THURSDAY
August 24, 2023
7 Safar 1445 AH
GCC EDUCATION MINISTRIES
DISCUSS GLOBAL MODELSS
MUSCAT: The GCC Bureau
of Education on Wednesday
launched a programme titled
“analogue bodies gathering”
to discuss ground reality of
education in member states. >A5
Founded 1975 . Volume 48 No. 124 | 16 Pages . Baisas 20
MAGICAL DHOFAR IS COVERED IN A CARPET OF GREEN
During the Khareef Season, Dhofar Governorate is covered in a carpet of green. This pristine scene is from Wadi Darbat in Dhofar
where the green colour of vegetation blends with the turquoise blue water of the valley, giving a breathtaking look. — ONA
STRICT ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST
UNLICENCED HOTEL OWNERS IN OMAN
Ministry of Heritage
and Tourism has
launched a campaign
to promote the
benefits of being
licenced operators
Times News Service
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Her-
itage and Tourism (MHT) has
warned unlicenced owners of
guesthouses and hotels of strict
action if they don’t seek tourism
licences for their establishments.
The warning comes in the
light of a campaign launched by
the ministry to streamline unli-
cenced guesthouses, hotels and
homestays.
The campaign is to ensure that
the owners get licences from the
MOON MISSION
Indian expats celebrate as Chandrayaan-3 lands on Moon
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Indian expatriates in
the Sultanate of Oman celebrated
the successful landing of Chan-
drayaan-3, India’s Moon mission,
when the lander named Vikram
and a rover named Pragyan —
landed in the southern polar re-
gion of the Moon on Wednesday.
The two robots, from a mission
named Chandrayaan-3, made In-
dia the first country to reach this
part of the lunar surface in one
piece — and only the fourth coun-
try ever to land on the Moon.
The historic achievement of the
landing on the Moon attracted mil-
lions of viewers across the world.
In his remarks to Times of
Oman, Dr Dilip Singhvi, senior
doctor at Shifa Hospital, was over-
200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 900
ub
ministry to maintain quality ser-
vices to guests and visitors.
According to the ministry,
there are more than 1,700 unli-
cenced tourist establishments in
Oman and the operations of these
unlicenced hotels and guesthous-
es do affect the quality of tourism
services in the Sultanate of Oman.
To regulate the tourism sector
and check the malpractices, the
ministry started a month-long
awareness campaign called ‘Qual-
ity begins with licencing’.
In his remarks to Shabiba Ra-
dio, Talal bin Humaid Al Khu-
saibi, Assistant Director General
of Tourism Licencing and Inves-
tor Services at the Ministry of
Heritage and Tourism, said: “The
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism
recently launched a campaign
under the slogan ‘Quality begins
with licencing’. It is an education-
al campaign aimed at regulating
the work of hotel establishments,
especially unlicenced ones,
whose number exceeds 1,700 in
all governorates across the Sul-
tanate of Oman.”
Al Khusaibi added, “The cam-
paign aims to sustain the hotel
joyed.
He said: “It is a proud moment
for all Indians. We were all waiting
and praying for the smooth land-
ing. It shows the progress of India
01:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group
sector and maintain its efficiency
in line with the quality require-
ments. The ministry is keen to
ensure that the visitors in all
governorates of the Sultanate of
Oman are provided good services.
We aim to reduce malpractices
that affect the quality of tourism
products and services and the
reputation of the tourism sector
in general. Such unlicenced es-
tablishments also put a financial
burden on the economy and there
are also less job opportunities due
to such practices while running
hotel activity without licences.”
Al Khusaibi explained that the
so-called “rest houses”, which have
spread widely in various governo-
rates of the Sultanate of Oman, are
part of hotel establishments that
require a licence to carry out their
activities. “Not obtaining a licence
for a hotel establishment is a vio-
lation of the applicable laws and
regulations,” he said.
He added that the failure of
these establishments to obtain
a tourism licence lead to an in-
crease in lack of security and
safety requirements, and also give
wrong statistical indicators. >A2
in the space sector.”
“Today, all Indians stand tall
on this planet. We are the first to
reach the south pole of the Moon.
We have grown up listening to
stories of uncle Moon, but never
ever dreamt that we will conquer
it someday. Today’s that auspi-
cious day, we are on the Moon, we
are on Mars, and soon will reach
other planets. We have made his-
tory today, 23/08/2023.
“Many congratulations to our
scientists and ISRO on this ex-
traordinary achievement for our
beloved country.”
The successful landing of the
Chandrayaan-3 lander module
also brought to an end the disap-
pointment over the crash land-
ing of the Chandrayaan-2, four
years ago. Several prominent per-
sonalities from India and across
the world congratulated the Indian
Space and Research Organisation
(ISRO) for this fantastic feat.
Madhu, a long-time resident of
  

HIS MAJESTY GREETS
PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE
MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham
bin Tarik has sent a cable of greetings
to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of
Ukraine on his country’s Independence
Anniversary. In the cable, His Majesty the
Sultan expressed his heartfelt sentiments
and best wishes to President Zelenskyy
and the people of Ukraine. — ONA
TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES
OMAN
Forum for grooming
leaders commences
1
The Labour Ministry’s
second forum for grooming
second line leaders began
in Salalah on Wednesday. The
two-day forum is attended by
88 participants, including
directors’ general, strategic
planning directors, CEOs and
human resource managers.
>A5
WORLD MARKET
BRICS keen to end Fibre optic network
Russia-Ukraine war subscribers top 250,000
2 3
BRICS countries will Subscribers to the fibre
continue to be supportive optic network of Oman
of bringing the Russia- Broadband Co. stood at
Ukraine conflict to an end 250,046, crossing the quarter-
through dialogue, mediation million mark as at the end of July
and negotiation, South African 2023. The total number of units
President Cyril Ramaphosa said covered in the governorates of
on Wednesday. >A7 Oman stood at 697,527 units. >B1
N C S I D ATA
Inflation in Oman
declines to lowest
level in 28 months
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Oman’s inflation rate
in July dropped to its lowest level
in 28 months, thanks to a decrease
in transportation cost and stability
in the prices of most food items,
utilities, fuel and housing rent.
The annual inflation rate, as
measured by the sultanate’s Con-
sumer Price Index (CPI), fell to
0.41% in July 2023, the lowest lev-
el since March 2021.
This is compared to an inflation
rate of 0.69 percent in June 2023,
according to data released by the
National Centre for Statistics and
Information (NCSI).
Oman’s annual inflation has con-
sistently been on the decline this
year due to easing global inflation
and government measures that
capped fuel and essential commod-
ity prices. Consumer price inflation
for food items, which carry nearly
24 percent weightage in CPI, rose
at a slower pace of 1.36 percent in
July, compared to 2.18 percent in
June. The more than two-year low
food inflation is attributed to a drop
in fruit, vegetables prices in July
compared to a year ago. Among food
items, July prices for fruits and veg-
etables decreased by 2.31 percent
and 1.72 percent, respectively.
> See full story in B1
Oman said, “Our scientists and our
dedicated youngsters can achieve
anything in the world. Great
achievement by India, congrats to
ISRO. India will soon become a su-
perpower.”
Lal, who works at an interna-
390
tional school in Oman, said, “Con- MUSCAT
gratulations ISRO. I am proud to
be an Indian. This is a result of
great efforts by our scientists and
ISRO.”
Abhishek Kalla, a partner in a
top legal firm in Muscat said: “It is
a momentous day for India and for
the world. We are only the fourth
country in the world to achieve
this feat [landing on Moon]. Hats
off to our brilliant scientists and
ISRO for pulling off such a crucial
and difficult mission.”
See also >A7
A2 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023
OMAN
KHAREEF 2023
Marketing initiative implemented for SME owners in Dhofar
Times News Service
MUSCAT: The Small and Me-
dium Enterprises Development
Authority, in partnership with the
Dhofar Municipality, is imple-
menting a marketing initiative by
allocating an integrated space for
owners of small and medium en-
terprises to display their products
at the “Nawafeth Park” site in Atin
Plain. It will continue until the end
of August.
The marketing initiative tar-
gets owners of small and medium
enterprises from various gover-
norates of the Sultanate of Oman,
with the aim of supporting their
projects, promoting their prod-
ucts, and providing them with the
opportunity to participate in the
activities of Khareef Dhofar 2023 .
Musallam bin Farah Al Masha-
ni, Head of the Small and Me-
dium Enterprises Development
Department in Dhofar Governo-
rate, said: “The Nawafeth Park”
marketing initiative involves
more than 50 small and medium
enterprises participating in the
various activities of mobile vehi-
cles, in addition to the presence of
accompanying activities to add a
PRAYER
TIMINGS
kind of entertainment and fun for
visitors to the site.
Al Mashani explained that the
“Nawafeth Park” site in Atin Plain
has been equipped and config-
ured by providing all operational
requirements by the Dhofar Mu-
nicipality in cooperation with the
Small and Medium Enterprises
Development Department in the
governorate to enable business
Commerce Minister
Qais Al Yousef to lead
delegation to India for
major G20 trade talks
While in Jaipur,
Minister Al Yousef
will meet with
international
ministerial
counterparts of
other G20 countries
to reaffirm ties and
explore potential
opportunities for
collaboration
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Qais Al Yousef, Min-
ister of Commerce, Industry &
Investment Promotion (MoCIIP)
will represent the Sultanate of
Oman at the G20 Trade & Invest-
ment in Jaipur from 23-25 August.
He will then head to the B20
Forum in New Delhi from 25-27
August, accompanied by industry
M I N I S T RY O F H E R I TA G E A N D T O U R I S M
Licence protects the owners
to avoid legal accountability
< FROM “The owners of these
A1 unlicenced establish-
ments clearly violate
the provisions of Arti-
cle 12 of the Tourism Law by oc-
cupying any tourist site or area or
part of it, benefiting from it, ex-
ploiting it, or disposing of it with-
out a license from the ministry,”
Al Khusaibi said.
He explained that the licence
protects the owner of the facil-
ity from several aspects, includ-
ing avoiding legal accountability,
and gaining the confidence of the
guests. “When the facility is li-
censed and follows standards and
requirements at the highest lev-
els, it avoids unfair competition
with facilities in the same sector,”
he added.
He added that legal procedures
would be taken against violators,
through a series of procedures
through the work and inspection
teams of the ministry in coopera-
tion with the concerned authori-
ties from the Public Prosecution
Dhuhr.............................................12:14pm
Asr.....................................................3:42pm
Maghrib........................................6:38pm
Isha.................................................... 7:51pm
Fajr (Tomorrow).................... 4:28am
owners registered with the Au-
thority, display and market their
products and provide their servic-
es to visitors.
Furthermore, Al Mashani re-
ferred to the participation of the
Fab-Tech mobile laboratory for
the first time in Dhofar Governo-
rate, at the “Nawafeth Park” site
organised by the “Innotech” com-
pany in cooperation with the Au-
leaders from Oman.
With “One Earth, One Family,
One Future” as this year’s G20
theme, discussions at the sum-
mits will focus on steps to sup-
port multilateral trade for global
growth and prosperity, building
inclusive and resilient trade and
leveraging technology for pa-
perless trade. Deliberations will
target developing consensus on
global trade and investment-re-
lated issues and accomplishing
action-oriented proposals.
While in Jaipur, Minister Al
Yousef will meet with interna-
tional ministerial counterparts
of other G20 countries to reaffirm
ties and explore potential oppor-
tunities for collaboration.
Speaking ahead of the G20
meeting, Minister Al Yousef
commented: “Under the wise
leadership of His Majesty Sultan
Haitham bin Tarik and through
the framework provided by Oman
and others, and to determine the
penalty due against the violator.
Simple and easy way
To avoid such violations, own-
ers of unlicenced facilities must
submit a request to licence tour-
ism activity through the portal.
E-services of the Ministry in a
simple and easy way, noting that
the licence period validity is for
five years for a fee of OMR250.
On the requirements for ob-
taining a licence for the guest
house, he said that one of the most
important requirements is that it
should consist of a minimum of
two rooms and does not exceed
nine rooms. The house should be
built of fixed materials in order
to ensure the security and safety
of its visitors, in addition to other
requirements that are mentioned
on the electronic portal for ser-
vices of the Ministry of Heritage
and Tourism.
Al Khusaibi said that the min-
istry will continue to follow up on
thority and funded by “BP Oman”
oil company.
He stressed the importance of
the laboratory, which represents
an educational addition on the site
to spread the culture of entrepre-
neurship and activate artificial in-
telligence and the technologies of
the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
including programming, electron-
ics, design and 3D printing.
Vision 2040, Oman has been
steadfast in its commitment to a
global trading system that is free,
fair and rules-based.”
Minister Al Yousef went on
to say: “Given the complex chal-
lenges facing international trade
today, it is timely that the G20
reaffirms its commitment to the
rules-based multilateral trading
system which is key to advanc-
ing shared objectives of inclusive
growth, job creation, innovation
and sustainable development.”
Remarking on the various
themes that will be discussed
Minister Al Yousef noted the sig-
nificant role played by technology
in reshaping cross-border trade
and enhancing competiveness
particularly for MSMEs, high-
lighting that paperless trading,
for example, is helping reduce
transaction costs, making smaller
shipments more cost effective
and putting international mar-
kets within reach of companies
of all sizes. He further pointed out
the need to remove barriers to the
integration of these businesses
in international trade given their
importance in job creation and
boosting GDP, emphasising too
that as 70% of international trade
is conducted through global value
chains, it is crucial to explore
frameworks that help support
their resilience to future shock.
the owners of unlicensed host es-
tablishments, through coordina-
tion and cooperation with the rel-
evant concerned authorities, with
the aim of taking all necessary
legal measures against those who
engage in hotel activity without
obtaining the required licenses
from the competent authorities.
He stressed that adherence to
tourism licences is a mandatory
requirement, and investors wish-
ing to invest in the tourism sector
must follow the conditions to ob-
tain the necessary licences.
He concluded that the cam-
paign’s goals are manifold – to
enhance the hotel sector’s opera-
tions, ensure quality standards
align with the ministry’s vision,
curb malpractices that tarnish
the tourism sector’s reputation,
and curtail financial discrepan-
cies arising from unregulated
hotel activities. Moreover, the
campaign seeks to address se-
curity concerns linked to these
establishments.
A4 THU RSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023
OMAN
TESTING OF DRONE FLYING
SKILLS KICKS OFF AT SQU
MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos Uni-
versity today launched the phase
of testing drone flying skills for
students contesting Oman AI-
Enhanced Drones Flying Com-
petition, following a training
programme.
A programme training the 3rd
group of students for the compe-
tition is implemented by SQU in
cooperation with the Ministry
of Transport, Communications
and Information Technology and
Ooredoo Oman.
The testing stage comprises
three levels: a virtual flight level
using a computer simulation pro-
gramme, a flight demo inside the
laboratory and a flight practice in
open space outside the laboratory.
The flight mechanism is carried
out using manual remote control
and automatic controller devices.
The pilot programme of Oman
Competition for AI-enhanced
drones this year targets 120 train-
ees. In July 2023, the programme
received a first batch of 60 stu-
dents who underwent an intensive
two-week training that included a
mixture of theoretical and practi-
cal sessions.

