Oman Arab Bank Champions Homegrown Sme And Startups With Strategic Tie-Up With Handyman Services Platform Musalih

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03rd December/2023 : Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced a strategic collaboration with Musalih, the first Omani repair and maintenance platform. This marks the latest initiative in the bank’s ongoing efforts to bolster SME growth in the Sultanate and accelerate the development of an innovative national economy.

Under the terms of the agreement, Musalih will be responsible for providing maintenance services for all 49 OAB branches across the Sultanate. To enhance its operations and expand capabilities, Musalih will be utilizing the bank’s easy-to-use, wireless order-taking and payment solutions. Exclusive offers will also be extended to both OAB customers and staff members.

Khalid Al Amri, Acting Head of Retail Banking at OAB, said: “Empowering and advancing the SME and Startup sector is a key strategic priority for Oman Arab Bank. Throughout our 50-year history, we have always championed the needs of homegrown small businesses that play a pivotal role in contributing to the nation’s GDP and will constantly strive to do more to unlock their full potential.”

Musalih is a trusted one-stop-shop for repair and maintenance services  that uses a web and mobile application to connect “Mahirs” (Service providers) with customers in need of household services.

Sultan Al Zadjali, CEO of Musalih, said: “This partnership with Oman Arab Bank will be transformative for Musalih, not only in terms of the facilities and knowhow that the bank is providing, but also the prestige that such a working relationship will generate. We are excited about what the future holds and to grow our business to new heights.”

Earlier this year, OAB launched Tumouhi to provide a seamless banking experience for SME and Startups. The comprehensive ecosystem includes financial services, telco solutions, legal assistance, delivery/courier services and accounting solutions, in addition to cybersecurity measures

Oman Arab Bank Announces Its First Car Loan Package With The Lowest Interest Rates In Oman

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Muscat, March 13th 2023 – With Ramadan on the horizon, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) customers can now rev their engines rather than budgets thanks to the bank’s new attractive car loan package. Offering the most competitive and affordable prices on some of the most desirable cars, the package – the first of its kind for the bank – features the best interest rates in the market, starting from 3.75 per cent per annum for two years.

In another first, financing is available for up to 10 years, for both new and pre-owned cars. OAB has also secured special agreements with car dealerships in the Sultanate for discounted rates on their best-selling cars, with a simple, transparent and easy-to-understand process. Credit card fees are also waived for the first year for new customers.

“With market-leading rates and our unique tie-ins with car dealerships, OAB’s first car loan package is responding to the needs of our customers and rewarding them with the best rates on the market, with unique additional benefits,” said Khalid Al Amri, Assistant General Manager & Head of Branch Banking, Retail Banking Division, at OAB. “A car is among the most important purchases our customers will make in their lifetimes and we want to be with them every step of the way, helping them to invest in their futures, while balancing their finances.”

Customers taking out the car loan package can also keep cool with the summer months approaching by availing a 65 per cent discount on window tinting and 35 per cent off other services from Car Lab.

To access the offer, which is available until 31 May 2023, customers need to have their salaries transferred to OAB. Customers can visit their nearest branch to apply. The bank has ensured that its car loan process is optimized for faster turnaround for customers.

For more information on the car loan package, including full rates and conditions, please visit www.oman-arabbank.com.

OAB SIGNS MOC WITH THE MINISTRY OF LABOR TO ENHANCE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

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Muscat, May 26 2024 –  Oman Arab Bank (OAB) signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Ministry of Labor to develop human skills, support Omani cadres, expand work opportunities and exchange experiences, to implement the priorities of Oman’s future vision towards empowering youth and building national competencies. The MoC comes within OAB’s plans to invest in human resources and continue its initiatives in supporting national talents and skills.

H.E. Sayyid Salem bin Muslim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labor for Human Resources Development, and Mr. Sulaiman Al Harthi, Chief Executive Officer of OAB, signed the MoC.

According to the MoC, OAB will provide opportunities to train employees, provide them with modern work skills, and enhance their academic knowledge with practical experiences that develop their capabilities in the labor market. The MoC also includes the exchange of knowledge and experiences between OAB and the Ministry of Labor, to achieve the maximum benefit from the elite regional or international experts and speakers hosted by both the Ministry and the Bank. The Bank will organize workshop sessions and scientific forums on modern solutions and relevant innovative projects in this context.

