmingham (please, stop smirking).

In the space of just one year, some 5,480 people, including me, moved to Brum from the capital, making it the most attractive city for Londoners.

Next was Bristol, some way off at 3,290, followed by Manches-ter with 3,260, Nottingham with 2,990 and Oxford with 2,720.

I should say, right away, that I’m from Birmingham originally. I was tempted to leave that out because I know exactly what im-pression it gives.

You think I’ve just moved home, right? That it was a simple switch. Wrong.

I lived in London for 12 years - it was home. Moreover it remains home for all of my friends.

I loved London, and still do. Birmingham was one of three

cities my wife and I considered (alongside Bristol and Cardiff ). If anything, it felt like a huge step backwards.

But in the end it won through on merit, and not because I felt any sense of loyalty or belonging. Bir-mingham made me the best offer.

There was no promise of a better paid job. I didn’t have a job to go to. Birmingham won through house prices, culture, restaurants and bars.

It also offered good schools (well, nurseries), space, and low start up costs for new companies. Most importantly, though, it did it through aspiration.

It’s not the best city in the UK, but it wants to be. And I love that. It’s a city on the move and I get to contribute.

The push factors were equally pressing. With a child on the way we needed to get on the ladder. We were viewing half decent London flats in terrible areas, or terrible flats in half decent areas and we realised that, actually, we didn’t

have to compromise.The average price of a house in

London is a depressing £400,000, but in Brum it’s just £133,000.

On top of that I think we real-ised that a dozen years of jousting with just over 8m Londoners day in, night out, at work, on the Tube and at the bar, just wasn’t right for us any more.

It was fun while it lasted, but fun doesn’t give my daughter a garden. I tell you what the really difficult part was: telling people. I’m a magazine editor and in the media world the lure of London and the blind allegiance that media types show the capital is strong, verging on the insane.

The looks of bafflement on many faces when I told them I was cashing my chips in and heading to Brum were, sometimes, excru-ciating. But do you know what’s even more insane?

Staying in a city based on its reputation instead of what it actually offers you. — The Independent

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TODAY IN HISTORY

OPINION POLL

43BC Cicero, considered one of the greatest sons of Rome, is assassinated on the orders of Marcus Antonius.

983 Otto III takes the throne after his father’s death in Italy. A power struggle between magnates ensues.

1787 Delaware becomes the first state to

ratify the Constitution of the United States.

1917 The United States declares war on

Austria-Hungary with only one dissenting vote in Congress.

1918 Spartacists call for a German

revolution.

Y2K HEALTH FAIR ON DECEMBER 12MUSCAT: A Y2K Health Fair, sponsored by Sultan Qaboos University, will be opened on December 12 at Al Araimi Complex. The fair, which will run until December 14, will focus on proper health care for Y2K, the year 2000 and the start of the new millen-nium. Information will be provided on medical issues like dietary health, smoking, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cholesterol. The university’s College of Agriculture will have a display area devoted to food research and careers in food science.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

The United States has historically reacted with doubt or indifference when African-Americans speak of police officers who brutalise — or even kill — people with impunity. Affluent and middle-class white Americans who were treated with

respect by the police had difficulty imagining the of-ten life-threatening mistreatment that black Ameri-cans of all walks of life dealt with on a daily basis. Perhaps those days are passing away.

You can see that from the multiracial cast of the demonstrations that have swept the nation since when a grand jury decided not to indict a white New York City police officer whose chokehold killed Eric Garner, an unarmed black man.

In city after city, white and non-white citizens have surged through the streets chanting or bearing signs with Garner’s final words: “I can’t breathe.” Others chanted: “Hands up; don’t shoot” or “Black lives matter” — slogans from the racially troubled town of Ferguson, Mo., where another grand jury de-clined to indict the officer who shot to death 18-year-old Michael Brown.

The viral spread of the demonstrations — and the wide cross section of Americans who are organising and participating in them — shows that what was once seen as a black issue is on the way to being seen as a central, American problem.

The question of the moment is whether the coun-try’s political leadership has the will to root out abusive and discriminatory policing — corrosive, longstanding problems that bore down on minority communities, large and small, urban and suburban.

The scope of the problem is evident from the work of the Justice Department, which has opened 20 investigations into local police departments over the last five years and is currently enforcing reform agreements with 15 departments, some of which were investigated in previous administrations.

This week, Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. re-leased a particularly alarming report on the bar-baric conduct of the police department in Cleveland, which has been riven with discord in recent weeks, after a white police officer shot and killed a 12-year-old black boy, Tamir Rice, who was holding a toy gun.

The Times reported that the officer had quit a sub-urban police force after his supervisors judged that he had a “dangerous loss of composure” during fire-arms training and was emotionally unprepared to deal with the stresses of the job.

The Cleveland Police Department had failed to examine the officer’s work history before hiring him. Thus an officer who had been unable to cope in a sub-

urban district was given the power of life and death over people in a big city, where the task of policing the streets is far more demanding.

The Justice Department report describes the Cleveland Police Department as something far closer to an occupying military force than a legitimate law enforcement agency. The officers, for example, seem to take a casual view of the use of deadly force, shoot-ing at people who pose no threat of harm to the police or others. In one case in 2013, for example, they actu-ally fired at a victim who had been held captive in a house — as he escaped, clad only in boxer shorts.

The report catalogued numerous incidents of wan-ton violence, with officers beating, pepper-spraying and Tasering people who were unarmed or had al-ready been restrained. Officers escalated encounters with citizens instead of defusing them, making force all but inevitable.

The record in Cleveland is extreme. But aspects of illegal police conduct can be found in cities all over the country, subjecting millions to intimidation and fear that they could be killed for innocent actions.

Congress will have an opportunity to discuss this issue soon, during the Senate confirmation hearings of Loretta Lynch, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, who has been nomi-nated to succeed Holder as attorney general.

Lynch’s office will oversee the federal civil rights investigation into the Garner case. Some in Con-gress clearly understand that the grand jury’s failure to indict the officer — despite a clear video showing him choking the man — deserves review, not just on its face, but because it goes to the heart of the funda-mental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Others, however, seem poised to argue that the federal government, which has a clear responsibil-ity to enforce civil rights laws, should not be taking the lead. Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, for example, asked, “Why does the federal govern-ment feel like it is its responsibility and role to be the leader in an investigation in a local instance?” That sounds like something out of the Jim Crow era, when Southern states argued that they were entitled to treat black citizens any way they wished.

Holder was on the mark when he said that the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Tamir Rice raised urgent, national questions about the breakdown of trust between minority communities and the police forces that are supposed to serve and protect them.

That so many are in the streets protesting police abuse shows that outrage over these injustices is spreading. Now it is up to the nation’s political lead-ers to confront this crisis. — The New York Times News Service

Hope and anger at Garner protests

Affluent and middle-class white Americans who were treated with respect by the police had difficulty imagining the often life-threatening mistreatment that black Americans of all walks of life dealt with on a daily basis

After leading massive shows of strength across the country, Khan is now planning to shut down the country as part of his protest campaign unless the Sharif government forms a judicial commission

Finally, Pakistan has a chief election commis-sioner (CEC). The appointment of Justice (retired) Sardar Raza Khan to what has be-

come probably the hottest ‘hot potato’ seat in the country came close on the heels of a December 8 deadline from the Supreme Court.

Three previous timelines proved elusive as the Leader of the House locked heads with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly — low-er house of the bicameral legislature — to shortlist three candidates for the Parliamentary Committee to pick the final one.

This time, the apex court, which had provided the services of one of its judges to fill in the CEC’s slot was so miffed that not only did it withdraw the judge, but also warned of issuing contempt notices on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Op-position Leader Khurshid Shah if they failed their legal undertaking.

The CEC’s position had fallen vacant after Justice (retired) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim resigned in July last year — four years before the octogenarian’s ten-ure was to officially end — over allegations that he failed to preside over a transparent election.

Ebrahim is still a highly respectable figure and his appointment followed a rare consensus across the political divide. However, what prompted him to throw in the towel was the severe criticism of his in-ability to stop alleged irregularities that have come to define the 2013 polls.

It is a measure of how much of a Mad Hatter’s race it is to find a CEC that fits the bill for political parties that it has been 16 months since Pakistan had one to address nagging poll issues.

The biggest hurdle in the way of the CEC ap-pointment — apart from the similar lethargy shown by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in dragging its feet on appointing heads of dozens of important state entities — is the approach of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan.

The PTI has been leading a protest campaign for more than three months now over claims that the 2013 election was systemically stolen from it to pave the way for PML-N’s return to power.

The PML-N denies a role in it even though all mainstream political parties, including Sharif ’s rul-ing party, agree the elections were rigged!

However, Khan’s PTI is the only party going to town about it after resigning their seats in the Na-tional Assembly and provincial assemblies where they had representation save for the Khyber-Pakh-tunkhwa province which they rule.

Khan is seeking a judicial probe into last year’s

election — a demand Sharif agreed to under pres-sure and, to which end, he even wrote a letter to the Supreme Court last August, but which was declined.

The PTI has long complained that no authority invested with providing justice — be it the election tribunal, which is the first port of call for addressing poll complaints; the Election Commission; the Par-liamentary Committee on Election Reforms; or the Supreme Court — have paid heed to their grievances.

After leading massive shows of strength across the country, Khan is now planning to shut down the country as part of his protest campaign unless the Sharif government forms a judicial commission and conducts joint investigation into the conduct of 2013 polls with members of both the Inter-Services Intel-ligence and Military Intelligence being part of it.

The PTI’s grouse has become more pronounced because no other party is demanding an audit and there is a general impression that any occasional pitch from other parties is meant for public con-sumption only as they converge to protect the spoils they currently enjoy, fearing that a re-election would impinge on even that score, not improve on it.

This became evident when Khan’s PTI was com-pletely isolated during a joint parliamentary ses-sion last August (the party’s MPs made only one token appearance to make a point) even as all the other parties backed Sharif to remain in the saddle and “save the system”— restricting a concession for Khan to merely jointly work on poll reforms.

In the absence of a dedicated, and more signifi-cantly, independent chief election commissioner, these issues have pushed a vertically politically di-vided country to the edge of precipice.

The Election Commission, which is yet to take up serious complaints begging a resolution, also stands accused of being a handmaiden of the gov-ernment. Its failure to open poll verification in constituencies at the heart of the rigging claims despite a passage of more than one-and-a-half years reinforces that view.

Kneejerk reactions to charges of failure have also left its reputation in tatters. From issuing a report that indicted its own shortcomings to flatly denying it later as just a paper of recommendations and from denying it ever published extra ballots in August to admitting this month it did and 9.3 million at that, has befuddled the electorate.

The new CEC clearly has his task cut out.

The author is a senior journalist based in Islamabad. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman.

CEC at last, but it’s going to be a tightrope walk now

HISTORYNET.COMLetters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

Corruption index finds clean growth at risk

GraphicsGraphic News /

Corruption continues to be a problem for all countries, according to Transparency International, with corporate secrecy and global money laundering making it harder for emerging economies to fight graft

GraphicsGraphic News /Source: Transparency International

More thantwo-thirds ofcountries scoredbelow 50

12345=5=78910

DenmarkNew ZealandFinlandSwedenSwitzerlandNorwaySingaporeNetherlandsLuxembourgCanada

92918987868684838281

166=166=166=169170171172173174=174=

EritreaLibyaUzbekistanTurkmenistanIraqSouth SudanAfghanistanSudanNorth KoreaSomalia

1818181716151211

88

12141726376469100136161

GermanyUKUnited StatesFranceSpainTurkeyItalyChinaRussiaAngola

79787469604543362719

Corruption Perceptions Index, 2014175 Countries Ranked From 0-100

Very Clean (100)

HighlyCorrupt (0)

Selected results(Rank, country, cpi score)

No data

LAST POLL RESULT

Will the planned law to deal with abandoned vehicles help curb the problem?

Should Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sack minister of state Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti for her hate speech?

Visit timesofoman.com to cast your vote

Yes65.1%

No27.9%

Can't say7%

Tahrir Square is no long-er the festival of hope and anticipation that

greeted me when I first arrived in Cairo in September 2011.

Three years later, when it’s not being tactically closed by the government to help pre-vent any further mass pro-tests, it’s a place of bitterness and disappointment.

I lived just round the corner from Tahrir Square at the time of the Egyptian revolution. When I first arrived I wit-nessed the fresh hope and ex-citement of a people who had just realised the force of their own power.

But that hope has quickly disappeared, after desperate attempts to initiate change were constantly thwarted.

The acquittal of former president Hosni Mubarak on a flimsy legal technicality comes as no shock in an Egypt still ruled by injustice.

His freedom has become a symbol of the revolution’s failure. But Egypt’s youth are not ready to give up the struggle for the revolution’s ideals just yet.

More civil unrest is likely to lie ahead. But given the brutal crackdowns by the government so far, it seems unlikely that protests will change anything.

The court’s verdict confirms the dominance of Egypt’s mili-tary. The legal system remains under their control.

The freedom of speech that so many fought for three years ago has been almost completely quashed.

Any dissent is stamped on immediately and hundreds of dissenters have been killed and more sent to jail.

Whether the balance can ever be readdressed through protest or political activity re-mains to be seen.

Live ammunition and tanks are the current responses to any form of protest.

Civilians are being tried at military rather than ci-vilian courts.

Just after Mubarak was cleared the other day, one such court sentenced almost 200 people to death.

Likewise, a judge in South-ern Cairo sentenced 529 peo-

ple to death in March, for at-tacking a police station and killing two policemen.

The same judge then sen-tenced another 683 people to death a month later. Mass death sentences like these only serve to shift the balance of power even further towards the army.

It’s also coupled with an in-formant culture cultivated at Sisi’s hands, which is instill-ing fear and distrust amongst civilians.

It’s likely that the outrage of Mubarak’s acquittal will help reinvigorate the revo-lutionary movement, which remains fatigued from four years of struggle. Protests erupted across Cairo’s uni-versities when the verdict was announced.

On a recent evening two people were killed and nine injured when around 1,000 protestors tried to enter Tahrir Square.

For any protest to work, there needs to be a return to the cohesion of 2011. Yet the sweeping class and religious unity, which was the vision of the Arab Spring, seems as far away as ever.

Mubarak loyalists, Sisi sup-porters, liberals, and the Mus-lim Brotherhood are just a few of Egypt’s increasingly dispa-rate political groups, and with many of their hopes raised by the upheaval of 2011, they con-tinue to clash over what’s best for the country’s future.

As we near the end of 2014, it doesn’t look like Egypt will be returning to the glimpses of democracy it had just a few years ago.

Despite some small pockets of resistance, for most Egyp-tians morale is low and the fu-ture looks bleak. — The Independent

The Egyptian Revolution is officially over

DISCRIMINATORY POLICING

Afghanistan is once again in the global spotlight as world leaders and donors and other interested parties meet in London to at-tempt to bring shape and cohesion to a country that has known

little but warfare for more than 30 years. This is the first post-Karzai moot of any size or heft, and it had a positive edge to it. It was a telling comment by John Kerry, US secretary of state, that indicated that a fresher breeze was blowing — “We have a government in Kabul that merits our confidence” — and went on to say that Afghanistan can be confident of the support of the international community.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also in attendance and seemingly keen to build on the warming of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan that has flowed from the visit of President Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan last month. There as well was the Afghan Chief Executive Officer, Abdullah Abdullah, who, against the grain of cynical analysis, is building a useful working relationship with President Ghani.

Every conference about Afghanistan is important but some are more important than others, and in terms of importance, the London moot is head and shoulders above the rest. The country after 13 years of war — a war which continues — has an aid-based economy at one level and is drug-dependent at another, with the world’s largest crop of opium poppies feeding the global heroin habit. The largest genuine revenue earner is pomegranates and it is a long way from replacing the ubiquitous poppy. The Pakistani prime minister spoke of a “Transfor-mation Decade” during which he hoped that Afghanistan would be-come self-reliant.

It remains a country deeply in crisis and it will be so for years to come. That said and accepted, there really is a more positive ‘feel’ to bilateral relations, and a willingness to work together to share and perhaps, even resolve some of the problems that have dogged relations between us for far too long. Almost by chance, a climate of opportunity has developed in the last four or five months. We cannot afford to miss the opportunities it offers. — The Express Tribune

Hope springs eternal

If only governing America, Barack Obama must be thinking, were as leisurely and straightforward as exploring space. True, a valve malfunction delayed planned test flight of the Orion spacecraft

that, more than a decade from now is intended to take astronauts to Mars. But mere technical problems can be ironed out. Here on Earth, however, as the leader of the world’s most powerful country is learn-ing — and not for the first time — human problems are much tougher to solve. A presidency that began almost six years ago amid so much hope is on the edge of unravelling.

Last month’s midterm elections reduced Democratic strength in Congress to one of its lowest points in a century. Obama’s signature achievement, healthcare reform, is under constant assault on Capi-tol Hill and in the courts. Bitter controversy envelops his attempts to overhaul the broken US immigration system. And then there is America’s original sin, race.

At first glance, the election of the first black president suggested that the US was entering a post-racial era, but events in Ferguson, Missouri, and now New York have wrecked such illusions. There may be sound legal reasons why separate grand juries have decided that no charges be brought against white police officers who killed two black suspects: Michael Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in Staten Is-land, New York.

But to the uninitiated, the officers’ actions in both cases seem grossly disproportionate; an impression has been created that black lives do not matter. Outrage in the black community is at a level not seen since the acquittal in 1992 of police officers over the savage beating of the black motorist Rodney King, provoking deadly riots in Los Angeles.

Obama’s reaction, as in other issues he has faced, has been oddly passive. He urges greater trust between police and ordinary citizens, and more accountability for the former. Yet critics complain that he should have visited Ferguson in person, or should make a major speech on race, akin to the one he delivered in Philadelphia, to near-universal acclaim, during the 2008 campaign.

But for a black president, more than for a white one, race is an acutely sensitive issue on which to speak out. It is laden with the risk of unintended consequences.

Space exploration, by comparison, is simple. The Orion project — like the first flights beyond our atmosphere, mankind’s first footsteps on the Moon and the recent, stunning, landing of the Rosetta probe on Comet 67P, hundreds of millions of miles from Earth — contains a good measure of escapism.

One day humans will make it to Mars. But it’s a safe bet that, when they do, race will still bedevil America. — The Independent

Obama’s challenges at home are daunting

T O M C U L L E N

B R E N T S TA P L E S

KA M R A N R E H M AT

R E B E C C A B A N AT VA L A

Pakistanis always pray for His Majesty’s good healthThis refers to the news story, Prayers for HM’s good health in Pakistan (December 6). Oman and Pakistan share a lot of com-mon features between them and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has always been a revered personality in Pakistan. We the citizens of Pakistan have always wished the very best for His Majesty the Sultan and shall con-tinue to pray for his good health and long life. Iqbal LatifGhubra

Housemaids too deserve respect and right salaryThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many sup-port move (December 6). There

is good and there is bad; all maids are not the same but we need to be treated like human beings. For a person who is open-minded it’s not too difficult to under-stand that we too deserve to be respected, rest and be paid the right salary. Lyn Aguirre NionesMuscat

Housemaids are as human as their masters areThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many support move (December 6). The domestic helps or the house-maids are just as humans as their masters are. It is time that we comply with international charter of human rights. Issa Al-HarthyCairo

Best solution is to ban employing housemaidsThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many sup-port move (December 6). I have never been in support of having domestic helps or housemaids. Why can’t we ourselves clean our own houses and cook our own food? Why can’t we look after our children? Let one member of the family stay at home to do the housework or create a roster within the family. Ban domestic workers all together.Mundhir Al-KhusaibiMuscat

A good move to protect rights of housemaids This refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many

support move (December 6). This is indeed a welcome move. A unified contract will protect the rights of domestic helpers. We laud the GCC ministers for initiating such a positive step and look forward to its effective implementation.Lissy JosephMuscat

No employer will admit tomistreating housemaidsThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many support move (December 6). No employer will admit to mistreating their house-maid. I believe housemaids will not complain doing extra hours of work if they are treated well and taken care of.Hazel Marifa Kapunan Camsa Muscat

READERS’ FORUM

website: www.newindiaoman.com

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Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidityFRANK LEAHY

I don’t regret leaving London

It’s likely that the outrage of Mubarak’s acquittal will help reinvigorate the revolutionary movement, which remains fatigued from four years of struggle. Protests erupted across Cairo’s universities when the verdict was announced. Two people were killed and nine injured when around protestors tried to enter Tahrir Square

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Brace yourself for you are about to be hit with a volley of stats. Ready? According

to figures produced by the Office for National Statistics, 58,220 people aged between 30 and 39 left London between June 2012 and June 2013. It is the highest

number on record. The peak Lon-don-leaving age for men is 36 and for women it is 34.

Where are they headed? Where could possibly be better? Birming-ham. Yes, Birmingham (please, stop smirking).

In the space of just one year, some 5,480 people, including me, moved to Brum from the capital, making it the most attractive city for Londoners.

Next was Bristol, some way off at 3,290, followed by Manches-ter with 3,260, Nottingham with 2,990 and Oxford with 2,720.

I should say, right away, that I’m from Birmingham originally. I was tempted to leave that out because I know exactly what im-pression it gives.

You think I’ve just moved home, right? That it was a simple switch. Wrong.

I lived in London for 12 years - it was home. Moreover it remains home for all of my friends.

I loved London, and still do. Birmingham was one of three

cities my wife and I considered (alongside Bristol and Cardiff ). If anything, it felt like a huge step backwards.

But in the end it won through on merit, and not because I felt any sense of loyalty or belonging. Bir-mingham made me the best offer.

There was no promise of a better paid job. I didn’t have a job to go to. Birmingham won through house prices, culture, restaurants and bars.

It also offered good schools (well, nurseries), space, and low start up costs for new companies. Most importantly, though, it did it through aspiration.

It’s not the best city in the UK, but it wants to be. And I love that. It’s a city on the move and I get to contribute.

The push factors were equally pressing. With a child on the way we needed to get on the ladder. We were viewing half decent London flats in terrible areas, or terrible flats in half decent areas and we realised that, actually, we didn’t

have to compromise.The average price of a house in

London is a depressing £400,000, but in Brum it’s just £133,000.

On top of that I think we real-ised that a dozen years of jousting with just over 8m Londoners day in, night out, at work, on the Tube and at the bar, just wasn’t right for us any more.

It was fun while it lasted, but fun doesn’t give my daughter a garden. I tell you what the really difficult part was: telling people. I’m a magazine editor and in the media world the lure of London and the blind allegiance that media types show the capital is strong, verging on the insane.

The looks of bafflement on many faces when I told them I was cashing my chips in and heading to Brum were, sometimes, excru-ciating. But do you know what’s even more insane?

Staying in a city based on its reputation instead of what it actually offers you. — The Independent

http://192.168.100.63/newspress/backup/files/images/2014/11/29/7852.eps?tmp=1417273361 http://192.168.100.63/newspress/backup/files/images/2014/11/29/7852.eps?tmp=1417273361 http://192.168.100.63/newspress/backup/files/images/2014/11/29/7852.eps?tmp=1417273361 http://192.168.100.63/newspress/backup/files/images/2014/11/29/7852.eps?tmp=1417273361 http://192.168.100.63/newspress/backup/

TODAY IN HISTORY

OPINION POLL

43BC Cicero, considered one of the greatest sons of Rome, is assassinated on the orders of Marcus Antonius.

983 Otto III takes the throne after his father’s death in Italy. A power struggle between magnates ensues.

1787 Delaware becomes the first state to

ratify the Constitution of the United States.

1917 The United States declares war on

Austria-Hungary with only one dissenting vote in Congress.

1918 Spartacists call for a German

revolution.

Y2K HEALTH FAIR ON DECEMBER 12MUSCAT: A Y2K Health Fair, sponsored by Sultan Qaboos University, will be opened on December 12 at Al Araimi Complex. The fair, which will run until December 14, will focus on proper health care for Y2K, the year 2000 and the start of the new millen-nium. Information will be provided on medical issues like dietary health, smoking, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cholesterol. The university’s College of Agriculture will have a display area devoted to food research and careers in food science.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

The United States has historically reacted with doubt or indifference when African-Americans speak of police officers who brutalise — or even kill — people with impunity. Affluent and middle-class white Americans who were treated with

respect by the police had difficulty imagining the of-ten life-threatening mistreatment that black Ameri-cans of all walks of life dealt with on a daily basis. Perhaps those days are passing away.

You can see that from the multiracial cast of the demonstrations that have swept the nation since when a grand jury decided not to indict a white New York City police officer whose chokehold killed Eric Garner, an unarmed black man.

In city after city, white and non-white citizens have surged through the streets chanting or bearing signs with Garner’s final words: “I can’t breathe.” Others chanted: “Hands up; don’t shoot” or “Black lives matter” — slogans from the racially troubled town of Ferguson, Mo., where another grand jury de-clined to indict the officer who shot to death 18-year-old Michael Brown.

The viral spread of the demonstrations — and the wide cross section of Americans who are organising and participating in them — shows that what was once seen as a black issue is on the way to being seen as a central, American problem.

The question of the moment is whether the coun-try’s political leadership has the will to root out abusive and discriminatory policing — corrosive, longstanding problems that bore down on minority communities, large and small, urban and suburban.

The scope of the problem is evident from the work of the Justice Department, which has opened 20 investigations into local police departments over the last five years and is currently enforcing reform agreements with 15 departments, some of which were investigated in previous administrations.

This week, Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. re-leased a particularly alarming report on the bar-baric conduct of the police department in Cleveland, which has been riven with discord in recent weeks, after a white police officer shot and killed a 12-year-old black boy, Tamir Rice, who was holding a toy gun.

The Times reported that the officer had quit a sub-urban police force after his supervisors judged that he had a “dangerous loss of composure” during fire-arms training and was emotionally unprepared to deal with the stresses of the job.

The Cleveland Police Department had failed to examine the officer’s work history before hiring him. Thus an officer who had been unable to cope in a sub-

urban district was given the power of life and death over people in a big city, where the task of policing the streets is far more demanding.

The Justice Department report describes the Cleveland Police Department as something far closer to an occupying military force than a legitimate law enforcement agency. The officers, for example, seem to take a casual view of the use of deadly force, shoot-ing at people who pose no threat of harm to the police or others. In one case in 2013, for example, they actu-ally fired at a victim who had been held captive in a house — as he escaped, clad only in boxer shorts.

The report catalogued numerous incidents of wan-ton violence, with officers beating, pepper-spraying and Tasering people who were unarmed or had al-ready been restrained. Officers escalated encounters with citizens instead of defusing them, making force all but inevitable.

The record in Cleveland is extreme. But aspects of illegal police conduct can be found in cities all over the country, subjecting millions to intimidation and fear that they could be killed for innocent actions.

Congress will have an opportunity to discuss this issue soon, during the Senate confirmation hearings of Loretta Lynch, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, who has been nomi-nated to succeed Holder as attorney general.

Lynch’s office will oversee the federal civil rights investigation into the Garner case. Some in Con-gress clearly understand that the grand jury’s failure to indict the officer — despite a clear video showing him choking the man — deserves review, not just on its face, but because it goes to the heart of the funda-mental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Others, however, seem poised to argue that the federal government, which has a clear responsibil-ity to enforce civil rights laws, should not be taking the lead. Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, for example, asked, “Why does the federal govern-ment feel like it is its responsibility and role to be the leader in an investigation in a local instance?” That sounds like something out of the Jim Crow era, when Southern states argued that they were entitled to treat black citizens any way they wished.

Holder was on the mark when he said that the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Tamir Rice raised urgent, national questions about the breakdown of trust between minority communities and the police forces that are supposed to serve and protect them.

That so many are in the streets protesting police abuse shows that outrage over these injustices is spreading. Now it is up to the nation’s political lead-ers to confront this crisis. — The New York Times News Service

Hope and anger at Garner protests

Affluent and middle-class white Americans who were treated with respect by the police had difficulty imagining the often life-threatening mistreatment that black Americans of all walks of life dealt with on a daily basis

After leading massive shows of strength across the country, Khan is now planning to shut down the country as part of his protest campaign unless the Sharif government forms a judicial commission

Finally, Pakistan has a chief election commis-sioner (CEC). The appointment of Justice (retired) Sardar Raza Khan to what has be-

come probably the hottest ‘hot potato’ seat in the country came close on the heels of a December 8 deadline from the Supreme Court.

Three previous timelines proved elusive as the Leader of the House locked heads with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly — low-er house of the bicameral legislature — to shortlist three candidates for the Parliamentary Committee to pick the final one.

This time, the apex court, which had provided the services of one of its judges to fill in the CEC’s slot was so miffed that not only did it withdraw the judge, but also warned of issuing contempt notices on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Op-position Leader Khurshid Shah if they failed their legal undertaking.

The CEC’s position had fallen vacant after Justice (retired) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim resigned in July last year — four years before the octogenarian’s ten-ure was to officially end — over allegations that he failed to preside over a transparent election.

Ebrahim is still a highly respectable figure and his appointment followed a rare consensus across the political divide. However, what prompted him to throw in the towel was the severe criticism of his in-ability to stop alleged irregularities that have come to define the 2013 polls.

It is a measure of how much of a Mad Hatter’s race it is to find a CEC that fits the bill for political parties that it has been 16 months since Pakistan had one to address nagging poll issues.

The biggest hurdle in the way of the CEC ap-pointment — apart from the similar lethargy shown by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in dragging its feet on appointing heads of dozens of important state entities — is the approach of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan.

The PTI has been leading a protest campaign for more than three months now over claims that the 2013 election was systemically stolen from it to pave the way for PML-N’s return to power.

The PML-N denies a role in it even though all mainstream political parties, including Sharif ’s rul-ing party, agree the elections were rigged!

However, Khan’s PTI is the only party going to town about it after resigning their seats in the Na-tional Assembly and provincial assemblies where they had representation save for the Khyber-Pakh-tunkhwa province which they rule.

Khan is seeking a judicial probe into last year’s

election — a demand Sharif agreed to under pres-sure and, to which end, he even wrote a letter to the Supreme Court last August, but which was declined.

The PTI has long complained that no authority invested with providing justice — be it the election tribunal, which is the first port of call for addressing poll complaints; the Election Commission; the Par-liamentary Committee on Election Reforms; or the Supreme Court — have paid heed to their grievances.

After leading massive shows of strength across the country, Khan is now planning to shut down the country as part of his protest campaign unless the Sharif government forms a judicial commission and conducts joint investigation into the conduct of 2013 polls with members of both the Inter-Services Intel-ligence and Military Intelligence being part of it.

The PTI’s grouse has become more pronounced because no other party is demanding an audit and there is a general impression that any occasional pitch from other parties is meant for public con-sumption only as they converge to protect the spoils they currently enjoy, fearing that a re-election would impinge on even that score, not improve on it.

This became evident when Khan’s PTI was com-pletely isolated during a joint parliamentary ses-sion last August (the party’s MPs made only one token appearance to make a point) even as all the other parties backed Sharif to remain in the saddle and “save the system”— restricting a concession for Khan to merely jointly work on poll reforms.

In the absence of a dedicated, and more signifi-cantly, independent chief election commissioner, these issues have pushed a vertically politically di-vided country to the edge of precipice.

The Election Commission, which is yet to take up serious complaints begging a resolution, also stands accused of being a handmaiden of the gov-ernment. Its failure to open poll verification in constituencies at the heart of the rigging claims despite a passage of more than one-and-a-half years reinforces that view.

Kneejerk reactions to charges of failure have also left its reputation in tatters. From issuing a report that indicted its own shortcomings to flatly denying it later as just a paper of recommendations and from denying it ever published extra ballots in August to admitting this month it did and 9.3 million at that, has befuddled the electorate.

The new CEC clearly has his task cut out.

The author is a senior journalist based in Islamabad. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman.

CEC at last, but it’s going to be a tightrope walk now

HISTORYNET.COMLetters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

Corruption index finds clean growth at risk

GraphicsGraphic News /

Corruption continues to be a problem for all countries, according to Transparency International, with corporate secrecy and global money laundering making it harder for emerging economies to fight graft

GraphicsGraphic News /Source: Transparency International

More thantwo-thirds ofcountries scoredbelow 50

12345=5=78910

DenmarkNew ZealandFinlandSwedenSwitzerlandNorwaySingaporeNetherlandsLuxembourgCanada

92918987868684838281

166=166=166=169170171172173174=174=

EritreaLibyaUzbekistanTurkmenistanIraqSouth SudanAfghanistanSudanNorth KoreaSomalia

1818181716151211

88

12141726376469100136161

GermanyUKUnited StatesFranceSpainTurkeyItalyChinaRussiaAngola

79787469604543362719

Corruption Perceptions Index, 2014175 Countries Ranked From 0-100

Very Clean (100)

HighlyCorrupt (0)

Selected results(Rank, country, cpi score)

No data

LAST POLL RESULT

Will the planned law to deal with abandoned vehicles help curb the problem?

Should Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sack minister of state Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti for her hate speech?

Visit timesofoman.com to cast your vote

Yes65.1%

No27.9%

Can't say7%

Tahrir Square is no long-er the festival of hope and anticipation that

greeted me when I first arrived in Cairo in September 2011.

Three years later, when it’s not being tactically closed by the government to help pre-vent any further mass pro-tests, it’s a place of bitterness and disappointment.

I lived just round the corner from Tahrir Square at the time of the Egyptian revolution. When I first arrived I wit-nessed the fresh hope and ex-citement of a people who had just realised the force of their own power.

But that hope has quickly disappeared, after desperate attempts to initiate change were constantly thwarted.

The acquittal of former president Hosni Mubarak on a flimsy legal technicality comes as no shock in an Egypt still ruled by injustice.

His freedom has become a symbol of the revolution’s failure. But Egypt’s youth are not ready to give up the struggle for the revolution’s ideals just yet.

More civil unrest is likely to lie ahead. But given the brutal crackdowns by the government so far, it seems unlikely that protests will change anything.

The court’s verdict confirms the dominance of Egypt’s mili-tary. The legal system remains under their control.

The freedom of speech that so many fought for three years ago has been almost completely quashed.

Any dissent is stamped on immediately and hundreds of dissenters have been killed and more sent to jail.

Whether the balance can ever be readdressed through protest or political activity re-mains to be seen.

Live ammunition and tanks are the current responses to any form of protest.

Civilians are being tried at military rather than ci-vilian courts.

