Oman Arab Bank (OAB) organized an advanced training course on “Customer Service Etiquette” to enhance the communication skills of customer service and front office employees and enable them to provide exceptional service and achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
Within the framework of cooperation and exchange of experiences between OAB and the Ministry of Labor, trainees from both sides participated in the course, with only 24 trainees to obtain the best results from intensive and interactive training activities and to enable participants to have sufficient knowledge of modern professional concepts and skills in customer service and to adopt a clear policy for offering services, and enhancing the effectiveness of teamwork.
The course focused on a number of topics, starting with introducing the concept and constitution of etiquette, protocol and institutional prestige, and protocol for hospitality to clients and auditors, in addition to dialogue management, the technique of identifying clients’ personality types, how to deal and understand the personalities of others, and building rapport through conformity, keeping up and leadership.
Focus was also placed on the modern concept of dealing with the customer, determining his expectations and needs from the organization, building a customer care strategy, and training participants on a modern methodology to identify behavioral patterns of customers and enable them to deal optimally with the public in all situations.
Essam Al Busaidi, Head of the Human Resources and Administrative Group at OAB, said: “Organizing the “Customer Service Etiquette” course comes within the framework of Oman Arab Bank’s strategy to invest in human resources and support the comprehensive transformation of the bank, which revolves around developing modern and digital services, enriching the customer experience, and achieving the highest levels of satisfaction.” The course included comprehensive training for customer service employees and front-end departments that deal directly with the public at OAB. A number of employees of the Ministry of Labor also participated in the course, within the framework of cooperation, exchanging knowledge and experiences, and benefiting from the training programs and lectures that are implemented in both parties.
He added: “The etiquette was designed in accordance with the best international practices, as the course provided practical applications using the international technical tools of the MTA program applied by major international companies and government institutions to develop customer and auditor service skills.”
Bodour Bint Issa Al-Harithiya, Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Labor, said: “We are pleased with the participation of the employees of the Ministry of Labor in this advanced course organized by OAB, which confirms the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry and the bank to exchange knowledge and experiences and support the capabilities of national cadres, and effective partnership between the public and private sectors to develop national human capital and raise levels of satisfaction with services in order to achieve the goals of upgrading and digitizing all services provided and raising levels of satisfaction of clients and beneficiaries.
She praised the role of OAB, which effectively contributes to supporting nationalization and employment in the financial sector and enhancing investment in human resources to improve services and competitiveness of national cadres in the labor market.
Oman Arab Bank Gears Up to Launch a New Suite of Commercial Banking Services
/in News /by Salma Al SulaimaniWith the Presence of Numerous Companies and Business Owners
Oman Arab Bank Gears Up to Launch a New Suite of Commercial Banking Services
Muscat, February 5, 2025:
As part of its continuous efforts to lead the banking sector, Oman Arab Bank is set to unveil a new suite of banking services tailored for small and medium enterprises, corporate clients, and government entities. These services will include advanced technologies such as the Corporate Mobile Banking App, Host-to-Host, SWIFTNet, and virtual accounts.
The launch will take place on February 9 at a special event organised by the bank, which will be attended by many clients from various sectors.
Designed with a strong emphasis on security and user-friendliness, the new services will allow clients to effortlessly manage their financial operations at any time and from any location. Corporate clients will gain complete oversight and efficient management of financial transactions.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology, these services are expected to significantly reduce businesses’ operational efforts, minimize human errors, and accelerate payment and financial settlement processes with unparalleled precision.
Oman Arab Bank Launches a New Suite of Digital Commercial Banking Services
/in News /by Mustafa Abujazar Mustafa AbujazarIn a New Step to Enhance Its Commercial Services
Oman Arab Bank Launches a New Suite of Digital Commercial Banking Services
Muscat, February 10, 2025:
As part of its ongoing efforts to lead the banking sector, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) unveiled a new suite of banking e-services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), corporate clients and government entities on Sunday, February 9. The launch took place at a special event hosted by the bank under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Saqri, Minister of Economy, with the presence of more than 800 bank clients and high-profile guests.
The newly introduced digital commercial banking solutions from OAB provide businesses with seamless, real-time access to their financial transactions, enabling them to process payments, authorise transactions and manage payroll efficiently. The new e-services include:
By leveraging these advanced technologies, OAB empowers businesses with greater financial control, operational efficiency and a future-ready digital banking experience.
