OAB Awards Employees for Completion of “Ta’heal 2” Training Program

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Muscat, November 12, 2017: As part of its ongoing support and development of human resources, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced the completion of its second batch of the ‘Ta’heal’ program. The program was launched specifically for the Bank’s service employees and was aimed at qualifying and developing their skills and capabilities. This in turn would help in offering them better opportunities for suitable jobs at the Bank in the future. In commemoration of the completion of the second batch of the program, the Human Resources Division distributed certificates to each of the 16 staff that participated.

The event took place at the OAB Head Office in Ghubra and was overseen by Amin Al Husseini, the CEO of the Bank. Also in attendance was Adil Al Rahbi, the Head of the Human Resource Division at OAB.

Commenting on the ‘Ta’heal’ program, Adil said, “Conducting this program for the second time comes as the culmination of the success of its first version which was launched in August this year and the positive results achieved through the program. The program aims to provide them with the necessary set of skills and knowledge to take it to the next level as well as an avenue through which they can advance their career within the Bank. Moreover, we at OAB believe that it is important for all employees to recognize their roles within the bank on while providing them with the helping tools to achieve growth in their careers.”

The program, which was first introduced in early August, is focused on several topics such as CASA and problem solving. It also offers employees a better understanding of their individual role in achieving the goals of the institution, the role of the institution in assisting and developing them in their areas of work, as well as introducing the principles of internal communication, teamwork, and institutional loyalty. The first batch of trainees, comprising 20 employees, was conducted from August 6 to August 17. The second batch was conducted from October 15 to October 26. Both were conducted at the Bank’s Head Office.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices across and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Opens Flagship Branch in Barka

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Muscat, November 08, 2017: Highlighting the commitment from Oman Arab Bank (OAB) to deliver the best financial solutions and customer experience, the bank has celebrated the opening of its new flagship branch in Barka. The all-new customer-focused branch is conveniently located at the Barka Souq, and will deliver greater levels of convenience and enhanced banking facilities to the Bank’s customers in Barka.

The official branch opening took place on November 7, and was held under the auspices of His Excellency Abdullah bin Sha’ban Al Farsi, the Director General of Administration and Financial affairs at the Diwan of the Royal Court, and attended by Mr. Hani bin Mohammad Al Zubair, Board Member of Oman Arab Bank, Amin Al Husseini, CEO of Oman Arab Bank; together with dignitaries from the Wilayat of Barka.

Commenting on the launch of the new branch, Amin Al Husseini noted, “The launch of our new Barka location marks the second flagship branch we’ve launched in the sultanate in the last month, and the fourth branch that has been re-positioned and transformed since the beginning of 2017. As with the Qurum branch launched last month, this new branch is generous in its size, with a spacious layout and a significantly large parking area. It also features the very best in technology and products, together with personalised levels of service. As a result, this new branch will elevate the banking experience for our customers in Barka, which is in line with our ongoing nationwide transformation strategy.”

As with the recently opened flagship OAB Qurum branch, the new Barka branch also features an enhanced brand identity with a refreshed look and feel. The sleek, modern, and streamlined look is augmented by a number of features and systems introduced as part of the new transformed branches. This includes the introduction of a new meet and greet facility with a streamlined queuing system, private advisory spaces with moving monitor screens for a more personal interaction, together with digital signature pads and ID Card readers within the advisory station design.

Aesthetically, as with the other ‘new-look’ branches, the Barka branch takes its design inspiration from the ‘Omani Skyline’, wherein the white symbolises Omani architecture, browns denote the sand deserts, grey referencing the mountains, and the blue glass overhangs representing the sky.

The new branch also has a separate ‘Elite’ reception, lounge, and offices, in order to provide premium customers with an elegant and private experience that remains memorable. The branch transformation combines elements of design, form, and function and aims to elevate the customer experience as a whole resulting in better service.

“As yet another one of our flagship branches, the new Barka branch will be amongst the largest OAB branches in the country. Chief amongst its several new facilities and features is the introduction of a new ‘Corporate’ section within the branch, a facility that wasn’t available in the old branch. The opening of this new branch will help us meet and exceed the expectations and banking needs of our customers, both retail and corporate, in the area and take us one more step closer to our strategic goal of being the bank of choice for customers across the country,” added Rashad Al Shaikh, DGM of Retail Banking at Oman Arab Bank.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices across and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Launches ‘LEAD 2’ Development Program

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Muscat, November 12, 2017: Highlighting its commitment to nurture and develop future leaders within the banking and finance sector, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced the launch of the second edition of its talent development program entitled ‘Leadership Enhancement And Development’ (LEAD). As part of the announcement, the Bank also mentioned that 20 talented Omani staff members will undertake the intensive six-month training program, preparing them for future leadership positions within Oman Arab Bank.

Commenting on OAB’s LEAD program, Amin Al Husseini, Chief Executive Officer of OAB said, “LEAD is a unique and specialised leadership training program that aims to cultivate the talents of high potential Omanis with guidance from internationally renowned experts. The six month program has been designed to utilise best practices in order to empower participants with opportunity, managerial expertise, and high-level workplace solutions. The program has been divided into four, two-day modules with participants undergoing extensive leadership training to hone their expertise and develop the know-how required to spearhead their growth.”

Adil Al Rahbi, Head of the Human Resources Division added, “LEAD (1) was an incredible success for the Bank with every candidate completing the course with flying colours, and I expect the same with our 20 new candidates. One of the unique factors underpinning the success of the program is the fact that the selection process is carried out regardless of employee grade. The only requirement is for them to show true potential as leaders within their departments and to demonstrate a willingness to contribute beyond their normal role.”