Just after Mubarak was cleared the other day, one such court sentenced almost 200 people to death.

Likewise, a judge in South-ern Cairo sentenced 529 peo-

ple to death in March, for at-tacking a police station and killing two policemen.

The same judge then sen-tenced another 683 people to death a month later. Mass death sentences like these only serve to shift the balance of power even further towards the army.

It’s also coupled with an in-formant culture cultivated at Sisi’s hands, which is instill-ing fear and distrust amongst civilians.

It’s likely that the outrage of Mubarak’s acquittal will help reinvigorate the revo-lutionary movement, which remains fatigued from four years of struggle. Protests erupted across Cairo’s uni-versities when the verdict was announced.

On a recent evening two people were killed and nine injured when around 1,000 protestors tried to enter Tahrir Square.

For any protest to work, there needs to be a return to the cohesion of 2011. Yet the sweeping class and religious unity, which was the vision of the Arab Spring, seems as far away as ever.

Mubarak loyalists, Sisi sup-porters, liberals, and the Mus-lim Brotherhood are just a few of Egypt’s increasingly dispa-rate political groups, and with many of their hopes raised by the upheaval of 2011, they con-tinue to clash over what’s best for the country’s future.

As we near the end of 2014, it doesn’t look like Egypt will be returning to the glimpses of democracy it had just a few years ago.

Despite some small pockets of resistance, for most Egyp-tians morale is low and the fu-ture looks bleak. — The Independent

The Egyptian Revolution is officially over

DISCRIMINATORY POLICING

Afghanistan is once again in the global spotlight as world leaders and donors and other interested parties meet in London to at-tempt to bring shape and cohesion to a country that has known

little but warfare for more than 30 years. This is the first post-Karzai moot of any size or heft, and it had a positive edge to it. It was a telling comment by John Kerry, US secretary of state, that indicated that a fresher breeze was blowing — “We have a government in Kabul that merits our confidence” — and went on to say that Afghanistan can be confident of the support of the international community.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also in attendance and seemingly keen to build on the warming of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan that has flowed from the visit of President Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan last month. There as well was the Afghan Chief Executive Officer, Abdullah Abdullah, who, against the grain of cynical analysis, is building a useful working relationship with President Ghani.

Every conference about Afghanistan is important but some are more important than others, and in terms of importance, the London moot is head and shoulders above the rest. The country after 13 years of war — a war which continues — has an aid-based economy at one level and is drug-dependent at another, with the world’s largest crop of opium poppies feeding the global heroin habit. The largest genuine revenue earner is pomegranates and it is a long way from replacing the ubiquitous poppy. The Pakistani prime minister spoke of a “Transfor-mation Decade” during which he hoped that Afghanistan would be-come self-reliant.

It remains a country deeply in crisis and it will be so for years to come. That said and accepted, there really is a more positive ‘feel’ to bilateral relations, and a willingness to work together to share and perhaps, even resolve some of the problems that have dogged relations between us for far too long. Almost by chance, a climate of opportunity has developed in the last four or five months. We cannot afford to miss the opportunities it offers. — The Express Tribune

Hope springs eternal

If only governing America, Barack Obama must be thinking, were as leisurely and straightforward as exploring space. True, a valve malfunction delayed planned test flight of the Orion spacecraft

that, more than a decade from now is intended to take astronauts to Mars. But mere technical problems can be ironed out. Here on Earth, however, as the leader of the world’s most powerful country is learn-ing — and not for the first time — human problems are much tougher to solve. A presidency that began almost six years ago amid so much hope is on the edge of unravelling.

Last month’s midterm elections reduced Democratic strength in Congress to one of its lowest points in a century. Obama’s signature achievement, healthcare reform, is under constant assault on Capi-tol Hill and in the courts. Bitter controversy envelops his attempts to overhaul the broken US immigration system. And then there is America’s original sin, race.

At first glance, the election of the first black president suggested that the US was entering a post-racial era, but events in Ferguson, Missouri, and now New York have wrecked such illusions. There may be sound legal reasons why separate grand juries have decided that no charges be brought against white police officers who killed two black suspects: Michael Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in Staten Is-land, New York.

But to the uninitiated, the officers’ actions in both cases seem grossly disproportionate; an impression has been created that black lives do not matter. Outrage in the black community is at a level not seen since the acquittal in 1992 of police officers over the savage beating of the black motorist Rodney King, provoking deadly riots in Los Angeles.

Obama’s reaction, as in other issues he has faced, has been oddly passive. He urges greater trust between police and ordinary citizens, and more accountability for the former. Yet critics complain that he should have visited Ferguson in person, or should make a major speech on race, akin to the one he delivered in Philadelphia, to near-universal acclaim, during the 2008 campaign.

But for a black president, more than for a white one, race is an acutely sensitive issue on which to speak out. It is laden with the risk of unintended consequences.

Space exploration, by comparison, is simple. The Orion project — like the first flights beyond our atmosphere, mankind’s first footsteps on the Moon and the recent, stunning, landing of the Rosetta probe on Comet 67P, hundreds of millions of miles from Earth — contains a good measure of escapism.

One day humans will make it to Mars. But it’s a safe bet that, when they do, race will still bedevil America. — The Independent

Obama’s challenges at home are daunting

T O M C U L L E N

B R E N T S TA P L E S

K A M R A N R E H M AT

R E B E C C A B A N AT VA L A

Pakistanis always pray for His Majesty’s good healthThis refers to the news story, Prayers for HM’s good health in Pakistan (December 6). Oman and Pakistan share a lot of com-mon features between them and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has always been a revered personality in Pakistan. We the citizens of Pakistan have always wished the very best for His Majesty the Sultan and shall con-tinue to pray for his good health and long life. Iqbal LatifGhubra

Housemaids too deserve respect and right salaryThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many sup-port move (December 6). There

is good and there is bad; all maids are not the same but we need to be treated like human beings. For a person who is open-minded it’s not too difficult to under-stand that we too deserve to be respected, rest and be paid the right salary. Lyn Aguirre NionesMuscat

Housemaids are as human as their masters areThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many support move (December 6). The domestic helps or the house-maids are just as humans as their masters are. It is time that we comply with international charter of human rights. Issa Al-HarthyCairo

Best solution is to ban employing housemaidsThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many sup-port move (December 6). I have never been in support of having domestic helps or housemaids. Why can’t we ourselves clean our own houses and cook our own food? Why can’t we look after our children? Let one member of the family stay at home to do the housework or create a roster within the family. Ban domestic workers all together.Mundhir Al-KhusaibiMuscat

A good move to protect rights of housemaids This refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many

support move (December 6). This is indeed a welcome move. A unified contract will protect the rights of domestic helpers. We laud the GCC ministers for initiating such a positive step and look forward to its effective implementation.Lissy JosephMuscat

No employer will admit tomistreating housemaidsThis refers to the news story, Huge response to hashtag on rights of housemaids; many support move (December 6). No employer will admit to mistreating their house-maid. I believe housemaids will not complain doing extra hours of work if they are treated well and taken care of.Hazel Marifa Kapunan Camsa Muscat

READERS’ FORUM

website: www.newindiaoman.com

NEW INDIA ASSURANCEProtect your properties/assets through New India’s FIRE INSURNCE POLICIES.

Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidityFRANK LEAHY

I don’t regret leaving London

It’s likely that the outrage of Mubarak’s acquittal will help reinvigorate the revolutionary movement, which remains fatigued from four years of struggle. Protests erupted across Cairo’s universities when the verdict was announced. Two people were killed and nine injured when around protestors tried to enter Tahrir Square

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GLOBAL EYES U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN FRENCH CITY: Buildings are illuminated on Friday in the central French city of Lyon during the 16th edition of the Festival of Lights. — AFP

SWISS MAN RESCUED: Swiss man Lorenzo Vinciguerra (foreground) is treated, following his rescue from Abu Sayyaf abductors, as

Philippine soldiers talk to him at a military hospital on the southern island of Jolo, Mindanao. Vinciguerra, who was kidnapped by the

militants in the southern Philippines nearly three years ago was rescued on Friday as soldiers attacked his abductors in a remote jungle,

the military said. — AFP/WESMINCOM

MISTY MORNING: A Ferris wheel is seen at a Christmas market in the morning mist in Berlin’s Mitte district, on Saturday. — AFP

EGYPTIAN ACTOR HONOURED: Egyptian actor Adel Emam receives

the lifetime achievement award at the jury photocall for the 14th

Marrakech International Film Festival, on Friday. — Reteurs/Stringer

KENYA: A vendor sells daily newspapers headlining over the

dropping of crimes against humanity charges against Kenya’s

President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday in Nairobi. — AFP

PICTURESQUE RUSSIA: A view of the Krasnoyarsk hydro power

station on the Yenisei River outside Krasnoyarsk, Russia. — Reuters

STALIN FANS IN MOSCOW: A Russian Communist supporter holds

a portrait of Soviet dictator Stalin with a slogan We miss you so

much, USSR’ during a rally in central Moscow on Saturday. — AFP

Men refuel an airplane in town of

Mandera at the Kenya-Somalia

border on Saturday. — Reuters

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Death for seven Egyptian militantsCAIRO: An Egyptian court has sentenced to death seven men, in-cluding prominent extremist mil-itant Adel Habara, over the killing of 25 policemen last year in an at-tack near the border with Israel, judicial sources said on Saturday.

The attack took place in August 2013 following the government’s violent clearing of two protest camps in Cairo, where supporters of deposed president Mohamed

Morsi had gathered to demand his reinstatement.

The court sentenced 25 others on related charges to prison for terms ranging from 15 years to life. Only 19 of those sentenced, including Habara, were present the sources said. The ruling, which can be appealed, followed the referral of the death sentence to the Grand Mufti, Egypt’s high-est majority sect authority.

More than 500 people, mostly police and soldiers, have been killed across Egypt in extremist militant attacks since last sum-mer, according to government statistics.

Sisi’s government does not differentiate between radical ex-tremist groups based mainly in the Sinai and the Muslim Broth-erhood, which maintains it is a peaceful organisation. -Reuters

K I L L I N G O F 2 5 P O L I C E M E NTyphoon Hagupit hits Philippines

TACLOBAN (PHILIPPINES): Terrifying winds and intense rain pounded the eastern Phil-ippines on Saturday as millions sheltered from a giant storm that threatened more devastation for a nation battling to recover from a catastrophic super typhoon.

Typhoon Hagupit roared in from the Pacific Ocean and crashed into the remote fishing communities of Samar island on Saturday night with wind gusts of 210 kilometres (130 miles) an hour, the local weather agency Pagasa said.

Most powerfulThe wind strength made Hagupit the most powerful storm to hit the Philippines this year. Fearful of a repeat of last year when Super Ty-phoon Haiyan claimed more than 7,350 lives, the government had undertaken a massive evacuation effort ahead of Hagupit that saw millions seek shelter.

“This is it. I know you are tired, not enough sleep, not enough food, too much coffee,” Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said a few hours before the typhoon hit, call-

ing for a final effort to bring more people in vulnerable areas to safe shelters. “This is our last push. Every person we can save now is one less we have to look for after the typhoon passes.”

Roxas was speaking at a nation-ally televised planning confer-ence from Samar, having based himself in one of the areas ex-pected to be among the first hit to oversee preparations there.

Hagupit was forecast to take three days to cut across the Philippines, while also bringing heavy rain to the densely popu-lated capital of Manila slightly to the north. Damage assess-ments from communities ini-tially hit are not likely to be known until after daybreak on Sunday, as power and mo-bile networks have been lost in those areas.

Tens of millions of people live

in the typhoon’s path, including those in the central Philippines who are still struggling to recover from the devastation of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which hit 13 months ago. Haiyan was the strongest storm ever recorded on land, with winds of 315 kilo-metres an hour.

It also generated tsunami-like storm surges that claimed more than 7,350 lives, making it one of the Philippines’ deadliest natural disasters. In Tacloban, one of the cities worst-hit by Haiyan, thou-sands of traumatised typhoon survivors crammed into schools, churches and other evacuation centres on Saturday.

Violent and unpredictable“We are afraid. People are pan-icking,” Alma Gaut, 36, who lost her mother and her home dur-ing Haiyan, told AFP on Satur-day morning as she huddled in the second floor of a university, sheltering with more than 1,000 other people. “All we have is a tat-tered, plastic sheet to sleep on. My grandmother is already feeling the cold.” -AFP

The typhoon roared

in from the Pacific

Ocean and crashed

into the remote

fishing communities

of Samar island on

Saturday night with

wind gusts of 210

kilometres

SEEKING SAFETY: Residents take shelter in Pope Francis complex

after evacuating their houses due to typhoon Hagupit in Tacloban

city, central Philippines on Saturday. More than half a million people

in the Philippines have fled from a powerful typhoon in one of the

world’s biggest peacetime evacuations. - Reuters

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This is it. I know you are tired, not enough sleep, not enough food,

too much coffee. This is our last push. Every person we can save

now is one less we have to look for after the typhoon passes.

Mar Roxas, Interior Secretary of the Philippines

MOSCOW: French President Francois Hollande on Saturday became the first European leader to fly to Russia in an attempt to defuse the standoff with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, where the lat-est round of peace talks will take place next week.

Meeting with Putin in the dip-lomatic terminal of an airport outside the capital, Hollande said he hoped to stop a new Berlin wall from appearing in Europe, as the conflict in eastern Ukraine plunged its relations with Moscow to a post-Cold War low.

“There are times when we need to seize opportunities. This is such a time... I think we must prevent other walls from separating us,” said Hollande, who also spoke

to Ukraine’s President Petro Po-roshenko earlier in the day.

“We must find solutions to-gether,” he told the Russian lead-er, who this week gave a militant speech accusing the West of un-dermining Russia.

Difficult problemsAs the two sat across from one an-other, Putin said there are “diffi-cult problems” at hand but that he was sure the visit would “without a doubt contribute to the resolution of many problems,” one of which was bound to be Hollande’s deci-sion to delay delivery of a Mistral-class helicopter carrier to the Russian navy.

Hollande’s last-minute visit, which a source in his delegation

said was also agreed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, comes as Kiev announced a fresh round of talks with the pro-Russian sepa-ratists next week.

The talks in Belarussian capital Minsk will traditionally include envoys from Russia and the Or-ganisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and will aim to “confirm the timetable for implementing the (original) Minsk agreements,” Poroshenko said while on a visit to Kharkiv region.

Ukraine and the rebels, whose fighting in the east has already claimed more than 4,300 lives, have agreed to suspend military operations on December 9, calling it a “Day of Silence”.

“In the subsequent 30 days, (the sides) must pull back (heavy weap-ons) from the demilitarisation zone outlined in the Minsk Proto-col,” Poroshenko said.

The pro-Kiev governor of the eastern Lugansk region Gennadiy Moskal on Saturday said two civil-ians had been killed in a village 15 kilometres northwest of Lugansk,

while a security spokesman al-leged that a convoy of more than 100 trucks and armoured vehicles had moved across the border from Russia on Friday. Poroshenko said that 1,252 soldiers and volun-teers fighting among Kiev’s forces have died over eight months of the conflict, and almost 3,000 have been wounded. — AFP

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Hollande, Putin bid to solve crisisFrench President

Francois Hollande’s

visit to Moscow,

comes as Kiev

announced a fresh

round of talks with

Ukraine’s pro-

Russian separatists

next week

1,150 rooms in palace not a mere 1,000, says ErdoganANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sat-urday corrected press reports stating his grandiose new pal-ace has 1,000 rooms, saying it actually boasts 1,150.

“You don’t cut corners when it comes to the prestige” of a nation, Erdogan told a busi-ness audience in Istanbul. “Let me tell you it has at least 1,150 rooms, not 1,000 as people say.”

Cost $615 millionThe presidential palace, built in a suburb of the capital Ankara at a cost of around 490 million eu-ros ($615 million), covers some 200,000 square metres (2.15 million square feet) -- more than 30 times the size of the White House and bigger even than France’s majestic Palace of Versailles.

Erdogan, who took over Tur-key’s presidency in August after serving as prime minister for more than a decade, added: “We wanted to build a work about which future generations will say: ‘It is from here that the new Turkey was led’.”

Authoritarian ruleThe opposition has condemned the vast palace as an absurd ex-travagance that shows Erdogan is slipping towards authoritar-ian rule. “This is not my palace, it’s not private property, it’s the people’s, it belongs to them,” Erdogan said.

The first foreign visitor to the palace was Pope Francis last month, followed by Rus-sian President Vladimir Putin last week. — AFP

C O N T R O V E R S Y

Lebanese protest to seek release of soldiersBEIRUT: Families of Leba-nese soldiers held by mili-tants blocked roads in Beirut and highways between major cities on Saturday, pressing the government to do more to free them.

More than two dozen members of the Lebanese security forces are being held by extremists.

One leading militant, Abu Ali Al Shishani, has pledged to attack Lebanese women and children and end talks to free the soldiers, after his wife was detained by authorities.

The threat, delivered in a video distributed on extremist websites, was published on Fri-day hours before the group said it had killed one of the Lebanese soldiers it holds.

Lebanese authorities ear-lier this week said they had detained a wife of IS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi. The wife of Shishani has also been arrested.

Officials say Shishani is a fighter in the Nusra Front, Al Qaeda’s official Syrian wing. But in the video he praises Baghdadi, whose IS splintered off from Al Qaeda. IS and Nusra have both clashed and worked closely with each other at dif-ferent times. — Reuters

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Bank Muscat eChannel wins Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-GovernmentThe bank’s state-of-the-art

mBanking service has made bank-ing truly mobile for the largest banking family in Oman who can bank 24/7 ‘anytime, anywhere’. Notably, the mBanking applica-tion works on most of the mobile phones and is customised for iP-hones, Blackberry, Android and Java based phones with simple

icons and menus. The mBanking application is available in both English and Arabic.

Customers can avail mBanking services such as fund transfers to other banks in Oman, account bal-ance enquiries and transaction details, utility bill payment, speed transfer to India, request for issue of cheque book, credit card state-

ment, currency exchange rates enquiry etc.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa added: “Bank Muscat remains committed to excellence in banking solutions, inspired by the challenges that lie ahead and looking forward to growing together with the nation. A keen perception of customer re-quirements enables Bank Muscat

to develop products in line with the current and emerging needs. Continuous innovation of prod-ucts has resulted in customers reaping valuable benefits.”

Bank Muscat customers can contact the Call Centre 24/7, any time from anywhere in the world. Using the robust Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system offering

ease of access, customers can help themselves to obtain all required services or contact the phone bankers for assistance. Custom-ers can report card loss and block themselves their cards through the IVR system.

In step with the Sultanate’s e-Government initiative, Bank Muscat has been at the forefront,

facilitating electronic payments. Establishing a strong network of government and commercial en-tities, Bank Muscat has deployed the largest network of over 12,000 point of sales (PoS) card acquir-ing terminals across the country to support electronic payment in the country and continues to expand rapidly.

B A N K I N G

< FROM

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‘Omani SMEs can benefit from S. African industries’

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADIelham@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Small and medium en-terprise (SMEs) in Oman can ben-efit immensely from the products and services that South Africa has to offer, said an Omani official.

A South African trade delega-tion recently visited the Sultanate and held a meeting with Saeed bin

Saleh Al Kiyumi, chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), and discussed investments opportunities and the ways to enhance trade ties.

Al Kiyumi said that South Af-rica is famous for many of its in-dustries that can benefit the own-ers of small and medium business units in Oman. SMEs can also take advantage of the services of

the visiting South African com-panies, which mainly specialise in information technology and secu-rity, he added. During the visit to the OCCI, representatives of the participating companies present-ed an overview of their companies and their services and explained what added value their services can bring to the Sultanate.

Networking sessions were also

held between South African busi-nessmen and their Omani coun-terparts specialising in informa-tion technology and security.

The OCCI, which represents the Sultanate and the Omani pri-vate sector, has stepped up its ef-forts to attract more investment to the country and also to introduce investment opportunities in other countries, including South Africa,

to Omani companies. It encour-ages private sector enterprises to play an active role in the develop-ment process by setting up ven-tures in different fields with the aim of contributing to national economic diversification plans.

Major General Lungile Chris Pepani, ambassador of South Af-rica to Oman, had highlighted the importance of strengthening bi-lateral ties, especially in the trade sector, in the beginning of his ten-ure in 2013.

There is a lot of potential for South African investment in Oman in the engineering, con-struction, agriculture, food, edu-cation and tourism sectors, Pepa-ni had said at the time.

“The ports and free zones in Sohar, Duqm and Salalah are also a good incentive for South Afri-can companies to come to Oman,” He said.

As for tourism, Pepani said that the two countries can promote tourism to each other’s shores.

A South African trade

delegation recently

visited the Sultanate

and held a meeting

with the chairman of

the OCCI

CMA organises major forum on governance of family businessesMUSCAT: The Capital Market Authority (CMA), represented by the Oman Centre for Corporate Governance and Sustainability, in cooperation with the Pearl Initia-tive, organised a seminar on ‘Gov-ernance of Family Businesses and the Separation of Ownership from Management and Succes-sion Planning’ under the auspices of Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, executive president of the CMA.

Fostering dialogueThe seminar, organised at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, was aimed at airing the views of those present and fostering dialogue among the representatives of the family businesses and business experts.

During his speech, Al Salmi spoke about the importance and role of family companies in the leadership and activation of the national economy in the Sultanate, as is the case in the Gulf region. He added that these companies come in second after governments as engines of growth and influential actors in the econ-omy in terms of the size of busi-nesses, their contributions to the GDP and the provision of various goods and services as well as the recruitment of nationals.

Rashad bin Mohammed Al Zubair, chairman of Zubair Cor-poration, member of the board of governors of Pearl Initiative, said that this panel discussion

underlines the importance of accountability and transpar-ency in the family and state-owned companies that seek to successfully achieve permanence and continuity.

Good corporate governanceHe added the Pearl Initiative was established in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Businesses. It is a non-profit or-ganisation affiliated to the private sector and is based in the Gulf Co-operation Council. He pointed out that this initiative was established to promote a culture of account-ability, transparency and good corporate governance and best practices in the Arab world. - ONA

E N G I N E S O F G R O W T H

Meet to focus on tourism investmentsMUSCAT: a two-day conference, associated with the International Travel and Hospitality Fair 2014, organised by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions company, in collaboration with Al Event Management International, will be held on December 14, under the theme “Tourism Investments in Oman”.

Elite speakers will focus light, on the latest challenges and de-velopments facing travel, tourism and hospitality sector, the role of public and private sectors in pro-moting tourism in the Sultanate, and the role of the Sultanate as one of the future tourism destinations.

Speakers will present a number of working papers, Placing Oman on the world tourism map, the challenges and opportunities for Oman tourism sector, the role of Oman International Conventions and Exhibitions Centre, digital involvement of passengers with Oman as a tourism destination and approving the digital communica-tions culture with passengers. - ONA

T W O - D A Y C O N F E R E N C E

NETWORKING SESSION: Networking sessions were also held between South African businessmen and their Omani counterparts specialising in information technology and security. — Supplied picture

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Saraya Bandar Jissah joins hands with NBO

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Saraya Bandar Jissah, the developer of Oman`s new-est Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) in Muscat, has signed a comprehensive agreement with the National Bank of Oman (NBO) to offer a complete suite of finance solutions to potential properties buyers at the development.

The agreement comes as part of a series of agreements to be signed with other banks in the Sultanate to offer a series of banking servic-es and financial solutions.

Financing optionsThe agreement between National Bank of Oman and Saraya Bandar Jissah will make residential prop-erty ownership readily accessible to new home buyers, with flex-ible financing options. Within the terms of the agreement, National Bank of Oman will provide con-venient home-financing plans for both local and foreign investors at Saraya Bandar Jissah.

On signing the agreement, Sheikh Hamood bin Sultan Al

Hosni, the chief executive of-ficer of Saraya Bandar Jissah said, “Our goal is to provide our esteemed customers with a luxu-rious new address along with world-class services to comple-ment it. Therefore, we ensure our customers have access to a series of comprehensive financial solu-tions and support. Our partner-ship with National Bank of Oman will provide Saraya Bandar Jissah customers tailor-made financing options to make their envisioned dream home a reality.”

Sanjay Malhorta, general man-ager of Retail Banking at Na-tional Bank of Oman said, “We are pleased to provide mortgage financing options for Saraya Bandar Jissah customers through our extensive housing loan pro-grams. The housing loan is availa-ble for both Omani and expatriate residents for purchase of free-hold property within the Saraya Bandar Jissah development.”

Zaha — the first residential zone at Saraya Bandar Jissah go

to go on sale, offers a mix of apart-ments, duplexes, three bedroom twin villas and four bedroom de-tached villas. The residential zone overlooks the recreational club and offers a sweeping panorama of views over the landscaped park, flowing lagoon and stunning seascape beyond.

With properties offered in sizes much larger than market stand-ards, the zone suits the needs of all modern home buyers. The perfect blend of contemporary and tradi-tional architecture enhances Za-ha’s aesthetic appeal, along with providing its residents an array of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Bank’s offerNational Bank of Oman was founded in 1973, and is today one of the largest banks in Oman with a paid-up capital of OMR110.8 million and a regulatory capital of OMR377.8 million as at December 2013. The bank offers financial so-lutions designed to keep pace with businesses as well as tailor-made

to meet individual needs. Wheth-er it is financial requirements within the Sultanate of Oman or beyond, the bank has the people, the expertise and the technology, to be a trusted partner, at every step of the way.

Exclusive residential unitsSaraya Bandar Jissah will be home to 398 exclusive residential units, spacious hilltop villas, styl-ish town-houses and luxury apart-ments — all with attractive water-front and mountainside views.

Scheduled for a grand open-ing in 2017, the two hotels form the major leisure components of Saraya Bandar Jissah, providing their guests with a luxurious and relaxing home away from the day-to-day rigours of life.

Developer of Oman’s

newest integrated

tourism complex in

Muscat has signed

a comprehensive

agreement with

the bank to offer a

complete suite of

finance solutions to

property buyers

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: As pert of the agreement, National Bank of Oman will provide convenient home-financing plans for both local and foreign investors at Saraya Bandar Jissah. – Supplied photo

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Offshore conference to address Oman’s challenges in industryMUSCAT: Offshore Development Oman Conference 2014 activities will begin on Tuesday at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.

The two-day conference is or-ganised by Global Exhibitions and Conferences and supported by the Ministry of Oil and Gas.

Offshore Development Oman 2014 will play an important role in the expanding market and pro-vides a conference dedicated to the advancement of the offshore industry whilst addressing techno-logical challenges associated with safely and cost effectively develop-ing oil and gas resources, according to the official website of the event.

Offshore Development Oman 2014 will look at requirements, design, engineering and construc-

tion, operation and maintenance, risk and safety associated with the various types for offshore plat-forms for the region. With unique challenges of each of these fields, this event will look at the best plat-form to support the requirements of the field, and the engineering and technological requirements to establish and operate.

Maneesh Nair, senior project manager at Global Exhibitions & Conferences, said that the confer-ence will provide the latest tech-nological innovations, solutions and lessons benefited from spe-cialists of this industry.

Offshore Development Oman exhibition will showcase innova-tion and development projects in offshore fields. - ONA

O F F S H O R E I N D U S T R Y

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MARKETPlunging oil prices hit realty market in Oman

MUSCAT: The real estate mar-ket, not just in the Sultanate, but in the other Gulf Cooperation Coun-tries (GCC) as well, is strongly as-sociated with national economic activities involving funds derived from crude oil exports.

The slump in crude oil prices in October and November 2014, with a barrel of oil losing 35 per cent of its price in the global markets and prices expected to decline further, will affect the real estate market, which is closer to a recession in 2013 and 2014.

The growth enjoyed by the real estate market in 2011 and 2012 was due to the policy of the Min-istry of Housing to distribute resi-dential plots (whether residential or commercial) to most of the citi-zens in the Sultanate, resulting in their prices remaining stagnant

and the rents of housing units de-clining from the 2009 levels.

Slack businessSince the increase in real estate prices in 2006 and 2007 and the subsequent collapse in 2008, the real estate market has shown slow growth. This is the reality of the real estate market in the Sultan-ate as 2014 draws to a close and recession is expected to continue in 2015 as long as oil prices re-main low.

Since the demand for residen-tial, commercial or governmental properties in the governorates depends on its population levels and the economic activities, the real estate prices in 2014 have not changed much from that of the previous year or before.

Prices are expected to remain

stable through 2015 because of the disproportionate levels of per capita income and the real es-tate prices which are controlled by brokers. The prices, whether selling or renting, are still higher than what citizens can afford and is expected to remain stagnant to match the average per capita in-come of the majority of the popu-lation in the Sultanate.

Movement of rentalsThe Royal directives to stand-ardise salaries that resulted in increasing the spending power of citizens will enable quite a few public sector employees to own their houses, which might negatively affect the movement of rentals in the coming years.

The other reason is that the pri-vate sector, which employs more

than a million and a half of expa-triate labour, turned to construc-tion of private residential build-ings for their workforce, after the rise in prices during 2006 and 2007. Businessmen found that constructing their own buildings to house expatriate workers was more effective than renting.

Housing projectsAlong with private sector compa-nies, the government institutions, alert to the sky high prices in the real estate market in the years of the real estate boom, also thought that letting employees own their housing units was more produc-tive and a better investment than giving it on lease.

The years 2009 to 2014 wit-nessed a growth in the number of housing projects of the compa-nies, in comparison to the build-ings and residential units that were rented.

Despite the recession in the real estate market, investments in the construction of residential units continue. From 2010 until the end of 2014, hundreds of licences were given for the construction of residential buildings, due to which the supply of residential real estate was much greater than the demand. In addition, there were a number of residential units for investment to be added to the supply of housing units. - ONA

With oil losing 35%

of its price in the

global markets and

prices expected to

decline further, it

may affect real estate

market, which is

closer to a recession

in 2013 and 2014

Hackers threaten Sony employees in new emailLOS ANGELES: Sony Pictures employees received a threaten-ing email on Friday claiming to be from the hackers who breached the entertainment giant’s com-puter network, reportedly with warnings that they and their fam-ilies were ‘in danger’.

The email from a group calling itself Guardians of Peace (GOP) also warned that “all hope will leave you and Sony Pictures will collapse,” according to the indus-try journal Variety. A Sony Pic-tures spokesman confirmed the threatening email that was sent to some staff, but not the nature of the threat.

“We understand that some of our employees have received an email claiming to be from GOP. We are aware of the situation and are working with law enforce-ment,” the spokesman said.

Sony Pictures earlier this week confirmed the hack attack, call-ing it a ‘brazen’ effort that netted a ‘large amount’ of confidential

information, including movies, as well as personnel and busi-ness files. It is not clear who GOP are, but Sony Pictures has down-played a report that North Korea was behind the attack.

Sony PicturesThe spokesman, Robert Lawson, did not verify the full content of the threatening email, but a transcript published by Variety warned that, “removing Sony Pic-tures on earth is a very tiny work for our group which is a world-wide organisation.

“What we have done so far is

only a small part of our further plan. It’s your false if you think this crisis will be over after some time. All hope will leave you and Sony Pictures will collapse.”

In clearly non-native English it continued: “Many things beyond imagination will happen at many places of the world. Our agents find themselves act in necessary places. “Please sign your name to object the false of the company at the email address below if you don’t want to suffer damage. If you don’t, not only you but your family will be in danger.”

According to security research-ers, the Sony hackers leaked sen-sitive personal information on some 47,000 individuals, includ-ing celebrities.

An analysis by the security firm Identity Finder found full names, social security numbers, birth dates and home addresses, allowing “a clear path for crimi-nals intent on committing iden-tity fraud.” - AFP

C Y B E R A T T A C K

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DOWN: The growth enjoyed by the real estate market in 2011 and

2012 was due to the policy of the Ministry of Housing to distribute

residential plots to most of the citizens in Oman. – File photo

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Sensex, Nifty drop on profit-bookingMUMBAI: After six weeks of gains including record-breaking run in November, the benchmark Sensex fell nearly 236 points as investors opted for profit-

booking at higher levels amid caution prevailed in the absence of definite trigger.

The week’s most crucial event was the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policy, maintaining the status quo on interest rate and conditional cutting of rates near future failed to provide necessary impetus to investors minds.

Traders approach following Apex banks review were cau-tiously optimistic, also were news-centric resulting risk-ori-ented second-line sectors includ-ing broader Mid-cap and Small-cap shares gaining upper-hand during the week.

The market could not brow-beaten further due to good for-eign institutional investors (FIIs) buying of Indian stocks and also news specific action on heavy-weights like ITC ham-mered last week following gov-ernment acceptance of ban on sale of loose cigarettes, rebound-ed this week on hoping hold over it on hopes that the proposal to ban sale of loose cigarettes is like-ly to be put on hold. The bench-mark Sensex resumed higher at 28,748.22 and hovered between a high of 28,809.64 and a low of

28,370.73 before closing the week at 28,458.10, witnessing a loss of 235.89 points, or 0.82 per cent.

The Sensex had gained by 2,585.66 points or 9.90 per cent in the last six weeks.

The CNX 50-share Nifty also lost 49.95 points or 0.58 per cent to conclude the week at 8,538.30.

Rupee appreciatesThe Indian currency appreci-ated by 26 paise to end the week at more-than one-week high of 61.77 against the Greenback fol-lowing fresh dollar selling by exporters and some banks amid continued capital inflows.

However, dollar selling was so strong that weak local equities and firm dollar overseas could not able to stem the rupee rise, a forex dealer said.

At the Interbank Foreign Ex-change (Forex) market, the do-mestic unit commenced lower at 62.25 a dollar from previous weekend’s close of 62.03 and im-mediately touched a low of 62.25 on sustained dollar demand from importers and weakness in local equities.

However, it later fight back and bounced back to a high of 61.75 before concluding the week at 61.77, showing a rise of 26 paise or 0.42 per cent . It had plunged by 76 paise or 1.24 per cent in last straight five week. - PTI

I N D I A N M A R K E T S

Lithuanian firm inks pact to supply juices in Oman marketTimes News Service

MUSCAT: Continual efforts by the Honorary Consulate of the Sultanate of Oman in Lithu-ania aimed at promoting bilateral trade and investment have yield-ed tangible results as the Lithu-anian juice producer recently inked an export agreement with its Omani partner.

Straikas, a Vilnius-based maker of the Magnum fruit and vegetable juices, came into a business deal with the Omani importer with a help of Boleta Senkienė, the Hon-orary Consul of Oman in Vilnius, earlier this year.

