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VOL. 37 NO. 54 | PAGES 28 | BAISAS 200SUNDAY | JANUARY 7, 2018 | RABEE AL THANI 19, 1439 AH
PRAYER TIMINGS
WEATHER TODAY
MUSCATMAX: 250CMIN: 150C
SALALAHMAX: 280CMIN: 210C
NIZWAMAX: 280C
MIN: 140C
SUNRISE 06.49 AM
FAJR: 05:27DHUHR: 12:12ASR: 15:15MAGHRIB: 17:35ISHA: 19:05
I AM A ‘VERY STABLE GENIUS’ AND ‘LIKE, VERY SMART’ P11
CHINA REMAINS ON ALERT AS SNOWSTORMS KILL 13 P8
SAUDI GIVES BONUS FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES P7
INSIDESTORIES
OMAN
MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has sent greetings Emperor Akihito of Japan on the 29th anniversary of his accession to the throne. His Majesty wished good health and happiness to the Emperor and the friendly Japanese people further progress and prosperity. — ONA
His Majesty greets Emperor Akihito
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SAMUEL KUTTYMUSCAT, JAN 6
A drifting stunt that went wrong
claimed a life and left two others
injured in Oman on Friday. The
video of the accident, released by
the Royal Oman Police (ROP),
shows a car drifting on a road before
ramming into another car.
“Two vehicles involved in the
drifting collided and one of the
vehicles caught fire in Al Suwaiq.
This led to the death of one person
and injuries to two others,” said a
statement from the police.
Despite strict warnings by the
police, youngsters attempt to engage
in this dangerous sport.
According to the amended traffic
law, drivers who perform drifting
on road can face jail terms of up
to three months and a fine of up to
RO 500. Their vehicles could also be
confiscated.
People who film such events
can also be fined, jailed and their
licences revoked by the police.
Following reports of a large number
of accidents involving drifting,
dedicated areas with maximum
safety standards are being developed
at different locations, including
Musannah, Ibri, Thamrait, Adam
and Shinas.
One killed, two hurt while drifting
PARIS: Amazon, Google and now
Apple — as the list of digital giants
hit by the “Spectre” and “Meltdown”
computer security flaws grows
longer, the race is on to limit the
damage.
“All Mac systems and iOS devices
are affected, but there are no known
exploits impacting customers at this
time,” Apple — whose devices are
usually regarded as secure — said in
a post on an online support page on
Thursday.
Almost all microprocessors
produced over the past 10 years by
Intel, AMD and ARM are affected.
No PC or mobile device can
function without the miniature
components that are effectively
nerve centres for executing
computer programmes and apps.
And that is what distinguishes
them from previous security alerts
that have tended to involve software
rather than hardware.
In theory, Spectre and Meltdown
could enable a user to “access
kernel level memory access,
exposing critical information
that would be stored there, like
system passwords,” said Chris
Morales, head of security analytics
at Vectra.
Luke Wagner, a software engineer
at Mozilla, wrote on a security blog
that it was “possible to use similar
techniques from web content to
read private information”. — AFP
Tech firms battle to resolve major security flaw
Almost all microprocessors produced over the past 10 years by Intel, AMD and ARM are affected.
RED WARRIORS RETURN AS CHAMPSMINISTER OF DIWAN LEADS RECEPTION TO GULF CUP WINNERS; BONANZA OF AWARDS ANNOUNCED
ANUROOP ATHIPARAMBATHMUSCAT, JAN 6
Oman, champions of the 23rd
Arabian Gulf Cup, arrived
to a great home reception on
Saturday evening.
The special Royal Air
Force flight carrying the team
delegation reached the Muscat
International Airport at 5.30
pm. Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal
bin Saud al Busaidy, Minister
of Diwan of Royal Court,
received the delegation at the
airport.
Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed
al Saadi, Minister of Sports
Affairs, and Shaikh Rashad
al Hinai, Undersectretary at
the Ministry of Sports Affairs,
were also present.
SEE FULL REPORT ON P21
COMPLETE COVERAGE
ON P2,4,22,23,24
S; O O S OU C
MUSCAT: Weather predictions issued by the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre show that the Sultanate will face a weak trough of low pressure from Monday until Thursday. Cloudy conditions could prevail over Musandam and the coastal governorates overlooking the Sea of Oman as well as Hajar Mountains bringing light to moderate showers.
There are chances of fogs and low visibility in on some parts of Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Al Wusta, South Al Sharqiayh and North Al Sharqiayh governorates.
Rains, fog likely from tomorrow
MUSCAT: All procedures have been
taken to employ 25,000 job-seekers
electronically so that no employee
can interfere with the process, said
the Public Authority for Manpower
Register (PAMR).
The Ministry of Manpower, in
coordination with the companies, will
set the dates and places for interviews
for the applicants.
PAMR will send an SMS to the
applicants notifying them about the
interviews. A number of job-seekers
will be recruited directly through
the ministry depending on the
information available in the PAMR
database.
Yahya bin Mohammed al Battashi,
Director, Units Affairs at PAMR, said
a job-seeker can log on to the PAMR
website on employment to view his/
her information and the number of
applicants for the job. Job-seekers can
opt for another job if he/she finds too
many applications for the same job.
According to statements made by
officials, the recruitment process for
25,000 job-seekers will continue until
the end of May 2018, which constitutes
the first phase of employment.
The private sector will employ
22,000 job-seekers and the remaining
4,000 by the government, said Al
Battashi. — ONA
Hiring 25,000 Omanis goes electronic
PICTURES BY MOHAMMED MAHJOUB, KHALFAN AL TOOBI AND
SALEH AL SHARJI
SIX WAYS OF GETTING FIT IN OMAN
WINTER IS THE PERFECT TIME OF THE YEAR TO WORK ON BEING FIT WHILE DISCOVERING OMAN’S INNUMERABLE BLESSINGS. TOURISTS, ADVENTURE-SEEKERS AND EVEN ATHLETES FLOCK TO OMAN TO ENJOY ITS NATURAL VISTAS AND EXPERIENCE ITS STRIKING BEAUTY, BOTH ON LAND AND SEA. SEE P6
80 flights to Kuwait in 2 daysSTAFF REPORTERMUSCAT, JAN 6
The Kuwait airport handled 130 additional flights (80 from Oman and 50 from UAE) in the past two days carrying 27,607 passengers, its Directorate-General of Civil Aviation said on Saturday.
Oman’s budget airline, SalamAir also took part in the exercise.
Kuwait’s local agency KUNA, citing a top official, praised the roles of various stakeholders who facilitated the movement of guests to and from Kuwait during Gulf Cup tournament which concluded on Friday.
The Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) lauded the efforts of all
stakeholders in the civil aviation sector for providing extra flights to transport the Omani fans for the tournament.
For the finals, Oman Air announced nine flights, which added up to 1,790 seats. One aircraft took off from Salalah.
The company also arranged holiday packages to Kuwait, including airport transfers, daily breakfast buffets and two nights’ accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
SalamAir added eight flights to Kuwait — six from Muscat and one each from Salalah and Suhar.
Several companies had stepped in to sponsor these additional flights for the Gulf Cup.
Injured Oman fans to be dischargedVINOD NAIRMUSCAT, JAN 6
Omani fans who were injured in an
accident during celebrations at Jaber
al Ahmad International Stadium
in Kuwait will be discharged in a
few days, Oman’s Ambassador to
Kuwait has said.
Some of the fans who sustained
minor injuries in the accident have
already left the hospital, said the
official sources.
Forty football fans from Oman,
including children, were injured
when a glass barrier broke during
celebrations following Oman’s win
over UAE in the Gulf Cup.
The barrier broke as Omani fans
pressed against the glass during the
celebrations.
Anas Khalid al Saleh, Kuwait
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Finance, visited the
hospital and met the injured fans.
Top officials from Oman,
including the chairman of Majlis
Ash’shura, visited them.
KUWAIT 2017
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Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidy, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, led the welcome for the winning Oman football team at the airport along with Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs, and Rashad bin Ahmed al Hinai, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Sports Affairs. — PICTURES BY THANI AL SIYABI, KHALFAN AL TOOBI, SALEH AL SHARJI
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Al Beit Al Gharbi — a tourist and cultural destination
AL RUSTAQ: Al Beit Al Gharbi in
the village of Qasra in the Wilayat of
Al Rustaq, the Governorate of South
Al Batinah, is a tourist and cultural
destination of the wilayat.
Zakiya bint Nasser al Lamkiya,
Founder of Al Beit Al Gharbi, has
been able to transform her old family’s
house into an ancient museum that
contains many historical artifacts that
were part of the tools of Oman.
She has made great efforts to
show case the house into a tourist
and archaeological landmark in the
wilayat.
She said: “The idea of creating
an archaeological house came
through my passion for the past,
its components and details, and
of my keenness to preserve the
archaeological components left by
our ancestors. The idea began two
years back when I visited our house,
abandoned several parts and some of
it collapsed, including the ceilings. At
that time, the idea came to my mind to
turn the house into an archaeological
one and fill it with old possessions.
I restored the house to the best of
my ability, and worked to develop
archaeological holdings with the help
of parents, neighbours and citizens of
the wilayat to become ready to receive
visitors.”
She says: “The house contains
many antique collections, such as old
books, coins, cooking utensils and old
utensils, such as coffee cup and food
utensils, handicrafts of all kinds, and
tools for women’s decoration, such
as perfume, incense and objects like
silverware, bracelets, old mattresses,
pottery, Omani Mandoos (boxes) and
old bags.”
She added that Al Beit Al Gharbi
has become a significant presence in
exhibitions, events and tourism and
cultural events held in the Wilayat
of Al Rustaq and the Governorate of
South Al Batinah.
Ali bin Abbas al Ajmi, Director
of Tourism Department in the
Governorate of South Al Batinah,
says: “Al Beit Al Gharbi has become
a tourist and cultural destination
for visitors not only from within the
Sultanate but also from abroad. It is
located in the centre of the wilayat and
is about two kilometres away from Al
Rustaq Castle.
“The house participated in a
number of tourist events organised by
the Department of Tourism in South
Al Batinah, and impressed all the
visitors who came to the wilayat for its
archaeological contents that reflect the
old Omani life.”
He encourages citizens of the
governorate to establish such houses
due to their role in preserving
the heritage of Oman, especially
the recently held World Tourism
Conference which focused on the
importance of preserving heritage.
— ONA
SAMUEL KUTTY MUSCAT JAN 6
The Gulf Cup champions were given a rousing reception
on their return from Kuwait on Saturday.
The national team, which won 5-4 in a dramatic
penalty shootout over neighboring UAE, was taken on
an open top bus from the Muscat airport to the Sultan
Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The team members went around the flood-lit stadium
with the trophy, acknowledging the welcome and
thanking fans for their support.
Leading telecom operator Omantel and financial
service provider, BankMuscat announced a cash award of
RO 100,000 each to the winners.
Special prizes were announced by a company during a
ceremony held to honour the team at the stadium.
Jubilant Omani fans took to the streets on Friday, with
young men spilling out of cars and waving the white,
green and red flags. “It is time for celebration. We are
champions,” shouted Hameed al Wahaibi in Ruwi.
All across the capital city, a cavalcade of cars was seen
driving through the night in celebration, hooting horns
and shouting slogans.
“It’s a huge success for Oman and it’s very, very good
news,” said Saif al Balushi, who had been following the
match on television and rushed on to the streets along
with friends to celebrate.
The present win is Oman’s second-ever victory in the
Cup, with the last one coming in 2009.
All the praise went to Omani goalkeeper Fayez
al Rashidi who produced an excellent save to block
Abdulrahman’s shot, which paved the way for the win.
“We are really celebrating from our hearts. This is like
a dream. It means everything to us,” said Khalid, another
fan. The penalties were a tough moment but they made
me and the whole of Oman happy.
“We had good control on our performances. I thought
there was a lot of good play. We have come out worthy
winners,” said Khalid.
It was not only nationals who took to the streets. A
number of expatriates joined the celebrations on Saturday.
“The team was full of confidence. Oman has shown its
strength. The game was intensive,” said Praful Bhatt.
KUWAIT 2017
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SULTANATE WELCOMES ARABIAN GULF CUP CHAMPIONS
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8 5
Crackdown on street vendors in MuttrahSTAFF REPORTERMUSCAT, JAN 6
The Muscat Municipality
inspectors continued their
crackdown on a number of
street vendors in Muttrah and
Ruwi.
The vendors were found
selling vegetables and other
accessories in violation of the
guidelines stipulated by the
authorities.
The team has been
conducting raids following
violations in Bausher, including
disposal of waste in parks and
restrooms, and the destruction
of green areas. Violators were
fined.
The Observer had reported
earlier that street vendors had
continued to illegally operate
despite the municipality’s efforts
to regulate such practices.
For the last few years, the
Ministry of Commerce and
Industry (MoCI) has been
inviting applications from
Omanis interested in registering
as street vendors through its
Invest Easy Portal.
Finnish paper describes Oman as must see destination
MUSCAT: The Omani Students’ Society in
Malaysia recently organised a workshop at the
Cultural Attaché Office in Kuala Lumpur.
Titled ‘Women’s Economic Empowerment’
the workshop targeted Omani students in
Malaysia and their families.
The workshop highlighted the importance of
upgrading the level of Muslim women all over
the world in the economic, scientific and health
fields.
The workshop also enabled women to fulfil
their duties towards their families and societies
and to become a productive individual capable
of overcoming challenges such as undertaking
their roles as mothers and homemakers as well
the other challenges that arise from the social
conditions, traditions and the requirements of
the labour market.
HELSINKI: Visit Finland
newspaper described the
Sultanate as a country that
is rich in attractive natural
scenery and monument
and that it is a meeting
point between Asia and
Africa at the Southern
East part of the Arabian
Peninsula.
The newspaper advised
tourists from the different
parts of the world to make
the Sultanate on their
“Must to See Destinations”
in 2018. It pointed out that
the Sultanate has long vir-
gin and attractive beaches,
desert, caves, mountains
and wadis.
Moreover, the Sultan-
ate has historic cities and
villages whose residents
maintain the true Omani
traditions and values.
It also pointed out that
the Sultanate enjoys warm
and sunny weather dur-
ing January, especially
in Muscat, which makes
Oman an ideal destina-
tion during this time of
the year.
It also noted that Mus-
cat Festival, a fun filled
event, will be held at Al
Amerat and Al Naseem
Parks during the period
from January 18 to Febru-
ary 10. — ONA
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Omani Students Society in Malaysia holds workshop
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Hotels occupancy declines 0.4pcMUSCAT: Occupancy rate of hotels
which come under three-star and five-
star categories in the Sultanate by the
end of November 2017 declined by
0.4 per cent to reach to 56.5 per cent,
compared to 56.7 per cent in the same
period in 2016, while the revenue
increased by 2.4 per cent to reach
to RO 174,49,000, compared to RO
169,961,000 during the same period of
2016.
The statistics released by the National
Centre for Statistics and Information
(NCSI) on the main indicators of hotels
which come under the categories of
three to five stars indicated that the
total number of guests who occupied
these hotels was 1,394,942 guests by
the end of November 2017, comprising
a decline by 4 per cent, compared
to 1,452,842 guests during the same
period in 2016.
These statistics also revealed the
number of European guests increased
by 15.4 per cent the total number of
518,629 till the end of November 2017,
compared to 449,348 during the same
period in 2016.
The Omani guests came the second
with 348,161 at the end of November
2017, comprising a decline by 18.8 per
cent, compared to 473,159 during the
same period in 2016.
The GCC guests came third with
199,342, the Asians fourth with 145,183,
other Arabs from non-GCC countries
came fifth with 59,880, American
guests came sixth with 48,158, guests
from Ocean countries came seventh
with 13,421, Africans guests came
eighth with 9,636 and 16,531 guests
from other nationalities. — ONA
NCSI DATA: Number of European guests increased by 15.4pc while Omani guests came second
MSM to host lectures on financial planning
MSM trading approaches RO 1 billion in 2017
MoCI urges pvt sector to enhance economic growth
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Higher
Education and the Ministry of
Sports Affairs are hosting lectures
on ‘Financial Planning’, which are
being conducted by Muscat Securities
Market (MSM) within its national
initiative (How Many Riyals) that aims
towards teaching financial planning
culture among individuals and
families.
Sayyid Dr Munthir bin Hilal al
Busaidy, Assistant Professor in the
Accounting Department at the College
of Economics and Political Science
(CEPS) in Sultan Qaboos University
(SQU), will present a lecture to the
employees of the Ministry of Higher
Education tomorrow at the conference
hall in the ministry.
While Raed bin Hussein al
Houti, Director of the Office of the
Acting Director of the Information
Department at the MSM, will give a
lecture on financial planning for the
employees of the Ministry of Sports
Affairs on January 9 at the lecture hall
of the ministry.
During the lectures, the participants
will be familiarised with the concepts of
financial planning and its importance
in public life and the steps taken in
sound financial planning, the role and
importance of financial stability at the
individual and family level, as well as
the identification and planning for
future financial objectives. — ONA
MUSCAT: The value of trading in
the Muscat Securities Market (MSM)
last year approached RO 1 billion
and amounted to RO 992.7 million,
recording an increase of 3.5 per cent
from its level in 2016 of RO 958.8
million.
This increase was supported by
higher turnover in the bond and Sukuk
market, which rose to RO 76.1 million,
compared to RO 13.4 million in 2016.
The value of trading in the stock market
declined by 3 per cent to RO 916.6
million, compared to RO 945.4 million
in 2016.
The market last year recorded a
decline in the number of executed
transactions, which amounted to about
164,000 transactions, compared to more
than 200 thousand transactions in 2016.
Muscat Securities Market in 2017
witnessed a number of domestic and
regional pressures that pushed stocks to
decline, such as the impact of oil prices
on the Gulf economies, the decline in the
profits of a number of listed companies
in the market and the decline of investor
confidence with the continued decline
in stock prices, which led the main
index to lose 683 points and closed at
5,099 points, down 11.8 per cent.
All the sectoral indices recorded
a decline. The industry sector index
declined by 573 points, the services
sector index shed 415 points, the
financial sector index dropped 197
points and the Sharia’s index declined by
155 points.
During the past year, prices of 75
securities declined compared to 22
securities which rose in prices and 22
others remained their previous levels.
Oman Fisheries was the top gainer,
closing at 147 baisas, up 141 per cent
from its 2016 level of 61 baisas. Oman
Textile Holding rose up 83.8 per cent
and closed at 570 baisas. Oman Oryx
Leasing rose to 175 baisas, up 40 per
cent.
In contrast, National Securities
Company recorded the highest losses
and closed at 40 baisas, down about 60
per cent from its 2016 level of 98 baisas.
Muscat Insurance was second among
the most losers and closed at 856 baisas,
down 52.1 per cent from 2016 of 1 riyal
and 790 baisas. National gas shares fell
to 285 baisas, down 50.1 per cent from
the end of 2016 to 572 baisas.
Banks and telecoms led the way in
terms of turnover. Bank Sohar came
first with RO 105.1 million representing
10.6 per cent of total turnover. Bank
Muscat was second with RO 101 million
representing 10.1 per cent of the total
value of trading.
Ominvest ranked third with RO 87.2
million, Omantel with RO 78.3 million
and Ooredoo with RO 59.1 million.
The market value of listed companies
at the end of last year witnessed an
increase of 3.8 per cent to reach RO 17.9
billion, compared to RO 17.3 billion at
the end of 2016.
This increase was due to the increase
in the market value of closed companies
which jumped to RO 1.7 billion,
compared to RO 6.3 billion in 2016.
The market value of bonds and
Sukuk rose from RO 1.9 billion to RO
2.6 billion. The market value of public
shareholding companies declined to RO
8.4 billion, compared to RO 8.9 billion
at the end of 2016. — ONA
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) urged the private sector to enhance its efforts to contribute to the growth of national economy and avail job opportunities for Omanis. The ministry seeks to enhance the capabilities of the commerce and industry sectors by developing general policies, studies and legislations and ensure their effective implementation.
MoCI’s Statistics Department pointed out the number of commercial registrations registered during the third quarter of 2017 stood at 6,415 including 3,941 entrepreneurs, 25 errand sellers, 485 domestic business, 353 partnership companies, 254 commandite companies, 1,162 limited liability companies, 3 commercial representation offices, 173 investment companies, 12 branches for international companies, 4 closed joint stock companies and 3 public organisations.
The ministry affirmed that it is going ahead in its plan for e-transformation through Invest Easy Portal which processes transactions very quickly with high accuracy in sharing information among relevant stakeholders.
