VOL. 37 NO. 205 | PAGES 20 | BAISAS 200THURSDAY | JUNE 7, 2018 | RAMADHAN 22, 1439 AH

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OMAN AIR FETES GRADUATES OF MPL PROGRAMME

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22 RAMADHAN FAJR: 03:53

DHUHR: 12:11

ASR: 15:29

MAGHRIB: 18:57

ISHA: 20:19

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SINGAPORE TOP DIPLOMAT TO VISIT PYONGYANG BEFORE SUMMIT

UK’S LABOUR TRIES TO FORCE NEW SINGLE MARKET DEAL

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INSIDESTORIES

WEATHER TODAY

MUSCATMAX: 360CMIN: 300C

SALALAHMAX: 300CMIN: 270C

NIZWAMAX: 380C

MIN: 270C

SUNRISE 05.20 AM

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HM condoles King of BahrainMUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has sent condolences to King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of Bahrain on the death of Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Ali al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs of Bahrain. His Majesty expressed sympathy to King Hamad, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the bereaved’s soul in peace.

Sultanate condemns Kabul bombingMUSCAT: The Sultanate on Wednesday strongly condemned the suicide bombing that targeted the headquarters of a group of Afghan Muslim scholars west of the Afghani capital Kabul, which led to the death and injury of a number of people. A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry affirmed the Sultanate’s solidarity with Afghanistan and supporting its good endeavours to achieve peace, security and stability and rejected all forms of violence and terrorism. The Sultanate expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to families of the innocent victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

P19A RARE CAR AND THE OMANI WHO WENT TO GREAT LENGTHS TO BUY IT

KAUSHALENDRA SINGH SALALAH, JUNE 6

Cyclone Mekunu has made Dhofar

colourful and stunning before the

advent of Khareef. The cyclone did

make lots of noise but left many things

for the visitors, to behold and indulge.

It has left behind a strong

combination of rage and tenderness

of the nature.

The rage has put a huge task of

rebuilding many roads and bridges

in front of the authorities in Salalah,

while its tenderness is all pervasive

all over in the forms of greenery,

waterfalls and springs which are the

identity of Salalah during Khareef.

Same lot of people, who were the

victims of the cyclone a couple days

back, are seen running towards those

sites to have a glimpse of the nature’s

beauty which has erupted suddenly.

No one would have seen so much

of water in decades falling from

Darbat heights and merging into

the canal called Wadi Darbat, which

is also a signature tourist spot of

Salalah.

And the gushing water is an

assurance for all kinds of prospective

visitors during the ensuing Eid

holidays or during the season

Khareef that it would be a scene to be

seen for many months.

The approach to Wadi Darbat

has been affected, but that is not an

issue due to the fact that one really

need not go near the Wadi to have

a glimpse of waterfall caused by the

massive flow of water. It is visible

from quite a distance.

Not only Wadi Darbat, many

other waterfalls have emerged

around Salalah. Some insignificant

spots have also become important

and many people are seen visiting

even a place like Ain Gogob.

“The beauty of the place is worth

seeing as I have never seen so much

of pure water flowing in Ain Gogob,”

said Sandeep Ojha, a keen traveller

and trekker of tourist spots.

His friends call him an

encyclopedia of tourist sites in

Salalah.Similar is the case with Ain

Arzat in the east and Ain Garziz in

west of Salalah. Water at both the

springs is overflowing.

Some approach issue is there with

most of the sites, but the municipal

authorities are confident to do the job

before the season.

DJOKOVIC FACING CAREER CRISIS POINT

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Royal Decree sets up Oman College of Health SciencesMUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan

Qaboos on Wednesday issued a Royal

Decree, No 18/2018, establishing

Oman College of Health Sciences

and a Higher Health Specialisations

Institute.

ARTICLE (1) states that a

university college for health sciences

shall be established and named

“Oman College of Health Sciences”.

It also states that a higher institute

for health specialisations shall be

established and named “Higher

Institute of Health Specialisations.”

The college and the institute shall

affiliate (belong) to the Ministry of

Health and that the bylaw attached to

this decree shall be applied to both.

ARTICLE (2) states that both

Oman College of Health Sciences

and the Higher Institute for Health

Specialisations shall have their own

legal identity and financial and

administrative autonomy. Both shall

have their headquarters in Muscat

and that they may open branches in

other governorates after the approval

of the Education Council.

ARTICLE (3) stipulates that the

specialisations, allocations, assets,

rights and files (registers) of the

Institute of Health Sciences, Oman

Assistant Pharmacy (Assistant

Pharmacists) Institute, Oman Public

Health Institute, Oman Nursing

Institute, Oman Health Information

Management Institute and nursing

institutes belonging to the Ministry

of Health in governorates shall be

transferred to Oman College for

Health Sciences. Nursing institutes

belonging to the Ministry of Health

in governorates shall act as branches

for the new college (Oman College

for Health Sciences).

MAI AL ABRIA MUSCAT, JUNE 6

The Supreme Council of Egyptian

Universities has now decided to

approve diploma and bachelor’s

degrees granted by all private and

government educational institutions

from the Sultanate.

Muna al Zadjali, Oman’s Cultural

Attaché in Egypt, said: “The Ministry

of Higher Education has made

great efforts to get the recognition

of local educational institutions by

the Supreme Council of Egyptian

Universities.

MUSCAT: Eid al Fitr holidays in

the Sultanate will be from June 14

to June 18. This was announced by

Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidy,

Minister of the Diwan of Royal

Court and Chairman of the Civil

Service Council, on Wednesday.

The Minister congratulated His

Majesty the Sultan on this blessed

occasion, praying to Allah the

Almighty to protect His Majesty,

grant him good health, happiness

and a long life, and further progress

and welfare for the Omani people

and the country under HM’s

wise leadership. Shaikh Abdullah

bin Nasser al Bakri, Minister of

Manpower, said holidays for private

sector will be from June 14 to June

18. All employees at the private

sector congratulated His Majesty

Sultan Qaboos on this happy

occasion, praying to Allah the

Almighty to protect His Majesty,

grant him good health, happiness

and a long life.

KABEER YOUSUFMUSCAT, JUNE 6

Come Khareef, the Royal Oman

Police (ROP) will distribute some 200

child seats, courtesy the Landmark

Group and its Babyshop which have

been supporting the national cause

as part of the 14th edition of its Child

Safety First initiative.

First Lieutenant Saif bin Sultan al

Adawi from the ROP received the car

seats from Ali bin Malallah al Lawati,

Chairman, Al Habib Group, Clive

Freeman, COO, Landmark Group-

Oman and Meherdad Tirandaz,

Concept Manager, Babyshop at

an event held at the Oasis Mall on

Wednesday.

“Offering child car seats to the

motorists is a great way to reduce

accidents and child fatalities,” said Al

Adawi. “We will be distributing these

seats at the Salalah Tourism Festival

followed by other governorates and

wilayats at similar events aiming at

traffic safety.” This year, the main

focus of the campaign is parental

awareness about the importance

of child car seats in automobiles,

helping parents and caregivers make

sure their children ride as safely as

possible in every trip.

Salalah wows visitors even before advent of Khareef

Degree/diploma from Oman gets Egypt’s approval

Holidays from June 14 to 18

ROP to distribute 200 child seats at Salalah Festival

THANKS TO CYCLONE MEKUNU’S MAGIC, many waterfalls have sprung up in Dhofar making residents throng to unknown spots till now considered not beautiful

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Tender Board approves projects worth RO 4mMUSCAT: The Tender Board on

Wednesday held its third meeting

under the chairmanship of Dr

Rasheed bin al Safi al Huraibi,

Chairman of the Tender Board.

During the meeting, the Board

awarded RO 4,146,259 worth tenders

for the following projects:

Providing technicians for the

maintenance of equipment at Sur

Hospital and other health units of the

Ministry of Health in the Governorate

of South Al Sharqiyah (RO 755,816).

Providing technicians for the

operation and maintenance of

equipment and tools at Khoula

Hospital in the Governorate of

Muscat (RO 600,287). Renewal of

the lease contract for the building

of the Directorate-General of

the Education Assessment of the

Ministry of Education (RO 482,567).

Renewal of the lease contract for the

building of the Ministry of Social

Development (RO 408,616).

Renewal of the lease contract for

the building of the directorates of

the Ministry of Endowments and

Religious Affairs at the North Al

Ghubrah in the Wilayat of Bausher

(RO 356,187).

Provision of technicians for the

maintenance of equipment at the

health centres of the Ministry of

Health in the Governorate of Al

Wusta (RO 324,260). Renewal of the

lease contract for the building of the

Public Authority for Manpower in

the Wilayat of Bausher (RO 321,290).

Consultancy services for the

supervision of the remainder works

for the construction of asphalt road

from Belad al Shahoum to Al Hajr

in the Wilayat of Ibri in Al Dhahirah

Governorate (RO 303,800).

Provision of the maintenance

service and the supply of spare

parts for the medical equipment at a

number of health institutions of the

Ministry of Health (RO 253,309).

Additional works for the expansion

of Al Saadah Sports Complex (second

stage) for the Ministry of Sports

Affairs (RO 187,614).

Additional works for the supply of

medicines for the Ministry of Health

(RO 152,513). — ONA

PASFR Board discusses food security strategy

MUSCAT: The Board of Directors

of the Public Authority for Stores

and Food Reserve (PASFR) held its

second meeting for 2018 under the

chairmanship of Dr Fuad bin Jaafar al

Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and

Fisheries.

The PASFR Board reviewed the

implementation of its decisions made

at the previous meeting.

It also discussed a number of

items on the agenda, most notably the

discussion on the report of the 2nd

quarter of 2018 and the annual report

of 2017.

Further, the PASFR Board

discussed the executive position

on the issues of food security and

evaluation on the performance of the

food security strategy of the Sultanate

(2010-2020).

It also discussed the introduction

of a legislation to regulate the

governmental intervention in the

management of food stocks in the

private sector. — ONA

Theatrical performances rise thrice in 2017

Oman-Spain Investment Fund to be managed by MCH

MUSCAT: The number of stage

performances in Omani theatres

witnessed a phenomenal growth

to 132 events in 2017 from merely

41 such events in the previous year,

according to the monthly statistics

released by the National Centre for

Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The NCSI data shows that the

number of theatres in the Sultanate

also increased by 75 per cent to 14

theatres in 2017, from 8 theatres by

the end of 2016.

However, the number of

audiences increased by 15 per cent

to 147,730 by the end of 2017 from

128,950 by end-2016, despite a

remarkable growth in the number

of theatres and stage shows. Further,

the total number of theatre seats in

the country dropped by 36,495 by

the end of 2017 from 42,750 seats by

end-2016. — ONA

MADRID: The Compañía Española de Financiación del Desarrollo, COFIDES and the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of the Sultanate of Oman’s sovereign wealth fund, have selected MCH Private Equity (MCH) to manage the joint investment fund created by both entities.

MCH was selected following a rigorous bidding process that was launched at the end of December 2017.

Oman-Spain Investment Fund came in the wake of the MoUs signed in different fields during the royal visit of King Juan Carlos of Spain to the Sultanate in 2014.

SGRF and COFIDES, the latter acting on its own behalf and as manager of the FCPJ Foreign Investment Fund (FIEX), are the sole investors of the fund (together with the additional commitment of the grantee).

It involves a 50:50 joint investment between Omani fund and the Spanish public sector of 100 million euros, in such a way that COFIDES will contribute 1 million euros from its own resources and 99 million euros from the FIEX, which COFIDES exclusively manages on behalf of the State Secretariat for Trade Commerce, attached to the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness.

The Fund will make investments in companies of Spanish mid-cap groups with international projection plans with the objective of benefiting the interests of both countries with an initial focus on Oman and Spain.

The main sectors focus of the Fund are construction materials, manufacturing, mining, tourism, logistics, health, infrastructure, energy and food-agribusiness.

— ONA

Efforts to salvage submerged dhows progressing in Salalah

KABEER YOUSUFMUSCAT, JUNE 6

Salvage operations of four Indian

dhows, which were berthed at the

Port of Salalah on the previous day

the Cyclone Mekunu hit the city, are

currently progressing, according to

the sources.

These dhows which carried cargo

to the region were severely damaged

in the cyclone while they were

berthed at the port.

“Work is progressing at a quick

pace, thanks to the Omani authorities

and the officials of Port of Salalah.

The dhows if found seaworthy and

safe will be salvaged and will return

to normal operations,” said a senior

official from the Indian diplomatic

mission.

The Indian Embassy also stated

that no crew member sustained any

injury due to the safety measures

taken by the port. The Indian crew

were provided with food and shelter

among other necessities.

“We are trying to render all

support to the dhows and hope they

will be seaworthy as soon as possible,”

said Mohammed al Mashani,

General Manager, Corporate Affairs,

Port of Salalah.

There were some 20 dhows

present in the Oman waters during

the cyclone with 80 to 95 sailors

onboard. Majority of them have

recommenced sailing after their

dhows were found fit. The four

submerged Indian dhows have a

crew of 40 sailors who have been

accommodated in other dhows while

salvage work progresses.

“These dhows are being salvaged

and need technical expertise. The

representatives of the dhow owners

are already here in Salalah and they

are supervising the whole segment

while we are providing whatever

assistance they require,” said Indra

Mani Pandey, Indian Ambassador.

Earlier, the Indian Navy had

rescued some 38 Indians stuck on

Yemen’s Socotra island after the

cyclone.

MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos University

(SQU) on Wednesday signed a

research contract with a delegation

of the United National Population

Fund (UNPF), the regional bureau

for the GCC States on ‘comparative

study between Convention on the

Elimination of All Discrimination

Against Women (CEDAW) and

Omani Legislations’.

The study comes in response

to a desire by the Woman Affairs

Department at the Directorate-

General of Family Development

to conduct a comparative study

between CEDAW and Omani

Legislations, Dr Rashid al Balushi,

a national expert, will carry out this

study.

The study aims at activating the

final remarks on the 2nd and 3rd

national reports on CEDAW, revising

the national laws and legislations

to ensure that they are consistent

with the agreement. The expert will

revise the articles of the convention

and compare them to similar texts

at the national laws and legislations.

He will shed light on the areas that

are not in line with the articles of

the Convention. The expert, who is

expected to launch the study during

the Omani Women’s Day 2018, will

provide solutions to address these

areas.

The agreement was signed

by Dr Rahmah bint Ibrahim al

Mahrouqiyah, Deputy Chairman for

Post Graduate Studies, and Scientific

Research, and Aser Toson, the

resident representation of the United

National Population Fund (UNPF),

the regional bureau for the GCC

States. — ONA

SQU signs research contract with UNPF

Zubair Corp signs collaboration MoU with Muscat UniversityMUSCAT: Recognising the benefits

to be derived from increased

collaboration, cooperation and

interaction, The Zubair Corporation

(Z-Corp) has signed a memorandum

of understanding (MoU) with Muscat

University. The MoU provides an

opportunity for Z-Corp and Muscat

University to collaborate and exchange

expertise in common areas of interest.

The agreement was signed by

Rashad bin Mohammad al Zubair,

Chairman, The Zubair Corporation,

and Prof Yusra Mouzughi, Vice-

Chancellor, Muscat University.

The signing ceremony was

attended by senior management team

from both parties Z-Corp and Muscat

University.

As part of its ongoing efforts in

exploring avenues of the strategic

partnership with education

institutions, Z-Corp has signed a MoU

with Muscat University to reconnoitre

areas of develop cooperation in

areas including innovation, scientific

research studies, human development

and exchange of expertise. More

so recently, a similar Letter of

Understanding (LoU) has been signed

with SQU, to tap potential areas of

knowledge and enhancement of

mutual benefits.

The MoU defines the areas in which

Z-Corp and Muscat University will

work together in the future for their

mutual benefit to foster a collaborative

framework. This initiative will provide

both parties the ability to effectively

collaborate in several business areas.

It also aims to encourage and develop

cooperation in areas of innovation

research and knowledge enhancement.

Speaking about the signing, Rashad

bin Mohammad al Zubair said, “We

are delighted to collaborate with

Muscat University, one of the leading

universities in Oman.

“This MoU opens a lot of new

opportunities for joint pursuits in

several areas. Both parties can utilise

their capability, professionalism and

expertise to deliver and drive several

initiatives.”

Prof Yusra Mouzughi said, “Muscat

University is pleased to partner with a

leading business conglomerate Z-Corp

to explore and work together on

concepts across a range of disciplines

and shared challenges. The MoU

also provides an opportunity for our

students to be involved in internships

and projects at Z-Corp by which they

can develop their skills and knowledge

through hands-on experience.”

The MoU will focus on

development of training courses

delivered to Z-Corp and its staff

besides facilitating and coordinating

joint research cooperation. It will

cover consulting, engagement and

curriculum development sessions

fulfilling the needs of the Z-Corp.

The MoU seeks to organise seminars,

academic interactive session and other

professional development activities of

interest to both companies.

Z-Corp shall provide internship

programmes for a mutually agreed

number of students from selected

disciplines. It has plans to support

unique project by students to enable

them establishes their own business.

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National University plans masters’ course in aviationVINOD NAIRMUSCAT, JUNE 6

The National University of Science and

Technology will admit the first batch

of students in September following

the Ministry of Higher Education’s

approval. The three colleges that have

been merged to form the National

University are Caledonian College of

Engineering, Oman Medical College

and College of Pharmacy.

Speaking to Observer, Khulood al

Araimi, one of the directors, said, “We

have appointed a vice-chancellor who

will join the university at the start of

the academic year in September. We

plan to launch more colleges and are

working with the Ministry of Higher

Education.”

She added that the National

University is open to welcome any

of the existing colleges that offer

interesting courses in line with the

needs of the country. Khulood said

there are plans to expand the facilities

that will help to intake more students

against the current total capacity.

“We are planning to introduce

aviation as masters’ programme.

Currently 80 per cent of the students

are Omanis, but we want to attract

more international students in the

years to come as part of the efforts to

make Oman an international hub for

higher education.”