The deal is expected to gener-ate about 100,000 euros in rev-enue for the Lithuanian company in 2015 alone, according Tomas

Urba, its chief commercial officer. The first batch is due to be ready for delivery before the end of this year, he added.

Omani partner“We are happy to establish a part-nership with an Omani organisation which, we believe, will later open doors for us into broader market of the Gulf as well,” Urba said.

The Magnum juices have al-ready been exported to almost ten countries worldwide, including European nations, Hong Kong and the United States. Oman is the first export destination for the brand in the Arabic world.

In addition to the existing deal, Straikas eyes another ex-port contract with Oman in the next several months to start de-

livering its Marmaluzi baby food to the country.

“I am pleased to see that the business ties between Lithuania and Oman are growing rapidly. I am sure we will see more impor-tant bilateral trade deals shortly because the two sides are in-creasingly showing their interest in a number of business areas, including food, information tech-

nology and healthcare,” Boleta Senkienė said.

Her recent initiatives include the organisation of the seminar, to-gether with a local export promo-tion agency, for Lithuanian busi-ness people on specific aspects related to food imports by Oman. The event, which featured three speakers from Oman, took place in the middle of October in Vilnius.

B I L A T E R A L T R A D E

US oil explorers defy Opec’s threat of drilling slowdown

NEW YORK: The boom in US oil production will live to see another week.

The nation’s crude explorers, engaged in a pricing war with the world’s largest suppliers, defied predictions of a drilling slowdown and ran the most rigs since mid-November, boosting the US count by three to 1,575, Baker Hughes said on its website on Saturday. Rigs drilling for natural gas were unchanged at 344, the Houston-

based field services company’s website showed. The number of US oil rigs has fallen from the 2014 peak of 1,609 amid a global surplus of crude that has dragged prices down by more than $45 a barrel and threatens to slow the nation’s unprecedented shale boom. Opec decided last week to maintain pro-duction, placing more strain on US oil producers that have some of the world’s highest drilling costs.

“There’s just so much momen-

tum built up in the system right now and a lot of projects have al-ready been funded,” Kurt Hallead, co-head of RBC Capital Markets’ global energy research team, said by telephone from Austin, Texas.

“There are some projects that will continue on into the next quarter. Right now, you’re see-ing the smoke, and you won’t re-ally see the fire until about the second quarter.”

Future output in the US is at

risk with oil trading below $80 a barrel, Jeffrey Currie, head of commodities research at Gold-man Sachs Group, said in an inter-view on Bloomberg Television on December 1. “Below $60 creates a lot of pain for both” the US and Opec, he said.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec), re-sponsible for about 40 per cent of the world’s oil supply, decided on November 27 to maintain its collective crude output target at 30 million barrels a day, resisting calls for cuts to shrink the excess in global markets.

The international benchmark North Sea Brent oil and the US counterpart West Texas Interme-diate (WTI) crude both slid below $70 a barrel after Opec’s decision. WTI for January delivery dropped 97 cents to end the day at $65.84 a barrel today on the New York Mer-cantile Exchange, the lowest set-tlement in five years. Prices have fallen 39 per cent in five months.

The nation’s 52 largest US ex-ploration and production com-panies are running about 92 horizontally drilling rigs in North Dakota’s Bakken formation, Hal-lead said. At $60 oil, that count would shrink by almost half next year, he said.

Texas’s Eagle Ford formation would lose about 30, and the Per-mian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, the biggest US oil field, would drop by eight.

“You will see a pretty sharp re-duction in overall spending by next year, probably in the order of mag-nitude of 20 to 30 per cent,” Hallead said. “It’s going to really accelerate as you get into the second and third quarters of 2015.”

Rising productionWhile the US rig count has dropped, domestic production continues to surge, with the yield from new wells in shale formations including North Dakota’s Bakken and Texas’s Eagle Ford projected to reach re-cords this month, Energy Informa-tion Administration data show.

In the three formations that ac-count for 88 per cent of US shale oil output — the Bakken, the Eagle Ford and the Permian Basin — ex-plorers can drill wells profitably in some areas with crude at $25 a barrel, a team of analysts led by Manuj Nikhanj at ITG Investment Research said this week.

Domestic oil output climbed 6,000 barrels a day in the week end-ed on November 28 to 9.08 million, the highest level in EIA data going back to 1983. - Bloomberg News

Crude explorers ran

the most rigs since

mid-November and

ran the most rigs

since mid-November,

boosting the US

count by three to

1,575, Baker Hughes

said on its website

Buffett tops Slim as world’s second-richest businessman

NEW YORK: Warren Buffett became the world’s second-richest person on Saturday as Berkshire Hathaway reached a record high. The Omaha, Nebraska-based company has soared 27 per cent this year as the dozens of operating busi-nesses the 84-year-old chairman bought over the past five decades churned out record profit.

“The all-time closing high stock price today is due to a widening appreciation of what Berkshire really is, a fortress,said Buffett biographer Andrew Kilpatrick in an e-mail. With about $60 billion in cash at the company, ‘‘He could make a whopper of an acquisition at any moment.’’

Berkshire’s Class A shares trad-ed above $200,000 for the first time in August after a rally that followed the release of the compa-ny’s annual report, in which Buf-fett wrote that the company’s ac-tual worth has been rising faster than suggested by metrics such as book value. Since that milestone, the shares have climbed another 13 percent, elevating Buffett’s for-tune to $73.7 billion, $300 million more than Mexico’s Carlos Slim. - Bloomberg News

B L O O M B E R G B I L L I O N A I R E S

FUELLING GROWTH: The international benchmark North Sea Brent

oil and the US counterpart West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude

both slid below $70 a barrel after Opec’s decision. — Bloomberg file picture

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

ROUND-UPB5

A’Saffa Foods introduces new range of spicy chicken franks

MUSCAT: As part of the 10 years celebration of A‘Saffa’s success-ful operation and market leader-ship in Oman, A’Saffa Foods has launched an exciting and tasty product — spicy chicken franks — that is available at leading super-markets across the country.

Made from the finest natural ingredients, this is yet another chicken product that will go a long way as chicken franks is an enormously popular food item amongst Omani families and a firm favourite with children.

With the launch of this prod-

uct, families can now choose from a variety of franks options from A’Saffa, says a press release.

The hot and peppery A’Saffa spicy chicken franks is spiced up with an appetising blend of the purest natural ingredients, herbs and flavours. A’Saffa spicy chicken franks is a delight on every tongue and fills every occasion with joy and excitement.

It is one of the new products that are launched by A’Saffa Foods as the company continues to grow and expand its delicacy range and bring the quality of its products.

“We believe that our chicken franks are much tastier than im-ported products.

“The new spicy chicken franks are produced using the latest re-search and studies,” said Sidhar-tha Lenka, head, Marketing and Sales at A’Saffa Foods.

Quality productsA’Saffa has already established a strong market share in the chicken

franks category in Oman due to the taste and quality of their al-ready existing chicken products and the confidence that families have when buying products from Oman’s biggest chicken producer.

A’Saffa Foods has been a pio-neer in the production of quality poultry and processed value added products since the company estab-lished its operations in 2004 and is now an acknowledged leader in

the poultry market in Oman and rapidly growing its international presence in the GCC and beyond.

In addition to its core frozen and fresh whole chicken and chicken parts, A’Saffa Foods has a number of value added processed chicken products that include chicken burgers, fingers, fillets, nuggets, tikka, shish taouk, sha-warma, meat balls, kebabs and chicken mince.

Made from the finest natural ingredients, this

is yet another chicken product that will go a

long way as chicken franks is an enormously

popular food amongst Omani families

Winter camp at Harmony Centre starts today

MUSCAT: Harmony Centre will be holding a winter camp at the CBD branch next to Lama Polyclinic, from today to Janu-ary 1, 2015 from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, Sunday to Thursday, says a press release.

The activities include many musical instruments and the-ory, personality development, public speaking, dance, yoga, karate, art and craft, painting, storytelling, animated movies, fun games…and much more.

“Through the camp, we will target specific skills to enhance them like building friendships, effective conversation and com-munication, team work, social skills, self regulation, emotional intelligence, perspective talk-ing, adaptive/self help, hobby and academic enrichment and much more,” said Kadambani Jhala, marketing manager, Har-mony Music, Art and Karate Training Centre.

The registrations are now open. Further information can be had on 24704303, 92177342.

F U N T I M E

Two days of cultural extravaganza at ISN

MUSCAT: Indian School Nizwa (ISN) organised its two-day an-nual cultural festival ‘ISN San-skriti’ recently with much fan-fare. The festival proved to be a good platform for the students to showcase their inborn talents, says a press release.

All the individual events were held on the first day whereas the group events were held on the sec-ond day. The Principal Mainakshe Minoo declared the ISN Sanskriti open after which the show went on smoothly.

The experts from Indian School

Ibri and various other institu-tions in Nizwa judged the events. The winners were honoured with awards by Dr S Arockiasamy the President of the School Manage-ment Committee, and Lalita Jus-tin and Junaid Iqbal, the other members of the SMC.

The effort, dedication and hard work of the teachers, students and parents were highly appreci-ated by the principal. The parents and children immensely enjoyed the event. ISN Sanskriti came to a cheerful end by the vote of thanks proposed by the principal.

C E L E B R A T I O N

KIMS Oman hosts a health camp for public servantsMUSCAT: As part of their cor-porate social responsibility, KIMS Oman Hospital (KOH)-50 bedded hospital, equipped with excellence in healthcare deliv-ery organised a health checkup camp for the Civil Service Em-ployees Pension Fund recently. The one day camp included sev-eral awareness talks on general health and safety issues, fol-lowed by conductingsugar level and high blood pressure tests forthe participants.

“At KIMS Oman, we are very delighted to organise such impor-tant and beneficial campaigns for different segments of the society. Through such health camps, we endeavour to provide neces-sary medical attention and help people following a healthier life style,” said Katia Muhieddine, Head of Marketing department at KOH.

It is recommended to undergo a health screening tests every six months, as it helps in finding out

any particular disease or condi-tion even the individual feels perfectly well. Early detection, followed by treatment can result in better outcomes, and lowers the risk of serious complications.

KIMS Oman Hospital is com-mitted to provide world-class health care services with Care, Compassion and Courtesy to its patients at an affordable price. We strive to give our very best to the patient in clinical as well as non-clinical aspects of health care.

S O C I A L C A U S E

Areej Vegetable Oils takes part in Business Opportunities ForumMUSCAT: In its continuous ef-forts to promote Small and Me-dium Enterprises (SME) in the Sultanate, Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives (AVOD) partic-ipated in the recently held Busi-ness Opportunities Forum, says a press release.

“AVOD regularly participates in events and exhibitions set to sup-port business opportunities for SMEs, as we believe that a strong SME base is the foundation of a strong and prosperous country. Business Opportunities Forum was a perfect platform to gather information on the challenges and opportunities for the realisation of

greater support to SMEs. AVOD is committed to support all initia-tives that spur the development of SMEs in Oman,” said Salem Al Bortmany, Deputy General Manager, AVOD.

Organised by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Opportunities Forum was a two-day event that offered a great op-portunity for AVOD and other par-ticipants to interact with SMEs, understand their challenges and establish approaches to support them. AVOD had also installed a stall to exhibit its 100 per cent Om-ani products at the event.

AVOD has come a long way

since it was established in 1980 by Dr Omar Zawawi.

Today, AVOD is amongst the 20 largest public limited companies in the country. Areej Vegetable Oils enjoys a substantial market share in Oman and its current ex-ports are 70 per cent of the total business. It has a modern hygienic plant and manufactures and mar-kets top quality cooking oils, ghee, margarine, speciality fats and but-ter products.

The Company’s leading brands Minara, Sohar, Khafeef, Jabal Akhdar and Muscat Mar-garine are trusted names in every Omani home.

S U P P O R T F O R S M E S E C T O R

Qatar Airways’ new A380 plane lands in Bangkok

DOHA: It was just last month that Qatar Airways announced that its newly received A380 air-craft would be ready for touch-down in Bangkok, Thailand, in January 2015.

Responding to high demand for the state-of-the-art aircraft, Qa-tar Airways brought forward the arrival date of the A380 to Bang-kok to December 5, 2014.

In the wake of the overwhelm-ing success of its inaugural ser-vice to London Heathrow, fol-lowed by a second service to Paris, Qatar Airways now operates its third A380 route to Thailand, just in time for holiday travellers to experience the airline’s five-star service over the festive season, says a press release.

The additional capacity of-fered to passengers with the in-troduction of the A380 operated on one of the airline’s four-times daily services gives passengers the opportunity to experience the latest aircraft to join the Qatar Airways fleet.

“Bangkok is an ever-increas-ingly popular destination for holi-day makers and Qatar Airways is pleased to be providing additional capacity on the route,” said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Qatar Airways Group.

The airline’s A380 superjumbo is operated in a tri-class con-figuration of First, Business and Economy cabins and includes a total of 517 seats.

The First Class cabin features eight seats on the upper deck in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat features a 90” pitch with a fully lie-flat bed, 26” HD in-flight en-tertainment screen and direct aisle access. The First Class cabin also features exclusive spa-like bathrooms with luxurious ameni-ties to ensure passengers enjoy a comfortable and leisurely flight.

The Qatar Airways A380 Busi-ness Class cabin features 48 seats on the upper deck in a 1-2-1 con-figuration, each with an 80” fully flat bed, 17” HD in-flight enter-tainment screen and direct aisle

access. There are two Economy Class cabins on the Qatar Airways A380, with 56 seats on the upper deck in a 2-4-2 configuration, and 405 seats on the main deck in a 3-4-3 configuration. Each Econo-my Class seat is 18.5” wide with a 32” pitch and features a 10.6” in-flight entertainment screen.

The upper deck also features a spacious inflight lounge offering Premium passengers an escape from the typical airplane envi-ronment, which is unique to the A380. Another key feature of Qa-tar Airways’ A380 service is its in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity avail-able across all classes of travel.

Qatar Airways has received three of its 13 A380s on order to date. Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 17 years of operation, to the point where to-day it is flying a modern fleet of 142 aircraft to 145 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

S U P E R J U M B O

B6

ROUND-UPS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

Home Centre ready to enhance festive cheer

MUSCAT: Home Centre promis-es to make your home like no other this Christmas with a range of fes-tive inspirations to suit any home — traditional or contemporary.

From dressing your table or dec-orating the tree to filling up your home with seasonal colours and gleaming ornaments, Home Cen-tre offers abundant ideas and in-spirations to set the mood. All this and more festive inspiration can be viewed in the Home Centre Christ-mas catalogue, now out in stores and online on www.homecentre-stores.com, says a press release.

Regardless of your style or budg-et, Home Centre has Christmas all wrapped up for you in themes and colour schemes that ring in the fes-tivities. This year’s seasonal range of home accents and accessories embraces the traditional red, white and green with touches of metallic, along with contemporary combinations of purples, pinks and teal. The colours have been chosen to appeal to all — whether you are looking for a conventional and classic look or a modern and stylish feel.

Festive home embellishments at Home Centre include baubles and tree-toppers, door stoppers and wreaths, and of course a wide vari-ety of festive firs — as no Christmas décor is quite complete without the tree. Home Centre’s variety of trees for the season comes in sizes ranging from three to seven feet. The brand’s extensive range of lighting, ornaments and charms are guaranteed to bring brightness to your tree and home.

ParaphernaliaA big part of creating a warm and inviting feeling at home are the in-toxicating aromas that rise out of the kitchen. At Home Centre, you will find all the paraphernalia that you would need for festive baking and cooking, at very affordable prices. If you are looking to add a little more festive colour to your kitchen and tabletop, you can also choose collectable items such as a snowman jugs, vibrant cookie jars, Santa salt and pepper shakers, fes-tive lanterns and more.

Your home will look ready for guests this season with Home Centre’s versatile ceramic crock-ery and glassware collection. Some must-haves are the mugs for hot chocolate or eggnogs, plates and

serving bowls with inscriptions of festive messages, table runners, placemats, coasters and centre pieces — all in seasonal colours.

Featuring everything you will want for a festive home, this year’s Christmas collection by Home Centre will awake nostalgic child-hood memories of comfort and joy.

In the stores you will also dis-cover unique and tasteful gifts for family and friends. Be it cuddly snowmen and reindeers that light

up, table-top trees, glass orna-ments, or elegant serve ware and table decorations, the options are vast. This year, Home Centre also offers seasonal packaging and gift-wrapping papers. Should you pre-fer to give the gift of choice, Home Centre also offers gift vouchers.

Whatever you have planned around your tree this year, Home Centre’s festive collection has abso-lutely everything you need to make the season a special celebration.

From dressing your

table or decorating

the tree to filling

up your home with

seasonal colours and

gleaming ornaments,

Home Centre offers

abundant ideas and

inspirations to set

the mood

NBO employees benefit from team building workshopMUSCAT: National Bank of Oman’s (NBO) Academy of Ex-cellence recently held a cross-functional team building work-shop for the bank’s employees.

The workshop was attended by staff from different divisions of the bank. The aim behind the workshop was to bring together people from different functions and reinforce the principles of teamwork and cooperation at National Bank of Oman, says a press release.

The bank places great empha-sis on the professional devel-opment of its staff, with equal

importance given to the advance-ment of soft and behavioural skills. The bank also incorporat-ed a hands-on practical approach to the workshop avoiding the use of traditional corporate methods such as PowerPoint presenta-tions or lecture-led discussions.

Based on the principle that ‘play is the highest form of expres-sion’, the workshop was a series of thought-provoking games, ac-tivities, exercises and challenges. The workshop concluded with a debriefing of each game and activ-ity which served to summarise the learning points from the activities.

W O R K S H O P

Renna Mobile’s National Day offer a huge success among customers

MUSCAT: Renna Mobile’s spe-cial National Day offer for their customers turned out to be a huge success. Renna Mobile cel-ebrated National Day by offering customers free calls (Renna to Renna) during the holidays, says a press release.

With the aim to become the most effective and afford-able mobile service provider in Oman; Renna Mobile provides fantastic Internet packages and brilliant international prices

coupled with superb network coverage, offered through Oman-tel’s superior telecom network all across Oman, which allows customers to enjoy the services anytime and anywhere.

Raed Haddadin, CEO, Ren-na Mobile said, “Our National Day offer was a huge success amongst our customers.

“We always strive to offer something unique and as always our campaign successes lie in the happiness of our customers.”

F R E E C A L L S

Nissan Xterra now comes with advanced features and unrivalled off-road capabilityMUSCAT: The Nissan Xterra from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is designed with the intent of being a tough, essential SUV that inspires and facilitates outdoor enthusiasts’ active life-styles. All Xterra models feature an advanced 4.0-litre straight-six engine, rated at a muscular 270 horsepower, along with Nissan’s rugged “F-Alpha” ladder frame platform for adventure-ready per-formance, says a press release.

Attractive offer Nissan’s successful promotion promises customers benefits ga-lore. Customers purchasing the Nissan Xterra will be eligible to receive free registration, free in-surance (for Oman only), easy finance options, periodic mainte-nance service for two years/ 35K, (whichever comes first), six years unlimited mileage warranty and a cashback of OMR250.

Unique featureNissanConnect uses hands-free technology, smartphone, and the Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their vehicle. It’s loaded with features and compatibility with a grow-ing list of apps that allows cus-tomers play music, keep tabs on social network, and navigate any city like a local. Once logged in,

customers have to connect to Nis-san through bluetooth or the USB port. The quick start guide helps to select from a list of supported apps, and NissanConnect auto-matically installs them.

Comfort and convenience Standard interior features in-clude sporty reclining front buck-et seats, footrest, dual front and rear 20-ounce cup holders, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls. It also comes with driver seat height adjustment and lumbar support. Taking into consideration driver comfort and conveniences, the Xterra features a centre console and leather steering wheel.

Xterra’s signature exterior styl-ing features include large flared fenders, a versatile roof rack with

latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy ac-cess to the roof rack. It also offers a large, powerful looking hood and headlights and Nissan SUV-style angled strut grille. The vehicle also features Chrome ORVM and Fr. fog lamps. The new Xterra looks good on the road with its enhanced styling that includes a roof rail with attachments and side step. The Xterra also features a youth style dashboard, shift on the fly – 4WD system, naviga-tion, rearview camera, a steering switch for bluetooth, audio and cruise controls.

Xterra’s long wheelbase gives a smooth ride and ample interior room, yet overall length is highly manageable due to the short front overhang — helping to enhance manoeuvrability in off-road hill climbing and trail situations.

The new Xterra is also known

for its other key elements that in-clude 6” Off Road Wheel, Bilstein Shock Absorber, Off Road tire 265/75R16 OWL BFGoodrich,

6 speakers, the steering wheel comes with audio and cruise con-trols, bluetooth hands free phone and AUX-in and lastly a rear diff lock. Xterra’s versatile cargo area is highlighted by an available Easy Clean cargo surface and a total of 10 cargo area utility hooks – six on the floor/sides and four on the ceil-ing. There’s also an available built-in first-aid kit and space to secure-ly carry jugs up to a one-gallon size.

Underneath its unique exterior design, every Xterra features a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame and a rugged suspension featur-ing a steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle leaf spring rear suspension, with sta-biliser bars front and rear.

Two advanced transmissions are offered with the Xterra. An available electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with an emphasis on acceleration, fuel economy and shift quality, or a 6-speed manual transmission tuned for driving performance and fuel economy.

Other driveline components in-clude engine speed-sensitive pow-er-assisted rack-and-pinion steer-ing and 4-wheel vented disc brakes with anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution.

P R O M O T I O N

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

ROUND-UPB7

Holiday Inn Seeb gears up to welcome New Year

Times News Service

MUSCAT: The New Year eve is always a special occasion and Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb has plans to make it extraordinary for its guests and customers. The countdown begins right now as December is going to be an event-ful month at the hotel.

“It is time to count days, hours, minutes and seconds to welcome the New Year 2015 with friends and family and say good bye to 2014. Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb brings its valued customers a series of offerings to make their

celebrations even more special, said a hotel official.

“To kick off the New Year’s eve we have a stylish evening on the 31st December with a lounge style atmosphere where you devour over a grand world cuisine spread with barbeques and grills and an equally grand spread of mouthwa-tering desserts at our Omede, all day dining restaurant.

“A stroke of luck awaits you! Test your fortune while you eat, win and play at Omede with fabu-lous prizes to win, so watch out for that. There after enjoying a balloon drop countdown at midnight. All just for OMR25 net per person,” said Hazel Ruth Carvalho, sales manager, Holiday Inn Al Seeb.

Get mesmerised while Santa in-

vites you to the sumptuous Christ-mas Lunch at Omede, all day din-ing. To set the mood right we have for you little kids singing Christ-mas Carols while you overwhelm yourselves to the secret recipes of our Executive Chef Prasanna. Not only this, the week gets busy with Chef preparing the sizzling Turkey and the splendid Christmas Log at the Halwa Lounge Cafe.

“For the rest of the month, don’t forget to catch the famous Surf and Turf evenings every Wednes-day from 7pm onwards. What else can you want, an open buffet of meats to sea food with live sta-tions for OMR19 net only. For all those Cheese Cake fans, we have a range of flavoured Cheese Cakes available from December 1 at our

Halwa Lounge Cafe. And for our corporates, a Business Lunch wel-comes you for a quick, grab and run at Omede starting from OMR7 net,” she added.

“At all venues you can try out our finest mocktails, to the lovely shakes and juices with a wide range of non- alcoholic beverages and offers.” It doesn’t end here. Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb has created special hampers for givea-ways at the Ginger Bread House to take home memories of the festive season. And don’t forget to watch out for the upcoming contest, where you will not stop counting the number of tiles on the Ginger Bread House. So where and with whom are you celebrating the last month of the year?

The stylish hotel

brings its valued

customers a series

of offerings to make

their celebrations

even more special,

said a hotel official

KIMS Oman saves a

premature baby’s life

MUSCAT: Doctors in KIMS Oman Hospital (KOH), a 50-bed hospital, equipped with excel-lence in healthcare delivery, saved a pregnant woman’s life and her premature fetal after conducting an emergency cae-sarean section operation while she was in her 31 weeks of preg-nancy, says a press release.

Dr. Srinivasababu Subrama-nian, paediatrician and neona-tologist, and Dr Shalaka Prakash, Specialist obstetrics/gynaecol-ogy, along with their professional teams took special care of the pa-tient and her newborn who weight 1.2kg at birth. The pre-term baby born needed intubation and was ventilated for a few days. He also received surfactant, CPAP sup-port and needed continuous mon-itoring of neonatal intensive care support. After 32 days, the mother

and her baby were discharged with stable clinical condition and tolerance of sucking feeds.

“We are committed to provide world-class health care services with care, compassion and cour-tesy at an affordable price to our patients. We strive to give our very best to the patient in clini-cal as well as non-clinical aspects of health care. For us the patient is the sole cause of existence and we reciprocate the faith and trust that patients exhibit in our brand,” said Katia Muhieddine, Head of Marketing Department at KOH.

“At KIMS Oman we are well equipped with a range of medical equipment to support premature babies such as incubators, neo-natal ventilation, and monitor-ing and jaundice management,” she added.

H E A L T H C A R E

ZNA Rich pickup: An ideal vehicle for construction workers MUSCAT: The construction workers in Oman are swearing by the Rich Pickup from Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile, an ideal vehi-cle in their line of business.

The Rich pickup is designed for hard work. It is not just strong and sturdy to withstand the most punishing conditions but also very comfortable and safe, mak-ing it a perfect vehicle for all types of business requirements. Moreo-ver, it offers complete value for money, says a press release.

“The robust ZNA Rich Pickup offers ample space for transport-ing heavy goods and tools while comfortably seating five people. With a sizeable cargo tray, tow bar and parking sensors, this strong and dependable pickup is perfect for carrying large equipment, par-ticularly across difficult terrain. In our sector, these vehicle fea-tures are very important. What is also impressive is its design, safety features and driving expe-rience,” commented a construc-tion worker in Sohar.

The Rich pickup is certainly a proven workhorse for commer-cial use as it is completely de-pendable and reliable. Available in 4-door/2-door pickup (double/single cabin) available both in 4x2 and 4x4 versions, the Rich has a 2.4lt, four-cylinder engine with

5- speed MT. Having a 137hp, the pickup has an independent sus-pension with double wishbone, 2+3 seats, power steering and windows, an adjustable steering column, a deluxe diamond head-lamp and comes equipped with a CD+USB+SD card slot.

A spokesperson from Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the distribu-tor of ZNA range of vehicles in Oman, commented: “With a con-

struction boom across the coun-try, ZNA Rich pickup has become very popular because of its rug-ged reliability, high performance and low maintenance. It is also an ideal car for towing and tour-ing as well as everyday driving needs. Moreover, all ZNA vehi-cles come with 24 hours AAA roadside assistance ensuring our customers face no vehicle maintenance issues at all.”

D E P E N D A B L E P I C K U P

CBFS hosts strategic planning workshopMUSCAT: As part of the Col-lege’s periodic introspection, the College of Banking and Fi-nancial Studies (CBFS) con-ducted a review of its strategic plan and documents underpin-ning its principles.

The two-day Strategic Plan-ning Workshop was preceded by several rounds of delibera-tions of the CBFS’ key docu-ments by internally formed teams — the Strategic Planning Review Taskforce and the In-stitutional Effectiveness Task-force, says a press release.

The taskforces, compris-ing representative members of faculty, staff, stakeholders as well as students, had submit-ted their input to the external consultants who facilitated the workshop. The workshop was also attended by CBFS’ Board of Directors and stakeholders.

The objectives of the work-shop were to develop a frame-work for long term strategy by realigning it with the vision and the mission of the college. After finalising the vision and mission, participants worked in groups to deliberate on goals, objectives and KPIs that should be followed. Prior to the work-shop, CBFS had also conducted a ‘comprehensive market study’ for capturing the market needs of academic, professional and training programmes in the banking and financial sector.

Ali Hamdan Al Raisi, chair-man of CBFS Board of directors and vice-president of the Cen-tral Bank of Oman stressed that committing time and resources to implementing the strate-gic plan is equally important to having well defined strat-egy documents. The Dean of the College, Dr Ahmed Mohsin Al Ghassani, expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the workshop and emphasised the importance of quality in all activities of the college.

R E V I E W

Majan Electricity conducts inspection campaign

MUSCAT: Majan Electricity Company recently began its third annual campaign of electrical network security inspection in the authorised areas of the com-pany; North Batinah, Dhahirah and Buraimi, says a press release.

A number of female employees participated in the inspection campaigns from different depart-ments with the assistance of their fellow distribution engineers. The initiative came in line with the guidance and support of His Majesty the Sultan to promote

the role of women in society, as well as the company’s initiatives to promote the importance of health, safety and environmental among the employees the com-

pany in all departments. This campaign comes in the

context of the company’s com-mitment to the maximise safety standards in the authorised areas.

E L E C T R I C A L N E T W O R K S E C U R I T Y

The robust ZNA Rich pickup offers ample space for transporting heavy goods and tools while comfortably seating five people. With a sizeable cargo tray, tow bar and parking sensors, this strong and dependable pickup is perfect for carrying large equipment, particularly across difficult terrain

A construction worker in Sohar

B8

ROUND-UPS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

Kia cars on offer with exciting cash bonanza

MUSCAT: End the year on a high note with Kia’s ‘Year-end Cash Gift’ scheme offering customers a chance to line their pockets with a cash gift of up to OMR1100.

Kia has made available various cash gifts on different Kia models. The amount varies from OMR250 to OMR1,100 depending on the model purchased. For example, a Picanto buyer is able to avail of a OMR250 cash gift. The customer may choose to keep this amount or may opt to use it as a part of down payment. It is the customer’s own choice, says a press release.

The cash gift offer on other models is Rio (OMR500), Cer-ato (OMR600) Cerato Koup (OMR300), Optima (OMR700), Cadenza (OMR1,100), Soul (OMR300), Carens (OMR400),

Carnival (OMR400), Sportage (OMR600), Sportage (OMR600) Sorento (OMR750) and Mohave (OMR900). There is no cash gift on K4000 and Kia Quoris or on any government and ministry purchases. Scheme period is from Nov 18 to Jan 16.

In the welcoming ambience of the Kia showroom, customers can choose a Kia model best suited to their needs. Kia’s exciting and ena-bling range includes the Picanto – a fresh and vibrant car to turn up the colours in life; the Kia Rio, a smartly styled car that makes absolutely no compromises; the Cerato, a vehicle that moves one into the good life.; the Cerato Koup, a car in tune with one’s emotions; the Optima, the car with a sporty stance and style that conveys con-fident individuality; Cadenza, a car

that reassures with its innovative attention to detail; Kia Soul, a car that gives freedom to express one’s personality and to connect with an urban lifestyle; Sportage, for ap-peal that’s ahead by many miles; Kia Carens, a car that lets one live life to the fullest; Sorento, an SUV built for urban living; Kia Mohave, that puts one at the peak of perfor-mance; Kia Carnival, an elegant all-in-one tool that makes one’s life a whole lot easier; K- 4000G, a highly polished work horse. At the top of the list is the recently launched game changer, the Quo-ris that unlocks an experience of new luxury.

Kia Motors Corporation, a mak-er of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart, was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.7 million

Kia vehicles a year are produced in nine manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and deal-ers covering around 150 countries.

Kia today has over 47,000 em-ployees worldwide and annual rev-enues of US$42 billion. It is the ma-jor sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – “The Power to Surprise” – represents the company’s global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

Reliable International Auto-motive, the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding own-ership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched 18 facilities easily en-sure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way. No wonder then that Reliable International Automotive has been ranked amongst the top Kia distributors worldwide and has been honoured with prestigious accolades includ-ing the Kia ‘Dealer of the Year’ award; Kia ‘Distributor of Distinc-tion’ award, ‘Family Like Care’ Ser-vice award and the ‘Zenith Club’ award for excellent performance.

The amount varies

from OMR250 to

OMR1,100 depending

on the model

purchased

Al Hassan makes its presence felt at Business ForumMUSCAT: Al Hassan Engineer-ing Company (AHEC) recently showcased its strengths and opportunities at the Business Opportunities Forum held at the Oman International Exhi-bition Centre recently, says a press release.

Aiming to strengthen the coop-eration between the large private sector companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Sultanate, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) organised the forum at Oman International Exhibition Cen-tre under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture.

Al Hassan Engineering high-lighted some of its best known projects in multiple sectors such

as oil and gas, power and water at the forum. Senior representa-tives from the company were seen presenting the strengths of the company as well as familiar-izing the visitors with the Group’s business opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as their future efforts.

“Small and medium enter-prises represent the backbone of a sustainable economy and it is therefore our duty to sup-port their efforts in creating in-country value. At Al Hassan we encourage such partnerships at every level and hence BOF has proved to be a beneficial forum for us. We congratulate OCCI for putting together a very suc-cessful second year of the exhi-bition,” said Hassan Ali Salman, chairman of the Group.

E X H I B I T I O N

BPT stand at Geospatial Expo attracts attentionMUSCAT: Bahwan Projects and Telecoms (BPT), one of the flag-ship companies of Suhail Bahwan Group and the exclusive supplier of specialised survey-solutions equipment from Leica Geosys-tems, Switzerland to the Sul-tanate, received huge customer response at the Geospatial Expo held at the Oman International Exhibitions Centre.

Mohammed bin Nasser Al Ras-bi, secretary general at the Min-istry of Defence who inaugurated the exhibition, paid a visit to the BPT stand, where a range of sur-vey-solutions instruments from Leica where on display. Yasser Mohammed Kheir, General Man-ager Bahwan Projects & Telecoms received him and explained the line of instruments and its func-tions, says a press release.

The instruments on display included Leica TM30 Monitor-ing Sensor, Leica GR25 refer-ence receivers, Leica Viva GNSS & TPS products , Leica FlexLine TS06plus and a Leica Construc-tion Segment products.

Representatives from oil and gas companies, various ministries, de-fence establishments, power and telecom companies, survey agen-cies, highways and transport au-thorities, national remote sensing agencies, survey authorities and

cartographic centres, civil avia-tion authorities and geological and metrological departments visited the BPT stall and keenly watched the product demonstration.