The Portal helps decision makers to take informed decisions that address the individual registrations and reduce illicit trade. The e-transformation will play a key role in improving business environment in the Sultanate. — ONA
391 patent applications by companies, individualsMUSCAT: The number of patent applications by individuals and companies in the Sultanate in 2017 stood at 391, compared to 369 in 2016.
The patent applications covered chemical installations, pharmacy, mechanics, electronics, IT&C and oil & gas technologies.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) seeks to increase the number of applications submitted to it, especially by Omani investors. In this connection, the Intellectual Property Department at the MoCI developed a plan for organising a number of awareness raising seminars at the universities, colleges and industrial estates about the importance of protecting inventions and creative ideas.
Rasha Hamdi Abdul Hameed, Patency Expert at the Intellectual Property Department, said that MoCI seeks to provide the competitive
environment for the private sector to play an active role in the growth of the national economy.
The department plans to organise a number of seminars and lectures to highlight the role played by the ministry in this area and encourage researchers and workers at the research and scientific organisations, as well as other beneficiaries to submit and implement their creative ideas and project.
The seminars will also urge them to facilitate the transfer of technology from the scientific and research organisations to industrial sectors.
She added that the aim of registering patency is to protect the inventor against manipulation of his or her invention by others without prior licence. The patency certificate is an official certificate issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to protect the inventor’s right. — ONA
Broad money supply stands at RO 16.1 billionMUSCAT: With regard to monetary aggregates as at the end of October 2017, narrow money stock (M1) registered a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 1.9 per cent to RO 5 billion.
However, quasi-money (Rial Omani saving and time deposits, certificates of deposit issued by banks, margin deposits and foreign currency denominated deposits) witnessed a growth of 6.4 per cent during the period. Broad money supply M2 (M1 plus quasi-money) stood at RO 16.1 billion as at the end of October 2017 and grew by 3.7 per cent during the same period.
In respect of the domestic interest rate structure of conventional banks, the weighted average interest rate on RO deposits increased to 1.670 per cent in October 2017 from 1.384 per cent a year ago, while the weighted average RO lending rate increased to 5.190 per cent from 5.040 per cent during the same period.
The overnight Rial Omani domestic inter-bank lending rate stood at 1.146 per cent in October 2017, much higher as compared to 0.463 per cent a year ago.
The average Repo rate for liquidity injection by the CHO stood at 1.736 per cent per annum during the month of October 2017. The overall hardening of interest rates reflects some tightening of liquidity in the banking system. — ONA
Six ways of getting fit while discovering OmanMUSCAT: Winter is the perfect time of the year
to work on being fit while discovering Oman’s
innumerable blessings. Tourists, adventure-
seekers and even athletes flock to Oman to enjoy
its natural vistas and experience its striking
beauty, both on land and sea. The Sultanate’s
biodiversity is one factor that continues to shape
nature-inspired experiences for tourists and
visitors. Whether it is the spectacular marine life,
the indigenous wildlife or the exotic migrating
birds, Oman is a one-stop travel destination that
can fit in every travel requirement, even fitness
enthusiasts.
1. Trekking in Muttrah Mountains
Muttrah mountains are one of the perfect
spots for trekking and hiking. The Muttrah
Geo Trek, commonly known as Riyam Walk,
encompasses a route that was made ages ago and
used by miners to travel between the different
areas of Muttrah. It overlooks the charming
Corniche promenade and opens up a panorama
of the town from the top.
2. Swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the most beautiful
Omani wadis. Located in Al Sharqiyah North
Governorate, it is surrounded by a beautiful
landscape that perfectly merges with the clear
blue waters. Although the waters are beckoning,
one needs to be a good swimmer to go swimming
in these pools, as some of them are quite deep.
Professional swimmers and divers do flock to the
impressive Wadi Bani Khalid to get a taste of an
exhilarating swimming and diving experience.
3. Climbing in Hadash
Hadash, located in the Wilayat of Nakhl in
Al Batinah South Governorate, is blessed with
a beautiful range of colourful mountains, which
are in harmony with the few old houses and
neighbourhoods in the vicinity. It is a perfect
place for mountain climbers, given the fact that it
has interesting terrains and rocky facades.
4. Quad biking in Touq sands
The desert life in Oman is replete with
stunning biodiversity; it is a unique world
worth discovering from close quarters. Located
between Barka and Nakhl in Al Batinah South
Governorate, Touq is a perfect place to enjoy an
exciting desert experience on a quad bike. Quad
biking is one activity that you can completely
enjoy in Oman’s deserts this winter, especially in
Touq sands.
5. Diving in Al Duqm beach
Al Wusta Governorate holds some of Oman’s
finest beaches, and Al Duqm is one of those must-
visit beaches in Oman. Professional divers can look
forward to an underwater paradise in Al Duqm,
as it is home to some rare and colourful marine
life. The less adventurous could simply walk or run
along the beautiful beach to enjoy nature.
6. Cycling in Dhofar
Dhofar Governorate is one of the best places
to cycle in Oman. It has many breathtaking
landmarks and natural vistas in its wilayats such
as Rakhyout, Salalah, Mirbat and Taqah. Aside
from its serene landscapes, visitors could also
find a host of cultural heritage elements along the
old souq, antiquated houses, mosques, forts and
tours to its designated sites.
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8 7
Saudi gives bonus for government employeesRIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced
on Saturday it had boosted stipends
and benefits for citizens to cushion the
impact of economic reforms including
the kingdom’s first ever taxes after an
oil price slump.
Most working Saudi Arabians
are employed by the state and, like
nationals in other energy-flush Gulf
monarchies, have long benefited from
a generous welfare system.
After the 2014 oil market crash,
Saudi Arabia as well as the UAE
announced a five-per cent value-added
tax on most goods and services which
took effect at the start of this year.
In a move that aims to “soften the
impact of economic reforms on Saudi
households,” King Salman issued a
royal decree late on Friday ordering a
1,000-riyal monthly living allowance
for military personnel and public
servants for a period of one year.
Student stipends will be increased
by 10 per cent, an official statement
said. The oil-rich Gulf has long been
a tax-free haven for both high-income
households and migrant labourers,
who frequently rely on remittances to
support their families back home.
But countries in the region have
introduced a series of austerity
measures over the past two years to
boost revenues and cut spending as
the slump in world oil prices led to
ballooning budget deficits.
Saudi Arabia has also intensified
efforts to boost employment of its own
citizens. The jobless rate among Saudis
aged 15 to 24 stood at 32.6 per cent last
year, according to the International
Labour Organization.
Saudi Arabia posted an economic
contraction in 2017 for the first time
in eight years due to severe austerity
measures. The coming year’s budget
envisions record spending for the
kingdom, a move meant to return the
economy to positive growth.
Under Friday’s royal decree, troops
serving at the border with Yemen,
where Saudi Arabia is allied with the
government in a war against Ansar
Allah, will receive a bonus of 5,000
riyals ($1,333).
The state will also cover up to
850,000 riyals ($227,000) of the tax on
any citizen’s first home purchase.
The statement said the measures
were based on “information provided
by” Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman, the king’s powerful son who
has steadily consolidated his grip on
power since his shock appointment
as heir to the throne in June. Income
remains tax exempt. — AFP
VAT CUSHION: 1,000 riyals monthly living allowance for a period of one year; Troops in Yemen border to get 5,000 riyals
Iranian parliament may hold session on anti-govt protestsTEHRAN: The Iranian parliament
could hold a special session as early
as Sunday to look into the causes of
anti-government protests that have
gripped the country, several state-run
news agencies said.
The interior minister, the head of
intelligence and the security council
chief are all expected to attend, added
the ISNA news agency in reports on
Saturday. Hardliners in Iran have put
the blame for the demonstrations
squarely on foreign conspirators,
a sentiment echoed by Iranian
President Hassan Rouhani and his
reformers, though admitting that
not all the demonstrations could be
steered from the outside by “Iran’s
enemies.”
Hence the parliament’s desire to
find “the roots” or the protest. Jailed
demonstrators will receive legal
assistance as well.
A special commission has also
been set up to track the fates of those
arrested in recent demonstrations
in Iran, especially that of detained
students, said a spokesman for Tehran
University on Saturday, according to
ISNA. While there are no official
numbers regarding how many people
have been arrested over the past week
during anti-government protests that
have swept the country, an estimated
1,000 to 1,800 people are being
detained nationwide, with about 100
of them said to be students.
Science Minister Mansour
Gholami said that about a quarter of
the students arrested have since been
released, though he failed to give any
exact numbers.
The fate of those arrested has been
the topic of serious concern since
Iranian cleric Ahmad Khatami urged
worshippers in a sermon on Friday to
treat protesters as enemies of Islam,
adding that”there should be no mercy
for them,” particularly flag-burners.
The sentiments of Khatami and
other staunch government supporters
were heavily criticised by Rouhani
and his reformists in the parliament.
Posts on social media on Saturday
supposedly showed demonstrations
across the country overnight, though
they can’t be independently verified.
Iran’s other media outlets did not
report on protests.
The UN Security Council
held a meeting on Iran on Friday
under heavy pressure from the US
that mostly featured criticism of
Washington.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily
Nebenzia said the US move to call
the meeting was a “bogus pretext”
to include “purely political issues”
surrounding Iran on the Security
Council agenda and said that outside
countries should not interfere with
the demonstrations there. Nebenzia
went on to ask mockingly whether
the Security Council should have
had meetings to discuss internal US
issues such as protests in Ferguson,
Missouri, or the Occupy Wall Street
movement. — dpa
region
After the 2014 oil market crash, Saudi Arabia as well as the UAE announced a five-per cent value-added tax on most goods and services which took effect at the start of this year. — AFP file picture
17 SYRIAN KILLED IN AIR STRIKES
A Syrian girl who was injured in bombardment cries as she receives treatment at a make-shift hospital in Douma, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on Saturday. The deadliest of Syrian regime and Russian air strikes on the Eastern Ghouta region hit the Hammuriyeh district, leaving 17 civilians dead including two children, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. — AFP
Hardliners have put the blame for the demonstrations squarely on foreign conspirators, a sentiment echoed by President Rouhani and his reformers, though admitting that not all the demonstrations could be steered from the outside
A protester during a demonstration in support of the Iranian people amid a wave of protests spreading throughout Iran, on Friday in Paris. — AFP
Protest in Sudan against rising bread prices; bakeries and shops closedKHARTOUM: Police fired tear gas
on Saturday at groups of students
protesting in a central Sudanese
town against soaring bread prices,
witnesses said, as opposition
parties called for anti-government
demonstrations.
Bread prices almost doubled
on Friday across Sudan after flour
manufacturers raised prices amid
dwindling supply of wheat following
a government decision to stop
importing the grain and allow private
companies to do so.
“Citizens, demand your rights,”
shouted university students in the
central Sudanese town of Sennar as
dozens of residents joined them in
a sporadic march against the rise in
bread prices, witnesses said.
Police fired tear gas to break the
protest while shopkeepers closed
their shops in the town’s main market,
witnesses and residents from Sennar
said.
“The police fired tear gas at
protesters. I had to close my shop
as demonstrators approached the
market,” a shopkeeper said.
Pictures and videos of protesters
chanting anti-government slogans
and burning tyres in the streets were
uploaded on several social media
websites.
Flour manufacturers have raised
the price of a 50-kilo (110 pounds)
sack of wheat flour from 167 to 450
Sudanese pounds ($65), Mohamed al
Saeed, a member of a barky owners’
union, has said
That sent bread prices soaring and
in response leading opposition groups
have called for anti-government
protests across the country.
“The Umma Party calls on all its
members and Sudanese citizens to
protest peacefully against the rise in
bread prices,” the main opposition
party said in a statement.
“The only way to solve this problem
is to overthrow the regime,” it said.
The opposition Communist Party
and the Sudanese Congress Party also
called for anti-government protests.
“The only way to defeat this regime
is to go in the streets and demonstrate
to get back the dignity of Sudanese
people and their freedoms,” the
Communist Party said.
“People have to protest against
these economic policies.”
Sudan had witnessed sporadic
protests in late 2016 after a government
decision to cut fuel subsidies.
The authorities had cracked down
on those protests in an attempt to
prevent a repeat of the deadly unrest
that followed a similar round of
subsidy cuts in 2013.
Dozens of people were killed in
2013 protests when security forces
crushed large street demonstrations,
drawing international condemnation.
— AFP
LUXOR: Egyptian prosecutors have
ordered four people to be detained
as part of an investigation into a hot-
air balloon crash that killed a foreign
tourist in the southern city of Luxor,
a judicial source said.
The detainees, all Egyptians, are
the balloon’s pilot, the manager of
the balloon airport in western Luxor
and two officials of the company
that owns the crashed balloon.
The balloon hit the ground
during an emergency landing in the
western section of the historical city
on Friday morning, also wounding
15 others, mostly foreign tourists.
The dead tourist was a 34-year-
old South African man, while the
injured included five Australians,
four French nationals, two South
Africans, two Argentinians and a
Brazilian. The pilot was also injured.
A team from the Egyptian Civil
Aviation Authority is investigating
the incident and examining the
other balloons owned by the
company. Air balloon trips are
popular in Luxor, which has many
of historical monuments. — dpa
4 in custody over hot-air balloon crash
A man hands a bag of bread to a costumer at a bakery in the capital Khartoum on Friday. — AFP
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 88
asia
Abbasi calls US aid ‘insignificant’
China remains on alert as snowstorms kill 13N Korea ‘likely’ to join Winter
Games, says IOC official
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime
Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has
declared himself mystified by the US
threats to cut off funding, saying that
Washington’s financial assistance was
“very, very insignificant” and that
Islamabad was “on the forefront of the
war on terror”.
In an interview with The Guardian,
Abbasi said that reports about the
US was considering cuts of up to $2
billion in security assistance were
bewildering because of the total aid
Pakistan — civilian and military —
actually received was a tiny fraction of
that amount.
“I am not sure what US aid has
been talked here,” Abbasi said in his
office in Islamabad.
“The aid in the last five years at least
has been less than $10 million a year.
It is a very, very insignificant amount.
So when I read in the paper that aid at
the level of $250 million or 500 or 900
has been cut, we at least are not aware
of that aid.”
US President Donald Trump used
his first tweet of 2018 to threaten to
withhold aid to Pakistan because of
what he called its “lies and deceit”
over terrorism, claiming: “They give
safe haven to the terrorists we hunt
in Afghanistan, with little help.”
The President said that the US had
“foolishly” given Pakistan $33 billion
over the past 15 years.
According to the US Agency
for International Development, the
US gave $778 million to Pakistan
in assistance in 2016, of which 35
per cent was military and the rest
economic.
Abbasi rejected Trump’s charge
of duplicity over the fight against
terrorism, calling his claim that
Pakistan was harbouring terrorists a
“fallacy”.
“Pakistan is a sovereign country and
it has always abided by international
conventions,” he said.
“We are today fighting the largest
war on terror in the world. We are
fighting the world’s war on terror with
our own resources... That is something
the world has to appreciate.
“Today we are fighting terrorists.
So if somebody says we are harbouring
terrorists, there is no greater fallacy,”
Abbasi said.
“We have engaged US at every level
from President Trump down. We have
explained to them… what Pakistan
has done we have explained to the rest
of the world also.” — IANS
BEIJING: China has maintained its blue alert for intense snowfall in the central
parts of the country, which has so far killed 13 people, the National Meteorological
Centre said on Saturday.
The NMC issued a blue snowstorm alert, the least severe of its four-tiered
alert system after red, orange and yellow, for both Saturday and Sunday.
The agency said it expected blizzards to dump 4 to 8 centimetres of snow in
parts of Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Anhui and Hubei provinces and some areas
could be hit with more than 10 centimetres, Xinhua news agency reported.
The NMC warned residents of the affected areas to stay indoors and asked
authorities to take precautionary measures for roads, highways and electric and
telecommunication systems.
The first snow of 2018 affected large parts of northwestern, central and
eastern China since Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and damaging houses,
agriculture and power facilities, according to local authorities.
The affected area was spread over 13,100 hectares of farmland, out of which
more than 900 hectares had been destroyed, causing an estimated loss of $78.6
million. — IANS
MANILA: A former Philippine
official charged with the murder
of a prominent environmentalist
has been freed after a court
voided the case against him, his
lawyer said on Saturday.
Joel Reyes, the ex-governor
of the western island of Palawan,
was arrested in 2015 for the
killing of Gerry Ortega, a
prominent campaigner and radio
host who frequently accused
Reyes of massive corruption.
Demetrio Custodio said his
client was released late on Friday
after the court decision.
Ortega was shot dead while
shopping in the capital of
Palawan, one of the Philippines’
biggest islands and a popular
tourist destination, famed for
its lush forests and pristine
landscapes.
But it has also suffered from
illegal logging, mining and
fishing.
Ortega had accused Reyes
of corruption linked to alleged
environmental crimes on the
island.
While there have been many
cases of environmental activists
and journalists being murdered,
the brazen killing of Ortega
shocked the Philippines.
Reyes and his brother Mario,
who was also implicated, went
missing in 2012 after an arrest
warrant was issued for them.
They were caught in Thailand
in 2015.
Custodio said on Saturday an
appellate court upheld a petition
to void the arrest warrant against
Reyes, challenging the testimony
of a key witness in the case.
The court said the testimony
linking Reyes to the killing was
“riddled with inconsistencies,”
according to Custodio.
“On that basis, the finding of
probable cause and the issuance
of a warrant of arrest was wrong,”
the lawyer cited the court ruling
as saying.
Mario Reyes was freed on bail
in 2016.
Custodio said the latest ruling
— which effectively dismisses the
case — would also apply to him.
Reviving the case would be
difficult unless the matter is
taken to the Supreme Court
or if the prosecutor finds new
evidence, he added.
— AFP
BEIJING: North Korea’s Olympic
representative said on Saturday
the reclusive nation was “likely to
participate” in next month’s Winter
Games in South Korea, Kyodo news
agency reported, in the latest sign of a
thaw in tensions on the peninsula.
The comments by Chang Ung,
Pyongyang’s representative to the
International Olympic Committee
(IOC), come a day after the North
and South agreed to hold rare talks
next week and follow Seoul and
Washington’s announcement that
they would postpone joint military
exercises that rile North Korea.
The Japanese news agency said
Chang made the brief comment to
reporters during a stopover at Beijing’s
international airport.
Kyodo said Chang was believed
to be travelling to Switzerland, where
the IOC is based, quoting unnamed
sources as saying the trip may be aimed
at meeting the committee to discuss
the North’s potential participation in
the Games at Pyeongchang.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-
Un said in a new year speech that
his country wished success for the
Olympics, to be held from February
9-25, and would consider sending a
delegation.
The two Koreas have been
separated by the world’s most heavily
militarised border since the Korean
War ended in a stalemate in 1953.
Seoul and organisers are keen for
the North to take part in the Games
to help ease worsening tensions on
the Korean peninsula stemming
from Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile
programmes.
In recent months, North Korea has
held multiple missile launches and its
sixth and most powerful nuclear test
— purportedly of a hydrogen bomb
— in violation of UN resolutions
banning such activity by the isolated
nation. The region has been further
rattled by tit-for-tat threats and insults
between Kim and US President
Donald Trump.
But the new year has witnessed a
marked softening of tone.
Seoul has reacted warmly to Kim’s
Olympic overture and the two Koreas
this past week restored a cross-border
hotline that had been shut down
since 2016 and agreed to hold high-
level talks next week — the first since
December 2015.
Those talks are expected to focus
on matters including Olympic
participation.
Also in recent days, the United
States and South Korea agreed to delay
their joint military exercises until after
the Games, apparently to help ease
nerves. The regular joint drills have
been criticised by some as adding to
regional tensions.
North Korea’s young leader has
shrugged off multiple sets of new
UN Security Council sanctions as
his regime drives forward with its
weapons programmes, which it says
are needed to defend against US
aggression.
— AFP
ALLY: Pakistan PM says Islamabad is fighting the largest war on terror in the world
KATHMANDU: Elections for Nepal’s National Assembly, also known as the Upper House of the Federal Parliament, will take place on February 8, authorities announced on Saturday.
An emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers presided over by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba made the decision as per the recommendation of the Election Commission, Commerce Minister Min Bishwakarma told the media.
The decision has come nearly a week after President Bidya Devi Bhandari approved the National Assembly Act to pave the way for holding the elections, reports Xinhua news agency.
The National Assembly will have a total of 59 members.
Of them, 56 will be elected by an electoral college comprising assembly members of the seven provinces and chiefs and deputy chiefs of municipalities and rural municipalities.
Three will be nominated by the President as per the recommendation of the government.