Speaking about the bank’s vision for innovation in banking solutions, Sulaiman Hamed Al Harthi, CEO of Oman Arab Bank, stated, “In light of the rapid technological developments in banking, Oman Arab Bank continues its diligent efforts to adopt and localise the latest technologies, exploring the best digital solutions and utilising them. Its focus is serving the nation and supporting its development journey, setting an example of excellence and leadership in the banking sector. From this perspective, we have been eager to provide innovative banking services that cater to the needs of various sectors, beginning with micro-enterprises and progressing to small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the national economy and are an essential part of the vital resources in advancing this generous nation and extending to large companies and public and private institutions that play a role in driving development.”
Meanwhile, Sulaiman Ali Al Hinai, Chief Wholesale Banking Officer, commented, “These solutions have been meticulously designed following comprehensive studies to offer you the highest levels of security, flexibility and ease in managing your businesses, thereby enhancing your capacity to grow and evolve in a world facing shifts in needs and accelerating challenges. The launch of these solutions reaffirms our continued leadership in digital commercial banking services, where we do not merely keep pace with trends but consistently strive to be at the forefront of innovation, elevating the standards in delivering this type of service and becoming the model to emulate and the reference point to acknowledge.”
OAB is recognised for its strong commitment to leading the banking sector through ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology and efforts to meet and exceed customer expectations.
OAB participates in the Omani-Indian Business Forum
/in News /by Sameera MohamedMuscat: As part of its leading role in promoting sustainable growth prospects in Sultanate of Oman, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) participated in the Oman-India Business Forum held in Muscat, aimed at strengthening economic and investment partnerships and cooperation between Oman and the Republic of India.
Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of OAB, stated: “The bank’s participation in this forum, which brought together business leaders and senior officials from both nations, provides an opportunity to foster connections and strengthen economic ties between the business communities of Oman and India. The forum also facilitated discussions on strategic partnerships and promising investment opportunities that drive the growth of private companies and institutions in both countries. Moreover, it offered valuable insights into investor trends, enabling the bank to further refine its corporate services and sustain long-term growth.”
The CEO of OAB emphasized the bank’s commitment to active participation in local and international economic forums and events to reinforce its position as a leading financial institution driving continuous development in the banking sector. The bank seeks to play a more significant role in fostering economic growth and advancing national objectives. These constructive engagements are crucial for expanding Oman’s strategic partnerships, which serve as key catalysts for the growth of the private sector and various economic industries. They also strengthen the Sultanate’s position on the global investment map, contributing to sustainable economic development and the successful achievement of Oman Vision 2040 goals.
The forum, organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, contributes to building sustainable cooperation between the two countries across various fields. It encourages joint ventures between Omani and Indian companies, particularly in promising economic sectors targeted by Oman’s economic diversification strategies.
OAB participates in the national campaign “Oman Celebrates”
/in News /by Sameera MohamedMuscat: In celebration of the fifth Ascension Day of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Oman Arab Bank (OAB), in collaboration with Visa International, is taking part in the national campaign for discounts and promotional offers, “Oman Celebrates”. This campaign is organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, and will run from January 11 to February 11, 2025.
The bank’s participation in this campaign reflects its commitment to enhancing the partnership between public and private sectors to achieve economic development, support national products, and promote activities of small and medium-sized enterprises, thus contributing to Oman Vision 2040 goals.
To encourage its customers to take advantage of the offers, OAB is offering attractive promotional deals, including discounts and exclusive benefits when using OAB Visa cards during the campaign period. The discounts reach up to 50% at major shopping centers and 30% at other establishments. The campaign also includes daily and weekly prizes, totaling about 30 awards.
Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of OAB, stated: “OAB is pleased to contribute to the promotional campaign ‘Oman Celebrates,’ which coincides with a glorious national occasion, the fifth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s assumption of power. Through its participation in this campaign, the bank aims to stimulate economic and commercial activity, and reward its customers with attractive offers and discounts provided to OAB Visa cardholders.”
He added: “This national campaign coincides with the launch of Oman’s promotional identity under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. OAB’s participation supports enhancing the position of Oman as a global investment destination by promoting national products, which contributes to reducing imports, increasing non-oil exports, and strengthening the presence of Omani products in local and global markets. Through this participation, OAB continues its efforts and initiatives to achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by advancing its services, digitizing its offerings, and enriching the customer experience, with the aim of ensuring continued development in the Omani banking sector in line with best global standards and expanding its role in sustainable development.
