OAB Participates as Gold Sponsor of Al Roya Economic Award 2019

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As part of its continued efforts to promote sustainable economic development

Muscat. April 30, 2019: In line with its constant endeavour to support any initiative that encourages the growth and sustainability of the Sultanate’s economy, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has sponsored the Al Roya Economic Award 2019. The awards ceremony, now in its 8th edition, was held last Thursday.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Hilal al Siyabi, Head of Corporate Communication at OAB said, “Over the past eight years, Al Roya Economic Award has been one of the most prominent initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs to boost their performance and in turn having a positive effect on the economy. As one of the first banks to be established in Oman, we always look for opportunities to support initiatives such as these whose objectives are in line with those of the Banks; objectives that are centred around supporting the social and economic development in the Sultanate.”

This year’s awards were spread across ten categories, including the National Achievement Cup, which was presented to the One Million Date Palm Project, a project supervised by the Diwan of Royal Court. The Portal ‘Abshir’, from the Public Authority for Consumer Protection, has awarded the Best Government Project Award. The Best Private Sector Project for Large Companies went to the Renaissance Village Duqm. The Best SME Award was presented to three companies – the National Natural Honey co. L.L.C, Engineer Commercial company, and AlNimr International Exhibition Organisers. The Best Foreign Investment Award was presented to Sepacic Oman. The late Mohsin Haider Darwish was presented with the Constant Donation Award. The Best Value-Added Project Award was presented to Petroleum Development Oman and the Best Economic Figure award went to Mahmood Mohamed Ali Al Jarwani. The best Company in the Insurance Sector award was given to Muscat Insurance Company S.A.O.G. Finally, the Best Student Company Award was divided between three companies – Future Support Company, Oman Recycling Company and Watad Company.

Al Siyabi added, “In line with government guidelines and the objectives of the National Program for Enhancing Economic Diversification (Tanfeedh), there is much reliance on the private sector to achieve the results desired. The Al Roya Economic Award acts as a platform that monitors the performance of companies in the private sector and subsequently rewards them for their achievements. OAB also aims to support the efforts of such companies and aims to help them enhance their contribution to the GDP by providing the best and most advanced banking services in the country that are developed to the highest international standards.”

This year’s Al Roya Economic Award is the result of a partnership between Al Roya Newspaper and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It aims to provide support to all components of the private sector. In its current edition, the award ceremony highlighted India as its country of focus.

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 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides a complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Introduces Biometric Authentication to Mobile App

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Muscat, April 23, 2019: Oman Arab Bank, in its constant endeavour to boost data security and customer convenience, has announced the complete integration of biometric authentication into its app. This new feature will allow users of the OAB Mobile Banking App to now carry out transactions using face recognition or a fingerprint for authentication.

Commenting on the introduction of biometric authentication into their app, Rashad Al Sheikh, Deputy Head of Retail Banking Group said, “Biometric authentication is by far one of the fastest and most convenient forms of authentication available on mobile devices. With the technology now incorporated into our app, our customers can now carry out simple transactions securely with just a touch of their fingers or by simply looking at the phone.”

This newly introduced feature allows the app to use the facial recognition feature and fingerprint reader built into a customer’s phone for a more personal and convenient form of authentication when carrying out transactions. However, these features are completely optional, and customers using phones without these biometric authentication features, or simply wishing to use their usual personalised pins, can opt out and continue to use the app as before.

“Regardless of which option they use, we ensure them complete security. In order to do so, we have incorporated the very latest in security features and anti-fraud measures directly into the app. This combined with the new biometric authentication will ensure our customer total peace of mind when banking on their mobiles,” said Rashad Al Sheikh. “Furthermore, as an added layer of safety and security for our customers and their finances, we have designed the app to ensure any payments and tractions outside of the user’s own accounts will still require a personalised pin to authenticate.”

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

OAB Announces Winners of March Hasaad Draw

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Muscat, April 25, 2019: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), has announced the names of the 120 winners for its March monthly Hasaad Savings Scheme draw, comprising of monthly branch draws, Children’s and Youth Account draws, and the monthly Elite Draws. This month also included the first Quarterly ‘Big Prize’ draw, which saw one of the banks customers win OMR 25,000.

Commenting on the Quarterly ‘Big Prize’ draw, Fahd Amjad, the General Manager of Retail Banking at OAB said, “This draw marks the first of our four quarterly draws with the special ‘Big Prize’ draw of OMR 25,000 and is open to every Hasaad account holder from across our branch network. It is held every quarter, with the next to be held as part of the June Hasaad Draw.”

