Buy Your Dream Car this Ramadan with the OAB Auto Loan and Insurance Offer

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Muscat, May 28, 2016: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), has announced the launch of their new limited time Auto Loan and Insurance Offer which will run until June 28. As part of the offer, customers who purchase a new or used vehicle during the offer period and finance it through the Bank’s Auto Loan facility will be eligible for interest rates starting from just 4.5% per annum, with tenures of up to ten years and quick approvals. Customers purchasing new cars can also avail of the Bank’s special insurance offer with rates starting from as low as 1.65% per annum. Customers availing of the OAB Auto Loan and Insurance Offer will also be presented with a free Credit Card for the first year.

Commenting on the special offer, Rashad Al Sheikh, the Deputy Head of Retail Group said, “Our Auto Loan product is continuing to grown in popularity amongst our customers, thanks to its incredible flexibility and quick approval process. In celebration of the holy month we have decided to take it to a new level with the introduction of our new Ramadan offer. With this offer we will be providing our customers with special interest rates, quick approvals and hassle free processing, and very special insurance rates on their newly purchased vehicle that are amongst the lowest in the market; amongst other value added benefits. This offer will no doubt help our customers greatly when purchasing the car of their dreams this Ramadan.”

Running until June 28, OAB will be offering its customers auto loans for new and used cars for up to 80% of the value at a special discounted rate of just 4.5% per annum. Finance will be available for a period of up to ten years; for both Omani and expatriate customers. The program also prides itself on offering quick processing with initial approvals and hassle-free loan processing. Customers purchasing new cars under the offer will also be provided with an option to insure the vehicle with the Bank with insurance rates starting from as low as 1.65% per annum; thereby benefitting from amongst the best rates available in the market. As yet another value-added benefit, customers of the OAB Auto Loan and Insurance Offer will also be presented with a Visa Classic Credit Card free for the first year.

“We wanted to offer something truly special to our customers, which is why we collectively introduced these two offers with flexible features for vehicle finance and insurance. Offers like these also reiterate our commitment to providing our customers with the best options and services at rates considered amongst the best in the market. It is also our way of celebrating the holy month with them as well as expressing our gratitude for their continued loyalty to our Bank,” added Rashad.

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.

OAB Conducts Hasaad Savings Scheme April Draw in Sur

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Muscat, April 24, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently conducted its Hasaad draw event for the month of April, at its Sur branch. The draw saw 83 winners from across the Bank’s branch network received OMR 500 each, together with one winner of OMR 20,000 as part of the Monthly Elite Draw, and another of OMR 20,000 for the Regional Draw – Dakhliya.

The event was attended by members of staff and management from the Sur branch and the Bank’s VIP customers from the region.

Commenting on the draw for April, Rashad Al Sheikh, Deputy General Manager of Retail Banking at OAB said, “This month’s draw saw us conduct the second of six OMR 20,000 regional draws, covering our branches in the Dhakliya region. These draws take place every alternate month, with the next take place as part of the June draw, for the Batinah region. These regional draws are only one of three primary draw categories we have this year, with our monthly branch draws and elite draws being the other two.”

Hasaad Savings Scheme in its current edition offers the Bank’s clients across all regions and branches a chance to win one of several valuable prizes on a monthly basis. These prizes come as part of the Bank’s monthly draws, alternating between OMR 1,000 and OMR 500 per winner every month, across all branches. Regional Prize Draws, which will see one winner of OMR 20,000, conducted once every two months over the course of the year. The Hasaad Savings Scheme will also include 12 dedicated prize draws for Elite account holders with one winner of OMR 50,000 every quarter and one winner of OMR 20,000 for every month in between.

“On behalf of OAB I would like to congratulate each of the 85 winners of the April Hasaad Savings Scheme draw. There are still hundreds of prizes left to be won before the 2018 Scheme ends with the Year-end December draw. As such, I would also like to encourage all our customers to continue savings to maximise their chances of winning,” added Rashad.

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.

OAB Sponsors OER Finance & HR Summit

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Muscat, May 23, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), recently sponsored the OER Finance & HR Summit 2018; a forum organised by Oman Economic Review (OER) to discuss the latest developments, challenges, and advancements in the fields of Finance and HR in the Sultanate.

The event was held under the patronage of H.E Dr. Muna Bint Salem Al Jardani, the undersecretary of Ministry of Manpower, at the Sheraton Oman Hotel, on May 2. The event was attended by senior professionals and business leaders from across different industry verticals. Representing OAB at the event was Adil Al Rahbi, Head of HR Division, who also participated as a panellist.