The decision to hold the National Assembly elections comes after Nepal concluded elections to the House of Representatives, the lower house. — IANS
Nepal to hold assembly elections on February 8
A selection of stamps commemorating North Korea’s participation in past winter Olympic Games is displayed at a stamp shop in Pyongyang. — AFP
The Moragahakanda hydro-electricity and irrigation dam and reservoir is seen from the air in Moragahakanda in central Sri Lanka. President Maithripala Sirisena is due to commission the $440-million irrigation and power generating project next week. — AFP
DAM READY
People visit illuminated ice sculptures at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China. — Reuters
Joel Reyes, accused of killing a prominent environmental activist, was caught in Thailand in 2015. — AFP
Suspect in murder of prominent Philippine environmentalist freed
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8 9
analysis
Oman’s warriors in red set nation afirehe outpouring of national pride and
emotion must have been evident
around the Sultanate as the fifth Omani
penalty taker, Mohsin al Khaldi, slotted
home the winning goal, the winning
penalty, at the end of a dramatic final to
the Arabian Gulf Cup on Friday night.
We were at the Mouriya Al Sifah
Resort, and the wide interest in the
match was evident as we saw groups,
no, large groups of people gathered
around screens large and small, to
watch the match, from the Sifawy
Boutique Hotel, to the Sky Lounge, and
the Bank Beach Resort.
The initial nervousness gave way to
more confident urgings as the match
wore on, with all of the drama reaching
its crescendo in the 90th minute when
Omani goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi
managed to pummel away the penalty
attempt of tousle haired Emirati Omar
Abdulrahman.
Then, after 106 minutes, during
extra time, the Emirati goalie, Khalid
Essa was forced into a dramatic save
when Al Khaldi struck a free kick from
just outside the penalty area to the top-
right corner of the goal with unerring
accuracy. Essa came from nowhere to
tip the ball around the corner with a
save that must have broken hearts all
over Oman.
Fahmi Rajab Durbein then saved
the team, and the nation, with a
perfectly timed sliding tackle on an
Emirati striker who appeared to have
broken free, and suddenly, the game
was anyone’s to win. Then, in no time
at all, a long blast of the whistle by the
referee heralded penalties to decide the
winners of the 23rd Gulf Cup.
The penalties were nail-biters, but
neither goalkeeper actually looked like
saving one, until Abdulrahman stepped
up. He was a player English Premier
League clubs had shown interest in,
and had been the Emirates’ best player
of the tournament.
Surely, he had in mind the earlier
kick the yellow clad keeper had saved
and it must have prayed on his mind
when he chose to strike towards the
other side of the keeper. In any case,
Al Rushaidi guessed correctly, and
incredibly, for the second time in the
match saved the star’s penalty, leaving
a confident Al Khaldi to convert the
winning, fifth, penalty with aplomb.
I was watching with no English
commentary, no subtitles, and I’m only
a resident of Oman, not an Omani, yet
I think in that moment, I took as much
satisfaction as any local from winning,
against the odds. The cacophony of
noise and celebration that lit the Omani
night, after 137 minutes of heroic
football must have been deeply felt by
the players, and certainly was by their
supporters.
Certainly, this Omani side, under
Coach Peter Tim van Verbeek, known
as Pim, has improved since he took
over from Juan Lopez Caro, and before
him, the long serving Paul Le Guen.
The technical issues around ball
retention, and their discretion as to
where and when to play the ball to ‘free’
players, are both still hesitant. However,
the players had certainly bought into a
specific ‘game plan,’ which relied upon a
quick transition of the ball through the
midfield, where the Emirati’s appeared
stronger.
If the team can use this magnificent
win as a vindication of the effective
merging of their own skill levels, fitness,
and ability to implement the coach’s
strategies, then the upcoming Asia
Cup offers yet another opportunity
to display consistency, maturity and
mental strength.
Omani football has always had a
talented player base, and a unique 95
per cent youth involvement in the sport
which must be the envy of the world.
The challenge now is to build on that,
utilise the feelgood factor, and make
these young men believe that they can
be that good, if they work hard enough.
In fact, it is a clarion call to all
Omanis, whatever they are doing, to be
better than they are now, however good
they are now.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of the Observer.
MARTINE PAUWELS
n picturesque Windsor, in the shadow of the castle where Queen
Elizabeth II spends her weekends, a dozen homeless people shelter from
the cold in a jumble of blankets and cardboard boxes.
But with less than five months to go until the May 19 wedding of her
grandson Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle in the mediaeval
castle’s chapel, the local authority’s bid to sweep the homeless off the
streets has triggered indignation.
Simon Dudley, the Conservative leader of the Royal Borough
of Windsor and Maidenhead council, has urged the local Thames
Valley Police force to take action against their “aggressive begging and
intimidation”.
“This is creating a concerning and hostile atmosphere for our residents
and the seven million tourists who come to Windsor each year.”
The level of interest in Windsor, some 35 km west of London, is “set to
multiply” ahead of the royal wedding, he added.
According to the business valuation consultancy Brand Finance, the
event should draw hundreds of thousands of extra tourists to the town,
normally home to just 30,000 people, in 2018.
Dudley said the genuinely homeless, having rejected help, were on the
streets by “voluntary choice”.
Stephanie, who has been in the town centre for two years after
suffering mental illness, insisted: “I don’t choose to sit here.”
“Whatever people give me, they give me. I don’t choose to ask for
money to get given something to eat, like sandwiches,” she said.
The council’s plans have been condemned by, among others, the
Conservative MP for Maidenhead — Prime Minister Theresa May.
Murray James, Windsor Homeless Project manager, was all the more
shocked by the proposed clampdown as Harry and his brother Prince
William have long been involved in work with the homeless.
Regardless of the royal marriage, the authorities should pursue the
reasons why people end up on the streets rather than the homeless
themselves, he said.
He claimed there was a lack of emergency accommodation in the town
and deplored the state of the housing provided by the local authority —
often “infested with rats”.
Many passers-by in Windsor barely take notice of its homeless
population.
Peggy Outhwaite said she was uncomfortable waiting for the bus
while a homeless man took up residence in the bus shelter.
“I don’t think that they should be here,” she said of the homeless.
“This is a royal town and Harry should have his day,” said the
pensioner. — AFP
Homeless clampdown sparks UK royal wedding row
A tribute to Oman’s championsongratulations Oman’s football
champions for winning the Gulf Cup
held in Kuwait. This is a commendable
achievement for the country and its
people from a team which excelled in
its performance. Well done team!
You have done great by sparing
no effort in winning every match you
have played in the past weeks. Word
of thanks are not enough to express
people’s appreciation and gratitude to
each of the players.
Successful people always keep
trying till they get it right. Our
champions did. Since the 19th Gulf
Cup that was held in Muscat, our
team has been trying its best to bring
the trophy back home again. However,
the right time has just come for them
and all of us to celebrate the victory
again here.
Since then, we all have been
dreaming to win the championship
again and repeat the history. As the
saying goes, “Success comes only to
those who believe in their dreams”
and here it comes.
We all believed the time has not
come yet for another victory. When
the time came, we actually won and
achieved success.
The dream eventually came true
because we all believed it will happen
sooner or later. It’s all a matter of time.
Thanks to Oman’s champions for
making it come true. It’s a translation
of all their efforts and hard work.
It’s also the team work between
players themselves and the coach
and administration team too. Thanks
extended as well to the management
of Oman Football Association.
Friday was a historic day indeed.
People’s feelings were a mix of stress,
panic and desire to win the match.
They were stressed because the match
was extremely tough between the two
teams, Oman and UAE.
Simultaneously, people were
passionately looking forward to a win.
Our champions won the match after
a hard-fought battle. Of course to get
to the first place, they fought long and
hard. Like the saying goes, ‘No pain,
no gain’.
However, we all believe that where
there is a will, there is a way and as
Walt Disney said: “If you can dream
it, you can do it.” Because we all were
confident that we will be winning this
year’s edition of the Gulf Cup, the
outcome was obvious.
The players were confident they
could make it. We believed in them.
Omani fans left no stone unturned
to be with the players in Kuwait.
Some had been staying there and
supporting the team, while others
were commuting whenever our team
was playing a match.
As a matter of fact, the collective
support that has been witnessed from
individuals, government and private
bodies has been commendable. Each
one of them was playing a significant
role in urging the champions to play
well and win matches.
Such support played a very
important role in supporting the
team and inspiring them to excel. It’s
always great to see such cooperation
to support Omani talent in different
spheres.
It’s thrilling all what we have heard
about the rewards that are being
presented to our champions in return
for the win they have achieved. Cash
and other awards are granted to the
team by various government and
private entities. These are another
way of expressing appreciation to
the team for bringing victory to the
country and recording another sports
achievement to the Sultanate. Well-
deserved indeed.
Special thanks and appreciation
to all those in charge of making
the excellent team who have been
crowned Gulf Champions.
Congratulations to the champions
and all Omanis for winning the Gulf
Cup 23.
ESTABLISHED ON 15 NOVEMBER 1981
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili
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T
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RAY PETERSENpetersen_ray@hotmail.com
ABDULAZIZ AL JAHDHAMIaljahdhami22@gmail.com
Omani football has always had
a talented player base, and a unique 95 per cent youth
involvement in the sport which must be the envy of the
world
Thanks to Oman’s champions for
making it come true. It’s a translation of all their efforts and
hard work
A fan celebrates Oman’s GCC cup victory in Muscat on Saturday. PHOTO BY MOHAMMED MAHJOUB
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 810
SLOWDOWN: Congress president targets both Modi and Jaitley
india
Fodder scam: Lalu gets 3.5 years in jail
Rahul dubs GDP as Modi’s Gross Divisive Politics
Solar modules stuck at ports due to import duty dispute
Thousands hit as TN transport strike enters second day
Kerala health minister faces vigilance probe
Four policemen killed in Kashmir bombing
NEW DELHI: Key Indian opposition
leader Lalu Prasad Yadav was jailed
on Saturday for three and a half years
over his role in a multi-million dollar
corruption case.
Lalu Prasad, 69, is a former railways
minister and ex-chief minister of the
impoverished eastern state of Bihar
where he enjoys huge popular support
for championing lower castes.
Last month the anti-corruption
court found Yadav guilty of fraudulently
withdrawing nearly $140,000 from the
state treasury in a larger fraud dubbed
the “fodder scam”, which was worth
about Rs 10 billion ($157 million).
Some 60 criminal cases were filed
against dozens of politicians and public
officials for colluding and defrauding
the government in a scheme that was
meant to help livestock farmers.
They are accused of inventing vast
herds of livestock to obtain public
money for fodder and medicines for
them.
Lalu Prasad denies the allegations,
calling them a “political vendetta” by
the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“We are confident that he (Lalu
Prasad) will get bail. We have full faith
in the judiciary.
We are not going to be cowed
down,” Lalu Prasad’s son Tej Pratap told
reporters after the sentence.
Lalu Prasad, a vocal critic of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was
convicted in a first fodder scam case in
2013 and sentenced to five years in jail.
After spending two months in jail,
he was granted bail. — AFP
NEW DELHI: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on
Saturday attacked the Centre for the economic slump in
the country and described “GDP” as the “Gross Divisive
Politics” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rahul Gandhi targeted both Modi and Finance Minister
Arun Jaitley for the slowdown in investment, bank credit
growth, job creation and agricultural growth.
“FM Jaitley’s genius combines with Modi’s Gross
Divisive Politics (GDP) to give India: New Investments: 13
year (low), Bank credit Growth: 63 year (low), Job creation:
8 year (low), Agriculture GVA growth: 1.7 per cent (low)
Fiscal Deficit: 8 year (high), Stalled Projects (high),” Rahul
Gandhi tweeted.
Rahul also tweeted a news report in which the Central
Statistics Office (CSO) has projected that economic growth
rate for 2017-18 will be lower than the 7.1 per cent that was
achieved in 2016-17.
Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax and
subsequent slowdown in the manufacturing sector was
expected to drag down India’s growth to 6.5 per cent in
2017-18, official data showed. — IANS
NEW DELHI: Solar modules worth
more than $150 million are stuck at
various Indian ports due to a dispute
over their classification and the import
tax applicable to them, sources said,
which could delay Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s clean energy goals.
Modi has set an ambitious target
of nearly tripling the country’s total
renewable energy capacity to 175
gigawatt (GW) by 2022, spurring
global firms including Japan’s
SoftBank and Goldman Sachs to
invest in solar projects in the country.
Most of the solar modules come
from China, but several consignments
are now held up because customs
officials have demanded that some of
them be classified as “electric motors
and generators”, attracting a 7.5 per
cent duty, not as “diodes, transistors
and similar semi-conductor devices”
with no duty.
Two customs officials in the
southern port of Chennai confirmed
the issue regarding the classification.
C Narasimhan, president of the
Indian Solar Association, said that up
to 2,000 solar module containers are
now stranded at four major ports.
“Port disruptions like this will
hamper the country’s progress towards
achieving the target of 100 GW in
installed solar capacity by 2022,” said
Narasimhan, a former lawmaker.
The Indian unit of Germany’s
Enerparc had 30 of its containers
stuck at Chennai for three weeks as it
finished some “paperwork” and paid
a demurrage — a charge for failing
to discharge the ship on time — of
about 7 million rupees ($110,471), its
Managing Director Santosh Khatelsal
said.
The renewable energy ministry has
already asked the finance ministry to
resolve the matter without disrupting
business, said a government official
with direct knowledge of the matter.
Any duty is bad news for project
developers such as SoftBank-backed
SB Energy but good for local solar
component makers such as Indosolar
and Moser Baer.
Indian manufacturers have
struggled to compete with Chinese
companies such as Trina Solar and
Yingli and have sought anti-dumping
duties as well as long-term safeguards.
“The interests of domestic
manufacturers and developers should
be protected with least harm,” said the
government official, who declined to
be named.
“The dispute has the potential to
disrupt deployment by increasing
the cost of projects but at the same
time might protect the domestic
manufacturers.” — Reuters
CHENNAI: Thousands of people were affected across Tamil Nadu as most buses remained off the road on the second day of the transport workers strike on Saturday while talks between the government and the protesters failed to break the deadlock.
Over 40 trade unions affiliated to the state transport corporations have decided to intensify the protest as another round of talks between the striking employees and Transport Minister M R Vijayabaskar failed while opposition parties urged the AIADMK government to solve the issue immediately.
Though associations affiliated to the AIADMK operated bus services as usual, more than 70 per cent of state roadways were off the roads hitting thousands of commuters. To deal with the crisis, Southern Railway operated extra EMU services in the capital city. However, passengers in other districts could not commute as the private operators refused to operate in rural areas.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami also held discussions with the Transport Department authorities on Saturday afternoon to solve the transport strikers issue as the situation going worse. — IANS
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption
Bureau here on Saturday started a
preliminary probe into the medical
bills claimed by Kerala Health
Minister K K Shailaja.
The probe was effected after
complaints were registered against
the Minister by senior BJP leader
K Surendran and K M Shajahan,
who is a former secretary to CPI-M
veteran V S Achuthanandan.
Shajahan alleged that the Minister
and a few medical professionals were
engaged in a criminal conspiracy to
fabricate documents to cheat the
public exchequer of Rs 390,250.
This was a blatant violation of
The Members of Kerala Legislative
Assembly (Medical Facilities)
Rules, 1994 with regard to claim
reimbursement of cost of treatment/
medical attendance by members, the
complaint added.
The issue has caused
embracement not just for the
Minister but for the CPI-M party
after the media took it up and it went
viral across the social media as well.
Shailaja on her part has gone on
record and said that she has done no
wrong. She has said that she has only
“claimed that which she is eligible
for”.
The preliminary probe will look
whether rules were breached.
If probe results came out against
the Minister it could lead to more
embarrassment for the ruling party
in the assembly session that begins
on January 22. — IANS
SRINAGAR: Four policemen,
including an assistant sub-inspector,
were killed and two others injured
in a powerful bomb blast that ripped
through a market place in north
Kashmir’s Sopore town on Saturday,
police said.
The improvised explosive device
(IED) blast damaged three shops
in the Gole Market, a police officer
said. Once a hotbed of militancy and
separatist politics, Sopore town lies 50
km north of Srinagar.
Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Kashmir Munir Khan said four
policemen were killed in the explosion.
The IED was planted by militants
near a shop, the police said. But it was
not immediately known which group
carried out the attack.
“Searches are on and the area was
cordoned off. The two injured were
shifted to hospital,” a police officer
said.
The otherwise busy market was
closed for the day in response to a
shutdown called by the separatists
to mark the 19th anniversary of the
killings of some 55 people following
a militant attack on security forces in
1993.
Authorities had deployed a large
number of security forces in the
market and other areas of Sopore to
maintain law and order situation in
the wake of the protest shutdown.
9 DEAD IN AVALANCHE
Nine persons were killed and two,
including an eight-year-old, were
rescued after the vehicle in which
they were travelling was caught in an
avalanche in a north Kashmir border
area, police said on Saturday.
The avalanche occurred at
3,000-metre Sadhna Pass of Tangdhar
region in Kupwara district.
“Nine dead bodies have been
recovered by rescue teams. The
deadinc lude an engineer of the BRO
(Border Roads Organisation) and
eight locals,” a police officer said.
The BRO engineer was identified as
Mangla Prasad Singh.
Rescue teams rescued the child
and a 50-old man from the avalanche
debris. — IANS
People wrap themselves in blankets and shawls as they wait for trains at a railway station on a foggy winter morning on the outskirts of Agartala on Saturday. — Reuters
Relatives and neighbours of slain Indian policeman Ghulam Nabi react during his funeral procession at village Rohama Rafiabad, some 70 kms north of Srinagar, on Saturday. — AFP
Season’s coldest day in DelhiNEW DELHI: Delhi on Saturday experienced its first coldest day of this season as the minimum temperature dropped to 4.2 degree Celsius, three notches below the average.
The Railways had to cancel 18 trains while 49 were delayed and 13 rescheduled due to fog in several parts of northern India. Operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport here were also affected in the morning due to the low visibility.
“Due to poor visibility in #fog at Delhi, Patna, Varanasi, Chandigarh and Lucknow some of our flights are affected,” Jet Airways tweeted.
On early Saturday morning, SpiceJet in a tweet said: “Due to bad weather at Delhi, all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. All passengers are requested to cross-check their flight status before leaving for the airport.”
On January 4 this year, the mercury dipped to 5 degree Celsius while on January 1 the minimum temperature settled at 5.7 degree Celsius.
On Friday minimum and maximum temperature was swinging between 7.2 and 18.1 degrees Celsius.
“The sky will remain clear on Sunday with moderate fog in the morning and mist during the day,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.
Monday’s maximum and minimum temperature would be around 20 and 5 degree Celsius respectively.
There was slight relief during Saturday’s noon as the maximum temperature settled at 20.8, a notch above the season’s average.
On Saturday, humidity oscillated between 100 and 42 per cent while visibility at 8.30 am was 400 metres.
— IANS
Rahul, who had coined terms like ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ for GST and ‘Fake in India’ for Make in India, came up with one more, ‘Gross Divisive Politics’ to describe Modi’s GDP.
Farmers work in a field on the outskirts of Kolkata. Rahul Gandhi on Saturday targeted both Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for the slowdown in agricultural growth. — AFP
Farmers throw potatoes outside UP CM’s houseLUCKNOW: The Yogi
Adityanath government in Uttar
Pradesh faced an embarrassing
situation on Saturday as quintals
of potatoes were thrown by the
farmers in front of the Vidhan
Sabha building and outside
Chief Minister’s residence.
The VIP and high-security
zone in front of the state
assembly building was strewn
with potatoes in the morning.
The scene was similar outside
Raj Bhawan which houses Uttar
Pradesh Governor Ram Naik
and his family and outside the
5, Kalidas Marg high-security
residence of Chief Minister
Adityanath.
The development sent the
district administration and
security officials in a tizzy as
the act was carried out in high-
security zones.
Senior Superintendent of
Police (SSP) Lucknow Deepak
Kumar said the vehicles of the
farmers, who were involved in
throwing potatoes have been
identified and that they would
be acted upon.
Farmers, however, said they
have not done anything wrong
as this was a symbolic protest
against the government and its
policies.
Farmers are angry at their
crops being wasted and said the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led
government is doing nothing to
arrest the decay. — IANS
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8 11
FIRE AND FURY: US President Trump rejects author Michael Wolff’s accusations that he is mentally unfit for office
Two jets collide on ground at Toronto airport
I am a ‘very stable genius’ and ‘like, very smart’
MONTREAL: Two jets collided on
the ground at a Toronto airport setting
the tail of one aircraft alight and
prompting passengers to evacuate the
other via an emergency slide.
Both WestJet and Sunwing
confirmed that their planes were
involved in the collision at Toronto
Pearson International, the second such
incident at the airport in five months.