The 20 new ‘LEAD’ candidates have been selected from  across all employee rankings within the bank, and pinpointing our most talented staff members. Their acceptance into the leadership programme is preceded by a robust and constructive development centre.  Participants will commence on their first training modules, where they will work side by side with some of the best motivational experts who are specialised in leadership development. As the course progresses, each of the candidates will be equipped with enhanced leadership skills and behaviours that will ensure effective people development in the coming years. LEAD (2) features an additional module on business innovation from Cass Business School and other activities related to team building in addition to group projects.

LEAD has been developed in line with the management’s strategy to ensure continuous development of OAB talent. Earlier this year, the HR Division kicked-off high-potential identification process which aims to identify the high potentials (HiPos) in various departments and disciplines across the Bank. These selections are made based on their qualifications, potential to grow and handle future key positions, and have the attributes required for progression to more senior levels. At the end of this process, various development options are considered for those spotted as high potentials; LEAD was the program that was at the top of the list.

“The program falls in line with our objective of building a pool of talented employees, and in turn preparing and supporting the Sultanate’s national workforce,” concluded Adil.

The ‘LEAD’ programme has been designed in cooperation with Inspirational Development Group (IDG), and is facilitated by a team from IDG, a globally renowned leadership and management performance consultancy. The company has channelled its long history of experience delivering high-quality and intensive work programs to some of the most prestigious organizations in the world. Closely affiliated with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, IDG has worked with some of the most important public and private sector companies in the region from its Middle East office based in Muscat. Former and current clients include the King Abdullah II Fund for Development in Jordan, Shell Petroleum in Qatar, and the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority among others.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices across and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Staff Celebrate National Day

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Muscat, November 19, 2017: Oman Arab Bank, on the occasion of the Sultanate’s 47th National Day, organised a special staff gathering at its Head Office in Ghubra. The event was held for staff to join in the nation’s celebrations and to honour and thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his wisdom and leadership in the development and prosperity of the Sultanate over the course of these past 47 years.

The celebration was held on November 19, and was presided over by Amin Al Husseini, the Chief Executive Officer, and Rashad Al Musafir, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The event was also attended by members of the senior management and staff from branches across the capital.

Commenting on the event, Amin Al Husseini said, “Over these past 47 years, Oman has proven itself to be a beacon of peace and prosperity in the region; transforming into the progressive nation we live in today. All this has been made possible thanks to the visionary outlook and wise guidance of His Majesty the Sultan. As a local Bank we are glad to gather together with our staff as one family to pay tribute to His Majesty for his wise and benevolent leadership.”

The celebration opened with the National Anthem and a welcome speech by Amin Al Husseini. Shortly thereafter, the staff were treated to a poetry recitation by Aya bint Murad Al Balushi. The event also saw a special raffle draw conducted specifically for the event followed by a cake cutting ceremony by the executive members of the Bank to mark this joyous occasion. The event concluded with some refreshments and traditional music played by a live band.

“On Behalf of everyone here at OAB I would like to express my warmest congratulations to His Majesty the Sultan and wish him the best of health on this joyous occasion. I would also like to congratulate the people and residents of the Sultanate, whose collective contributions have played an integral part in the progress and transformation of the nation over these past four decades. We as a Bank are truly privileged to be a part of the Country’s success story concluded Mr. Rashad Al Musafir.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices across and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Conducts First Module of ‘LEAD 2’ Development Programme

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Muscat, November 28, 2017: Following the recent launch of the second edition of the ‘Leadership Enhancement And Development’ (LEAD) talent programme, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced that 20 qualified LEAD candidates have now completed the first module of the leadership development initiative.

Commenting on the completion of the first module Adil Al Rahbi, Head of the Human Resources Division said, “Prior to being selected, all LEAD candidates were required to complete an online 360 degree evaluation and the 20 that were shortlisted were then also required to complete the online Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) survey. Our first module of LEAD ‘2’ has focused on studying the individual results of these assessments in the context of self-awareness.”

The first LEAD module has been conducted over the course of two days from November 20 to 21 and examined the personal reports generated by the 360 degree and SDI survey which was then presented to each of the 20 delegates as important components in self-awareness and managing themselves as leaders. Additionally, Module 1 of this six-month multi-modular leadership development initiative also focused on several other key topics namely Personal Brand, Self-Discipline, Leadership Styles, Balancing Leadership Roles, Practical Coaching, and Presentation Skills.

“As with LEAD ‘1’, the entire programme will be delivered in 4 x 2-day and 1 x 3-day modules spread across six months between November 2017 and May 2018. Each module will involve experiential learning as its principle methodology. There will also be two Socialisation Workshops; the first of which will be conducted before Module 1, while the second will take place after Module 2. In between modules 3 and 4, the delegates will be split into four groups of five delegates each and will be challenged with business project topics of keen interest to OAB,” added Adil. “As the programme progresses, each of the delegates will get the opportunity to work side by side with some of the best motivational experts specialised in leadership development. Furthermore, they will be equipped with enhanced leadership skills and behaviours that will ensure effective career development for years to come.”

LEAD is a unique and specialised leadership development program that aims to cultivate the talents of high potential Omanis with guidance from internationally renowned experts. The six-month programme has been designed to utilise best practices in order to empower participants with opportunity, managerial expertise, and high-level workplace solutions.

The ‘LEAD’ programme has been designed in cooperation with Inspirational Development Group (IDG) and is facilitated by a team from IDG, a globally renowned leadership and management performance consultancy. The company has channelled its long history of experience delivering high-quality and intensive work programmes to some of the most prestigious organisations in the world. Closely affiliated with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, IDG has worked with some of the most important public and private sector companies in the region from its Middle East office based in Muscat.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.