GCC education ministries
discuss global models
The programme
offers an opportunity
for the officials to
discuss modern
educational projects
with special
emphasis on
secondary education
SALALAH: The GCC Bureau
of Education on Wednesday
launched a programme titled “ana-
logue bodies gathering” to discuss
ground reality of education in
member states.
19TH MEETING
Oman hosts meeting of GCC Red
Crescent Institutions Committee
MUSCAT: The heads of GCC Red
Crescent organisations and societies
yesterday held the 19th meeting of
the Gulf Red Crescent Committee.
The meeting was chaired by Sheikh
Rashid Ahmed Al Shamsi, Under-
secretary of the Ministry of Social
Development, Member of the Board
of Directors of Oman Charitable Or-
ganisation (OCO).
The meeting, held at the premises
of GCC Consultative Authority in
Muscat, discussed the action plan of
GCC Red Crescent organizations and
societies in local, regional and inter-
national fields.
It elaborated on areas of humani-
tarian action and relief work, laying
emphasis on coordination and coop-
eration among respective organisa-
tions in terms of training.
The meeting also reviewed the me-
dia strategy of the Gulf Red Crescent
Committee.
Oman is hosting the meeting in its
capacity as chair of the 43rd session of
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). -ONA
M O U N T D A M AVA N D
Omani team climbs Iran’s
highest mountain peak
TEHRAN: The heroes of the
military mountaineering team
were able to climb the Islamic
Republic of Iran’s highest peak
Mount Damavand, which is 5,670
metres high.
The mountaineering campaign
was part of the ‘Climbing for
Peace’ championship that is be-
ing held in the Islamic Republic
of Iran as part of the Internation-
al Military Sports between Au-
gust 18-24. A number of brotherly
and friendly countries are taking
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Ruwais, Ad-
viser at the Arab Bureau of Edu-
cation for GCC states, speaking in
his capacity as supervisor of pro-
gramme’s management, said that
the gathering sought to establish
stronger communication among
part in the championship.
The summit of Mount Dama-
vand is one of the highest peaks
in western Asia and Europe, and
it is located in the middle of the
Elburz mountain range in the
south of the Caspian Sea
Its summit is permanently
covered with snow, in addition to
low temperature and high atmos-
pheric pressure. However, these
challenges did not discourage the
heroes of the military rom reach-
ing its highest peak. -ONA
officials of executive departments
in GCC ministries of education.
The programme offers an op-
portunity for the officials to dis-
cuss modern educational projects
and programmes, with special em-
phasis on secondary education, he
I N I B R A H O S P I TA L
Baby unit project
MUSCAT: The Ministry of
Health represented by the Di-
rectorate General of Specialised
Medical Care signed on Wednes-
day at the Ministry’s headquar-
ters an agreement with Al Jisr
Charitable Foundation to fund
the expansion of Special Care
Baby Unit project in Ibra Hospi-
tal with a cost of OMR250,000.
The agreement was signed by
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023 A5
OMAN
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OMAN VISION 2040
Forum for grooming
second line leaders
starts in Salalah
added.
The gathering included working
papers covering general, technical
and vocational education, chal-
lenges posed to education over the
past five years and global models of
education. -ONA
SALALAH: The Labour Minis-
try’s second forum for grooming
second line leaders began in Sala-
a leader must possess to enhance
the chances of success among
employees.
lah on Wednesday.
The two-day forum is attended
by 88 participants, including di-
The forum focuses on achiev-
ing the objectives of Oman Vision
2040 in building the capabili-
rectors’ general, strategic plan- ties of employees and providing
ning directors, chief executive them with the knowledge and
officers and human resources skills required to improve job
managers. performance.
The forum discusses various Towards this goal, the forum
topics of relevance like under- looks into setting plans to qualify
standing the leadership system, second line leaders in govern-
commissioning and delegation ment units to prepare them to oc-
of duties, guidance, and integra- cupy future leadership positions,
tion between emotional intelli- notably through strategies and
gence and artificial intelligence. plans to help them adapt to global
It also underlines the skills that challenges. -ONA
K H A R E E F D H O FA R
Craft exhibition
inaugurated
Times News Service some Omani crafts.
The exhibition, which is held
MUSCAT: A craft exhibition was in the Salalah Grand Mall, also
inaugurated in the Wilayat of includes cultural competitions
Salalah as part of the 2023 Kha- that include national and his-
reef Dhofar season. torical questions targeting school
In Salalah, the craft exhibi- students and visitors to the exhi-
tion organised by the Directorate bition, in addition to presenting
General of Curriculum Develop- some entertainment shows and
ment at the Ministry of Educa- traditional arts.
tion was inaugurated as part of
the 2023 Khareef Dhofar season. Raise awareness
The exhibition will last for three The exhibition aims to raise
days. awareness of the importance of
The exhibition included cor- preserving and enhancing na-
ners that embody traditional tional craft achievements among
Omani crafts, including the the younger generation, high-
Omani incense burner industry, lighting the culture and history of
weaving, costumes, types of palm traditional crafts, promoting the
trees, traditional food prepara- practice of these crafts among
tion tools, etc., in addition to students, urging them to take
displaying some handicraft care of them, and training them
products for school students and on methods of developing them
presenting a practical applica- with high quality and how to mar-
tion of how students practice ket them economically.
Dr. Fatima Mohammed Al Ajmi,
Undersecretary of Health Minis-
try for Administrative, Planning,
and Financial Affairs and Nouf Al
Hosni from Al Jisr Foundation.
Dr. Fatima said funding the
premature babies’ unit in Ibra
Hospital is important as the
project would improve the level
of services in the hospital by in-
creasing the capacity of the unit.