Commenting on their sponsorship of the event, Adil Al Rahbi said, “As one of the leading banking institutions in the country, we are very keen to support events and forums that are of great importance to the finance sector, as well as those that promote and facilitate the development of our staff. This was one such event that provided all attendees with some great insight, not just in the finance sector but also in HR and training. The information obtained from this event will go a long way in helping attendees streamline their company’s staff training programmes, whilst also introducing them to new, more efficient and effective platforms and methodologies.”

Over the last three years OER’s Finance & HR Summit has emerged as the most coveted platform for CEOs, CFOs, HR Directors and other senior executives and this year’s edition promises to build upon that experience and legacy with incisive discussions, case studies, presentations, and peer-to-peer interaction. The event itself was spilt into two key parts, the first covering finance and second covering HR.

The 2018 edition of OER Finance Summit focused on five key themes – financial resource allocation to maximise returns; shifting from a jobless growth paradigm to incentivising job creation; negotiating the impact of changing local and regional regulatory norms like VAT, stricter disclosure and transparency norms, enhanced corporate taxes on profitability; privatisation of government, public sector institutions, private sector IPOs and depth to the stock market; and rethinking business models to thrive in a changing business environment.

This year’s OER HR Summit saw experienced L&D experts touching upon game-based learning, machine learning, use of artificial intelligence in the learning function, use of psychometrics in learning, and digital learning. Key focus was also given to a further five key topics – challenges faced by learning professionals; how to create an environment that encourages and supports continuous learning; learning for modern workforce; leadership development; and importance of building measurable metrics in the learning system.

“On behalf of the Bank, I would like to commend the organisers for the professionalism and efficiency with which the event was managed. The event was a great success, and one that we were honoured to be a part of; we look forward to supporting many more similar events in the future,” concluded Adil Al Rahbi

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 Celebrates Graduation of its NCP Candidate

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Muscat, May 21, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently celebrated the graduation of                Mrs. Asma Ali Ramadhan Al Zadjali, AGM and Head of the Credit Administration Division of the Bank, who recently completed a comprehensive 9-month National CEO Program (NCP), which began in September last year at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Switzerland.

Commenting on Asma’s graduation, who was the sole candidate from the banking sector, Rashad Ali Al Musafir, the Acting CEO of the Bank said, “We are all delighted for Asma on her successful graduation from one of the premier leadership programs in the Sultanate and we believe that she is now developed to take on more responsibilities at a larger scale. In addition, her growth will enhance the performance of her division and the bank at large.”

“On behalf of everyone at OAB, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Asma for her phenomenal achievement; this is very much in line with the Bank’s strategic vision of enhancing the skills and development of our national workforce preparing them to take on higher positions at the Bank in the future. We are proud to see her having completed all phases of the program successfully, which in turn emphasises her exceptional talent and drive for excellence in everything she does. In fact, Asma’s graduation is just as much a milestone achievement for her at a personal level as it is at a Bank level,” he added.

From her side, Asma al Zadjali stated, “This was a very important stage in my career. Acquiring market knowledge from other candidates of different market sectors, over the course of these past nine months, has been an exceptional experience. I am overly enthusiastic and eager to put into practice all that I have learnt, to make my current role here at OAB with a view to improve the division, my team, and the overall bank. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the Bank’s executive management members for their support and encouragement, consistently pushing me to succeed in this program.”

The graduation ceremony of the third cohort of NCP and first cohort of NLCP, totalling 70 graduates, was hosted by the IMD, the supervisor of the program, under the patronage of HH Sayyd Khalid bin Hilal Al Bubaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court. As part of the ceremony, HE Dr Ali Qassim Jawad, Studies and Research Advisor at the Court, gave a speech pointing out the great success of the program in providing candidates with valuable knowledge and essential skills and capabilities. He further added that this program was set up in such a way as to have a positive impact on institutions the participants’ worked for and on their staff; this in turn will boost competitiveness across various sectors within the Sultanate. His Excellency also congratulated all graduates on their induction into the Oman Business Forum, which was founded last year to promote the outstanding capabilities of Nationals that can make a difference in the future.

Holding a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Strathclyde, a Chairperson of Strathclyde Oman Alumni, and a member of the professional women association establishment, Asma has over 19 years of experience working in large companies and banks. In her time at OAB, she has been instrumental in the centralisation of Retail, Corporate, and Islamic Finance Credit Administration; thereby ensuring asset quality and bringing in the necessary changes to establish better control and improving the turnaround times.