The Caledonian College of

Engineering, the first private

engineering college in Oman, was

established in 1996 in academic

partnership with Glasgow Caledonian

University. The college, spread across

two campuses in Al Hail and Airport

Heights, has over 3,000 students

on its rolls. Oman Medical College

was established in 2001 in academic

partnership with the West Virginia

University in the United States. Later

in 2003, a Pharmacy programme too

was added.

Shaikh Salim al Fannah al Araimi

is the Chairman of Board of Directors

of the National University. The

governance of the University is vested

with the University’s Executive Board

chaired by Dr P Mohamed Ali. A Board

of Trustees, which is the executive

advisory body of the University, is

constituted in accordance with the

guidelines issued by the Ministry of

Higher Education.

Books published on life of Sultan Taimour, Sultan Said bin TaimourMUSCAT: Dr Saleh al Balushi published two documentary books on two Sultans of Oman.The first was entitled ‘Pages from Life of Sultan Taimour bin Faisal’.

It recounts aspects of the life of a distinguished man who played a role in the modern history of Oman for two decades under very difficult conditions where he strived to give his homeland and citizens the best he could offer despite all the challenges he faced.

The book deals with various aspects of the reign of Sultan Taimour, which lasted for almost two decades, highlighting the financial status of the state through the reform of customs and his attempts to reform the judicial system, as well as the establishment of the first formal military force in the history of Oman.

The second book, entitled ‘Pages from Life of Sultan Said bin Taimour’ touched on the biography of Sultan Said bin Taimour, including his life and contributions to Oman and its people, in addition to his education, his domestic meet-the-people-tours, his assumption of power, the financial status of the state and his journey around the world. — ONA

MINISTER VISITS EXAM CENTRES

Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education, on Wednesday visited a number of exam centres of the General Education Diploma (GED) in Dhofar Governorate. She also listened to the opinions and observations voiced by the heads of exam centres.

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Foreigners lap up houses in tourism complexesSAMUEL KUTTY MUSCAT, JUNE 6

With the opening up of Oman’s real

estate sector for non-Omanis, housing

projects in Integrated Tourism

Complexes (ITC) are witnessing

heavy demand from foreign investors.

While the number of GCC

nationals who own real estate

properties in Oman increased by

nine per cent in 2017, people from

many countries in the Middle East,

Europe and India are thronging to

buy properties.

At the same time, experts familiar

with Oman’s real estate sector feel that

regulations may also be introduced

to allow expats to own properties

outside the ITCs.

“Foreigners may be allowed to buy

properties in areas other than the

ITCs along with regulations that the

move will not lead to any rise in land

prices nor will it affect the Omani

tradition and culture,” said Mohamed

al Busaidi, Member of Majlis

Ash’shura and former chairman of

Oman Real Estate Association.

The Ministry of Tourism has

been pushing ahead with creation

of more commercial and residential

complexes as part of the government’s

efforts to attract more foreign

investments to the Sultanate and

move away from dependence on oil

and gas. According to Al Busaidi, real

estate plays a major role in bringing in

foreign investments.

“Expats living in Oman for a long

time are very familiar with our culture.

They may be allowed to own their own

homes. They want to feel secure here

and they should be encouraged to

invest their savings in the country,” al

Busaidi said.

He said that there should not be

any compromise on the rising housing

needs of Oman’s young population.

Until recently it was not possible for

foreigners to own property in Oman.

Royal Decree No 12/2016 allowed

non-Omanis to own land and houses

in the integrated tourism complexes.

“Any free ownership means, as

long as it doesn’t violate the country’s

regulations on the subject,” stipulated

the decree. The ITC projects, where

foreigners can own a house or a flat

include Al Mouj, Barr Al Jissah,

Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club,

Al Siffah Resort, Saraya Bandar Jissah

Muscat Bay and Salalah Beach Resort.

The Tourism Ministry had earlier

announced that 5,000 housing units

will be available across the Sultanate

for foreign nationals.

With an investment of RO 4

billion, the housing units are being

built at Diyar Ras Al Hadd Resort,

Omagine Project, Qurayat Integrated

Project, Naseem A’Sabah Project and

Al Nakheel Project.

According to Business Monitor

International, the new law will add

further impetus to the government’s

efforts to promote economic

diversification and stimulate

additional demand for residential

and tourism-related infrastructure.”

“The planned new units in the

tourism complexes are likely to target

the affluent international buyers who

have fuelled Oman’s emergence as a

viable tourism destination over the

last several years,” the global agency

said.

70,000 seedlings distributedDegree/diploma from Oman gets Egypt’s approval

Salalah wows visitors even before Khareef Try healthy alternatives to save time after fasting

SALALAH: The Ministry of

Agriculture and Fisheries will start

distributing 70,000 coconuts, papaya

(fifai), banana, and lemon seedlings

from those reproduced at the research

pants and tissue agricultural centre

onto the farms of citizens in the

Governorate of Dhofar.

The initiative stems from the

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’

keenness to support farmers in

Dhofar who have been affected by

Cyclone Mekunu. — ONA

FROM PAGE 1

This decision was the result of several

meetings with officials of the Egyptian

Ministry of Higher Education, the

Scientific Research, the Secretary-

General of the Supreme Council

of Egyptian Universities and the

presidents of Egyptian Universities.

Both parties also discussed all

challenges facing Omani students

wishing to complete their studies in

the Egyptian educational institutions.

These efforts and discussions

resulted in the decision of the Supreme

Council of Egyptian Universities to

recognise diploma and bachelor’s

degree granted by all higher education

institutions under Ministry of Higher

Education.

The ministry has also agreed

to approve degrees granted by all

institutions of higher education

under the supervision of the Egyptian

Ministry of Higher Education.

“In the past, students from Omani

higher education institutions —

whether Omani or other nationalities

— have had a hard time equating their

diplomas when they wished to study

at Egyptian universities. The number

of documents required and the length

of administrative procedures related

to the equivalence were a challenge,” al

Zadjali said.

“The approval of the equivalence of

these qualifications took three months

or more, which deprived many

students the opportunity to register in

universities.

“The students had to study more

than five supplementary courses. After

completion of the study, the students

had to re-submit the request for the

equivalence.

“All these hardships were due to

the fact that Omani higher education

institutions were not recognised by

the Supreme Council of Egyptian

Universities, except for the bachelor’s

degree granted by Sultan Qaboos

University.

“The Omani Ministry of Higher

Education gave recognition to 21

governments and 12 private Egyptian

educational institution.”

It is worth noting that around 591

Omani students are studying in Egypt

in different private and government

educational institutions.

FROM PAGE 1

Khareef season starts from Dalkhout

then it travels to Rakhyout and finally

to Salalah.

This correspondent had to abandon

his journey from Salalah to Dalkhout

on Tuesday, due to heavy fog and near

zero visibility at some places.

At several points the fog and clouds

were mixing with each other making

the drivers, particularly those not

familiar with the route, difficult to

manoeuvre the curves.

It is every year phenomenon that

the news of drizzling in Dalkhout, 160

km west of Salalah, circulates through

social media and by the evening

everyone starts talking about the

advent of Khareef.

If that’s the case with Tuesday’s

trend, advent of Khareef season to

Salalah is not far and people here

should be ready to greet the guests and

the season with traditional warmth

and hospitality.

LAKSHMI KOTHANETH MUSCAT, JUNE 6

Consuming food at the right time

is essential during Ramadhan,

especially Suhoor. Consuming food

after Taraweeh during summer can

cause discomfort, says a nutritionist.

Reaching the last few days of

Ramadhan many people feel fatigue

when compared to the first couple

of weeks. Suhoor is essential, says

Sumaira Fatma, Dietician and

Diabetes Educator at the International

Medical Centre, Muscat. Suhoor is

the meal consumed early morning

just before dawn. In various parts of

the world it is called as Sehur, Sehri,

Sahari and Sahur.

“It should be wholesome meal

to provide energy to last till iftar,

comprising of whole cereals with

options of milk, laban (buttermilk),

eggs, cheese, lentils and nuts. Many

people enjoy taking porridge which is

quick and healthy,” she says.

While many might push aside

Suhoor, the role it plays is significant,

the Diabetes Educator says, and

cautions: “Do not skip Suhoor and

this is especially in the case of young

adolescents, working men and

women and people with diabetes as

they tend to experience headache,

tiredness, giddiness and low sugars.

“Encourage your family and

friends to have Suhoor before Fajr not

late night after Taraweeh. It is Sunnah

to have Suhoor.”

According to many people who

fast, eating late dinner is convenient

than waking up early for Suhoor. The

dietician stressed that one should not

skip Suhoor and ensure to consume

appropriate food items at the right

time.

“Eat a wide variety of foods at

iftar — it’s the time where most of

the enjoyment from food and excess

indulgence comes in. Break the fast

with one or three dates followed by

fruits, laban or fresh juice (no added

sugar) and then healthy pickups.

“Different communities have

different varieties of iftar dishes.

“Avoid fried foods and foods

containing excess sugar and fats

like caramel puddings, deserts and

sweets made of white flour dipped in

sugar syrups. Instead, choose soups,

sprouts, grilled meats and harees, a

special dish of Ramadhan made with

oats or whole wheat cutting down

on oil and fat. Strictly avoid use of

carbonated drinks while breaking

the fast.”

Look out and try out healthy

alternatives to save time, points out

Sumaira. “When it comes to iftar

people want to eat savouries which

are carried down from ages in the

family. Considering summer and its

heat, health conditions and sedentary

style, it is always better to get healthy

change.

“Cook a variety of foods cutting

down on frying and use of excess

sugar and fats instead choose baking

or grilling which are faster and

healthier and can help in reducing

cooking time,” she added.

Being summer, a concern that is

always on the mind is dehydration. To

tackle dehydration, Sumaira advises

to drink lots of water especially from

iftar till Suhoor. Flavoured waters,

mild tea, coffee can also be consumed.

It is extremely important to avoid

eating meals after Taraweeh and this

is why according to Sumaira: “It is

late when Taraweeh finishes and

avoid eating Suhoor or main meal

after Taraweeh. It’s the time for rest,

taking a late meal disturbs sleep and it

also affects digestion causing acidity,

belching and gastritis.

“Light snack comprising fruits,

milk, laban and few nuts can help out to

overcome the post Taraweeh cravings.

Do not miss your night’s sleep so that

you have a pleasant working day.”

“Foreigners may be allowed to buy prop-erties in areas other than the ITCs along with regulations that the move will not lead to any rise in land prices nor will it affect the Omani tradition and culture,” said Mohamed al Busaid

ROP to distribute 200 child seats at Salalah Festival

FROM PAGE 1

“We are delighted to partner with the

ROP to raise awareness of the recent

changes in the law regarding child

and car safety. We will be conducting

workshops across Oman reinforcing the

lifesaving potential of simply placing a

child in a properly fitted car seat.”

“As a community retailer with

stores throughout the Sultanate, we

see this as an opportunity to reach

out and support all families in all

areas,” said Clive Freeman, COO,

Landmark Group. Although the traffic

accidents have reduced by 38 per cent

in the Sultanate, the number of children

getting involved in road accidents has

not changed. Safety seats for children

under the age of four have been made

compulsory in Oman by the ROP and

offenders would be fined.

“There have been many cases of

traffic violation when it comes to

buckling children up and we have

been slapping them with fines. This

campaign would work as an eye opener

for many parents,” Al Adawi hoped.

The dietician stresses that one should not skip Suhoor and ensure to con-sume appropriate food items at the right time

Royal Decree sets up Oman College of Health SciencesFROM PAGE 1

ARTICLE (4) states that the

specialisations, allocations, assets and

files (registers) of Oman Specialised

Nursing Institute belonging to the

Ministry of Health shall be transferred

to the Higher Institute for Health

Specialisations.

ARTICLE (5) states that the

occupants of administrative jobs at

the above-mentioned institutes in

Articles (3) and (4) of this decree

shall be transferred to Oman College

for Health Sciences and the Higher

Institute for Health Specialisations,

along with their financial grades, and

that the provisions of the Civil Service

Law shall apply to them all, while the

occupants of teaching jobs in these

institutes therein shall be transferred

along with their financial grades.

ARTICLE (6) states that the

grades, salaries and allowances

dedicated to the occupants of teaching

jobs at the college and the institute

shall be specified in accordance with

Schedule (5) of Annex No 2 attached

to Royal Decree No 33/2013.

ARTICLE (7) states that laws,

Royal decrees and bylaws regulating

higher education shall apply to Oman

College for Health Sciences and the

Higher Institute for Health Sciences

where no specific text (statement)

has been cited in this decree and the

bylaw attached to it.

ARTICLE (8) instructs the

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of

Oman Health Sciences College and

the Higher Health Specialisations

Institute to issue the regulations

and decisions necessary for the

implementation of provisions of this

decree and the bylaw attached to it.

Till such regulations and decisions

are issued, the current regulations

and decisions in force shall continue

to be applied without prejudice to

the provisions of this decree and its

attached bylaw.

ARTICLE (9) cancels the

aforesaid Royal Decree No 55/93 and

all that contradicts this decree or its

attached bylaw or contravenes with

their provisions.

ARTICLE (10) says that this

decree shall be published in the

Official Gazette and enforced on its

date of issue. — ONA

— Picture by ABDULRAHIM SUBAIT

OMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8 5

LNG terminal: Pakistan’s anti-graft agency orders probe

‘Drone-brella’ promises hands-free sun cover

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s anti-corruption

agency has approved an inquiry into former

prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

and his predecessor Nawaz Sharif over

a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal

project, the agency said on Wednesday.

The news comes less than a week after

the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz

(PML-N), founded by Sharif, finished

its five-year term, handing power to a

technocratic caretaker government until

elections on July 25.

The National Accountability Bureau’s

(NAB) decision, involving an unidentified

terminal is one of the world’s fastest growing

LNG markets, is part of a sweeping new

initiative targeting senior politicians across

the South Asian nation.

The national exchequer had suffered a

loss of billions of rupees, the NAB said in

ordering the inquiry against Abbasi, Sharif

and others for granting a 15-year LNG

terminal contract “to a company of their

liking, in violation of rules and by misuse of

their powers”.

It did not say which of Pakistan’s two

completed terminal projects was referred

to. Several more are in the pipeline. Abbasi,

who ended PML-N’s term as premier, said

he was unaware of any NAB inquiry, and

nobody had contacted him.

As petroleum minister when Sharif was

premier, Abbasi masterminded Pakistan’s

push to embrace LNG after PML-N swept

to power in a 2013 election.

In a response to Reuters, Abbasi said

he took full responsibility for work at the

petroleum ministry as Sharif had “no

direct responsibility for the workings of my

ministry”.

He added, “I welcome any inquiry by

NAB or any other agency into the affairs of

the ministry and I am available to cooperate

with any such inquiry.” — Reuters

TOKYO: It’s the hands-free experience you never knew you needed — a Japanese company has developed a drone-powered parasol it says can hover over users, protecting them from the sun.

The drone-powered sunshade — being developed by Asahi Power Service — should be released next year, and will initially target those in need of a hands-free head covering wider than your average hat, like golfers.

The potential headaches posed by crashes, and regulations governing autonomous aircraft, mean the company expects the product will initially be used in closed private spaces, like golf courses.

“I decided to develop it as I don’t like to hold an umbrella,” company president Kenji Suzuki said.

At 150 centimetres (60 inches) wide, the parasol prototype weighs five kilos, and so far can only fly for five minutes on one charge.

Asahi Power Service is hoping to quickly extend flying time to at least 20 minutes, partly by making the device lighter, Suzuki said. “The first prototype we made was just a drone attached to a regular umbrella,” he said.

“We are now testing the third-generation prototype and trying to overcome (the technological challenges of) hovering in a stable manner above the head of the user and then chasing the user.”

The drones are fitted with cameras that help the parasols track their owners and stay over the correct head. The company expects the device to have a price tag of about 30,000 yen ($275), a hefty investment for a parasol that isn’t yet able to protect its users from the rain. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s newly

appointed Attorney-General Tommy

Thomas said on Wednesday there would

be “no cover ups” as he promised to

institute criminal and civil action over

a graft scandal at state fund 1Malaysia

Development Berhad (1MDB).

At least six countries, including

the United States, Singapore and

Switzerland, are investigating claims that

$4.5 billion was siphoned out of 1MDB,

founded by former premier Najib Razak.

“I have therefore to study all the

papers in that scandal. We will institute

criminal and civil proceedings in our

courts against the alleged wrongdoers,”

Thomas told reporters on his first day in

office. “All are equal before the law and

no one is spared. There will be no cover

up.”

He also said he would immediately

contact authorities in other countries

investigating 1MDB, with the aim of

returning billions of dollars allegedly

stolen from the fund.

Other tasks on his immediate agenda

included repealing oppressive laws, and

reviewing Malaysia’s contracts with

other countries.

“On my part, I promise to do the

right thing, that is to tell the truth and to

do justice. Justice must not only be done

but it must also be seen to be done,” he

said. Thomas is the country’s first non-

Muslim attorney-general in decades,

and his appointment had been opposed

by some sections of the majority ethnic

Malay community.

“Free speech means everybody

can criticise you, so I am happy for

everybody to criticise me,” Thomas

said in response. He was appointed on

Tuesday to replace Mohamed Apandi

Ali, who in 2016 had cleared Najib of

any wrongdoing in the 1MDB case.

Mohamed Apandi was ordered to go

on leave by Prime Minister Mahathir

Mohamad, shortly after Najib’s coalition

was defeated in a shock election result

last month.

Mahathir also reopened 1MDB

investigations and barred Najib and

his wife, Rosmah Mansor, from leaving

the country. Malaysia’s anti-corruption

commission has questioned both Najib

and Rosmah in connection with a graft

probe into SRC International, a former

unit of 1MDB. — Reuters

Singapore top diplomat to visit Pyongyang before summit

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s foreign minister will

make a two-day trip to Pyongyang starting on

Thursday, as preparations for a summit in the

city-state between Donald Trump and Kim Jong

Un accelerate.

The announcement came a day after the White

House revealed that the historic June 12 meeting

between the US and North Korean leaders will

take place in a luxury hotel on Singapore’s resort

island of Sentosa.