Several hours after the collision
the airport said all WestJet passengers
were safely at the terminal, adding that
one of the airport’s fire and emergency
service personnel was undergoing
hospital treatment.
“At this time, airport operations
have not been significantly affected
by the incident but continue to be
challenged by the extreme cold
weather conditions,” the airport’s
statement said.
The panicked shouts and cries of
those aboard were audible on one
Instagram video shot by a passenger
inside the WestJet plane.
The clip showed flames erupting
from the Sunwing aircraft, sending
black smoke spewing into the frigid
night air.
“Our plane was crashed into by
another plane right after the pilot
announced they were ‘low on staff,’”
wrote the user who posted the video,
under the handle stephen_belford.
WestJet said on Twitter that the
Boeing 737-800 plane had 168 guests
and six crew onboard, and had arrived
in Toronto via Cancun.
Waiting to proceed to the gate,
the aircraft “was struck by a Sunwing
aircraft pushing back from the gate,”
WestJet said.
“Due to the position of the aircraft
on the laneway, WestJet guests
required evacuation via emergency
slide.
Emergency crews were on hand
and responded immediately,” the
airline tweeted.
The company did not specify if
the incident resulted in injuries but
said “all 168 guests and six crew are
accounted for.”
“We can confirm guests are safely
in the terminal and they are in the
process of clearing customs.”
In a statement posted on its social
media pages Sunwing said “there
were no Sunwing crew or passengers
onboard at the time of the incident,”
adding that its aircraft had been
“under tow by our ground handling
service provider” prior to the collision.
Toronto’s weather was clear but
overnight the temperature plunged
below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees
Fahrenheit).
The Transportation Safety Board
had arrived at the scene and launched
an investigation. — AFP
WASHINGTON: US President Don-
ald Trump on Saturday praised him-
self as “a very stable genius,” following
the release of a bombshell book that
calls into doubt his mental health.
But Trump’s response to the book’s
allegations had Washington focusing
anew on the question of his stability.
In a series of extraordinary early-
morning tweets, Trump said that
“throughout my life, my two greatest
assets have been mental stability and
being, like, really smart.”
“I went from VERY successful busi-
nessman, to top TV Star to President
of the United States (on my first try). I
think that would qualify as not smart,
but genius.... and a very stable genius
at that!”
The new supposed tell-all book —
Michael Wolff ’s “Fire and Fury: In-
side the Trump White House” — was
rushed into stores on Friday after the
Trump administration failed to sup-
press it.
The book quickly sold out in Wash-
ington and has been the talk of the
town.
Trump has decried the instant best-
seller as “phony” and “full of lies” as
the White House issued a scorched-
earth dismissal of “Fire and Fury”
along with its author and his sources.
Trump’s stability has been ques-
tioned by critics almost since he de-
clared his candidacy for the presi-
dency.
In March 2016, former Republican
presidential candidate Mitt Romney
said Trump lacked the “temperament
of a stable, thoughtful leader.” And
Trump’s Democratic rival Hillary
Clinton regularly declared him “tem-
peramentally unfit” for a job requiring
“knowledge, stability and immense re-
sponsibility.”
Trump’s tweets came ahead of his
meetings on Saturday with top Repub-
lican lawmakers and Cabinet members
at the Camp David presidential retreat
to discuss party priorities ahead of the
crucial 2018 midterm elections.
Yet the sensational details in the
new book and Trump’s continued
defence of his mental health have
wrenched attention away from policy
and news of US financial markets
hitting all-time highs, bringing even
more scrutiny over whether the US
leader is fit for office.
On Friday, Washington’s chief dip-
lomat Rex Tillerson was obliged to
defend Trump after being asked dur-
ing an interview about claims that the
president has a short attention span,
regularly repeats himself and refuses
to read briefing notes.
“I’ve never questioned his mental
fitness. I’ve had no reason to ques-
tion his mental fitness,” said Tillerson,
whose office was last year forced to
deny reports that he had referred to
Trump as a “moron” after a national
security meeting.
Even in defending Trump, the
former ExxonMobil chief executive
told CNN he has had to learn how
to effectively relay information to the
president.
Journalist Wolff, no stranger to
controversy, quotes several key Trump
aides expressing doubt about Trump’s
ability to lead the world’s largest econ-
omy and military hegemon.
“Let me put a marker in the sand
here. One hundred per cent of the
people around him” question Trump’s
fitness for office, Wolff told NBC’s “To-
day” show.
“They all say he is like a child. And
what they mean by that is he has a
need for immediate gratification.
It’s all about him.”
The book includes extensive quotes
from Steve Bannon, Trump’s former
chief strategist, who accuses Trump’s
eldest son Don Jr of “treasonous”
contacts with a Kremlin-connected
lawyer, and saying the president’s
daughter Ivanka, who imagines her-
self running for president one day, is
“dumb as a brick.”
But it is Trump himself who is cast
in the most unfavourable light.
Wolff also says he detected signs
that some believe could point to in-
cipient dementia, or at least mental
deterioration — his repetition of the
same stories and anecdotes, some-
times within minutes.
The book’s publication came as
news emerged that at least a dozen
members of the US Congress were
briefed last month by Yale University
professor of psychiatry Bandy Lee on
Trump’s mental health.
Assessments questioning Trump’s
stability have grown throughout his
first year in office, fueled by what crit-
ics said were his often petulant, and
even childish, reactions to criticism.
Last November, Lee wrote to The
New York Times that she and several
other “concerned mental health pro-
fessionals” were detecting “more than
his usual state of instability,” with
“characteristics (that) place our coun-
try and the world at extreme risk of
danger.”
The White House has regularly dis-
missed such criticism, saying it is no
secret that the president has a strong
personality, but that it makes him a
more — not less — effective leader.
— AFP
Court rejects Putin foe’s appeal against poll ban
BELFAST: A Catholic dio-
cese in Northern Ireland
has suspended the “sign
of peace” handshake in its
masses due to the risk of
infection from a strain of
the flu first discovered in
Australia, a media report
said on Saturday.
At least 170,000 cases
were confirmed at the end
of the Australian winter,
more than twice as many
as in 2016. According to
health officials, there 72
flu-related deaths, the
Guardian report said.
The H3N2 virus, which
is also referred to as “Aus-
tralian flu” or “Aussie flu”,
has spread across the UK
and Ireland.
A statement from the
office of Bishop Noel Tre-
anor said: “Having received
medical advice concerning
the increasing risk and im-
pact of Australian flu, the
diocese of Down and Con-
nor has decided to reacti-
vate precautionary meas-
ures originally established
by the diocese in response
to the swine flu epidemic.
“The customary sign
of peace handshake ex-
changed during mass is
suspended until the risk
of infection is significantly
reduced... Other provisions
will be made for those who
suffer from a coeliac condi-
tion, such as separate chal-
ices.”
The statement also paid
tribute to those working
within the medical field,
acknowledging that “hos-
pitals across Northern
Ireland are currently expe-
riencing high numbers of
patient admissions of those
suffering from respiratory
illnesses directly linked to
the flu virus”, reports the
Guardian. — IANS
MOSCOW: Russia’s Supreme Court
on Saturday turned down an appeal
by opposition politician Alexei
Navalny to overturn a controversial
ruling barring him from running
in the March presidential election
against Vladimir Putin.
On December 31, the Supreme
Court upheld the Central Election
Commission’s decision that Navalny
cannot register as a candidate due to
an embezzlement conviction which
the opposition politician says is
politically motivated.
Opposed only by token candidates,
Putin is widely expected to win a
fourth presidential term in the March
election, making him the longest
serving Russian leader since dictator
Josef Stalin.
Russian agencies said Navalny’s
campaign team will continue to seek
a reversal of the ban.
“We will appeal today’s Supreme
Court ruling at the Presidium
but also at Russia’s Constitutional
Court,” Navalny’s representative Ivan
Zhdanov told Interfax news agency.
“In theory, Navalny still has a
chance of taking part in the election,
but in reality they are negligible,” he
added.
Navalny, who has campaigned
across Russia in recent months,
argued earlier in front of the Central
Election Commission banning him
from participation would make the
election illegitimate.
The ban prompted the 41-year-old
protest leader to call for a poll boycott.
Navalny, who has built a sizeable
campaign through his blog and
YouTube on an anti-corruption
platform, has called several mass
rallies across Russia last year that
saw a high number of young people
participate.
He has called on his supporters to
take to the streets again on January
28. Putin and other top Russian
officials to not refer to Navalny by
name. — AFP
world
Emergency services arrive at a site where two planes collided at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. — Reuters
Copies of the ‘Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House’ by author Michael Wolff are seen at a book store in New York. — Reuters
The Seine river bursting its banks near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Saturday. The young female diver vanished on Friday in the river, swollen after days of rain brought by Storm Eleanor. — AFP
SWOLLEN SEINE
I went from VERY successful businessman, to top TV Star to President of the United States (on my first try
DONALD TRUMPUS President
Flu prompts handshake ban in N Ireland churches
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 812
panorama
ROME: It was mocked for its
wilting needles and bare branches,
but Rome’s Christmas tree has
captured the hearts of locals and
tourists alike and there are now
plans afoot to save it from the
chipper.
The Eternal City’s tree,
affectionately nicknamed
‘Spelacchio’, which translates as
‘Mangy’or ‘Baldy’, may end up
on display in Rome’s MAXXI
modern art museum, the Corriere
della Sera and Messaggero dailies
said on Saturday.
The Norway spruce — which
was estimated to have cost the city
some 48,000 euros — was declared
dead on its arrival in Rome from
northern Italy in December, with
many saying it was a metaphor for
the state of the capital.
But the underdog, pitifully
weedy incomparison with the
majestic trees at the Vatican
and rival cities like Milan, soon
built up a following of devoted
supporters, as well as a Twitter
account of its own.
“They say they want to put
me in a museum. Move over
Caravaggio,” it tweeted, in a
reference to the Italian Baroque
painter.
Fans have been hanging
messages of encouragement
on the tree, with one naming
it the “9th king of Rome, after
(Francesco) Toti,” the city’s most
famous football player.
Should a second life in a
museum be out of the question,
Rome council is exploring a Plan
B to turn the tree into a wooden
house to be used by breastfeeding
mothers, or thousands of
pencils for the city’s schools, the
newspapers said. — AFP
Rome’s ‘mangy’ Christmas tree offered eternal life
JUMBO CHRISTMAS: Female elephants Rada and Tefi get a Christmas tree from their keeper at the Allwetterzoo zoo in Muenster, western Germany, on Friday. — AFP
MASS YOGA: Indian schoolchildren take part in a yoga routine during a rehearsal ahead of the International Kite Festival 2018 in Ahmedabad on Saturday. — AFP
ICE FISHING: People fish for trout on a frozen river during the Ice Festival in Hwacheon, south of the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas, South Korea, on Saturday. — Reuters
BALANCING ACT: Members of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association display their balancing skills atop bamboo ladders during Tokyo Fire Department’s New Year’s Fire review in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday. — Reuters
CHILLING DRIVE: An aerial view shows a car driving along a forest road during sunset, with the air temperature at about minus 27 degrees Celsius in the Siberian Taiga area outside the village of Balakhta, in Krasnoyarsk region, Russia, on Saturday. — Reuters
DANCING IN WATER: Bulgarian men dance in the waters of the Tundzha River during a celebration to commemorate
Epiphany Day in the town of Kalofer, Bulgaria, on Saturday. — Reuters
SUNDAY | JANUARY 7, 2018 | RABEE AL THANI 19, 1439 AH
Award for PDO’s 100 MW solar energy project in JuneCONRAD PRABHUMUSCAT, JAN 6
Petroleum Development Oman
(PDO) has invited Expressions of
Interest (EoI) from international firms
eager to participate in a competitive
tender for a 100 MW utility scale solar
photovoltaic project to be located in
Amin in southern Oman.
The project is the second such
utility-scale solar PV venture unveiled
in as many weeks, and underscores
a rapidly intensifying push towards
renewable and sustainable energy
resource development in the Sultanate.
The project is set to be majority
government-owned PDO’s first
renewable energy venture being
developed as an Independent Power
Producer (IPP). Electricity output
from the plant will be lifted by PDO
as the sole offtaker under a 23-year
power purchase agreement (PPA) with
the developer.
The successful bidder will be
awarded a long-term concession to
design, construct, finance, operate and
maintain the solar plant for the duration
of the PPA term. “It is envisaged that
the Project will be privately financed
through a combination of sponsor and
third party equity and non / limited
recourse debt under a similar structure
to previous IPPs. It is intended that
PDO will sign a direct agreement
with the Project’s lenders setting out
financial commitments,” said PDO in
a backgrounder on the project.
Competitive tendering and
procurement of the solar project is
envisaged under the Independent Power
Producer (IPP) structure, which has
served as the model for the procurement
of almost all of the 6,000 MW of gas-
based power generation capacity
currently in place around Oman.
According to a timeline drawn up
by PDO for the implementation of
the project, a Request for Proposals
(RfP) will be issued before the end
of this month, with the award of a
concession slated in June this year. A
two-year timeframe is envisioned for
the construction phase.
NEW MILESTONE: Utility-scale solar photovoltaic venture to come up in Amin, northwest of Salalah
business editor@omanobserver.om www.omanobserver.omfollow us @oman_biz
businessOMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 814
insideoman
BUSINESS ALERT
Bank Sohar sponsors Indian Social Club event
MUSCAT: Bank Sohar recently sponsored a literary event hosted by the
Urdu Wing of the Indian Social Club as part of its programme to support
the youth, communities and cultural organisations. The event titled,
‘Mushairah’ was organised at the Ministry of Education Auditorium at
Watayah and was a celebration of Urdu poets, well-known among the
Indian diaspora in Oman and abroad.
Commenting on the bank’s sponsorship, Mustafa Ali Mukhtar, DGM
and Acting Head Wholesale Banking said, “Bank Sohar always strives to
play an active role in the community by engaging in events that celebrate
the diverse culture of our clients. Such occasions are opportunities that offer
better insight into our customers’ financial habits, their banking requirements allowing us to develop better solutions for
them. The bank is also presented with different perspectives of potential clients within their respective cultural and social
milieu. This again helps in network and relationship building for the development of enhanced products and services.”
Genesis names new General Manager for Africa and Middle East
ALTAR Yilmaz has been named as General Manager for luxury car brand Genesis in the
Africa and Middle East region, bringing 20 years’ experience in the luxury automotive sector
to the role. Yilmaz spent more than 15 years at Mercedes-Benz, beginning in the late 1990s,
followed by senior roles with the Porsche and Cadillac brands. His career includes positions
both with international carmakers and national distributors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia,
giving him a deep understanding of the market.
“I am very excited to be joining Genesis, and look forward to contributing to the brand’s
growth in Africa and the Middle East,” Altar Yilmaz said. “The luxury car market is very
competitive, but also has enormous potential for growth. With its commitment to excellence
in design, technology and quality, Genesis has a bright future in this region and globally.”
Genesis launched in the region during 2016 with its first model, the flagship G90 large sedan. It now also offers the
mid-sized G80 and G80 Sport, and is preparing to begin sales of the compact G70 sedan.
Infiniti Q60 gets ‘Dynamic Coupe of the year’ award
THE Infiniti Q60, the premium sports coupe that combines expressive design with
exhilarating performance and dynamics, won the ‘Dynamic Coupe of the year’ at
The Luxury 100, a unique initiative by Signature magazine, during a ceremony held
at Muscat Bay, recently.
The Luxury 100 features a list of 100 premium brands that have been curated by
a team comprising of UMS Editors, journalists from various parts of the world and
selected connoisseurs of luxury. The list features brands that have made their mark
in 2017 through their brand appeal, brand value and overall growth. The Infiniti Q60 was selected for its beautiful design,
new technology, safety features and outstanding performance.
A spokesperson for Infiniti Oman said, “We are incredibly proud that Infiniti brand is once again in The Luxury 100
list this year. It makes us feel proud to be in the country’s and the region’s only list of iconic luxury products of the year.
The Q60’s qualities and core strengths — the way it looks and drives — has been impressing buyers in the premium sports
coupe segment in the Sultanate. Infiniti Q60 has made it to The Luxury 100 for being at the forefront of daring design and
pioneering technology.”
Refreshed and impressive Kia Sorento now in Oman
THE Sorento has always stood out for its impressive looks and unique appeal
boldly making a mark on every appearance. The latest and refreshed Sorento
continues to take this legacy forward with its distinctive looks and sophisticated
style.
The Sorento moves up notches with a well-sculpted exterior and an impressive
performance, offering you enough room to make a lasting impression on a night
out or an exhilarating getaway around town. Striking and new-design projection
headlamps, aggressive-looking front grille, front fog lamps projection type, tinted
glass, attractive alloy wheels and eye-catching rear combination lamps enhance the overall appearance of the Sorento.
Options of exciting colours add to the profile of the Sorento making it instantly desirable at a single glance.
Powering this head-turner further on every journey is a powerful 3.5L MPI Euro4 engine that is paired to an 8-speed
A/T. Go ahead and let your imagination soar. The all-wheel drive Sorento’s outstanding performance offers you enough
opportunities to make the most of life both on weekdays as well as the weekends. Its outstanding suspension provides
wishfully smooth drives across terrains, making every drive a pleasure.
Bridgestone participates in PDO Tyre Safety campaign
BRIDGESTONE participated in the Tyre Safety awareness campaign conducted
by Petroleum Development Oman at the PDO facility in Mina Al Fahal on
December 19, 2017. The campaign was open from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm, where
Bridgestone’s professionally trained technical team drew attention of motorists
towards importance of regular tyre check, maintenance, observing road safety,
among others topics. The team received excellent response from the visitors. Free
assessment of tyres was done by checking tyre pressure, visual damages, wear
pattern etc as a part of the campaign.
Jaishankar, General Manager — Bridgestone Tyres at Towell Auto Centre said, “We are excited to organise such safety
campaigns to create awareness on tyre safety and educate consumers on regular tyre maintenance. We are proud to
partner with the PDO which is playing a vital role in spreading the message about road safety and safe driving in Oman.”
“We have and will always extend our support to promote tyre and road safety through such medium. Bridgestone
being one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, road safety is of prime (paramount) importance to us and we look
forward to taking ample steps to promote safe driving in Oman” he added.
MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship
financial services provider in the
Sultanate, and leading healthcare
provider Apollo Hospital Muscat
have joined hands to facilitate
affordable healthcare services with an
easy payment plan (EPP) scheme.
The new facility allows Bank
Muscat credit card customers to
avail services at Apollo Hospital
Muscat, which can be paid in 12
equal monthly instalments with
zero interest. All Bank Muscat credit
cardholders, excluding Meethaq and
Corporate credit cardholders, are
eligible for this offer.
The EPP is a scheme where
customers can avail goods and
services through credit card and
repay in fixed equal monthly
instalments at zero per cent interest.
The EPP agreement was signed at
the bank’s head office by Amjad al
Lawati, Assistant General Manager
— Cards and eBanking, and V T
Saileswaran, Managing Director of
Apollo Hospital Muscat.
Amjad al Lawati said: “Bank
Muscat is delighted to join hands with
Apollo Hospital Muscat to launch
the EPP scheme that enhances value
for customers and promotes healthy
lifestyle.
The partnership with Apollo
Hospital Muscat will enable
customers using Bank Muscat
credit cards to avail a wide range of
healthcare services. Bank Muscat
credit cards, which spell convenience
and security, are a preferred mode of
payment in Oman. The EPP scheme
reiterates the bank’s commitment to
promoting secure card payment in
Oman.”
Customers can use all Bank
Muscat credit cards, excluding
Meethaq and Corporate credit cards,
at Apollo Hospital Muscat for any
treatment, cosmetic surgery, dental
and other health services costing
RO 100 and above and pay in equal
instalments for 12 months at zero per
cent interest.
VT Saileswaran said: “Aimed at
promoting a healthy lifestyle, Apollo
Hospital Muscat is proud to extend the
EPP scheme in partnership with Bank
Muscat. The association between the
two institutions will give a boost and
affordability to high end healthcare
services. The key benefits of the EPP
scheme include zero per cent interest,
allowing customers to avail services
and pay later for a period of 12
months. Customers are not required
to provide any additional documents
and the scheme ensures affordability
for high end medical care.”
Bank Muscat, Apollo Hospital join hands on easy payment plan
137,333 e-transactions through Invest Easy portal last yearBUSINESS REPORTERMUSCAT, JAN 6
There were 137,333 electronic
transactions made electronically
through the Invest Easy portal till
the end of December 2017. These
transactions were made for new
registries, renewal of commercial
registries, addition of activities and
changes in trade names, licenses of
commercial and personal import and
certificates of release and origin.