OAB also holds a prominent leadership position in launching initiatives and programs that contribute to building national capabilities, preparing future leaders, supporting SMEs, and their role as a driver of innovation, economic growth, and job opportunities.”
OAB employees organize “Souk Al Hemam” to support Omani Special Olympics Champions
/in News /by Sameera MohamedUnder the slogan “Participate and Make a Difference,” Oman Arab Bank (OAB) employees organized the “Souk Al Hemam” event in collaboration with Omani Special Olympics athletes. This initiative reaffirms the bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, promoting the values of social solidarity and inclusivity across all segments of society.
The event was held at the bank’s headquarters in Al-Ghubra, providing a platform to showcase the products of Omani Special Olympics athletes, highlight their unique skills and abilities, and empower them to integrate into society and achieve greater accomplishments.
Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of OAB, stated: “The ‘Souk Al Hemam’ initiative, organized by OAB employees, represents an important step in supporting Omani Special Olympics champions and assisting them in marketing their products. It also contributes to strengthening their activities, which play a significant role in integrating individuals with disabilities and bringing them joy through diverse programs.
These initiatives aim to foster positive interaction between the bank’s employees and participants, nurture promising talents, and empower them across various fields—particularly in sports, which enhance overall health and positively impact individuals with disabilities, their families, and society as a whole.
Through this innovative initiative, OAB employees highlight the positive impact of community engagement in empowering individuals with disabilities as part of Oman’s national and developmental goals.”
He added: “OAB is always keen to encourage its employees to actively participate in proposing and implementing initiatives that align societal goals with the bank’s holistic transformation strategy. This commitment is evident in our recent projects, such as the opening of a new branch in Sohar, designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
This branch was built according to the highest customer service standards and equipped with the latest technologies and advanced infrastructure, making it fully capable of serving people with disabilities. This project reflects the bank’s vision of extending this experience across all its branches, ensuring universal accessibility and delivering the best banking experience for all customers.”
Oman Arab Bank Appoints Zahra Abdulamir as Chief Risk Officer
/in News /by Sameera MohamedOman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced the appointment of Zahra Abdulamir Saied as Chief Risk Officer, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to nurturing national talent and empowering female leaders across various levels.
Recognized as one of Oman’s distinguished banking professionals, Zahra is the First Omani Female to earn the Financial Risk Management certification from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). With over 15 years in financial risk management, she has left a significant impact across numerous roles. Since joining OAB, Zahra has served as Assistant General Manager and Head of the Credit Review Department, excelling in monitoring credit quality, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies, alongside leading daily business operations, talent development initiatives, and training programs.
Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of OAB, stated, “Risk management plays a vital role in the financial and banking sectors by mitigating risks and enabling institutions to continue operations and growth in an ever-evolving global environment. We are pleased to appoint Zahra Abdulamir as Chief Risk Officer, adding her to our substantial pool of young national talents in senior positions across OAB, including promising female leaders. This reflects our success in investing in human resources through world-class training programs to nurture talent and prepare future leaders.”
Al Harthi added, “Zahra’s extensive expertise and capabilities will significantly enhance our risk management operations and support the bank’s long-term growth. We wish her and our talented team continued success. This new role marks a milestone in her career, offering opportunities to further develop her skills and play a vital role in OAB’s transformation toward digitalization and enhanced customer experiences.”
With her expertise and dedication to achieving strategic goals, Zahra has become a distinguished leader in operational, credit, market, and regulatory risk management in Oman. She graduated from the University of Warwick with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Economics, and Statistics, and holds an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid. Her knowledge is further enriched by courses in data science and machine learning from MIT.
OAB organizes the 3rd edition of ‘CEO Summit’
/in News /by Sameera MohamedWith the participation of over 450 business leaders, experts, and change-makers, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) organized the third edition of its annual “CEO Summit” at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat resort.
The “CEO Summit” serves as a platform that brings together decision-makers to exchange knowledge and is an eagerly anticipated event in the business community. The creative insights of participants, along with inspiring discussions and panel sessions included in the summit’s agenda, contribute to accelerating transformation across various sectors and supporting the social and economic goals of the Sultanate of Oman.
In his opening speech at the summit, Sulaiman Al Harthi, Chief Executive Officer of OAB, said: “We are pleased to host this distinguished group of change-makers and outstanding speakers, from whom we draw inspiration to chart our path to success. Their visionary insights lead us toward sustaining growth. At OAB, we aspire to enhance our leadership in supporting change and keeping pace with the rapidly evolving financial and banking sector in our contemporary world. Banking services have seen significant transformation, with a growing shift of individuals and institutions toward digital services, which have become highly reliable, fast, and easy to use for completing transactions.”