BRICS to support efforts to Chandrayaan-3
end Russia-Ukraine war lands on moon
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi held
a productive meeting
with South African
President Ramaphosa
JOHANNESBURG: BRICS
countries will continue to be
supportive of bringing the Rus-
sia-Ukraine conflict to an end
through dialogue, mediation and
negotiation, South African Presi-
dent Cyril Ramaphosa said on
Wednesday at the open plenary
session of the 15th BRICS Sum-
mit in Johannesburg.
“We are deeply concerned
about conflicts across the world
that continue to cause great suf-
fering and hardship,” Ramaphosa
said.
“As South Africa, our position
R E S C U E O P E R AT I O N
All 8 rescued from Pakistan cable car hanging over ravine
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani special
forces and local residents rescued
all the trapped children and adults
from a broken cable car in Pakh-
tunkhwa province on Tuesday.
The six children and two adults
had been stuck for 15 hours in a ca-
ble car, dangling 274 metres (900
feet) above ground.
“The rescue operation has been
completed. The two adults were
the last to be rescued,” said Bilal
Faizi, an official with the Pakistan
emergency service.
Pakistan’s military said two
children were plucked to safety
via a helicopter — while the oth-
ers were rescued after airborne
I N D I A’ S M I Z O R A M S TAT E
26 workers killed in India
railway bridge collapse
NEW DELHI: At least 26 labour-
ers on a railway bridge crossing a
ravine in India’s Mizoram state
died when the structure collapsed
on Wednesday.
The Indian Express newspaper
quoted a policeman saying “many
others” were missing.
“Deeply saddened and affected
by this tragedy,” Mizoram chief
minister Zoramthang, who uses
only one name, said on X, the
social media platform formerly
known as Twitter. “I extend my
deepest condolences to all the
bereaved families and wishing a
speedy recovery to the injured.”
“Sending gratitude to the peo-
ple who have come out in large
numbers to help with rescue op-
F E M A L E R E T I C U L AT E D G I R A F F E
Rare giraffe without spots
born at Tennessee zoo in US
NEW YORK: A baby giraffe
without spots was born at a zoo in
the southern US state of Tennes-
see, the zoo owners announced on
Tuesday.
Director of the zoo, David
Bright, said the female is “a beau-
tiful solid brown,” without any of
the hoofed mammal’s distinctive
patterns that help camouflage it.
According to Bright, it’s the
first known giraffe born without
any spots since 1972 in Japan.
There are two other known ex-
amples of giraffes without patch-
es before that.
The female reticulated giraffe
was born on July 31 at the family-
owned Brights Zoo in Limestone,
a small town in northeastern
Tennessee.
The giraffe is “thriving under
the care of her attentive mother
and the zoo’s expert staff,” Bright
added.
Bright said the zoo took the
unusual step of posting about the
giraffe on its Facebook page to
raise awareness about conserva-
remains that diplomacy, dialogue,
negotiation and adherence to the
principles of the United Nations
Charter are necessary for the
peaceful and just resolution of
conflicts, he said.
The South African President
also thanked the member nations
for working towards bringing a
peaceful end to the conflict.
“BRICS has proven itself to be
a credible entity that stands in
solidarity and seeks to promote
a more equitable global system.
We thank you also for the efforts
operations had to be stopped due
to darkness.
Pakistani caretaker Prime Min-
erations,” Zoramthang said.
Indian Prime Minister Naren-
dra Modi said rescue operations
were underway. Police said there
were some 40 workers at the site
when the accident happened.
He added that he was “pained”
tion efforts.
“We generally do not post any
babies in the zoo but with this be-
ing such a unique situation, we
knew that it would bring a lot of
attention to giraffes,” Bright said,
adding that the message would
help highlight conservation
efforts.
Animals in the wild are stead-
ily declining. The zoo’s founder,
Tony Bright, pointed out that a
significant number of the wild gi-
that are being made by a number
of BRICS countries to bring about
a peaceful end to the conflict
between Ukraine and Russia,”
Ramaphosa said.
He added, “We agree that...the
end these types of conflicts are
best brought to an end by negotia-
tions…BRICS members will con-
tinue to be supportive of the vari-
ous efforts to bring this conflict to
an end through dialogue, media-
tion and negotiation”.
Earlier in his address delivered
via video link, Russian President
ister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said
he had been monitoring events
closely and expressed relief that all
by the accident and offered his
“condolences to those who have
lost their loved ones”, his office
said on X.
The government has already
said it will pay some $2,400 to the
next of kin of those killed. -DW
raffe population had been wiped
out over the last three decades.
According to the Giraffe Con-
servation Foundation, there were
about 155,000 giraffes in Africa
in the 1980s, compared to about
117,000 today.
The zoo has asked the public to
pick a name for the giraffe and to
consider donations to conversa-
tion efforts so future generations
have the opportunity to see the
animals too. -DW
Vladimir Putin today told the
summit of the BRICS grouping
that Moscow wants to put an end
to the “war unleashed by West.”
He said, “The desire of a num-
ber of Western countries to main-
tain their hegemony in the world
led to a severe crisis in Ukraine...
the actions of the Russian Federa-
tion in Ukraine are dictated only
by the desire to stop the war of
extermination unleashed by the
West...”
Meanwhile, earlier Prime Min-
ister Narendra Modi held a pro-
ductive meeting with South Af-
rican President Ramaphosa and
discussed the strengthening of
the India-South Africa partner-
ship in diverse sectors.
Both leaders reviewed the pro-
gress made in bilateral relations
between the two countries and
expressed satisfaction at the pro-
gress achieved in various fields
including defence, agriculture,
trade and investment, health,
conservation and people-to-
people ties, according to a state-
ment by the Ministry of External
Affairs. -ANI
of those trapped had been brought
to safety.
“Relieved to know that Alham-
dulillah all the kids have been suc-
cessfully and safely rescued. Great
team work by the military, rescue
departments, district administra-
tion as well as the local people,”
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar wrote on
X, the social network formerly
known as Twitter.
Floodlights were put in place
so a ground-based rescue could
continue more than 12 hours after
the cable car snagged, a security
source told Reuters news agency.
The risky helicopter rescue mis-
sion saw soldiers hanging from a
T H U R S DAY, AUGUST 24, 2023
WORLD
MOON’S SOUTH POLE
NEW DELHI : It was a giant leap
for India on Wednesday even-
ing as the Chandrayaan-3 lander
module successfully landed on the
moon’s South Pole, making it the
first country to have achieved the
historic feat and bringing to an end
the disappointment over the crash
landing of the Chandrayaan-2,
four years ago.
Officials at India’s space agency
ISRO headquarters in Bengalu-
ru broke into applause after the
Vikram began its powered vertical
descent towards its landing site.
“India is on the moon!” Prime
Minister Narendra Modi who
is currently attending the 15th
BRICS Summit in Johannesburg
said. He watched the live telecast
and as soon as the touchdown hap-
pened he sported a big smile and
waved the tricolour.
The countdown of the Vikram
hovered at 150 metres, then 130
metres, 50 metres and decelerated
as approached the moon’s service
before finally touching down on
the lunar surface.
As the Vikram lander carry-
ing the Pragyaan rover in its belly
sling trying to reach more trapped
people.
The incident happened as the
children were on their way to
school in a mountainous area in
Battagram, about 124 miles (200
kilometers) north of Islamabad.
The rescue mission had been
complicated due to strong winds
in the area, as well as concerns that
the helicopter’s rotor blades could
further destabilise the lift.
Television footage showed one
child being lifted off the cable car
by a helicopter in a harness and
then carried to the ground.
Headmaster Ali Asghar Khan
told the AFP news agency that the
A7
touched down on the lunar surface,
it marked a giant leap in India’s
spacefaring journey providing a
well-deserved finale to ISRO’s long
years of toil.
This makes India becomes the
fourth country – after US, China,
and Russia – to have successfully
landed on the moon’s surface, it has
earned a place in record books as
the first to touchdown on the south
side of Earth’s only natural satellite.
Billions of people across India
and globally closely monitoring
the much-awaited event. More so
after Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft
crashed on Sunday after spinning
out of control. -ANI
children were teenage boys and
students of his government high
school Battangi Pashto.
“The parents are gathered at the
site of the chairlift. What can they
do? They are waiting for the rescue
officials to get their children out.
We are all worried,” he added.
Many villagers in Pakistan’s
mountainous regions use chair-
lifts to travel shorter distances, but
poorly maintained chairlifts cause
injuries and fatalities each year.
In 2017, a cable car lift installed
by local villagers in the popular
mountain resort of Murree broke
and fell into a ravine hundreds of
feet deep, killing ten people. -DW
A8 THURSDAY, AUG UST 24, 2023

SPORTS
Hockey 5s World Cup draw in Salalah
FIH President Tayyab
Ikram will grace the
draw ceremony on
September 3, a day
after the conclusion
of Hockey 5s Asia
Cup in Salalah

MUSCAT: With just five months

to go for the historic inaugural
FIH Hockey5s World Cup, the
Oman Hockey Association (OHA)
have announced that the draw
ceremony of the event will be held
in Salalah on September 3.
According to OHA officials,
the draw of the inaugural edi-
tion will be held after the conclu-
sion of the Hockey 5s Asia Cup,
which will also serve as World Cup
Qualifier. The Hockey5s Asia Cup
will be held in Salalah from August
25-September 2.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram
will attend the draw ceremony of
the FIH Hockey5s World Cup.
Oman, as host nation, have Namibia, South Africa and Zam- idad & Tobago and Jamaica (Pan Oman eves to debut India havr been placed in the Cup in Muscat in January 2024.”
qualified for both the men’s and bia (Africa), USA, Uruguay and America), Australia, New Zealand Oman women’s team will be mak- Elite Pool along with Japan, Ma- “What adds to the excitement
women’s event of the World Cup. Paraguay (Pan America), Nether- and Fiji (Oceania). ing their debut at Asian level in the laysia, and Thailand. While the is that this event will also serve as
A total of16 teams will be compet- lands, Poland and Ukraine (Europe), Alongside hosts Oman, the ad- Asia Cup and are currently train- second, Challengers Pool, consists the qualifying stage for the FIH
ing in both men’s and women’s tour- Australia, New Zealand and Fiji ditional three teams from Asia ing in Salalah under the guidance of Hong Kong China, Chinese Tai- Hockey5s World Cup 2024. The
naments at the FIH Hockey 5 World (Oceania) have qualified. will qualify through the upcoming of Pakistan’s Muhammad Waqas pei, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, top three teams in the final rank-
Cup. Thirteen teams in both men In the men’s competition, Asian Hockey5s qualifiers taking Shareef, a former Olympian. and Oman. ings of the Hockey5s Asia Cup,
and women’s event have already the participating teams include place in Salalah, precisely. Fancied India will begin their Shakir Munir, a senior OHA with the exception of Oman who
qualified from the respective the Netherlands, Poland and The group stage at the World campaign at the Women’s Asian official, said: “It is a proud moment has already secured their spot as
continental qualifiers. Switzerland (Europe), Egypt, Ken- Cup will consist of four Pools of Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier to host the Hockey5s Asia Cup the hosts, will earn their coveted
In the women’s competition, ya and Nigeria (Africa), USA, Trin- four teams each. against Malaysia on Friday. Salalah 2024 ahead of the World places at the World Cup,” he added.