H.E. Sayyid Salem Al Busaidi said: “The agreement with OAB comes within the framework of activating the partnership between the public and private sectors to support job nationalization efforts and empower Omanis in the labor market by providing job opportunities, training, and qualifying the national workforce through enhancing their competitiveness and skills and facilitates their entry in the labor market at various job levels and all economic sectors.”

H.E.  praised the efforts of OAB and its initiatives in providing job opportunities, training, and empowering Omani cadres.

Mr. Al Harthi said: “OAB believes that investing in human resources is vital for improving performance and services and for its growth strategies now and in the future. The bank has always been a role model in caring for its human resources and developing them professionally. It has also presented many initiatives that contributed to developing leadership and training national cadres in the financial sector, such as the “Ruwad Al Arabi” initiative, which has contributed to developing leadership talents and supporting the achievement of the Oman 2040 vision “.

Al Harthi added: “Through this cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, OAB continues its contributions and initiatives to support employment efforts, develop national competencies, and hone talents in the financial and banking sector.

Through this partnership, we aim to benefit from the various training opportunities provided by the bank and the conferences and lectures it organizes and experts hosted by the Bank and the Ministry of Labor. We also aspire to harness the initiatives and programs adopted by the Bank, including the “Ruwad Al Arabi” initiative, to develop employees’ skills and enable them to advance in their careers continuously.”

As part of the cooperation between OAB and the Ministry of Labor, many initiatives will be implemented by OAB, which support skills development and honing local talent to raise their competitiveness and supply the labor market with its requirements for skilled workers.

OMAN ARAB BANK RECEIVES BANK OF NEW YORK’S ‘STRAIGHT THROUGH PROCESSING’ EXCELLENCE AWARD

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Muscat, January 14th 2024: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) proudly announces its receipt of the ‘Straight Through Processing’ (STP) Excellence Award from the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon). This recognition, consistently earned since 2018, highlights OAB’s leading position in the financial industry, emphasizing its excellence in secure transaction processing and automotive processes.

Asma Al Zadjali, Chief Banking Operations Officer at OAB, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are honored to be recognized by BNY Mellon  for our excellence in STP. This award underscores our commitment to customer service and integrating cutting-edge technology into our banking processes, further enhancing our position in Straight Through Processing Excellence awardthe financial sector.”

She added, “The accelerated pace of processing times is a notable advantage arising from OAB’s embrace of automation. This enables transactions to be executed much faster than traditional manual processes.”

OAB’s innovations in automation lead to smoother experiences for its customers, including modification-free rates, instant transactions, and highly accurate outcomes. The STP Excellence Award from BNY Mellon serves as a testament to how OAB leverages operational and technological excellence to deliver high-quality customer experience.

This award signifies OAB’s strategic foresight in adopting and investing in STP technology, aligning with its goal to stay ahead in the competitive financial market. The bank’s focus on process reengineering and automating processes not only addresses the current needs of the banking sector but also positions OAB for future advancements in financial services, reinforcing its dedication to delivering top-tier customer experiences.

OAB Organises a Special Event to Celebrate Omani Women’s Day

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Muscat, 22 October 2022: Oman Arab Bank (“OAB”) celebrated Omani Women’s Day with a special event organized exclusively for its female employees at the Bank’s Headquarters.

The Omani Women’s Day event showcased the Bank’s commitment to fostering an inclusive organizational culture and celebrating the integral role that Omani women continue to play in the development of Oman’s socioeconomic goals and objectives.

The event was a huge success and saw a large number of female employees attending various educational and wellness workshops throughout the day to help them realize their personal and professional goals and unlock their full potential.

Commenting on Omani Women’s Day, Leen Al Atassi, Head of Corporate Communications said: “We are delighted to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions and achievements of Omani women. At OAB, we emphasize and value promoting women in leadership roles and developing future women leaders. We place significant importance on gender diversity in the workplace, with more than 39% of our workforce comprising of women and 36% of middle management positions filled by women. We are also proud to have 16 talented women leaders running our branches across Oman.”

Throughout the month, OAB will be featuring stories of women leaders across the branch network on its social media channels.