The summit is due to be held following a rapid

detente between Pyongyang and Washington —

as well as South Korea — in a turn-around from

a dramatic escalation of tensions last year, when

the North ratcheted up its weapons programme.

Trump finally confirmed the summit last week

following a visit from a top Pyongyang official in

Washington, after having abruptly cancelled the

meeting as US and North Korean officials traded

verbal barbs.

He has said denuclearisation, and a formal

end to the decades-old Korean war, will be on the

table in Singapore.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian

Balakrishnan will visit the North Korean capital

at the invitation of the North’s Foreign Minister

Ri Yong Ho, Singapore’s foreign ministry said in

a statement.

The minister, who will be accompanied by

foreign ministry officials, will also meet the

North’s ceremonial president Kim Yong Nam, the

statement said.

It did not give reasons for the trip but analysts

noted Balakrishnan visited the US this week and

met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and

will be keen to keep both sides happy before the

summit.

“We’ve reached a point where the summit is

extremely fragile and can easily be tipped out of

balance,” Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow at

Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School of International

Studies, said.

The US is pushing for a “complete, verifiable

and irreversible” end of North Korea’s nuclear

weapons and missile programmes, but

observers believe there is a large gap between

what Washington and Pyongyang define as

“denuclearisation”.

Singapore has diplomatic ties with Pyongyang

and the North has an embassy in the city-state,

although Singapore does not have an embassy in

Pyongyang.

The Southeast Asia financial hub of 5.6 million

people also has good relations with the US. Part

of its appeal as summit host was its the fact it has

one foot in the East and one in the West, as well as

being modern, efficient and secure. — AFP

asia

The view of Resorts World Sentosa island in Singapore is pictured on Wednesday. — AFP

DETENTE: Trump confirmed the meeting following a visit from a top N Korean official

We’ve reached a point where the summit is extremely fragile and can easily be tippedout of balance GRAHAM ONG-WEBB

A research fellow

New attorney-general vows ‘no cover ups’ in 1MDB case

OMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 86

region

KHARTOUM: Sudanese

President Omar al Bashir has

offered to host peace talks in

Khartoum between South

Sudan’s bitter rivals President

Salwa Kiir and rebel leader

Riek Machar, a foreign ministry

official said on Tuesday.

Bashir’s offer was delivered

to Kiir by a Sudanese delegation

that visited Juba on Tuesday,

and comes just days after the

UN Security Council adopted

a resolution that gave South

Sudanese warring sides one

month to reach a peace deal or

face possible sanctions.

The Sudanese delegation

was led by Foreign Minister

Al Dierdiry al Dhikheri and

included Salah Ghosh, the chief

of Sudan’s powerful National

Intelligence and Security Services

(NISS).

“The delegation delivered a

verbal message from President

Omar al Bashir to President

Salwa Kiir regarding an initiative

to support efforts to achieve peace

between the conflicting parties in

South Sudan,” Sudanese foreign

ministry spokesman Garib Allah

Khadr said in a statement.

Bashir offered to “host a

meeting between Kiir and South

Sudanese opposition leader Riek

Machar,” he said.

“President Kiir welcomed

the initiative and affirmed

his government’s readiness to

participate in the meeting.”

Khadr did not say when

a meeting was scheduled or

whether Machar had agreed to it.

Bashir’s offer comes even as

the regional Intergovernmental

Authority on Development

(IGAD) group is mediating

peace talks between Kiir and

Machar. South Sudan, the world’s

youngest nation formed after

splitting from the north in 2011,

descended into war in December

2013 when Kiir accused his

former deputy Machar of

plotting a coup.

A peace deal was signed two

years later but collapsed in July

2016 when fresh fighting in the

capital Juba forced Machar into

exile. The renewed violence

spread across the country, and

numerous new armed opposition

groups have formed, further

complicating peace efforts.

Efforts to revitalise a 2015

peace agreement resulted in a

ceasefire in December which

lasted just hours before warring

parties accused each other of

breaking it.

Tens of thousands have died

and nearly four million South

Sudanese have been driven from

their homes, while millions are

going hungry amid a massive

humanitarian crisis.

Last week, the UN Security

Council gave the two warring

sides a month to reach a peace

deal or face sanctions. — AFP

TUNIS: Tunisia stopped about 6,000

migrants leaving its coast for Europe

in the first five months of the year — a

sharp increase from the few hundred

prevented in the same period last

year, an interior ministry official said

on Wednesday. Human traffickers

have increasingly moved operations

to Tunisia since a crackdown by the

coastguard in neighbouring Libya.

Scores of migrants died when the

boat carrying them sank on Sunday

in the worst such incident off Tunisia’s

coast. The official said the death toll

has now risen to 68.

“Since January 1 to the end of May

2018 we arrested about 6,000 migrants

at our coasts compared to just a few

hundred arrested in the same period

last year,” the official said, asking not

to be named.

Numbers are usually particularly

low during the winter months when

sea conditions are tougher. Most of the

people on board that sank on Sunday

were Tunisians trying to escape

unemployment and an economic

crisis. Prime Minister Youssef Chahed

fired ten security officials for failing to

stop the boat leaving, an official said.

Survivors said the captain had

abandoned the boat after it started

sinking to escape arrest by the

coastguard while some migrants were

trying to call authorities.

This year up to May 2, a total of

1,910 Tunisian migrants reached Italy,

including 39 women and 307 minors

— 293 of whom were unaccompanied

— compared to only 231 for the same

period in 2017, according to the UN

migrant agency IOM. — Reuters

VIENNA: Iran said on Wednesday it

was in “preparatory works” to restart

nuclear activities in the event of the

failure of the 2015 accord between

Iran and world powers.

In such a scenario, Iran could

“restart its activities without any

limits,” Iran’s Ambassador to the

International Atomic Energy Agency

(IAEA) Reza Najafi told reporters

on the sidelines of a meeting of the

IAEA’s board in Vienna.

The future of the deal — known

as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of

Action (JCPOA) — has been thrown

into doubt after President Donald

Trump announced last month that

the US would withdraw from the

accord and re-impose sanctions.

The preparatory works

mentioned by Najafi refer to steps to

boost uranium enrichment capacity

by producing new centrifuges,

as outlined on Tuesday by Vice-

President Ali Akbar Salehi, who

heads the Iranian Atomic Energy

Organisation.

Najafi said that in addition Iran

had notified the IAEA of a plan

to restart activity at its uranium

conversion facility in Isfahan to

produce the UF6 feedstock for

centrifuges. The IAEA confirmed

on Tuesday that it had “received a

letter from Iran on 4 June informing

the Agency that there is a tentative

schedule to start production of UF6”.

However, Najafi emphasised

that the measures do “not mean

that right now Iran will start any

activities contrary to the JCPOA”.

The remaining signatories to the

pact have been scrambling to find

ways to preserve the accord. — AFP

BEIRUT: The Syrian government re-

opened the highway between the cities

of Homs and Hama on Wednesday a

month after its forces retook a rebel-

held pocket that had straddled the

road that was closed for almost seven

years.

Motorists waved Syrian flags as

they drove down the highway whose

re-opening marked a victory for

President Bashar al Assad, who in

recent months has taken control of all

rebel-held pockets around the capital

Damascus as well as the enclave along

the highway which had been under

siege for years.

From holding less than a fifth of

Syria in 2015, Assad has recovered

control of the largest chunk of the

country.

Without the highway, traffic had to

take an indirect route to travel the 45

km between Syria’s third and fourth

largest pre-war cities.

Residents from Talbiseh, a town

just north of Homs controlled by

rebels until early May, said they were

relieved to see the highway re-open.

“If we wanted to go to Homs

before, we had to go half way round

the world,” said 42-year-old farmer

Hussein al Muhammad. “Now it will

just take us quarter of a hour.”

Another Talbiseh farmer, 61-year-

old Hamoud Alloush, said he had

survived the years of siege by eating

what he could grow. He had already

been to Homs and back to sell his

produce on Wednesday.

“(The journey) used to take more

than two hours,” he said.

Significant areas of Syria still

remain beyond Assad’s grasp,

including nearly all of the north,

much of the east, and a chunk of

the southwest, areas where foreign

interests will complicate further

gains. — Reuters

AMMAN: Shops and pharmacies

closed in Jordan’s capital on

Wednesday as some unions pressed

ahead with a strike protesting against

tax hikes, after King Abdullah replaced

his prime minister to try to defuse

public anger.

A draft law to raise income taxes

and International Monetary Fund-

driven reforms that have pushed up

prices have sparked the country’s

largest protests in years. Last week,

more than 30 unions, representing

tens of thousands of public and private

sector employees, held mass rallies in

Amman and other cities.

Many of them pulled out of

Wednesday’s walkout after the king

appointed former World Bank

economist Omar al Razzaz on Tuesday

to form a new government and urged

talks over the law. Razzaz replaces

Hani Mulki, who resigned after

refusing to scrap the tax reform bill.

Harvard-educated Razzaz, who

was education minister, was expected

to start consultations on Wednesday

to form a new government.

Some businesses in Amman were

shut and hospital employees staged

a protest, while hundreds of men

and women converged outside the

headquarters of the Professional

Unions Association, although in

smaller numbers than last week.

Often seen as a unifying figure in

Jordan, the king said the new cabinet

must review the entire tax system and

immediately start a dialogue over the

tax law, which the government sent

to parliament last month. He called

for political parties, unions and civil

society groups to take part in the talks.

Protesters had pressed on

overnight, with hundreds rallying

amid tight security in the capital

though turnout appeared lower than

for the past few nights.

Police blocked the roads to stop the

sea of demonstrators with their picket

signs from reaching the Cabinet office.

“We don’t want a change of names, we

want a change in policy,” one banner

read. “Bring back bread subsidies,”

another said.

Some celebrated the change in

leadership and said they would wait to

see if the steps would stop price hikes

which they said hit the poor.

“I personally feel optimistic and

we started to feel the beginning of

change,” Murad Yaghan said at a late

night protest as people around him

chanted against the government’s

economic policies. “We will continue

public pressure.”

On Wednesday, closed shops

hung signs saying “I’m taking part

in the strike” but life in the capital

mostly went on as usual. The doctors’,

engineers’, and lawyers’ unions were

the main ones taking part in the

walkout.

“This gathering today, and this

strike that includes most of the

professional unions, is to assert

our demands and place pressure to

achieve them,” said Monther Howarat,

a doctor protesting outside King

Hussein Cancer Centre.

Public resentment has been

building since bread subsidies were

ended and the general sales tax hiked

steeply earlier this year under an

IMF-driven plan to cut Jordan’s $37

billion debt. The government has said

it needs funds for public services and

argues the reforms will reduce social

disparities by placing a heavier burden

on high earners.

The king’s letter designating Razzaz

said the hikes had burdened Jordanians

and called for better services, blaming

regional instability for hampering the

sluggish economy. It suggested the

government could shelve the new tax

law and slow the pace of price rises.

Lawmakers were on course to ask

the king’s permission for an early

exceptional session, with a majority

demanding the withdrawal of the tax

law, the speaker of parliament has

said.

Officials say Razzaz had been an

opponent of reforms that hurt the

poor. His appointment still sends a

message to foreign donors that Jordan

will press ahead with reforms, though

in a gradual way, they said. — Reuters

Sudan president offers hosting talks between South Sudan rivals

Tunisia sees sharp rise in boat migrants

Iran ‘preparing activities’ in case nuclear deal fails

Homs-Hama highway opened after 7-year closure

Jordan unions strike over proposed tax law MOUNTING UNREST: Some businesses in Amman were shut and hospital employees staged a protest

Jordanian protesters wave national flags and shout slogans during an anti-austerity rally on Wednesday in front of the Labour Union offices in Amman. — AFP

Vehicles travel on the road between Homs and Hama during its re-opening in Rastan, Syria, on Wednesday. — Reuters

Fishermen work on a wooden boat on the Mediterranean coast in Tunisia’s Kerkennah Islands off Sfax. — AFP

Last week, the UN Security Council gave the two warring sides a month to reach a peace deal or face sanctions

Public resentment has been building since bread subsidies were ended and the general sales tax hiked steeply earlier this year

OMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8 7

Reserve Bank hikes interest rates for first time in 4 yearsMUMBAI: The central bank raised

interest rates for the first time in over

four years on Wednesday, highlighting

concerns over rising inflation.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

said the benchmark repo rate — the

level at which it lends to commercial

banks — would be increased by 25

basis points to 6.25 per cent.

The rate was last hiked in January

2014 when it hit 8.0 per cent before a

series of cuts.

Retail inflation in India recently

touched 4.58 per cent, above the

target set by the RBI’s monetary policy

committee (MPC).

It is being stoked by rising oil prices

and increased consumer spending

as India’s economy turns a corner

following a number of disruptive

measures.

A predicted normal monsoon is

also expected to sustain the Indian

economy’s growth — for which

agriculture is a cornerstone — over

coming months.

“Against the above backdrop, the

MPC decided to increase the policy

repo rate by 25 basis points and

keep the stance neutral,” said a bank

statement.

“The MPC reiterates its

commitment to achieving the

medium-term target for headline

inflation of four per cent on a durable

basis,” it added following its meeting

in the financial capital Mumbai.

Analysts had been divided over

whether the RBI would hike rates

now or wait until its next meeting in

August when the monsoon would be

almost two months old.

But all six members of the MPC

voted for the rate increase. Rate hikes

make saving money more attractive,

helping to rein in consumer spending.

Ashutosh Datar, senior economist

at Mumbai-based IIFL, said there may

be more rate increases this year.

“GDP growth and projections

provide ample room for the RBI to

hike rates and achieve its inflationary

target in a reasonable manner,” he said.

Country’s economy has shown

signs of revival in recent months

due to a boost in manufacturing and

consumer demand, after a downturn

blamed on a shock cash ban in late

2016.

Demonetisation withdrew most

of India’s high-value banknotes from

circulation, putting a brake on the

economy.

The launch of a new nationwide

goods and services tax last year also

hit growth. — AFP

INFLATION CONCERNS: Retail inflation in India recently touched 4.58 per cent

Academic appointments at NDA comes under CBI lens

NEW DELHI: India has some

of the worst air pollution in the

world and smog levels often

spike during its sweltering

summers, when smoke-belching

diesel generators are used to

offset power shortages, as air-

conditioners and fans stoke

consumption. But a team of

Indian engineers has figured

out how to capture some of the

generator exhaust and turn it

into ink, keeping the emissions

from entering the atmosphere.

They say they have created

the first-ever device to capture

emissions specifically from

diesel generators — a welcome

invention for a country that

has 14 of the world’s 15 most

polluted cities, the World Health

Organization (WHO) says.

“We are aiming to bring

down pollution levels in the

major cities by a very significant

percentage in a very short span of

time,” said Arpit Dhupar, one of

three engineers who developed

the technology now installed in

Gurugram, a satellite city of New

Delhi, the capital. Their device

attaches to generators to capture

up to 90 per cent of soot particles

from cooled diesel exhaust. The

material can then be sold to ink

manufacturers.

Their company, Chakr

Innovation, has installed 53

devices in government firms

and offices, as well as real estate

developers, Dhupar said, saving

1,500 billion litres of air from

pollution.

It has collected over 500 kg

of soot, which has been used to

create more than 20,000 litres of

ink, he added.

Chakr Innovations is not

the first start-up to see cash in

diesel exhaust. A competitor

called Graviky Labs, based in

the southern city of Bangalore,

is using similar technology to

turn diesel exhaust from vehicles

into ink. About 1.1 million

people die each year from the

effects of India’s air pollution,

a 2015 survey by the US-based

Health Effects Institute showed,

accounting for about a quarter

of total air pollution deaths

worldwide. — Reuters

NEW DELHI: The CBI has

registered a case against the

Principal of Pune-based National

Defence Academy (NDA) and

four other employees of the

institute, including a professor,

on charges of irregularities in

the appointment of teaching

faculty to the organisation’s

different posts, the agency said

on Wednesday.

Separate Central Bureau of

Investigation (CBI) teams on

Wednesday conducted raids at

multiple locations, including

residences and official premises

of the accused persons, in Pune,

Maharashtra.

Besides NDA’s Principal

Omprakash Shukla, a political

science professor, two assistant

professors of chemistry

and mathematics, a head of

department of chemistry and

other unidentified persons have

been named in the CBI FIR that

was lodged on Tuesday following

a complaint of malpractices in the

recruitment process of teaching

faculty in the academy.

— IANS

MANDSAUR, MADHYA

PRADESH: Congress President

Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday

kicked off the party’s poll

campaign in Madhya Pradesh,

accusing Prime Minister

Narendra Modi of betraying the

farmers and promising to waive

farm loans in 10 days if voted to

power.

Rahul Gandhi also promised

that the families of the farmers

who were killed in Mandsaur

will get justice in 10 days if his

party was voted to power.

While addressing a rally,

Rahul Gandhi questioned the

delay in filing of a probe report

into the death of seven farmers

in police firing a year ago,

alleging that the BJP government

had failed to provide security

to farmers and address their

concerns.

“I assure you, when the

Congress forms government in

Madhya Pradesh, farmers’ loans

will be written off within 10

days. The families of the farmers

(killed in Mandsaur last year)

will get justice in 10 days and

we will take action against those

responsible for the firing,” the

Congress president said.

Rahul Gandhi lashed out

at the state and the Centre for

ignoring the farm distress across

the country.

“The governments are of

no use if they cannot provide

security to farmers and their

families. A total of 1,200 farmers

committed suicide in Madhya

Pradesh. Did any rich person

or their family member commit

suicide who have lakhs of crores

as debt,” he said, addressing the

Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally.

“Our priority will be to

provide security to the farmers

and their families,” he added.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi paid

tributes to the dead farmers in

Piplia Mandi town of Mandsaur

district.

“The Prime Minister and

Chief Minister (Shivraj Singh

Chouhan) talk about the farmers

but when they demand the right

price for their produce and ask

for waiving off their loans, they

do not listen.

“Prime minister waived off

loans worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore of

just 15 businessmen, but when I

requested him to waive off farm

loans, he maintained a studied

silence,” said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi also said the

food we eat is all due to the efforts

of our farmers and their families

and not rich businessmen.