A F C C U P P L AY O F F

Al Nahda secure a spot in the AFC Cup group stage

MUSCAT: Defending Oman-
tel League champions Al Nahda
booked their spot on the 2023-24
AFC Cup group stage after over-
coming a tough challenge with a
3-2 win over hosts Bahrain’s Al
Khaldiya SC in Arad, on Tuesday
night.
The Oman Club emerged victo-
rious in the single leg playoff tie to
advance to the next round.
Al Nahda were quick to seize
control at the Sheikh Ali Bin
Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium
and will now look forward to
Thursday’s group stage draw in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Despite playing away, Al Nahda,
coached by Hamad Al Azani, set-
tled quickly and only needed seven
minutes to go ahead, with forward
Issam Abdallah Al Subhi finding
the back of the net.
Al Khalidiya tried to find their
way back into the tie but Al Nah-
da’s resolute defending meant they
took their lead into the break.
The home side started the
second half on a high note but
their bid to find the equaliser cost
them in the 54th minute, with
midfielder Omer Mohammed
Al Malki doubling Al Nahda’s
advantage.
Forward Ismaeel Abdulatif
Hassan pulled one back for Al
Khaldiya in the 69th minute, but
Samie Al Sunaidi restored Al
Nahda’s two-goal advantage with
his 75th minute strike.
To their credit, Al Khaldiya
refused to give up and gave
themselves a glimmer of hope
when defender Seydina Dabo
netted in the 83rd minute but
there was to be no comeback for
them as Al Nahda held on for the
win.(Inputs from www-theafc.com)
B WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM
OMAN CRUDE PRICE FALLS
The price of Oman oil has decreased,
with prices for delivery by October 2023
reaching $85.34, said Dubai Mercantile
Exchange (DME). The DME statement
said that the price of Oman oil fell by 47
cents from the price of Tuesday, which
was $85.81. - ONA
Oman’s inflation
rate reaches 0.41%
The group of
furniture, household
equipment and
routine household
maintenance came
to the forefront with a
2.66 per cent rise
MUSCAT: The annual inflation
rate in the Sultanate of Oman
reached 0.41 per cent by the end of
July 2023, driven by the increase
in most main groups that consti-
tute the Consumer Price Index
(CPI), according to the data issued
by the National Centre for Statis-
tics and Information (NCSI).
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
US SEC readies vote Arab Forum for Entrepreneurs kicks off in Dhofar
on regulatory overhaul
for private funds
NEW YORK: The US Securities
and Exchange Commission is ex-
pected to finalise rules overhaul-
ing private fund disclosure re-
quirements, banning certain fees,
and introducing other changes
for the industry representing $20
trillion in assets.
The changes, first proposed in
February 2022, would require
hedge funds and private equity
firms to detail all fees and ex-
penses on a quarterly basis, ban
charging customers for unper-
formed services or for adviser
examination, and lower the bar
for investors to sue fund manag-
ers. Fund advisers, even those not
registered with the agency, would
be prohibited from conflicts of
interest or giving any investor
preferential treatment without
disclosing it.
According to Reuters, at the
time it was proposed, SEC Chair
Gary Gensler said the changes
would benefit investors in such
funds, typically wealthy individ-
uals and institutional investors
like pension funds, and compa-
nies raising capital from them.
“Private fund advisers, through
the funds they manage, touch so
much of our economy. Thus, it’s
worth asking whether we can
promote more efficiency, compe-
tition, and transparency in this
MARKE
The group of furniture, house-
hold equipment and routine house-
hold maintenance came to the fore-
front with a 2.66 per cent rise.
A rise was also recorded in the fol-
lowing main groups: miscellaneous
goods and services by 2.51 per cent,
field,” he said.
Democratic Senators includ-
ing Sherrod Brown and Eliza-
beth Warren have voiced sup-
port, saying in a May letter that
they address a “critical need for
greater transparency” for a sec-
tor that has grown in market
significance.
Private funds reported holding
$20.4 trillion in gross assets by
the end of 2022, versus $8 tril-
lion about a decade earlier, ac-
cording to data available on the
SEC’s website. Industry groups
and funds including Citadel have
pushed back against the plan,
saying the SEC is reaching be-
yond its authority by scrapping
agreed-upon liability terms and
banning specific fee models.
“These changes will increase
cost, decrease competition and
transparency and, as a result,
harm investors by giving them
fewer opportunities,” Jennifer
Han, chief counsel at the Man-
aged Funds Association, said in
an interview.
Investors may see higher fees
as the liability risk for fund man-
agers increases, some said.
“We don’t see that the SEC is
solving anything with this,” said
Jack Inglis, CEO of the Alterna-
tive Investment Management
Association. -BNA
tobacco by 2.36 per cent and culture
and recreation by 1.59 per cent.
The prices of the main group of
food and non-alcoholic beverages
went up by 1.36 per cent, as a re-
sult of a rise in the prices of most
ingredients, namely milk, cheese
T W O - D AY E V E N T
MUSCAT: Deliberations of the
7th Arab Forum for Entrepreneurs
began yesterday in the Governo-
rate of Dhofar under the patron-
age of Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas,
Chairman of the Oman Chamber
of Commerce and Industry.
The forum, themed ‘E-Com-
merce’, is organised by the Oman
Information Technology Soci-
ety, in collaboration with Dhofar
THUR SDAY, AU GUST 24, 2023
MSX INDEX ENDS HIGHER
The MSX index closed at 4,775.01 points,
up by 0.05 per cent from previous close.
The Sharia Index ended down by 0.36 per
cent at 475.22 points. Oman Fisheries,
up 5.66 per cent, was the top gainer while
Oman Cables Industry, down 2.50 per
cent, was the top loser.
O M A N B R OA D B A N D C O M PA N Y
and eggs by 10.02 per cent, oils and
fats by 5.03 per cent, other foods
by 4.2 per cent, sugar, jam, honey
and sweets by 3.61 per cent, bread
and cereals 2.24 per cent, fish and
seafood by 1.57 per cent and non-
alcoholic drinks by 0.72 per cent.
Meanwhile, a decline was re-
corded in the prices of the main
groups of vegetables by 1.72 per
cent, fruits by 2.31 per cent and
Number of fibre
meats by 0.61 per cent.
Moreover, the following main
groups registered a price rise:
optic network
health by 0.63 per cent, clothes and
footwear by 0.32 per cent, educa-
tion by 0.05 per cent and housing,
subscribers exceeds
water, electricity, gas and other
types of fuel by 0.03 per cent.
The prices of the main groups
250,000 by July
of transport and communications
declined by 1.72 per cent and 0.22 MUSCAT: The number of sub- of Oman stood at 697,527 units.
per cent, respectively. scribers to the fibre optic network Eng. Sultan Ahmed Al Wa-
In terms of governorates, Mus- of Oman Broadband Company haibi, CEO of Oman Broadband
cat recorded the highest inflation stood at 250,046, crossing the Company said that the work
rate of 0.7 per cent, while the low- quarter-million mark as at the end team of the company continues
est inflation rate was registered by of July 2023. The total number of its efforts to expand services in
Al Buraimi (0.5 per cent). -ONA units covered in the governorates all governorates of Oman. -ONA
Municipality and the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Invest-
ment Promotion. The two-day
event discusses several topics, in-
cluding means of promoting tech-
nical solutions in e-commerce, e-
payment and banking services, as
well as logistics services, the role
of cybersecurity in e-commerce
and the government initiatives in
this field. -ONA
B2 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023
MARKET
MSX index
ends higher
Oman Fisheries, up 5.66 per cent, was the top
gainer while Oman Cables Industry, down
2.50 per cent, was the top loser
MUSCAT: The MSX index
closed at 4,775.01 points, up by
0.05 per cent from previous close.
The Sharia Index ended down by
0.36 per cent at 475.22 points.
Oman Fisheries, up 5.66 per cent,
was the top gainer while Oman
Cables Industry, down 2.50 per
cent, was the top loser. Shares of
Al Anwar Investment were the
most active in terms of number of
shares traded while Bank Muscat
were the most active in terms of
turnover.
A total number of 619 trades
were executed during the day’s
trading session, generating turn-
over of OMR2.24 million, with
more than 13.3 million shares
changing hands. Out of 44 trad-
ed securities, 14 advanced, 11
declined, and 19 remained un-
changed. At the session close,
GCC & Arab investors were net
buyers for OMR231,000 while
domestic investors were net sell-
ers for OMR159,000, followed by
foreign investors for OMR72,000
worth of shares.
Financial Index closed at
7,820.77 points, up 0.52 per cent.
Prices of Oman Arab Bank, Taa-
geer Finance, United Finance,
Oman & Emirates Investment,
Bank Muscat were up by 4.20 per
cent, 2.27 per cent, 1.67 per cent,
1.49 per cent, 0.71 per cent re-
spectively. Prices of Oman Unit-
ed Insurance, Ominvest were up
by 1.08 per cent, 0.26 per cent
respectively.
Industrial Index closed at
5,990.68 points, down 0.11%.
Prices of Oman Fisheries, Ray-
sut Cement, Jazeera Steel Prod-
ucts, Oman Chromite were up by
5.66 per cent, 3.11 per cent, 1.49
per cent, 0.89 per cent respec-
tively. Prices of Oman Cables
Industry, Voltamp Energy were
up by 2.50 per cent, 0.81 per cent
respectively.
Services Index was down by
0.14 per cent before closing at
1,652.46 points. Prices of Oman
Oil Marketing, Muscat Desali-
nation, Abraj Energy, Ooredoo
were up by 1.84 per cent, 1.16 per
cent, 0.34 per cent, 0.26 per cent
respectively. Prices of Al Jazeera
Services, Sembcorp Salalah, Na-
tional Gas, Al Maha Marketing,
Oman Telecom were up by 2.13
per cent, 1.96 per cent, 1.08 per
cent, 0.69 per cent, 0.29 per cent
respectively. — United Securities
OMAN STOCKS
MUSCAT
INDICES
Index
MSX 30 INDEX
FINANCIAL INDEX
Industry Index
High
4,777.49
7,820.77
5,999.13
Low
4,751.86
7,745.05
5,980.59
Value
4,775.01
7,820.77
5,990.68
Prev . Value
4,772.59
7,780.25
5,997.27
Diff
2.43
40.52
-6.60
Diff %
0.05
0.52
-0.11
STOCK
EXCHANGE
Services Index
MSX Shariah Index
MSX TR INDEX
FINANCIAL TR IDX
SERVICES TR IDX
INDUSTRIAL TR IDX
1,656.51
477.22
6,287.08
8,533.90
1,828.58
6,408.57
1,652.00
474.60
6,253.34
8,451.27
1,823.60
6,388.75
1,652.46
475.22
6,283.82
8,533.90
1,824.11
6,399.53
1,654.86
476.93
6,280.63
8,489.68
1,826.76
6,406.58
-2.40
-1.71
3.19
44.21
-2.65
-7.05
-0.14
-0.36
0.05
0.52
-0.14
-0.11
Trading Summary
Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded
13,304,681...................2,237,615 .....................619 ............... 23,813,732,210................ 14 ......................11 .................... 19 .........................44
SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23
ISIN.......................................................SECURITY NAME ..........................................................................................................................VOLUME......................TURNOVER ...........TRADES..............OPEN PRICE...........HIGH...................LOW................ CLOSE PR............PREV. CLOSE...........DIFF (RO).................DIFF %..................LAST PR.................LAST BID.......... LAST OFFER...............PAR VALUE.............MARKET CAP
REGULAR MARKET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OM0000002374............ UNITED FINANCE ..................................................................................300........................18 ..............1 ............... 0.061 ........0.061...........0.061 ........... 0.061 ............0.060........... 0.001 ............ 1.667.............0.061 ............. 0.060............0.062............. 0.100........21,723,765
OM0000001681 ............ OMAN EMIRATES HO. ...........................................................................681....................... 46..............1 ............... 0.068 ........0.068 ......... 0.068 ...........0.068 ............0.067........... 0.001 ............ 1.493.............0.068..............0.068............0.070............. 0.100 ......... 8,287,500
OM0000002176............ JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS............................................................. 559..................... 152..............1 ............... 0.272 ........0.272 ......... 0.272 ...........0.272 ............0.268........... 0.004 ............ 1.493.............0.272............. 0.269............0.272............. 0.100...... 33,972,245
OM0000002796 ........... BANK MUSCAT ..............................................................................3,078,015.............867,160........ 254 ...............0.282 ........0.283 ..........0.281 ...........0.283 ............0.281........... 0.002............ 0.712............ 0.283..............0.283............0.283............. 0.100.2,124,310,369
OM0000003968 ........... OOREDOO .........................................................................................1,063,446............404,442...........35 ...............0.380 ........0.381.......... 0.380........... 0.381 ............0.380........... 0.001 ............0.263 ............0.381..............0.381............0.381 ............. 0.100.... 248,009,752
OM0000001152 ............ OMAN NATIONAL ENGINEERING & INVESTMENT .............5,000.....................530..............1 ............... 0.106 ........0.106...........0.106........... 0.106 ............0.106........... 0.000............0.000 ............0.106............. 0.000............0.106............. 0.100 .......15,900,000
OM0000001483............ NATIONAL BANK OMAN ............................................................... 62,708............... 18,577 ........... 13 ............... 0.297 ........0.298 ......... 0.290...........0.298 ............0.298........... 0.000............0.000 ........... 0.298............. 0.290............0.298............. 0.100 ....484,532,014
OM0000001749............ OMAN CEMENT .......................................................................................800.....................280 ..............1 ............... 0.350 ........0.350 ......... 0.350 ...........0.350 ............0.350........... 0.000............0.000 ............0.350 ..............0.350............0.375............. 0.100 .....115,805,449
OM0000002440 ........... AL SHARQIYA INVESTMENT HO. ................................................5,000.....................360 ..............1 ............... 0.072 ........0.072.......... 0.072 ...........0.072 ............0.072........... 0.000 ............0.000 ............0.072 ..............0.069............0.072............. 0.100.........6,480,000
OM0000003125............ GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT HO. ............................245,872............... 14,261........... 18 ............... 0.058 ........0.058.......... 0.058 ...........0.058 ............0.058........... 0.000 ............0.000 ............0.058..............0.056............0.058............. 0.100 .......11,600,000
OM0000003224 ........... RENAISSANCE SERVICES ............................................................ 46,502................19,164 ........... 14 ............... 0.412 ........0.415...........0.412........... 0.412 ............0.412........... 0.000............0.000 ............0.412..............0.412............0.416 ............. 0.100 .......97,400,920
OM0000003398 ........... SOHAR INTERNATIONAL BANK..........................................1,622,080.............174,989 ........... 51 ............... 0.107 ........0.109...........0.107 ........... 0.108 ............0.108........... 0.000 ............0.000 ............0.108..............0.108............0.110 ............. 0.100 .....590,531,958
OM0000004768 ........... MADINA TAKAFUL ............................................................................ 11,700..................1,018..............1 ............... 0.087 ........0.087.......... 0.087 ...........0.087 ............0.087........... 0.000 ............0.000 ............0.087 ..............0.086............0.088............. 0.100 .......15,225,000