Irresistible Offers from Oman Arab Bank

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Guaranteed Cash on new Credit Cards and 20% discount on food purchases from Lulu Hypermarket

Muscat, 25 September 2022: Oman Arab Bank has announced its latest offer designed to enhance its customers’ shopping experience. Under this new offer, customers can apply for a new Credit Card and get guaranteed cash on their card up to OMR 50 after completing their first transaction. OAB will also waive the first-year subscription fee for the credit card as part of the offer. They can also save 20% on their food purchases from Lulu Hypermarket outlets across Oman, in-store or online.

OAB Credit Card holders can take advantage of this exciting offer during the last weekend of September, from 29 September until 1 October 2022, where they will receive an instant discount on all food items when using their credit cards to pay for their shopping.

Commenting on the new offer, Rashad Al Shaikh, Head of the Retail Banking Department at OAB, said, “This is our way of thanking and rewarding our customers for choosing OAB as their preferred banking partner. When customers apply for a new OAB Credit Card, they receive guaranteed cash up to OMR 50 on their Credit Card, and they can enjoy a 20% discount on food items at any Lulu Hypermarket during the last weekend of September, allowing them to save even more. The Bank will also waive the first-year subscription fee for new credit cards as part of the offer.

“Furthermore, our customers can access various other valuable promotions and benefits. These include interest-free instant easy payment plans at participating retailers, reward points, and a wide range of other offers from hotels, restaurants and shops across the country and abroad.”

OAB customers can always check the Bank’s website for new offers throughout the year to get the most value out of their cards.

OAB has a rich and proud history as one of the first financial institutions to be established in the Sultanate. Today, OAB operates a nationwide network of 48 conventional branches and 142 conventional ATMs across the Sultanate. OAB provides a complete range of financial products and services through its OAB Online App. Customers can now digitally benefit from several other services directly from the convenience of their mobile phones.

OAB Brings You the Chance to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 Live

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Muscat, September 11, 2022: In a recent announcement, Oman Arab Bank announced a special offer for all football enthusiasts among its customers. Three lucky customers will win a trip for two to attend one of the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches in person in Qatar. For football fans, this is the chance of a lifetime.

Customers can enter the draw by simply using an OAB VISA Credit Card to make purchases. Every OMR 10 spent will qualify customers for an entry into the raffle draw where the grand prize is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the FIFA World Cup, which includes air tickets, accommodation, and stadium transport.

Commenting on the promotion, Rashad Al Sheikh, the Head of the Retail Banking Division at OAB said, “We are delighted to share the excitement of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with our customers and are always looking to bring the best offers, world-class privileges and rewards to our loyal customers. Our latest card promotion in partnership with Visa offers our Visa Credit Card holders an opportunity to witness this once-in-a-lifetime and unforgettable event in person, courtesy of Oman Arab Bank.”

Under the promotion, customers are eligible for one raffle entry for every OMR 10 they spend on an OAB Visa Card within the Sultanate of Oman and two entries for every OMR 10 spent abroad. Therefore, the more a customer spends using their OAB Visa Credit Cards, the greater their chances of winning. There are three sets of tickets to be won in total. The promotion runs until 20 September 2022, with the draw taking place on the 29th of October 2022.

OAB has a rich and proud history as one of the first financial institutions to be established in the Sultanate. Today, OAB operates a nationwide network of 48 conventional branches and 142 conventional ATMs across the Sultanate. OAB provides a complete range of financial products and services through its OAB Online App. Customers can now digitally benefit from several other services, directly from the convenience of their mobile phones.

OAB Hosts Exciting Event to Announce FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM Hospitality Packages Winners, courtesy of Visa

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Muscat, October 5, 2022: Oman Arab Bank recently conducted an exciting live draw at the auditorium of its Head Office to pick the winners for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ hospitality packages, courtesy of Visa. The announcement comes as part of OAB’s recent special offer in partnership with Visa, for all football enthusiasts among its customers that grants them an opportunity of a lifetime to attend one of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ matches in person in Qatar.

Ahmed Hadid Al Mukhini, a former player of the Oman national football team, was the guest of honour at the raffle ceremony. The event also witnessed the attendance of members of the Bank’s management team and employees. The draw saw hospitality packages given away to the three lucky winners. Each comprised of an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the FIFA World Cup 2022™, which includes air tickets, accommodation, and stadium transport, courtesy of Visa.