Al Harthi added: “With its ambitious vision, which clearly anticipates the radical changes taking place in the financial sector, OAB strengthens its participation in sustaining the growth of this sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The bank holds a distinguished position in the development of modern banking services, a comprehensive shift toward digitalization, and enriching the customer experience. It also enhances its role in shaping talent and nurturing future leaders who are capable of keeping up with developments and successfully achieving the social, economic, and environmental goals of Oman’s future vision 2040.” The CEO of OAB also shared his leadership experience and valuable insights on achieving success.
In her speech, Ms Randa Al Sadek, Chief Executive Officer of Arab Bank Plc and Deputy Chairman of OAB Board of Directors, highlighted “the power of adaptability and the importance of embracing change in today’s rapidly evolving world.”
Ms Randa Al Sadek is a seasoned banking expert known for her leadership and strategic abilities. She was recently honored as one of the most influential women in business in the region by Forbes Middle East and has held key positions in several prestigious banks.
The summit included a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Lamya Al Haj, associate professor at Sultan Qaboos University and an expert in leadership and organizational development, where His Excellency Tahir Salim Al Amri, CEO of the Central Bank of Oman, discussed the latest trends and changes in monetary policies, the economic outlook for Oman, and the role of the banking sector in supporting economic growth. He also highlighted the initiatives of the Central Bank to enhance the technological transformation in the banking and financial sectors.
OAB Wins the BNY Mellon Award for Excellence in STP of Payments
/in News /by Sameera MohamedOman Arab Bank (OAB) has received the 2024 Excellence Award in Straight-Through Processing (STP) from the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY), a global financial service company. This achievement reaffirms OAB’s position as a leading financial institution driving the evolution of Oman’s banking sector.
This award reflects OAB’s commitment to enhancing customer service, achieving accuracy and efficiency in treasury and clients payments and high STP rates in customer payments.
The BNY Award adds to OAB’s impressive track record, highlighting its strategic vision to maintain a leading position in Oman’s banking market and ensure long-term growth through a comprehensive shift towards digitalization and automation of all services. Winning this award underscores OAB’s dedication to investing in its human resources and expanding its use of advanced financial technologies, such as straight-through processing, which enables real-time, precise, and secure transaction automation.
Commenting on this achievement, Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of OAB, expressed his delight, noting that it marks another milestone in the bank’s journey of excellence. He stated: “Our long-term growth strategy is proving highly effective in advancing the technological infrastructure of OAB’s banking services and in preparing our team to meet the highest global standards, ensuring the efficiency of the services we provide to our clients. We also recognize the significant role that modern payment systems play in enhancing financial and economic stability in Oman.”
Al Harthi added, “We take great pride in OAB’s ability to keep pace with the continuous advancements in the financial sector by providing services that meet the highest standards of accuracy, efficiency, speed, and security. As we celebrate this new achievement, we greatly value the wise directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who emphasized the importance of the financial sector as a cornerstone of modern economies during his meeting with business leaders.
At OAB, we are committed to translating these royal directives into action, supporting the sector’s growth, and enhancing its ability to keep up with the evolving global financial services landscape. Our aim is to contribute to the success of Oman Vision 2040 and to strengthen Oman’s financial and economic stability. We also express our deep appreciation for the initiatives led by the Central Bank of Oman and other authorities to promote innovation and digital transformation in the financial sector.”
Asma Al Zadjali, Chief of Banking Operations at OAB, added: “To reinforce its leading position in the banking market, OAB has always been committed to enhancing its customer services by expanding digitalization and integrating modern technologies across all its banking services.
Winning this prestigious award from BNY is a testament to the high efficiency of OAB’s team and the continuous development in automating and digitalizing services to meet our clients’ needs and expectations. We are proud of this award, which acknowledges the extensive and ongoing advancements in payment operations conducted by the bank, enabling fast, accurate, and reliable processing.”
OAB Participates in “Hospitality Heroes” Award Ceremony
/in News /by Sameera MohamedOman Arab Bank (OAB) participated in the ceremony announcing and honoring the winners of the “Hospitality Heroes” competition, organized by the National Hospitality Institute (NHI). The competition aims to showcase promising Omani talents in the hotel and hospitality sector.