The Ministry of Commerce and
Industry has said that there were
15,588 e-transactions recorded in
Muscat Governorate, 25,884 in
North Batinah, 18,143 in Al Buraimi
Governorate and 19,255 in Al
Dhahirah Governorate. There were
168,20 e-transactions done in South
Al Sharqiyah Governorate, 17,159 in
Al Dakhiliyah, 9,682 in Dhofar, 6,716
e- transactions in North Al Sharqiyah,
2,766 in South Al Batinah, 4,184 in
Musandam and 1,128 in Al Wusta
Governorate. Only nine transactions
were made in the General Authority
for Investment Promotion and Export
Development.
The ministry has pointed out that
investors inclination towards the use
of electronic services contributes
to the increase in the number of
transactions, speedy completion of
applications, clarity in the procedures
and updating of all the company’s data
electronically.
This also saves time and effort as
well as increases confidence among
investors. The Easy Invest portal
currently provides 78 services round
the clock through the link www.
investeasy.gov.om or through the
Arabic domain of Invest Easy Oman.
The ministry also said that the
portal can detect illegal transactions,
like entering incorrect information
about investors and forged bank
statements. Also it can uncover people
who have registries to practice hidden
commercial activities, which are
considered wrong practices and have
negative implications on the local
economy.
This portal is one of the best systems
in the world in terms of commercial
registration. It is smart and innovative
in processing the registration and
doing its follow-up.
It has the ability to deliver all
data and statistics on the movement
of commercial registration in the
Sultanate to the officials and decision
makers of the country, through a
single window.
The Ministry of Commerce and
Industry urges investors to abide by the
law and cooperate with government
agencies to end the practice of hidden
trade. The portal Invest Easy can block
any company and the owner of the
company will not be able to do any
transactions with the government
organisations linked with the system.
This system follows the companies
and catches those who violate the law.
MOCI URGES INVESTORS TO ABIDE BY THE LAW AND COOPERATE
WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO END THE PRACTICE OF HIDDEN
TRADE.
OCFM Conference & Exhibition 2018 to focus on smart FM technologyMUSCAT: With an eye on the
future of facilities management in
Oman, the 2nd edition of the Oman
Cleaning and Facilities Management
Conference & Exhibition — OCFM,
patronised by the Ministry of
Manpower, Occupational Safety and
Health and Muscat Municipality and
s u p p o r t e d
by Middle
East Facility
Management
Ass o ciat ion
( M E F M A )
will be held
from February
5 to 7, 2018
at Sheraton
Oman Hotel,
Muscat.
The latest edition to OITE’s (Oman
International Trade & Exhibitions)
event portfolio launched in 2016,
OCFM is Oman’s dedicated Confex
for FM and Cleaning.
Recent participants at OCFM
include Oman International Group
SAOC (OIG) & Oman Shapoorji
Company LLC as Gold Sponsors; Sur
Overseas — Professional Pest Control
Services, Krishi Rasayan/Agrolife
Sciences, UPL, TAE IL Company,
ORMA, Engineering Techniques
Service (ETS) & Roots Multiclean
Ltd as Silver Sponsors, Nano Soft
Engineers & Mutrah Shipping &
Trading LLC.
“The OCFM Exhibition &
Conference will explore top products,
technology and processes that provide
cleaner environments, efficient
w o r k p l a c e s
and facility
management
services.
A new
avenue being
e x p l o r e d
this year is
Smart FM
Te c h n o l o g y
focusing on
smart building and scope for future
applications in managing building
conditions” says Ashit Barnes,
Exhibitions Director, OITE.
Ushering in a new era of increased
productivity in property management
through soft services integration
and technological advancement, the
‘Conference’ will house informative
speaker sessions spanning two
days and covering themes under
the broader topics of Facilities
Management and Pest Control and
Pesticides.
businessOMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8 15
insideoman
OMAN Budget 2018 highlightsThe recent recovery in oil prices has not
changed the government’s resolve to continue
with its prudent fiscal management, including
controlling public and in particular current
spending. It also realises that diversification
away from oil has to be pursued vigorously
with the help of the private sector investment to
contain the budget deficit and the rising public
debt.
In this backdrop, the budget has tried to
maintain balance by cutting public expenditure
without compromising on funding of key
development projects. Given that the private
sector is expected to play a pivotal role in
capital formation, the focus of the government
is not only to improve the investment climate
and promote public private partnership but
also to give significant support to the small
and medium enterprises by allocating some
of the government projects to this sector and
to ensure the swift implementation of the
National Program for Enhancing Economic
Diversification (‘Tanfeedh’) initiatives.
REVENUEOil and gas revenue represents 71 per cent of total government revenue
Oil and gas revenue is expected to increase
by 9 per cent compared to the 2017 budget.
The 2018 budget is based on a oil price of $50/
bbl compared to $45/bbl used in the 2017
budget. The budgeted oil price of $50/bbl for
2018 corresponds to the average price actually
realised during 2017. Revenue estimates also
reflect reduced production pledged by the
government in line with the Opec production
agreement and anticipated production from
the Khazzan-Makarem gas field.
Non-oil and gas revenue represents 29 per cent of total government revenue
Non-oil and gas revenue is projected to be
RO2.7bn amounting to an increase of 5 per cent
from the 2017 budgeted revenue. Corporate
tax revenue is projected to increase by 25 per
cent to RO500m in 2018 compared to RO400m
budgeted in 2017. The increase is due to raise
in corporate tax rate from 12 per cent to 15 per
cent and abolition of the exemption limit of RO
30,000. Increase to the scope of withholding
taxes is also expected to contribute in higher
tax collections.
The substantial increase in corporate taxes
is offset by a 23 per cent decrease projected in
customs revenue to RO 286m in 2018 from RO
370m budgeted for 2017. Municipality fees on
property rentals is anticipated to reduce by RO
12.8m i.e. by 17.8 per cent compared to 2017
budget which may imply slowdown in renting
of real estates due to the overall economic
downturn.
The government has also indicated its
intention to introduce Excise taxes during 2018
on selective goods in line with the other Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Saudi
Arabia, UAE and Bahrain introduced Excise
tax of 100 per cent on tobacco, and alcohol
and 50 per cent on energy drinks. On the other
hand, VAT implementation has been delayed
to 2019 although Saudi Arabia and the UAE
implemented VAT from 1 January 2018.
Income from government investments is
projected to reduce by RO 40m.
EXPENDITUREWhilst the total expenditure is projected to
increase by RO 800m to RO 12.5bn compared
to the 2017 budget, this is infact 2 per cent
lower than the actual projected spending of RO
12.7bn in 2017.
The government has committed to limit the
total public spending to not more than 40-45
per cent of the GDP.
Defence and security expenditure is
marginally increased by 3 per cent. Expenditure
on development projects is estimated at
RO1.365bn, almost unchanged from the 2017
budget.
Allocations have been made for several
infrastructure projects in Oman and
development projects in Duqm. Expenditure
on education, health, housing and social
welfare is reported to be at 38 per cent of the
total public spending and reflects continued
increased allocation compared to previous
years.
Interest on loans is projected to increase by
81 per cent to RO 480m in 2018 from RO 265m
budgeted in 2017 which indicates increased
debt servicing to manage the fiscal deficit.
BUDGET DEFICIT IS 10 PER CENT OF GDPThe 2018 budget deficit is projected to be
RO 3bn compared to an actual 2017 deficit of
RO 3.5bn.
The 2018 deficit is expected to be financed
from borrowings (84 per cent) and reserves (16
per cent).
KEY DEVELOPMENTSTANFEEDH
The Tanfeedh programme continues to
be the key focus area on the manufacturing,
logistics and tourism sectors being
assigned priority during the first phase. An
Implementation Support and Follow-up Unit
(ISFU) was formed during 2017 to ensure the
implementation of the initiatives on a timely
basis.
The government allocated RO 86.2m
for implementing the initiatives/projects of
Tanfeedh during 2017.
PRIVATISATIONSix state owned enterprises are being
planned for privatisation during 2018. PPP
projects like Khazzan natural gas project ($
16bn project operated by BP in partnership
with Oman Oil Company Exploration and
Production) and Duqm Refinery, (50:50 joint
venture between Oman Oil Company and
Kuwait Petroleum) are progressing well.
Private sector contribution to the
implementation of investment projects was
60 per cent in 2017. The government plans to
attract further private investment by improving
the investment climate and enacting new PPP,
foreign capital investment and bankruptcy
laws. Projects selected within the Tanfeedh
framework are proposed to be financed in
partnership with the private sector.
INVESTMENTSA number of strategic projects are ongoing
with an intent of the government not to cut
development spending. Projects such as the
new international airport, expressways, water
networks, hospitals and renewable energy
generation would continue to get government
funding. Proposals to set up free zones in
Buraimi, Musandam are under discussion.
TAXATIONWith the amendment to the tax legislation
in February 2017, no significant amendments
are anticipated to the corporate tax regime.
It is expected that Executive Regulations to
implement the recent amendments to the Tax
Law may be issued.
Oman has recently joined the Base Erosion
and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Inclusive Framework
of OECD. In the GCC region, Saudi Arabia and
Qatar are the other countries who have joined
the BEPS Inclusive Framework.
By joining the BEPS Inclusive Framework,
Oman has committed to implement the four
minimum standards of the BEPS Package.
Furthermore, members of the Inclusive
Framework agree to work together on an equal
footing to develop further the BEPS measures,
commit to participate in peer reviews on BEPS
measures’ consistent implementation.
The European Union has put Oman
in the grey list of non co-operative tax
jurisdictions. As it is not black listed it would
not face any sanctions. However, with proper
implementation of BEPS measures, Oman
should be able to get out of the grey list.
Based on insights provided by KPMG]
Revenue Expenditure Deficit Deficit Financing
2018 budget 2017 budget 2017 actual
ROm % of total (%) from 2017 budget
(%) from 2017 actual
ROm % of total ROm (%) from 2017 budget
Revenue
Oil 4,870 51 9 4,450 51
Gas 1,910 20 15 1,660 19
Oil & Gas revenue
6,780 71 11 - 6,110 70 6,760 11
Taxes and fees 1,413 15 - 1,423 16
Other non-tax revenues
1,147 12 - 1,127 13
Capital revenues and repayments
160 2 400 40 1
Non-oil & Gas revenue
2,720 29 5 11 2,590 30 2,440 (6)
Total revenue 9,500 100 9 3 8,700 100 9,200 6
Expenditure
Defense and security
(3,440) 28 3 (3,340) 29
Oil and gas production
(2,100) 17 15 (1,820) 16
Civil ministries (4,350) 34 (1) (4,400) 38
Development (1,365) 11 2 (1,340) 11
Subsidies (725) 6 84 (395) 3
Interest on loans
(480) 3 81 (265) 2
Others (40) 1 (71) (140) 1
Total expenditure
(12,500) 100 7 (2) (11,700) 100 (12,700) 9
Deficit (3,000) (14) (3,000) (3,500) 17
Deficit (% of total revenue)
32% (6) (16) 34% 38% 12
Actual oil and gas revenues for 2017 are up by 11% as compared to the budgeted figures for 2017. This is on account of increase in realized oil price to USD 50/bbl as compared to the budgeted price of USD 45/bbl.
Non oil and gas revenues have declined by 6% as compared to the budget due to lower tax and non tax revenues including investment income.
Actual public spending surpassed the budgeted figures by RO 1b and reached RO 12.7b.
The 9% excess spending is attributed to rise in investment spending on development projects and oil and gas sector projects, electricity sector subsidy and public debt servicing costs.
Actual deficit for 2017 stood at RO 3.5b being 38% of actual revenue. The increase in expenditure of RO 1b is off-set with the increased revenue of RO 500m, which resulted in an excess deficit of RO 500m as compared to budgeted deficit of RO 3b.
The Government financed 90% of the deficit by domestic and foreign borrowings. The balance 10% of the deficit was covered by drawing on reserves. The Government relied primarily upon borrowings from external sources to reduce the pressure on the private sector’s financing needs as well as to enhance foreign currency cash flows and reserves.
Oil revenue budget reduced by 11%Oil revenue is budgeted to decline by 11 percent from the RO 5.48b planned in FYP9 to RO 4.87b in 2018. FYP9 had assumed a price of US$55/ bbl versus US$50/bbl considered in Budget 2018. The decline in oil revenue is due to the steep decline in oil price in late 2014 and the relatively slow price recovery coupled with Oman’s commitment to cut oil production in line with the OPEC production agreement.
Gas revenue budgeted to rise by 4%Gas revenue is budgeted to increase by 4% from RO 1.84b planned in FYP9 to RO 1.91b in 2018. This is due to the expected increase in gas production from the Khazzan gas project.
Overall expenditure budget cut by 6%Expenditure is set to decline by RO 800m from the planned RO 13.3b in FYP9 to RO 12.5b in 2018 but higher compared to the 2017 budget of RO 11.7b. This is in line with the approach of rationalizing expenditure to contain the fiscal deficit.
Oil and gas expenditure budget cut by 15%Oil and gas expenditure is to decrease from RO 2.46b planned in FYP9 to RO 2.1b in 2018. However, the expenditure is up by 15% as compared to the 2017 budget.
Development expenditure cut by 17%Budget for development expenditure is reduced by 17% from the RO 1.65b planned in FYP9 to RO 1.37b in 2018. The reduction is expected to be offset by increasing investment from private sector.
2018 budget Ninth five year plan - 2018
ROm % of total (%) from FYP9
ROm % of total
Revenue
Oil 4,870 51 (11) 5,480 53
Gas 1,910 20 4 1,840 18
Other revenues 2,720 29 (9) 2,980 29
Total revenue 9,500 100 (8) 10,300 100
Expenditure
Defense and security (3,440) 28 (7) (3,700) 28
Oil and gas production (2,100) 17 (15) (2,460) 19
Civil ministries (4,350) 34 (10) (4,820) 36
Development (1,365) 11 (17) (1,650) 12
Others (1,245) 10 86 (670) 5
Total expenditure (12,500) 100 (6) (13,300) 100
Deficit (3,000) (3,000)
Deficit (% of total revenue) 32% 10 29%
Average price per barrel (US$) 50 (9) 55
KPMG comment Prudent fiscal management continues in 2018 as the budgeted deficit is kept on track as planned in FYP9. The budget is based on a conservative oil price of US$ 50/bbl, which is the average realized price in 2017. Government’s continued rationalization of government expenditure and focus on increasing non oil revenues is helping bring down the break even price of oil (now less than US$ 75/bbl) required to have a zero deficit. Despite the continued economic challenges posed by geo-economic factors, GDP growth of 3% is achievable if the Government accelerates the reform process including issuing the new public private partnership (PPP), foreign capital investment and bankruptcy laws to foster private sector participation.
Other expenses increased significantly by 86%Other expenses include subsidies and interest on loans. Increase in subsidies is primarily towards electricity. Subsidies also cover cooking gas, housing and development loans and support to state owned enterprises.
Overall budget deficit is 32% of total revenuesThe 2018 budget projects a deficit of RO 3b (10 percent of GDP) which is as envisaged by the FYP9. The 8% decline in revenue as compared to FYP9 has been compensated by a 6% cut in overall expenditure.
GDP projected to grow by 3%The projected GDP growth of 3% is in line with FYP9 estimates.
Focus on controlling public spending and increasing non oil revenues continues
businessbusinessOMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 816
international
NEW YORK: Companies in New York
state are “open to the idea” of moving
the state income tax code to a payroll
tax system, a senior state official said
on Friday.
Governor Andrew Cuomo
earlier this week said the state was
exploring using a payroll tax as an
alternative to the income tax in order
to help residents hurt by new limits on
deductions of state taxes from federal
returns, under a sweeping overhaul
of the US tax code passed in late
December.
Cuomo, along with governors of
other high-tax states such as California,
has railed against the provision of the
federal tax overhaul that introduced
an annual cap, of $10,000, on the
deduction of state and local income
and property taxes, known as SALT.
The $10,000 limit, which became
effective for the 2018 tax year, will hit
many taxpayers in states with high
incomes, property values and taxes.
Paying New York state taxes out
of corporate payroll rather than an
income tax would help ease the effect
on residents of the new cap.
New York state residents, however,
would still face a $10,000 cap on
deductions of local and property taxes.
According to the Cuomo
administration official, who spoke on
condition of anonymity because the
ongoing discussions have not yet been
formalised, the chief executives of the
largest employers in New York City
are willing to consider the move to a
payroll tax system.
“Yes, they want to be part of it.
They want to be part of how we put it
together because their employees are
negatively impacted,” the official said,
giving greater detail for the first time
to plans broadly outlined by Cuomo in
his 2018 State of the State address on
Wednesday.
“Make no mistake, they
(Washington) are aiming to hurt us,”
Cuomo said in his State of the State
address.“This could cause people to
leave the state of New York.
And it could reduce our ability to
attract business.”
The high-tax states facing the most
pain from the new limits on SALT
deductions, including New York, New
Jersey and California, are generally
Democratic leaning.
On Thursday in California a state
lawmaker introduced legislation
that would allow residents to make
donations instead of paying taxes to
avoid the cap on deductions of state
taxes.
White House economic adviser
Gary Cohn said the federal
government might try to block
attempts to circumvent the cap,
Bloomberg reported on Friday.
Cuomo on Wednesday said he
will challenge the new law in court as
unconstitutional on the grounds that
the first federal double taxation in US
history violates states’ rights and equal
protection.
The New York corporations want
to be included in the plan to move to
a payroll tax, but the administration
source declined to name companies,
citing instead the Partnership for New
York City, which represents business
leaders and employers.
The partnership on Wednesday
said in a statement that its members
“applaud” the governor’s commitment
to address the loss of state and local
tax deductibility. Members of the
partnership include American Express,
Bank of America and BlackRock.
For a tax code restructuring, New
York state is also assessing whether to
create new opportunities for charitable
contributions to support public
programmes.
The senior official said that, per case
law, a contribution to a state and local
government for a specific purpose is a
charitable contribution.
“So if you want to contribute to a
school, a public school specifically,
or a not-for-profit that supports a
government purpose... you get a tax
deduction,” the official said.“Or the
state can create a charity that also gives
to hospitals.”
“You can create incentives for
people to contribute to charities that
would replace some government
funding,” the official added.
The state will also assess how
individuals would build in tax
preferences in a new system, the official
said. “But if you just turn yourself into
a corp, limited liability corporation,
and pay yourself, then you magically
are now able to deduct your state and
local taxes. We’re looking at all of these
options.” — Reuters
New York companies ‘open’ to new payroll tax systemPAYING NEW YORK
STATE TAXES OUT OF CORPORATE PAYROLL RATHER THAN AN
INCOME TAX WOULD HELP EASE THE EFFECT ON
RESIDENTS OF THE NEW CAP
China bans steel exports to N Korea
BEIJING: China on Saturday
implemented a ban on exports of
steel and other metals to North Korea
and placed limits on the supply of
crude oil and petroleum products to
the country in line with UN Security
Council resolutions.
In a statement on Friday, the
Ministry of Commerce announced
a complete ban on the sale of iron,
steel and other metals, industrial
machinery and transport vehicles to
North Korea, reports Efe news.
It also said that crude oil exports
to the country should not exceed four
million barrels or 525,000 tonnes
during any given 12-month period,
while the sale of refined petroleum
products would be stopped after
reaching the imposed limit of 500,000
barrels for 2018.
China also banned imports of
some products from North Korea,
including cereal, soy, and other
agricultural products, some minerals,
wood and electrical equipment.
These measures were announced
by China in order to implement
Resolution 2397 of the Security
Council, adopted in December in
response to the ballistic missile tested
by the Kim Jong-Un regime. — IANS
CARACAS: President Nicolas
Maduro said on Friday that Venezuela
would issue 100 million units of its
new oil-backed cryptocurrency in
coming days, although it is unclear
whether any investors will want to
purchase the “petro” at a time when
the Opec member is going through
a deep economic crisis and its leftist
government has little credibility.
Socialist Maduro surprised many
last month when he announced the
launch of the cryptocurrency, to
be backed by Venezuela’s oil, gas,
gold and diamond reserves, as a
way to circumvent US sanctions
that have hurt Venezuela’s access to
international banks.
Maduro specified on Friday that
each unit of the currency would be
pegged to Venezuela’s oil basket,
which this week averaged $59.07 per
barrel, according to the oil ministry.
That implies the total
cryptocurrency issued would be
worth just over $5.9 billion.
There is much confusion,
however, over how the mechanism
will work.
Opposition politicians have
already panned the project as a
fanciful idea doomed to fail and
useless at getting food to the millions
who are suffering from product
shortages and the world’s highest
inflation.
Maduro says the cryptocurrency
will usher in the “21st century” and
boost Venezuela’s access to hard
currency.