Speaking on the occasion, Rashad Al Sheikh, the Head of the Retail Banking Division at OAB, said, “We congratulate all the winners. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend one of the world’s most-anticipated sporting events and enjoy a memorable experience. At OAB, we constantly aspire to provide top-notch services and exceptional offers that target and meet the needs of all segments of the community. Thanks to our collaboration with Visa, this promotional offer falls in line with these objectives. We are delighted that the campaign witnessed such great interest from customers. Through this offer, we wanted to surpass customers’ expectations and fulfil their dream of attending the FIFA World Cup™, courtesy of Visa.”

The Bank launched the offer in partnership with Visa in July 2022. OAB Visa Credit Cardholders were automatically entered into raffle draws when they used their Visa cards for purchases. The prize was an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the FIFA World Cup 2022™, which includes air tickets, accommodation, and stadium transport, courtesy of Visa.

OAB has a rich and proud history as one of the first financial institutions to be established in the Sultanate.

Seeking to Develop the Skills of Young Children in the Tourism Sector Oman Arab Bank Sponsors the Little Tourist Forum

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Muscat, 15 August 2022 | In line with its sustainability strategy, Oman Arab Bank recently sponsored the third edition of the Little Tourist Forum. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the two-week event took place from 17 to 28 July and included several workshops and activities related to tourism.

Designed to target the next generation of young Omanis, several interactive programmes, activities and field trips, focused on the tourism sector, were held this year. The forum aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the tourism industry. Moreover, it sought to utilise children’s free time during the summer holiday with valuable activities.

Commenting on the initiative, Sulaiman Ali Al Hinai, Head of Treasury, Investments & Government Relations Division said, “We are delighted to support the Little Tourism Forum. There is no doubt that the forum will develop the skills of our talented young children in the tourism industry. This will enable them to serve as ambassadors for this vital sector, whose enormous potential for stimulating the economy is vital to the government.”

“At Oman Arab Bank, we believe that public-private sector partnerships are crucial for achieving national socioeconomic goals. Therefore, to maximize our positive impact, we will continue to support national initiatives as part of our sustainability strategy,” he further stated.

OAB’s sustainability strategy was designed to strengthen the Bank’s social impact within its three main strategic pillars: community partnerships, environmental responsibility and financial inclusion. The strategy was developed to boost the Bank’s social contribution in line with its business growth. The Bank will remain steadfast with its commitment towards delivering impactful initiatives over the years.

OAB Launches Service Ambassadors Programme As part of its efforts to enhance customer experience

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Muscat, July 25, 2022: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently introduced its Service Ambassadors Programme to enhance customers’ in-branch experience. The Service Ambassadors will be the first point of contact for customers visiting select OAB branches. They will seek to understand customers’ banking requirements and deliver the highest quality of service to ensure customers are supported and assisted throughout their branch journey.

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Rashad Al Shaikh, Head of the Retail Banking Division at OAB, said, “Fostering a customer-centric approach and a holistic experience falls under one of the key pillars of our transformational strategy. By enhancing the quality of services extended to all of our customers, we strive to increase our opportunities for success and excellence. With this in mind, we have made prudent efforts in choosing suitable talents from within the Bank to represent us as Service Ambassadors across our branch network. They will be present within select branches as the first point of contact to support customers and are well-versed in answering any enquiries that customers may have, including those related to the Bank’s products and services, transactions and more. This step will enrich the efficiency of the Bank’s operations and will also encourage familiarity as soon as customers enter the branch.”

The Service Ambassadors were given extensive training to help them prepare and develop their communication and customer service skills, as per global best practices. They were also provided with comprehensive information related to OAB’s products and services to help them get accustomed to typical queries posed by customers. Furthermore, the Service Ambassadors will support branch staff by directing customers to the respective service provider, effectively facilitating the implementation of customer transactions across OAB banking platforms and spreading awareness of the Bank’s digital channels.

OAB has a rich and proud history as one of the first financial institutions to be established in the Sultanate. Today, the OAB Group operates a nationwide network of 48 conventional branches and 145 conventional ATMs locations across the Sultanate. OAB provides a complete range of financial products and services through its OAB Online App. Customers can now digitally benefit from several other services, directly from the convenience of their mobile phones.