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 57 branches and 8 representative offices across and 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Conducts Final Module of ‘LEAD 2’ Development Programme

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Muscat, May 20, 2018: In line with its continued commitment to develop and improve the skills of its employees, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) launched the second edition of the ‘Leadership Enhancement And Development’ (LEAD) talent programme last year. The 20 qualified LEAD candidates have now completed the final fourth module, titled ‘Strategic Decision Making’, of the leadership development initiative.

Commenting on the completion of the four module Adil Al Rahbi, Head of the Human Resources Division said, “The development of leadership styles, self-awareness, and strategic management were highlighted in the first three modules of the LEAD ‘2’ programme. This final module built on those topics, examining strategic themes including problem solving, courageous leadership, and further self-improvement, among others. The candidates will now undergo one further 360-degree evaluation; before finally graduating from the programme. In addition, the workshops included the implementation of a specialised programme designed in collaboration with CASS Business School London and aimed at boosting innovation within the workplace.”

The final module discussed areas such as strategic leadership, problem analysis, and ways to create a positive impact within OAB through continuous improvement of skills and resources. This final segment also gave special focus to personal development planning, including ways in which to self-measure progress and improve personal accountability. Several delegates also presented research topics relevant to the challenges in the Banking and Finance sector, along with their recommendations on how to address such issues. The candidates were also tasked with developing their own Personal Development Plan (PDP) in order to continue to make a lasting and positive difference within OAB. The PDP also involved accreditation opportunities emerging from their successful completion of the LEAD programme. The second and final 360-degree evaluation of the candidates will take place in July.

“Our objective with the LEAD programme was to enrich the careers of young and talented Omanis at OAB through capacity-building leadership and management trainings. In doing so we can further contribute towards developing national talent within the Banking sector of the Sultanate,” added Adil. “On behalf of the OAB management, I would like to congratulate each of our 20 candidates on their successful completion of the final module of LEAD ‘2’.”

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.

OAB Conducts Third Module of ‘LEAD 2’ Development Programme

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Muscat, May 13, 2017: Following the launch of the second edition of the ‘Leadership Enhancement And Development’ (LEAD) talent programme last year, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced that 20 qualified LEAD candidates have now completed the third module, titled ‘Performance Management’, of the leadership development initiative. The LEAD Candidates also completed the ‘CASS’ module, a four-part specialised programme focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, as part of the third module.

Commenting on the completion of the third module Adil Al Rahbi, Head of the Human Resources Division said, “The LEAD ‘2’ programme has been progressing well with every candidate performing well above our expectations. As with the previous LEAD candidates, each of them have already proven that they have the mental fortitude and positive attitude to pass each module with flying colours; ensuring effective career development for years to come.”

Module 3 of the program was focused on providing feedback on the Socialisation Workshop 2 that was conducted just a few weeks prior to the module. Key aspects of performance management were also examined as part of the module with topics including Coaching and Motivating, Conflict and Difficult Conversations, Managing Poor Performance, Managing for Results, Recognising Stress, Collaboration, Assertiveness and Change Management.

“This is a third of four modules that will be conducted over the course of the six-month training period; which also includes two socialisation workshops, both of which have already been conducted.” added Adil. “These socialisation workshops offer the high-potential LEAD delegates an opportunity to gain invaluable career insights from members of the bank’s LEAD Mentoring Group (LMG), that comprise of several members of the Bank’s Executive management.”

The CASS module, which was conducted as an extension of Module 3, consisted of four separate programme items; all of which were covered over the course of two days. The first day saw two of the programmes being conducted; with the first focused on challenges banks face globally and how they are being tackled, while the second focused on corporate entrepreneurship. The second day saw the team experience and business simulation, which gave all delegates an opportunity to collaborate in building a fictional business. The final programme was focused on acquiring other businesses.

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.

OAB Mobile Banking App Named ‘Most Innovative App’ at the Oman Banking & Finance Awards

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Muscat, May 09, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), at the recently conducted Oman Banking & Finance Awards, was announced as the winner of the ‘Most Innovative App’ for its ground-breaking mobile banking app ‘OAB Online’ launched last year. The awards were conducted as part of the 5th edition of the New Age Banking Summit and was attended by business leaders from the Banking and financial sector. Representing OAB at the event was Rashad Al Musafir, the Acting CEO, who also participated as a panelist.