OM0000005005 ........... ALMAHA CERAMICS ..........................................................................3,566..................1,019............. 6 ............... 0.285 ........0.287 ......... 0.285 ...........0.285 ............0.285........... 0.000 ............0.000 ............0.285 ..............0.285............0.290 ............ 0.100 .......15,675,000
OM0000001533............ OMINVEST...........................................................................................111,432............... 43,196............11 ............... 0.385 ........0.389.......... 0.384 ...........0.389 ............0.390...........-0.001 ..........-0.256............0.389 ..............0.382............0.389............. 0.100 .....259,994,151
OM0000003026 ........... OMAN TELECOM................................................................................52,312............... 53,219 ............. 7 ............... 1.020 ........1.020...........1.017 ........... 1.017.............1.020.......... -0.003 ..........-0.294 ...........1.017 .............. 1.017............ 1.019............. 0.100 .... 762,750,000
OM0000003000 ........... Al MAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MARKETING............ 29,854...............30,277 ............. 9 ............... 1.018......... 1.018...........1.013 ........... 1.013.............1.020.......... -0.007 .......... -0.686............1.013 .............. 1.013............1.014 ............. 0.100 .......69,897,000
OM0000001087............ OMAN UNITED INSURANCE..........................................................1,000.....................275 ..............1 ............... 0.275 ........0.275.......... 0.275 ........... 0.275 ............0.278.......... -0.003.......... -1.079 ............0.275............. 0.262............0.275............. 0.100...... 27,500,000
OM0000002226 ........... ALJAZEERA SERVICES .................................................................... 2,000.....................460..............1 ...............0.230 ........0.230 ......... 0.230 ...........0.230 ............0.235.......... -0.005 .......... -2.128........... 0.230............. 0.226............0.230 ............ 0.100.......14,076,983
Total ..................................19 ............................................................................................................ 6,342,827......... 1,629,443........ 427 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Parallel Market .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OM0000005260 ........... OMAN ARAB BANK ............................................................................ 10,000.................1,490............ 2 ................ 0.149 ........0.149...........0.149........... 0.149 ............0.143........... 0.006.............4.196.............0.149.............0.143............0.149.............. 0.100...248,742,090
OM0000001418............ RAYSUT CEMENT .............................................................................. 50,100................ 8,067 ............ 4 ................ 0.161.........0.166...........0.161 ........... 0.166 ............0.161 ........... 0.005.............3.106.............0.166............. 0.161............0.169.............. 0.100.....33,200,000
OM0000003281............ TAAGEER FINANCE .............................................................................2,250....................203 .............1 ................0.090 ........0.090 ......... 0.090...........0.090 ............0.088........... 0.002 .............2.273 ........... 0.090............ 0.090............0.093.............. 0.100...... 23,745,153
OM0000002572 ........... OMAN OIL MARKETING ........................................................................156.................... 156 .............1 ................ 0.998 ........0.998 ......... 0.998 ...........0.998 ............0.980........... 0.018 ............. 1.837............ 0.998............ 0.000............0.998.............. 0.100...... 61,152,450
OM0000007084 ........... MUSCAT CITY DESALINATION ...................................................30,150................ 2,623 ............ 4 ................ 0.087 ........0.087.......... 0.087...........0.087 ............0.086........... 0.001 ............. 1.163 .............0.087 .............0.088............0.087.............. 0.100......13,532,885
OM0000001020 ........... OMAN CHROMITE ....................................................................................101....................505 ............ 2 ................5.000 ........5.100.......... 5.000 ........... 5.100 ............5.055 ........... 0.045 .............0.890 ............5.100 ............ 5.000............5.150.............. 1.000......15,300,000
OM0000008934 ........... ABRAJ ENERGY SERVICES ..........................................................107,657.............. 31,927 ..........38 ................ 0.295 ........0.298 ......... 0.295 ...........0.296 ............0.295........... 0.001 .............0.339 ........... 0.297............ 0.296............0.297.............. 0.100... 227,979,200
OM0000001095............ DHOFAR INSURANCE ............................................................................ 810....................162 .............1 ................0.200 ........0.200 ......... 0.200...........0.200 ............0.200 .......... 0.000 .............0.000 ........... 0.200............ 0.000............0.200 ............. 0.100 ......21,832,973
OM0000001772 ............ ALANWAR INVESTMENT......................................................... 3,499,311........... 286,944............ 2 ................0.082 ........0.082 ......... 0.082 ...........0.082 ............0.082........... 0.000 .............0.000 ........... 0.082............ 0.082............0.083.............. 0.100 ......16,892,000
OM0000002804........... ASAFFA FOODS...................................................................................... 2,260.................... 701 ............ 2 ................ 0.310 ........0.310...........0.310 ........... 0.310 ............0.310 ........... 0.000 .............0.000 ............0.310 .............0.307............0.310.............. 0.100 ..... 37,200,000
OM0000004420........... BANK NIZWA A ....................................................................................1,795,170............174,959..........72 ................ 0.097 ........0.098 ......... 0.097 ...........0.098 ............0.098........... 0.000 .............0.000 ........... 0.098 .............0.097............0.100.............. 0.100 ....219,221,397
OM0000004669 ........... SHARQIYAH DESALINATION....................................................... 18,000................2,340.............1 ................ 0.130 ........0.130...........0.130 ........... 0.130 ............0.130........... 0.000 .............0.000 ............0.130 .............0.130............0.134.............. 0.100.......12,714,281
OM0000004925 ........... ALBATINAH POWER..........................................................................
R 40,518.................1,053 .............5 ................0.026 ........0.026 ......... 0.026 ...........0.026 ............0.026........... 0.000 .............0.000 ........... 0.026............ 0.000............0.026.............. 0.100 .......17,547,073
OM0000004933 ........... AL SUWADI POWER R ........................................................................... 11,622....................302.............5 ................0.026 ........0.026 ......... 0.026 ...........0.026 ............0.026........... 0.000 .............0.000 ........... 0.026.............0.025............0.026.............. 0.100 ...... 18,574,565
OM0000005963 ........... PHOENIX POWER................................................................................. 2,000....................124 ............ 2 ................0.062 ........0.062 ......... 0.062 ...........0.062 ............0.062........... 0.000 .............0.000 ........... 0.062............ 0.060............0.065.............. 0.100...... 90,681,291
OM0000007811 ............ MUSANDAM POWER...........................................................................
R 1,000....................280 .............1 ................0.280 ........0.280 ......... 0.280...........0.280 ............0.280........... 0.000.............0.000 ........... 0.280.............0.276............0.285.............. 0.100......19,709,200
OM0000003661 ............ VOLTAMP ENERGY............................................................................... 1,573....................194 ............ 4 ................ 0.124 ........0.124...........0.122 ........... 0.123 ............0.124...........-0.001 ...........-0.806 ...........0.123.............0.123............0.126.............. 0.100 ...... 10,012,538
OM0000001160............ NATIONAL GAS ......................................................................................7,908....................728 .............1 ................0.092 ........0.092 ......... 0.092...........0.092 ............0.093...........-0.001 ........... -1.075........... 0.092.............0.088............0.096.............. 0.100 ........7,820,000
OM0000004735 ........... SEMBCORP SALALAH......................................................................... 1,546.................... 155.............1 ................ 0.100 ........0.100.......... 0.100........... 0.100 ............0.102.......... -0.002........... -1.961 ............0.100.............0.098............0.102.............. 0.100.......95,457,195
OM0000008710............ BARKA DESALINATION ........................................................................ 190...................... 25 .............1 ................ 0.130 ........0.130...........0.130........... 0.130 ............0.133.......... -0.003 ...........-2.256............0.130 ............ 0.000............0.130.............. 0.100.........9,817,860
OM0000001707 ............ OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY ..................................................................300....................585 .............1 ................ 1.950 ........1.950...........1.950 ........... 1.950 ............2.000 ......... -0.050 ...........-2.500 ...........1.950 .............1.950............2.200 ............. 0.100 ....174,915,000
Total ..................................21............................................................................................................. 5,582,622............ 513,521 ........ 151 ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
LARSEN & TOUBRO S&P GLOBAL MARKET
L&T secures large power Global GDP
projected to
infrastructure orders in UAE, increase 2.5%
Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia NEW DELHI: S&P Global
Market Intelligence has revised
the global real GDP growth
Times News Service forecast for 2023 to 2.5 per cent,
primarily owing to upward revi-
DUBAI: The Power Transmission sions in the US forecast.
& Distribution Business of Larsen Earlier, it had predicted global
& Toubro has secured new orders growth at 2.4 per cent. However,
in the Middle East. the 2024 global growth forecast
In the United Arab Emirates, the is kept unchanged at 2.4 per cent.
business has received an order to Turning the focus to India,
establish a 220kV gas insulated sub- it said the country’s economy
station and associated transmission is continuing to show rapid ex-
lines from a well-established service pansion, with GDP growth ex-
provider to the energy industry. pected to remain robust in the
Further, orders to establish 2 near term, at a pace of 5.9 per
new 132kV substations have been cent in the financial year 2023
received from a public services and 6.1 per cent in the next.
infrastructure company in Dubai “However, a renewed upturn
and another order to build a 220kV in inflation pressures in mid-
overhead transmission line has 2023 due to rapidly rising food
been secured in the region. prices has pushed CPI inflation
back above the upper end of the
Turnkey construction Sabah Medical District. The scope civil & mechanical works. Reserve Bank of India’s inflation
In Kuwait, an order has been se- also includes associated control, Additional orders have been re- target range,” Rajiv Biswas, APAC
cured for turnkey construction of protection, automation and com- ceived in the ongoing jobs in Qatar Chief Economist at S&P Global
4 new 132kV substations in the Al munication systems and related and Saudi Arabia. Market Intelligence said. -ANI
FIRST HALF OF 2023 EURO ZONE BUSINESS ACTIVITY
GCC remains top
export market
for members: sharpens ECB’s rates dilemma
Dubai Chamber
LONDON: Euro zone business
of Commerce activity declined far more than
thought in August with the slide in
Germany particularly fast, while
DUBAI: Dubai Chamber of some inflationary pressures re-
Commerce, one of the three turned, surveys showed.
chambers operating under Wednesday’s purchasing man-
the umbrella of Dubai Cham- agers’ indexes complicate matters
bers, has revealed that the for the European Central Bank
GCC was the top export and which wants to control still ram-
re-export market destination pant price rises without causing a
for its members globally dur- recession, Reuters reported.
ing the first half of 2023. It is expected to pause interest
Saudi Arabia was named the rate hikes in September, accord-
top destination for members’ ing to a narrow majority of econo-
exports, with the total value re- mists polled by Reuters, despite
cording year-over-year growth elevated inflation. A further rise in
of more than 15 per cent to rates by year-end remains on the
reach AED35 billion. cards, however, following the cen- overall economic health, dropped Firms there remained pessimis-
Members’ exports to Ku- tral bank’s most aggressive policy to 47.0 in August from July’s 48.6, tic about the outlook as rising in-
wait during H1 2023 were val- tightening cycle. its lowest since November 2020. terest rates, customer uncertainty
ued at AED12.8 billion, while “The continuing sharp drop in That was well below the 50- and high inflation continued to
exports to Qatar grew by 39.3 the PMI data will test the ECB’s mark separating growth from con- weigh on demand.
per cent compared to the growth optimism,” said Mark traction and lower than all expec- In France, the dominant ser-
same period in 2022 to reach a Wall, chief European economist at tations in a Reuters poll which had vices sector contracted further as
value of AED12.4 billion. Deutsche Bank. predicted a slight dip to 48.5. falls in demand and new orders
Exports to Oman achieved “We are expecting the ECB to A chunk of that activity was hinted there would be a contrac-
year-over-year growth of 20 pause in September, but it is not driven by firms completing old tion in the euro zone’s second-big-
per cent in the first half of clear that inflation is where the orders, with the backlogs of work gest economy this quarter.
2023, amounting to AED7.8 ECB wants it yet. A pause should index falling to its lowest since Britain’s economy, outside the
billion, while exports and re- not be misinterpreted as the peak.” June 2020 when the COVID pan- European Union, looks on course
exports to Egypt reached a Activity in the bloc’s dominant demic was cementing its grip on to shrink in the third quarter and
total of AED5.3 billion. services industry declined for the the world. risks falling into a recession as its
According to data from first time this year and the contrac- Business activity in Germany, PMI showed a slump in factory
the Dubai Chamber of Com- tion in manufacturing output con- Europe’s largest economy, con- output and broader weakness in
merce, high rates of growth tinued, although there were some tracted at the fastest pace for more the face of higher interest rates.
in the value of members’ ex- signs of a turnaround for factories. than three years as a deepening Euro zone government bond
ports and re-exports during HCOB’s flash Composite Pur- downturn in manufacturing out- yields and the euro tumbled after
H1 2023 were recorded for chasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for put was accompanied by a re- Wednesday’s data as traders bet
countries in various regions the bloc, compiled by S&P Global newed contraction in services, an the ECB may soon pause its inter-
across the globe. -WAM and seen as a good barometer of earlier survey showed. est-rate hiking campaign. -BNA
 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023 B5