“Geospatial technology has be-come an important part of several sectors today and is being applied in most developmental projects across the Sultanate. As a pioneer-ing and leading supplier of Geo-spatial systems and solutions in the Sultanate, Bahwan Projects and Telecoms has acquired a wealth of experience and exper-tise in executing turnkey projects. We are proud to have earned a solid customer base that includes government departments, min-istries and contractors,” said Yasser Mohammed Kheir.

“BPT, with its principle Leica Geosystems, is implementing a

prestigious project for National Survey Authority (NSA) of Oman for the establishment of Oman Na-tional Continuous Operating Ref-erence Stations (CORS) network at 40 locations in the Sultanate of Oman. The project also includes setting up a Control Center at NSA headquarters and a Disaster Re-covery site for backup at other lo-cations. We will continue to serve our prestigious customers with the latest in technology and high standards of service,” he added.

BPT showcased Leica TM30 Sensor equipment which is al-ready installed in the Oman Inter-national Exhibition Centre, checks and monitors the deformation in the building. The solution helps in minimising risks associated with large construction projects such as roads, dams, tunnels, bridges, etc.

T E C H N O L O G Y

Noted infertility expert available

for consultation at Al Hakeem

MUSCAT: Dr. Papolu Rama Devi will be available for consultation at Al Hakeem Fertility Mother and Child Care Centre from today till December 11. A world famous expert in the procedure of diag-nosis and treatment of infertility, she discusses ways to cope with secondary infertility, for which treatment options are available at Al Hakeem, says a press release.

Secondary infertility refers to the inability of couples to con-ceive, following the birth of one or more biological children. Pri-mary infertility or the inability of couples to conceive a child for the first time receives prime media attention in the history of infer-tility cases. Which is why couples who already have a child and go on to experience secondary infer-tility are generally not given the attention that is due to them.

“Most couples make the mis-take of assuming that they are im-mune to infertility problems be-cause they didn’t have problems conceiving the first time around. Because of this assumption, they either decide to wait longer or ig-nore the problem altogether.

“Increasing the time they take to undergo testing and treatment may reduce their treatment suc-cess rate. As a result the problems they thought they didn’t have, may have worsened during that time period,” said Dr. P. Rama

Devi, Senior Infertility Consult-ant and Managing Director, Al Hakeem Fertility Mother and Child Care Centre.

One third of secondary in-fertility cases may be related to male infertility, one third to fe-male infertility and another one third to both. Secondary infertil-ity causes include sperm qual-ity and quantity advanced repro-

ductive age, blocked Fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids, weight gain, smoking etc., though each case is unique.

In any case, both husband and wife should be tested for second-ary infertility. Depending on the results, appropriate treatment options may be prescribed in-cluding fertility drugs, IUI, IVF, laparoscopic surgery etc.

H E A L T H C A R E

A world famous expert in the procedure of diagnosis and treatment of infertility, Dr. Papolu Rama Devi discusses ways to cope with secondary infertility, for which treatment options are available at Al Hakeem Fertility Mother and Child Care Centre

Students join Sohar beach clean-upSOHAR: Hundreds of school and college students joined officials and staff from Sohar Port and Freezone at a two-day beach and mangrove clean-up close to the logistics hub in northern Oman.

Having issued an invitation to schools and colleges, officials at Oman’s premier logistics hub said they were completely over-whelmed with the response and the turnout reflected the strong commitment to the environment in the city, says a press release.

“We have been overwhelmed by the number of schools that re-sponded to our invitation to join the beach clean-up, and would like to thank everyone who took part for their hard work and dedi-cation. We are also delighted with the strong message that the event sends about just how much by the residents in Al Batinah care about their environment,” said Sohar Executive Manager of Corporate Affairs, Suwaid Al Shamaisi.

The two-day clean-up was held at Harmoul Beach on December 2-3, and began with a briefing at Sohar Port headquarters in which staff and students from partici-pating schools were briefed on the importance of keeping beaches and ecosystems clean and safe.

Staff from the Sohar Port and Freezone also ran through a list of health and safety precautions and discussed some of the similar initiatives the port authority has already undertaken.

“The beach clean-up has been a resounding success, but as our tagline suggests, ‘It all starts here’. This and the other initiatives we have undertaken to protect the environment are just the beginning, and it will take small, regular, consistent acts from all of us if we are to preserve Oman’s spectacular coastline,” Sohar Freezone CEO Jamal Aziz said.

“Environmental sustainabil-ity is rooted in Oman’s culture, and is a key part of the vision of His Majesty when he insti-tutionalised both the ‘Vision 2020’ development strategy and Unesco Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preserva-tion. The beach and mangrove clean-ups are a part of our com-mitment to ensuring that this vision is realised, and that the ecosystems surrounding our Port and Freezone and the wild-life they support are protected for many years to come,” said Aziz prior to the event.

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

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

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SECTIONC S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

AJMAL IN PAKISTAN’S PRELIMINARY SQUADAce spinner Saeed Ajmal is in Pakistan’s 30-man preliminary squad for next year’s World Cup, despite serving a suspension at the moment for an illegal bowling action. >C3

Battling Oman book place in Junior AHF Cup final

MUSCAT: Oman fought back bravely to hold Chinese Taipei to a 1-1 draw in a crucial match and book a place in the ongoing Men’s Junior AHF Cup in Dhaka on Saturday.

According to the information posted on the Bangladesh Hockey Federation official website, both Oman and Chinese Taipei complet-ed their league engagements with

seven points each but the Sultanate squad advanced to the final thanks to their better goal average of plus one against their rivals minus four.

By reaching the final, where they will clash with Bangladesh for the top honours, Oman also qualified

for next year’s Men’s Junior Asia Cup along with the hosts.

At the Moulana Bhashani Na-tional Hockey Stadium in the Bangladeshi capital on Saturday, the Omanis missed a number of scoring chances in the first half,

during which neither team suc-ceeded in opening their account.

However, the match came alive in the second session. But it was Chinese Taipei who took the lead in the 45th minute. Hsi Chen ran down the right flank and sent in

to a superb cross to waiting Ching Hsu in the middle of the arc and the latter unleashed a fierce hit to break the deadlock.

In the 60th minute Ching Hsu wasted an opportunity to double the lead when he failed to connect Huang Yi cross.

On the other side, Oman’s Shafi Al Satari and Imad Al Hasani wasted a couple of scoring chances.

But Muhanna Al Hassani saved the day for Oman with a splendid goal in the 64th minute. Muhan-na pounced on a rebound, after Salmeen Al Nofali’s powerful hit bounced off the pads of Taipei cus-todian Chih Yen, and pushed the ball into the net even as he went down to the turf to the delight of his teammates.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 7-0 goals to finish the league phase at the top of the table.

For the hosts, midfielder Mo-hammed Roman Sarker (44th and 64th minutes) and Fazle Rabbi (28th and 47th) scored a brace each. The other goals were net-ted by Milon (9th), Moinul Islam Koushik (17), Mohammed Ashraful (23rd), Fazle Rabbi also scored a brace in the 28th and 47th minute.

While Oman will clash with Bangladesh in the final on Sunday, Chinese Taipei will meet Sri Lan-ka the third-place play-off.

In a crucial match,

Oman fought back to

hold Chinese Taipei

1-1 to book a place in

the Men’s Junior AHF

Cup final in Dhaka.

The result also helped

the Sultanate’s squad

to seal a qualifying

berth for the Men’s

Junior Asia Cup

SUPERB FIGHTBACK: Oman rallied to hold Chinese Taipei to a crucial 1-1 draw, which not only helped

them book a place in the final but also paved their way to the Junior Asia Cup.

Sixth Tour of Oman attracts top ridersMUSCAT: The top riders from across the world have confirmed their participation in the sixth of the Tour of Oman which is scheduled to be organised early next year.

According to the news posted on several sports websites, including cyclingnews.com and www.letour.fr, the 2015 edition of the Tour of Oman, organised by Tour de France organiser ASO in association with Eddy Merckx, is scheduled to take place from February 17 to 22.

Tejay van Garderen (BMC), Vin-cenzo Nibali (Astana), Rigoberto Uran (Etixx-Quick Step), Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) and Joaquim Rodri-guez (Katusha) are some of the top names who will be battling for top honours in Oman.

The Grand Tour contenders are

likely to fight for overall victory on the decisive stage to Jabal Akhdar, while the sprinters and Classics riders usually dominate the other, flatter stages.

Meanwhile, defending cham-pion Chris Froome of Team Sky will be a notable absentee as he ex-pected to begin his 2015 season at the Ruta del Sol in Spain.

Van Garderen finished a morale-boosting second overall behind Froome, despite making his sea-son debut in the race.

The American impressed on the climb to Jabal Akhdar, finishing just 22 seconds behind Froome. Philippe Gilbert is also expected to be part of the BMC team.

Despite uncertainty about the WorldTour status of Nibali’s

Astana team, the Tour de France winner has been named as a con-tender for the Tour of Oman.

Last year he clashed with Froome but was not at his best and

finished 12th overall. The Tour of Oman holds a

special place in Nibali’s cycling memories as he ended a 17-month drought following his first overall

victory in a Grand Tour (the 2010 Vuelta a España) when he claimed stage five to Jabal Akhdhar and car-ried on to his successful campaigns of the past three years at the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. Since he made its debuts in the Sul-tanate in 2012, he hasn’t missed an occasion to test his legs against the other stage race specialists in the event that has attracted the win-ners of the past six Tour de France since its inception in 2010.

Depending on the final team line-ups, Nibali’s young teammate and rival Fabio Aru could also ride the Tour of Oman.

Race organisers also listed Tom Boonen and Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick Step), Warren Bar-guil (Alpecin-Giant), Alexander

Kristoff (Katusha), Fabian Cancel-lara (Trek Factory Racing), Nacer Bouhanni (COF), Edvald Boasson Hagen (MTN-Qhubeka) on the in-itial entry list. The FDJ team will include Kenny Elissonde, Steve Morabito, Arnold Jeannesson and sprinter Arnaud Démar.

A total of 18 WorldTour and Pro-fessional Continental teams will ride the Tour of Oman.

2015 Tour of Oman lineup: Orica-GreenEdge, Etixx-Quick Step, Movistar Team, BMC Racing Team, Trek Factory Racing, FDJ, Lampre-Merida, Team Sky, Astana, Team Giant-Alpecin, Katusha, Tinkoff-Saxo MTN-Qhubeka, Bo-ra-Argon 18, Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise, Cofidis, Bardiani-CSF and IAM Cycling.

C Y C L I N G

RIDERS’ FAVOURITE: The 2015 edition of the Tour of Oman will take

place from February 17 to 22. – TIMES OF OMAN

Bach promises ‘zero tolerance’ if Russia doping proved

MONACO: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will impose a “zero tolerance” pun-ishment if accusations of wide-spread doping by Russian ath-letes are proved, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Saturday.

“What is important for the IOC is that we take these allega-tions seriously,” Bach told a news conference when asked about the doping claims made in a Ger-man television documentary.

He said the IOC had written to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ethics commission demanding “to be informed about all the results which may affect people and the jurisdiction of the IOC.”

“If such allegations should be proven by the IAAF ethics com-mission then the IOC will react with its zero tolerance policy.”

Russian officials have strongly denied the claims of state-backed doping made in the documentary. The docu-mentary featured accusations by banned 800m runner Yulia Stepanova and her husband Vi-taly Stepanov, who worked for Russia’s anti-doping agency be-tween 2008 and 2011. Stepano-va secretly filmed a coach offer-ing her banned steroids. - AFP

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Haddin seeks fans’ support in wake of Hughes deathADELAIDE: Vice-captain Brad Haddin said on Saturday the Aus-tralia team needs the support of fans as it gears up to play an emo-tional first Test against India in Adelaide next week.

The Australian players are back in training for Tuesday’s series opener just days after gathering at Macksville in New South Wales for the funeral of their team-mate Phillip Hughes.

Hughes, 25, died on November 27 from bleeding on the brain, two days after being knocked uncon-scious by a bouncer in Sydney, plunging the cricketing world into mourning.

“We need the support of the Australian public and everyone leading into this first Test,” Haddin

told reporters at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

“We’re looking forward to play-ing and we need the help of every-one to enjoy the moment and just enjoy the game of cricket. Our job is to go and play cricket.”

Haddin said it would be impor-tant not to over complicate things in the wake of the Hughes tragedy and the outpouring of grief over his death. “I don’t think you need to look too deep into what’s going to happen. You’re going to get a crick-et game here on Tuesday, you’ll en-joy it and so will we,” Haddin said.

“We get back to playing the game we love. I don’t think you need to complicate it any more than that.”

Haddin was behind the stumps for New South Wales when South

Australian batsman Hughes was fatally struck by a bouncer at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 37-year-old wicketkeeper replied in typical no-nonsense fash-ion when asked whether he would be mentally right to play the open-ing Test of the four-match series.

“Yep,” was all he said.Hughes’ death and the grief

that enveloped the entire Test squad was not mentioned by Haddin on Saturday.

“Cricket is just a game,” he said, when asked if the sport will ever be the same again.

“We can try to complicate it as much as we want, but we got back to cricket training. We needed to feel that cricket hurt in our legs again so we got that.”

To wear No. 408 Meanwhile, the Australian cricket team as a tribute to Hughes has decided to wear No. 408, the Test debut number of the late batsman, under their national emblem dur-ing the first Test against India.

Usually, players have their own individual Test playing

numbers embroidered on their shirts but on Tuesday, every

Australian will wear Hughes’ Test cap number.

A range of initiatives to honour Hughes’ life and achievements are being planned for the opener against India, which promises to be a highly emotional event given that the first outing for the Test side since his tragic passing is tak-ing place in his adopted home city.

After a state funeral in Hughes’ hometown Macksville, the Mi-chael Clarke-led team resumed practice at the Adelaide Oval and Australian team coach Darren Lehmann is positive about the re-sponse from the boys in coping up with the tragedy.

“Stick together,” Lehmann was quoted as saying on Fox Sports.

“We lost a family member from our cricket community and now it’s a case of rallying around his family and the whole CA cricket family and get on with what we do and that’s play some cricket,” Lehmann added.

“Hughesy would want us to do that as well. We’ve spoken about it plenty over the past few days,” the Austalian coach added.- Agencies

C R I C K E T

Australia face biggest mental battle: Ponting

MELBOURNE: An Australia team still mourning the tragic death of Phillip Hughes face the biggest mental battle of their careers in playing the first Test against India next week, according to former captain Ricky Ponting.

Australia host the first match of the four-Test series in Ad-elaide from Tuesday, less than a week after batsman Hughes’s funeral, and Ponting said the collective loss of their team mate would far outweigh any personal tragedies players had previously brought into a game.

“None of the things that have happened before compare to what the players are dealing with after Phillip’s death,” Pon-ting wrote in a column in The Australian newspaper.

“We are in uncharted waters and the boys are going to have to dig deeper than they ever have.

“This will be the biggest men-tal battle any of them will have encountered, but I have faith they can pull it off.

“In a perfect world I want to see the team come together and go out there as one, but I under-stand that some might find it impossible.

“For cricket’s sake, I hope that they can all do it.”

Ponting spoke of playing with a heavy heart after deaths in his own family and said cricket at the highest level was “a job that has to be done no matter what’s going on in your life”.

“Like everyone in the com-munity, cricketers have to show up at work and suck it up when things are rough,” he added.

“Your wife or kids can be sick, there might be trouble at home, but too often this can happen when you are on the road and there’s not even the chance to drop in at the end of the day and sort out the mess.”

Former Australia fast bowl-er Merv Hughes said players should send in a short ball first thing in the Adelaide Test and Ponting agreed.

“I would love to see a bouncer bowled as the first ball in Ad-elaide on Tuesday,” he said.

“It would clear the air, an-nounce that the game is on, and if that’s done I think it might have a healing effect on everybody. Or at least start the healing.” - Reuters

H E A V Y H E A R T

India focused as Dhoni arrives

ADELAIDE: India’s players say they are focused on next week’s opening Test as M.S. Dhoni’s ar-rival in Australia on Saturday raised hopes he may lead his team against the home side at the Adelaide Oval.

The tourists, like the Austral-ians, are coming to terms with the tragic death of Test batsman Phil-lip Hughes, which plunged the cricket world into mourning.

The Indians are preparing for Tuesday’s Test after a couple of two-day games against a Cricket Australia XI, while the Austral-ian squad only begun training on Friday following the funeral of Hughes on Wednesday.

The rescheduling of the Test

series has opened the door for Dhoni to lead the Indians in the series opener in Adelaide.

Dhoni would have missed the originally scheduled first Test in Brisbane, slated to start last Thurs-day, because of a long-standing wrist injury. Dhoni flew into Ad-elaide on Saturday and will train with his teammates on Sunday, an Indian team spokesman said, though he added that any decision on whether Dhoni would play in Adelaide was yet to be made.

The death of Phillip Hughes forced a rejigging of the Test se-ries, with Adelaide now hosting the opener.

“We are professional cricket-ers, we have to move on,” Indian paceman Ishant Sharma told re-

porters in Adelaide on Saturday.“What has happened is re-

ally bad and everyone was really shocked ... but we are professional cricketers and need to look for-ward to what is coming next for us and that is what we will do.”

His teammate Rohit Sharma said the first Test would be welcomed by a mourning cricket world.

“It was a very sad incident but cricket has to go on, the game will go on,” he said. “When you go out on the park, the only thing is about how to perform and give your best.

“That incident of Phil Hughes will definitely be in everyone’s minds, but when it comes to this game we’ll all be focused on how to do well and get the best result.” - AFP

The rescheduling of

the Test series has

opened the door for

Dhoni to lead the

Indians in the series

opener in Adelaide RAISING HOPES: Skipper M.S. Dhoni.

Cook remains as captain in England’s World Cup squadLONDON: England confirmed Alastair Cook as captain for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after naming their provisional 30-man squad on Saturday.

National selector James Whi-taker had made it clear before England embarked on their cur-rent one-day international tour of Sri Lanka that Cook would be in charge for the World Cup despite questions about his leadership and form with the bat.

There was no change to that policy as the opener was joined in the squad by all those chosen for the Sri Lanka trip and frontline pace bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson, currently re-covering from their knee injuries in South Africa.

Jonathan Trott is the one no-table omission from the initial group named for the tournament, which begins in February.

Trott had to leave last winter’s Ashes campaign in Australia with a stress-related illness, but

the batsman gradually returned to form and well-being for War-wickshire during the English do-mestic campaign.

Among others who have been included in the World Cup reck-

oning are a sextet from Yorkshire — Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow, Tim Bresnan, Jack Brooks, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid — join-ing county colleague Joe Root, al-ready in Sri Lanka.

Surrey batsman Jason Roy, who made his international debut in a Twenty20 against India at Edgbaston in September, is also in the 30.

England intend to pare down their squad, to a 16 for the tri-series in Australia, just before Christmas — of whom 15 are ex-pected to form their final World Cup squad.

Preliminary squad: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Jack Brooks, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook (capt), Steven Finn, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Craig Kieswetter, Eoin Morgan, Stephen Parry, Samit Patel, Liam Plun-kett, Boyd Rankin, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, James Tredwell, James Vince, Chris Woakes and Luke Wright. - AFP

C O N F I R M E D

IN CHARGE: Alastair Cook

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Oman announce 14-member team for GCC women’s cricket tournamentMUSCAT: Oman Cricket (OC) named a 14-member squad for the inaugural GCC Women’s T20 Cricket Championship to be or-ganised in Muscat from Decem-ber 14 to 19.

According to a press release issued by the Sultanate’s cricket governing body, Oman Cricket on Saturday, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will also be competing for the top honours in the first its kind tour-nament to be organised in the GCC region.

The Sultanate’s squad will be led by Sunayna Devaiah while Akshadha Gunasekar will be the vice-captain.

Other members of the squad are Babli Kushan, Royala Fernandes, Sujana Sunder, Jayadhanyha Gu-nasekar, Anupama Pillai, Hina Javed, Thara Fathima, Nayan

Anil, Neha Nayak, Priyanka Men-donsa, Aditi Bhatnaghar and Saaya Channa.

Four players, Poojaroshini Parameswaran, Piyusha Mahesh,

Rhea Chandwani and Shreya Dhuri are named as reserves.

Vaishali Jesrani has been named as the team manager while Sajith Kumar and Desmond Ber-hardt will coach the team.

Jaganathan Premnath will be the physio for the Oman team.

The matches in the preliminary round will be played on a single round robin league format on De-cember 15, 16 and 18.

The Championship match and third-place play-off will take place on December 19.

All matches will be played at the Oman Cricket’s grass ground with turf pitches at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground in Amerat.

I N A U G U R A L E V E N T

CAPTAIN: Sunayna Devaiah VICE-CAPTAIN: Akshadha G

Ahmed attends coaching course in BudapestMUSCAT: Oman’s Ahmed bin Khamis Al Kulaibi has success-fully completed the an Interna-tional Coaching Course in swim-ming oganised in the Hungarian capital of Budapest recently.

According to information re-ceived from the Oman Swimming Association, the international coaching course was organised from September 6 to Decem-ber 5 and the course included 11 teaching sessions of theoretical lectures as well as training pro-grammes and practical applica-tions overseen by academics and international instructors.

The session programme in-cluded tours and field visits to a number of clubs, universities and sports facilities in Hungary, attending official matches and training of the Hungarian pro-fessional league clubs.

Al Kulaibi said that the course presented the latest training plans in swimming as well as learning how to produce future champion swimmers and how to set up a long-term and short-term rehabilitation and prepa-ration process for players.

Al Kulaibi added that he ben-efited a lot from the course, especially as it touched on the specialised aspects in the field of swimming like the ways and methods of supervising the per-formance of the players and how to manage the team before, dur-ing and after the competitions.

A star swimmer both in Oman and GCC, Ahmed Al Ku-laibi turned to coaching after retiring from active swimming.

S W I M M I N G

Ahmed Al Kulaibi

Pakistan, New Zealand to launch World Cup buildup

DUBAI: Pakistan and New Zea-land start a five-match One-day International (ODI) series in Dubai on Monday with the focus on building confidence and mo-mentum for next year’s World Cup, which is just two months away.

It promises to be a keenly-fought contest after they ended honours even in both the three-Test series and the two-match Twenty20.

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul Haq admitted his team can build confi-dence and momentum.

“This is one of our last chances before the World Cup, to look how we will go into the World Cup so the focus is on that,” said Misbah on Saturday. “Pitches are differ-ent here (from Australia and New Zealandwhere the World Cup is being hosted) but I still think the confidence and the momentum of this series will help us and it will not matter even if we are playing on different pitches here.”

Pakistan have recalled experi-enced batsman Younis Khan af-ter dropping him from the three-match one-day series against Australia which they lost 3-0 in October -- also played in the Unit-ed Arab Emirates.

Misbah believes Younis will pro-vide valuable experience.

“His experience will help us,” said Misbah, also hinting Pakistan team will go with a specialist open-ing pair instead of using wicket-keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed at

the top of the order.“We want to go in with genuine

openers and want the first four batsmen settled before going to the World Cup,” said Misbah, who praised New Zealand as a dangerous side.

“New Zealand have adaptabil-ity and they have all-rounders and good spinners who can win match-es for their team,” said Misbah.

Pakistan have been missing ace spinner Saeed Ajmal, suspended for an illegal bowling action two

months ago and their problems were further compounded when all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez’s action was also reported last month.

A report on Hafeez’s action is expected next week and if he is suspended, Misbah believes it will hurt his team’s balance.

“We were jolted after Ajmal’s suspension and if Hafeez is not there then our balance will be af-fected,” admitted Misbah.

New Zealand’s stand-in captain Kane Williamson — Brendon Mc-Cullum left after the Tests to pre-pare for the home series against Sri Lanka — said Pakistan remain a dangerous side even without Ajmal.

“We know it’s a big challenge because Pakistan play well here, they have depth and even without Ajmal whichever side they put out is strong,” said Williamson.

New Zealand play two Tests and seven One-day Internation-als against Sri Lanka starting later this month.

“There is so much cricket before the World Cup and this series is the focus but we are conscious of the big event,” said Williamson.

All-rounder Corey Anderson will return after missing the sec-ond Twenty20 as a precaution-ary measure after being hit by a bouncer in the first Twenty20 on Thursday, but opener Martin Gup-till is still being monitored for a tight hamstring. The remaining one-day matches will be played in Sharjah (December 12 and 14) and Abu Dhabi (December 17 and 19).

Pakistan: Misbah-ul Haq (capt), Mo-hammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti, Haris Sohail, Mo-hammad Irfan, Nasir Jamshed, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Younis Khan, Zulfiqar Babar.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Corey Anderson, Dean Brown-lie, Anton Devcich, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClena-ghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Luke Ron-chi, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori. - AFP

The five-match ODI

series promises to

be a keenly-fought

contest after the

teams shared the

honours both in the

three-Test series

and the two-match

Twenty20

DUBAI: Ace spinner Saeed Ajmal is in Pakistan’s 30-man preliminary squad for next year’s World Cup, despite serving a suspension at the moment for an illegal bowling action.

The 37-year-old off-spinner is undergoing remedial work on his bowling action which was deemed illegal in Septem-ber this year.

His action was reported as suspect during the Galle Test against Sri Lanka in August.

Ranked as number one bowler in the world in one-day cricket in August, Ajmal’s suspension was a huge blow to Pakistan’s hopes of lifting the World Cup, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand and being held in February and March.

However, chief selector Moin Khan hoped Ajmal will be cleared. “We have included Ajmal in a hope that he will be cleared,” Khan said. “We have been monitoring him during his remedial work.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this week requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to have Ajmal’s action reassessed but

seemed to have backed out of the plan after unofficial tests on the off-spinner showed little improvement.

The preliminary squad also includes former captain Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal who have not played for Pakistan for over a year.

Preliminary squad: Mohammed Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Nasir Jam-

shed, Sharjeel Khan, Sami Aslam, Mis-bah-ul Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Ma-lik, Umar Akmal, Mohammed Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Ehsan Adil, Mohammed Talha, Saeed Ajmal, Zulfiqar Babar, Raza Hasan, Yasir Shah, Shahid Afridi, Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Sohail Tanvir, Sarfraz Ahmad, Kamran Akmal. - AFP

Suspended Ajmal included in Pakistan’s preliminary squad

HOPING TO BE CLEARED: Saeed Ajmal

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Oman golf team set for Pan-Arab challenge

MUSCAT: The talented Omani trio of Azzan Al Rumhy, Hamed Al Rumhy and Yousuf Al Balushi will get started with their campaign in the 2014 Pan-Arab Golf Champi-onship in the Saudi Arabian city of Riyadh on Sunday.

A total of 52 golfers from 13 countries in the Arab region will battle it out for the top honours at the tournament, which will be or-ganised at the Riyadh Golf Course till Wednesday.

The Omani delegation to Riyadh is headed by Mundhir Al Barwani, the chairman of the Oman Golf Committee (OGC), and comprises

Ahmed Al Jahdhamy, OGC vice-chairman and the team manager.

Wishing the team all success, Al Barwani said: “This is yet another opportunity for our top golfers to make their presence felt at the Arab level, which is quite challeng-ing. I am sure all three of them will enjoy the challenge in Riyadh.”

Al Jahdhamy in his remarks said: “Our golfers have been through the paces in several tournaments this

season. So, they will look to capital-ise on the momentum and produce a good show in what will be a tough and tricky outing.”

Oman’s national champion Azzan also sounded very confident ahead of the tournament. He said his participation in the recently-concluded King Hamad Trophy Golf Championship in Bahrain has helped him prepare well for the Pan-Arab meet in Riyadh.

“My experience in Bahrain as well as the previous string of tour-naments, have served as a very useful build-up for the competi-tion in Riyadh,” said Azzan.

“It always helps to play tourna-ments one after another because it helps us stay in good rhythm. We will compete against some very good golfers in the Pan-Arab meet and I am looking forward to a good finish.”

A total of 52 golfers

from 13 countries in

the Arab region will

battle it out for the

top honours at the

tournament to be

organised in Riyadh

DALEEL REACH SEMIFINALS, STTE REGISTER EASY WINDaleel recorded a 78-53 win over TSC to book a place

in the semifinals of the ongoing Oman Chamber of

Commerce and Industries-Companies Basketball

Competition (OCCI-CBC) at the Sultan Qaboos Sports

Complex. In another match, STTE won 83-58 against

Pepsi. In Sunday’s matches, Daleel take on Pepsi and

STTE play TSC. In the last four matches to be played

on December 14, Daleel take on WAB. — Supplied photo

Rajnish and Armaan clinch titlesMUSCAT: Rajnish Goswani and Armaan Sattikar hogged the limelight at the Falcon Insurance Company-sponsored annual ten-nis tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat winning singles titles in their re-spective events.

Veteran Rajnish Goswami, making a return to competitive tennis after more than four years, showed that he is still a force to reckon with. In the veterans sin-gles final, Rajnish outplayed top seed Mohan Kannan 6-1 (con-ceded) to capture the title. Ra-jnish was in full control and gave little away as the Mohan strug-gled to keep pace and conceded the match at the beginning of the second set.

Armaan Sattikar claimed the boys under-17 singles title with victory over Kenneth Vaz. In the final, third seed Armaan went all guns blazing to win the first set without losing the game and was 4-1 up in the second when Kenneth conceded the match due to swelling in his playing arm. Armaan won 6-0, 4-1.

Armaan had earned his place in the boys under-17 singles final after a thrilling 6-7 (2-7), 6-4, 10-8 victory over Subash Pillai in the semifinal. In an exciting semifi-nal match, Armaan and Subash displayed tennis of high caliber. Subash won the nerve-wrecking first set after a brilliant and keen

tussle between the two. Armaan gained the crucial break to win the second set and levelled the scores.

Armaan squandered a healthy 4-1 lead in the third set super tie-breaker.

He attempted a drop shot un-successfully and served two double faults. Subash earned a

mini break but Armaan turned the match in his favour with two brilliant serves to lead 9-6. Sub-ash did not give up and saved two match points.

Subash went all out but Armaan made three unbelievable returns which would have otherwise been sure winners to seal the issue.

I S C T E N N I S

VETERANS SINGLES: Rajnish Goswami, left, with

Mohan Kannan. – Supplied photo

BOYS U-17 FINALISTS: Armaan Sattikar, left, and

Kenneth Vaz. – Supplied photo

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Ahmad impresses at Dubai Autodrome

DUBAI: The race had been billed as the battle of Dubai with Ahmad Al Harthy’s UAE-based team, Al Nabooda Racing favourites to dominate on home turf the Race 1 of Round 2 of the region’s most professional and competitive rac-ing series, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Dubai Autodrome.

However, Al Harthy’s teammate Clemens Schmid, who currently leads the championship suffered from a bad start which allowed SkyDive Dubai’s Saeed Al Mehairi to take first and remain in front for the entire race before finishing ahead of Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani and Emirati Hasher Al Maktoum. On his guest appearance, KSA’s Abdulaziz Al Faisal finished fourth with Clemens Schmid fifth ahead of Charlie Frijns and Ahmad Al Harthy in sixth.

After a less than ideal qualifying session Al Harthy started Race 1 in ninth position and was able to battle through the field to finish seventh after a difficult first corner

which cost many in the pack time and position.

Speaking after Race 1 in Dubai Al Harthy said: “It wasn’t perfect today but we both finished in de-cent enough positions so picked up valuable team points. From my perspective the first corner was a bit messy for everyone and it cre-ated large gaps between each car which were always going to be dif-ficult to close.

“Dubai is a great track but it’s very difficult to overtake as any time off the racing line ends up costing you with dust collected on the tyres. I started ninth and finished seventh so it was progress but we want to be closer to the front and that will be the focus in Race 2.”

After taking maximum points from the opening races in Bahrain Al Nabooda Racing’s Clemens Schmid’s was expected to contin-ue his dominance after posting by far the fastest lap of the qualifying session to start on pole. An unchar-acteristically poor start changed all outlooks with the UAE-based

driver forced to defend his posi-tion off the line.

Speaking after the race Clemens Schmid said: “I didn’t have a great start. Not at all and from there it was very hard to recover. Turn one set the tone and I soon realised this was probably not going to be my race. Tomorrow is a new day.”

As the cars entered the first cor-ner with Ashkanani leading, Al Mehairi second and Schmid third, a battle for position saw the Emi-rati come out on top with Ashka-nani second and Schmid down in sixth after a spin behind Abdulaziz Al Faisal, Hasher Al Maktoum and Bandar Al Alesayi respectively. As

the race progressed Zaid Ashka-nani pressed Al Mehairi but the Emirati’s composure allowed him to slowly build a gap between first and second.

Meanwhile, after losing a wing-mirror in a collision in turn one Qatar’s Abdul Rahman Al Thani suffered more bad luck when he

got a puncture and was forced to retire in the very early stages.

Al Maktoum made his inten-tions to get past Al Faisal clear in the opening exchanges as he put the Saudi driver under all kinds of pressure, eventually squeezing his way into third with a strong move on lap three.

Racing on behalf of Classic Ara-bia in one-off outing Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Al Faisal said: “Although they kept me off the podium today belongs to Skydive Dubai Falcons. Last year they made their debut and Saeed came second to me in Dubai. This year they have taken first and third, that’s an incredible achievement and even more spe-cial that they could do it in Dubai. It’s exactly the type of racing and results that makes this champion-ship so special and the only one of its kind in the entire region.”

Down in sixth place Schmid seemed to struggle to find his rhythm as Charlie Frijns put pres-sure on the championship leader.

Meanwhile Schmid’s Al Naboo-da teammate Ahmad Al Harthy was unable to build on his ninth place start on the grid. As the driv-ers settled into the race the Frijns/Schmid battle continued with the drivers switching places on one occasion only for Frijns to give up his gain on the following lap.

Al Harthy made a late dash to-wards the end passing Bahrain’s Raed Raffii while a spin from Sau-di’s Aleyasi allowed the Al Nabooda Racing drivers to push up the pack.

Ahmad Al Harthy produced a composed

performance to finish seventh in Race 1 of

Round 2 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge

Middle East at Dubai Autodrome

VALUABLE POINTS: Ahmad Al Harthy battled through the field to finish seventh. – Supplied photo

Deepthika emerges eves champion as curtains come down on OAB tourneyMUSCAT: Deepthika Gooner-atne capped her impressive cam-paign with women’s singles crown while the duo of Luis Torres and Robin Kleinveldt clinched the men’s doubles title as the curtains came down on the Oman Arab Bank (OAB) Tennis Tournament on Friday night.