“I have ordered the emission of
100 million petros with the legal
sustenance of Venezuela’s certified
and legalised oil wealth,” said
Maduro in a state television address.
“Every petro will be equal in value
to Venezuela’s oil barrel.”
Venezuela has the world’s largest
oil reserves, according to Opec, and
makes some 95 per cent of its export
revenue from oil.
Critics say the government has
squandered wealth from a decade-
long oil boom and that without
reforms any influx of resources will
also be burned through.
Strict currency controls have
forced people onto the black market,
on which a dollar can buy 137,000
bolivars.
The country’s strongest official
rate, meanwhile, is 10 bolivars per
dollar. That fall in value combined
with money printing by the central
bank is behind what many analysts
are measuring as hyperinflation.
Local economic consultancy
Ecoanalitica said prices rose more
than 80 per cent in December alone.
Money supply, according to the
central bank, was up more than
1,000 per cent last year.
Maduro said the issuance would
take place through virtual exchanges
in the coming days, but did not give
further details. — Reuters
Nicolas Maduro says Venezuela will issue $5.9 billion in oil-backed cryptocurrency
WASHINGTON: The Internet Association, a trade
group representing companies such as Google parent
Alphabet Inc and Facebook Inc, said on Friday that it
intends to join an expected lawsuit against a decision to
roll back net neutrality rules.
One of the group’s members, e-commerce site Etsy
Inc, said that it would separately also join the legal effort.
Several states including New York, and public interest
advocacy groups have said they intend to sue to stop the
mid-December ruling by the Federal Communications
Commission.
The approval of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s proposal
in a 3-2 vote marked a victory for Internet service
providers such as AT&T Inc, Comcast Corp and Verizon
Communications Inc, handing them power over what
content consumers can access.
Democrats, Hollywood and companies such as
Google and Facebook had urged Pai, a Republican
appointed by US President Donald Trump, to keep
the Obama-era rules barring service providers from
blocking, slowing access to or charging more for certain
content.
“The final version of Chairman Pai’s rule, as
expected, dismantles popular net neutrality protections
for consumers. This rule defies the will of a bipartisan
majority of Americans and fails to preserve a free and
open Internet,” the Internet Association said. Etsy called
the decision to overturn net neutrality rules “deeply
disappointing.”
“Etsy is continuing to fight for a free and open
Internet; that’s why we intend to challenge Chairman
Pai’s order in the courts,” Althea Erickson, Etsy’s head of
advocacy and impact, said in a statement.
The new rules give service providers sweeping powers
to change how consumers access the Internet but must
have new transparency requirements that will require
them to disclose any changes to consumers. — Reuters
Internet Association to join expected net neutrality lawsuit
Keystone XL pipeline rivals appeal route approvalNEBRASKA: Opponents of
TransCanada Corp’s proposed
Keystone XL pipeline appealed a
decision by Nebraska regulators to
approve a path for the project through
the state, a lawyer for the opponents
said on Friday.
The legal challenge throws up
another obstacle to the long-delayed
project, which environmentalists have
made a symbol of their fight against
climate change but which President
Donald Trump supports as a job
creator.
The Nebraska Public Service
Commission in November approved
a route for Keystone XL, lifting what
appeared to be the last big regulatory
hurdle for the 1,179-mile (1,897-
km) pipeline linking the oil fields
of Canada’s Alberta province to US
refineries, initially proposed nearly a
decade ago.
But the approval was not for
TransCanada’s preferred path, and
was instead for an alternative route
that shifted it eastward to an existing
pipeline right-of-way.
Lawyers for opponents of the
pipeline — which include landowners
along the route — have argued that
the commission was not permitted
to approve anything but the original
route TransCanada had requested in
its application.
Attorney David Domina said on
Friday that TransCanada’s approval
was for a “route not supported by
an application. So we appealed.” The
appeal was filed on December 29.
The proposed pipeline has been a
lightning rod of controversy for nearly
a decade, pitting environmentalists
worried about spills and global
warming against business advocates
who say the project will lower fuel
prices, shore up national security and
bring jobs.
The Trump administration granted
TransCanada a federal permit for the
pipeline in March, reversing a decision
by former President Barack Obama to
reject the project on environmental
grounds.
That left Nebraska — the only one
of three states that had not approved
a route for the line — as the final
hurdle. — Reuters
Workers make steel cages at a construction site in Huai’an, China. — Reuters
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with ministers in Caracas, Venezuela. — Reuters
A supporter of Net Neutrality protests the FCC’s recent decision to repeal the programme in Los Angeles. — Reuters A pipeline depot is seen in Gascoyne,
North Dakota. — Reuters
businessOMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8 17
perspective
‘OWLING’ PRICE
HEATHER SCOTT
ikes in the minimum wage take effect this week in about 40 US
states and municipalities but they will not be enough to boost US
salaries more broadly, economists say.
Congress has not approved a federal minimum wage hike
since 2009, and it was not indexed to inflation, so state and local
governments stepped in to help workers on the lowest end of the
pay scale make up some lost ground.
Washington state’s minimum wage will rise to $11.50 an hour,
the highest in any state, while some are phasing in increases to get
to a “living wage” of $15, compared with the federal minimum of
$7.25.
In all, 18 states and nearly two dozen municipalities are raising
their base salaries, but economists say the move affects a relatively
small segment of the American labour force.
They say policies that could have a broader impact on wages
include direct employment programmes, like infrastructure
projects, especially in regions of the country that have not yet
recovered from the recession.
An expanded earned-income tax credit which would boost
earnings for higher-wage workers could also help, they say.
Other policies unrelated to wages include standardizing state
licensing criteria for professions like hair dressers.
This would allow professionals to move to areas with more
vibrant economies without having to pay to fulfil new licensing
requirements.
Another more technical change would be to clamp down on
the use of non-compete clauses which firms increasingly include
in employment contracts.
Such clauses keep workers from moving to competitors or
starting their own businesses.
Even with the US economy in its eighth year of recovery, and
with solid hiring pushing the unemployment rate to a 17-year
low of 4.1 per cent, wage gains have been far more sluggish than
economists and policymakers expected.
The gains have not been widely shared, either.
The US final employment report for 2017 showed average
hourly earnings increased 2.5 per cent to $25.63, just ahead of
consumer price increases. — AFP
n EU directive called “MiFID II”, the last
of the big reforms sparked by the financial
crisis, entered into force with the promise
of improving financial market transparency
and offering better protection to investors.
“MiFID II marks a real watershed
moment for financial regulation,” said
Catherine McGuinness, head of the City of
London Corporation lobby group.
“It will be the last major piece of
regulatory reform following the financial
crash of 2008,” she said, adding that
“financial and professional services firms
have worked hard in recent times to
implement these onerous and complex
changes”.
It is that very complexity that caused
the implementation of the directive, first
planned for January 2017, to be postponed
by a year to give companies time to adapt.
Some financial market operators in
Germany, Britain and France were given
even more time, in some cases until July
2020.
Adopted in May 2014 the new rules —
whose full name is “Markets in Financial
Instruments Directive” — are to address
the weaknesses that became apparent
during the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009.
They also aim to give retail and
institutional investors extra layers of
protection.
“The new rules will subject all businesses
involved in the distribution and trading
of financial instruments across Europe
to a changed, and in many cases, more
stringent regulatory framework,” rating
agency Standard and Poor’s said.
“Over the longer-term, the disruptive
nature of this major regulatory change will
become more apparent, and the winners
and losers will likely emerge more clearly,”
said S&P analyst Giles Edwards. “There
will likely be more losers than winners.”
Banks, asset managers, brokers and
other market operators will all have to
grapple with the new measures and supply
proof to supervisory bodies that they are
playing by the rules.
This implies, among other things, major
new information technology capacity and
a deep transformation of workflows to
guarantee the viability of information.
For example, the directive forces
companies to identify their target investors
for each type of security on offer, and
measure the level of financial knowledge
of customers and their capacity to take on
risk.
It also extends protection measures to
professional investors that were previously
granted only to retail investors, and obliges
them to warn clients in the event of strong
volatility in their investments.
The directive also strengthens
transparency requirements for share
investments and broadens them out to
other financial instruments, including
bonds and derivatives, trades in which
must now be reported before and after each
transaction.
Failure to do so will result in fines.
Financial companies will also have to
provide detailed information to clients of
the cost of trading in financial instruments,
notably by separately identifying charges
and commissions.
The aim is to shed more light on the
earnings of intermediaries and limit over-
the-counter deals seen as too opaque.
There will also be additional controls
over electronic trading at great speeds, such
as high-frequency trading.
In addition, the directive obliges banks
and brokers to charge for research notes
written by their analysts for investment
fund clients and portfolio managers.
Such notes help investors make
informed decisions on companies or
economic data. Research is often used as a
marketing tool by banks and brokers when
they approach clients but its price is a topic
of debate, as is what goal banks and brokers
are actually pursuing by disseminating
their insights. — AFP
EU launches last crisis-battling finance reform
* WORK RATE
What if cryptocurrencies are not a bubble?n Italian language we have a funny
term: “Gufare”. It literally means “being
an owl” or rather “owling”. We use this
word when we want to refer to someone
whom day-and-night wishes someone
else to fail.
So for example in football, when
Juventus keeps winning, some
supporters of AC Milan and Inter
Milan would “gufare” against Juventus.
The term was actually conceived to
address this specific sport behaviour,
but soon became popular in other
aspects of life. So when an entrepreneur
is suddenly successful, some begin to
“gufare” against him or her. It is a sort
of “act of envy”. In Middle East, to my
knowledge, this is referred to as “the
eye”.
In “crypto-world” this has also taken
place. The website www.99bitcoins.
com for example collects and publishes
all the instance when Bitcoin has been
“owled” against.
In some cases it was defined as
“finished”. There are hundreds of such
Bitcoin obituaries published on the
website and it is really interesting to
browse down the list, back in time, and
read some of the silly ones.
For instance, the financial legend
Bloomberg, in August 2013, published
an article called “The SEC shows why
Bitcoin is doomed”. At that point the
cryptocurrency did not reach $100
yet. Even funnier was the August 2011
article published by Gizmodo Australia
titled “The Bitcoin Is Dying. Whatever.”
Back then the price was merely
$10. With hindsight, even sillier
was the article titled “Why Bitcoin
can’t be a currency”, published by
The Underground Economist when
Bitcoin’s price was just 23 cents.
It is obviously easier to look back
than looking ahead, so perhaps all
of these prophecies could eventually
become real one day. But in the
meantime Bitcoin scored big.
That is eventually the proof of how
useless is “gufare”. When AC Milan
and Inter Milan did it against Juventus,
the latter kept scoring and winning,
while the formers kept losing... and
kept “Gufare” of course. So even if
eventually Bitcoin will crash and
burn, it undoubtedly gave this world
an unprecedented number of new
millionaires.
So, at the cost of singing out of the
choir, I would — for a moment —
imagine that cryptos are not a bubble.
Why so?
Well, so far the “owls” kept
comparing Bitcoin (and other
cryptocurrencies) to the bubble in the
year 2000. Back then however, when
the stock market crashed and burned,
those holding stocks could only “sell
back” in USD.
So for those who saw their profit
growing in numbers, they were actually
holding onto a piece of paper that at
some point nobody was willing to buy
at a higher price. With cryptos it is
different. In fact, the most important
question is not “When will you cash
out”, but “How are you going to spend
it”.
The core difference between the
stock market bubble in 2000 and
cryptos, is that nobody back then
would have sold a house or paid rent
with some over inflated stocks, while
already now, properties are bought
and rented in cryptos. So although we
cannot (yet) buy coffee in cryptos at the
coffee shop behind the corner, we can
still find someone interested in taking
our cryptos in exchange for some goods
or services.
Just last week a friend told me that
he signed a new tenancy agreement to
be paid in Ethereum. This is already
happening.
The other aspect that might not
portray cryptos as a bubble could be
the adoption desire. Currently there are
very few individuals in this world who
own cryptocurrencies.
Do not get me wrong... some of
them owns very large quantities, but
the number of people that actually got
to buy and hold cryptos are relatively
few. Perhaps less than 0.1 per cent of
the world’s population. I imagine that
in some countries Bitcoin could be the
most desired gift for Christmas 2018 as
much as iPad used to be. Bitcoin (and
other cryptos) are desirable digital
objects that the-man-in-the-street
wants and wish to have.
Given the percentage of market
being covered so far, there is still a long
way to go. Maybe it will not be Bitcoin,
maybe there will be the emergence of
other cryptos (like the recent growth of
Ripple), but maybe they are here to stay,
and not to crash and burn.
Lastly, let us not forget that from the
bubbles we often inherit good “stuff”.
Facebook, Google and Twitter (to
mention just a handful) are a product
of the post-bubble.
Amazon as well as Alibaba (or rather
Jack Ma) went through the bubble
and grew to unimaginable size. What
about the subprime mortgage bubble
then? Well, that is the bubble that gave
birth to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies
in general. So maybe, just maybe,
cryptocurrencies are not a bubble, but
maybe they are the awesome result
of what a bubble leaves behind after
bursting, whether the “owls” like it or
not.
A tall ship sails on the Thames near the Canary Wharf business district in central London. — Reuters
Wage hikes not enough to boost broader US salaries
I
A
H
* MONEY REGULATION
STEFANO VIRGILLIstefano@virgilli.com
NOBODY BACK THEN WOULD HAVE SOLD A HOUSE OR PAID RENT WITH SOME OVER INFLATED STOCKS, WHILE ALREADY NOW, PROPERTIES ARE BOUGHT AND
RENTED IN CRYPTOS
THE NEW RULES WILL SUBJECT ALL BUSINESSES
INVOLVED IN THE DISTRIBUTION AND
TRADING OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ACROSS EUROPE TO A CHANGED,
AND IN MANY CASES, MORE STRINGENT REGULATORY
FRAMEWORK
Workers assemble appliances at the Whirlpool factory in Cleveland, Tennessee. — AFP
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BUILDING
family only. 92425454.
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· · · · ·
editor@omanobserver.om www.omanobserver.om
SUNDAY | JANUARY 7, 2018 | RABEE AL THANI 19, 1439 AH
CLASSIFIED SECTION: Saada al Rashdi: 95919344Ali al Maashari: 99639264 ali.almashari@omandaily.omMohammed al Rashdi: 99841230 m.alrahdi86@yahoo.com DIRECT: 24649595 — FAX : 24649590
94501166
CLASSIFIEDSECTION
RUWI 24785668, 99841230
99024949/ 99414644.
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A FLAT of 3 bedrooms near the Indian School
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AN apartment for families located close to the North Al Ghubra Healthcare centre consists of 2
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as Project In-charge. Strong academic history from reputed university on visit visa, seeking relevant job 94828318 · · · · ·ENGINEER, 3 years experience in sales/ marketing/ business executive/ logistics/ store control
98271980· · · · ·INDIAN male, 25 years, MBA (Logistics and Shipping) with one year experience, diploma in computerised accounting, Adobe
visit visa, seeks placement. Mob: 98817847 ashwinluiz001@gmail.com· · · · ·INDIAN management, many years experience in Oman, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95362046. e-mail: snjobsinoman@yahoo.com· · · · ·20 YEARS experienced Indian Chartered Accountant and Cost & Management Accountant looking for change of job. NOC Available. Contact 99884291, 99741875· · · · ·
OMANDAILYOBSERVER 19S U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8
classifieds
OPTICIAN needed for an optical shop in Salalah, Oman. Contact
00968-91776239.
· · · · ·
URGENTLY REQUIRED experienced Cook (male/female) for Resident, Muscat (Omani family) Send CV to Fax: 00968 24708671 Tel: 00968 24708666.
· · · · ·
A SPECIALISED company in the sale of building materials announces the availability of job opportunities:
1. Vendor of building materials No 2.
2. Accountant number 1. 93300049.
· · · · ·
EXPERIENCED home nurse for Omani family (Indian preferred). 92703599.
· · · · ·
REQUIRED Personal Driver/ Supervisor. Responsibilities: Chauffeuring services for family members. Other ad-hoc supervising duties as and when required. Safe driving/ maintenance of cars. Requirements: Oman or GCC driving licence. Nationality : Filipino. Able to work overtime. Experience: 2 years+. Interested candidate, please forward your detailed CV with photograph to vacancy.jan2018@gmail.com
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EXPERIENCED home nurse for Omani family (Indians preferred) 92703599.
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MARKETING Executives required with experience in Oman (male/Female) for a steel Fabrication company (Muscat/Salalah), send CV to vmtsat@gmail.com 98252823.
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REQUIRED Female X-ray Technician - MoH licence mandatory. Call 24541880. E-mail: alexcenter@live.com
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SUR Building Products LLC seeks a Poultry Breeding Specialists to manage its poultry breeding operations. The minimum requirements for the job include a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science with 2 years management experience in poultry breeding. Experience must
insemination and breed selection, managing production and distribution, and managing staff at production facilities, implementing bio-security and quality control measures. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to scpfsur@hotmail.com Fax No 25544979/
No 25540330
· · · · ·
SENIOR Civil Engineer Graduate in Civil Engineering with 10 years experience in
Oman experience.)
Only preferable if having NOC/release letter.
Interested candidates send resume to: hr@aljood-oman.com Fax: 24437007.
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REQUIRED Marketing/PR Manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman.
Photoshop. Charismatic,
Excellent writing/editing skills. Degree in relevant area. Fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com
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REQUIRED Gulf experienced Aluminium Fabricators for
95060980.
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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
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A NURSE Required with experience to work in a School, spoken English and Arabic.
92297695,92742116, 24797116.
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GRADUATE salesperson required for a high-end luxury
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looking for Interior & 3D Visualisation Designer. Experience:5 years. E-mail CV to: info@epcoman.com
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PHYSIOTHERAPISTS A new physiotherapy centre located in Bausher, Muscat requires physiotherapists. Male and female, newly graduates and experienced physiotherapist applications are accepted. Applicants must be licensed to work in Sultanate of Oman,
licence. Please e-mail your CV with a recent coloured personal photo to: info@alanzoor.com. Applications are accepted until 9th March 2017.
· · · · ·.
URGENTLY required electrician with electrical licence (DCRP). Omani or expatriate (3 years ex-perience). Contact 99337587, 99043127, 99348493.
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A REPUTABLE real estate and construction company looking for an experienced Civil Project Engineer. Submit your CV to dapco@dapcooman.com
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CATERING Supervisor, Diploma in Catering or Five years experience in food related job. Fluent in English language is must. Contact 99428310. E-mail: alshehisons@yahoo.com
· · · · ·
HOUSE driver needed for Omani family (Indian preferred). Contact 99203954.
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LEADING National Constuction Company in Oman, urgently requires Planning Engineer with
5-10 years of experience. Send CV thru: annan.srinivas9@gmail.com
· · · · ·
AN of car lease in Al Khuwair.
93204595.
· · · · ·
GENERAL Nurse 24540056, e-mail:
alexcenter@live.com
· · · · ·
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. Contact: +968-93502050, 93206636
· · · · ·
URGENTLY required:
A/C G.I duct fabrication supervisor with good experience in all type of AC duct and Auto machine and knowledge of AutoCAD. No: 1
Duct fabricator experience in all type of duct and auto machine. No: 2. 95703680/ 97356554 or mail to uceoman@gmail.com
· · · · ·
HIGH Pressure Trading for
Accounts Clerk and PRO with one or two years experience in Sohar kindly send your CV with expected salary at:
· · · · ·
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.
· · · · ·
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.
· · · · ·
REQUIRED marketing manager, engineering products and services. Preference engineering degree in mechanical engineering, with minimum 15-20 years experience in Oman. NOC required, driving licence essential. Contact email: kutetur1940@yahoo.co.in
99458194.
· · · · ·
Situation Vacant Situation Vacant Situation Vacant
URGENTLY required beautician. Visa will be provided. Contact
94939252.
URGENTLY required Native English speaking lady teachers for a leading kindergarten at Al Khuwair. Only candidates from US/UK/ AUS/ Canada/ South Africa/ New Zealand/ Ireland etc, can apply for this position. Please contact urgently on 93331056 and CV at cv4muscat@gmail.com
REQUIRED with 3 years experience for reputed electrical
of Management Safety, NEBOSH or OSHA —30 hours. Send the CV to: rashid.engineer@hotmail.com· · · · ·
FEMALE NURSE required for Dental Center in Muscat, experience of 2+years with MoH licence. Send CV to: greenhealth2018@gmail.com Contact
22063849.