A
ccording to new research
published in Hypertension,
an American Heart Associ-
ation journal, an analysis of
electronic medical records
for over 45,000 people
found that Covid-19 infec-
tion was significantly asso-
ciated with the development of high
blood pressure.
“While Covid-19 is typically more
severe in patients with preexisting
high blood pressure, including higher
rates of hospitalization and mortal-
ity compared to people with normal
blood pressure, it is unknown wheth-
er the SARS-CoV-2 virus may trigger
the development of high blood pres-
sure or worsen preexisting hyperten-
sion,” said senior study author Tim Q.
Duong, Ph.D., professor of radiology
and vice chair for radiology research
and associate director of Integrative
Imaging and Data Science at the Cent-
er for Health and Data Innovation at
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
and Montefiore Health System in
New York City.
This is the first study to compare
the development and risk factors as-
sociated with persistent high blood
pressure in people with Covid-19 in-
fection to influenza, a similar respira-
tory virus. Hypertension is defined
as having top and bottom numbers
greater than or equal to 130/80 mm
Hg, according to the 2017 ACC/AHA
Guideline for the Prevention, Detec-
tion, Evaluation, and Management of
High Blood Pressure in Adults.
Data from electronic medical re-
cords were analysed at the Montefiore
Health System in the Bronx, New
York, which serves a large, racially
and ethnically diverse population.