“That is why farmers are our

priority,” he added. — IANS

india

WITH THE STAR

A couple pose with the wax statue of Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan at the Madame Tussauds Delhi in New Delhi on Wednesday. — AFP

PROTEST AGAINST RISING FUEL PRICE

Activists of Trinamool Congress (TMC) carry a giant model of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder as they shout anti-government slogans during a protest against fuel price hike in Kolkata on Wednesday. — Reuters

Nod for Rs 7,000-crore bailout package for sugarcane farmersNEW DELHI: The Cabinet on

Wednesday approved a Rs 7,000-crore

bailout package and set the minimum

selling price for sugar at Rs 29 per

kg to support the struggling sector, a

Union Minister said. The industry is,

however, not completely happy.

“In order to remove the problem

of liquidity of sugar mills resulting

in accumulation of huge cane price

arrears of farmers, the Union Cabinet

chaired by Prime Minister Narendra

Modi has approved measures

involving total amount of about Rs

7,000 crore,” Union Minister for Law,

Justice and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad

said.

The decision of the Cabinet

Committee on Economic Affairs

(CCEA) comes as excess production

in the current sugar season has

depressed its market price, adversely

affecting the liquidity position of

sugar mills leading to accumulation of

Rs 22,000-crore dues to the farmers.

The package comprises Rs 1,175

crore for creating a 30 lakh MT buffer

stock, Rs 4,440 crore as soft loan

for mill owners to increase ethanol

production capacity to divert surplus

sugarcane and Rs 1,332 crore towards

interest subvention for the loan, the

Cabinet said in a note.

“...Government will bear interest

subvention of maximum Rs 1,332

crore over a period of five years

including moratorium period of

one year on estimated bank loan

amounting to Rs 4,440 crore to be

sanctioned to the sugar mills by the

banks over a period of three years,” it

said.

Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan

said the minimum selling price of

white (refined) sugar will be initially

fixed at Rs 29 per kg, which can be

revised by Department of Food and

Public Distribution (DFPD) based on

revision of Fair Remunerative Price

(FRP). Besides, the government will

put in place a mechanism to ensure

that retail prices of sugar are kept fully

under control.

At present, this will be done

along with imposition of stock holding

limits on sugar mills, the Cabinet

said. — IANS

A farmer works in sugarcane field on outskirts of Ahmedabad. — Reuters file photo

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel arrives for a news conference at the bank’s head office in Mumbai on Wednesday. — AFP

Engineers find novel way to fight diesel exhaust

SC refuses to stay release of ‘Kaala’The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to block the release of Rajinikanth starrer Tamil film Kaala saying that it cannot put on hold the screening just a day ahead of its release.

Will waive farm loans in 10 days if voted to power in MP: Rahul

OMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 88

world

British opposition Labour tries to force new single market deal

New crew blasts off for ISSBAIKONUR, KAZAKHSTAN: A

relatively inexperienced crew of two

astronauts and a cosmonaut blasted

off Wednesday from the Baikonur

cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a five-

month mission on the International

Space Station.

German Alexander Gerst of the

European Space Agency, Nasa’s Serena

Aunon-Chancellor and Russian Sergei

Prokopyev of Roscosmos shot into the

sky in warm, dry conditions at 1112

GMT.

They should dock at the space

station on Friday.

The trio only have a total of one

previous space mission between them

— 42-year-old Gerst’s debut mission

aboard the ISS was in 2014 — making

this one of the less experienced space

station crews in recent times.

Prokopyev, 43, will serve as the

crew’s flight commander for the two-

day journey to the orbital lab despite

having never flown into space before.

Aunon-Chancellor, 42, who

followed her father into engineering

before training to be an astronaut and

is also a practising doctor, was only

confirmed by Nasa for the mission at

the beginning of the year.

The rookie’s late inclusion into the

mission came at the expense of Jeanette

Epps, who would have been the first

African-American to serve on a long-

term mission aboard the space station

had she flown as expected.

Nasa did not explain the change.

Gerst, who will be commanding the

space station for the first time during

his mission, referenced the steppe

scenery in central Kazakhstan on

Twitter on Wednesday as he warmed

up for the flight.

“L-6 hours. On our way to the suit-

up building. Got a great farewell from

our friends and families. Crew is doing

great. Looking at unimpressed camels

on the side of the road. #horizons,” he

tweeted.

According to ESA, Gerst will be

only the second person from the

agency to take command of the lab in

the 17 years crews have occupied the

station. Belgian Frank De Winne took

charge of the station during a mission

in 2009.

Football fever has gripped the ISS

in the build-up to the World Cup in

Russia beginning next week and the

Soyuz rocket that propelled the trio

into space was emblazoned with the

tournament’s promotional emblem.

Moreover, Prokopyev said at the

pre-launch press-conference that the

ISS crew would stage their own football

match on the day of the final on July 15.

“The composition of the teams will

be international,” Prokopyev said on

Tuesday. — AFP

UNDER PRESSURE: May is struggling to unite her party and govt over a Brexit strategyLONDON: The opposition Labour

Party has thrown down the gauntlet

to Prime Minister Theresa May on

Brexit, urging lawmakers to defeat her

in parliament by backing a proposal

for Britain to stay in the EU’s single

market after leaving the bloc.

Ten months before Britain is due

to leave the European Union, May

is struggling to unite her party and

government over a Brexit strategy. She

also faces a parliament where some

lawmakers want to force her to go

back on promises to leave the bloc’s

single market and customs union.

By tabling a new amendment

to May’s Brexit blueprint, the EU

withdrawal bill, Labour puts the single

market back at the centre of a debate

that could shape Britain’s trading

relationships for years to come.

It also challenges many of its own

lawmakers who want Britain to have

an even stronger relationship with the

EU and stay in its European Economic

Area. The move further muddies the

water over a vote next week on the

EU withdrawal bill, which May needs

to pass to sever ties with the bloc and

“copy and paste” its laws into British

legislation so the country can function

after March next year.

It first hangs on whether the

amendment will even be accepted

and debated in parliament on June

12. Then it comes down to whether

it can get the numbers to defeat the

government.

The amendment calls on the

government to negotiate full access

to the EU’s single market, to keep

common minimum standards,

rights and protections, to share joint

institutions and regulations, and

ensure there are no new impediments

to trade, while retaining control over

immigration.

That combination could potentially

break with one of the EU’s “four

freedoms” — movement of workers,

goods, capital and services — that

underpin access to the single market.

“Labour will only accept a Brexit

deal that delivers the benefits of

the single market and protects jobs

and living standards,” Keir Starmer,

Labour’s Brexit policy chief, said on

Tuesday. The move ignites the latest

battle in a long series of conflicts

waged in both parties, the two houses

of parliament and across a deeply

divided country since it voted in a

2016 referendum to leave the bloc.

A struggle in May’s team of

ministers over future customs

arrangements with the EU has all but

stalled Brexit negotiations, and there is

little time left. The EU is expecting her

to have made progress by a summit

later this month and both sides want

to reach a deal by October.

On Wednesday in parliament,

she again defended her government’s

deliberations, saying her ministers

would publish a policy document on

Britain’s future relationship with the

EU. But she did not say when.

The Conservative Party attacked

Labour’s amendment, saying it

“shattered their promise to respect the

referendum result”.

It also has caused ripples in Labour,

where some lawmakers had lobbied for

the party to support an amendment to

keep Britain in the EEA, retaining full

access to the single market in return

for making payments and accepting

the four freedoms.

Labour lawmaker Chuka Umunna

accused the leadership of trying to

wreck that amendment and preventing

what would be a painful government

defeat after some Conservative

lawmakers had suggested they could

vote for the EEA on June 12.

— Reuters

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May welcomes Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg to Downing Street in London on Wednesday. — Reuters

Labour will only accept a Brexit deal that delivers the benefits of the single market and protects jobs and living standards

KEIR STARMER Labour’s Brexit policy chief

Populist Czech mogul reappointed as PM

PRAGUE: The Czech president

on Wednesday named populist

billionaire Andrej Babis the country’s

prime minister for the second time in

six months, hoping that he will be able

to swing a parliamentary majority

after failing to do so in January.

“I hope that this time your

government wins the confidence of

parliament,” President Milos Zeman,

a former communist known for his

strong pro-Russian and pro-Chinese

views, said at a ceremony in Prague.

Babis, whose ANO movement

won 78 seats in the 200-member

parliament campaigning on an anti-

corruption ticket in October election,

is planning to form a minority

government with the 15-seat leftwing

Social Democrats (CSSD).

But to secure a parliamentary

majority, Babis — a former communist

— intends to rely on backing from the

15-seat KSCM Communist Party.

This would give the communists

a role in government, albeit an

informal one, for the first time since

the collapse of the communist regime

in the Velvet Revolution in former

Czechoslovakia in 1989.

The coalition deal hinges on a

party referendum in the CSSD, whose

results will be announced on June 15,

and on concessions demanded by the

anti-Nato Communists, including no

increases in armed forces deployed

on missions abroad. Zeman said on

Wednesday that “the government

could be appointed towards the end

of June and in this case, the vote of

confidence could take place during

the first or second week of July”.

Babis took the October election by

storm but he has so far failed to form

a coalition, with potential partners

shunning him over criminal charges

he faces for alleged EU subsidy fraud,

something he has flatly denied. — AFP

Czech President Milos Zeman (R) hands over the certificate of appointment to ANO (‘YES’) party leader Andrej Babis as he appoints him as the country’s new prime minister on Wednesday at the Prague Castle in Prague. — AFP

Lawmakers warn Buhari over security, graftABUJA: Nigeria’s President

Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday

faced a threat of impeachment after

lawmakers issued a raft of demands

over security and corruption in a

deepening rift with the executive.

Both chambers of parliament

said the National Assembly “will not

hesitate to (invoke) its constitutional

powers if nothing is done,” in a clear

warning to the 75-year-old leader.

Buhari, elected in 2015 on pledges

of defeating Boko Haram insurgents

and fighting endemic corruption,

is under pressure on both fronts as

he looks towards re-election next

February.

The militants, though weakened,

are still present in the northeast, while

central states have seen a resurgence

of deadly violence between cattle

herders and farmers.

At the same time, kidnapping

gangs and cattle thieves have

increased attacks in the wider north.

The lawmakers’ statement

followed a closed-door meeting in

Abuja on Tuesday.

In it, they call for security chiefs to

be sacked for failing to protect lives

and property while also castigating

Buhari for appointing them in the

first place.

It accused the head of the federal

police, Ibrahim Idris, of “doing

nothing” to prevent the violence and

of being a yes-man appointed to do

the government’s bidding.

The executive uses the police and

security agencies for the “systematic

harassment and humiliation... of

perceived political opponents”, the

statement said.

It further accused Buhari of

being “selective” in his fight against

corruption and called for members

of his own administration with cases

against them to be prosecuted.

The main opposition Peoples’

Democratic Party has called

the former military ruler’s anti-

corruption drive a political witch-

hunt, as most of those charged are

PDP members.

That has raised tensions between

the legislature and the executive, as

has the government’s greater scrutiny

of parliamentary spending in an

effort to cut waste and fraud.

Lawmakers passed a “vote of

confidence” in embattled Senate

leader Bukola Saraki, who has been

linked to a criminal gang that carried

out an armed robbery in April that

killed 33.

Police on Sunday issued a

statement calling on Saraki, who

has denied the claims and suggested

he is being set up, to come in for

questioning.

He has been at loggerheads with

Buhari’s All Progressives Congress as

he was not the party’s first choice as

Senate president — the third-highest

position in Nigerian politics.

Both he and the speaker of the

lower House of Representatives,

Yakubu Dogara, defected from the

PDP before elections in 2015.

— AFP

Russia’s Soyuz MS-09 spacecraft carrying the members of the International Space Station (ISS) expedition 56/57 blasts off to the ISS from the launch pad at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome on Wednesday. — AFP

German Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency, NASA’s Serena Aunon-Chancellor and Russian Sergei Prokopyev of Roscosmos shot into the sky at 1112 GMT

‘CELEBRATION OF AMERICA’

US President Donald Trump holds his hand over his heart and sings the US National Anthem along with members of the US military at the “celebration of America” event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Tuesday. The event was arranged after Trump cancelled the planned visit of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House. — Reuters

OMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8 9

analysis

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of the Observer.

LAYAL ABOU RAHAL

even years after giving birth to Syria’s revolt, the country’s south looks

set to fall back into government hands likely through a rare consensus

emerging among rival powers.

The government has regained control of much of Syria with Russian

backing, and a win in the south would cap a string of victories this year.

Its strategic value comes from geography: the south borders Jordan

and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but also lies close to Damascus.

As a result, it’s a prized region for nearly all stakeholders in Syria’s

warped war: the government and rebels, plus Iran, Jordan, Israel,

Russia, and the United States. Typically bitterly divided over Syria,

most of those powers seem to agree on a government comeback in the

southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra.

“The southern front is the first example of international consensus

for the regime’s return,” says Nawar Oliver of the Turkey-based Omran

Institute. The government has amassed troops in Daraa and Quneitra

for weeks and dropped leaflets over Daraa city, the cradle of the 2011

revolt, demanding rebels give up.

Oliver says the south may fall without a fight.

“It’s clear there’s a consensus between powers — the Americans,

the Israelis, the Jordanians and the Russians — that the better choice

is for regime forces to deploy there without entering into a military

operation,” he said.

Rebels still hold most of Daraa and Quneitra.

The strange aligning-of-the-stars over southern Syria is the product

of talks led by Moscow, which has leveraged military support to Syrian

President Bashar al Assad into a mediator role.

It called last week for urgent negotiations with the US and Jordan on

the south, and last Thursday President Vladimir Putin discussed Syria

with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“International powers have reached near-consensus on the

Damascus regime’s return to Syria’s south, with its ally distanced from

the border,” says Sam Heller of the International Crisis Group.

Perhaps in exchange the regime may be allowed to exert control

over the neighbouring province of Daraa.

“But some parties don’t trust the regime to rein in its ally and

commit to distancing it from this sensitive area,” says Heller.

Russia is also seeking to appease Jordan, which hosts 660,000

Syrian refugees. Moscow, Amman, and Washington announced a

ceasefire in southern Syria last year that Heras says was a precursor to

the upcoming deal. — AFP

DEAL OR NO DEAL!

A secret AI to help find hidden N-missilesPHIL STEWART

he US military is increasing spending on

a secret research effort to use artificial

intelligence to help anticipate the launch of

a nuclear-capable missile, as well as track

and target mobile launchers in North Korea

and elsewhere.

The effort has gone largely unreported,

and the few publicly available details

about it are buried under a layer of near

impenetrable jargon in the latest Pentagon

budget.

But US officials familiar with the

research said there are multiple classified

programmes now under way to explore

how to develop AI-driven systems to better

protect the United States against a potential

nuclear missile strike.

If the research is successful, such

computer systems would be able to think

for themselves, scouring huge amounts

of data, including satellite imagery, with a

speed and accuracy beyond the capability

of humans, to look for signs of preparations

for a missile launch, according to more than

half a dozen sources.

The sources included US officials, who

spoke on condition of anonymity because

the research is classified.

Forewarned, the US government would

be able to pursue diplomatic options or, in

the case of an imminent attack, the military

would have more time to try to destroy the

missiles before they were launched, or try to

intercept them.

“We should be doing everything in

our power to find that missile before they

launch it and make it increasingly harder to

get it off (the ground),” one of the officials

said.

The Trump administration has proposed

more than tripling funding in next year’s

budget to $83 million for just one of the AI-

driven missile programmes, according to

several US officials and budget documents.

The boost in funding has not been

previously reported.

While the amount is still relatively small,

it is one indicator of the growing importance

of the research on AI-powered anti-missile

systems at a time when the United States

faces a more militarily assertive Russia

and a significant nuclear weapons threat

from long-time foe North Korea. “What

AI and machine learning allows you to do

is find the needle in the haystack,” said Bob

Work, a champion of AI technology who

was deputy defence secretary until last July,

without referring to any individual projects.

One person familiar with the

programmes said it includes a pilot project

focused on North Korea.

Washington is increasingly concerned

about Pyongyang’s development of mobile

missiles that can be hidden in tunnels,

forests and caves.

The existence of a North Korea-focused

project has not been previously reported.

While that project has been kept secret,

the military has been clear about its interest

in AI.

The Pentagon, for example, has disclosed

it is using AI to identify objects from video

gathered in its drone programme, as part of

a publicly touted effort launched last year

called “Project Maven.”

Still, some US officials say AI spending

overall on military programmes remains

woefully inadequate.

The Pentagon is in a race against China

and Russia to infuse more AI into its war

machine, to create more sophisticated

autonomous systems that are able to learn

by themselves to carry out specific tasks.

The Pentagon research on using AI to

identify potential missile threats and track

mobile launchers is in its infancy and is just

one part of that overall effort.

There are scant details on the AI missile

research, but one US official said that an

early prototype of a system to track mobile

missile launchers was already being tested

within the US military.

This project involves military and private

researchers in the Washington DC area.

It is pivoting off technological advances

developed by firms financed by In-Q-

Tel, the intelligence community’s venture

capital fund, officials said. — Reuters

ESTABLISHED ON 15 NOVEMBER 1981

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili

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Ramadhan lessons from Musandam branch of OCCIhe Musandam branch of the Oman Chamber

of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is making

extraordinary efforts during this holy month of

Ramadhan.

These efforts are aimed at serving the society and

getting closer to it.

It is developing promising social partnerships.

It shows that it has diverse ideas to serve the

society and how to connect to it using various

means and methods.

Other branches of the OCCI in other governorates

of the Sultanate are also actively working in one or

the other way to serve the people.

But the Musandam branch of the OCCI shows

a new approach in organising various Ramadhan

social, cultural and sports activities.

All age groups and all segments of the society are

participating in its activities.

This togetherness is a source of energy and

innovative ideas.

It is helping local youth converging at one place

within the country and indulge in various types of

activities, instead of crossing borders and going to

neighbouring countries.

The Musandam branch of the OCCI through

Ramadhan activites shows the role of the private

sector in developing partnership with the society.