The final day’s proceedings of the tournament, conducted by Al Hayat Tennis Center at their courts, were presided over Oman Arab Bank CEO Amin al Husseini.

Of the nine titles on offer four were decided on the concluding day when Deepthika Gooneratne won the top honours in the glam-our event of the tournament.

In the summit clash of the women’s singles, Deepthika was in top form against Gill McCar-thyl and conceded just one game before sealing the match and the title with a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

In the men’s doubles final, Luis Torres and Robin Kleinveldt were stretched to the limit by their op-ponents Nashat Helal and Daniel Nordberg, who after losing the first set rather easily fought back bravely and threatened to take the match into the decider.

But Torres and Kleinveldt man-aged to subdue their rivals for a 6-3, 7-5 victory and bag the title.

Earlier in the evening, it was the turn of the junior boys to impress one and all when talented Ayveret

Van Waveren and Parsa Sanei lifted the boys under-12 and un-der-14 titles respectively.

In the boys under-12 final, Ay-veret was made to toil by equally talented Tarik Husseini before emerging a 9-4 winner. In the boys under-14 title match, Parsa Sanei had to dig deep to overcome Pablo Echeverri for a 9-5 victory.

A day earlier, Zaina Helal took the girls under-14 title after over-coming Sahar Sanei in a closely contested final for a 9-7 win.

Meanwhile, Khalid Ikram ended Mohameed Al Yawer’s hopes for

a double success by winning the men’s A singles title. Mohammed Al Yawer, who won the veterans singles crown, failed to produce his best in the final as Khalid cruised to a straight sets 6-0, 6-1 win.

The men’s B singles title was won by Mustafa Al Fouly with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Younis Al Namani.

Hanna Van der Lande and Be-atriz Leyva emerged the women’s doubles champions when their op-ponents Jeannette Ingles and Gill McCarthyl retired when the for-mer were leading the first set 3-2.

Later during an impressive

ceremony, Oman Arab Bank CEO Amin al Husseini handed over the trophies in the presence of OTA Chairman Mutassim Al Zadjali and other dignitaries.

Pleased with the success of the tournament, Amin Al Husseini said the OAB is planning to make it an annual affair.

“We are very happy with the way tournament went and there was good competition in all cat-egories,” he said. “We are hoping to make it an annual tournament. Next year it will be even bigger and better,” the OAB CEO added.

Al Hayat Tennis Center Direc-tor and head coach Fethi Ghouli, expressing his delight at the suc-cess of the tournament, said: “The competition would have been even better if the players rankings were available with us. The rank-ing system helps in making a bal-anced draw in all categories.”

“Our request to the OTA is to have the rankings posted on their official website. It will not only help Al Hayat Tennis Center but also all other organisations who want to hold their regular tourna-ments,” he said.

“But I should say for an ama-teur tournament the competition across all categories was very good. The players were very keen and committed. The action was very exciting. The tournament was very successful,” he added.

S U C C E S S F U L E V E N T

WOMEN’S SINGLES FINALISTS: Deepthika Gooneratne, right, and

Gill McCarthyl. – Supplied photo

JUNIOR CHAMPS: The junior players pose for a group photo along with OAB CEO Amin Al Husseini and other officials. The women’s

doubles finalists, right picture, after their title match. – Supplied photos

Red Bull F1 factory raided, trophies stolen

LONDON: The Red Bull Formu-la One factory in Milton Keynes has been raided and thieves stole over 60 trophies, police said on Saturday.

“Police were called at 1.30am today to the Red Bull Racing fac-tory where a group of around six men used a vehicle to drive through the front entrance to gain access to the premises,” a police statement said.

“Once inside, they stole over 60 trophies belonging to the Red

Bull Racing team. Night staff who were on the premises at the time were not physically harmed.”

Police said two cars were in-volved in the burglary.

“We are obviously devastated by this serious factory break in, which saw offenders drive a ve-hicle through our front entrance and steal more than 60 trophies which took years and hard work to accumulate,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said in a statement.

“The break-in caused significant damage and was very upsetting for our night officers who were on duty at the time. The offenders took items that not only did not belong to them, but which represented the efforts of a group of dedicated, hard-working individuals.”

Horner said he was puzzled about why anyone would want to steal trophies whose intrinsic value is low. “We are perplexed why anyone would take these trophies,” he said. - Reuters

B U R G L A R Y

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Delhi keep semifinal hopes alivePUNE: Brazilian winger Gusta-vo dos Santos’ magical left-foot kept Delhi Dynamos in conten-tion for a semifinal berth as they defeated Pune City FC by a solitary goal in the 13th round encounter of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.

Dos Santos, who scored his fifth goal in the tournament, broke the deadlock in the 88th minute to take Dynamos to 17 points and upto the fourth posi-tion in the league table.

A win in their last away en-counter against Chennayin FC will be enough to take Dynamos to the knock-out stages while Pune at 16 points and in sixth place will now have to win their last game and look forward to-wards favourable results.

Dos Santos, who probably has been only second to country-man Elano Blumer in terms of exhibiting brilliant individual skills weaved past a couple of defenders before slotting it from a narrow angle beating Pune FC custodian Arindam Bhattacharya.

What makes his goal special was the move initiated from the right flank and Dos Santos again did all the spadework with his left-foot.

Alessandro del Piero got some 22 minutes of match time but didn’t look like bothering the Pune defence.

Pune should have got the equaliser in the dying moments when their Nigerian striker Dudu Omagbemi had a free header from a cross essayed by Saidou Panandetiguiri.

But Dudu failed to direct his nod with Kristof Van Hout at his mercy.

The closest that Dudu came to scoring was in the 77th minute when a misdirected header from Jermaine Penant left Dudu with an opportunity to score from a sniffing distance but his shot went booming over the horizontal.

Even Greek World Cup Ko-stas Katsouranis was guilty of not able to head home a perfect cross from Korean Park. - PTI

I S L

England upset Australia, Pakistan and India suffer defeatsBHUBANESWAR: Debutant Sam Ward scored two goals as a spirited England upset defending cham-pions Australia 3-1 in the opening match of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday.

Rapidly-improving Belgium also made a winning start in Pool A of the eight-nation event with a 2-1 win over Pakistan at the Kalinga Stadium in the eastern Indian city of Bhubaneswar.

In pool B, the Netherlands out-played Pan-American champions Argentina 3-0 and Olympic cham-pions Germany pipped hosts India 1-0 through a last-minute goal by Florian Fuchs.

Australia, the reigning world champions who are seeking an incredible sixth successive title, struggled to keep pace with their rivals after England went into half-time 2-0 up. Alastair Brog-don opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a spectacular back flick before the 23-year-old Ward increased the lead off a rebound from the post in the 27th.

Chris Ciriello pulled back one for Australia with a penalty corner but Ward, a last-minute replace-ment for the injured Harry Martin, made it 3-1 with a swift counter-attack three minutes from the end.

It was a disappointing start for

the new-look Kookaburras, who were without retired veterans Liam de Young and Rob Hammond and the injured duo of five-time world player of the year Jamie Dw-yer and Mark Knowles.

Delighted England captain Barry Middleton said the win was a good morale booster for his team. “It is a very good feeling to have secured the very first match in our favour.”

Thomas Briels scored Belgium’s match-winner in the 43rd minute after Mohammed Imran convert-ed a penalty for Pakistan in the 36th to equalise. Tanguy Cosyns had given Belgium the lead after ten minutes.

Belgium, who are playing in only their second Champions Trophy tournament, next play Australia on Sunday. England take on Pakistan the same day.

Second-ranked Netherlands ran circles around the Argentine de-fence after Mink van der Weerden put them ahead through a penalty corner in the 19th minute.

Robbert Kemperman made it 2-0 six minutes later and Diede van Puffelen scored his first goal at senior level nine minutes from the end to seal an emphatic win.

In pool B matches on Sunday, the Netherlands meet Germany and India face Argentina. - AFP

C H A M P I O N S T R O P H Y

SENSATIONAL WIN: England’s Alastair Brogdon, right, scores past

Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter during their Champions

Trophy hockey match in Bhubaneshwar on Saturday . – AFP

Substitute Cisse strikes as Newcastle stun Chelsea

LONDON: Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season ended in a dra-matic 2-1 loss at Newcastle United on Saturday when Papiss Cisse struck twice to stun the English Premier League leaders at St James’ Park.

Arsenal’s hopes of a third suc-cessive victory were dashed in a 3-2 defeat at Stoke City where they trailed 3-0 at halftime and Liver-pool were held to a 0-0 home draw by Sunderland.

Undefeated in 23 matches in all competitions since April’s Cham-pions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid, Chelsea proved far from invincible as 10-man Newcastle survived a late barrage to prevent the visitors setting a re-cord unbeaten run.

Few could deny Newcastle a de-served win that lifted them to sev-enth in the table, although Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said his side had been unlucky to lose.

The hosts lost goalkeeper Rob Elliot to injury at halftime, re-placed by young rookie debutant Jak Alnwick, and had to man the barricades with only 10 men when Steven Taylor was dismissed after getting a second yellow card 10 minutes from the end.

Substitute Cisse, who replaced Remy Cabella after the break, put Newcastle in front after 57 min-utes following a slip by Gary Cahill and struck again on the break 20 minutes later, seconds after Eden Hazard was denied an equaliser

by the woodwork. Didier Drogba’s majestic header halved the deficit and there were groans from the home fans when six minutes of added time were indicated.

Newcastle rode their luck, how-ever, and Chelsea’s 14-match un-beaten start to the season, which had drawn comparisons with the Arsenal side that went through the 2003-04 league campaign un-beaten, was over.

“We were very unlucky, even more than last season,” Mourinho, beaten 2-0 at Newcastle in the last campaign, told the BBC.

“Only one team wants to win, only one team plays to win, but

that team doesn’t score and they go and cross the midfield line and score a goal and after that we have to chase the game which we did, which gave me lots of pride.”

Three pointsQueens Park Rangers defeated Burnley 2-0 to climb out of the rel-egation zone.

Tottenham Hotspur were held 0-0 at home by Crystal Palace and strugglers Hull City and West Bro-mwich Albion were also involved in a goalless stalemate.

Third-placed Southampton host Manchester United, in fourth, on Monday.

Chelsea, with Diego Costa back in attack after missing the mid-week win over Tottenham Hotspur through suspension, dominated for long periods but were unusu-ally profligate in front of goal.

Willian should have scored but shot narrowly wide and the Brazil-ian forced Elliot into a diving save. Costa also failed to capitalise from a couple of dangerous situations.

Elliot limped off at halftime and failed to reappear, allowing 21-year-old Alnwick to make his first competitive appearance.

However, it was Newcastle’s second substitution that proved the most telling as Cisse strode on.

The Senegal striker had barely touched the ball when Sammy Ameobi’s low cross was not cleared by Cahill and he had the simplest of tasks to tap the ball past Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea responded with Haz-ard hitting the post but Newcastle went further ahead after a coun-ter-attack ended with Moussa Sissoko setting up Cisse for an-other tap-in.

Taylor’s sending-off and Drog-ba’s second goal of the week si-lenced the home crowd but Mour-inho was left still waiting for his first away league victory over Newcastle. - Reuters

Chelsea proved far

from invincible as

10-man Newcastle

survived a late

barrage to prevent

the visitors setting a

record unbeaten run

DOUBLE STRIKE: Newcastle United’s striker Papiss Cisse, right, scores past Chelsea’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during their English

Premier League match at St James’ Park in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, north east England, on Saturday. – AFP

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Young New Yorkers are known for

their cutting-edge apparel and

brand names are taking a cue

US makers of casual wear brands, includ-ing The Gap Inc., are promoting that ordi-nariness to custom-

ers. Some observers see the new trend as young people’s attempt to distance themselves from the rap-idly changing nature of fashion.

Clad in a Lee brand jacket and Levi’s jeans, Nathan Metallo, 28, recently stepped out of a secondhand clothing store in Brooklyn, where the fashion-conscious are known to gather. People in the neighbourhood tend to dress trendy, he said.

Not only ordinary people, but lately fashion models too have started to sport such basics as T-shirts, jeans and sneakers in lieu of the latest pieces from high-end brands.

The word “normcore” was coined by K-Hole, a trend research compa-ny in New York. It refers to a pref-erence for blending in with the group rather than standing out, and began to catch on in the fash-ion world around the beginning of this year.

According to 28-year-old free-lance stylist Jeremy Lewis, peo-ple have gotten sick of throwing away clothes as if they were dis-posable to keep pace with fashion trends that quickly and constantly change. The fact that large fashion and retail chain stores like Swe-den’s Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) and Spain’s Zara, which bring style trends to the masses instantly and distribute them throughout the world at low prices, have come to dominate the commercial market is also fueling the normcore move-ment, Lewis said.

It’s a big movement affecting brand makers and consumers alike, he said. US investment bank Piper Jaffray sees the move-ment as simply part of a 20-year cycle, as there was a similar casual fashion boom in 1990s.

US casual wear makers are also responding. Shortly after the term was reported by media, including the New York Times, at the begin-ning of the year, The Gap tweeted that the company had been deliv-ering normcore since 1969. The company’s autumn campaign was “Dress normal”.

US denim maker Levi’s also started to develop advertising fo-

cusing on its 501 jeans, the com-pany’s flagship product, this au-tumn. Jonathan Cheung, senior vice president of global design at Levi’s, said the return to simple, functional things would continue for a while, as there are too many choices today.

Adam Fetcher, director of global PR and communications at Pa-tagonia Inc., a US outdoor prod-ucts maker, said normcore reflects a change in values among young people, who care more about prod-uct quality and environmental im-pact than ever before.

The movement’s impact on cor-porations has varied. Nike, Inc., reported $7.98 billion in sales in the first quarter (June-August) of 2014, a 15 per cent jump from the same period last year, as sales of its Converse shoes and other prod-ucts were good. The US sports ap-parel company reported a profit of $962 million, a rise of 23 per cent.

On the other hand, The Gap’s figures for October dropped by 7 per cent from a year earlier as sales at its existing stores were slow.

In the United States, sales of jeans for the year ending March 31, 2014, fell by 5 percent. Accord-ing to US analyst Marshal Cohen, it is difficult to increase sales of jeans, and everyone already has or-dinary jeans. Corporations likely will consider new strategies after watching how normcore spreads.

Signs of normcore are begin-ning to appear in Japan, but it seems to be taking some time for the movement to take hold here. In the United States, Japan’s Uniqlo is regarded as a normcore brand.

Uniqlo shortened the length of some of the down jackets in its au-tumn collection this year, hoping to get customers to treat the jacket as inner wear. An official in charge at Uniqlo said: “We’ve designed our products so people can enjoy wearing them in various ways. We hope the normcore trend spreads in Japan, too.”

Parco Co., the operator of the Parco fashion malls that are popu-lar among young people in major cities, is also monitoring the nor-mcore movement in New York. “It’s a trend that has the potential to dramatically change things,” a public relations official said. - Tomoko Echizenya/The Washington Post

C8

EXTRAS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

For many of us, a giant holiday dinner is a bonding experience where family and friends break bread

and share stories while stuffing ourselves silly with special food and drink. It’s the one time where sheer gluttony is more or less expected.

But for those with a rare, newly recognised disorder called misophonia, the mere thought of such a meal inspires only anxiety and dread.

People with misophonia hate certain noises — termed “trigger sounds” — and respond with stress, anger, irritation and, in extreme cases, violent rage.

Common triggers include eating noises, lip-smacking, pen clicking, tapping and typing. All that chewing, chomping, slurping and clinking of silverware can drive

a person with misophonia to avoid family gatherings altogether. And worse, feelings of aggression tend to be amplified if the sounds are coming from those with emotional ties to the sufferer, such as family members

or significant others. “I haven’t eaten with my parents, at least without earplugs, in over a decade,” said Meredith Rosol, a 25-year-old elementary school teacher from Baltimore who was diagnosed with misophonia two years ago after years of hypersensitivity to sound. “I was 6 years old,

and it started with my parents chewing at the dinner table,” she recalled. Her list of triggers grew longer with every year: chewing (especially foods with crunch), tapping, typing, heavy breathing, silverware clinking, foot shuffling.

Even certain sights started bugging her, such as foot-shaking and fidgeting. At school, typical classroom noises — like that of chalk scraping against the blackboard or the hum of a radiator — made her skin crawl.

“It’s like a fight-or-flight response — Your muscles get tense, you’re on edge, your heart races, and you feel the urge to flee,” Rosol said. The term misophonia, meaning “hatred of sound,” was coined in 2000

for people who were not afraid of sounds — such people are called phonophobic — but for those who strongly disliked certain noises. Set off by stimuli that vary from person to person, the reaction, sufferers say, is like being

sucker-punched in the gut or repeatedly stung by bees. In 2013, a group of Dutch psychiatrists laid out the condition’s diagnostic criteria and urged that it be classified as its own psychiatric disorder. (Misophonia is not currently

in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, in part due to its being such a newly identified phenomenon.) Even though misophonia is a new term, thousands of people have been describing its effects on them for years and joined

such online support groups as Yahoo’s Selective Sound Sensitivity Group and Reddit.com’s misophonia subreddit. Rosol runs a misophonia meet-up group in Baltimore and maintains an Internet map where sufferers can post their location and contact information to find other people nearby with the condition. No one knows what causes the condition,

so designating a standard treatment has been problematic, but experts seem to agree that misophonia isn’t so much about the sounds themselves as about their context. “Sometimes their responses are localized around certain people: They might be bothered by their mother’s chewing but not their brother’s,” said Miren Edelstein, a Ph.D student at the

University of California at San Diego who has researched misophonia. As part of a small study, Edelstein interviewed a number of self-identified misophonics and found that the fight-or- flight emotion arises only in specific circumstances. For instance, they didn’t mind their own chewing or typing noises, or sounds made by animals or babies. A teacher of autistic children,

Rosol said she doesn’t usually get triggered by her students, even in the bustling cafeteria. Edelstein and her colleagues also hooked up electrodes to volunteers’ hands to verify that their aversion to certain sounds was real. “Prior to our study, we only had anecdotal evidence that misophonia was a real thing,” she said. “ So we wanted to take the first

step in providing objective physiological evidence.” Self-described misophonics listened to a series of sounds and rated their discomfort level for each one; so did volunteers who served as a control group. The electrodes measured the electrical conductance of their skin, a well-accepted measure of physiological arousal. Sweat glands in the

hands are especially sensitive to emotional stimuli, and skin becomes a better conductor in the presence of more sweat. When misophonics’ discomfort ratings were high — say, during a sound bite of gum chewing or chip eating — their skin conductance shot up. But when they heard more-soothing sounds, such as rainfall,

they did not have a sweat reaction. In other words, they aren’t likely to be lying about having that sudden negative emotional response kick in. But where does this intense reaction come from, if it’s not caused by the noises alone?

“In my opinion, misophonia is a learned conditioned response,” said audiologist Natan Bauman, owner of the Hearing, Balance and Speech Centre, which has several locations in Connecticut.

“If we associate a given event — in this case, all those trigger sounds — with something that is perceived to be a danger, then we need to act on it accordingly.” He has seen close to 100 misophonics in his private practice and doesn’t believe misophonia is a hard-wired phenomenon. Rather, he thinks his patients at some point made

a negative association with certain sounds, so negative that they have an impulsive reaction to them. This impulse has to do with how the brain processes sound. Sound waves cause tiny bones in the middle ear to vibrate. Hair cells inside the cochlea, a spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear, transform the vibrations into electrical signals

that travel down the auditory nerve to the brain.The signal reaches the thalamus, a part of the brain that acts like a central switchboard for sensory information. From the thalamus, the signal follows two different paths to the amygdala,

which is located deep in the brain and is involved in the processing of emotions such as fear and pleasure. “Some people think the amygdala is mostly for fear-related emotion,” said Josef Rauschecker,

director of the Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition at Georgetown University. “The amygdala is a fairly old part of the brain,

and our fears are pretty primordial, I would say.” One of the two routes is a direct pathway from the thalamus to the amygdala, enabling an immediate, unconscious response that leads to an emotional reaction. The advantage of this

direct route is speed: You hear a loud bang, and fear prompts your body to rapidly and automatically jump. The other route is longer and goes first to the medial prefrontal cortex before reaching the amygdala. The medial prefrontal cortex

is a more evolutionarily advanced part of the brain that can regulate emotions and allow for a more discerning interpretation of a situation. The original signal splits and heads out on the two roads at the same time, but the signal travelling the longer route obviously takes longer to process.

“What happens with those who have misophonia, in my opinion, is that there is no involvement of this longer route, the more-refined route,” Bauman said. Rauschecker agrees and speculates that misophonia might have something to do with damage to the medial

prefrontal cortex, similar to what he found with another condition, tinnitus. Tinnitus is phantom ringing or other noise in the ear, a perception commonly caused by damaged hair cells in the cochlea.“Say you go to a loud disco and you lose some hair cells,” Rauschecker said.

“The ringing lasts for a day or two, and then it disappears again.” The ear hasn’t repaired itself. Rather, the medial prefrontal cortex can help tune out the phantom ringing. But for some people, the ringing never goes away. In 2006, Rauschecker and his colleagues

found that tinnitus patients had significantly less volume in the medial prefrontal cortex than control participants without tinnitus. “I would include misophonia as a subtype of tinnitus, probably,” he said.

Regardless of its cause, misophonia makes life difficult for those who have it and for the people around them. Those with extreme cases say they sometimes hole themselves up at home to avoid social situations and public places for fear of having something trigger a negative

reaction. A few treatment options do exist, but there is no cure. Bauman and other audiologists sometimes mix cognitive behavioural therapy and in-ear devices that emit white noise to drown out triggers.

The hope is to reduce the white noise enough that the patient doesn’t need to wear the device anymore; some patients

have reached that point, Bauman says. Meeri N. Kim/The Washington Post

TRIGGER SOUNDSHYPERSENSITIVITY TO NOISE CAN MAKE LIFE UNBEARABLE

SAKI, a Scottish short-story author who died in 1916, said, “I think she must have been very strictly brought up, she’s so desperately anxious to do the wrong thing correctly.”

This week we have had a series of deals in which the bidding has not been either clear-cut or accurate. And on some, the opening lead has been weird. Here is one more in which the right final contract was not reached. How should the auction have gone?

North might have rebid three clubs with such a strong suit and seven playing tricks. South’s sensible two-diamond rebid was forcing for one round. Note also that this guaranteed at least five spades and denied four hearts; with 5-4-4-0 distribution, he would have rebid two hearts — we love majors and dislike minors. Then maybe North should have continued with two hearts (hoping partner could bid no-trump) or two no-trump (hoping it would not wrongside the contract).

However, when North bid two spades, South should not have jumped to four spades. He should have bid three no-trump to offer a choice of games. Here, North would have passed, but if he had held three spades, he would have corrected back to four spades.

As you will have seen, there are 10 top tricks in no-trump: one spade, two hearts, one diamond and six clubs. But four spades had no chance. And even if spades had been 3-3, careful defense could have defeated that game.

Always try to keep your options open. And remember that partner will not forget your earlier bids and their meanings.

Phillip Alder

C9

ENTERTAINMENT

How would you reach the right contract?

B I G N A T E

B O R N L O S E R

M A R M A D U K E

A C E S O N B R I D G E

K I D S P O T H E A L T H C A P S U L EC R O S S W O R D

Ans

wer

to p

revi

ous

puzz

le

WITH LOVE

Previous puzzle Solution

HOW TO PLAY Fill the empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area. — Seven Galaxies

S U D O K U

S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

26 Kind of lock27 Essay byline28 — -Magnon man29 Sunflower yield30 Bridal notice

word33 Kareem — -Jabbar37 URL suffix39 Fixes a

manuscript

40 Come later42 Quick snack43 Not “pro”44 On any occasion45 Fresh46 Laptops, briefly47 Gotcha!48 Delivery truck49 Royal pronoun

ACROSS 1 Frost victim 4 Links letters 8 Handle problems12 Stein filler13 High spirits14 Kind of hygiene15 Anderson

Cooper’s channel16 Auto problem (2

wds.)18 Expedite20 Tip of a pen21 Vexation22 Brand of spandex26 Sherpa’s sighting28 Orange road

marker31 Fail to keep pace32 “The Greatest”33 Ram constellation34 Baseball stat35 Rumour, perhaps36 Tree trunk37 Not sunny-side up38 Slackened off40 Prior to41 Add sound effects43 Went fishing46 Large tents

50 Forum hello51 Make small talk52 Ballerina’s attire53 Up-to-date54 Without55 Canal of song56 Shrivelled up

DOWN 1 Johann Sebastian

— 2 Arm bone 3 Population stats 4 River

embankment 5 Arrange for 6 Fence flaw 7 Pretty soon 8 Mild cheddar-like

cheese 9 Galleon cargo10 Snow boot11 Moose kin17 Ticks off19 Hex halved23 Two-term

President24 Not frequent25 Seaweed

derivative

C I N E M A S C H E D U L E

BAHJA CINEMA

STARS CINEMA

Film Information - 24540856 / Advance Booking - 24540855Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Film information 24791641 / 24786776

Rampage: Capital Punishment (PG12 ) (Action / Crime / Thriller ) Cast: Brendan Fletcher, Lochlyn Munro, Mike Dopud2.00, 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm Nightcrawler (Crime / Thriller ) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton4.00, 8.00 & 11.55 pmCP No: 2338 (PG12)Death Squad (Action / Thriller) Cast: Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen2.00, 4.00, 8.15 & 10.00 pm CP No: 2340 (PG 12)The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (Adventure) (PG12 )Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth6.00pm

Vellimoonga (Mal) (Drama/Com)Cast: Biju Menon & Asif Ali3:00 & 6:15pm at Cinema Main, 9:30pm Cinema 2Varsham (Mal) (Com/Drama)Cast: Mammootty, Asha Sharath9:30pm at Cinema Main, 3:45 & 6:45pm at Cinema 3Ithihasa (Mal) (Drama/Com)Cast: Anusree and Shine Tom Chacko3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 pm at Cinema 4Kaaviya Thalaivan (Tamil) (Com/Drama)Cast: Prithvi Raj and Siddharth3:30 & 6:30pm Cinema 2, 9:45pm at Cinema 3NEXT CHANGE: Lingaa (Tamil)10:00 pm Cinema Main (Thursday Dec 11) From Friday 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Main Cinema (Advance Booking Starts On Thursday @ 8-30 pm)

Nightcrawler (2D) (Crime) (15+) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo3:00, 7:15, 11:30 pmAction Jackson (2D) (Act|Com) (TBC) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha7:00 pmReclaim (2D) (Drama | Thr) (12+) Cast: John Cusack, Ryan Phillippe1:00, 5:15, 9:30 pmThe Pyramid (2D) (Horror) (15+) Cast: Garsha Arristos3:00, 10:00, 11:45 pmSouq Al Dhalam After Midnight (2D) (Drama) (TBC) Cast: Khalil Al SInani, Karima Al Balushi, & 3 Indian Actors; 8:15 pmDeath Squad (2D) (Act| Sci Fi) (15+) Cast: Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah5:15, 11:45 pmFalcon Rising (2D) (Act | Adv) (15+) Cast: Michael Jai White, Laila Ali3:15, 9:45 pmPenguines of Madagascar (2D) (Animation | Adventure) (PG12) Voice Overs: Tom McGrath, Chris Miller1:15 pmPenguines of Madagascar (3D) (Animation | Adventure) (PG12) 4:45, 6:30 pm

Nightcrawler (2D) (Cri/Thr) (15+)11:45 am, 3:45 & 11:45 pmGold Class: 2:15 pmThe Pyramid (2D) (Horror) (15+)Cast: Garsha Arristos, Omar Benbrahim2:00 pm, 8:00 pm & 10:00 pmGold Class: 11:00 pmSouq Al Dhalam After Midnight (2D) (Drama) Cast: Khalil Al SInani, Karima Balushi 5:45 pm; Gold Class: 6:30 pmPenguins Of Madagscar (3D) (Animation/Comedy) (PG12)2:15 pm & 4:00 pmGold Class: 12:30 pmPenguins Of Madagscar (2D)(Animation/Comedy) (PG12)10:30 amAction Jackson (2D) (Hindi)(Action/Comedy) (12+)7:15 pm; Gold Class: 8:15 pmRampage Capital Punishment (2D) (Action/Crime) (18+)Cast: Brendan Fletcher, Lochlyn Munro11:45 pm

Reclaim (2D) (Drama/Thriller) (12+)Cast: John Cusack, Ryan Phillippe10:00am, 6:00 pm & 9:45 pmGold Class: 4:30 pmFalcon Rising (2D) (Action) (15+)Cast: Michael Jai White, Laila Ali12:15 pm

SCREEN 1Action Jackson (Act| Rom| Dr) (12+ )Cast: Ajay Devgan, Sonakshi Sinha3.30, 6.30, 9.30pm

SCREEN 2Ungli (Action| Drama) (PG )Cast: Imran Hashmi, Sanjay Dutt, Randeep Hooda, Kangna Ranaut 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 pm

SCREEN 3Northemen: A Viking Saga (Action |Adventure) (15+ ) Cast: James Norton, Ryan Kwanten, Charlie Murphy3.45, 10.00pm

Falcon Rising – 2D (15+) (Action | Adventure)Cast: Michael Jai White, Laila Ali4:30, 11:45 pmPenguins of Madagascar – 3D (PG12) (Animation | Adventure | Comedy)Voice Overs: Tom McGrath, Chris Miller12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 pmThe Pyramid – 2D (15+) (Horror)Cast: Garsha Arristos, Joseph Beddelem1:00, 4:30, 6:30, 10:00 pmNightcrawler – 2D (15+) (Crime | Drama)Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo12:45, 3:00, 7:15, 11:30 pmReclaim – 2D (12+) (Drama| Thriller)Cast: John Cusack, Ryan Phillippe5:15, 9:30, 11:45 pmDeath Squad – 2D (15+) (Act | Sci-Fi)Cast: Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah3:00, 7:15, 9:30 pmAction Jackson – 2D (TBC) (Action|Comedy)Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Yami Gautam12:15, 2:45, 9:00, 11:15 pmThe Hunted – 2D(TBC) (Thriller)Cast: Josh Stewart, Skipp Sudduth6:15, 8:15 pm

Falcon Rising (Action | Adv) (15+)Cast: Michael Jai White, Laila Ali5:00, 6:30 pmPenguins of Madagascar – 3D (Animation | Adv | Comedy) (PG12)Voice Overs: Tom McGrath3:00, 4:45 pmRampage: Capital Punishment (Action | Crime | Thriller) (18+)Cast: Brendan Fletcher, Lochlyn Munro, Mike Dopud3:15, 5:00, 9:30, 11:45 pmAction Jackson (Act | Com ) (12+)Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha6:45, 9:15, 11:15 pmNightcrawler (Cr | Dr | Thr) (15+)Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo3:00, 7:00 pmSouq Al Dhalam after Midnight (Drama)8:30 pmThe Pyramid (Horror) (15+)Cast: Garsha Arristos10:00, 11:45 pm

Falcon Rising (Act | Adv) (15+) Cast: Michael Jai White, Laila Ali7:15 pmPenguins of Madagascar (3D) (Animation | Adv | Com) (PG12) 5:30 pm

Nightcrawler (2D/15+) (Cr/Drama) 11:45am, 5:30pm, 9:30pm The Pyramid (2D/15+) (Horror) 2:00, 5:45, 11:45pm Reclaim (2D/12+) (Drama/Thriller) 3:45, 5:00, 7:45pmRampage: Capital Punishment (2D/18+) (Action/Crime/Thriller) 2:15, 11:45pmPenguins of Madagascar (2D/PG12) (Animation/Adventure/Comedy)11:30amPenguins of Madagascar (3D/PG12) (Animation/Adventure/Comedy)4:00pm Northmen - A Viking Saga (2D/15+) (Action/Adventure) 9:30pmThe Hunted (2D/TBC) (Com/Drama)Cast: Josh Stewart, Skipp Sudduth1:15pm, 11:30pmFalcon Rising (2D/15+) (Act/Adv) 3:00pmAction Jackson (2D/TBC) (Act/Com)11:30am, 6:45pm, 9:00pm Souq Al Dhalam after Midnight (2D/TBC) (Drama)7:30pm

The Pyramid (Horror) (15+) 9:15 pmNightcrawler (Cr| Dr| Thriller) (15+) 5:00 pmRampage: Capital Punishment (Action | Crime | Thriller) (18+) 11:45 pmAction Jackson (Hindi) (12+) 9:00, 11:00 pmSouq Al Dhalam after Midnight (Arabic) (Drama) (TBC); 7:15 pm

Happy New Year (Action| Drama) (PG 12 )Cast: Shahrukh Khan , Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone6:45 pm

Souq Al Dhalam after Midnight – 2D (TBC) (Drama)Cast: Khalil Al SInani, Karima Al Balushi8:00 pm

ANANYA LOTIADecember 7, 2011

JESSICA EUGENE FRANCISDecember 7, 2006

RIYA RAJESHDecember 7, 2002

C10

FIND-IT-ALLS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

PHARMACIESRound the clockAl Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585Muscat RegionApollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080Dhofar RegionMuscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah. Tel: 23291635

HOSPITALSAl Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453Hatat Polyclinic LLC,Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780Capital Polyclinic: 24707549Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740Ceregem National Raak: 24485633Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217Elixir Health Centre: 24565802Emirates Medical Centre: 246045401st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274Hamdan Hospital: 23212340International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000

ROYAL OMAN POLICEEmergencies and inquiries: 9999General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603Directorate General of Customs: 24521109Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228Public Relations Admin: 24560099

ACCOMMODATIONAl Bahjah Hotel: 24424400Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311Al Qurum Resort: 24605945Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979Beach Hotel: 24696601Bowshar Hotel: 24491105Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660Crystal Suites: 24826100Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234Haffa House Hotel: 24707207Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123InterContinental Muscat: 24680000Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900Marina Hotel: 24711711Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565Mina Hotel: 24711828Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199Oman Dive Centre: 24824240Park Inn: 24507888Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443Ruwi Hotel: 24704244Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666The Chedi Muscat: 24524400The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570

AIRLINE OFFICESMuscat Airport Flight information (24 hours): 24519456/24519223Aeroflot: 24704455, Air Arabia: 24700828, Air France: 24562153, Air India: 24799801, Air New Zealand: 24700732, Biman Bangladesh Airlines: 24701128, British Airways: 24568777, Cathay Pacific: 24789818, Egypt Air: 24794113, Emirates Air: 24404400, Ethiopian Airlines: 24660313, Gulf Air: 80072424, Indian: 24791914, Iran Air: 24787423, Japan Airlines: 24704455, Jazeera Airways: 23294848, Jet Airways: 24787248, Kenya Airways: 24660300, KML Royal Dutch Airlines: 24566737, Kuwait Airways: 24701262, LOT Polish Airlines: 24796387, Lufthansa: 24796692, Malaysian Airlines: 24560796, Middle East Airlines: 24796680, Oman Air: 24531111, Pakistan International Airlines: 24792471, Qatar Airways: 24771900, Qantas: 24559941, Royal Jordanian: 24796693, Saudi Arabian Airlines: 24789485, Singapore Airlines: 24791233, Shaheen Air: 24816565, SriLankan Airlines:

24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033

MUSEUMSBait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pmNatural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pmMuseum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday - 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pmOman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pmBait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscatmuseum@baitalzubairmuseum.comOpen from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pmSohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pmMuscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

PRAYER TIMINGS

W E A T H E R

Dhuhr 12.03pmAsr 3.05pmMaghrib 5.25pmIsha 6.40pm Fajr (Tomorrow) 5.16am

Sunset 5:20pmSunrise (Tomorrow) 6:35am

High tide 9:38pm 8:33amLow tide 3.18am 3:26pm

OMAN

Max 29Min 19

Max 26Min 17

Max 26Min 19

Max 28Min 14

Max 28Min 19Max 27

Min 12

Max 27Min 16

Max 30

Mainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches over governorates of Al-Buraimi , Al-

Dhahira, Al-Wusta and the coastal areas.EXPECTED WIND: Wind will be northerly to northeasterly light to moderate occasionally fresh along southeastern coast and northwesterly light to moderate over rest of the Sultanate .SEA STATE: Moderate over southeastern coast and Musandam western coasts with maximum wave height of 2.0

metres .While it will be slight over rest of the Sultanate coasts with maximum wave height of 1.55 metres.HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming moderate during fog.THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Stable weather over most of the Sultanate. Chances of late night to early morning low level clouds along most of the Arabian Sea coasts.