Commenting on receiving the award Rashad Al Musafir said, “We developed our Mobile app, alongside our Omni-channel Banking Platform which also encompasses our Internet Banking and ATM services. The platform itself was developed in such a way as to ensure the customer experience delivered is best-in-class; incorporating the very latest digital developments, while maintaining a firm focus on usability and an easy-to-use cross-platform interface. Receiving such a prestigious award is a clear indication that our efforts have been successful. That being set, we have no intention of resting on our laurels and will continue to update and evolve the platform to ensure it retains its position as a market-leading platform for the foreseeable future.”

OAB Mobile Phone Application ‘OAB Online’, which available for iOS and Android, was launched last year as part of the Bank’s unified digital banking platform. The platform presents customers with the same simple icon-based interface regardless of which platform they use, be it an ATM, internet banking, or the new App. Furthermore the bank aimed at providing similar functionality across all three wherever possible. As a result, the bank’s app feels immediately intuitive and simple to use for those already familiar with OAB’s ATMs or their Internet Banking service.

“Over the past year the platform, including the app, has been extremely well received by our existing and new customers alike; with a respectable number of the latter even indicating the ease of use of the platform as a significant contributing factor in their decision to open an account with us,” added Al Musafir.

The New Age Banking Summit, now in its fifth edition, aims at exploring new technologies and methodologies that can further accelerate the banking sector to new heights, with interactive panel discussions, focused sessions by industry experts sharing their insights and experience, and networking sessions with banking professionals. The Summit unravels how disruptive technologies and current trends in the banking sector are reshaping the banking sector of the Sultanate.

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 Enters Into Exclusive Partnership with Emirates

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Muscat, May 07, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), in its constant endeavour to offer its customers the best possible banking experience with great value added benefits, has now entered into an exclusive partnership with the Emirates Airline. The partnership means that OAB Credit and Debit Card customers will now enjoy exclusive discount offerings on online ticket purchases and Emirates Holidays packages.

Commenting on the new offer, Rashad Al Shaikh, DGM – Retail Banking said, “OAB has always been committed towards developing first class products that provide its clients with great benefits. We are delighted to enter into a collaboration with Emirates; especially one such as this, which perfectly complements the prominent market standing of both organisations. With this endeavour, we foresee a long term strategic relationship with Emirates Airline to fulfil a shared ambition of providing our customers with a premium range of products and services.”

On the occasion of signing ceremony, Saeed bin Hafez, Emirates Country Manager Oman said, “Emirates 25 year journey in Oman has been defined by progressive growth and today’s partnership with Oman Arab Bank will go a long way by adding value and providing superior travel experiences for OAB’s customers through Emirates Holidays packages as well as special fares . We are confident that our partnership with OAB will grow from strength to strength in Oman and we look forward to inspiring OAB card members to explore the world with Emirates.”

As part of the offer, OAB will be conducting weekly draws exclusively for customers who apply for a new OAB Credit Card between May 01 and July 31, 2018, where the winner will receive a free round trip flight to London on Emirates. Furthermore, all existing OAB customers using their OAB cards to purchase Emirates tickets online at emirates.com/om/oab, between May 01 and July 31, 2018, for travel before November 31, 2018, will receive a 10% and 7% discount on annual and promotional fares. Similarly, OAB customers can also avail of a 10% discount on Emirates Holidays packages purchased and used between May 01 and December 31, 2018. As with the tickets, in order to avail the discounts, customers are required to use their OAB cards to purchase the packages online at www.emiratesholidays.com/om_en/pages/oab.

“In addition to these offers, customers utilising their OAB Credit Cards to make the purchase can also convert their Emirates website transactions into a 0% mark-up Easy Payment Plan for three months. All they will be required to do is simply call the OAB call centre once the transaction has been completed and request to convert it,” added Rashad.

OAB offers a range of VISA Credit Cards comprising of VISA Internet, Classic, Gold, Platinum, and Infinite; each of which come with a range of benefits including high credit limits, flexible repayment options, complementary airport lounge access, insurance options, and much more depending on the type of card issued. However, all cards benefit from OAB’s reward points – a comprehensive loyalty program from for the Bank’s Credit Card members offering an array of privileges. It has been designed to keep each customer’s unique lifestyle needs in mind and is amongst the most rewarding value additions to any OAB card holder. Whether it is travelling, staying in a resort, dining out, or shopping for business or pleasure, the OAB Rewards gives each customer more of what they enjoy.

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.

Emirates operates four daily flights from Muscat to over 150 global destinations via its hub in Dubai. Onboard, passengers can look forward to world-class in-flight menus and the award-winning ice system with up to 3,500 channels of entertainment.