The bank’s participation aligns with its fruitful collaboration with the National Hospitality Institute, which seeks to provide training, qualifications, and employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
During the ceremony, Sulaiman Al Harthi, Chief Executive Officer of OAB, honored the winners of the “Hospitality Heroes” competition, a prominent annual event now in its fifth consecutive year.
Al Harthi stated: “We are pleased to have participated in the award ceremony for ‘Hospitality Heroes’, which celebrates the outstanding performance of a select group of young professionals in the hospitality sector. They represent successful examples of national talents driving the growth of the tourism sector and contributing to the development of the broader economy.”
He added: “Our participation in this important annual event is a continuation of the collaboration between OAB and the NHI to empower Omani talents in the labor market. The bank provides financial support for programs that qualify and train students and job seekers, enabling them to seize employment opportunities created by the continuous growth of Oman’s hospitality and tourism sectors. This initiative reflects OAB’s commitment to investing in human resources, enhancing prospects for sustainable growth in the Sultanate. It is part of the bank’s broader innovative initiatives, including the ‘OAB Leaders’ and ‘OAB Leadership Development’ programs.”
Robert MacLean, Principal of the NHI, said: “This year, we are celebrating a group of outstanding Omani talents, highlighting their successful experiences and their role in raising the standards of work in the hospitality sector, which relies heavily on the skills and passion of its workers to enhance the customer experience. We are honored to have OAB, one of the leading institutions in launching and implementing national capacity-building programs and developing tomorrow’s leaders in Oman, join us in celebrating our national talents who support the growth of the hospitality sector. We look forward to the fruitful partnership between NHI and OAB, which will have a positive and tangible impact on enhancing the skills of students and job seekers and increasing job localization in the tourism sector.”
This year, OAB signed a partnership agreement with NHI to fund the training and qualification programs provided by the institute. These programs aim to develop the skills of Omanis and prepare young people for the labor market. This partnership is part of OAB’s initiatives to support national objectives, increase job opportunities, and prepare effective leaders who will contribute to the realization of Oman’s future vision.
OAB organizes a course to enhance customer service skills, with Ministry of Labor
/in News /by Sameera MohamedOman Arab Bank (OAB) organized an advanced training course on “Customer Service Etiquette” to enhance the communication skills of customer service and front office employees and enable them to provide exceptional service and achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
Within the framework of cooperation and exchange of experiences between OAB and the Ministry of Labor, trainees from both sides participated in the course, with only 24 trainees to obtain the best results from intensive and interactive training activities and to enable participants to have sufficient knowledge of modern professional concepts and skills in customer service and to adopt a clear policy for offering services, and enhancing the effectiveness of teamwork.
The course focused on a number of topics, starting with introducing the concept and constitution of etiquette, protocol and institutional prestige, and protocol for hospitality to clients and auditors, in addition to dialogue management, the technique of identifying clients’ personality types, how to deal and understand the personalities of others, and building rapport through conformity, keeping up and leadership.
Focus was also placed on the modern concept of dealing with the customer, determining his expectations and needs from the organization, building a customer care strategy, and training participants on a modern methodology to identify behavioral patterns of customers and enable them to deal optimally with the public in all situations.
Essam Al Busaidi, Head of the Human Resources and Administrative Group at OAB, said: “Organizing the “Customer Service Etiquette” course comes within the framework of Oman Arab Bank’s strategy to invest in human resources and support the comprehensive transformation of the bank, which revolves around developing modern and digital services, enriching the customer experience, and achieving the highest levels of satisfaction.” The course included comprehensive training for customer service employees and front-end departments that deal directly with the public at OAB. A number of employees of the Ministry of Labor also participated in the course, within the framework of cooperation, exchanging knowledge and experiences, and benefiting from the training programs and lectures that are implemented in both parties.
He added: “The etiquette was designed in accordance with the best international practices, as the course provided practical applications using the international technical tools of the MTA program applied by major international companies and government institutions to develop customer and auditor service skills.”
Bodour Bint Issa Al-Harithiya, Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Labor, said: “We are pleased with the participation of the employees of the Ministry of Labor in this advanced course organized by OAB, which confirms the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry and the bank to exchange knowledge and experiences and support the capabilities of national cadres, and effective partnership between the public and private sectors to develop national human capital and raise levels of satisfaction with services in order to achieve the goals of upgrading and digitizing all services provided and raising levels of satisfaction of clients and beneficiaries.
She praised the role of OAB, which effectively contributes to supporting nationalization and employment in the financial sector and enhancing investment in human resources to improve services and competitiveness of national cadres in the labor market.