Max Min

GULFAbu Dhabi 27 19Doha 25 17Dubai 30 17Kuwait 25 10Manama 22 19Riyadh 22 11

WORLDAthens 18 13Baghdad 23 11Beijing 3 -6Berlin 4 2Boston 4 -4Cairo 24 13Colombo 29 24Frankfurt 4 2Hong Kong 18 16Istanbul 13 9Johannesburg 26 14Kuala Lumpur 30 23Lisbon 14 10Paris 7 4Perth 29 17Singapore 29 25Tokyo 10 3Toronto -3 -3

WORLD

Max 6Min -3

Max 27Min 13

Max 9Min 3

Max 31Min 16

Max 23Min 13

Max 29Min 20

Max -2Min -9

Max 28Min 22

SUNDAYFLT NO ARRIVALS FROM ETA WY406 CAIRO  0005WY676 JEDDAH  0005WY682 RIYADH  0005WY648 KUWAIT  0010WY904 SALALAH  0015WY816 BANGKOK  0015WY824 KUALA LUMPUR  0055WY916 SALALAH  01504H583 DACCA  0200NL669 SIALKOT  0200TK776 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN  0300QR1132 DOHA  0345ET624 ADDIS ABABA  0350EK866 DUBAI  0355GF560 BAHRAIN  0405EY384 ABU DHABI  0405FZ041 DUBAI  0415WY324 KARACHI  0540WY686 RIYADH  0600WY902 SALALAH  06304H584 DOHA  0640WY638 ABU DHABI  0650WY658 BAHRAIN  0700WY668 DOHA  0710WY674 JEDDAH  0730WY602 DUBAI  0805WY202 BOMBAY  0815WY102 LONDON HEATHROW  0820FZ043 DUBAI  0850WY274 JAIPUR  0855NL768 LAHORE  0900G9114 SHARJAH  0915WY236 HYDERABAD  0920WY242 DELHI  0920WY226 COCHIN  0930EK862 DUBAI  0940WY252 MADRAS  0940WY212 TRIVANDRUM  0940WY346 ISLAM ABBAD  0955QR1128 DOHA  1010EY382 ABU DHABI  1015IX549 TRIVANDRUM  1020WY3302 MUKHAIZNA  1045WY282 BANGALORE  1100WY3922 DUQUM OMAN  1105WY604 DUBAI  1110G9841 RAS AL KHAIMA  1120WY372 COLOMBO  1130FZ037 DUBAI  1200WY424 BEIRUT  1205IX337 CALICUT  1210PK223 PESHAWAR  1220WY606 DUBAI  1330WY918 KHASAB  1440WY906 SALALAH  1445WY812 BANGKOK  1525WY656 BAHRAIN  1530WY632 ABU DHABI  1535FZ045 DUBAI  1555WY204 BOMBAY  1710WY292 CALICUT  1720WY610 DUBAI  1730WY246 DELHI  1730WY264 LUCKNOW  1735WY232 HYDERABAD  1740WY664 DOHA  1745QR1126 DOHA  1745GF564 BAHRAIN  1810WY3306 MUKHAIZNA  1845G9116 SHARJAH  1915WY254 MADRAS  1920TG507 BANGKOK-KARACHI  1935FZ047 DUBAI  1945WY434 TEHRAN  2000WY614 DUBAI  2030WY914 SALALAH  2035WY386 MALE  2110WY152 ZURICH  2110WY312 CHITTAGONG  2115WY116 FRANKFURT  2115WY124 MUNICH  2115KL441 AMSTERDAM-DOHA  2120WY144 MALPENSA  2120AI973 DELHI  2125WY624 DUBAI  21256.00E+81 BOMBAY  2130WY134 PARIS  2130WY414 AMMAN  2135FZ049 DUBAI  2145AI907 MADRAS  2200QR1134 DOHA  2210UL205 COLOMBO  2225GF566 BAHRAIN  2240EY388 ABU DHABI  2250BA073 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI  2255WY908 SALALAH  2305AI985 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY  2310WY648 KUWAIT  2315LX242 ZURICH-DUBAI  23209W540 BOMBAY  2325WY654 BAHRAIN  2330LH618 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI  2330WY612 DUBAI  2335WY696 DAMMAM  2350WY910 SALALAH  2355WY928 SALALAH  2355WY717 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM  2355

MONDAYFLT NO ARRIVALS FROM ETA

WY676 JEDDAH  0005WY406 CAIRO  0005WY682 RIYADH  0005BG021 DACCA-CHITTAGONG  0100WY916 SALALAH  01504H583 DACCA  0200TK776 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN  0300QR1132 DOHA  0345EK866 DUBAI  0355GF560 BAHRAIN  0405EY384 ABU DHABI  0405FZ041 DUBAI  0415WY902 SALALAH  0630WY638 ABU DHABI  0650WY638 ABU DHABI  0650WY324 KARACHI  0700WY686 RIYADH  0700WY658 BAHRAIN  0700WY674 JEDDAH  0730WY672 MEDINA  0745WY602 DUBAI  0805WY202 BOMBAY  0815WY102 LONDON HEATHROW  0820FZ043 DUBAI  0850G9114 SHARJAH  0915WY242 DELHI  0920WY236 HYDERABAD  0920WY918 KHASAB  0930WY226 COCHIN  0930WY252 MADRAS  0940WY212 TRIVANDRUM  0940WY346 ISLAM ABBAD  0940EK862 DUBAI  0940QR1128 DOHA  1010EY382 ABU DHABI  10159W530 TRIVANDRUM  1035WY342 LAHORE  1100WY272 JAIPUR  1100WY282 BANGALORE  1100WY604 DUBAI  1110WY372 COLOMBO  1140FZ037 DUBAI  1200WY384 MALE  1205IX337 CALICUT  1210WY332 KATHMANDU  1210PA450 LAHORE  1215WY904 SALALAH  1215WY818 BANGKOK  1235WY606 DUBAI  1330WY3302 MUKHAIZNA  1330WY906 SALALAH  1415WY656 BAHRAIN  1530WY632 ABU DHABI  1535FZ045 DUBAI  1555WY204 BOMBAY  1710WY292 CALICUT  1720WY610 DUBAI  1730WY246 DELHI  1730WY3304 MUKHAIZNA  1730WY264 LUCKNOW  1735WY232 HYDERABAD  1740WY664 DOHA  1745QR1126 DOHA  1745EK864 DUBAI  1800GF564 BAHRAIN  1810WY3922 DUQUM OMAN  1900WY646 KUWAIT  1900G9116 SHARJAH  1915WY254 MADRAS  1920FZ047 DUBAI  1945WY434 TEHRAN  2000WY614 DUBAI  2030AI977 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD  2105KL441 AMSTERDAM-DOHA  2120WY624 DUBAI  2125AI973 DELHI  2125WY312 CHITTAGONG  21256.00E+81 BOMBAY  2130WY414 AMMAN  21359W534 COCHIN  2140FZ049 DUBAI  2145AI907 MADRAS  2200QR1134 DOHA  2210WY338 KATHMANDU  2235GF566 BAHRAIN  2240EY388 ABU DHABI  2250BA073 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI  2250SG061 AHMEDABAD  2300WY908 SALALAH  2305AI985 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY  2310WY662 DOHA  2315LX242 ZURICH-DUBAI  23209W540 BOMBAY  2325WY654 BAHRAIN  2330LH618 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI  2330WY612 DUBAI  2335WY914 SALALAH  2345WY696 DAMMAM  2350WY636 ABU DHABI  2350WY717 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM  2355WY910 SALALAH  2355

FLT NO DEPARTURES TO ETD AI986 BOMBAY  0005LX243 DUBAI-ZURICH  0020BA072 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW  00259W539 BOMBAY  0025LH619 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT  0050WY685 RIYADH  0105WY811 BANGKOK  0105WY323 KARACHI  0105WY211 TRIVANDRUM  0110WY251 MADRAS  0110WY201 BOMBAY  0120WY225 COCHIN  0125WY235 HYDERABAD  0135WY273 JAIPUR  0140WY601 DUBAI  0150WY341 LAHORE  0150WY151 ZURICH  0155WY241 DELHI  0155WY281 BANGALORE  0200WY423 BEIRUT  0200WY657 BAHRAIN  0205WY637 ABU DHABI  0205WY371 COLOMBO  0210WY123 MUNICH  0210WY133 PARIS  0215WY115 FRANKFURT  0215WY667 DOHA  0220WY143 MALPENSA  0225WY345 ISLAM ABBAD  02504H584 DUBAI-DACCA  0300NL772 PESHAWAR  0330TK777 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL  0350ET625 ADDIS ABABA  0450EK867 DUBAI  0455FZ042 DUBAI  0510QR1133 DOHA  0520EY385 ABU DHABI  0525WY3301 MUKHAIZNA  0715WY3921 DUQUM OMAN  07204H584 DACCA  0740GF561 BAHRAIN  0745WY903 SALALAH  0800WY603 DUBAI  0800WY291 CALICUT  0920WY263 LUCKNOW  0920FZ044 DUBAI  0935WY245 DELHI  0955WY231 HYDERABAD  0955G9115 SHARJAH  1005WY905 SALALAH  1030WY203 BOMBAY  1030NL769 LAHORE  1030WY605 DUBAI  1030WY253 MADRAS  1040WY311 CHITTAGONG  1040WY717 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM  1045EK863 DUBAI  1055EY383 ABU DHABI  1105IX554 TRIVANDRUM  1110WY655 BAHRAIN  1110QR1129 DOHA  1115WY3303 MUKHAIZNA  1115WY917 KHASAB  1140WY331 KATHMANDU  1205G9842 RAS AL KHAIMA  1210WY631 ABU DHABI  1225IX350 CALICUT  1310FZ038 DUBAI  1315PK224 PESHAWAR  1320WY663 DOHA  1330WY413 AMMAN  1330WY101 LONDON HEATHROW  1330WY433 TEHRAN  1340WY927 SALALAH  1415WY609 DUBAI  1420WY405 CAIRO  1430WY3305 MUKHAIZNA  1515WY675 JEDDAH  1630WY913 SALALAH  1630FZ046 DUBAI  1700WY613 DUBAI  1700WY623 DUBAI  1820WY681 RIYADH  1845QR1127 DOHA  1845WY907 SALALAH  1850GF565 BAHRAIN  1855WY647 KUWAIT  1900WY661 DOHA  1900WY695 DAMMAM  1910WY653 BAHRAIN  1910WY909 SALALAH  1940G9117 SHARJAH  2005WY611 DUBAI  2025WY635 ABU DHABI  2030FZ048 DUBAI  2040TG508 KARACHI-BANGKOK  2040WY825 KUALA LUMPUR  2110WY915 SALALAH  2135FZ050 DUBAI  2225KL442 DOHA-AMSTERDAM  2230WY817 BANGKOK  22356.00E+82 BOMBAY  2245AI908 MADRAS  2300AI974 DELHI  2310QR1135 DOHA  2320GF567 BAHRAIN  2325UL206 COLOMBO  2335EY381 ABU DHABI  2350WY673 JEDDAH  2350WY901 SALALAH  2350WY671 MEDINA  2350

FLT NO DEPARTURES TO ETD AI986 BOMBAY  0005LX243 DUBAI-ZURICH  00209W539 BOMBAY  0025BA072 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW  0025LH619 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT  0050WY685 RIYADH  0105WY211 TRIVANDRUM  0110WY251 MADRAS  0110WY201 BOMBAY  0120WY225 COCHIN  0125WY235 HYDERABAD  0135WY601 DUBAI  0150WY345 ISLAM ABBAD  0150WY341 LAHORE  0150WY241 DELHI  0155WY281 BANGALORE  0200WY637 ABU DHABI  0205WY657 BAHRAIN  0205WY323 KARACHI  0210WY371 COLOMBO  0210WY667 DOHA  0220WY383 MALE  0235BG022 CHITTAGONG-DACCA  02504H584 DACCA  0300TK777 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL  0350WY271 JAIPUR  0350EK867 DUBAI  0455FZ042 DUBAI  0510QR1133 DOHA  0520EY385 ABU DHABI  0525WY917 KHASAB  0630GF561 BAHRAIN  0745WY3931 SOHAR  0800WY903 SALALAH  0800WY603 DUBAI  0800WY291 CALICUT  0920WY263 LUCKNOW  0920FZ044 DUBAI  0935WY245 DELHI  0955WY231 HYDERABAD  0955WY3301 MUKHAIZNA  1000G9115 SHARJAH  1005WY815 BANGKOK  1010WY905 SALALAH  1020WY203 BOMBAY  1030WY605 DUBAI  1030WY311 CHITTAGONG  1040WY253 MADRAS  1040WY717 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM  1045EK863 DUBAI  1055EY383 ABU DHABI  1105WY655 BAHRAIN  1110QR1129 DOHA  11159W533 COCHIN  1135WY631 ABU DHABI  1225IX350 CALICUT  1310WY337 KATHMANDU  1310PA451 LAHORE  1315FZ038 DUBAI  1315WY413 AMMAN  1330WY101 LAHORE  1330WY663 DOHA  1330WY433 TEHRAN  1340WY645 KUWAIT  1340WY113 FRANKFURT  1345WY3303 MUKHAIZNA  1400WY153 MALPENSA-ZURICH  1405WY121 MUNICH  1415WY131 PARIS  1420WY609 DUBAI  1420WY405 CAIRO  1430WY3921 DUQUM OMAN  1515WY675 JEDDAH  1630WY613 DUBAI  1700FZ046 DUBAI  1700WY623 DUBAI  1820WY681 RIYADH  1845QR1127 DOHA  1845WY907 SALALAH  1850GF565 BAHRAIN  1855WY647 KUWAIT  1900WY661 DOHA  1900WY653 BAHRAIN  1910WY695 DAMMAM  1910EK865 DUBAI  1915WY909 SALALAH  1940WY913 SALALAH  1950G9117 SHARJAH  2005WY611 DUBAI  2025WY635 ABU DHABI  2030FZ048 DUBAI  2040WY915 SALALAH  2135AI978 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE  2200FZ050 DUBAI  2225WY421 BEIRUT  2230KL442 DOHA-AMSTERDAM  22309W529 TRIVANDRUM  2240WY411 AMMAN  22406.00E+82 BOMBAY  2245AI908 MADRAS  2300AI974 DELHI  2310QR1135 DOHA  2320GF567 BAHRAIN  2325WY434 SALALAH  2350WY673 JEDDAH  2350EY381 ABU DHABI  2350

A I R L I N E S

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36)Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 Daily15:00 Sur 18:00 Daily15:00 Jaalan 19:30 Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36)Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41)06:30 Sohar 08:50 Daily06:30 Buraimi 11:00 Daily08:00 Buraimi 14:30 Daily via Ibri13:00 Sohar 15:45 Daily13:00 Buraimi 17:40 Daily 16.00 Sohar 18.35 Daily 16.00 Buraimi 20:20 Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41)07:00 Sohar 08:55 Daily07:00 Ruwi 11:40 Daily13:30 Ruwi 20:20 Daily via Ibri13:00 Sohar 14:55 Daily13:00 Ruwi 17:40 Daily 13:00 Sohar 19:20 Daily 17:00 Ruwi 22:15 Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52)17:30 Sinaw 20:50 Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52)07:00 Ruwi 10:25 Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54)14:30 Nizwa 16:50 Daily14:30 Yanqul 19:30 Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54)06:00 Nizwa 08:40 Daily06:00 Ruwi 11:00 Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54)08:00 Nizwa 10:20 Daily08:00 Al Araqi 12:30 Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54)15:40 Nizwa 17:55 Daily15:40 Ruwi 20:20 Daily

TO SUR (Route 55)07:30 Sur 12:00 Daily14:30 Sur 18:45 Daily

TO SUR (Route 55)06:00 Ruwi 10:45 Daily14:30 Ruwi 19:00 Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62)06:30 Fahud 10:30 Daily06:30 Yibal 11:15 Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62)12:30 Fahud 13:15 Daily12:30 Ruwi 17:30 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201)06:00 Sohar 08:30 Daily06:00 Dubai 11:30 Daily13:00 Sohar 15:30 Wed,Thur13:00 Dubai 18:30 Wed,Thur15:00 Sohar 17:35 Daily15:00 Dubai 20:55 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201)07:30 Sohar 10:50 Daily07:30 Ruwi 13:40 Daily13:00 Sohar 16:15 Thur-Fri13:00 Ruwi 19:10 Thur-Fri15:30 Sohar 18:45 Daily15:30 Ruwi 21:35 Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100)07:00 Salalah 20:00 Daily10:00 Marmul 20:30 Daily10:00 Salalah 23:30 Daily19:00 Salalah 07:40 Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100)07:00 Ruwi 19:50 Daily10:00 Marmul 13:15 Daily10:00 Ruwi 22:30 Daily19:00 Ruwi 07:30 Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101)06:00 Marmul 16:50 Daily

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102)15:00 Dubai 07:00 Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101)06:00 Marmul 16:30 Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102)15:00 Salalah 07:00 Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204)Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204)Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

LISTINGS

BORN today, you have always considered yourself a rather lucky individual. While there are some who may enjoy more good fortune than you, you know how to make the most of an opportunity — whether it be the result of timing, location, preparation, ability or simple accident. You may well be able to make all your dreams come true, but what is most important is that those dreams are not merely vague thoughts of accomplishment and success, but very specific images of what, how, when and even why. The more specific you can be in your desires, the more likely they are to be satisfied.

You want things to be part of the plan eventually, and even if you find yourself stumbling into something that you hadn’t foreseen, you will work hard to align things in such a way that you are able to progress in an organised, thoughtful way.

Also born on this date are: C. Thomas Howell, actor; Larry Bird, basketball player; Tom Waits, singer, actor; Johnny Bench, baseball player; Ellen Burstyn, actress; Ted Knight, actor; Eli Wallach, actor; Louis Prima, musician and singer.

You’ve been waiting for this very moment for quite some time. Now you’re ready and eager to shift into high gear and score a major victory.

VIRGO [AUG. 23-SEPT. 22]

LIBRA [SEPT. 23-OCT. 22] LLLLLLLLLLLLLLL[S[S[S[S[[[S[[S[S[S[[S[S[SSS[SS[SSSS

SCORPIO [OCT. 23-NOV. 21] S[

SAGITTARIUS [NOV. 22-DEC. 21] S[[[[[[[[[[[[[

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18]

You’re taking chances that others may not appreciate, but you know that if you come out on top, the rewards will be lasting.

No sooner will you have hit your stride than you will be expected to move on to something else — but you’re in no mood to rush!

You may be rushing headlong into a situation that can bring a great deal of confusion, and perhaps even danger, into your life.

The start of the day will be much like the end, but what happens in the middle is sure to take you completely by surprise.

The messages you receive may not fully align with what you know — or what you think you know. You may have to investigate further.

What you do on your own isn’t likely to matter much to those who have bigger fish to fry, but you know you’re onto something important.

You may have the chance to look back on a past endeavor with new appreciation. Where you are now gives you a fresh and valuable perspective.

PISCES [Feb. 19-March 20]

You can keep things light and positive throughout the day, even when others have a tendency to sink into an emotional quagmire.

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20]

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22]

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22]

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19]

Y O U R B I R T H D A Y

ARIES [March 21-APRIL 19]

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20]

You may not be eager to work with others when you know you have much to do that is close, concentrated, solitary work.

It’s important that you fuel your mind, body and soul throughout the day. Neglect any aspect of your makeup, and you’ll surely feel it

An early start has you putting the final touches on an important project sooner than expected. Take the time to analyse the process.

—www.met.gov.om

C11

EXTRAS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

Millions of people with diabetes should eat a vegetarian diet

to help reverse the killer condition, doctors say

Plant-based diet helps beat diabetes

healthy, plant-based diet can significantly improve blood sugar levels and

even potentially leave patients free of the disease.

An analysis of previous stud-ies showed a vegetarian diet had significant benefits in the treat-ment of Type 2 diabetes and im-proved insulin sensitivity.

Researchers found eating a vegetable-based diet reduced levels of a key blood protein. For people with diabetes, this is im-portant as the higher it is, the greater the risk of developing further complications.

Study author Dr Neal Barnard, from the George Washington University School of Medicine in the US, said: “No drug comes close to offering those with dia-betes this kind of relief. “One simple prescription could help reverse diabetes, improve blood sugar, and lower weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. And all this is possible, our analysis found, not with a new magic pill, but with tried-and-true simple changes to diet.”

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age and a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.

In Britain, there are three mil-lion people living with diabetes and 850,000 more who are una-

ware they have Type 2 as it has not been diagnosed.

A team of researchers from the US and Japan, writing in the journal Cardiovascular Di-agnosis And Therapy, published the new analysis showing that a plant-based diet significantly improves diabetes management. They said: “Vegetarian (includ-ing vegan) diets have benefits for cardiovascular health, hyper-tension, body weight, and plas-ma lipids, and also provide nu-tritional advantages compared with omnivorous diets.”

A vegetarian diet is also lower in calories, encouraging weight loss, and higher in fibre, slowing the rate at which glucose is ab-sorbed into the bloodstream.

The researchers called for further studies, but concluded a vegetarian diet could be used as a “treatment alternative for Type 2 diabetes”.

Dr Barnard said: “Combining the results of six prior studies, we found that a plant-based diet boosts blood sugar control considerably.

“Some wonder whether pa-tients will stick to a plant-based diet. Unlike conventional ‘dia-betes diets’, vegan diets do not require counting calories or limiting carbo hydrates.

“There’s no portion control or strenuous exercise routines. We

tell patients they can eat as much as they want — and as much whole wheat pasta, whole grains, and brown rice as they want — as long as they’re not eating animal products or lots of added oils. The diet is simple and clear, and it’s easier than ever to follow.

“Plus, the ‘side effects’ are all good. Weight comes down, blood pressure improves, and blood pressure and cholesterol drop. Best of all, low-fat, vegan diets provide freedom from the tedi-

ous routines of taking medica-tions and injecting insulin.

“With a plant-based diet, we could help tackle the disease once and for all.”

Tracy Kelly, head of clini-cal care at Diabetes UK, said: “We know that the features of vegetarian eating patterns that may reduce the risk of chronic disease include lower intakes of saturated fat and cholester-ol and higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and fibre. But longer studies have also shown that eating a vegetarian diet does not con-sistently improve glycaemic control or reduce risk of heart disease, except where energy in-take was restricted and people lost weight.

“The evidence does not sug-gest that everyone should adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet but there are benefits of increasing your intake of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses and eating less saturated fat.

“We continue to encourage people to maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and physical activity.

“We recommend an eating pattern that is mindful of portion sizes, contains all the food groups and is low in saturated fat, added sugar and salt.” - Sarah Westcott/The Daily Express

Vegetarian diets have benefits for cardiovascular health, hypertension, body weight, and plasma lipids, and also provide nutritional advantages compared with omnivorous diets

How our grip strength changes as we age

IF YOU are in your 30s and surprised to find that your grip is no more as strong as it used to be, read this. A new study has now shed new light on how grip strength changes across the lifes-pan. The latest research combined data from 12 British studies and included grip strength readings from 49,964 participants, aged four to 90 years and above, and combined them to pro-

duce reference charts. “We found that men were typically stronger than women from adolescence onwards but both men and women reached a peak level of strength during their 30s before becom-ing weaker with age,” said Richard Dodds from University of Southampton.

Digital analysis of tongue to help diagnose illnesses

INDIAN RESEARCHERS have developed a new diagnostic system that can identify illnesses from digitised image of the patient’s tongue. The system is of particular use for people residing in remote areas as they do not have ready access to physicians. The tool involves soft inputs such as standard questions about symptoms of the dis-ease and a digitised image of the patient’s tongue.

“The approach basically includes a combination of soft and hard inputs. Soft inputs include a variety of common symptoms such as fever, headache and cough. Each selected disease corresponds to a variety of general symptoms,” said Karthik Ramamurthy from Ra-jalakshmi Engineering College in Chennai.

Citrus fruits juice richer in antioxidants than thought

ORANGE JUICE and juices from other citrus fruits could be much healthier than previously thought as researchers found that these are ten times richer in antioxidant content than what current methods estimate. High content of anti-oxidants in one’s diet help reduce harmful free radicals in our body. “The antioxidant activity is, on average, ten times higher than that which

everyone thought up until now,” said Jose Angel Rufian Henares, professor at the University of Granada in Spain. -IANS

H E A L T H N O T E S

C12

EXTRAS U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 14

Silence is the only source of my voice: SRK SUPERSTAR Shah Rukh Khan seems to be inspired by Bollywood’s noted dialogue ‘Khamosh’. The actor feels that sometimes silence can speak a thousand words. “More & more I realise with my interactions with people — sometimes silence is the only source of my voice,” Shah Rukh tweeted. Meanwhile, there is a gala mood across the nation with the Shah Rukh starrer romantic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge completing 1,000 weeks on December 12.

Lara congratulates Miss Supranational winnerACTRESS Lara Dutta, who brought the Miss Universe crown home in 2000, congratulated Asha Bhat, the winner of Miss Supranational 2014. The victory is all the more special because Asha has become the first Indian to clinch the crown since its inception. Lara, who had mentored Asha along with other contestants of Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva Universe 2014, took to micro-blogging website to share her ecstasy over the win.

Shekhar Kapur not celebrating birthdayFILMMAKER Shekhar Kapur, who turned 69 Saturday, is in no mood to celebrate his birthday as he is sad-dened by the terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir. “No, I am not celebrating on my birthday. How can I when our citizens and jawans are being killed in brazen terrorist attacks? #Kashmir,” he tweeted on Satur-day. Twenty one people, including eight soldiers, were killed in a string of attacks across Kashmir Friday. The brazen militant strikes shook the entire world with the US strongly condemning the attacks. -IANS

BOLLYWOOD

So far Prabhudheva’s films may have

been guilty of strutting a lowbrow idiom

as an antidote to highbrow tedium

W H A T Y O U S E E I S N O T W H A T Y O U G E T‘ACTION JACKSON’:

Officially, there are two comic relief providing actors in Action Jackson. The very talented Kunal Roy Kapoor, here reduced playing the

hero’s cretinous sidekick whose sides get kicked in every frame, and Sonakshi Sinha who spends a good part of the first-half ogling at her leading man’s power-point — and we don’t mean his fists which speak louder than his words — really, loud.

Decibels are so high, they could split eardrums provided you can stay put in your seat through the ordeal. The very tal-ented Sandeep Chowta provides helpful pointers in the background score: “Vishy Vishya” goes the score when Devgn is on the screen. Bangkok Bangkok is the chant on the soundtrack for those who like their locations well mapped.

But we are straying — quite like the script for Prabhudheva’s film which seems to have been scribbled on a series of paper napkins in crowded cafe where fights of-ten break out, quite like the ones we see break out in the public places in Prabhud-heva’s designer-inanity.

Admittedly Devgn fights much bet-ter than he dances. This is akin to say-ing Tendulkar plays cricket much better than kabbaddi.

The question that arises after watch-ing Devgn and Devgn (yes, there are two of him) plus girls, guns, gore and garbage, is... what is “Action Jackson” about? Is it a tale so deep that we perhaps confuse the the trees for the wood? Or inversely, is it a tale so shallow and crass that it parades bombastic and brash tripe as mass enter-tainment? Tragically the latter option re-peatedly stares into our face. There is no mistaking the motivation behind the may-hem and melodrama.

So far Prabhudheva’s films may have been guilty of strutting a lowbrow idiom as an antidote to highbrow tedium. Action Jackson changes the rules radically. This is a new aggressive Prabhudheva who not only strives to make Ajay Devgn, giggle

giggle, dance but also wants to portray the women characters as lust machines.

Hence Sonakshi thinks that a certain part of Devgn’s anatomy is “lucky” for her. In the secondhalf we get Marina, played by a newcomer Manasvi Mam-gai who wants some of the same that Sonakshi does. It’s basically lusting for the land of carnal opportunities. One does it is the ditzy way. The other is more your Sharon Stone-meets-Mall-ika Sherawat types.

How about some self-control?Incidentally Ms Mamgai smokes almost non-stop to show how evil she is, accom-panied by a scroll that says smoking kills. Yami holds a baby in her hand. No scroll, saying how wonderful babies are for the health. Alas!

Yami gets her head bashed in by the goons Ghajini style(wonder what the censor board was doing about their no violence-against-women-not-even-a-slap policy) while Manasvi seems to have all the fun, thanks to a brother who looks like a cross between Frank-enstein’s monster and Gabbar’s great-grandfather, and who makes sure every wish of his sister is his command.

These two siblings must have made their parents proud.

Ironically there are women of every age playing traditional roles — mother, sweetheart, vamp — Sadly the script is so coiled and twisted in its desire to subvert the massy cinematic language that we end up looking at a grotesque masquer-ade featuring time-tested characters and episodes in bewildering situations.

There are hideous interludes of fights and dances. The fights are sometimes extended into a comedy and the comedy sometimes ends up in a fight. It’s all a pain-fully prolonged homage to kitchy cinema with the kitsch element so pronounced and tangy in taste that you really don’t know who’s taking whom for a ride. -IANS

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O MSECTION

CONNECT H E D A I LY G U I D E

D

D4 VACANCY CARGO D7

S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

RENT D2

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication.

* Subject to space availability

DAILY GUIDE Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.comTel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

For rent apartments: An apart-

ment in old Muscat at Oman Arab

Bank’s building. 3 bedrooms + 3

bathrooms, dining room, living room

and a kitchen. Air conditioned apart-

ments. 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms,

living room, dining room area and

kitchen in an excellent location in Al

Khuwair opposite the court of first

instance. For further information

call 97072976

New deluxe 1, 2 B/R fully furnished

with split A/C’s and unfurnished

flats with free internet at Al Khuwair

near KM Hypermarket.

Contact 99460330

Independent rooms in Qurum/Hail.

Contact 95529970

Flat in Hamriya. Contact 99341112

5 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4

bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis

Mart. Contact 92584715, 24600120

6 Nos. flat for rent and sale in

Mawaleh Block-5, each flat area –

123 SQM, have 3 bedrooms, 3 toilet,

Majlis and kitchen, rent RO 280 and

sale – RO 40,000. Contact Said –

91174310, Adnan – 97777911

Flats, 3 Rooms & AC, kitchen, hall, in

al Mabela south, cost 220/- Ro,

Contact# 99377290

New villa in Al Athaibah near 18 Nov

Street, 6 BHK, hall, living room, split

AC, family only, RO 800/-.

Contact 92479515

Spacious 3 bedroom flat in Wadi

Kabir near Indian School.

Contact 99370605

Flat in Al Mawaleh 3Bedrooms,

kitchen, hall, with A/C Contact:

95151522 (300) OMR.

Contact – 95151522

Showroom/Office space available

at Qurum Main road facing, excellent

location for showroom/office. Con-

tact: 92944717

Villa Al Athaibah near Al Fair, 4

BHK, hall, living room, split A/C, fam-

ily only. RO 850/-. Contact 92479515

7 rooms villa at Al Azaiba, 18 No-

vember Road opposite Bank Muscat.

Contact 99224748, 99332297

2 BHK at Al Azaiba, build-

ing No.5145 Way 4470. Contact

99224748, 99332297

Office room available for rent at

prime location, Muttrah Souq.

Contact 24712088 / 99022790

Family room for rent at Muttrah.

Contact 24712088 / 99022790

D2 S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

1 / 2 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG

Way 4041, Building 4390.

Contact 99319880

Villa for rent – 4 room, 1 living room,

4 bathroom with A/C, Al Amerat

Al Mahaj. Contact 99339735

2 BHK pent house having very spa-

cious balcony with sea & city view

RO.350/- 2 BHK RO.340/- adjacent

to Indian nursery Darsait. Contact –

99476728 / 99831047

Villa for rent in Wadi Adai. Bedroom,

big sitting room, kitchen & toilet.

Contact – 99345137

New warehouse for rent at Ghala

Ind. Area.578 sqm near. Hotel Al-

Madinah Holiday. Ghala. Container

can enter. Immediate access to roads

& highways. Contact: 98862384

2 BHK Flat near Kuwaiti Mosque,

Wadi Kabir. Tel: 24816774 /

97608564

2 bedroom Apartments for rent at

Ghobrah near Grand Mall, close to

Atlas Hospital, next to Diwan’s Office

call 24562526, 99833747

New one/two BR flats directly from

owner. Contact 92158031

Office space (125 SQM) located in

prime area at 18 November street,

Al Azaiba. Contact 99261522

1 BHK near Medical, Darsait.

RO 190/-. Contact 99354771

1 BHK flat – near Indian School,

Wadi Kabir. # 24816774 / 98498823

2 bedrooms flat, Muttrah, Cornish.