· · · · ·
URGENTLY required packing staff male/female experienced in gift wrapping, box making, etc. Please call
99336196
· · · · ·
OMANI company seeks Natural Cosmetics Maker (experience in making natural soap, liquid soap, shampoo, body lotion and hand cream. tasweeq.business@gmail.com
Situation Wanted
Company based in Muscat urgently requires
AC TECHNICIANwith at least 3 years experience.Terms and Conditions:Driving licence3 years experienceAccommodation and Transportation provided by company.Age 25-35
Interested candidates can contact us
92919135Send your CV to:
albahrani999@yahoo.com
AC TECHNICIAN
Company based in Muscat
urgently requires
PHYSIOTHERAPIST (Female)
with at least 3 years experience.Interested candidates
can contact us 92919135,
95537973Send your CV to:
albahrani999@yahoo.com
PHYSIOTHERAPIST (Female) Indian male with more than 11
years of work experience (7 years in Oman) in Accounts/
Finance, seeking suitable placement. Holding valid
Oman driving licence. Release/NOC available. Kindly
contact on
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
97326761 or email at shajikpallam007@gmail.com
INDIAN female architect (B. Arch), fresher (23 years) on visit, looking for suitable placement. Portfolio can be sent via email on request. Please contact 95471174, email: tiageo.123@gmail.com.· · · · ·31 YEARS old male Diploma Civil Engineer having 8 years experience
in India, seeking suitable job in Oman. Can join immediately, contact GSM 0091-9943126501, email: shiva.drprk@gmail.com
can contact my brother in Muscat. GSM - 97676177 & s.erbbkannan@gmail.com· · · · ·
A LEGAL translation
Marketeers. Contact E-mail: oman4n@gmail.com
· · · · ·
AnnouncementFOR 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. · · · · ·Announcement of Capital Reduction.In accordance with the provisions of Article 150 of the Commercial Companies Law. The company Green Field Projects & Services Co, which is registered with the Commercial Registration No. 1125583, hereby announces that it is going to reduce its capital from Omani Rials 150,000.000 to 25,000.000. Whoever has any objection to the foregoing shall present the reasons for such objections to the Secretariat of Commercial Registry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry within 30 days from the date hereof.· · · · ·Announcement of Capital Reduction.In accordance with the provisions of Article 150 of the Commercial Companies Law. The company Precious Diamond Trading & Contracting Co, which is registered with the Commercial Registration No. 1043703, hereby announces that it is going to reduce its capital from Omani Rials 150,000.000 to 20,000.000. Whoever has any objection to the foregoing shall present the reasons for such objections to the Secretariat of Commercial Registry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry within 30 days from the date hereof.· · · · ·
INDIAN male, BBA graduate, fresher, with valid Omani driving licence, seeks suitable placement to gain experience. 94729679
· · · · ·
NORTH Mawaleh corner behind Al muzn mall Meera Super Market Area 600 sqm Residential 99324455.· · · · ·WE have tourism, residen-tial, 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.· · · · ·TOYOTA Avalon. 2003 model in good condition, registration valid up to June 2018, driven by a lady. Only serious buyers please contact. 98192770.· · · · ·RESTAURANT in an excellent location in Salalah with equipment and workers. 93397812.· · · · ·FOR sale: Extravagant and furnished residences for female students in Al Khuwair, Al Mawaleh and Al Khoudh along with all assets. 99001332.· · · · ·HEIDELBERG GTO single colour, 36cm x 52cm & Sorm Machine, single colour, 52cm x 74cm.
99369880/ 92857355.· · · · ·A SHOWROOM in Al Qurum in strategic location with extravagant interior design on 280 sqm is offered for sale at RO 25,000.
92470024.· · · · ·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.· · · · ·WE supply quantities of excellent mountainous soil in Bausher (suitable for
99242445, 99327939.· · · · ·
VILLAS for sale/rents
), (Shops/
Khuwair) (Flats for rent/Wadi Kabir).
96596348.
· · · · ·
RESTAURANT for sale or lease in Al Khuwair.
93204595/93203481.
· · · · ·
For Sale/Rent
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· · · · ·
B.E. CIVIL Engineer having 10 years exp,(Rop, ministry, municipality projects) in Oman, with D/L. looking for suitable replacement can join any time. contact
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COMPENSATION & manager - Thorough in HAY & Mercer Methodology - seeks a suitable placement. In addition, thorough in KRA/KPI framework, PMS, Balanced Scorecard, Competency framework & HR Strata. Pls contact 97912950 or: innovate78787878@gmail.com· · · ·
For Sale
Lost
GOLLAPALLI Ramana has lost
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businessOMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 820
scitech
SOUNDBAR
LAPTOP
CROP TECHNIQUE BULLET PROOF
SMARTPHONE
LG unveils high-fidelity audio lineup
Samsung preparing high-end ‘Nautilus’ Chromebook
4GB Samsung ‘Galaxy On’ to cost nearly $237
IN a bid to take on Chinese smartphone
manufacturers in New Year, Samsung
India is set to launch a new “Galaxy On”
device in the third week of January.
Industry sources said that the latest
device will be priced at around $237 (Rs
15,000) — a key mid-price segment in the
highly-competitive Indian market.
“Galaxy On” will come in two variants
— both with 4GB RAM, the sources
added.
The new device is expected to be an
Amazon India exclusive, with a focus on
design, performance and photography
elements.
In 2017, Samsung India launched
“Galaxy On Max” for Rs 16,900.
The device was equipped with a best-
in-class camera tailor-made for low-light
photography, enabled by its flagship f/1.7
aperture, the company said in a statement.
With 5.7-inch full HD display, the
device was powered by a 2.39GHZ,
1.69GHz Octa-Core processor, 4GB
RAM and has 32GB internal memory
expandable up to 256GB via micro-SD
card.
“Galaxy On Max” sports 13MP rear
and front camera with LED flash.
With the new “Galaxy On”, Samsung
will look to strengthen its mid-range
segment where it has witnessed strong
competition from Chinese brands.
After registering a 27 per cent growth in
mobile business revenue for the financial
year 2016-17 — touching a mammoth
Rs 34,300 crore — Samsung has become
the undisputed leader in the highly
competitive and price-sensitive domestic
smartphone market.
With this kind of growth, Samsung has
eclipsed the sales of key Chinese brands
such as Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Lenovo and
even the Cupertino-based giant Apple.
The South Korean giant had 60 per cent
market share (by value) in the premium
segment for the August-September-
October period, according to German
market research firm GfK. For the overall
smartphone market, Samsung had over
45 per cent market share (by value) from
October to December 2017.
‘Speed breeding’ method boosts wheat production
LG has just unveiled a new line of
audio-focused products, among them
are soundbars, a Bluetooth speaker,
and perhaps most surprisingly, a
smart speaker powered by Google
Assistant.
The LG ThinQ was unveiled ahead
of LG’s conference at CES this coming
January. The company worked
with Google to create the so-called
premium speaker that it boasts as a
voice-enabled interface for LG’s smart
home appliances. It’s able to control
a handful of devices, including LG’s
own ThinQ smart home line, which
includes door locks, smart lamps, and
a ton of others.
But this isn’t the first smart speaker
to come from LG. Last year, it released
a device called the SmartThinQ Hub,
which unlike the new ThinQ speaker,
was powered by Amazon Alexa.
Still, that wasn’t a proper smart
speaker because it had a number
of limitations. For instance, the
experience of using Alexa on the
device was not as smooth as, say, on
an Echo device. But it was primarily
a hub for LG’s smart home ecosystem,
and the ThinQ speaker continues that
principle, albeit with a new digital
assistant baked in.
Other details about the ThinQ
speaker are thin, but LG says its newly
announced audio products target
users who value premium sound and
smart capabilities.
GRAPHENE is flexible but is tougher than most materials despite
having the thickness of only a single atom. Aside from being an efficient
conductor of electricity, it acts as an extremely secure barrier preventing
even the lightest of gases from passing through.
While it has always been known that graphene is derived from
graphite, nobody had any knowledge of its extraction process until 2004
when two researchers from the University of Manchester were able to
isolate the material for the very first time.
Although the material is described to be 200 times stronger than
steel, a single layer is not
capable of taking a bullet.
Such characteristic is only
possessed by its product, the
two-atom thick diamene.
A recent statement by
the City University of New
York narrates the discovery
of diamene. Researchers first
theorized the development
of the material. They used
virtual simulations to test
possible results when pressure
is exerted on two layers of graphene. Various amounts of pressure were
used to form the correct calculations.
The team then used a specialized microscope to perform actual
experiments. With the device, they were able to apply pressure at specific
parts of diamene. These steps led researchers to the conclusion that
to form the material, only exactly two layers of graphene are needed.
More than or less than two layers will not yield the same diamond-like
characteristics.
Researchers have also said that diamene may possess “interesting”
electrical properties. With the absence of pressure, the material has
features similar to a film. It quickly changes into its diamond-like phase at
the moment of impact. During the transition process, the team observed
a drop in electric current suggesting diamene could have electrical
conducting capabilities.
CUNY points out that the recent findings would become useful in
creating protective wear and bullet-proof films that are ultra-lightweight.
A report even states that diamene’s application has the potential to save
lives.
Researchers in
Australia have
found a way to
increase wheat
production by up to
three times through
their “speed breeding” procedures
inspired by Nasa experiments to
grow the crop in space.
The Nasa experiments involved
using continuous light on wheat
which triggered early reproduction
in the plants, said Lee Hickey
(pictured) of University of
Queensland in Australia.
“We thought we could use the
Nasa idea to grow plants quickly back
on Earth, and in turn, accelerate the
genetic gain in our plant breeding
programmes,” Hickey said.
“By using speed breeding
techniques in specially modified
glasshouses we can grow six
generations of wheat, chickpea and
barley plants, and four generations
of canola plants in a single year — as
opposed to two or three generations
in a regular glasshouse, or a single
generation in the field,” he said.
The study, published in the
journal Nature Plants, showed that
the technique can cut the length of
plant breeding cycles.
“Our experiments showed that
the quality and yield of the plants
grown under controlled climate and
extended daylight conditions was
as good, or sometimes better, than
those grown in regular glasshouses,”
Hickey added.
Hickey said information on
how to use speed breeding was
increasingly in demand from other
researchers and industry.
“There has been a lot of interest
globally in this technique due to the
fact that the world has to produce
60-80 per cent more food by 2050 to
feed its nine billion people,” he said.
While the technique has largely
been used for research purposes
so far, it is now being adopted by
industry.
In partnership with the Australia
company Dow AgroSciences, the
scientists have used the technique to
develop the new “DS Faraday” wheat
variety due for release to industry in
2018.
“DS Faraday is a high protein,
milling wheat with tolerance to
pre-harvest sprouting,” Hickey said.
“We introduced genes for grain
dormancy so it can better handle wet
weather at harvest time — which has
been a problem wheat scientists in
Australia have been trying to solve
for 40 years,” Hickey said.
“We’ve finally had a breakthrough
in grain dormancy, and speed
breeding really helped us to do it,” he
said. — IANS
THE rumoured “Nautilus” 2-in-1 Chromebook from
Samsung will get a really nice camera, according to
reports.
Nautilus, believed as the first detachable
Chromebook to ever be released, will come equipped
with a Sony IMX258 camera sensor, which is literally
the same one that’s on the LG G6. Given that most
2-in-1 devices have a 720p camera at best, this might
just be the first Chromebook sporting a camera users
would actually enjoy taking pictures or recording
video with.
The detail about the camera sensor was spotted by
Chrome Unboxed, which was also the first to report
about the existence of Nautilus back in November
2017. Aside from what’s been mentioned above,
there aren’t many other hints to what Nautilus might
be. Featuring a detachable screen, it’s reportedly
going to have a design similar to that of the Microsoft
Surface Book.
Engadget speculates that it will come with a
12-inch screen, which is pretty typical in 2-in-1
territory. It could very well come with something
smaller, though, especially if it’s screen is meant to
double as a standalone tablet.
As for the spec sheet, earlier reports suggested it
might sport a seventh-generation Intel Kaby Lake
processor, which, if true, would make it on par with
other Microsoft devices in the same category, such as
the Surface Laptop.
Two-layer graphene material can stop bullets
SUNDAY | JANUARY 7, 2018 | RABEE AL THANI 19, 1439 AH
sport editor@omanobserver.om www.omanobserver.om
follow us @observersportzKUWAIT 2017
ANUROOP ATHIPARAMBATHMUSCAT, JAN 6
Oman, champions of the 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup, arrived to a great home reception on Saturday evening.
The special Royal Air Force flight carrying the team delegation reached the Muscat International Airport at 5.30 pm. Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud al Busaidy, Minister of Diwan of Royal Court, received the delegation at the airport.
Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs, and Shaikh Rashad al Hinai, Undersectretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, were also present.
Then, the team took an open bus to the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, where a grand reception was ready for the Sultanate’s heroes.
Oman captain Ahmed Mubarak ‘Kanu’, who stepped in first with the Gulf Cup from the flight, said the whole team has tried very hard to achieve the glory.
“We are so happy for the people of Oman. It wasn’t easy at all. All the players’ hardwork paid off in the group stages and we reached the semifinals”
“In the semifinals, we did our best against Bahrain and in the final we pushed ourselves to achieve the title.”
Oman’s hero for the final, goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi, said it was a very challenging tournament.
“In the final, it was a difficult moment for me when we conceded a penalty in the 90th minute. The thought about the dreams of the Omanis for the title pumped me up and I could save it.
“In the penalty shoot-out I thought we had four goal scored and it is the time for me to make my contribution. I was lucky enough to anticipate Omar Abdulrahman’s kick and could save it for the team.”
“Mohsin Jawhar al Khaldi then fired it in for Oman as clinched the crown,” Fayez said.
At the Bausher stadium, the fans filled the venue and the players arrived on chariots to the ground amidst loud cheers.
Later, they went around the ground with the title and posing for photographs with fans all around.
Ilyas, a sixth standard student at Al Andalus Private School in Mabelah, was all joy for Oman.
“I expected the title for Oman,” he said.“I’m a big fan of Said al Ruzaiqi, who scored a
brace against Saudi Arabia in the tournament,” the jubilant boy said.
Ilyas said this is a great win and he wants to celebrate as the champion feeling is still to sink in, summing up the mood of the night.
RED WARRIORS ARRIVE TO HEROES’ WELCOME
Ilyas with the flag at the stadium. PICTURE BY ANUROOP A
(From left) Oman goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi, Mohsin Jawhar and Jameel Saleem al Yahmadi walks among children during a celebration ceremony to welcome Oman’s national football team after they won the 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup, in Muscat on Saturday. — AFP
KUWAIT 2017
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A YJ A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 822
HARIDEV PUSHPARAJMUSCAT, JAN 6
In the melee of Oman’s glorious triumph at the Arabian Gulf Cup, the Omani people certainly owe a huge gratitude to the leadership of coach Pim Verbeek.
Verbeek has been at the helm of affairs for the ‘Red Warriors’ since December 2016 and was entrusted with reviving the fortunes of the national team.
The Dutchman could not have asked for a better New Year gift from his players as they lifted their second Arabian Gulf Cup crown.
Verbeek’s tactics and strategy were spot on throughout the tournament and he
ensured the substitutions were made at the right time.
The formations used were effective except in the first game against UAE that resulted in a 1-0 defeat.
Thereafter, it was a huge comeback for Verbeek and the players.
Verbeek’s big contribution was his ability to motivate the players and keep them in good spirits while the chips were down for them.
The coach had faith in the players and that showed when it came to his selection of the starting elevens. Verbeek’s thought process was definitely helping Oman.
After stints as coach of South Korea and Australia, Verbeek had taken up a
new challenge after accepting the offer from Oman.
The challenge has now borne fruit in a year’s time with the Gulf Cup title and Verbeek’s stock in Oman and among the Oman Football Association (OFA) head honchos has certainly reached another level.
As the party in Muscat continues, the fans, the players and Verbeek would do well to remember that major challenges lie ahead. The 2019 AFC Asian Cup would be right on top of those challenges.
Oman and Verbeek have a lot of work to do before that and the Gulf Cup triumph will be a shot in the arm as they eye bigger goals.
Oman owes a debt of gratitude to coach Verbeek
MUSCAT: UAE leaders issued statements on twitter to congratulate Oman on winning the Gulf Cup final, held at Jaber al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai tweeted: “Congratulations to the Sultanate of Oman, its leadership and people for winning the Gulf Cup 23. A wonderful performance by the Omani team”
“We have seen elevated feelings from our brotherly Omani people. Our mutual love will further increase and flourish as time goes by. The Cup is for Oman, while the joy is for both the two brotherly people,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has also congratulated the winners. “Congratulations to the UAE and Oman for the spirit of fraternity and sport that has prevailed the Gulf Cup finals. We are both winners and together we have earned the affection, love and the pleasure of high competition,” Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed tweeted.
“Congratulations to the Sultanate of Oman, its leadership and people for this achievement, and its team’s unique victory in the Gulf Cup 23. We have been pleased by such a high performance,” he added.
KUWAIT 2017
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y
J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 8 23
HARIDEV PUSHPARAJMUSCAT, JAN 6
Ahmed Mubarak al Mahajiri or as he is widely known Ahmed Kanu must be over the moon as he enjoys the glory of Oman’s second Arabian Gulf Cup
crown which is his second as well. Kanu would certainly be missing the
presence of his illustrious team-mate and Oman’s legendary goalkeeper Ali al Habsi since both of them made their national team debuts
together in 2003.
The 32-year-old veteran has 152 appearances for the ‘Red Warriors’ and is one of the pillars of the Oman team along with the likes of Ali al Habsi and Abdulaziz al Muqbali.
Kanu, who has stood in as captain in the absence of Ali al Habsi, has been a picture of
c a l m n e s s and composure
in pressure-cooker situations and led Oman ably
during their victorious march to their second Arabian Gulf Cup title. Kanu, who doubles up as defensive and holding midfielder, kept the spirits of the Oman team up and running during the course of the tournament and played the role of the senior statesman perfectly.
The relatively younger and less experienced
players including the goal-keeper Fayez al Rushaidi and Co certainly benefited from the reassuring presence of Kanu. Oman will consider themselves lucky that Kanu showed the temperament and resilience that was required of them to become champions.
UAE leaders congratulate Oman
HARIDEV PUV SHPAPP RAJRRMUSCAT, JAN 6
hmed Mubarak al Mahajiri or as he is widely known Ahmed Kanu must be over the moon as together in
c a l m n e s s and composure
in pressure-cooker situations and led Oman ably
playerrsincluddingthe goal-keeperr Fayez al Rushaidi
HIP, HIP, HURRAY!....
Oman fans celebrate Red Warriors’ victory on the streets of Muscat. — pictures by Mohammed Mahjoub
HOW THE PENDULUM SWUNG OMAN’S WAY
HARIDEV PUSHPARAJ MUSCAT, JAN 6
When the Arabian Gulf Cup began hopes were not too high on Oman lifting the highly coveted trophy but how things have turned around.
The preparations for the tournament began with friendlies against Palestine and Yemen and they were not too forthcoming in terms of performance.
When the first game against UAE ended in a 1-0 defeat, the critics were up in arms and started expressing their scepticism about the chances of the ‘Red Warriors’.
The frontline players like Abdulaziz al Muqbali, Khalid al Hajri, Jamil al Yahmadi and Mohsen Jowhar were struggling to convert their chances in the first game.
Coach Pim Verbeek certainly had a lot of work to do.
One of the striking aspects of this Oman squad is the resilience and doggedness that it is capable of showing. It became evident as the tournament progressed.
The defence was water-tight and need we say more about the magnificent efforts of Fayez al Rushaidi.
The 29-year-old has been the find of the tournament as far as Oman is concerned and their indisputable future star.
With stellar efforts against Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the group stage matches, Fayez was the rock of the Oman defence rallying the rest of the defenders around him.
The tall man epitomised strength and resoluteness and that symbolised Oman’s character throughout this triumphant campaign at the 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup.
Oman have certainly unearthed some emerging players for their future and the likes of Fayez and Khalid al Hajiri are right up there.
The quality of football in the GCC region is of a reasonably high standard and there are some players with tremendous amount of skill and flair, so for Oman to come through and clinch the title in such a scenario is quite an amazing achievement.
Oman are in good stead going forward and will need a similar resolve and effort to bring more Cups to their beloved fans.