Almost all organisations and institutions in

Musandam participated in large numbers in the

activities organised by the OCCI in Musandam.

For example, there were more than 16 sports

teams of various companies, which comprised more

than 200 participants, took part in hexagonal league.

There was extraordinary presence of common

people to cheer up and support their team of choice.

This helped them understand various aspects of

their local economy, its progress, those who played

the role in its development, salient features of the

economy of their governorate.

These events and activities were not just confined

to Iftar parties.

But they were actually platforms for creating

more interaction and communication among the

people.

The development of innovative ideas on the one

hand and creation of more contact and cohesion

with the society on the other is very important for

the development of commercial activities.

The approach of social partnership adopted by

the Musandam branch of OCCI in its Ramadhan

camps resulted in diverse activities and events.

These activities attracted all segments of the

society.

It helped the common people in enlivening them

culturally, socially, economically and in sports.

All this was done as part of its social responsibility.

What the Musandam branch of OCCI is doing

is that it is presenting the private sector to the

governorate in the most unconventional way.

It is very important that the sector introduces

itself, its activities, what it offers and its programmes.

The private sector is required to organise

activities at the governorate level so that it enriches

local culture as well as bridge gap between various

segments of the society, particularly youth, polish

their skills so that they can become more productive.

These initiatives were taken in Musandam

Governorate for the first time.

They were wonderful.

They proved to be very popular among the

people of the area.

It was very important that such activities were

organised which can attract more and more people

and absorb their energies and spirit.

The branches of the OCCI in other governorates

should learn from this experience in Musandam

which was done during Ramadhan and what is also

tried throughout the year as well.

There is no doubt that many companies and

institutions played major role in supporting

activities for the society.

But this was the first time, when we saw that they

themselves come forward to organise such diverse

cultural, social and sports activities.

It is a new initiative taken by various companies.

It would introduce the positive role being played

by the OCCI and that it would send the message that

it was closer to the society.

This would help in development of direct

relations between the chamber and the society.

This is what we need in all governorates of the

Sultanate. We are confident that these and similar

such efforts will be successful.

Other branches of the OCCI would also explore

such opportunities, capabilities and would get

involved in such activities to build relationship with

the society taking cue from Musandam.

T

T

S

The Trump administration has proposed more than tripling funding in next year’s budget to $83 million for just one of the AI-driven missile programmes, officials say

The development of innovative ideas on the one hand and creation of more contact and cohesion with the society on the other is very important for the development of commercial activities.

ALI AL MATANI ali.matani2@gmail.com

sportOMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 810

football

England shouldn’t settle for second best: SterlingLONDON: England’s Raheem Sterling

insists nothing less than winning the

World Cup in Russia next month will be

satisfactory despite the Three Lions’ failure

to even progress to the later stages in recent

tournaments.

Gareth Southgate’s men travel to their base

in Repino, north-west of Saint Petersburg,

next week looking to end 52 years without

winning a major tournament since the 1966

World Cup.

Sterling was part of the England sides that

crashed out at the group stages four years ago

and in humiliating fashion to Iceland in the

last 16 of Euro 2016.

But he rejected suggestions England

should be happy with progress to the quarter-

finals this time round.

“No, it won’t be good enough at all,

because you want to win it,” he said at

England’s pre-tournament media day.

“I’m not coming here to spend four, five,

six weeks of my life to say ‘let’s see what

happens and hopefully last 16’.”

England captain Harry Kane has

also called on his team-mates to forget

the negativity that has surrounded their

predecessors at major tournaments.

And Sterling believes there is enough

talent in a youthful squad to back up his bold

ambitions.

“We’ve got 23 players here, 23 good

players, very good players, and you know we

all have the mentality to say that we’re going

to win the games,” he added.

“Every player wants to win the World

Cup, every country wants to win the

World Cup so anything less than that is

not really a bonus. Of course, you can take

positives out of everything, but you won’t be

entirely happy if you don’t win it, no.”

Difficult week

Sterling has endured a difficult week of media

coverage over a tattoo of an M16 assault rifle

on his leg.

The Manchester City winger explained

the tattoo references the shooting of his

father who was gunned down in Jamaica

when the Manchester City winger was just

two years of age.

Adding to Sterling’s woes, he was forced

to apologise to his team-mates after turning

up to England’s training camp a day late

following a flight mix-up on his way back

from holiday and was then booked for diving

in Saturday’s 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria.

However, Sterling has been publicly

backed by his manager Gareth Southgate

and been handed the number 10 shirt for

the World Cup. And despite the negative

publicity surrounding his tattoos, Sterling

revealed he’s had a tattoo of the number 10

on his arm for some time such has been his

desire to wear that number for his country.

“I know I shouldn’t mention it but I’ve

got a tattoo of it on my arm,” he added. “It’s

something I’ve always wanted to do: wear the

number 10 for England. — AFP

England’s Raheem Sterling and Kieran Trippier celebrate after the friendly match against Nigeria. — Reuters

Tunisia aiming to progress past World Cup group stageTunisia are aiming to reach the knockout stages of the

World Cup for the first time in their history when they

head to Russia, defender Yohan Benalouane has said.

The African nation recorded their first victory in

the World Cup finals when they beat Mexico in 1978

but have not won at the tournament since.

Having qualified for the finals for the first time

since 2006, Tunisia face a tough test in Russia, where

they compete against England, Belgium and Panama

in Group G.

“The first objective

is to get through the

first round as it would

be amazing for our

country. To have a good

World Cup with all my

team-mates will be a

good thing,” Leicester

City centre back

Benalouane told the

club’s website https://

www.lcfc.com.

“For me, it was a big

emotion (to play for

Tunisia), because to go

on the pitch with the

shirt of your country, it’s

always something special. I hope we can do something

good for the World Cup.”

Benalouane, 31, could face his Leicester team-

mates Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy along with

several other Premier League rivals when Tunisia kick

off their World Cup campaign against England on

June 18.

“Obviously, it will be a good game and it’s always

a pleasure to meet other people from my team in the

World Cup. It will be a big challenge for us,” he added.

“Vards (Jamie Vardy) is always difficult, because he

is an electric man. He is a very good striker, he has top

quality, he scores a lot.

“We have to be focused, because we know his

quality. I hope, for him, that he has a good World Cup,

but not against Tunisia.” — Reuters

Tunisia’s head coach Nabil Maaloul oversees a training session. — AFP

Rivaldo backs ‘brilliant’ Fred to deliver forManchester UnitedBrazilian midfielder Fred will need time to adapt to the

demands of English football but has all the attributes

to succeed at Manchester United, former World Player

of the Year Rivaldo has said.

United confirmed on Tuesday that they have

reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign

Fred for a British media reported fee of £52 million

($69.72 million).

The 25-year-old has made eight appearances for

Brazil and was named in the county’s 23-man squad

for the World Cup, and Rivaldo reckons his compatriot

could be the missing piece of United’s midfield jigsaw.

“He is a wonderful player,” Rivaldo, who was part

of Brazil’s World Cup winning team in 2002, told

reporters.

“Like any other player when you move to a new

country, he will need a little bit of time to adapt.

“But when you are a good player and a brilliant

midfielder like he is, he is going to do well and he is

going to be good for Manchester United and they will

be good for him.”

United boss Jose Mourinho is looking to

strengthen his midfield following the retirement of

Michael Carrick and the uncertainty over the future of

Marouane Fellaini at Old Trafford. — Reuters

Brazil’s Filipe Luis and Fred during training action. — Reuters

Russia coach Stanislav

Cherchesov. — Reuters

MOSCOW: The recent performances of World

Cup hosts Russia have left plenty of questions

about their prospects at the tournament that opens

next week.

On Tuesday, Russia extended their winless

streak to seven matches with a 1-1 home draw

against Turkey — meaning they have not chalked

up a single victory in eight months.

Stanislav Cherchesov’s side have five wins, six

draws and nine defeats since the former Russian

international goalkeeper took over in August 2016.

“Everything’s bad,” declared the Wednesday

front page of Sport Express daily, which said the

national side’s play had dampened the mood of

fans in the country.

“With such a performance from our national

team our chances look pretty low,” schoolteacher

Daniil Pospelov, who watched the Turkey match

from a Moscow pub, said.

“We need to learn how to attack constructively

to get a result regardless of whether the opponents’

team make mistakes or not.”

However Vitaly Mutko, who was once the head

of Russian football but temporarily stepped down

after he was linked to state-sponsored doping

programmes, was not disturbed by the result.

“It’s not a problem that the squad haven’t won a

single match within a year,” Sport Express quoted

Mutko as saying.

“Don’t forget who have the opponents have

been — Argentina, Spain, Brazil, France.

Cherchesov, who on Tuesday became the

country’s first manager to fail to win in seven

consecutive games, also found some positives in

his team’s performance compared to their previous

friendly last week.

“I think we’ve made a qualitative leap ahead by

comparison to the match with Austria,” he said.

However, attempts to put a brave face on a sorry

business angered many of the country’s veterans.

“I don’t grieve for Cherchesov and his plans,”

former Manchester United star and Russian

international Andrei Kanchelskis told Sport Express. “For me his ideas are ridiculous and

unreal. I’m worried about our footballers.

“I just cannot grieve for the ridiculous coaching

team that destroys our football.”

Russia kick off their World Cup against Saudi

Arabia in Group A at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow

on June 14 and also face Egypt in St Petersburg on

June 19 and Uruguay in Volgograd on June 25.

— AFP

SPECIAL BREED

RUSSIA LAMENTS

WINLESS STREAK BEFORE WORLD CUP

sportOMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8 11

tennis

PARIS: Novak Djokovic is facing

the gravest crisis of his career after a

shock French Open defeat to Italian

journeyman Marco Cecchinato

left him contemplating missing

Wimbledon to rebuild his game and

reboot his state of mind.

The 31-year-old Serb slumped to

an epic 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 7-6 (13/11)

quarterfinal loss to world number 72

Cecchinato, a player who had never

won a match at the majors before this

year’s Roland Garros.

Djokovic, a former world number

one and 12-time Grand Slam title

winner, had previously only been

beaten by a player ranked lower

than 25-year-old Cecchinato at the

majors on two occasions — Marat

Safin at Wimbledon in 2008 when the

maverick Russian was at 78 and 117th-

ranked Denis Istomin at last year’s

Australian Open.

Tuesday’s defeat left Djokovic

shell-shocked, so much so that he

threatened to skip the forthcoming

grasscourt season and, by extension,

Wimbledon where he is a three-time

champion.

“I don’t know if I’m going to play

on grass — I’m just not thinking about

tennis at the moment,” said Djokovic

who opted to conduct his post-match

media duties on Tuesday in a minor

conference room, which had already

been shut up for the evening, far away

from the waiting cameras.

His career statistics which used

to sing of record-breaking feats now

make grim reading.

The last of his 12 majors was secured

at Roland Garros in 2016 when he

completed a career Grand Slam.

That was the year he also became

the first player to break through the

career $100 million prize money

barrier.

But his last run to a semifinal at the

Slams was when he went onto finish

runner-up at the 2016 US Open.

The Djokovic resume lists 68 career

titles but he’s only won four since his

French Open triumph in 2016.

That Paris win came after three final

defeats in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

‘LIFE IS DIFFICULT’

What was particularly frustrating for

Djokovic on Tuesday was the manner

of his defeat.

He may have had to call two

medical timeouts for a neck and right

leg injury, but chance after chance

was squandered.

Three set points came and went in

the 12th game of the second set, three

break points were wasted in the sixth

game of the fourth before he blew

the chance to level the tie at two sets

apiece in the ninth game.

He had another three set points

in the gripping fourth set tiebreaker,

the third of which flew into the Paris

evening sky off an ugly ballooned

forehand.

There was still a hint of the old

Djokovic magic as he desperately

clung on, saving one match point

with a no-look backhand volley.

Djokovic, attempting to reach a

32nd Grand Slam semifinal, knows

there are lingering problems in his

game. A ranking of 22 is the lowest

for 12 years, a consequence of his

long-standing elbow problems and

indifferent form.

He hasn’t made the final of a

tournament since winning the

Wimbledon warm-up at Eastbourne

last summer.

He won just two titles in 2017

compared to seven in 2016 and 11

in 2015. This year too has been a

rollercoaster.

He was knocked out of the

Australian Open in the last 16 by

Hyeon Chung, then ranked at 58.

Taro Daniel, the 109-ranked

Japanese player, stunned in him in

Indian Wells before Benoit Paire,

at 47 in the rankings, knocked him

out in Miami. In what was becoming

a familiar tale, Martin Klizan, at

140, stunned him in Barcelona

before there were signs of life with

a semifinal run at Rome where it

took Rafael Nadal to snuff out his

challenge in the semi-finals.

— AFP

Djokovic facing career crisis point 12of last majors

secured at Roland Garros in 2016

$100m the first player to break through the

prize money barrier

32nd

2nd

runner-up at the 2016 US Open

attempt to reach Grand Slam

semi-final

Oman beach handball team gearing up for World CupSPORTS REPORTERMUSCAT, JUNE 6

Oman beach handball team will

undergo a comprehensive training

before the Beach Handball World Cup

in Russia from July 23 to 29.

Oman team, coached by Hamood

al Hasani, will be helped by the

presence of the Iran team which is in

the Sultanate for an external camp.

In the friendly matches, Iran won the

first two matches and Oman the third

match. The fourth match is expected

to be played this week.

The experienced head coach Al

Hasani plans to make the Oman

team have as many internal camps

as possible and an external camp in

Croatia prior to the tournament.

Also, the external camp will include

a number of international friendly

matches against some of the strong

teams expected for the World Cup.

“Oman beach handball team is

ranked as one of the top teams at Asian

level. Reaching the World Cup for the

seventh time is an indication of Oman’s

top performance in this game. We are

looking forward to clinch the title for

the first time. We reached the runner

up position several times,” Moosa al

Balushi, General Secretary at Oman

Handball Association, said

“National beach handball team

players have started their internal

camp in May. A long external camp

in Croatia will begin from July 1 to

21 and it includes a series of friendly

matches,” Al Balushi added. Moosa al Balushi

BURTON ON TRENT: Without an

international cap to his name and just 26

Premier League appearances, 19-year-old

Trent Alexander-Arnold appears, on paper,

to be a relatively risky choice for England’s

World Cup campaign in Russia.

But England manager Gareth Southgate

is expected to give the Liverpool right

back his international debut in Thursday’s

friendly against Costa Rica in Leeds

completing a remarkable breakthrough

season for the defender.

Alexander-Arnold’s opportunities at

Anfield this year came earlier than expected

after a long-term injury to first choice

right back Nathaniel Clyne was followed

by his replacement Joe Gomez also being

sidelined.

Manager Juergen Klopp threw the

teenager in at the deep end and the

Liverpool academy product responded

with some impressive displays — even

when opponents targeted him, hoping to

exploit his inexperience.

The youngster said he sensed such

targeting, particularly in the Champions

League quarterfinal against Manchester

City, which in many ways was his coming

of age.

City overloaded their left flank and

constantly sought out winger Leroy Sane

but Alexander-Arnold held firm and his

attacking forays made a major contribution

to a famous victory.

“I think with the Man City game it was

blatantly obvious. But it is one of them

where you live for the opportunities to

show yourself on a big stage and they are

the games everyone wants to play in. So you

have to do your best and prove why you

shouldn’t be the target,” he said.

“The team is only as weak as its weakest

link and if they see me as the weakest link

then why can’t I be a strong part of the chain

and prove that we are an unbelievably strong

team. I think that is what we showed,” he

said, reflecting on Liverpool’s 5-1 aggregate

win against the Premier League champions.

— Reuters

Alexander-Arnold ready for World Cup

INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold during training.— Reuters

SPORTS REPORTERMUSCAT, JUNE 6

Ammar al Balushi on Honda S2000 claimed the top

spot at the Gymkhana race, organised as part of the

Ramadhan Motorsports Festival, held on Tuesday at

Oman Automobile Association (OAA).

Warith al Harthy on Nissan Siliva bagged the second

place while Ali al Ardhi finished third on BMW M3.

As many as nine drivers participated in the race.

Only eight of them reached the final round namely

Ammar al Balushi — Honda S2000, Sultan al Balushi

— Mercedes A45, Bader al Fari — Subaru Impreza,

Warth al Kharousi — Subaru Impreza, Warth al

Harthy — Mitsubishi Evo 7, Riyadh al Mabsali —

Toyota Supra, Ali al Ardhi — BMW M3 and Mazen al

Shanfari — Subaru Impreza STI.

Gymkhana race is a combination of drift, Speed

races “Auto-X” and Drag Race. It requires a high level

of control by the driver in the car and has to finish the

circuit path within best recorded time. Two drivers

will enter the circuit at the same time and start the

game in same path and change it later. The winner will

complete the path within less time.

The race is part of sixth edition of the Ramadhan

Motorsports Festival at the headquarters of Oman

Automobile Association (OAA).

The different series of activities and races held

during the festival in eight rounds included drifting,

SWS races for karting, Auto-X races, karting endurance

races, Rally T-3 Cup and Gymkhana.

AMMAR AL BALUSHItops Gymkhana race

THURSDAY | JUNE 7, 2018 | RAMADHAN 22, 1439 AH

editor@omanobserver.om www.omanobserver.om

follow us @observersportzsport

THURSDAY | JUNE 7, 2018 | RAMADHAN 22, 1439 AH

editor@omanobserver.om www.omanobserver.omfollow us @oman_biz

MUSCAT STOCK

MARKET

CRUDE OIL PRICE

4,580.34Oman Crude $ 73.76Brent Crude $ 75.85Light Crude $ 65.36business

New projects to reduce Oman’s dependence on cement importsCONRAD PRABHUMUSCAT, JUNE 6

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of

Duqm has been tipped to host a string

of new cement mills which, along with

a sizable investment planned in Suhar,

is set to ramp up Oman’s cement

production capacity exponentially.

Driving the strategy to upscale

the Sultanate’s aggregate capacity

for the production of cement — a

strategically important commodity

— is the Implementation Support &

Follow-Up (ISFU) Unit, a task force

set up under the auspices of the Diwan

of Royal Court to oversee the timely

execution of a number of initiatives

designed to spur the nation’s economic

diversification.