Contact 99414644

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, it has 2

bedrooms and big hall,

prize RO 380/-. Contact 99109094

Flat for rent 2 BK/1 BK/3 BK in

Hamriya / Ruwi Rex Road.

Contact 97236696

2BHK Flat at Old Muscat.

Contact: 91393005

A Building for rent: for workmen

and companies at Al Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact 99388994

Ground + Mezzanine Floor suit-

able for A Grade Restaurant next to

Pizza Hut, MBD. Contact 24714625 /

94460790

2 BHK, 1 BHK near ISM, Darsait for

rent. Contact 95158570

Flat for rent, 2 BHK split A/C near

Oman House, Muttrah.

Contact 97007934 / 92629232

1, 2, 3 BHK flats & villas.

Contact 92144045

1 BHK with A/C near Indian School

Wadi Kabir. RO 225/-.

Contact 92144045

2 BHK Ghobrah with A/C RO 300/-.

Contact 92144045

2 BHK flat at old Muscat.

Contact: 91393005

Double & single bedroom flat near

Wadi Kabir Lulu. Contact 99719471,

99639102

Flats 2 bedrooms hall in Mumtaz

Area. Contact 98003444

Two flats in Hamriya new bldg with

split A/C. contact 92091565

Luxury flats for rent in South

Al Hail, 2 BHK RO 270/-.

Contact 93221474

Spacious 2 BR flat in MBD.

Contact 99713489

1 BHK flat in Wadi Kabir. RO 180/-.

Contact 99376454

2 BHK at Al Azaiba, Build-

ing No.5145 Way 4470. Contact

99224748, 99425665

Readymade office space for rent

(110 & 130SM) fully or separate, with

partition) in Bank Melli Iran Build-

ing, MBD area, Ruwi, Opposite center

point. Contact 99011352

Furnished offices for rent in prime

location in Ruwi (Mumtaz) with

free electricity, water and internet

for lease long & short term. Contact

95950012, 99331181

Flat for rent in Al Hail, 2 bedroom,

2 attach bath-kitchen and hall, RO

200/-. Contact 99078619

1 BHK Wadi Kabir. Contact

99024730

Brand new one bedroom flats with

split A/C’s at Wadi Al Mawel near

Barka. Contact Khalid 99660099,

Vinu 98676902

Flats, Amerat Souk. Contact

98026234 / 99647903

3 BHK flat Ghobrah close to ISG way

– 4041, building – 4390.

Contact 99319880

Show room on the main road Saham

center total area 450 m sq. Contact:

99366558 / 99334226

House in Al Hail with 3 rooms,

3 toilets, Majlis & hall. Contact –

99738881

2 bedroom flat opposite Al Nahdha

Hospital, 1 bedroom & studio flat at

Wadi Kabir Sanaya.

Contact: 93666944

For rent 2 BHK flat in Ruwi MBD

Area, Building No. 2039, Way No.

3526, al Saddha House. Contact

93211557, 24814853

Café Shop for Rent at Ghubrah North.

Contact 99359755

4 BHK villa in Al Khuwair 33, 4

bedrooms with 6 toilets, sitting

hall, dining hall, Majlis, parking,

only RO 700/-. Contact 93782735 /

96902593

1 BHK, 2 BHK, brand new building

in Mabela, very nice furnishing,

affordable prize, main road. Contact

99208033 / 93782735

We have 2 BHK flat in Qurum

Heights, prime location with balcony

& nice view. Contact 93782735 /

99208033

Office space with cassette type A/C’s

with free internet at al Khuwair near

KM Hypermarket. Contact 99460330

We have 1 BHK, 2 BHK, brand new

building in Ghala near Al Nahdha

Towers, Bank Muscat. Contact

93329470 / 96902593

We have 2 BHK flats in Ruwi, Ham-

riya, Rex Road, Mumtaz & Darsait

and Wadi Kabir, good prize & loca-

tions. # 96902593 / 93329476

We have brand new building, com-

mercial offices in Ghala 100 SQM,

open place, good for business and

45 SQM shops in Ghala. Contact

97382735 / 99208033

DAILY GUIDES U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4 D3

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

ACC. AVAILABLE

Independent rooms in Qurum /

Hail. Contact 95529970

Room, bath, kitchen in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569, 97004265

Furnished room, separate toilet,

working lady executive, non cook-

ing bachelor near ISM, Darsait.

Contact 24571576, 97100472

Furnished room balcony for Indian

Bachelor Al Falaj Area Ruwi

RO 130. Contact 96202458

1 B/R acc available in Rex Road

for bachelors. Contact – 99889590 /

95218056

Sharing accommodation available

in Seeb for Kerala family. OMR 90/-

Mob: 98834765

Wattayah one room with bath near

Manam Apartments for executive

bachelors. Contact 92446858

Furniture room with attach

toilet near ISM, Darsait. Contact

91025841

Large room, toilet attached,

separate entrance. Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99336206

1100 sqm of Industrial shed with

built in offices in Rusayl Industrial

Estate available for immediate

lease. Contact 99263196 /

abcon@omantel.net.om

Fully equipped beauty parlour for

sale at prime location at CBD area

beautiful interiors and 1 clearance

available urgent sale.

Contact - 95194055

Profitable cafe chain for sale.

Weekday sale around RO600/ well

equipped and staffed and low rents.

Great potential to expand further

Expected price RO70000/.Only cash

capable genuine investors email to

mctcafe1@gmail.com

A new furnished restaurant for

sale at upcoming industrial zone in

Misfah, expat leaving Oman. Genuine

buyers call 93833107

A newly opened Barber Shop for

sale at upcoming industrial zone in

Misfah, expat leaving Oman. Genuine

buyers call 93833107

Unused brand new 100 KVA Kirilo-

skar Power Generator for immediate

sale. Contact 92724345 / 94388640

For Sale or Rent new dental clinic in

Shinas. Contact : 99439989

Attached rooms for sale at Al Khuwair opp Rawasco behind

Pizza Muscat. Contact - 99361589

Building material shop for sale, Al

Ansar (Misfah) opposite Oman Ce-

ment Factory. Contact 99467054

Dental Clinic, well equipped and

running for sale in Sohar. Contact:

92625962 / 95904234

Turkish MDF Classic door with

frame full quantity for sale by

discount price. Contact 92858025,

95643086, 99208798

Shop for sale on Oman House

Street in Muttrah.

Contact 99454425

Daewoo washing machine fully

automatic Dining table with 8

chairs Study table and 3 chairs

Contact 94292945

We are dealing with sale of all beauty

salon equipments, furnitures & cos-

metics. #942 888 61 / 942 888 63

New & Refurbished portable cabins,

Fabrication of car parks & all types

of fabric shade. Contact 94475705

Industrial Kitchen for Lease/Sale:

Fully Equipped Industrial Catering

Kitchen with Restaurant space and

Outdoor sitting area on Lease/Sale

at Mawaleh near vegetable market.

Call- 9954 1671

New building in Al Ansab high

quality, yearly income more than

90,000/- sale price only 750,000/-.

Contact 91155779, 24507072

New building 20 BHK flat, 7 shops,

Mabela. Contact 95779595

Big showroom (two floors) for sale

opposite Oman house & Muttrah

Hotel. Total 600 square meter.

Contact 92827734 / 93206400

Looking for building in (Al Ghobrah,

Al Khuwair, Al Azaiba, Bousher,

Al Qurum and MQ) for sale.

Contact us 91155779, 24507072.

Email: gk@goldenkeyreal-estate.com

Furniture bedroom set, three seater

sofa, centre table, dining table set,

show case for sale.

Contact 93200170

Industrial Area land in Rusayl 5000

SQM and building with 8 shops.

Contact 95490842, 99323957

Looking for commercial lands/res.

Lands/ in (Al Ghobrah/Al Khuwair/

Al Azaiba/Bousher/Al Qurum/

MQ) for sale. Contact 91155779,

24507072

If you have any properties/enquiries

Contact us 91155779, 24507072.

Email: gk@goldenkeyreal-estate.com

Looking for villas/lands for sale

in Ruwi Al Mumtaz Area. Contact

91155779, 24507072

New buildings in Al Ghobrah, Ghala,

Wadi Al Kabir, Al Mabela,

Al Amerat for sale. Contact us

91155779, 24507072. Email:

gk@goldenkeyreal-estate.com

More than 17,000 SQM commercial

land in Ghala, 275/ per SQM.

Contact 91155779, 24507072

Commercial land in Honda Road for

sale. Contact 91155779, 24507072

Furnished single room with sepa-

rate bathroom near al meera hyper-

market, azaiba. Gsm 94288861

Sharing room in Hamriya. RO 100

including water & electricity.

Call 98949724

BUYING/SELLING

FOR RENT

Used Household & office furniture

and electronic items.

Contact 99834373, 97102699

Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM,

7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel

run Generator. Kindly #99014686 or

operation@khancogroup.com

AVAILABLE

Established Restaurant for

rent with sponsorship. Contact

97628242

Party & Wedding equipment rent-

als. Full line, from Tables, Linen

& Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers,

Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chaf-

ing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large

Sound Systems and spectacular

lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for

Catering and Croyden 9623 5555

for Sound & Light.

www.tunesoman.com,

E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Villa in Al Azaiba with area of

1200 m, contains from (2 halls +

2 living rooms +5 bedrooms with

bathrooms+maids room+7 car park-

ings +garden) for RO 2300, 92161111

Apartments in Al Khuwair new area

each apartment contains

(2 bedrooms + living room)

for RO 365. Contact 93181111

Building in Ghala for rent with

24 apartments near Bank Muscat,

93181111

Villa in Bousher contains (5 bed-

rooms + living room + hall) for RO

900, 93161111.

Stores in Industrial Ghala opposite

Al Ghobrah garage with 550 m, RO 4

for each meter, 93161111

Flats/villas owned by ROP pension

fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

Villa in Al Azaiba contains (5 bed-

rooms + living room + hall)

for RO 900 located near Al Fair

Supermarket. 93161111

Flat/rooms for rent in Mumtaz Area.

Contact 92502241 / 92245110

Luxury villa in al Azaiba inside a

compound each villa contains

(5 bedrooms living room dining

room car parking) each villa

RO 1200, 93161111

Spacious room, separate bathroom,

sharing kitchen at Wadi Kabir,

shell pump rent RO 90/- & E/W RO

120/- per month for Muslim family.

Contact 97887620

LABOUR CAMP Space for rent at

YETI. Contact 99221683/92830110

Shop for sale, prime location,

Al Khod Sooq Tejari..

Cont: 99088308/95085960

SHOP FOR SALE AT HONDA RD.

CONTACT 99221683 / 92830110

A very well established branded

lighting trading company having

business with hotels, buildings &

schools retail for sale in UAE Ask-

ing price: $ 3 millions. Interested

persons may email with

complete details to

evershinedxb2015@gmail.com”

Sharing room available for execu-

tive bachelor / single lady behind

Oman House, Muttrah. #99467054

Furnished Room, attached bath for

executives in Mumtaz area.

Contact No. 99743709

2 Bedroom flat for offices with

furniture near Al Manaf Hotel, Ghala.

Contact 99525743, 99439705

Room available for executive bach-

elor or couples near Ruwi.

Contact 92241735

Furnished room available for

executive bachelor in Ruwi area.

Contact 99054542, 24781104

1 bedroom for bachelors sharing

K&T in Al Khuwair, RO 100/-.

Contact 95154331

Furnished Single BHK available

near ISM, Darsait for immedi-

ate takeover Contact 99477514 /

94288397

Single bedroom with A/C and shar-

ing kitchen at Al Khuwair.

Contact 99636550

Furnished single room with

bathroom Al Khuwair. #95765719

ACC. AVAILABLE

Sharing accommodation

available for Executive bachelor

near to Muttrah hotel.

Contact 98132389

1 BR accommodation available at

Rex Road, suitable for bachelors.

Contact 99889590

Sharing accommodation available

for a small veg. Family/bachelor

at Wadi Kabir. 99877845

DAILY GUIDED4 S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

DOMESTIC HELP

EDUCATION

MISCELLANEOUS

MECHANICAL/ELECT.

MECHANICAL/ELECT.

AUTOCAD

BEAUTY

DRIVER

IT

ARCHITECT

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

CATERING

FOREMAN

HOSPITALITY

SITUATION WANTEDSITUATION VACANT

MEDICAL

SITUATION WANT-ED

SIT. WANTED

SITUATION WANT-ED

SIT. WANTED

Required House maid urgently

in Mabela. Contact.95200180/

24452070.

Urgently required cleaner(s), housemaids for Dubai.

Contact 98408488

House Maid (full time) required

for Keralite family near in Sohar.

Contact 97034674, 93558111

ADMIN/HR

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.comTel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

Indian Male: B.COM, 4 years experi-

ence in Accounts, in Manufactur-

ing Co Oman, Working Knowledge

With Tally ERP- With Oman valid

D/L,Presently working in Muscat

NOC Available Looking for Suitable

position in Reputed Company,

Contact; 95745287 and Email:

raiforeveryone@rediffmail.com

Al Bawwab Textile looking for

Omani fashion designer, Omani tailor, Omani Sales lady. Contact 24693650

Job vacancies – 1) Stationery Sales Executive (Outdoor) – 2 positions, location – Ruwi, Reference No.1002, 2) Driver cum Deliveryman – 1 position, location – Ruwi, Reference

No.1003. Experienced candidates

please mail your CV to rnair@so-

fantrading.com or fax No. 24792831.

Kindly mention the Reference No. of

the position applied for in your mail.

Required Sales Engineer having 1-2

year experience with Oman driving

license for an Oilfield trading com-

pany, please send CV to

info@patron-energy.com

Jon vacancies – Retail Showroom in-charge (Showroom) – 1 Posi-tion, location – Al Wadi Al Kabir,

Reference No.1001. Experienced

candidates please mail your CV to

jemins@sofantrading.com or fax no.

24792831. Kindly mention the Refer-

ence No. of the position applied for in

your mail

Marketing Manager to market

Transport Services with 3 yrs

experience in Oman’s transportation

Sector with valid Omani D/L.

Kindly send CV to

jobs@prestigeprojectsoman.com,

call: +96892341826

Urgently required Sales Executive IT Company with 2 years experi-

ence, driving license preferred

info@ibsoman.com

Exciting career opportunities for

accomplished Media & Advertising

Business Development Executives/Graphic Designers/Web Designers. jobs@interacoman.com

Sales & Marketing job with very

good commission, for expats only in

Muscat, Salalah & Sohar.

Contact 92760281

Salesman experienced in the field

of water bottle sales and distribution

required for a newly established co.

Send CV to georgejohn993@gmail.

com GSM: 99388623

Urgently required Sales & Market-

ing Executive for an Engineering

company, minimum 2 year experi-

enced, with good communication

skill & driving license.

Email : info@4dengineering.net

Freight forwarding professional for Sea Freight sales and operations. Minimum 5 years experience in GCC

sea freight operations. Oman driving

license required.

telljobs@gmail.com

Required urgently for Sales & Mar-keting of Technical products & PPE with valid Omani D/L. Candidates

in Oman with minimum 3-4 years

experience & good product knowl-

edge may forward resume, photo,

expected gross salary &

soonest joining date to

bmsales2014@gmail.com

Required for leading company –

one Foreman (Indian).

Email : r.yass2020@gmail.com

Business Development cum Outlet

Manager required for reputed Asian

Franchise in Muscat. 5 to 7 years of

experience in restaurant/catering

business with 2 years in supervisory

position. Self-driven people with

pleasing personality and good

communication skills. Call 93977533

Wanted experienced – Law Degree Holders, Marketing & business

Development.

Email : lawfirmfm@gmail.com

Urgently required male office assistance with Computer knowl-

edge and English knowledge, fresh

candidates can apply, visa available.

Contact 98457636 /

email: eig.oman@hotmail.com

Required a junior Architect for a

Consultancy Office.

Email: staffcareoman@gmail.com

A well known private school is in need of Physics teacher. Contact 96910649,

email: jobsnelite@gmail.com

A School requested a qualified ex-

pert teaching English as a foreign

language, a Science Teacher with

a master degree. Maths teacher and a laboratory technician.

Contact - 96606121

Staff wanted for hotel, Salalah, front office, marketing chefs (Arabic/Asian/Continental), wait-

ers and waitress, stewarding. Send

CV with picture to

salalahph@salalahph.com

ADMIN/HR

ADMIN/HR

ENGINEERS

ENGINEERS

Urgently required a GP Doctor with

MOH license for a leading Medical

Clinic. #- 92008272/96602188

mail: drmugeebhussain@gmail.com

Medical Centre at Sinaw requires : General practitioners(GP), dental surgeons, gynecologist, pediatri-cian, staff nurses, X-ray techni-cian, lab technician, pharmacist & physiotherapist. Contact 92104057

and send CV’s to

halamedicalgroup@gmail.com

Required gynecologist, Medical practitioner (GP), Dentist with /

without MOH license.

Contact 95200180/24452070

mail: drmugeebhussain@gmail.com

Required orthodontist – full time in

Muscat. BDS, MDS and Morth quali-

fied or with MOH license and NOC.

Contact 99010755, email :

sundentalghubra@hotmail.com

Wanted Ophthalmologists, Dentist and Nurses with MOH License for

Nizwa. Please contact

medicalvacancy2015@gmail.com

Wanted Doctor with MOH license for

a Polyclinic. Excellent salary with

accommodation and commission.

Contact 99752442,

email : mmcmuscat@gmail.com

MOH licensed female nurse required

for clinic in Muscat for immediate

placement. Contact 93538672

Pharmacist and Assistant Pharma-cist with MOH license are required.

Interested candidates contact

97091664 or

mmcmuscat@gmail.com.

Good payment with incentives.

SALES / MARKETING

SALES / MARKETING

Heavy duty drivers – 4 Nos with

GCC Driving License preferably

Oman Driving License.

Kindly send your CV to

jobs@prestigeprojectsoman.com,

+96892341826

Light Duty Driver required.

Contact 92341826

Required driver for 3 ton truck.

Contact 24816774

Require Omani Driver for 3 Ton

truck. Please contact Mr. Kazim

95883596, Mr. Sanjay 92311061 or

24562221

Wanted driver for part.

Contact 95112461

Telugu Driver Wanted-Contact

95450157

Skilled individual wanted for pet

grooming cats and dogs. In Al Hail

pet shop, kindly contact 99298230

Experienced Journalist, knowledge

of Arabic and English required.

Contact 98563322

Leading signage manufacturing unit requires fabrication assis-tants with Oman Driving License,

experience of working in signage in-

dustry / metal fabrication preferred.

Contact 94030814

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Urgently required part time skilled web surfer for posting data

on Social networking websites like

Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook,

email: mhca@mhabibgroup.com

Urgently required do net developer

with 3 to 4 years experience in C#

& VB.net, MVC, HTML, Jquery, SQL

Server, programming Mobile apps

both Android & IOS and knowledge

of classic ASP & Search Engine

Optimization,

email : mhca@mhabibgroup.com

Urgently required Auto CAD draughtsman for interior deco-

ration company Sohar. Contact:

99437086 / 95540786

Email: md@alrasen.copm

Indian Male, qualified ICWA,

M.com with 2years experience in

accounts, costing, auditing & SAP in

reputed listed companies, seeks suit-

able placements. Mob: 94619453

Email: cmashahidkt@gmail.com.

Accountant, Indian, B.Com, 5 yrs

experience in Oman in Finance &

Accounts, NOC available with valid

Oman D/L. Contact 99436609

Accountant Indian male 25 years

B.Com with 5years experience

in accounts field having core ac-

counting & Accounting Software

knowledge . looking for suitable

situation NOC available

immediately joining.

Email: shinishakir@gmail.

com; shakirtambe@yahoo.com

Mob:+968 98104268

One of the leading Business

Groups in Oman is looking for an

Accountant with 5-8 years of ex-

perience in bearings or spare parts.

Please send your CV to

kumar@muscatsteel.com

A reputed LLC in Muscat required an Electrical & Electronics Engi-neer, minimum one years expe-

rience in Oman. Those who are inter-

ested please forward your resume

to – salesteam671@gmail.com or

contact – 91399812

Required urgently Mechanical Engineer having good experience

in fabrication.

Contact – jetssom@gmail.com

Wanted Civil Engineer. Email :

almoosaengineering@gmail.com

Urgently required Software Engi-neer with minimum 2 yrs experi-

ence in Web based ERP Applica-

tions. Contact strns1@gmail.com

For Omani’s only we are hiring a young, enthusiastic, highly

motivated person, fluent in Arabic &

English with strong communication

skills, for our Corporate events sec-

tor. Please send your CV to

info@tiaraoman.com

Require experienced Salesman cum Technician for Computer &

Mobile Shop. Email: strns1@gmail.

com

Indian Male 26Yrs, 6 Yrs exp as

commercial/Admin Asst looking for

suitable placement (NOC available).

94641741.

Indian Male with Master Degree

with 1 yr experience in Oman as

Office Assistant / Admin looking

for suitable job. Contact 93295112,

syedsadathali.mca@gmail.com

Indian male with Masters Degree

with 7 yrs exp in HR/Admin, posses

NOC can join immediately.

Contact – 96684424

Indian female (MBA) 3 years exp as

admin/sales coordinator in Dubai.

Contact - 91743804,

soumya3prasad@gmail.com

Indian female graduate over 5 years

experience, operation Admin looking

for suitable job. Contact 94231020

Indian female 29 yrs b.sc nursing,

5 yrs exp in hospital. Looking for

suitable job in admin/hr .

Contact 98763030.

Female, age 26, Education B.Sc on

visit visa, experience 2 yrs, ready to

work as Customer Service Executive

in Administration. Contact 96317675

27 Y Indian female, B.Com, MBA

(HR), 4+ years work experience with

MNC in India on Visit seeking suit-

able HR positions.

Contact: 99766159

Indian male MBA 32 yrs having

10 yrs of exp seeking suitable place-

ment in Admin/ HR/ Operations/

Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding

valid Oman D/L .Contact - 99054786

Indian Male 32 MBA, 9 years

experienced as GM and manager

(operations), seeking suitable posi-

tion in Administration, HR, Finance /

Accounts or Marketing. Currently on

visit and ready to join immediately.

Contact: 92493110,

muhamedtk82@gmail.com

Indian female, 25 yrs Bsc. PGDCA,

having relevant experience in

Admin /office assistant. Seeking

suitable placement. Ph: 98807849,

92456531.

HR & Admin Assistant, 26 yrs

Indian Male having 6Years of experi-

ence looking for suitable position.

Contact No: +968-93264616

Well running shipping company required Receptionist (Omani la-

dies only), contact: fax – 24700973,

94213039, 94213112

Omani Receptionist required urgently for internationally reputed

Medical Centre at Al Azaiba.

Contact 92724345 / 94388640

Required Office Assistant/ data entry operator in Oman.

150+food+acc. Contact - 99454425

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE

Urgently required experienced heavy equipment Mechanic for a

reputed Company in Oman. Can-

didates having more than 5 years

Gulf experience, apply your CV and

full details to:

vacancyhr014@gmail.com

A reputed Clinic in Mabela is look-ing for a GP circumcision license.

Email CV to vacancyahh@gmail.com

Looking for a well experienced beautician to work for a spa n salon

at Muscat CBD area Indians (30

years above) Pakistanis (26 and

above) visa available.99452967

Consultancy Office requires a Structural Engineer 3 years experi-

ence in Oman. Submit CV to

edsubmit@yahoo.com

Required Gulf experienced Elec-trician & Lineman for an Electri-

cal Company-Muscat.

Contact 94102728,

email: atlasllc11@gmail.com

Required an experienced person who has ideas to start a new busi-

ness in electrical field or supply with

minimum cost. Contact 99426421

TECHNICIAN

Require experienced Technician for CCTV / Access control &

security Alarm system.

Email: strns1@gmail.com

Manager-Organizational & Market-

ing Communication, Masters in

Journalism, Finance, strong English

writing skills, creative professional,

Oman exp in corporate Communica-

tion, Marketing, Business Develop-

ment, Media Relations, Ads etc. NOC

available. Contact 98179887

Local release, graduate Professional

experience in HR & Admin, General

Management Finance procurement

Marketing & Sales, excellent English,

expert in contract preparation,

liaison with banks, embassies, legal

work, recruitment, employee engage-

ment. Contact 92625872

Young Indian male with British

graduation & post graduation with

relevant Muscat experience in busi-

ness admin & purchase seeks place-

ment. Posses NOC & Driving License.

Ph:94400671

Indian Female, 30 Years, B.Com,

3 years Oman experience in Bank-

ing and 5 Years India. Contact

96727030/96253400

Experience PRO Oman Male, 36

Yrs, 16 yrs experience in PRO/ HR

& Administration, Prefect English

language speaking & writing with

D/L, Seeks suitable placement,

Can join immediate. #91221773

Indian Female, 29, MBA (HR), exp

4 yrs in Oman & India, HR & Admin.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95619537

Omani female with 9 yrs exp looking

for PRO job with Oman D/L.

Contact 97917333

Indian Male 32 yrs( MBA-HR) 9 yrs

of Exp (GCC,AFRICA) in EPC, Diversi-

fied industries, Seeking Suitable

placement in HR/Admin. Currently

on visit visa, NOC available,

join immediately. Contact 94535618

Email:mdakhter5219@gmail.com

Male, 27 years with MBA in HR/

MKT having 2 years exp in respec-

tive field looking for suitable place-

ment in leading organization.

Contact 91705051

Chartered Accountant Indian

(Female) having valid Omani DL and

work experience of 1 year in a Big

4 Audit firm (India) seeks suitable

placement. GSM: 99484368

Pakistani MBA (Finance) male look-

ing for suitable position. Experi-

enced in accounts.

Contact no: 96351655.

sheikhsalman120@gmail.com

Indian male age 30 having 10 yrs

experience in Finance & Accounts

seeking suitable placement.

Contact 93675399

Pakistani Male, ACCA Fundamental

Level qualified, advanced Diploma

in Accounting and Business certi-

fied accounting technician, 3 years

experience as Accounts Officer.

Contact 99860453,

Email: khalid.ikram08@gmail.com

Indian male 23 years B.com & MBA,

8 months experience in Accounts/

Admin looking for a entry level posi-

tion. Currently on Visit Visa.

Contact. 94647406

DOMESTIC HELP

DAILY GUIDES U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4 D5

DAILY GUIDESITUATION WANTEDSITUATION WANTED

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

DRIVER

DRAUGHTSMAN

EDUCATION

AutoCAD Draughtsman, Architecture,

Structure looking for suitable position.

Contact 94436180, 98147600

If required maid for baby caring

and cooking, cleaning, 7 am to 2

pm. Please contact 92115082 /

99045749, Ruwi area only.

Looking for full time / part time

job, cleaning, cooking, personal care

taker, ladies and kids.

Contact 97882204 / 98562066

Part time or full time housemaid looking for job.preferably Kerala

family.phone number 94017485.

Indian female (MCA) looking for

teaching job. 1.5 yrs experience

at kendriya vidyalaya.

Contact 97455383

M.A B.ED well experienced indian

lady teacher of economics,social sci-

ence & English looking for suitable

job.Contact : 94365112

MSc. Chemistry Teacher (5 y EXP.)

Pakistani female looking for a job in

School/college. Contact 96580101

Internal control / risk & compliance

Manager with 10 yrs experience

in International Bank, currently in

Muscat looking for suitable

opportunity. Contact 91252808,

email: sudigowda@gmail.com

Indian Male, 28 yrs old B.Com hav-

ing 7 yrs experience (3 yrs in MCT)

looking for a suitable placement in

Accounts / Sales currently on visit

visa. Contact 93128830, email:

gopusree.gopu407@gmail.com

Senior Accountant, 40 yrs Inter CA,

10 yrs in Oil & Gas sector seek suit-

able placement. Contact 91126314

Indian Male, 27 yrs, on visit visa

seeks for placement in a reputed

firm in the field of Accounts and

Finance, graduation in B.Sc, Maths

and holder of Chartered Accountant

Inter with an experience of

3 yrs as an accounting in the

specified field from India.

Contact 98494423 / 95916964,

email: juss619tin@gmail.com

Male 25 Pakistani MA Economics/

CAT.4 years experience in util-

ity sector flexible to do any role in

finance/HR & supply chain.

https://www.linkedin.com/profile/

view?id=186570782 no 94626209

Indian male 29 B.com 6 yrs exp

accountant in East Africa. Seeking

suitable job. Contact – 94613626

Male ACCA finalist 3 yrs exp in

Oman, holding Oman license, good

knowledge in MS Office, Tally ERP9.

Seeking better placement in ac-

counts, audit, finance banking. NOC

available. Contact - 92123484

Accountant having 8 yrs experience

looking for part time job.

Contact 99867456

30Y Indian male, B.Com, MBA

(Finance), 6+ years work experience

with MNC in India on Visit seek-

ing Accounts/Finance positions

at Executive/ management levels.

Contact: 99766159

Part time Accountant services

available to handle all Accounts

related work up to finalization.

Contact 98345779

MBA (Management & Finance) from

UK with 3+ years experience as

Lecturer seeks a suitable placement.

Contact 95658916

MBA Finance with 6 years experi-

ence in Accounts and Finance

including Oman experience, NOC

available. Contact 91157870

M.Com, B.Com Graduate, Female is

seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99363721

Indian male having 14 years of ex-

perience in Various dept. (stockbrok-

ing Dealing, Back Office Accounts,

Dmat, Settlement, Risk management,

Maintaining Books of accounts ETC).

Having Good Computer Knowledge

seeking suitable placement Email

Id: vora_bharat@yahoo.com. Mobile :

+91 9820240094

ACCOUNTANT, M com, TALLY & ERP,

10 yrs Gulf Exp , NOC available

PH 99035707

Indian Female 29 Yrs, B-Com Gradu-

ate with Basic Computer Knowledge

and Tally, having 6 yrs experience in

accounting seeking for the placement

in Account Assistant, currently on

visit visa in Oman Contact: 95478149

Email: tnaik15@gmail.com

Quality Assurance officer, ISO

Quality system internal Auditor,

female 27, with 4 years experience,

seeks suitable placement.

Email: nipuni.d.silva@gmail.com

Indian Male, MBA 2 years experi-

ence in Accounts and Admin looking

for suitable placement. Contact

92045306.

Senior Position for CA with 24

years of experience: Managing Fi-

nance, Accounts, Audit, Bank Loans,

Budgeting, Business planning, Strat-

egy, Purchase and Sale manage-

ment of group of companies. SAOG

Mobile 91799262

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech), Indi-

an Male, with Oil Engg & Quality Con-

trol Systems, NDT-Level 2 qualified

as per ASNT, one year experience as

Site Engineer. Presently on visit visa,

seeking suitable placement. Contact

# 91260427, 95147671,

Email: akhilanandan@gmail.com

Telecom Engineer with 8 yrs exp

from India in IT Networking seeks

suitable opportunities now in Oman.

Contact 99002635 Emal :

sibinkumar.acharya@gmail.com

Indian B.E Mechanical Engineer with level 2 certification in QA/QC

having experience in maintenance

engineering,piping,pipe line engi-

neering and welding inspection.

Looking for suitable job

Contact : 91360997/99257867

Email: binukoshydaniel@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer, 9 yrs GCC exp

in Electrical Projects with valid

Omani D/L, NOC available can join

immediately. Contact 99148940

Email : jobluk.om@gmail.com.

B.Tech Chartered Electrical Engi-

neer from India with 4 years experi-

ence in various electrical projects,

core strength in designing power

scheme layouts, estimations, BOQs,

execution, commissioning, testing

etc. Contact 94638744, 96473165,

email : ceng.shaz@gmail.com

SOFTWARE ENGINEER looking

for a suitable Job.2+ Years experi-

ence in an MNC, now looking for an

opportunity in the software division

of reputed organizations. Currently

on Visit Visa. Contact 97463452,

97080684

27, male, Diploma in Civil Engineer,

7 yrs experience, 5.5 yrs in Oman,

valid Omani D/L, experience with

AutoCAD and Construction Project

seeking suitable placement. Con-

tact 96313533, 96093541, email:

mmhossainmif@gmail.com

27 yrs Male, Diploma in Civil

Engineer, 7 years experience, 5.5 in

Oman, valid Omani D/L seeking suit-

able placement. Contact 95836452

B.Tech Civil Engineer 1yr+ Experi-

ence in Oman Seeking Suitable

Placement in any Reputed Contract-

ing/Consultancy. Contact 97206269

Diploma in Electrical engineer-

ing having 20 yrs of experience in

Oman with Oman D/L seeks suitable

placement. Contact 92162939

Young Indian male, BE in civil

engg with 2+ experience in oman, in

construction field, with Oman driv-

ing license is ready for immediate

joining with NOC, preferably As QS or

planning engg or site engg.

Contact 92419235

Electrical Engineer with 4 years

experience in power distribution and

transmission lines, Oman Driving

License and NOC available. Email:

azhariqbal.fsd@gmail.com,

Contact 96492554

Chief accountant with 20 yrs expe-

rience in reputed Companies looking

for suitable placement.

Contact 97385562

Accountant: Indian Male, 10 years

experience, 6 yrs in Oman with

Oman D/L seeking suitable place-

ment. Contact 97123002

Sr. Accountant, M.Com, Indian male,

13 yrs exp in multinational FMCG &

Automobile spare parts with valid

Oman D/L looking for a suitable

position in accounts. NOC available -

Mob: 92435323

Sr. Accountant , Indian male, 34

yrs MBA (Finance) CMA(Pursuing),

8 yrs exp in a multinational FMCG

company in Oman, with valid D/L,

NOC available ,looking for a suitable

position - contact : 95645945

Part Time Accounting, Accounts

Finalization, Audit Preparation,

Internal Audit, Onsite Tally Training,

Onsite Training for Accountants,

Inventory Management, Feasibility

Study and Project Reports.

Contact: 96975454,

email: ibfcoman@hotmail.com

Indian female Senior Account-

ant with 10 years experience in

Accounts, Finance, Audit & Tax Man-

agement. Contact 96263157

Part Time Accounting, Accounts

Finalization, Audit Preparation, In-

ternal Audit, Onsite Tally Training,

Onsite Training for Accountants,

Inventory Management, Feasibility

Study and Project Reports.