Oman’s players celebrate after winning the Arabian Gulf Cup at the Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City on Friday — AFP
KUWAIT 2017
OMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A YJ A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 824
international
featuresOMANDAILYOBSERVERS U N D A Y l J A N U A R Y 7 l 2 0 1 7 25
CRYPTIC PUZZLE
ACROSS
4 A shifty tout may hold up production (6)
7 It’s obvious the cricket side has to leave (5,3)
8 A steady supporter (6)10 In Asia, reasonably enough,
they’re vast (5)13 Ring a friend about mid-
September (4)14 Figure to finish a repair (4)15 Requirement of a Western
social crawler (4)16 Be wrong in refusing? (3)17 Help someone in a bad way
(4)19 Ten volunteers for one little
letter (4)21 Book a police inspector good
accommodation (9)23 Rushed to a premature
conclusion (4)24 Like two of the legs of a deer
(4)26 Drink, little one (3)27 So carelessly shut (4)29 Utter in semitones (4)32 Old Bill conceals nothing in
the enclosure (4)
33 Would he be religiously early? (5)
34 Bewail mental distress (6)35 Merely ordinary all the time
(8)36 Left a learner at the entrance
(6)DOWN
1 A dismissive word from athletic Steve (5)
2 A female accepts me among the macho mob (2,3)
3 Having wings, he possibly rose (4)
4 Frequently comprising a net return (5)
5 Basil’s brush? (4)6 More work in a perfect place
(6)9 Share out in rota? (6)11 He’s in the nominal roll (3)12 A raid organized by Robin (5)13 Dress an injured dog better?
(5,2)15 Like Willie Winkie, we note
(3)16 Tasty? No thanks! (3)18 Foreigner giving his brother a
start at Eton (6)20 In which to be working (to
succeed?) (5)
21 She has a point (3)
22 It’s possibly starting trouble on
an island (3)
23 To shoot duck in a W. Indian
island (6)
25 Where some Cariocans come from (3)
28 Ritzy place? (5)30 Dislikes nurses? (5)31 Stray vessels? (5)32 Only one in a hundred (4)33 A nice place to get out and
walk (4)EASY PUZZLE
ACROSS
4 Safe (6) 7 Large mammal (8) 8 Smells (6)10 Inclination (5)13 Sketched (4)14 Fish (4)15 Sense (4)16 Darn (3)17 Move (4)19 Dry (4)21 Meaningful number (9)23 Regarded (4)24 Contended (4)26 Wager (3)27 Profound (4)29 Revise (4)32 Group of cattle (4)33 Coarse (5)34 Continue (6)35 Whole (8)
36 Six-piece group (6)DOWN
1 Bully (5) 2 Wading bird (5) 3 Footwear item (4) 4 Look fixedly (5) 5 Boast (4) 6 Harvested (6) 9 Tell (6)11 Drag (3)12 Glue (5)13 Extracted (7)15 Suitable (3)16 Thus (3)18 Two-seater (6)20 Horseman (5)21 Ready (3)22 Drink daintily (3)23 Calm (6)25 Offer (3)28 Upright (5)30 Fooled (5)31 Principle (5)32 Forage (4)33 Manage (4)
THURSDAY’S CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS
ACROSS: 1, Apache 7, Shanghai 8, Snap 10, B-Randy 11, Ignore 14, MO-O 16, Rates 17, Eve-N
19, Strap 21, Salem 22, Nomad
23, Sent 26, Album 28, Nil 29,
Hal-Ted 30, Russia 31, Ante 32,
Alban-Ian 33, Thrown.
DOWN: 1, Ar-able 2, Can-n-on
3, E-spy 4, Anagram 5, Shoot 6,
Fives 8, Sam-e 9, A-do 12, Nap
13, Reign 15, Atlas 18, Villa 19,
Sam 20, R-E-d. 21, Someone 22,
Nut 23, Sister 24, Else 25, Tra-Jan
26, A-head 27, Blobs 28, Nun 30,
Rant.
THURSDAY’S EASY
SOLUTIONS
ACROSS: 1, Bridge 7, Departed
8, Fine 10, Driven 11, Attire 14,
Let 16, Eider 17, Sell 19, Genre
21, Felon 22, Molar 23, Lard 26,
Medal 28, Fad 29, Adonis 30,
Tigers 31, Iron 32, Designed 33,
Yonder.
DOWN: 1, Blades 2, Drivel 3,
Eden 4, Pattern 5, Staid 6, Adder
8, Fill 9, Net 12, Tie 13, Refer 15,
Relax 18, Erred 19, Gel 20, Nor
21, Foliage 22, Man 23, Lagoon
24, Aden 25, Duster 26, Maids
27, Douse 28, Fir 30, Tidy.
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CROSSWORD
In a year of devastating hurricanes,
ubiquitous abuse scandals and a strikingly
candid presidential Twitter account, it
is little wonder that cinemagoers are
turning to escapist fantasy.
With fairy tale romance “The Shape of
Water” leading the nominations for the
Golden Globes, dark farce “Get Out” topping critics’
lists and horror movies making $1 billion at the box
office, 2017 may come to be seen as the year of the
genre movie.
Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” which satirizes
suburban white guilt over racial inequality in the
United States, is emblematic of the rise of genre
films in this year’s awards season.
It has been almost a year since its release, and most
movies brought out that far ahead of Hollywood’s
various prize-giving ceremonies are long forgotten
by the time the trophies are being polished.
Yet “Get Out” is up for two Globes on Sunday
and entertainment website Eonline.com has been
extolling its virtues as a genuine contender.
Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water,” a
hot favourite among the movies vying for the best
dramatic film Globe, has seven nominations in total.
The Cold War-era piece tells the story of a young,
mute woman (Sally Hawkins) who works at night
in a government laboratory and falls in love with a
captive merman-like amphibian creature.
Alexander Payne’s sci-fi satire “Downsizing”
and Edgar Wright’s heist thriller “Baby Driver” are
also seen as genre movies that would not normally
get a second glance on awards nights, yet both are
vying for Globes on Sunday.
In recent years, the Hollywood Foreign Press
Association, which runs the Globes, has rewarded
movies celebrating Tinseltown (“La La Land,” “The
Artist,” “Birdman”) or heartfelt rites-of-passage
flicks (“Boyhood,” “Moonlight”).
Historical or journalistic stories like “The King’s
Speech” and “Spotlight” are also firm favourites —
usually at the expense of more fantastical, escapist
movies.
At the genre end of the market, only westerns like
“The Revenant” and “Hell or High Water” have been
pulling their weight.
Sasha Stone, of the Awards Daily website, says
the arrival of Donald Trump at the White House can
largely explain why fantasy and horror have received
more attention than usual from audiences and prize
juries.
“In a different kind of year, probably ‘Get Out’
wouldn’t be such a strong contender,” she said.
“But with the combination of the nightmare that
is our president and the lack of any other major
movies to come along to overshadow it, ‘Get Out’
stands a really good chance at being the favourite
this year.”
While Peele’s film can be enjoyed as
straightforward horror, Stone argues that it steps
outside the limits of genre because it works equally
well as a “metaphor for the horrors in our culture.”
“The Shape of Water,” meanwhile, has been
welcomed more generously than many fantasy
movies because it comes from the mind of a master,
a director who has proved his skill at genre with the
triple Oscar-winning “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
The genre movie hasn’t always been an
endangered species.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Jonathan Demme’s
cult thriller “The Silence of the Lambs,” Peter
Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the
King” and musical gangster comedy “Chicago” all
won the best film Oscar.
In the 1970s, chillers like “Jaws” and “Rosemary’s
Baby” would be a fixture on the awards circuit.
Go back further still, and it becomes apparent
that the first Oscar winners of the 1920s and 1930s
were high-end genre films, according to Jonathan
Kuntz, a professor of film at the University of
California, Los Angeles.
The last decade or so have been unkind to
genre movies but they are on their way back, with
frightening films in particular regaining their mojo.
The New York Times magazine recently ran a
cover story describing 2017 as “The Year of Horror,”
dedicating several of its inside pages to the best
actors in recent examples of the genre.
The cover featured Australian Oscar winner
Nicole Kidman, one of the most popular actresses
of her generation, who diversified this year with a
starring part in the gory creep-fest “The Killing of
a Sacred Deer.”
Noting that horror films have made more than $1
billion in ticket sales over 12 months, the magazine
attributed the moviegoing public’s new bloodlust to
the torment of the daily news cycle.
“Horror movies probably don’t need the world to
be horrifying to be good,” it speculated.
“But when things are bad, the genre has a way of
telling you they could be worse.” — AFP
VERONIQUE DUPONT
Golden Globes
celebrating the year of
the genre movie
With fairy tale romance “The Shape
of Water” leading the nominations for the Golden Globes,
dark farce “Get Out” topping critics’ lists and horror movies making $1 billion at the box office, 2017
may come to be seen as the year of the
genre movie
Preparations are under way at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, for the 75th Annual Golden Globes Awards. — AFP
featuresOMANDAILYOBSERVER26oman/international
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People play with foam, talc and black paint during the ‘Black’s Day’, as part of the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto, the largest festivity in the south-western region of the country, on Friday. — AFP
COLOMBIA
Life as it happens
around the world5
A man reacts after catching a trout with his hands during an event promoting the Ice Festival in Hwacheon, south of the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas, on Saturday. — Reuters
SOUTH KOREA
Firefighters descend from a helicopter as they perform their rescue drills during Tokyo Fire Department’s New Year’s Fire review in Tokyo, on Saturday. — Reuters
JAPAN
A man carries his harvest from his vegetable field, as Mount Sinabung spews thick smoke, in Karo, North Sumatra on Saturday. — AFP
INDONESIA
Caroline Zhang performs in the ladies free skate during the 2018 US Figure Skating Championships at SAP Center, San Jose. — Reuters
UNITED STATES
EDOUARD GUIHAIRE
Grappling with the digital
revolution upsetting all
corners of the industry,
Men’s Fashion Week
kicked off in London
on Saturday with fewer
shows and star names. But this fixture in
the British fashion calendar is attempting
to stay relevant by going back to its roots,
and promoting a more youthful image.
Burberry deserted the event last year
and now unveils its men’s wardrobe at
Women’s Fashion Week, riding the trend
towards less rigidity around gender.
JW Anderson, the label of Jonathan
Anderson, who is artistic director of the
Spanish luxury leather goods line Loewe,
has followed suit, choosing to present only
two runway shows per year instead of four.
Punk icon Vivienne Westwood has now
said she will be presenting her autumn-
winter 2018-19 collection not in a catwalk
but “through the form of film and imagery”,
according to a statement from her
company.
Designers have embraced a digital
transformation of the industry in recent
years, including the use of websites and
social networking platforms for advertising
and selling their latest collections.
“Not only are digital and combined
menswear and womenswear shows often
more cost-efficient, but such strategies also
present the brand in a cohesive manner,
whilst reaching new audiences,” Samantha
Dover, of the analysis firm Mintel, said.
Kristabel Plummer, editor of the fashion
blog I Want You To Know, said designers
are now more practical when it comes to
catwalks and called the changes “sensible
business decisions”.
“There’s no point doing things in the way
they’ve always been done, if that’s not right
for the brand.
“Increased flexibility and innovation can
only be a positive thing, in this challenging
consumer landscape,” she said.
“Brands need to move at the speed
the world does, and today that is fast,”
Anderson told The Guardian in a recent
interview.
“We live in the era of content. We put
something on Instagram and it gets
reposted and it’s everywhere and a minute
later it’s gone, over,” he added.
The drift away from London Men’s
Fashion Week by established designers
has seen the number of parades drop by a
dozen this year. It has led to questions over
whether the British event, the younger of
the annual fashion weeks, can still compete
with Paris, Milan and New York.
Organiser The British Fashion Council
hopes it can still flourish by allowing
young and upcoming local designers to
showcase their talents. Caroline Rush,
its chief executive, said the 2018 edition
will be “a celebration of discovery and the
creative diversity that has made London
an international hub for menswear.”
A raft of emerging names in British
fashion will feature their clothes during the
schedule, including the luxury streetwear
of Edward Crutchley — dubbed a “rising
star” by Vogue — and the bold neo-punk
hip-hop wardrobe of Liam Hodges.
They are joined by Christopher Raeburn,
a pioneer in ethical fashion and recycling
materials, and Astrid Andersen, who
designs sportswear.
“There’s a variety of brands on the
schedule,” said Plummer, pushing back
on notions London Men’s Fashion Week is
petering out. — AFP
FASHION
Stal Gallery presents the third
edition of its Annual Young
Emerging Artist Prize on
January 9 under the auspices
of Her Highness Sayyida
Hafidha bint Mahmood al Said.
The exhibition will feature Omani artists
Ayah Yousuf, Maher Abdulwahab, Nabaa
Baqir, Tariq al Hajri, Fatma Abdulaziz, Mazin
al Harthi, Muzn Meer, Mahmood Harib, Alaa
al Dhiyabi, Mahmood Noah, and Umayma al
Hinai.
In continuing to uphold its dedication
to support and motivate the young Omani
artists, Stal Gallery is thrilled to be in the
forefront of this initiative. Through the
Young Emerging Artist programme, which
started with an open call and a careful
selection of candidates, the artists have had
the opportunity to be mentored under Stal’s
Circle of Experimental Art.
The exhibition will feature a wide variety
of artwork that tackles issues on politics,
society, and religion through the eyes of
the next generation of young Omani artists.
At the award ceremony, one artist will be
heralded the Grand Prize Winner, with
three more receiving the Best Concept, Best
Presentation, and Best Use of Materials
awards.
Curator and Stal Gallery’s Artistic Director,
Hassan al Meer, says about the programme,
“It is an opportunity for both established and
emerging artists to engage in the thought
process and the conceptualisation of new
ideas towards effectively communicating
the concepts presented therein both
aesthetically and philosophically... which
provide enlightenment and deeper
understanding of the world that we live in.”
The Stal Gallery Young Emerging Artist
Prize 2017 exhibition will open on Tuesday at
7.30 pm at Stal Gallery in Madinat Qaboos.
Stal Gallery to present Young Emerging Artist Prize
“Brands need to move at the speed
the world does, and today that is
fast. We live in the era of content. We put something on Instagram and it
gets reposted and it’s everywhere
and a minute later it’s gone, over”
Short on stars, London aims to stay with youth
Gil regales with carnival spirit
insideoman
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CONCERT
Brazil came to Oman
on Thursday night,
transforming the
auditorium of Royal
Opera House Muscat
into the spirit of a New
Year Carnival from Rio
de Janeiro. Legendary singer, songwriter
and guitarist Gilberto Gil brought an
eclectic panorama of sounds from the
country which gave us Bossa Nova, Samba
and so many more dance rhythms, with his
6-piece band of astounding musicians.
The 75-year-old maestro is perhaps
best remembered for his collaboration
with Caetano Veloso in the 60s, and
the development of a movement
known as ‘Tropicalia’. It was considered
inflammatory by the dictatorship and led
to 9 months in prison and exile to London
for its founding performers. This explains
the diverse influences upon Gil’s music
and the spectrum of styles he brought to
ROHM. To some, he is loved for his work
with Joao Gilberto and his Bossa Nova jazz
album of the 80s, ‘Brasil’, so expectations
were high before curtain-up on Thursday.
The set opened ‘straight in’ with the full
band in three traditional Sambas — the
first, ‘Luxo So’, suggesting Tom Jobim’s
iconic Bossa Novas of Brazilian jazz. The
second, ‘Chiclete Com Banana’ featured
the wordless scat of the Be-bop era, and the
third took off with Gil’s personal stamp. A
percussion intro by 23-year-old wiz-kid,
Kaina (do Jeje) in ‘Andar Com Fe’ was
followed by some fine guitar solos from
Gilberto’s own son, Bem Gil, with whom
he has been working for 10 years. But the
signature sound of Gilberto’s singing is his
incredibly high falsetto obligatos which
pervade many of his recent numbers.
Gilberto was personable and delightful,
explaining to the assembled fans the subtle
variation in Latin rhythms, giving a neat
segue to the obvious African roots of the
call-and-echo form of ‘Maracatu’ over
his own guitar riff — and of course the
audience was invited to participate. Reggae
seems to play a large part in Gil’s music,
and next up were versions of Bob Marley’s
“Is this Love” in his own inimitable style,
followed by a beautiful, mellow version of
“No Woman, No Cry” sung in Portuguese,
giving such a sensuous interpretation of
the more up-beat English sections.
It led nicely into his Brazilian Reggae,
‘A Novidade’, featuring an evocative
accordion solo by Mestrinho (de Carira)
— you know you are top-class when you
can go by a single name! He comes from a
line of accordionists and has been playing
since he was five. The instrument lent
a sense of authenticity throughout the
whole programme, with its origin in Forro
music. There was some more wordless scat
acrobatics from Gil and fine percussion
from Kaina — another musician preferring
to use a single name. ‘Forro’ (pronounced
Foho) is Brazilian reggae, and this
number, ‘Esperando’, featured a very pretty
accordion solo, complementing the dulcet
sensuality of the Portuguese language.
The last two songs of the first part
moved to Gilberto Gil’s more recent rock
genre, with a Jobim-like Rock-Bossa
over a very chromatic accordion line in
‘Tempo Rei’, and an even more progressive
accordion solo in the Brazilian Rock,
‘Realce’. For some the first half was lively
enough to dance to, for others not jazzy
enough, and hopes were high for a more
traditional second half.
Those hopes were allowed to mellow
as the second part was delayed by a good
10 minutes. With baited breath punters
waited until the curtain rose to reveal
Gilberto Gil seated alone on stage with
a classical guitar and multiple spotlights
focused on him. Here was the legend we
had come to hear and expect; he opened
with three 1980s solos, ‘Prece’, ‘Flora’ —
for his wife — and ‘Yamandu’, reminiscent
of his collaboration with Caetano Veloso,
sultry and intimate, using his seminal low
vocal register which brought him fame in
the ‘60s. We were home; this is what people
wanted to experience and the gratification
was palpable.
The fourth song was Gil’s lengthy 1972
Tropicalia ballad, ‘Oriente’, exploring the
guitar technique he perfected in his youth
by accompanying the deep vocal line with
a descending chromatic bass riff. Out of
the shadows his band re-joined in a more
focused, serious set with younger son, Jose
Gil on drums, and 27-year-old electric bass
maestro, Magno Brito. ‘A Paz’ featured a
mellow and pretty accordion solo, followed
by the evocative ‘Drao’. Mestrinho moved
to Rhodes keyboard in a Gil original,
‘Tocarte’ and then back to accordion-vamp
in the Forro, “Palco”, featuring a fine guitar
solo from Gil Junior to fans’ great delight.
Things got livelier in the last two
numbers, the Rock “Barracos” involving
some signature falsetto scat singing from
Gilberto once again, and the even more
contemporary style of the Finale samba-
rock, “Toda Menina”. Gilberto Gil played
a Brazilian ‘Rock and Roll’ for his encore,
with Mestrinho back on Rhodes keyboard,
based on 12-Bar-Blues. It was a fine ending
to a rich and rewarding concert in which
there really was something for everyone.
A living legend became a reality for those
lucky people present at ROHM that
evening.
(Pictures by Khalid al Busaidi, ROHM)
GEORGINA BENISON
The set opened ‘straight in’ with the full band in three traditional Sambas — the first,
‘Luxo So’, suggesting Tom Jobim’s iconic
Bossa Novas of Brazilian jazz. The
second, ‘Chiclete Com Banana’ featured the wordless scat of the Be-bop era, and the
third took off with Gil’s personal stamp
After the glorious victory of the Omani national team at the 23rd Gulf Cup held in Kuwait, supporters, families and kids took to the road to celebrate their red warriors! Instagrammer @prismphotos.sunilrao captured this precious moment.
For your photos to be featured on this section, don’t forget to follow and tag us when you upload your photos on Instagram. Make sure to also use #BeanObserver and #OmanObserver so we can easily locate your submissions.
CELEBRATIONS KICK OFF
MOLLY’S GAME
Rating: 15+
Running Time: 145
Story Line: The true story of Molly Bloom, a beautiful, young, Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents wielding automatic weapons.Direction and screenplay by Aaron Sorkin.
In a year of devastating hurricanes, ubiquitous abuse scandals and a strikingly candid presidential Twitter account, it is little wonder that cinemagoers are turning to escapist fantasy. With fairy tale romance “The Shape of Water” leading the nominations for the Golden Globes, dark farce “Get Out” topping critics’ lists and horror movies making $1 billion at the box office, 2017 may come to be seen as the year of the genre movie. P25
GOLDEN GLOBES CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE GENRE MOVIE
instagram.com/omanobserverPHOTO OF THE DAY MORENOW SHOWING
Brazil came to Oman on Thursday night, transforming the auditorium of Royal Opera House Muscat into the spirit of a New Year Carnival from Rio de Janeiro. Legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist Gilberto Gil brought an eclectic panorama of sounds from the country which gave us Bossa Nova, Samba and so many more dance rhythms, with his 6-piece band of astounding musicians... P27
GIL REGALES WITH BRAZILIAN
CARNIVAL SPIRIT
SUNDAY | JANUARY 7, 2018 | RABEE AL THANI 19, 1439 AH
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