The goal, according to the ISFU

Unit, is to bridge the gap between

cement consumption and domestic

production capacity — a gulf that is

presently addressed by substantial

imports. “The aim of the initiative

is to increase the local production of

cement.

The outlook for the Sultanate for

the growth of this industry remains

positive as the government has been

rolling out infrastructure projects as

part of its economic development

plans. Moreover, Oman is rich in

minerals needed for the cement

industry such as limestone and

gypsum,” the Unit said in its newly

published Annual Report 2017.”

According to the report, the

Sultanate “witnessed a gap between

the consumption and demand for

cement” since 2006.

“Of the total demand of 9 million

metric tonnes (MT) of cement in

2015, 54 per cent was met through

imports, and the remainder 46 per

cent was produced from the local

plants. The initiative intends to ensure

that the country produces its own

cement and reduces the reliance on

cement imports.” TURN TO P14

(For illustration only)

Four new ventures to add 5 million tonnes of cement capacity in Duqm

Plan to deliver RO2.5bn public projects via PPP by 2020

CONRAD PRABHUMUSCAT, JUNE 6

As many as eight public projects have

been identified for implementation by

the private sector as part of the Omani

government’s ambitions to promote

the widespread adoption of the Public-

Private-Partnership (PPP) model in

the development of infrastructure, as

well as provision of public services.

They are among a total of 16

public schemes that the government

is keen on seeing being delivered

by the private sector via the PPP

route. The objective, according to the

Implementation Support & Follow-up

Unit (ISFU) — which is monitoring

the timely execution of economic

initiatives conceived under Tanfeedh

and other such programmes — is to

ensure that priority public projects

worth an estimated RO 2.5 billion

are delivered through Public-Private

Partnerships (PPP) by the year 2020.

According to ISFU’s newly released

Annual Report 2017, eight public

ventures have been earmarked for

implementation by private firms via

the PPP route.

They include a major affordable

mass housing complex promoted

by the Ministry of Housing, a Fruits

& Vegetables Market at Al Felaij

backed by Muscat Municipality,

Central Lab Complex of the Ministry

of Health, grain storage silos of

the Public Authority for Stores

and Food Reserves, a fishing port

at Barka planned by the Ministry

of Agriculture and Fisheries, and

a Centre for Animals and Plants

Genetic Resources promoted by The

Research Council.

Of this list, four projects —

notably the mass housing scheme,

grain silo at Suhar, Barka fishing

port, and Central Lab — have either

already been awarded to the private

sector or are in the process of being

done, the Unit said.

Importantly, the uptake of projects

under the PPP model represents a

major triumph for the government’s

efforts to promote the PPP-based

concept of development, although

a regulatory framework for public-

private-partnerships is yet to be

formally endorsed. That effort,

according to ISFU, is ongoing, with

a Royal Decree on the framework

expected to be issued before the end

of this year. Also in the works is a new

PPP law, a draft of which is currently

being reviewed by the Council of

Ministers.

“The initiative aims to establish

foundations and standards for the

public entities to propose projects to

implement through a PPP model,” said

the Unit in its report. “For this purpose,

the 9th five-year development plan

was used as a reference to identify

projects that can be delivered through

PPP. The objective of is to deliver

priority public projects worth RO

2.519 billion by 2020 through public-

private partnerships. In 2017, the

target was to have eight projects with

complete profiles and make four

projects ready to be awarded to private

sector through PPP.” By the end of

2018, eight projects are expected to be

approved under the PPP regulatory

framework, the Unit added.

NEW AVENUES: New Public-Private Partnership (PPP) regulatory framework likely to be issued before year-end

(For illustration only)

businessOMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 814

insideoman

Q1 MENA M&A activity down by 21.8 per centBUSINESS REPORTERMUSCAT, JUNE 6

MENA M&A activity recorded 93

announced deals in Q1 2018, a decline

of 21.8 per cent when compared to

119 deals in Q1 of 2017, according to

EY’s Q1 2018 M&A report. The total

disclosed deal value in MENA also

dropped by 26.7 per cent in Q1 2018

to $15.4 billion, compared to $21

billion in Q1 2017. Of the transactions

across the MENA region, the United

Arab Emirates saw the highest deal

value with $5.1 billion from 23 deals

announced in the first quarter of this

year.

The first quarter of 2018 saw

inbound deal activity and value

increase; however, both deal activity

and value declined for outbound and

domestic transactions. The announced

number of inbound deals was 27 deals,

up by 42.1 per cent from the 19 deals

announced in Q1 2017. The inbound

deal value increased by 138.7 per cent

to $7.4 billion in Q1 2018, up from $3.1

billion in Q1 2017.

The number of outbound deals fell

from 41 deals in Q1 2017 to 29 deals

in Q1 2018, while outbound deal value

fell by 63.8 per cent. The MENA region

also saw a decline in domestic deals as

they fell from 59 announced deals in

Q1 2017 to 37 deals in Q1 2018, with

domestic deal value falling by 28.2 per

cent.

Phil Gandier, MENA Transaction

Advisory Services Leader, EY, says:

“Confidence in the economy remains

strong, though MENA companies

are taking a pause as rising inflation,

market volatility, and high deal

valuations have businesses looking to

preserve capital rather than deploy it in

the short term. In particular, companies

in Saudi Arabia and Egypt are taking a

wait-and-see approach. Last year, UAE

companies dominated both inbound

and outbound M&A activity and we

expect the UAE to continue driving

MENA deals in 2018.”

The sector with the highest deal

value in Q1 2018 was oil and gas with

an amount reaching $7.2 billion. The

chemicals sector followed with a deal

value of $2.5 billion and the insurance

sector had the third highest deal value

at $1.2 billion. Rounding out the top

five sectors by deal value in the first

quarter of 2018 were provider care and

technology, both with deal values of $1

billion.

“Although deal volume has been

modest in the first quarter of 2018,

deal values relating to acquisition

capital deployed in MENA in Q1 2018

have reached their highest levels since

2001, with $10.2 billion invested in the

region. The insurance, medical and

education sectors have seen the highest

allocation of acquisition capital,” adds

Phil.

Executives in the region are feeling

optimistic about the MENA economy,

with 98 per cent saying they see it

as improving or stable, according

to the latest EY Capital Confidence

Barometer (CCB). Furthermore, 73

per cent of respondents expect the local

M&A market to improve this year,

with 37 per cent of executives actively

pursuing mergers and acquisitions

over the twelve months.

Almost 80 per cent of MENA

boards are focusing on portfolio

transformation over the next six

months in an effort to become more

agile and responsive to market volatility

and better prepare their organisations

for the future.

Anil Menon, MENA M&A and

Equity Capital Markets Leader, EY,

says: “MENA executives see portfolio

transformation as a means to further

strengthen their companies to achieve

long-term competitive advantage.

While the majority of executives

conduct portfolio reviews annually,

an increasing number are undertaking

reviews on a more continuous

basis. More than a quarter of CCB

respondents say that they are reviewing

their portfolios more frequently than

three years ago, largely because of

threats to their business from digitally-

enabled competitors and start-ups, as

well as the impact of digital technology

on their business models.

Saudi Arabia especially has been

active in stepping up its portfolio

reviews in recent years.”

Overall, more stable geopolitics

and favourable macro-economic

situations have MENA executives

anticipating more deal completions

this year, compared to the 78 per

cent of executives that either failed to

complete or cancelled an acquisition

last year.

“We can expect to see cross-border

deal making to be an important theme

over the next 12 months as companies

look to reallocate capital outside

of the region in pursuit of strategic

opportunities,” concludes Anil.

THE SECTOR WITH THE HIGHEST DEAL VALUE IN Q1 2018 WAS OIL AND

GAS WITH AN AMOUNT REACHING $7.2 BILLION. THE CHEMICALS SECTOR FOLLOWED WITH A DEAL

VALUE OF $2.5 BILLION AND THE INSURANCE

SECTOR HAD THE THIRD HIGHEST DEAL VALUE AT

$1.2 BILLION

Oman Air fetes graduates of MPL ProgrammeBUSINESS REPORTERMUSCAT, JUNE 6

Oman Air has announced the

graduation of the first batch of MPL

cadets as the trainees completed

all phases of the Boeing 737 Type

Rating Training. Oman Air earlier

announced its adoption of a multi-

crew pilot licence, which is the first

licence of its kind in the Sultanate in

close coordination with the Public

Authority for Civil Aviation. It should

be noted that the programme was

designed to suit the needs of Oman

Air training in accordance with

international regulations and the

regulations of the Public Authority for

Civil Aviation related to the approved

pilot training curriculums.

“We are very pleased to have the

first batch of the MPL graduated. The

programme has proven its concept,

by demonstrating its competence and

quality after receiving the required

approvals, from the Public Authority

for Civil Aviation, for this unique

programme and the first of its kind in

the history of aviation in Oman,” said

Abdul Aziz al Raisi, Chief Executive

Officer of Oman Air. “

Capt Ali Sulaiman, Executive

Vice-President and Chief Operations

Officer, commented: “The graduation

of the first batch of MPL cadets is an

important step in the evolution of the

programme to match the requirements

of the global aviation environment. It

is worth noting that the readiness of

the cadets during the programme has

contributed to the acceleration of the

development of their skills during the

various stages”

Captain Khalid al Hashmi, Senior

Manager Crew Training Manager,

said: “The Graduation of the first

MPL batch in a competitive period

is an important step towards the

programme’s evolution which is

periodically evaluated to maintain the

highest levels of training and safety.

The second group of the MPL cadets

is now stating the in-house practical

training modules on the Boeing 737

fleet”.

BUSINESS ALERT

Ooredoo WiFi boosters on instalment plans

MUSCAT: Continuing to allow their customers enjoy the

Internet, Ooredoo’s latest WiFi devices are available on a

competitive instalment scheme for Fast and Superfast Home

Broadband contract customers. With affordable down

payments and repayments starting from just RO 3.5 a month,

Home Broadband users can boost their home experience

with WiFi Mesh device 2-packs (Linksys VELOP Tri-Band).

The scheme will provide families with great Internet speeds

and a remarkable WiFi experience in every corner of their homes.

Feras bin Abdallah al Shaikh (pictured), Director of Consumer Sales at

Ooredoo said, “As the digital world is always evolving, so are our customers’

digital needs. Our latest WiFi device instalment plans have proved incredibly

popular so far and continue to be available so that all of our customers

can experience the best in home Internet. This instalment plans combine

affordability and high-quality products and services. We are committed to

providing the online experience to all of our fixed customers, whether to game,

surf, stream, chat and more.”

OOMC gives scholarship to 3 MBA students

AS part of its commitment to create initiatives that enhance the capabilities of

local talents, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMC) has signed an agreement

with Sultan Qaboos University to sponsor three

postgraduate students within the college of

Economic and Political Science. The agreement,

which amounts to RO 4,500 annually per student

for three years, was signed by Oman Oil Marketing

Company CEO David Kalife and Dr Ali Saud al

Bimani, Vice Chancellor at the university.

David Kalife, Chief Executive Officer of Oman

Oil Marketing Company said, “One of the biggest impacts within a society is

made through education and because of our continuous belief in the importance

of education, we put it as one of corporate social responsibility pillars. We are

proud to partner with Sultan Qaboos University to provide three MBA students

with a tuition-based scholarship. As leaders, we have a responsibility to our

community and through such collaborations; we are able to make a long lasting

difference by investing in people.”

Alizz Islamic Bank promotes Omani staff

REAFFIRMING its position of developing local talent in

the banking sector, Alizz Islamic Bank’s Human Resources

Division has announced promotions of several of its

employees to senior management positions.

Chief Operating Officer, Moosa Masoud al Jadidi

has been promoted as General Manager, Ghalib Fawzi

al Busaidi as General Manager and Group Head of

Wholesale Banking, Mohammed al Ghassani as Assistant General Manager

of Distribution Channels and Wealth Management, Yasir Sameer al Azzawi as

Assistant General Manager and Head of SME Banking and Mustafa al Lawati as

Assistant General Manager and Head of Investment Banking, Project Finance

and Joint Financing. These promotions strongly emphasise Alizz Islamic Bank’s

commitment to increasing its Omani workforce in senior positions and to

developing career opportunities for advancing Omani nationals.

Outstanding benefits on Nissan car range

NISSAN Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), is

offering a wide range of benefits for its patrons on its entire passenger car range

as part of its special Ramadhan ‘Dream Offer’. The Offer is designed to let you

keep driving and leave the rest to Nissan.

Nissan Oman’s Ramadhan ‘Dream Offer’ for the passenger car range extends

variety of attractive value propositions including assured cash gift of up to RO

2,500; 0 per cent interest up to three years or 1.99 per cent interest up to six

years; free registration and free insurance (terms and conditions). The offer also

comprises of free service package up to six years/100,000 kms and assured win

on scratch fuel up to RO 1,000. There are additional benefits on purchase of a

second vehicle in the family as well as a part of loyalty scheme.

FROM PAGE 13In all, four large-scale cement mills are envisioned

for implementation in Duqm SEZ. When operational, they will offer around 5 million tonnes of new cement capacity in the SEZ alone by 2021.

Notable is Al Taj Cement, which is investing in a 2 million MT capacity cement plant with backing from Iraq-based Al Yamama Engineering Co. Commercial operations are slated by the fourth quarter of 2020.

Also in the works is a new white cement plant, which will help dramatically reduce Oman’s longstanding dependence on imports covering a substantial part of demand for this commodity — used primarily in the construction industry. Imports averaging 78,200 MT in 2017 are expected to soar to 98,700 MT by 2026. The wider GCC is itself a net importer of white cement, having procured around 587,000 MT of the product in 2017 — a figure set to rise to 726,000 MT by 2026.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is currently studying the feasibility of establishing a 900 MT per day capacity white cement plant in Duqm. “Based on the results of the feasibility study, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will prepare a full opportunity package and look for a potential investor,” ISFU said in its report.

Also making headway is the partnership of Oman-based Al Anwar Holding SAOG (40 per cent) and Hormozgan Cement of Iran (60 per cent), which plans to establish a cement-grinding unit with a capacity of around 1 million MT in Duqm. Land for the project has already been allocated, with commissioning targeted by early 2020.

Rounding off the list of new cement investments in Duqm is Al Wusta Cement — a JV of local cement manufacturers Oman Cement and Raysut Cement. The JV is looking at developing a 1.75 million MT capacity grey cement plant, for which a land usufruct agreement has already been inked with SEZAD.

The partners are currently updating a feasibility study into the venture, upon the completion of which both sides will initiate the groundwork for the necessary permits, financing and other project requirements.

New projects to reduce Oman’s dependence on cement imports

Bank Muscat rewards al Mazyona customers with Eid Al Fitr prize drawMUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial

services provider in the Sultanate, in line with

its vision ‘To serve you better, everyday’ and

commitment to partnership in promoting a

strong savings culture Oman, organised a special

al Mazyona savings prize draw in celebration of

Eid Al Fitr.

The exciting draw rewarded 50 customers

across the Sultanate with RO 2,000 each.

The prize draw was held at a Ramadhan Iftar

jointly hosted by Institutional Sales and al Jawhar

Privilege Banking for select customers at Al

Angham Restaurant in Opera Galleria.

Reaching out with a powerful call for savings,

Bank Muscat is committed to promoting the

concept of savings among all strata of society.

Guaranteeing more for everyone to share,

Oman’s flagship al Mazyona savings scheme offers

the biggest RO 10 million prize money in Oman

and the region.

Adding excitement to festivals and national

celebrations, the 2018 al Mazyona scheme rewards

customers with special prizes.

The highlights of 2018 al Mazyona savings

scheme include high value prizes for different

segments, including women, children, youth and

high saving customers.

Rewarding high savings balance customers,

al Mazyona has earmarked exclusive prizes,

including a mega RO 500,000 year-end prize for

asalah customers.

The monthly prizes for asalah Priority Banking

include RO 20,000 each for 10 winners and RO

50,000 each for two winners.

The end of year mega prizes awaiting al Jawhar

customers include RO 100,000 each for two

customers. The monthly prizes reserved for al

Jawhar customers include RO 10,000 each for 10

winners and RO 20,000 each for two winners.

Al Mazyona rewards a large number of

customers every month.

The monthly prizes include RO 1,000 each for

140 winners and RO 5,000 each for 28 winners

across the Sultanate.

Notably, al Mazyona has retained an exciting

salary transfer scheme to reward winners with

a fixed salary prize of RO 500 every month for a

year.

All that customers need to do is transfer their

salary of RO 500 and above to the bank.

Ten customers are rewarded every month in

the salary transfer scheme.

An exclusive draw for Zeinah women

customers coinciding with the Omani Women’s

Day in October is another highlight in which 20

customers will be rewarded with RO 5,000 each.

On the occasion of the Sultanate’s 48th National

Day, a special draw will be held offering RO 3,000

each for 48 winners.

Targeted at Zeinah women customers

maintaining a minimum balance of RO 100, al

Mazyona offers 10 monthly prizes of RO 1,000

each.

Al Mazyona Children’s Account holders can

also participate in exclusive monthly draws in

which 30 winners are rewarded every month

with RO 100 each and another 10 children whose

birthday fall in the same month can win Birthday

prize of RO 100 each with a minimum saving

balance of RO 50.

businessOMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8 15international

LONDON: Oil prices rose on

Wednesday after Venezuela raised

the prospect of a halt to some crude

exports, but gains were capped by

reports that the US government

had asked Saudi Arabia and some

other Opec producers to increase

output.

F a l l i n g

Venezuelan oil

production helped

push up global oil

benchmark Brent

crude to over $80 a

barrel last month.

Brent was up

50 cents a barrel

at $75.88 by 0730

GMT.

US light crude

was 20 cents

higher $65.72.

Venezuela has the world’s

biggest oil reserves and is a

key supplier to American fuel

markets but its output has

been hampered by inadequate

investment, mismanagement and

a confrontation with the United

States that has led to sanctions.