SARS-CoV-2
infection linked “Given the sheer number of people
affected by Covid-19 compared to in-
fluenza, these statistics are alarming
and suggest that many more patients
will likely develop high blood pres-
sure in the future, which may present

with high blood

a major public health burden,” Duong
said. “These findings should heighten
awareness to screen at-risk patients
for hypertension after Covid-19 ill-
ness to enable earlier identification
and treatment for hypertension-re-
lated complications, such as cardio-

pressure in adults
vascular and kidney disease.”
The authors noted that the peo-
ple in the study were primarily from
communities with low socioeco-
nomic status, which may increase
their susceptibility to developing
high blood pressure after Covid-19
infection.
Other factors may also have con-
tributed to the development of high
blood pressure in the study patients,
including the effects of isolation, psy-
chosocial stress, reduced physical ac-
tivity, unhealthy diet and weight gain
during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Researchers also noted that longer
follow-up studies will be needed to
determine whether the effects of
Covid-19-related complications on
heart and blood pressure regulation
may resolve on their own, or if there
may be long-lasting effects on pa-
tients’ cardiovascular systems. -ANI

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 21% of people hospitalised with

A study involving over 45,000
individuals who contracted
SARS-CoV-2 revealed a
substantial correlation between
the virus and the emergence of
sustained high blood pressure
in individuals without any pre-
existing history of the condition.
Individuals without a previous
history of high blood pressure who
contracted COVID-19 exhibited a
considerably higher tendency to
experience enduring high blood
pressure when contrasted with
those who were infected with the
influenza virus.
The study indicated that individuals
COVID-19 and 11% of those who were
aged 40 and above, males, Black not hospitalised for COVID-19 developed high
adults, or those with preexisting
conditions like chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, coronary artery
blood pressure, compared to 16% of
disease, or chronic kidney disease,
who contracted COVID-19, faced an
increased likelihood of developing
people hospitalised with influenza and
of those not hospitalised for influenza.
4%
high blood pressure. https://newsroom.heart.org/
B6 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023
SPORTS
Kipyegon wins record third title
Defending champion
leads the women’s
1,500m from start to
finish as a late push
from Dutchwoman
Sifan Hassan nets
her bronze
BUDAPEST: Faith Kipyegon
of Kenya led the 1,500 race from
start to finish as she comfortably
retained her title at the World Ath-
letics Championships on Tuesday
in an event she has already set the
world record in this year.
Kipyegon was unchallenged by
the field, winning in 3:54.87, with
the real interest coming behind
her.
Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji slotted
in for second, (3:55.69) but Sifan
Hassan – who had already missed
out on 10,000m gold by falling with
just 10 metres left in the race – did
her usual strategy of running the
first half of the race at the tail of
the pack. The Dutchwoman moved
up to the middle of the field as
she took the bell for the final lap,
pushing forward into third as she
rounded the back straight bend for
the last time.
With Kipyegon out of reach,
Hassan – who had made it past
Welteji with 100m to go – start-
ed to fade, hanging on for third
(3:56.00) from a charging Ciara
Mageean, who set a new Irish na-
tional record just 0.61 seconds be-
hind Hassan.
Speaking afterwards in the
mixed zone, Kipyegon said: “As the
world record holder and defending
champion you go to the front and
OMAN CRICKET
Junior cricket league Fleming, Bell to join NZ coaching staff
to begin from Sept 30
MUSCAT: The junior U19, U16,
U13 and U11 cricket leagues for
the 2023-24 season will begin
from September 30, according to
a press release from Oman Crick-
et (OC) on Wednesday.
The season will see the intro-
duction of the U11 category in the
junior league with an aim to grow
cricket at grassroots level. It will
also help to develop the competi-
tion in the U13 category.
OC has inducted age limits into
the categories of the U11, U13,
U16 and U19 leagues for the com-
ing season. Players’ registration
for schools for U19, U16, U13, U11
for boys will close on Septem-
ber 17 while players’ registra-
PREMIER LEAGUE
Mac Allister’s red card against Bournemouth overturned
LONDON: Liverpool’s Alexis Mac
Allister’s red card in Saturday’s 3-1
win over Bournemouth has been
overturned following a successful
appeal.
The Argentina midfielder, 24,
was sent off and suspended for
three matches after he clipped
Ryan Christie’s foot in the 58th
minute at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
said the decision was “harsh”.
The Reds appealed and the
Football Association’s Independ-
ent Regulatory Commission re-
moved the suspension.
“An independent regulatory
commission has removed Alex-
is Mac Allister’s three-match
suspension following a claim
of wrongful dismissal,” the
FA said.
control the race and just run your
race. So I ran my race and it looked
so easy.
“I was quickest through the
400m and I knew going to the bell
I had to push harder and harder.
This win has motivated me a lot
now going (into the 5000m); I
know everything is possible now.”
For her part, Hassan expressed
satisfaction at finishing third giv-
en her recent marathon attempts.
“Just a couple of weeks ago I was
coming from the marathon and
I was struggling to get my speed
back. I was talking with my coach
about not doing 1500m as I am
now a marathon runner, I guess,”
the Dutch runner said. “I did not
look at how fast the girls are this
year. When I looked at the start list
for my heat I was wondering why I
tion for academies will be from
September 18-24.
Interested schools and acad-
emies can register via OC’s
website www.omancricket.org
> Registrations. Online Regis-
tration with payment confirma-
tion deadline for the teams is
September 10.
OC also plans to introduce the
U15 and U19 age category for
girls this season in line with their
Women’s Cricket Development
Programme #Cricket4Her.
Oman juniors will soon begin
their preparations for the ACC
U19 Men’s Premier Cup 2023,
scheduled to be held in October
2023.
Mason Mount injured
Manchester United midfielder
Mason Mount is set to miss the
club’s next two Premier league
matches with injury.
The Red Devils said Mount is
expected to be out until after the
international break because of
a “small complaint” sustained
in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by
Tottenham.
Mount joined United from Chel-
sea in June.
Erik ten Hag’s side will host
Nottingham Forest on Saturday
before travelling to Arsenal on
September 3.
England international Mount,
24, is also a doubt for the Euro
2024 qualifier against Ukraine on
September 9.
Mount was given a starting place
put myself in this position.
“I would never have imagined
that I would win a medal. This
season has been really crazy so far,
especially for me. So this medal is
really something special.”
El Bakkali reigns supreme
The men’s 3,000m steeplechase fi-
nal was going to be a duel between
the world and Olympic champion
versus the world record-holder. It
was a close call. Soufiane El Bak-
kali beats Lamecha Girma in the
3,000m steeplechase on Tuesday.
Girma had smashed the world
record at the Paris Diamond
League in June, clocking an aston-
ishing 7:52.11, and then refrained
from racing. Two-time world gold
medallist Soufiane El Bakkali
competed in three more meetings,
2023 ODI WORLD CUP
WELLINGTON: New Zealand
have spruced up their support staff
in the lead-up to the 2023 ODI
World Cup, with Stephen Flem-
ing and James Foster set to join
the set-up. Ian Bell and Saqlain
Mushtaq will also be among a
rotating cast of New Zealand’s
coaching staff over the next four
months away from home, ESPN-
cricinfo reported on Wednesday.
The appointments of Fleming
and Foster are particularly sig-
nificant as both bring with them
IPL experience. Fleming comes on
board with a decorated IPL CV - he
has coached Chennai Super Kings
to five titles in the league. Flem-
ing had previously worked with
New Zealand in the lead-up to the
2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE.
He is currently coaching South-
ern Brave in the men’s Hundred
and will then link up with the New
Zealand team for the ODI series
against England, which begins on
September 8, three days after the
end of the T20I series.
“I think Flem will be great for
players on that side of it and also
good for the staff as well,” New Zea-
land head coach Gary Stead said.
“He’s got [an] immense amount of
knowledge in that part of the world
[India] and has coached in the IPL
right from the start of the competi-
tion [from 2009], so he’s coached
in all those areas where we’re go-
ing to play in. So, it might just be
for United’s opening two Premier
League games by Ten Hag but has
struggled to make an impact.
He was substituted after 68
minutes of United’s 1-0 win over
Wolves on the opening day and re-
placed by Christian Eriksen.
Ramsey joins Burnley
Burnley have signed midfielder
Aaron Ramsey from Aston Villa on
Tuesday.
Ramsey, 20, has agreed a five-
year contract at Turf Moor and
becomes manager Vincent Kom-
pany’s 13th summer signing.
“I have been waiting to be a
Burnley player for a while and I
can’t wait to get started,” Ramsey
said.
The Clarets have also wrapped
up the signing of Belgium defender
taking victories in each of them
and looking set for a successful
title defence. El Bakkali claimed
a second successive world title in
8:03.53, while Girma was left to
lick his wounds with a fourth con-
secutive global silver in 8:05.44.
Barshim’s dominance ends
Unlike the fairytale ending that
played out in the men’s high jump
at the Tokyo Olympics where both
Mutaz Barshim and Gianmarco
Tamberi shared the gold, there
was to be no such joint spoils in
Budapest.
It was Tamberi’s night, and the
joint Olympic gold medallist made
the most of it. Having initially
knocked the bar at 2.25m, just
like three-time world champion
Barshim did, the pair eventually
the little one-two percent you can
get from that information that
could tip the results on your side as
well. If things go well you can pick
up on some of those small things.”
As for Foster, he has worked
with Kolkata Knight Riders as
a fielding coach and assistant
coach in the IPL. He is also a well-
traveled coach, having had stints
in the PSL, CPL, BPL, BBL and
ILT20. He had previously assisted
New Zealand in the Emirates in
2018. Foster will be New Zealand’s
assistant coach for the England
Hannes Delcroix from Anderlecht.
England Under-20 internation-
al Ramsey, the younger brother of
Villa midfielder Jacob, spent 12
years at Villa Park having come
through the youth ranks.
He made four senior appear-
ances for the club and had loan
spells at Cheltenham, Norwich
and Middlesbrough between 2021
and 2023.
Ramsey was part of the England
squad which won the European
Under-19 Championship last year,
and scored in the 3-1 win over Is-
rael in the final.
He added: “When you come to a
new club you want the lads to wel-
come you in and everyone here has
done that straight away. It’s been
really easy to settle, everyone has
been amazing.” - Agencies
cleared the height at the second
time of asking.
However, raw talent JuVaughn
Harrison, leapt to the top of the
standings after a clearance of
2.25m on his first attempt.
Barshim had flawless jumps
at 2.29m and 2.33m respectively,
but so did Tamberi and Harrison.
Trouble was definitely brewing for
the Qatari athlete when he failed
to get a clean sheet at 3.36m, miss-
ing all three attempts at the height,
causing him to take a premature
bow with the bronze medal.
Tamberi made a first-time clear-
ance at 3.36m, a world lead to take
the gold – his first world outdoor
medal after four appearances,
while Olympic finalist Harrison,
who failed at his first attempt, got
the nod at his second to win the sil-
ODI series and will also be part of
their coaching staff for the ODI
World Cup in India.
Former England batter Bell has
been appointed as New Zealand’s
assistant coach for the upcoming
T20I series against England. He
will then fill in for Luke Ronchi as
the batting coach for the follow-
ing ODI series against England.