Contact: 96975454,

email: ibfcoman@hotmail.com

Female expat 22 ACCA - pursuing

final paper, 6 months experience

in tally, tax & audit in an audit firm

looking for suitable placements pref-

erably in audit firm. Ph: 98428098

B.Tech, 7 yrs experience in Q.S.Civil

in SAOG Company and teaching expe-

rience in Chemistry need suitable job,

NOC available. Contact 98274607

Planning and Project Control Engineer, exp 6 yrs (3 yrs in Gulf),

primavera P6, valid D/L, clearance

available seeks placement.

Contact 95196628,

planning.engr.mct@gmail.com

A Civil Engineer holding 10 yrs ex-

perience is available for following : 1)

Interim/final statements for building

projects, 2)Variations/extensions of

times, 3)Financial claims, 4)Contrac-

tual correspondence. Interested

person please contact 91126231

Indian Female, 27 B.Sc, B.Ed, 4 yrs

experience in money exchange

looking for suitable job. Contact

96007473 / 92174734

Indian Male, 23, B.E Chemical

Engineer with profound industrial

experiences looking for a suitable

job. Contact 94525650, 97719840,

email: nglsgy@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (BE), female Indian

– few months experience in QS, Pri-

mavera, and AutoCAD etc seeks suit-

able placement. Contact 91690345,

92956291

Mechanical (Mechatronic) Engi-

neer with Diploma in Produce Design

and analysis seeking a job.

Contact 98584349,

email: chalapronsulhil@gmail.com

Planning & Project Control Engineer.

Exp. 6 yrs (3 yrs in gulf). Primavera

P6, Valid D/L, Clearance available,

seeks placement. Contact 95196628.

planning.engr.mct@gmail.com

B.E Civil Engineer 5 years experi-

ence. NOC available.

Contact – 98970233

Indian male B.E Mechanical Engi-

neer fresher +3 months certificate

course in QA/QC, pipeline & NDT.

Now on visit visa in Oman seek-

ing suitable placement. Contact –

95803035 / jittenvjacob@gmail.com

Electronics / Telecom Technician:

A well qualified and experienced

Indian male, 26 years old, Diploma

in Electronics& Telecommunication

Engineering, having 4 years experi-

ence Electronic & Telecom field

with a leading international telecom

company, presently working in India

, looking for a job in Oman. Ready to

join immediately. contact : 99087175

Electronics Communication En-

gineer having 2+ years experience

in Oman posses valid Oman D/L

seeking suitable placement, NOC

available. Contact 93936878

Industrial Engineer, Male, 35 yrs, 10

yrs experience as Production / Qual-

ity Engineer in Manufacturing Com-

panies. # 94629650, 94044784,

email : mekkmedani78@gmail.com

Indian male completed BE in Com-

puter Science and Graphic Design-

ing. Currently on visit visa.

Contact. 94641735. 99420208

Indian male looking for Mechani-

cal Engineering job, with work

experience please contact: sharman.

shetty63@gmail.com or contact

+91 8105437576

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian, B.Tech Mechanical Engi-

neer on visit visa seeking suitable

placement. Contact 97944053,

email: alithandlawala@gmail.com

Indian male, 24 yrs, BE Electrical &

Electronics having 15 months expe-

rience seeking suitable placement,

now in Oman. Contact 92453891,

email : jestinjose007@gmail.com

Indian Male, 26, B.E Mechanical

Engineer, fresh graduate currently in

Oman looking for suitable place-

ment. Contact 96176365

Mechanical Engineer, Indian Male

with NDT Level-2, qualified as per

ASNT having 2 years experience in

Quality Control Piping Engineering

presently on visit visa. #94154700,

saneesmohammed713@yahoo.co.in

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer, 3 yrs experience HVAC System,

driving license, easy to transfer im-

mediately. Contact 91135140

Indian Male, 21 yrs, 2.5 yrs experi-

ence, Dip.Com.Engg Hardware Net-

working computer graphic designing

expert, seeking suitable placement.

Email: jeesmon2925@gmail.com

Indian Male, 28, B.Tech Electrical, 5

yrs Gulf experience in HV & LV Instal-

lation, Omani D/L, Medc license seek-

ing placement. Contact 94368581,

Email: wajidkhan619@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer with 5 years

Gulf Experience in HV and LV ,I/D

and O/D substation,U/G cable ,Over-

head line,valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 0096895054644,

00919488888464,

Email: speninsam@gmail.com

A Filipino National seeking for the

job Vacancy as Safety Officer, Fire

Engineer, Fire Inspector, Fire and

Safety Instructor. Well experienced

in Offshore and Petrochemical Plants

with an IOSH Certificate. Please con-

tact 91718309 or 26855037

Indian, 37 yrs, Civil Engineering Di-

ploma, Civil Construction Supervisor

having 7 yrs exp in Oman with light

D/L urgently seeks job.

Contact 93419347 / 92509886

Male 22 yrs, Mechanical Engineer,

fresher seeking mechanical related

job, skilled in CAD.

Contact 93420437,

email: josiahcherian@yahoo.com

Computer Engineer Diploma,

23 male with 2 yrs experience in

India having experience in Web

Design and Development, Computer

Hardware Maintenance, BPO and

social media marketing looking for

a suitable placement in a reputed

Company, currently on visit visa.

Email: midhunbabu98@gmail.com.

Contact 92150123, 92689778

B.E Civil, 8yrs Experience, Exper-

tise in Project Execution & Man-

agement, Proficient in MS Project,

Primavera P6, AutoCAD & MS Office.

Release available. GSM: 92167523

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer,

2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experi-

ence. Contact 97311847

Mechanical Engineer,(BTech in

Mechanical) with Certified quality

controller - NDT level 2 qualified as

per ASNT - SNT-TC-I A, with

1 & half yr exp. as quality control

engineer, presnetly in India seeks

suitable placement Cont : 95405033

suhylehameed@gmail.com

Indian male 27, CA inter 3years

experience in accounts seeking

placement. Contact 98494423.

Email. juss619tin@gmail.com

Indian male completed BE in

Computer Science and Graphic De-

signing. # 94641735. 99420208.

Indian male 28 completed

B.H.M.CT, 4 yrs exp in food & bever-

ages dept. looking for senior super-

visor position. Contact – 91018857 /

mirazhar.ali51@gmail.com

Indian Male, 26 yrs, graduate in

hospitality science, with New Zea-

land business diploma and previous

Oman experience in Customer

service seeks suitable placement in

hospitality/salesmarketing/ logis-

tics/ admin. Contact 91383167

Indian Male, 33, MBA (AUST) with

6+ yrs experience in Corporate

Travel & Hospitality having Omani

D/L on visit visa looking for career

preferably in Sales/Business Devel-

opment in any field.

Contact 94614356,

email: harshan.nair@gmail.com

B.Sc Chemistry, MBA Hospital Man-

agement, nearly 3 yrs experience in

Hospital Management.

Contact 99526839

MBA – Graduate Male with one year

experience in Shipping and UG in

Bachelor in Hotel Management look-

ing for a suitable post.

Contact 93038671

Microbiologist & Quality Assurance

Executive, female 27, with 4 years

experience in food industry, looking

for a suitable placement. Contact

Email: nipuni.d.silva@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY

Diploma in Electrical Engg, Indian male,5 yrs exp in UAE &

4 yrs in Oman, D/L, Experienced in

MEP estimation, execution and

material management, can get

NOC, looking for suitable place-

ment. Cont 97893846

20 years experience in Indian Air

force with Mechanical Engineering

diploma. 5 years in Administration

5 years experience in handling

general engineering tool store man-

agement. 8 years in banking cash

management service. # 95451097.

jacobsam2010@gmail.com

Driver Bangladeshi for suitable job,

Oman 3 yrs, KSA 12 yrs, 43 yrs old,

release available. Contact 95796030

36 yrs male looking for part time job

as driver, holding Omani D/L since

2003. Contact 99092372

Driver available with car. Contact

95068976

Driver cum salesman. Contact

96741993

Light Driver having own visa

looking for job as driver

Contact: 92303692

Pakistani Light Driver looking for

job, 2 yrs experience.

Contact 92819475

Pakistani light driver looking for

job, 2 years experience & release

available. Contact 93966254

Looking for driver job.

Contact 96930922

Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92117837, 96534239

Driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678

Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678

Driver HD, Pakistani.

Contact 93873120

15 years experienced Indian Light

Driver. Contact 98993526

Experienced Driver available.

Contact 95076476

Mechanical Engineer B.E with

Oman experience in heavy construc-

tion equipments and vehicles, main-

tenance, services, hire, tower crane

etc. Contact: 97458641

Diploma in Electronics Engineering

with 5 years experience in Oman

as Customer Service Coordinator,

Inventory Control and Indoor Sales

Executive seeks suitable job. Speaks

Arabic, English & Hindi.

Contact 95681406.

Email nizampu@yahoo.co.in

Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer

2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking,

currently on visit visa looking for

suitable job. Contact - 94359564

Asst. Quantity Surveyor (4 years

experience in Oman) looking job

(NOC available) Contact 96785025

Mechanical Engineer 21m Indian

fresher, seeking job, visit visa.

Contact: 99027468

Email: anshul493@gmail.com

Project Electrical Engineer, 3 years

experience primary substation OHL

cables, driving license available

(NOC) available. Contact 94372096

Civil Engineer B.E, Indian, 6 years

experience in Building Construction

in Gulf holding driving license seek-

ing for suitable post (Release NOC

available). Contact 93616412

Civil Engineer, 6+ years work

experience in Oman, valid Omani

D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact 96936404

Project Engineer, 3 years experi-

ence in primary substation OHL oil &

gas, AutoCAD, driving license avail-

able. Contact 95120225, 99410588

Fresher, Indian female graduate

civil engineer with MSc structural &

Foundation engineering from UK is

available on visit for a suitable job.

Contact 94472362/97679680

Software Engineer looking for a

suitable job. 2+ years experience in a

Multi National Company, now look-

ing for suitable position in software

division of reputed organizations.

Currently on Visit Visa. Please

contact: 97463452, 97080684

Electrical Engineer, Indian, 2.5

years experience at Thermal Plant,

(erection and commissioning). Now

in Oman on visit seeking suitable

job. Contact 95836714.

Email – sarat.thalappil@gmail.com

BE Civil Engineer, fresh graduate,

male 24 yrs, Indian looking for a

suitable placement. #95117509

Mech Engineer having license,

10 yrs experience Project Tender-

ing Structural Projects Fabrication

required job in Muscat, Sohar having

NOC. Contact 98968495,

email: inersyscm@gmail.com

BE Electronics and Communica-

tion Engineer with one year experi-

ence in telecom Sales and Service,

currently on visit visa looking for a

suitable job. Email:

shahbazpatel4469@gmail.com,

contact 97685494

B.Tech Indian Female, Electri-

cal Engineer, 2 yrs experience in

Kiriloskar Electric Co. & KSEB look-

ing for suitable position.

Contact 94564078,

Email: elnaj19@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer Diploma,

26, male, 2.6 yrs experience in

India having experience in Quality

Control and Automobile Industries

on visit seeking for suitable job.

Contact 98215077

DAILY GUIDE Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com

D6 S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

DAILY GUIDE Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com

EVERY FRIDAY 2.00PM ON INDIA’S KAIRALI PEOPLE TV

● Worldwide ● Air Ticket ● Car Rental ● Holiday Packages ● Hotel Reservations ● Travel Insurance

Call: 0096824790400, 0096898569830 Email: info@omanorienttravels.com

Senior Accounts Professional,

Indian Male, 35 years, M.Com,

MBA (Fin) 8 years in Oman, with

valid Oman D/L and NOC available.

Capable to handle accounts up to

finalization. Contact 96023965

Male 25 Pakistani MA Econom-

ics/CAT.4 years experience in

utility sector flexible to do any

role in finance/HR & supply chain.

https://www.linkedin.com/profile/

view?id=186570782.

cell no 94626209

Indian male 27year B.Com gradu-

ate 2year experience in marketing.

Looking for good placement in any

field, since from 4year in Oman.

Contact 98765838

MBA in HR, 6+ years work experi-

ence in HR & Admin in MNC, Indian

Female, 26, Good communications

skills seeking suitable placement.

Contact 97914669

Fish farming and inland pond

development, management and

research 5 years plus 1 year

experience in Oman, fisheries

training manual development.

+98698262184.

Indian Experienced Driver, can

work also as Salesman. looking for

a suitable job Contact 99551310

B. Pharm, Indian Female, Oman

MOH License holder, seeking job.

Email:shivallath@gmail.com

Contact no: 99665183

OPERATION MANAGER, Indian

male, 30 yrs exp. In Front Office

Hotel Industry with Omani driving

license seeks placement.NOC /

Release Available.

Contact 99799774

SITUATION WANTEDSITUATION WANTED

Female Pharmacist passed exam &

viva PH: 95848971

Indian Male GP with MOH License

and NOC, having 10 years of excel-

lent hands on experience in Oman

with corporate culture.

Contact 98140024

Email: drgpoman@yahoo.com

Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf

experience) looking for a suitable

job (NOC available)

Contact-93344378

Pharmacist with MOH license and

experience in Oman.

Contact 96535239

Indian female having 3 yrs ex-

perience in Histo Pathology Lab

Tech in India, qualification : B.Sc

Zoology, P.G.D.P in Histopathology

lab tech. Presently in family visit

in Oman seeking for a suitable

placement. Contact 97941090

Indian Female Dentist, MOH

license holder, with an experience of

6 yrs, looking for a suitable opportu-

nity. Contact 94046651 or

prachiarekar24@gmail.com

Female dentist having MOH license

is looking for a suitable job within

Muscat. Contact 95859325

MEDICAL

Dynamic Indian Male, post Gradu-

ate having 3 + yrs experience as

Procurement Manager with valid

Driving License, NOC available. Con-

tact 96141612 seeking placement.

26 yrs, Gulf experience Plumb-

ing, Fire Fighting Supervisor with

Diploma Mechanical Engineering

looking for job. Contact 97357960 /

91306037

Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman

Exp.)Vast knowledge in A/c &

Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit

Control, Insurance, International

Purchase/Logistics & Finance, With

D/L looking for suitable position.

Contact: jskanchan01@gmail.com

Gsm: 93826090

Indian Male 25 MBA in Sports

Management; Looking for job in

Sports administration/Sports

events/sports facility management

and Sports related Organisations.

Exp. as sports development officer

in schools,Project Manager in

Syncotts international Bangalore

& part of World Hockey Series of

India-2012 as Production Runner.

Presently on Visit visa in Oman.

Contact: 96398569.

Email : limshukachery@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

Experienced Carpentry Workshop Manager/Supervisor

with Omani Driving License

seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99632862

Sudanese Business Development Manager, 15 yrs Gulf experience

– Furniture, Building Materials,

Plastic & Detergents Manufactur-

ing. Contact 94636722

Indian Male 40 yrs, Legal advisor

and coroprate in house lawyer

currently working with a reputed

legal firm in Muscat having 7

years gulf eperience looking for

Legal Manager post in companies.

Experience in drafting agreements,

contracts, negiotation and dispute

settlement. Good knowledge in

Oman Labour Law and other laws.

NOC available . GSM: 99137569

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE

American graduated female look-

ing for suitable position. Experi-

enced in office clerk & secretary.

Contact no: 99183135.

shadley978@gmail.com

Indian female, well experienced

in secretarial, administration,

customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

Indian female with 8 years experi-

ence in Oman, seeking suitable

placement as Travel Coordinator /

Secretary / Admin position. Please

contact 92985246.

Experienced Indian (Male, B.Sc-

Maths+PGDCA) seeks suitable

placement as Customer Care/Ad-

min/Office Assistant; currently in

Oman and ready to join a.s.a.p.;

Contact: 99702383; 93185833;

vijupisharody041411@gmail.com

Female 25yrs Indian Graduate

in MBA and IATA,1 yr experience

Ticketing Clerk in Air India Express

Office looking Suitable position in

Tours and Travels.Contact97077215

Indian male, 2 yrs experience on

ticketing counter staff holding IATA

Certification looking for suitable

position, currently on visit visa.

Contact 94571585,

email: aziz.syed43@yahoo.com

Indian Female: Bachelor in Travel

& tourism.1 year experience in tick-

eting and 6 month in cargo (CIAL).

Looking suitable placement.

Contact 95883404

TOURS & TRAVEL

SALES / MARKETING

Indian Male, 39 yrs on visit, experi-

ence in storekeeping, 5 yrs experi-

ence as storekeeping in Dubai, quali-

fication BSc Maths and Diploma in

supply chain and logistics seeking

placement, total 12 yrs, experience

in store. Contact 96186573

Over 19 years of qualitative experi-

ence in automobile field. Expert

in providing technical advice on

repairs and servicing. Seeking jobs

in sales/ servicing/managerial field.

Contact 968-91176187,

0091-7736048460,

yamaharajesh@gmail.com.

Male, 29 Indian having 2 yrs exp in

Sales in Oman seeks suitable place-

ment in Sales backup support, ware-

house, admin. Contact 94142747

Indian, 38 yrs Male Graduate exp

in Marketing / Purchase with Oman

D/L seeking suitable post.

Contact 92419180

Executive post, having 14 + years

experience in Multinational Groups

in Marketing & Management, MBA.

Contact 93190806

Egyptian seeking job in Sales

field. I have experience of 5 yrs in

Sales and Customer Service, I have

courses in selling skills, commu-

nications, skills solving problems,

handling customers and also

computer programming database.

Contact 91799512

Marketing Professional - 7 years

Oman experience looking for suit-

able position in marketing and

communications. Skills include

branding, positioning and social

media. Valid D/L and NOC available.

GSM 93466033,

kavit.asher@gmail.com

Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 14 Years Inside and

outside Oman following activities:

tenders& real estate& construction &

marketing projects& investments&

transportation & Marine services&

companies management& develop

business. Contact :- 93240027

Executive post having 14 yrs

experience in Multinational Groups

in Marketing & Management MBA.

Contact 93190806

Indian Male, 25 years Graduate,

3.2 yrs of experience in Oman

having Omani Driving License

looking for Sales/Marketing

Opportunity, NOC available.

Contact 98843139

Indian Male with 14 yrs experience

(KSA, Qatar & Oman) in Marketing,

Retail, Mall Operations Real Estate

& Event Management with strong

interpersonal skills,

excellent proficiency in Arabic,

seeking suitable positions in a

reputed Company, NOC available.

Contact 92827259

Indian Male, MBA in Marketing and

Finance, 10 years’ Sales & Business

Development Experience with valid

D/L of Oman & UAE looking for a

suitable placement. NOC Available.

Contact: 93969961

e-mail abhilash.pvrk@gmail.com

Indian Male, 22 yrs, BBM Graduate

looking for suitable job in Sales &

Marketing currently on visit visa.

Email : danishdani460@gmail.com,

91757222

Indian male, 34 years, MBA with 7

years experience in Indian compa-

nies, looking for good opportunities

in Oman -on Visit Visa-

Contact 98587686;

Email: aslam442001@gmail.com

Indian male 31, 4 yrs exp in Sales

and 5 yrs exp in advertisement

marketing and 1 & half year exp in

purchase, production, operations,

accounts, administration & fund

management. Oman D/L.

Contact – 91760850 /

adnanansar4040@gmail.com

Indian Male, BBM in International

Marketing, 3.5 yrs Gulf experience

in Marketing and Purchase with

public relations with Oman D/L

seeking for suitable placement.

Contact 97893989,

email : ak2cool@gmail.com

Sales/ Marketing / customer

service release / NOC available UK

+ Oman experience valid Oman D/L,

excellent communication &

organizing skills, can join imme-

diately, Email : plavon_ctg@yahoo.

com, gsm 92342060 / 96761225

Indian female having 8 years

experience in Sales & Marketing

in oil and gas field as commercial

manager, looking for a suitable

placement-NOC available -

Contact -Mob: 96311709

Email- mvrajagd_d@yahoo.com

MBA Professional with Omani

Driving License seeking sales or

marketing job. Contact 94143154,

rinojnathen008@gmail.com

Indian male B. Com having experi-

ence in Sales & Accounts. Looking

for suitable placement.

Contact – 99069809 /

faisalmuhammad37@gmail.com

Marketing Professional with 7

years Oman experience in Business

Development and ATL advertising

looking for a suitable placement.

Valid D/L Oman. GSM 93466033.

Email - kavit_asher@yahoo.com,

Indian Male, 28 yrs, having 5

years experience in FMCG Sales in

visit visa, Looking for any suitable

jobs in Oman. Contact 98531486/

98988824

Indian female, well experienced

in secretarial, administration,

customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years’ experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

Experienced heavy duty driver

seeks similar job, have Saudi Ara-

bia License. Contact 92285174

Indian female, well experienced

in secretarial, administration,

customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

20 years experience in Indian Air

force with Mechanical Engineering

diploma. 5 years in Administration

5 years experience in handling

general engineering tool store

management. 8 years in banking

cash management service.

# 95451097.

jacobsam2010@gmail.com

Civil draughtsman part time work

for job mob: 96023726

Indian Male, 22 years, B.Tech

Mechanical (Fresher) from NIT,

Calicut. Software skills – AN-

SYS, PRO-E Solid works. Contact

91294510 / 99437002,

email: nsp1618@gmail.com

Indian Male, Post graduate with

experience as Document control-

ler on visit seeking a suitable job.

Please contact 97248144.

samiullah_ar@yahoo.co.in

Indian Male having 10 years of

Experience in Oman having Valid

Omani Driving license working in

Purchase Dept looking for a suit-

able position. Salary is negotiable.

obarla313@gmail.com

Mob: 92654817/ 97490313

Indian Male, 24 yrs, MBA in HR/

Marketing. More than 1 years

experienced in retail Banking(Axis

Bank) Presently in family visit in

Oman seeking for a suitable place-

ment.# 99892082 / 997 43 709

Post Graduate with experience in

sales and marketing on visit seek-

ing a suitable placement. Please

contact 94562734,

dyasaakhan@gmail.com

Part- Time Accountant well versed

with all accounting, Finalization,

Budgeting available. # 98803439

Young male, 22 years, B. Arch.

Graduate with 7 months training

experience, seeks suitable entry-

level position in an architecture

firm or architecture and engineer-

ing consultancy. Currently on visit

visa, ready to join immediately.

Phone no. 91265929

Email: jay.kay.92@gmail.com

Indian Female 31, B.Com, TALLY

having 6 years experience in

Accounts department in Oman,

seeking suitable placement.

Email: naibyjoshy@gmail.com,

GSM: 92056034

MISCELLANEOUS

NRISIT.WANTED

Brand new villa for sale at Trissur,

Kerala. Contact +9199447324473

9 cents residential land for sale

in Gorigudda Valencia, Mangalore.

Contact 92034072,

email : felixmene@gmail.com

Ready to occupy beautiful and

spacious brand new villas (1 BHK/

2BHK) in a resort at Chinnacanal

of Munnar available for immedi-

ate sale with monthly guaranteed

rental income, original land. All

documents legally verified and

cleared , ideal investment and high

returns. For details / appointments

call 97445835 / 24791020

Plot for sale: 8 cents, Block 7,

Kakkanad, 2 kms from Info park,

Cochin. Contact - 968 92124098

3 bedrooms flat for rent in Mather

building, Chembumukku junction,

Padivattom, Cochin.

Contact - 96892124098

For Astrological consultation,

Jathakam. Contact: 99860435 /

97102599

Villa for sale 2200 sq ft in 8 cent.

Kottayam. Contact: 92652534

HOSPITALITY

Female 21 yrs, Tally 1 year experi-

ence, looking for visa.

Contact 95330720

Male 22 Housekeeping front office

Hotel management degree course.

Contact 96732520

Indian male B.Tech in EC with CCNA

MCSE certification, having 5yrs

experience seeking suitable place-

ments.mob:94575080/

afzalpa007@gmail.com

Painter, 10 yrs experience in paint-

ing only in air force and navy, can do

all kind of jobs. Contact 95613567

Female postgraduate Searching

suitable Job Contact 97792820

Indian female 23, MBA in Project

Management, born & brought up in

Oman with valid Oman driving license,

looking for employment-# 95785338 /

Email: anshaa55@gmail.com

Indian Male seeks job, 13 yrs expe-

rience (Store Keeper) with Omani

D/L visa expires Dec 25th 2014.

Contact 95355693

5 years surveyor for pipe line, 8

years Construction/Projects experi-

enced Accountant, 5 years Drafts-

man to work in Salalah. Mail CV to

greatcontruction14@gmail.com

INFORMATION TECH

Indian, Software Developer, 5+

yrs exp in Website Development

using ASP.Net, C#, SQL Server

Tools looking for suitable position.

NOC available can join immediate-

ly. Email: noorsre@gmail.com,

Contact - 95390632

Female Computer Science and En-

gineering Graduate With ASP .NET

Certification - Muscat 91706562

Fiber Optic Technician Indian Male

with 4 years experience in Optical

Fiber Cable splicing and related

equipments, presently in Oman on

visit visa seeking suitable place-

ment. # 94525460 / 93257581.

Email: jidhinpius7@gmail.com

Female, 23, Indian, B.Tech

Information Technology look-

ing for HR/Admin/Customer

Relations etc. in Oman. Contact

99592519/99601323

email: ranisarvath@gmail.com

Indian Male having 2 + yrs of expe-

rience in IT support, CCNA, MCITP,

RHCE certified looking for IT support

Engineer / networking jobs on visit

visa, join soon. Contact 94647824 /

azharpo@gmail.com

IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp,

seeks suitable position. #94543668

Oracle certified BE (CS) Indian male

with skills in OCA (DBA, SQL10g,

looking for suitable placement.

Contact 98436022/99848874

Email: rineel2005@yahoo.com

ERP Consultant with 23 years of

experience is available for taking

up any ERP implementation project.

Can handle RFP preparation, till

project sign off. Contact: 93200901,

meitbuz@gmail.com .

Indian Male, 21 yrs BCA Gradu-

ate looking for suitable job in IT &

office works, currently on visit visa.

Email: nayeemirfanpk@gmail.com,

94568256

Indian Computer Software expert

Java SAP developer on visit visa

seeks urgent placement in Muscat.

Contact 93167119

Indian Female, Software tester, 5

years experience in Oracle India and

Wipro Technologies having knowl-

edge in SQL and Data Warehouse

concepts looking for suitable job

vacancies. Contact 98605362,

Email : suma.s2t3@gmail.com

Indian Male, 24 yrs having 2 years

of experience in Software Develop-

ment Java, J2EE, Oracle 10g, PL/

SQL, PHP, Javascript, HTML, XML,

looking for IT job, can join immedi-

ately. Contact 97897616

Indian Female, Computer Engineer

with 14 Years of IT Experience. Dual

Expertise both in Business / System

Analyst and Project Management

role. Looking for any IT opportunity

pertaining to Business Analyst / Pro-

ject Manager / Software Quality As-

surance role.Contact 968 92661857

Email : sknair7@hotmail.com

Indian M/26, 2yr exp, MCSA certi-

fied, looking IT Admin/Networking

jobs, on visit visa, can join soon,

GSM 94513655

MISCELLANEOUS

B.Tech electronics & communica-

tion, Indian male, 26 looking for

suitable placement, NOC available.

Contact: 96539538

email: dpkprm19@gmail.com

DAILY GUIDES U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4 D7

DAILY GUIDESITUATION WANTEDCARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with

Buffet, & Land Tours

Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact-

98029602, 92808636

TOURS

RENT A CAR

BUSINESS

We assist in new business set up local sponsorship, real estate services,

assist in company formation services. Contact - 93166088

FOR HIRE

FOR HIRE

TRUCK FOR HIREIsuzu 10 ton cargo body truck

(2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver

available for long term / short term rent.

Contact: 95346950 Running truck wash for rent in

Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people

can. Contact on 97864747

MANPOWER

DRIVING

50 seater bus with PDO specifica-

tion for rent or lease. #99839898

M.V. FOR SALE

Ford Fusion 2012, full option for

sale.34000 KM, 6 Years Warranty.

Contact: 97751591

Daihatsu Terios for sale: Excellent

condition. ONLY 87,000 kms. Fully

Automatic – transmission, s. New

tires. New insurance and registra-

tion. V-KOOL window film. Car

model is 2006 but first registered in

2008. First owner.

Good 4 digit number to go with the

car. RO 3500/- or nearest offer.

CONTACT: 99759659

Toyota Innova 2012.

Contact 92282533

Motor vehicle for sale.

Contact 93218349

Subaru Impreza 2.0 ltr 2000 model,

manual in super condition.

Contact: 99844601

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2006

105000KM Expat Driven

Contact 95218553

2013 November model Pajero,

38000 kilometers for sale. Price

negotiable. Contact 96388496

M.V.WANTED

Required Nissan Tida / Toyota yaris

/ Suzuki swift / hyundai/Kia hatch-

back car in good condition.

Contact 95405033

DAILY GUIDE Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com

D8 S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 4

DAILY GUIDE Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com

SITUATION WANT-SERVICES

SITUATION WANTEDSERVICES

House Shifting. Contact 99708138

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing,

Contact 99314807/24792998

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your

marble. # 24793614/ 99314807

Maintenance – A/C maintenance

& servicing, fridge washing ma-

chine and dishwasher repairing,

painting & cleaning services,

electrical & plumbing. #99447257

/ 97014234 / 24504281

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles

polishing, carpet shampooing,

maintenance. Contact ABU QA-

BAS- 99320217 /24788722

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles

polishing, carpet shampooing,

maintenance. Contact ABU QA-

BAS- 99320217 /24788722

Door to Door Computers repair

specialist laptop software Website

cartridges. Contact 99199376

A.M Trading Pest control. Contact 99067923

For All Your Maintenance Solutions,

A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting,

Cleaning, Electric.

Contact. 99002390

Civil Maintenance, Painting Elec-

tric, Plumbing, Decor, Tile Fixing,

Lecithin Copra Board flat stifling ,

Carpet Cleaning and A/C Servicing.

Contact 97897831 (Indian keralite)

Waterproofing, light weight Screed,

Antitermite and MS Fabrication.

Contact 92888337

Split & window A/C servicing &

maintenance. Contact 93769089

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile

polishing, pest control & anti-ter-

mite treatment, general cleaning

painting, Plumbing, Electrical,

shifting. Contact Mundhir

Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. #

24810137, 99450130

For HT cable jointing and

termination works 33KV/11KV.

Contact 99056438 /

Email: npgoman@gmail.com

Catering services We do industrial

catering service, Canteen/ mess,

3 times packed meals,

and all types of catering events.

Contact 92188777/ 99249899

For All Your Maintenance Solutions,

A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting,

Cleaning, Electric.

Contact no. 99002390

We provide loading helper for

lounge term contract.

Contact 92817182

Contact: 91262820 / 96458007

Cargo Truck body fabrication. Please contact 92326955. Bridge

Gulfa llc, Misfah industrial area.

GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC

all kind of pest control. #92326955

Civil maintenance, Electrical &

Plumbing work. Contact 99557080 /

96236476

Civil maintenance, electrical &

plumbing work. Contact 99557080,

96236476

Split & window unit AC servicing &

repairing. Contact 99557080

Window & split unit AC servicing &

maintaining. Contact 96236476

House shifting transport. Contact

99657644, 98518013

Window & split unit A/C servicing &

maintenance. Contact 96236476

Painting Interlock plumbing

maintenance. Contact 92142319

Electrical Plumbing Painting

Contract and Maintenance.

Contact 98456535

Water proofing ABUQABAS-

Contact 99320217/24788722

We sell Ready-mix Concrete

please call 99054673

P.R.O services. Contact 99368907

CLASSES

WEBSITE

WEB, ERP and Business Intelli-

gence (BI) creation and man-

agement at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

COMPUTER

Human, Resource, Management,

System & other Software we sup-

ply. sayeed@swiftsoftwareservices.

com, contact 99199374

MATRIMONIAL

28 yrs Christian boy (The Salva-

tion Army) seeking suitable alliance.

He is working in Oman, very good

financially settled and very good

Christian family. He is going on an-

nual leave end of March 2015.

Pls contact 97614021

Hindu Ezhava family, settled in

Muscat looking for suitable groom

working in Oman for their

daughter 25 yrs ( MBA) working

with a reputed company in Muscat.

Contact : 98689663

Kerala Ezhava Girl (presently in

Oman) 24 yrs, 167 cms BTech, Star

Pururutathi, upper middle class,

seeking suitable alliance from pro-

fessionals. Preferably hailing from

Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kottayam

and Thrissur. Contact 93881787

Proposals are invited from parents

of professionally qualified Nair Boys

for 24 year old Upper Middle Class

Nair girl hail from Trivandrum, (171

cm, Star-Bharani) employed in a

reputed Company in Oman. Contact:

0968-9950 2593 /99798041.

(KM ID.2844689)

Kerala Christian Malankara girl 28

/ 155 GNM, MOH looking for suitable

match from Muscat & Kerala (pta

dist. M$ ID + 4002623, #96440587

Kerala Nair boy, 31, B.Tech, star Bha-

rani, working in Oman, 98212058

Indian Doctor, Businessman look-

ing for working lady in Oman for

marriage, any nationality, Muslim

preference self. Contact 96290792

Hindu Ezhava, family settled in

Muscat looking for suitable groom

for their daughter, 24 yrs, MBA-HR

presently working (preferably

BE, B.Tech, MBA Professional).

Contact 95693133

GOOD NEWS

Ayurvedic treatment for joint

pain, backache, paralysis, mas-

sage, steam bath, obesity, spondy

hills, ideal care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18

November Street, Azaiba. Contact

99639695 / 99117987

Ayurvedic treatment for backache,

paralysis, arthritis etc & massage,

All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 /

92504980 , www.siddhayur.com

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM.

If you would like to know more

about Islam, please call: 99425598,

96050000, 99353988, 99253818,

99341395, and 99379133. For ladies:

99415818, 99321360, 99730723

Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

Pick & Drop any time. Contact -

97014786

Transportation. Contact 99664703

Transportation. Contact

99508282

Transportation available -

99159277

Transportation. Contact

99515452

Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307

Transportation available .

Contact: 95570429

Transportation. Contact

96538078

Transportation Available

Contact: 97180655

TRANSPORTATION