Three sources have said that

Venezuelan state firm PDVSA

is considering declaring force

majeure on some exports, amid

plummeting output and tanker

bottlenecks at ports.

“It’s a tug of war between the

loss of supply from Venezuela

and Iran and the potential output

increase from Opec and US

shale,” said Tony Nunan, risk

manager at Mitsubishi Corp. “$80

is a temporary ceiling for oil until

we hear from Opec.”

The Organisation of the

Petroleum Exporting Countries

and Russia will

meet on June 22-23

to decide whether

to increase

p r o d u c t i o n

following a fall in

global inventories

as world demand

outstrips supply.

US sanctions

on Iran are also

threatening to

reduce oil exports

from the Opec

producer.

The United States government

has unofficially asked Saudi

Arabia and some other Opec

producers to increase output,

sources said on Tuesday.

“At the moment, the oil price is

being driven by Opec and views

on how much and how quickly

Opec plus will raise output,” said

Energy Aspects analyst Virendra

Chauhan.

It was reported on May 25 that

the producers were considering

a supply increase of 1 million

barrels per day, with a final

decision to be made at the June

meeting in Vienna. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s central

bank governor has resigned, the

prime minister said on Wednesday,

after claims the bank helped the

previous regime cover debts linked

to a financial scandal by purchasing

government land.

Muhammad Ibrahim’s (pictured)

days had looked numbered since

the new government, which came

to power last month after a shock

election win, disclosed the purchase

made by Bank Negara Malaysia from

Najib Razak’s government.

Former prime minister Najib,

his family and cronies, are accused

of looting billions of dollars from

sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in an

elaborate fraud that stretched from

Switzerland to Los Angeles.

The graft allegations were a

major reason voters rejected Najib’s

coalition, breaking their six-decade

hold on power.

Announcing Muhammad’s

resignation, Prime Minister Mahathir

Mohamad said the Harvard-educated

banker’s replacement had not yet been

decided on and the king still needed

to give his approval.

In late 2017, Najib’s government

sold land in Kuala Lumpur for about

two billion ringgit ($500 million) to

the central bank, according to the

finance ministry. — AFP

WASHINGTON: Facebook Inc

said it has data sharing partnerships

with at least four Chinese companies

including Huawei, the world’s third

largest smartphone maker, which

has come under scrutiny from US

intelligence agencies on security

concerns.

The social media company said

Huawei, computer maker Lenovo

Group, and smartphone makers

OPPO and TCL Corp were among

about 60 companies worldwide that

received access to some user data

after they signed contracts to re-create

Facebook-like experiences for their

users.

Members of Congress raised

concerns after The New York Times reported on the practice on Sunday,

saying that data of users’ friends could

have been accessed without their

explicit consent.

Facebook denied that and said

the data access was to allow its users

to access account features on mobile

devices.

More than half of the partnerships

have already been wound down,

Facebook said.

It said on Tuesday it would end the

Huawei agreement later this week.

It is ending the other three

partnerships with Chinese firms as

well.

Chinese telecommunications

companies have come under scrutiny

from US intelligence officials who

argue they provide an opportunity

for foreign espionage and threaten

critical US infrastructure, something

the Chinese have consistently denied.

Senator Mark Warner, vice

chairman of the Intelligence

Committee, who asked Facebook if

Huawei was among the companies that

received user data, said in a statement

that the House of Representatives

Intelligence Committee had raised

concerns about Huawei dating back

in 2012.

“The news that Facebook provided

privileged access to Facebook’s API to

Chinese device makers like Huawei

and TCL raises legitimate concerns,

and I look forward to learning more

about how Facebook ensured that

information about their users was not

sent to Chinese servers,” Warner said.

API, or application program

interface, essentially specifies how

software components should interact.

A Facebook executive said the

company had carefully managed

the access it gave to the Chinese

companies.

“Facebook along with many other

US tech companies have worked

with them and other Chinese

manufacturers to integrate their

services onto these phones,” Francisco

Varela, vice-president of mobile

partnerships for Facebook, said in a

statement. “Facebook’s integrations

with Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO and

TCL were controlled from the get-

go — and we approved the Facebook

experiences these companies built.”

Varela added that “given the

interest from Congress, we wanted to

make clear that all the information

from these integrations with Huawei

was stored on the device, not on

Huawei’s servers.” — Reuters

Malaysia bank chief quits over scandal

Oil prices rise on export concerns on Venezuela

Facebook confirms data sharing with at least four Chinese firms

An oil tank is seen at PDVSA’s Jose Antonio Anzoategui industrial complex in the state of Anzoategui, Venezuela. — Reuters

A screen shows Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg as Xiaomi founder Lei Jun introduces a new VR headset during a product launch in Shenzhen. — Reuters

AUSTRALIA’S EXPORTS RISE

A container ship is pushed to it’s berth by a tug at the Port of Melbourne. Australia’s economy recorded a strong start to the year as exports and business inventories rose, official data showed on Wednesday, but analysts warned soft consumer spending would keep a rise in interest rates at bay. — AFP

BERLIN: Manufacturers in the EU suffer revenue losses of $70 billion per year as a result of counterfeit goods being brought into the region, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) said in a report on Wednesday.

The report predicted higher revenue losses for manufacturers in the future, with up to $99 billion expected to be lost to counterfeiters.

“Lenient sentences and high returns on capital are incentives for criminal gangs to engage in counterfeiting activities,” said the EU agency, which is based in Spain.

As counterfeiters have become more professional, the range of counterfeit products they offer has increased, with almost all branded products — not just luxury goods — being imitated in the shadow economy.

The report analysed 13 industries and their supply chains, finding that the most commonly counterfeited products included watches, shoes, perfume, cosmetics, and leather products.

Low prices and “a low degree of social stigma” around purchasing counterfeit goods are among the reasons for consumers to buy fake goods, according to the report.

The economic damage of the counterfeit economy is said to cost individual EU citizens $135 per capita.

The report found that Albania, Morocco and the Ukraine were the main transit countries for fake goods to enter the EU. — dpa

Manufacturers lose $70 billion yearly to counterfeits

IN BRIEF

ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia said it

would open its state-run telecoms

monopoly and state-owned Ethiopian

Airlines to private domestic and

foreign investment, a major policy shift

that will loosen the state’s grip on the

economy.

The East African nation of 100

million people has one of the most

closed and controlled economies in

Africa. The ruling EPRDF coalition, in

power since 1991, has long supported

deep state involvement in the economy.

But the EPRDF said on Tuesday that

Ethiopia needed economic reforms

to sustain rapid growth and boost its

exports.

“While majority stakes will be held

by the state, shares in Ethio Telecom,

Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopian Power,

and the Maritime Transport and

Logistics Corporation will be sold to

both domestic and foreign investors,” it

said in a statement.

It was referring to the state

monopolies in the electricity, telecoms

and logistics sectors, as well as the

highly profitable national flag carrier.

The announcement was the first

clear signal that Prime Minister Abiy

Ahmed, who came to power in April

promising a “new political beginning”,

would implement real economic

reforms.

The 41-year-old former army officer

was appointed by the EPRDF after his

predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn,

resigned in February after three years

of unrest in which hundreds of people

were killed by security forces.

Observers say Abiy is under pressure

to meet high public expectations. In

the past two months he has travelled

around Ethiopia, promising to address

grievances and to strengthen a range of

political and civil rights.

Earlier on Tuesday parliament

approved the government’s decision to

lift a six-month state of emergency two

months earlier than planned.

One challenge is appealing to

disaffected youth, which will require

the creation of many more jobs. Anger

over high unemployment fuelled

violence that led to Hailemariam’s

resignation.

Around 40 per cent of the

population is under the age of 15,

the United Nations says. Up to three

million people enter the labour market

every year but most do not find jobs,

local economists say.

Massive state-led infrastructure

projects that are expanding road and

rail networks have driven economic

growth of nearly 10 per cent for the

past decade.

But the heavy spending has drained

capital from heavily regulated state

banks and left little for local businesses

and the few foreign investors allowed

into a handful of sectors.

Local and foreign investors have

long said that opening up new sectors

could ease a shortage of foreign

exchange. — Reuters

Ethiopia opens up telecoms, airline to foreign investors

Ethiopian Airlines’ newly acquired Boeing 777-300ER aircraft arrives at the Bole International Airport in capital Addis Ababa, in this file photo. — Reuters

OIL PRICES

FALLING VENEZUELAN OIL

PRODUCTION HELPED PUSH

UP GLOBAL OIL BENCHMARK

BRENT CRUDE TO OVER $80 A BARREL

LAST MONTH.

SHANGHAI: Alibaba Group

Holding Ltd’s logistics affiliate

said on Wednesday that it would

lead a joint venture to invest $1.53

billion in a new logistics centre

at Hong Kong’s airport as part

of its efforts to expand its global

delivery network.

Cainiao Smart Logistics

Network will take a 51 per cent

stake in the joint venture, while

Chinese state investment firm

China National Aviation Corp

(Group) and courier YTO Express

will each hold 35 per cent and 14

per cent, respectively, Cainiao said

in a statement.

It said that the centre, which

will cover an estimated gross floor

area of 380,000 square metres, is

expected to be able to handle 1.7

million tonnes of cargo per annum

at full capacity after it opens in

2023. — Reuters

Alibaba to invest $1.53bn in Hong Kong logistics hub

ONE

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editor@omanobserver.om www.omanobserver.om

THURSDAY | JUNE 7, 2018 | RAMADHAN 22, 1439 AH

CLASSIFIED SECTIONRUWI

: 24785668/ 99841230Behind Royal Oman Police, Adjacent to Dhofar Building,

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1.

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96596348.

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For Sale/Rent

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Lost

Buying

AL

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FRESH MBA (HR & Marketing) graduate Indian with BTech ( computer science & Engineering) seeking immediate placement. Contact

92382195/99002103.

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B.TECH civil engineer with post graduate degree in structural engineering from UK, 2 years experience in Oman with driving licence. Contact

95525925.

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INDIAN male, MBA Finance with 5 years of experience in Investment Banking, Fund management, capital markets, Equity funds, Hedge funds, Mutual funds, Accounting and Financial consultant with good communication skills, seeks suitable placement. Now available on visit visa in Muscat.

93129561/95755620. jaison.vincent1389@gmail.com

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EXPERIENCE at plumbing, maintenance, decor and installing ceramic.

96191837/ Abu Al Hussain 98937266.

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A DRIVER looking for a job in any company. Noveal Karoth 93243853.

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INDIAN male, MBA, 10 years Oman experience in marketing and sales of IT products. Seeks suitable placement. 92696973. Email: nvten2017@gmail.com

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INDIAN male B.Com 10 years Purchase/ Procurement (construction) Experience in Oman with valid D/L and NOC. Looking for suitable position. E-mail: snnkurian@gmail.com

95131814/96574390.

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HR and Admin. Omani Female professional with 12 years experience in handling recruitment, employee life cycle, PASI, PACP, MoM related works. Contact

91888363.

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OMAN Flour Mills Co. (SAOG) invites quotations from experienced companies for the below mentioned works at our mill premises at Jibroo, Muscat.

* Construction of rest rooms at our feed mill for more information, please contact our purchase department at the address shown below.

Oman Flour Mills Co. (SAOG)

P.O.Box 566m Ruwi—112

Jibroo, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

24717261/99102809.

E-mail: tender2@

Last date for submission of yours offer will be Thursday, 14th June 2018

· · · · ·

INDIAN B.Com, 17 years experience in Oman. 10 years construction industry procurement, store, accounts, admin and logistic, valid D/L and NOC. Email: snnbkurian@gmail.com

95131814, 96574390, seeks opportunities.

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9619837, 98937266.

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A YOUNG Indian, Gold’s

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98270993.

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· · · · ·

OMANDAILYOBSERVER 17T H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8

classifieds

Construction Co. requires Electrical Manager, graduate in electrical engineering with 15+ years experience (3+ years experience in managing overall projects). Interested candidates send CV to : tariqalimohd@gmail.com· · · · ·

WANTED experienced accountant with GCC driving

and Arabic for car showroom. Contact: 96660033, 97755588.· · · · ·A WELL reputed decoration company is looking for a hard working, honest and enthusiastic sales manager age 29-37 years, education: graduate, MBA will be preferred. Experience: 3-4 years in the similar capacity. Skill required: Good communication, interpersonal relationship with customer and team, should be self motivated, punctual, energetic and be able to work under pressure. Company offers: Competitive package includes, attractive salary, commission, incentives, insurance, cell phone and travelling expenses and company maintained car send CV by email: be_different_s@hotmail.com· · · · ·REQUIRED counter sales staff for building and carpentry material shop with two to three years experience at Wadi Kabir, contact

97914594.· · · · ·SENIOR Civil Engineer

Graduate in Civil Engineering with 10 years experience in the relevant

experience.) Only preferable if having NOC/release letter.

Interested candidates send resume to: hr@aljood-oman.com Fax: 24437007.· · · · ·REQUIRED Marketing/PR Manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman.

Photoshop. Charismatic, Proactive, creative and

editing skills. Degree in relevant area. Fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com· · · · ·THE White Pearl Enterprises urgently need experienced beautician lady & henna artist for a beauty salon in Bausher. They should be honest and hardworking. Limas. Beauty Centre. If you are interested, 99350707 or 99250707.· · · · ·

GRADUATE salesperson required for a high-end

English. Previous experience is a privilege. Send CV to hena 82@hotmail.com · · · · ·

GENERAL Nurse 24540056, e-mail: alexcenter@live.com

· · · · ·

A NURSE required with experience to work in a School, spoken English and Arabic.

92297695,92742116, 24797116.

· · · · ·

LEADING National Construction Company in Oman, urgently requires Planning Engineer

and 5-10 years of experience. Send CV thru: annan.srinivas9@gmail.com

· · · · ·

HIGH Pressure Trading for

Accounts Clerk and PRO with one or two years experience in Sohar kindly send your CV with

eim.ae

· · · · ·

looking for Interior & 3D Visualisation Designer. Experience:5 years. E-mail CV to: info@epcoman.com

· · · · ·

LOOKING for salesman to work in printing press. Contact:

92673716.

· · · · ·

WANTED expat with at least a diploma in accounting or

with at least 3 years of experience in a construction company working in GCC. To apply email your CV to: abdullah.be-different-s@hotmail.com

· · · · ·

URGENTLY required Expatriate Heavy Duty Drivers, J CB Operators with valid Omani licence. Send your CV to gdsoman@gdsoman.com. Contact: 99890076, 93894018, Fax: 24590866.

· · · · ·

CONSTRUCTION Co requires Operations Manager, gradu-ate in civil engineering with 15+ years experience (3 years experience in managing overall projects). Interested candidates send CV to: tariqalimohd@gmail.com

· · · · ·

CATERING Supervisor, Diploma in Catering or Five years experience in food related job. Fluent in English language is must. Contact 99428310. alshehisons@yahoo.com · · · · ·URGENTLY required electrician with electrical licence (DCRP). Omani or expatriate (3 years ex-perience). Contact 99337587, 99043127, 99348493.· · · · ·A REPUTABLE real estate and construction company looking for an experienced Civil Project Engineer. Submit your CV to dapco@dapcooman.com· · · · ·REQUIRED Gulf experienced Aluminium Fabricators for

95060980. · · · · ·WE are looking for Salesman in paint division as well as material division. Kindly send your CVs to the following e-mail: woejordan@gmail.com, mohansinghsoor@gmail.com.

+968-93502050, 93206636· · · · ·

Situation Vacant Situation Vacant

URGENTLY required beautician. Visa will be provided. Contact

94939252.

· · · · ·

REQUIRED HSE with 3 years

experience for reputed electrical company

Management Safety, NEBOSH or OSHA —30 hours. Send the CV to: rashid.engineer@hotmail.com· · · · ·

FEMALE NURSE required for Dental Centre in Muscat, experience of 2+years with MoH licence. Send CV to: greenhealth2018@gmail.com Contact

22063849.

· · · · ·

A LEGAL translation

Marketeers. Contact E-mail: oman4n@gmail.com

· · · · ·

Situation Wanted Situation Wanted Situation Wanted

INDIAN male with 2 years experience as project engineer in Oman with valid Omani driving licence. Currently on visit visa. Please contact 98067184.

· · · ·

CIVIL engineer, excellent spoken and written English, 26 years, 3 years total experience, DL and NOC available (Arabic origin). Please contact

95432250.

· · · ·

For Sale For Sale For Sale

WE have 12 Nos of Portacabins of different size/ partitions in good condition for sale, available immediately at 3 site at Al Hail, Suwaiq and Liwa. Contact: 99844757, 92311766.· · · · ·INDUSTRIAL land for sale. Area of 20,500 square metres in the Rusayl area, Price RO 70/- per square metre 99369192.· · · · ·WE have tourism, residential, commercial lands and farms existing in large areas in Muscat and Barka and over looking directly on the beach. We also have rented and non-rented buildings

purposes. 94380002.· · · · ·

PICK-UPS, Double Cabin, Buses, Cranes, Primover & Trailers. 99465358 & 99454660.

· · · · ·

behind GUtech is offered for sale. The land enjoys a permit for twin-villa.

2) A LAND is for sale in Al Maabela 8 owner.

95959166.

· · · · ·

RESTAURANT in an excellent location in Salalah with equipment and workers. 93397812.

· · · · ·

WE supply quantities of excellent mountainous soil in Bausher (suitable for

99242445, 99327939.· · · · ·

A SHOWROOM in Al Qurum in strategic location with extravagant interior design on 280 sqm is offered for sale at RO 25,000.

92470024.· · · · ·

HOUSE for sale in Wadi Udai for RO 27,000 (neg).

99462401/ 99243291.

· · · · ·

FOR sale industrial land in the area at Rusail area 20500 meter, price per square meter RO 70. 99369192.

· · · · ·

TOYOTA Avalon. 2003 model in good condition, registration valid up to June 2018, driven by a lady. Only serious buyers please contact. 98192770.

· · · · ·

FOR sale: Extravagant and furnished residences for female students in Al Khuwair, Al Mawaleh and Al Khoudh along with all assets.

99001332.

· · · · ·

A RESIDENTIAL land in Al Athaiba. Close to the sea, 850 sqm.