Ronchi will then return to take
charge of the side for the three-
match ODI series in Bangladesh
in September - New Zealand’s last
ODI assignment before the World
ver - his first global medal.
For the second World Champi-
onships in a row, a surprise winner
took the women’s discus title. Last
year it was Feng Bin, this year it
was Laulauga Tausaga-Collins.
The US thrower was down in
sixth place at half way with a best
of 65.56m. But then in round five,
she unleashed a mammoth effort
of 69.49m to move into the lead,
leapfrogging Olympic champion
Valarie Allman, defending cham-
pion Feng and multiple global
champion Sandra Perkovic.
No one was able to respond
in the sixth round. Feng threw
68.20m, her best of the night, but
she remained in third place. All-
man ended with 68.61m. And
Tausaga rounded out her memora-
ble night with 68.36m. - Agencies
Cup - allowing Stead a short break.
Bell will assist Ronchi and bowling
coach Shane Jurgensen during the
ODIs in Bangladesh.
Following the T20 team’s depar-
ture to the UAE, the team will be
on the road right through until De-
cember 16 when the Test team re-
turns, ahead of a busy home sum-
mer. Stead will also take a break for
the Test leg of the Bangladesh tour,
which begins on November 23,
with a two-day practice game, just
four days after the World Cup final
on November 19. - Agencies
B8 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023
ROUND-UP
Al Mouj Walk: Perfecting business
of oceanfront culinary experiences
As Oman’s first integrated tourism complex,
now a thriving lifestyle and leisure
destination, Al Mouj Muscat was designed to
attract a mix of leisure, dining and shopping
operators for visitors, tourists and residents
to enjoy
MUSCAT: With close to five mil-
lion people now visiting Al Mouj
Muscat every year, we take a closer
look at Al Mouj Walk and what
makes this beautiful oceanfront
dining and shopping precinct the
ideal environment for retailing
from the people who know it best
– its retailers.
As Oman’s first integrated tour-
ism complex, now a thriving life-
style and leisure destination, Al
Mouj Muscat was designed to at-
tract a mix of leisure, dining and
shopping operators for visitors,
tourists and residents to enjoy. To
help understand just how it is has
created and sustained an environ-
ment where retailers can prosper,
we spoke to three of its operators
to find out more.
A win-win location
Elegant eatery Shakespeare & Co
S TAT E - O F - T H E -A R T
Malabar Gold & Diamonds
launches its first jewellery
manufacturing unit in
West Bengal, India
MUSCAT: Malabar Gold & Dia-
monds, the 6th largest jewellery
retailer in the world with over
325 showrooms in 11 countries,
has launched its first state-of-
the-art jewellery manufacturing
facility in West Bengal, India.
The manufacturing unit, built
with an investment of $18 Mil-
lion was inaugurated by Dr.
Shashi Panja, Minister-Of-State,
(IC), Industries, Commerce &
Enterprises, Child Develop-
ment and Women Development
& Social Welfare Department,
Government of West Bengal, in
the presence of Malabar Group
Chairman M.P Ahammed, Ma-
labar Gold & Diamonds India
Operations Managing Director O
Asher, Malabar Group Executive
Director Nishad A.K, other sen-
ior Malabar Gold & Diamonds
team members, dignitaries and
well-wishers.
Located at Gems and Jewellery
Park, Ankurhati in Howrah dis-
trict and spread over 50,000 sq ft,
the manufacturing unit employs
over 850 people to produce a var-
ied range of exquisitely crafted
jewellery including gold, dia-
monds, precious gemstones, and
diamonds. Equipped with ad-
vanced technology and unparal-
leled workmanship, the unit has
an annual manufacturing capac-
serves over five million customers
a year from its 40 outlets at vari-
ous locations throughout the re-
gion and its spokesperson explains
why it chose Al Mouj Muscat for
its first and only base in Oman,
“The global positioning and state-
of-the-art facilities at Al Mouj at-
tract the crème de la crème of visi-
tors from within and outside the
country. This offered Shakespeare
an ideal space to present itself be-
fore such an upscale clientele and
this association has been a perfect
win-win for Shakespeare & Co and
Al Mouj.”
For over a decade, Shakespeare
has delighted its guests with deli-
cious classic and contemporary
dishes served within a gorgeous
interior and it knows exactly what
extra ingredients are needed to
bring in the crowds day after day.
“The beaches, the marina, the
ity of 4 tonnes of jewellery and
36,000 ct. of diamond studded
jewellery. The first-of-its-kind
manufacturing unit has been de-
signed keeping in mind the ESG
goals of the company and comfort
of the artisans.
Malabar Gems & Jewel-
lery Manufacturing Pvt Ltd is
equipped with the latest technol-
ogy-enabled machines and col-
laboration with industry experts
from Italy, USA and Germany.
Setting up of the Ankurhati facil-
ity is in line with Malabar Gold
& Diamonds’ plan to further en-
hance its manufacturing capabil-
ities to meet the growing custom-
er demand and facilitate its retail
operations expansion activities.
Commenting on the inaugura-
tion of the Ankurhati unit, M P
Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar
Group said ,”West Bengal is one
of the major jewellery manufac-
turing hubs and the state has a
deep-rooted tradition of excel-
lent workmanship. The state
boasts of the largest number of
skilled artisans and goldsmiths in
India. We are pleased to open our
first manufacturing unit in the
state to be a part of the valuable
tradition of jewellery making. We
are grateful to the Government of
West Bengal for supporting us to
set up the manufacturing unit.”
promenade, the cosmopolitan
crowd - all of these make Al Mouj
the best place in Muscat to live,
work and relax.”
Set for success
As any satisfied audience member
appreciates, the most success-
ful productions require a huge
amount of work offstage if they are
to truly impress and the same dy-
namic is at play at Al Mouj Muscat.
The popular B+F Roadside
RECOGNITION
Bank Muscat wins Infosys Finacle Innovation
Award for Leading Mobile App in Oman
MUSCAT: In recognition of its
customer-centric vision and its
commitment to developing in-
novative products and services,
Bank Muscat, the leading financial
service provider in the Sultanate,
has won the prestigious Infosys
Finacle Innovation Award 2023
under the category “Maximising
Customer Engagement” for lead-
ing the Mobile App in Oman.
Observing the increasing impact
of digital transformation on bank-
ing services, the bank was keen to
upgrade its online channels aiming
at enriching user experience and
enhancing operational efficiency.
On this occasion, Ahmed Omar
Al Ojaili, General Manager – Tech-
nology, Bank Muscat, said that we
would like to take this opportunity
to thank Infosys Finacle for this
prestigious award, which recog-
nizes the bank’s customer-centric
strategy and the efforts to set a
benchmark in our digital transfor-
mation journey. The recent devel-
opments in Bank Muscat’s Mobile
App came in line with the Sultan-
ate’s efforts to create a digital soci-
STYLISH DESIGN
Make most of every drive in powerful Ford Taurus
Diner tell us: “I love how focused
Al Mouj management are on the
design, layout and position of each
retailer, so that they maintain the
highest quality and appearance,
helping to provide a memorable
experience for visitors.
A spokesperson from the chic
and popular restaurant Huqqa
echoes these sentiments, “My ex-
perience as a retailer at Al Mouj
Muscat has been nothing short
of exceptional. Layout and estab-
ety. We are proud to be recognised
for our customer-centric vision, in-
novative offerings backed by state-
of-the-art technology and com-
mitment to constantly enhance
customer experience. Going ahead,
the Bank will continue its market-
leading position in Oman’s finan-
cial services sector by further en-
hancing customer experience and
digital transformation in line with
the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Speaking about the outstand-
ing achievement, Abdullah Ham-
ood Al Jufaili, Assistant General
Manager - Digital Banking, Bank
lishment designs are well thought
through, making it simple for cus-
tomers to move around and find
retailers and as well everything is
well-maintained.
“It enjoys a high-end audience,
and its high footfall has resulted in
our outstanding sales, making it a
highly lucrative space in which to
operate a business.
“Al Mouj Muscat has been ex-
tremely supportive and proactive
in ensuring our success. From
Muscat, said that we are delighted
to win this award, which affirms
Bank Muscat’s deep understand-
ing of customer needs and its
strategy of continuous innovation
in response to the global trends
and customer feedback. Today,
customers use various digital
Banking services available to them
round-the-clock through mBank-
ingApp which has been redesigned
to provide simpler navigation and
a customer-friendly interface. We
deeply thank our valued custom-
ers for their continuous trust in
the digital services the Bank of-
MUSCAT: Ford’s spacious and
powerful Taurus makes a fine im-
pression with its stylish design,
powerful performance and inspir-
ing comfort. The Taurus has over
the years become a family sedan
offering some of the finest journeys.
Powering the Ford Taurus is a
proven 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine
which is paired to an eight-speed
automatic transmission, produc-
ing 232 Hp and 388 Nm of torque.
Offered with front-wheel drive
and three driving modes – Normal,
Sport, and Eco – the Blue Oval’s
flagship sedan enjoys an impressive
providing regular marketing cam-
paigns to organizing events, they
consistently strive to attract more
visitors, which ultimately benefits
us all.”
Popular, yet exclusive
B+F opened its doors in 2015,
and it recognises that Al Mouj
Muscat’s focus on creating great
experiences, for everyone, every
day, has put the destination on the
map as the ideal place for people to
meet, shop, dine and unwind.
“The variety of cafes, shops and
restaurants at Al Mouj Muscat put
it on the top of the list for locals to
spend their time with family and
friends, especially on weekends
and special holidays. All this add
up to the remarkable experience.”
Huqqa added: “What I like most
about Al Mouj Muscat is the pre-
mium and luxurious customer
experience it offers. It is in a beau-
tiful and prestigious location, situ-
ated along the stunning coast of
Oman. The variety of stores, ca-
fes, and exclusive brands make it
a unique go-to for locals, tourists,
and expats to visit.”
From shopping and dining to ex-
traordinary events, Al Mouj Mus-
cat carefully curates leisure, retail
and outlets alongside lifestyle
experiences to ensure it is a desti-
nation that can delight people and
businesses, every day. There has
never been a better time for retail-
ers to be part of Oman’s premier
lifestyle destination.
fers and we assure them that the
hard work will continue to further
develop the features offered in
mBanking and make their experi-
ence seamless.
Bank Muscat mBankingApp has
been upgraded and enhanced with
Finacle solution to provide greater
convenience and better user ex-
perience. Today, over 1.6 million
retail Banking customers use the
various features offered through
these channels. The omnichannel
Internet and Mobile Banking plat-
form offers as many as 180 services
and features, including the Zakat
calculator and charity payments,
real-time bill payments for utilities
in Oman, local and international
fund transfers, speed transfers to a
number of countries including In-
dia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan,
the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, fund
transfers across the world via the
SWIFT network, perform mobile
top ups and various online payment
options such as sending or collect-
ing money instantly by scanning
QR code or with a specific Alias/
Mobile number.
economy of as much as 15.3 km/l.
The Taurus exudes refinement
with numerous premium touches. It
is equipped with 19-inch, 10-spoke
polished alloy wheels, a new flat-
ter streamlined hood and a power-
deployable door handle. A dynamic
shield-like, clipped trapezoidal grille
with active shutter, black mesh and
chrome surrounds hint at the power
contained within, with a dual ex-
haust adding a strong sense of style
and substance. Auto high beams
and a full LED two-piece headlamp
design guarantee Taurus is always
seen in the best light.
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