The Hasaad Savings Scheme 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 which will see 87 lucky winners, a minimum of one winner in each branch, of OMR 500 monthly and OMR 1,000 each every quarter; ten winners of OMR 100 each for Children’s account holders aged 18 and below; 20 winners of OMR 100 each for Youth account holders aged between 18 and 25; and two winners of OMR 10,000 each as part of the monthly Elite Draw. The latter Elite draw, however, will see its monthly draw replaced by a Grand Prize draw of OMR 100,000 for one lucky Elite customer in December. In addition to these monthly draws, the Bank will also be conducting a special ‘Big Prize’ draw of OMR 25,000 for one winner across its branch network at the end of every quarter.

Fahd Amjad added, “On behalf of the management, I would like to congratulate all the winners of our March draw, especially, the winner of our first ‘Big Prize’ draw of 2019. There are still over 1,000 prizes to be won this year and I encourage all our customers to continue saving to maximise their chances of winning.”

OAB customers can easily open a ‘Hasaad’ account with a minimum balance of OMR 100, in order to be eligible for most of the prize draws.

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 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides a complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Strategic Partner of 4th ‘Duqm — Society & Economy’ Forum

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Muscat, 07 April 2019: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), as part of its increased focus on digitalisation and its continued commitment towards supporting the growth and development of technology in the country, will be participating as the Strategic Partner of the fourth edition of ‘Duqm — Society & Economy’. Organised by the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the forum will focus on the theme, ‘The Smart Cities’ Economy’.

Commenting on its sponsorship of the forum, Hilal O. Al Siyabi, Head of Corporate Communication of OAB said, “Accelerating the adoption of smart city standards and best practices can have a far-reaching impacts on society – from delivering services that improve citizens’ lives and streamlining and speeding up government processes to facilitating the growth and development of businesses. As one of the more prominent banks in the country, we believe it is our responsibility to support initiatives such as the 4th ‘Duqm — Society & Economy’ Forum, that can nurture and accelerate the adoption of smart city standards and best practices in the country.”

The forum will open its doors tomorrow April 8, 2019 at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat, and will be held in collaboration with a number of international institutions and companies as well as local experts specialising in the field of Smart Cities and Artificial Intelligence. As part of its role as the strategic partner of the event, OAB will be hosting the keynote speaker of the event – the globally renowned futurist and bestselling author – Brett King.  In addition, the Bank will also set up a stand at the location to showcase its latest NFC products and facilities as well as offer consultation and services to companies and investors present at the event, who are looking to invest in the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

“This forum will bring together some of the brightest minds in the industry, both locally and internationally, to discuss the next technological frontier and how or what needs to be done to adopt state-of-the-art smart city technology across all major cities in the country. We are glad to be a position to support and participate in such a prominent event,” concluded Al Salt Al Kharusi, Head of the Corporate and Institutional Banking Group at OAB.

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

OAB Hosts Inaugural OAB Connect Forum

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World Renowned Futurist Brett King Conducts Seminar at the Event

Muscat, April 10, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), in line with its objective of creating value for the community and the banking sector as a whole, recently hosted its first-ever OAB Connect Forum. The event was designed to bring international thought leaders and futurists to Oman, allowing them to share their knowledge and expertise with the local business leaders and decision makers. For this, its inaugural event, which was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shabib bin Tariq Al Said, and presided over by Rashad al Musafir, CEO of the Bank, OAB invited renowned Australian banking entrepreneur, Brett King, as the guest speaker for the evening.

The event also saw the attendance of several Delegates, VIP customers, and Business Leaders, who were given a detailed insight into the changing dynamics of digitalisation and customer centricity. The event was also a perfect platform for facilitating networking opportunities.

Commenting the importance of the event, Rashad Al Musafir, CEO of OAB said, “We, at Oman Arab Bank, see it as a responsibility to not only enhance our business and add value to the banking sector, but as corporate citizens, to contribute to Oman as a whole. With this in mind, we are proud to launch OAB Connect. An event that aims to bring international thought leaders and futurists to Oman to create value for our community as a whole.”

Over the course of the event, Brett King touched primarily on world’s continuing trend towards increased digitalization and customer centric approach in every aspect of business, covering everything from communication channels, product development, leveraging technology and more. Following his talk, an open Q&A session was also conducted, wherein he addressed any and all queries from the audience.