94380002.· · · · ·DIESEL Tanker, 1,600 gallon Volvo, 1987.

92836774.· · · · ·

Renowned GSA for reputed Airlines has vacancies for the following positions:Sales Executives:The ideal candidate must be a graduate or IATA qualified, having

A minimum of 3 years’ experience in Airline/Travel Agency Sales — with Agents, Corporates and Ministries A valid Omani driving licence Excellent communication skills (English) spoken and written

Interested candidates may please apply to:

jobseekersmarch2018@gmail.com on or before 31st March, 2018.

SITUATION VACANT

LEARN English language from its origin with Hilal Al Busaidi Higher Education Services#HBHE and enjoy the rich learning experience during 2018.

Our offer to study English in different countries as following:1. UK (GB)4 weeks: from 550 rials8 weeks: from 995 rials12 weeks: from 1,440 rials24 weeks: from 2,835 rials2. USA (US)4 weeks: from 1,310 rials8 weeks: from 2,585 rials3. NEW ZEALAND4 weeks: from 840 rials8 weeks: from 1,500 rialsThe package includesTuition fees, accommodation,prices subject to change, Register now.For visa information please contact us. For more information

+96824238383Miada (Muscat & Salalah):

+96891717477Said:

+96891717877 Yousef:

+96891717977Terms & conditions apply.

· · · · ·

LOOKING for suitable placement, Indian female, Master in computer application with 11 years of experience in data warehousing, Teradata and date modelling looking for suitable placement in Muscat. (91192543. E-mail: priyakthomas@gmail.com

· · · · ·

EXPERIENCED driver on valid visa requires suitable related jobs. Available immediately. Speaks Arabic, Hindi,

Contact 71762319, 97741632.

· · · · ·

SUDANESE male available in Muscat,

Arabic and English, has BSC in business administration, 7 years of experience (sales and marketing) in leading multinational companies. Driving licence. 94968209.

· · · · ·

SUDANESE male available in Muscat,

Arabic and English, has BSC in accounting

studying CMA, 7 years of experience in leading multinational companies. Driving licence. 94968209.

· · · · ·

Announcement

Manpower

MANPOWER from Philippines. WhatsApp:

91206344.

· · · · ·

CLASSIFIED SECTIONRUWI

: 24785668 Behind Royal Oman Police, Adjacent to Dhofar Building,

Ruwi.

ARABIC civil engineer speaks English and Turkish, good at computer programme, three years in Oman.

97031911. NOC is available.

· · · · ·

FOR general information,

Euro Optical Shop, in front of Zawia Mosque, is closing. Anyone has anything pending with the shop, please clear within 10 days. Contact: 98204042, 99873805.

· · · · ·

For information, please call:99841230-95919344

92721879 - 99639264Tel: 24649597, Fax: 24649590

BankMuscat account: 0397003776610011Bank Dhofar account: 01040141195001

E-mail: a.almashari@omandaily.om

ramadhanOMANDAILYOBSERVER18 T H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8

Yuya Shibakai sometimes feels he is ploughing a lonely furrow.

The Japanese farmer produces organic let-tuce, tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables for

a market that has tasted nothing like the success of the sector in other advanced economies.

On his farm outside Tokyo, the 32-year-old doggedly trudges along a line of lettuces, pulling up weeds by hand.

Shibakai says it is a “daily struggle to find ways to make a profit using a sys-tem you could call inefficient, where you have to pull all the weeds out by hand.”

“We need a different supply system in Japan, a sustainable structure for farmers that would also change the way our profession is seen,” added

Shibakai, who took over the business from his parents in 2009.

Organic farming occupied just 0.5 per cent of Japan’s entire arable area in 2016. The country hopes to double this by 2019, Akimi Uenaka, an official in charge of organic farming at the agri-culture ministry, said.

However, Uenaka admitted the devel-opment of the sector in Japan was “slow”, as weeding and pest control take more time and organic farms struggle to produce a “stable” output due to tech-nical limitations.

Shibakai is one of 12,000 organic farmers in the whole country, accord-ing to statistics from 2010, the last time the agriculture ministry collected fig-ures from the nascent sector.

While a craze for healthy eating has fuelled lucrative sales around the world, the market for “bio” or organic food in

Japan is estimated to be worth just over $1 billion.

The world’s third-largest economy has a mere fraction of the global mar-ket of around $90 billion and is dwarfed by the US ($45 billion), Germany ($11 bil-lion), France ($8 billion) and China ($7 billion).

Moreover, while even most of these mature markets are enjoying solid growth, the sector in Japan is stagnat-ing.

MINUSCULE OFFERINGS

One of the few players to dip a toe into the market is French organic retailer “Bio c’Bon,” which has had a presence in Japan since the end of 2016 and just opened its third shop in Tokyo.

A dearth of large-scale farming means the company has to work with around 200 individual farms for its fruit

and vegetables and even import other goods — for example raspberries from Mexico, as well as organic wines and cheeses from France.

One of the problems faced by shops offering organic food is a Japanese obsession with how fruit and vegetables look and are packaged.

“Especially during the week, Japanese customers tend to shop very quickly and grab pre-packaged and pre-weighed goods,” said Pascal Gerbert-Gaillard, Asia director at Bio c’Bon.

“We are working to find a good bal-ance between our brand and Japanese consumption habits,” he added.

As an example, he says his staff minutely check for any tiny imperfec-tions in their vegetables and remove them from sale. They are donated to staff members.

Gerbert-Gaillard said organic food is gradually finding a market among “Japanese aged between 30 and 40, especially mothers, and expats.”

The firm has ambitious plans to grow its “minuscule offerings” by expanding to “around 30 shops in Tokyo and its suburbs before the 2020 Olympics,” he said.

But well-established smaller players have already found that organic food can be slow to gain traction.

Rika Oishi founded her organic firm SuperOrganic seven years ago, hoping to capitalise on a boom in demand — especially from foreigners — for “healthy” food after the Fukushima earthquake and nuclear meltdown.

“I have noticed a bit more interest down the years from consumers and firms, but it has not yet become a way of life,” she said. — AFP

GLOBAL PULSE

LONELY FURROW: Little pay dirt for organic farming in Japan

oman/world

YOU NEED TO be more cautious if your job includes outdoor work as a new study suggests that different outdoor professions may carry different risks for non-melanoma skin cancer.

According to the researchers, one of the main risk factors for non-melanoma skin cancer — the most common cancer worldwide — is solar ultraviolet radiation.

This has led to the recognition of non-melanoma skin cancer as an occu-pational disease for outdoor workers in several countries. However, outdoor professions are a very heterogeneous

group with diverse daily activities and associated ultraviolet radiation expo-sure, the researcher said.

The study, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, recruit-ed 563 participants (47 per cent women) consisting of 348 outdoor workers (39 per cent farmers, 35 per cent gardeners, 26 per cent mountain guides) and 215 indoor workers.

Non-melanoma skin cancer was diag-nosed in 33.3 per cent of mountain guides, 27.4 per cent of farmers, 19.5 per cent of gardeners and in 5.6 per cent of indoor workers.

Significant differences were seen between the outdoor professions with mountain guides at the highest risk, the researcher said.

Substantial differences between the professions were also seen in skin cancer screening rates (indoor work-er 61.4 per cent, mountain guides 57.8 per cent, farmers 31.9 per cent, , daily ultraviolet radiation exposure during work, and protective behaviour such as sunscreen use during work, the researchers added. — IANS

Outdoor jobs carry different risks of skin cancer

A C A D E M I C A C H I E V E M E N T S

FORTY-FIVE GRADE 12 High School students from The American International School of Muscat (TAISM), representing 19 nations, graduated recently in the presence of Ambassador Marc J Sievers, US Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman. As many as 500 parents, faculty, and students attended the event which was held in the school’s Bosch Center for the Performing Arts.

The 45 graduates have been accepted and plan to enroll in universities around the world including the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, the GCC and Oman.

Fawzi Mushantaf, Chairperson of TAISM’s Board of Directors, and Kevin Schafer, TAISM Director, awarded the diplomas to the gradu-ates. The students were lauded for their out-standing achievements and their represen-tation of the school in Oman and in their

home communities. Special significance was noted about the Class of 2018 as it is graduat-ing at the time of the school’s 20th Anniversary of providing educational serv-ice to the American and international com-munities in the Sultanate of Oman. The school currently enrolls 730 students from Early Childhood through Grade 12, repre-senting 63 nationalities.

Richard Petersen, High School Principal, presented two special awards to the gradu-ates. The awards for Academic Excellence were given to seniors Fatma Moosa Hamdan

al Tai, Natalie Michelle Baltimore, Ethan Scott Brink, Serena Elizabeth Lee and Juan José Quintana Lopera who ended their academic record with Highest Honors (GPA greater than 4.0). The Outstanding Senior Award, selected by the High School faculty, was given to a student who best embodies the mission of the school. This year the award went to Juan Quintana Lopera. Fatma Moosa Hamdan al Tai was selected to present the Graduation Address. Ethan Brink was selected by the faculty to be the Master of Ceremony for the event.

TAISM celebrates graduating class of 2018

T H I S I S Y O U R S P O T

Have an amazing shot to share? We want your photos. Follow our Instagram account and whenever you upload photos, make sure to tag us and use #BeAnObserver and #OmanObserver so we can easily find them. Impress us with your pho-tography skills and see one of your daily snaps featured here.

SHARE YOUR RAMADHAN PHOTOS WITH USDo you have a special way of celebrating Ramadhan? We’d like to see your photos and share it with our readers. To do so, please email them to us at observerfeatures@gmail.com.

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S

INSTAGRAM TOP PICKS

insideoman

ramadhan OMANDAILYOBSERVERT H U R S D A Y l J U N E 7 l 2 0 1 8 19

His acquisition

of one of the

rarest cars in

the world wasn’t

accidental. In

fact, for Wilayat

of Saham

resident Nasser al Breiki, it was a

conscious decision that took him

as far as the United States, spend a

few days and quite a hefty amount of

money there just to become a proud

owner of a 1904 Ford Model A — the

first car produced by Ford and one

of the only 1,750 Ford A models

produced between 1903 and 1904.

It is now one of the three classic cars

in his collection, an addition that to him,

has national importance and whose

intrinsic value is totally priceless.

“Acquiring the 1904 Ford model was

not very easy,” he shared.

The acquisition happened two years

ago and Nasser said that despite the

many hurdles not only in filling up the

paperwork but also the complexities of

acquisition, he managed to get the car in

two weeks thanks to the port authorities

of Oman.

Upon delivery to Oman and even to

this day, the Ford A has created a buzz

among vintage car aficionados not only

in the country but across the region.

As Nasser brings the car to

participate in classic car contests and

exhibition shows, it always ends up at

the top and these wins are becoming

a testament to the red beauty that has

stood the test of time.

It is a possession that Nasser has

no plans of selling. He wants it to be

preserved because to him it is a source

of national pride.

“This car can fetch hundreds of

thousands for me. But I don’t want to

part with it for money because I’d love to

be known as the only owner of a national

pride,” he said.

Weighing 562kg, the car can run at

a top speed of 45km/h. It was sold as a

two-seater for $800 or $900 in 1903-04.

Some of the notable characteristics of

the car include a horizontal-mounted

flat-2 located amidships of the car which

produced 8hp, a 72-inch wheelbase, a

planetary transmission fitted with two

forward speeds and reverse, and band

brakes that were operated for the rear

wheels.

As a pricey acquisition, Nasser

always makes sure that the car stays

spick and span.

Its daily maintenance include

cleaning, vacuuming the interior and

the exterior, applying brass for the

copper handrails and cleaning the

kerosene lamps.

The small kerosene tank is on the

left, towards the rear.

Nasser maintained the original red

colour which was the only colour the

with which cars were painted those

days.

THE CHALLENGES OF AN OLD CARNasser remembered the difficulties

he and his cousin had to face while

registering the vehicle.

Oman’s traffic authorities have in

their IT systems the facility to register

classic cars but it only extends to a

specific time. For a car manufactured

114 years ago, there was no precedence

of how to go about the process.

“It (registration) was very

cumbersome. It wasn’t quite possible

to enroll the car in the Royal Oman

Police (ROP) records due to the modern

technical requirements which the car

doesn’t comply with,” he said.

Thankfully though, “The Royal

Oman Police (ROP) traffic department

was kind enough that they altered the

computer systems to accommodate

this car made in 1904. In the Sultanate,

a running car is mandatory to have a

number plate,” he said.

Ford records showed that Ernest

Pfennig, a Chicago-based dentist was

the first owner of a Model A in 1903.

The Model A would eventually give way

to Ford Model B and C in 1904.

Nasser and his cousin are now on the

lookout for the original owner of the car.

“We are trying to trace the previous

owner of my car,” he said.

With the time that has passed, he

shared that finding the grandchildren

of the original owner will already be an

achievement enough.

“It all needs time. We are constantly

in touch with our US friends,” he said.

A rare car and the Omani who went to great lengths to acquire it

Awash learns about the great night

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Catch Awash’s video story online. Follow our Facebook and Instagram @omanobserver and

discover Ramadhan with Awash.

Ami Abdullah is with us today, and he has been telling us how the month of Ramadhan is a gift for us.

“ A w a s h , Ramadhan is not just about stop-ping from drink-ing and eating. It is about being good. We cannot fast and do bad things or tell lies and even talking about other peo-ple,” said Ami Abdullah.

So he is helping us to read the Holy Quran. He said the last ten days of the Ramadhan are important.

I am grateful that Uncle Abdullah teaches us so much. I am intrigued by the word ‘soul’ – does it have a shape?

He says, “Ramadhan is a training course that helps you to learn how to pray and fast perfectly. In this month, we understand the importance of not to waste food and realise what people go thorough when they do not have food.

He asked samoy and me to look around and appreciate everything we have been given. Then asked us to look at our-selves – whe have been given this body, these eyes and a soul. He says this is the perfect time to see how we treat our selves and be good to others.

FOR BELIEVERS, the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadhan are of high importance.

Muslims across the world are looking out for the ‘promised night’ that was blessed with the advent of the holy Quran and these 10 days of the holy month are so crucial for a believer that he would maximise his good deeds such as prayers, supplications, charity and other actions of kindness and generosity to get closer to Almighty Allah and make use of the final phase to the full-est.

The holy Quran says about a night in the last ten days of the holy month is better than a thousand nights and believers are well aware of the power in the Night of Majesty and of course what the Prophet said about locat-ing the blessed night.

From Tuesday, every moment counts and believers will gather at the mosques in large numbers.

The Prophet guided us simply: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Hadith says that, ‘When the last ten days of Ramadhan began, the Prophet (SAW) would stay up at night, wake his family and tie his lower garment tight’.

Abu Daw’ud and Tirmidhi has reported that the sup-plication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence.

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving and You love forgive-ness so forgive me).” Think of all that you need to ask Allah for and ask Him now. If you haven’t before, this is the time to connect with Him and feel closer to Him.

But as is commonly seen, people tend to while away their time at the shopping malls and elsewhere not know-ing what they actually are missing.

“Do make use of the final ten days to the maximum as there is no other period in the next 11 months as good as these ten nights”, says Hatim Abdulsalam, Oman’s schol-ar.

“Find time to run errands during the day and dedicate the nights for Allah. More prayers, sincere supplications and recitation of holy Quran and more charity should be your aim these days”, he added.

The last phase is made especially particular with the distinguished supplication of seeking forgiveness for all the shortcomings and flaws that the person has been to in his life. Here are a few powerful tips suggested by Noorul Ameen, a religious scholar:

The moment of forgiveness could be any odd day or anytime in the coming days! Start with a positive, sincere intention and memorise and keep asking the dua’ taught by the prophet

Stay up each night and engage yourself in prayers and supplication. For this, you can prepare a short dua’ list. Remember this is as awesome as it ever gets for a serv-ant of Allah and don’t forget to include the brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and in grief!

Choose a spot, whether in the Masjid or in your home, where you can have peace and solitude.

Keep your mushaf, praying mat, and water at hand so that you are not distracted by constantly getting up for this or that.

Switch off those phones, wifi, laptops and computers. The last 10 days might be tiring but this is the time to bear all that hardship.

Think how Allah has blessed you with this tremen-dous opportunity that might NEVER come again in your life again

Have good expectations from Allah. When you ask, remember you are asking the Most Generous King.

If you hope for the best, He will give you the best. Don’t hold back. Trust in Him, pour out your heart in front of Him, and let no doubt, no barrier, no evil thoughts keep you away from the most generous and the most merciful.

“Push away the distractions pulling us to the material world. Imagine yourself a slave on duty and work without taking a break,” Hatim added.

Believers enter the last ten days of

Ramadhan

T R I V I A O F T H E D A Y

KABEER YOUSUF

KABEER YOUSUF

He also talked about the great night, called Lailat al Qadr. He told us how the Holy Quran was revealed that day.

THURSDAY | JUNE 7, 2018 | RAMADHAN 22, 1439 AH

observerfeatures@gmail.com www.omanobserver.omfollow us @omanobserver

His EminenceSHAIKH AHMED BIN HAMAD AL KHALILI

Grand Mufti of Oman

VERSE OF THE DAYVVV

And they had demanded from

him his guests, but We obliterated their eyes, [saying], “Taste My punishment and

warning.”

Verse 37Surah al Qamarr

WHAT’S INSIDE

Yuya Shibakai sometimes feels he is ploughing a lonely furrow. The Japanese farmer produces organic lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables for a market that has tasted nothing like the success of the sector in other advanced economies p18

LITTLE PAY DIRT FOR ORGANIC FARMING IN JAPAN

A rare car and the Omani

who went to great lengths

to acquire itSaham native Nasser al Breiki has three classic cars

in his possession. But one of them, a rare 1904 Ford Model A which he acquired two years ago has been

making quite a stir among the vintage aficionados not only in the country but across the region. He tells how

he acquired this rare car and why he considers it as a national treasure... 19

QIf a woman gets her periods during the day of Ramadhan,

should she complete the fasting day till

sunset?

ANo, she should not. The

woman has to break the fast immediately after

seeing the blood.