“Brett King has established himself as one of the most influential people in the world of banking, with his futuristic take on financial services attaining immense global acclaim. His presence and long-term vision will be fruitful to help develop the services provided by the Bank, in line with our strategy to create innovative solutions for all our customers,” said Rashad.

Brett King will also be one of the keynote speakers at the fourth edition of ‘Duqm — Society & Economy’ taking place today at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat. The event will bring together individuals and organisations who seek to contribute innovations, ideas and products that will help transform urban cities into smart cities.

“On behalf of OAB, we are extremely proud to be able to host such an esteemed personality to enlighten us on various upcoming developments and techniques. We would like to wish him the very best of luck in all future endeavours and look forward to inviting other globally renowned speakers and exploring further potential learning opportunities in future iterations of OAB Connect,” concluded 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 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB CONCLUDES LEAD 3 SOCIALISATION WORKSHOP FOR HIGH-POTENTIAL STAFF

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Muscat, March 28, 2019 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently held the Socialisation Workshop for the third edition of its ongoing Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) program. Organised at the specially designed Training Centre at the Bank’s headquarters in Al Ghubra, the workshop attended by four member of the executive management of the bank offered LEAD delegates with the opportunity to gain invaluable career insights.

The program will offer LEAD delegates with the opportunity to gain invaluable career insights from members of the Bank’s LEAD Mentoring Group (LMG). LMG represents a number of the Bank’s senior management team and various heads of groups, divisions, and departments. Formed to provide maximum support and guidance, the group also identifies potential talents in the various banking and finance fields and mentors them to reach their true potential in the industry.

Commenting on the workshop, Adil Al Rahbi, Head of the Human Resources Division said, “Our LEAD program has been designed to draw out the true potential from some our most promising staff and providing them with the necessary tools to become future leaders of the Bank. This workshop in particular provides them with an opportunity to learn directly from members of the LMG.”

The socialisation workshop was aimed at providing each of the 20 new LEAD 3 candidates with feedback on their progress so far, while also touching upon key elements for their upcoming modules, the first of which is to be conducted shortly.

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.

“We have always been dedicated towards facilitating the growth and development of our Omani staff, providing them with all the key skills and opportunities they need to grow within the bank and take on positions of greater responsibility. Our LEAD program is by far one of our most popular and successful such programs, one that every member of staff strives to be a part of,” concluded Adil.

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

OAB Commemorates Earth Hour with Staff Gathering

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Muscat, April 01, 2019: As part of its continued commitment towards promoting and raising awareness on environment and energy conservation, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) hosted a special candle-lit staff gathering in commemoration of Earth Hour. As is tradition for the annual global celebration, OAB switched off all lights at its head office once again this year for one hour on Saturday, March 30.

Commenting on the Bank’s participation in Earth Hour, Hilal O. Al Siyabi, Head of Corporate Communication said, “As one of the more prominent banks in the country and in line with our Corporate Sustainability objectives, we believe that it is our responsibility to serve as an example for the wider society to adopt a sustainable and responsible attitude towards preserving the environment. Supporting the Earth Hour is one such way we can do so, while at the same time help spread awareness on the impact wasteful energy consumption has on our environment.”

This two-part event comes as part of OAB’s ongoing CSR initiatives and continued commitment towards environment conservation. Starting from 8:30pm on March 30, the Bank switched off all lights at its Head Office for one hour. During this time, a live band food corner, and board games keep people entertained. Children also enjoyed a spot of colouring on a large prominently displayed wall commemorating the Earth Hour.

“The more people that we have supporting such initiatives, the easier it becomes to encourage the wider public to adopt habits that aid conservation of our precious resources in their day-to-day lives. As such, it was pleasing to see such a good turnout from our staff and their families at the event. On behalf of the management, I would like to thank each and every one of them for their attendance and for their support in making this event a success,” added Hilal Al-Siyabi.

Outside of the earth hour, OAB, as part of its day-to-day operations, actively continues to introduce a number of technology driven initiatives that aim to protect the environment. One such example is the Bank’s policy of interacting with its customers using primarily only e-statements and SMS notifications, in order to save on paper. It also follows a similar principal for all internal communications amongst staff, keeping paper usage to an absolute minimum. The Bank’s focus on environment and energy conservation is also evident in the environmentally friendly technology installed at its Head Office. These include auto sensors throughout all offices and corridors, which means that lights are automatically switched off when no one is present and as a result, a considerable amount of power is saved on a regular basis.

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 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides a complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.